Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ800U

Pros: THX mode,Color accuracy,hd picture detail, standard definition picture quality also very good. Ability to choose from five different aspect ratios is also a big plus. All black exterior is quite handsome-tuxedo like. Quiet no buzzing. Wife likes it.

Cons: Very heavy. HD 1 and HD 2 mode should be a one click on the remote instead of having to go thru the main menu. Black bezel although handsome could be a little less reflective.

Summary: First this is my fourth HD tv and my third plasma. I've had this Panny for about three weeks now and absolutely love it. This tv is replacing a 50" Vizio which in its on right had a very respectable picture. The Vizio never failed to impress whenever I had company over even if my guest had other more expensive HD tvs of their own.

Before I made this purchase I researched it long and hard. I liked the Samsung but in the end it came down to Panasonic and Pioneer. I thought the elite had the best picture but the elite had an elite price. So then it came down to the 6020 and the 800U and the 850U. I chose the 800U over the 850Ufor its THX mode which has earned excellent reviews from all the professional critics and I did not need Vierra cast internet capabilities. When doing side by side comparisons between the 6020 and the 800U it was very close. Both had subtle strengths and weaknesses. My viewing distance is about twelve feet. If my viewing distance were six to eight feet I might have chose the Pioneer. Ultimately I felt like the Panasonic was a better value. I consider myself very picky about picture quality and I could have afforded the 6020 if I really wanted it. That being said the picture quality on the 800U really is that good. The initial settings out of the box are horrific. After I bit of tweaking and amateur calibrating this set continues to impress me and all my friends every time I turn it on. As it breaks in it does seem to get better and better. I have a PS3 and have not noticed any flicker on any of the BR disc that I have watched. At any rate I would not let that be a deal breaker no matter what others ahve said beacause this tv produces some of the most fantastic images I have ever seen on any screen.

Don't take my word for it, do your own research, go to the AVS forum and do some reading. In the end you will realize that this 58" Panny gives more bang for your buck than any other tv out there.