Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Panasonic TH-58PZ700U is not only a great looking Plasma TV, but the picture on it is incredible. The remote control, besides not being backlit, is excellent in layout and functionality. It's great having the SD card slot, and although some people have complained about the sound, I've found it to be very good.
Why am I telling you NOT to buy such a wonderful television? Because it is being sold with a horrible defect. The internal power units go out. They just cease to function.
I have had my Panaonic for 5 days, and now it won't turn on. After doing some quick searching on the web, I discovered that this is an all to common issue.
Not a problem for me, because I'm taking it right back to Best Buy. But what would happen if it goes out in 13 months - one month over Panasonic's factory warranty. Well, according to Panasonic, who did admit that there is a problem, they will 'handle it on a case by case basis.' I asked why they just wouldn't warrant a bad power system for 5 years, which I believe is perfectly reasonable on a $3000+ television, and they told me that they couldn't commit to anything. Wow!!!
So to summarize. Panasonic is selling very expensive Plasma televisions with a known defect. They have several options. They could recall all the TV's and replace the power systems. They could just extend the warranties on that particular part of the set so that a mass recall wouldn't be necessary and which would probably save them money. Or, they can continue selling them, and fix the ones that fail within a year, and decide what to do about the rest later.
Because they chose option 3, I will not only be purchasing a different brand, but I will warn everyone via the web about this issue.
I tried to contact Panaonic Customer Relations to voice this concern and to find out if they are looking at it in more detail as these things continue to fail, but alas, there apparantly isn't a Customer Relations Department or they prefer to remain out of touch and unseen.
---------EDIT on 8/19/2008------------
Well, just as an update, I ended up deciding to give it another chance and exchanged it at Best Buy. Due to a few Best Buy mistakes, I didn't get my replacement for nearly 3 weeks; however, I ended up paying around $75 extra for the 5 year warranty.
This television is awesome. It's been 6 months since I received my replacement, and I'm still thrilled about it.
I'm not sure whether or not this issue has been totally resolved or if Panasonic has extended the power component's warranty, so I wouldn't recommend this television to friends. A tv this expensive and heavy shouldn't be a gamble.
I can say I absolutely love mine, and if I had to buy it over, I would. But only because I know about the issue and got the extended 5 year warranty.
If you get the 5 year warranty, it gets a 4 star rating from me. It would be 5 star if I felt the warranty wasn't a necessity.
------------ Edit on 01/31/2011 ---------------
Well, it's been nearly 3 years now. The TV hasn't had another power issue, and I'm still thrilled with it. I like it so much, I bought a 50" Panny Plasma for the bedroom. I still can't believe that Panasonic didn't have a better policy with a problem they acknowledged; however, I'm still a fan due to how great the pictures are on their sets.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic TH-58PZ700U 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
The Panasonic TH-58PZ700U 1080p Plasma HDTV sports an impressive 58-inch plasma screen with 1080p resolution for a wonderful viewing experience. It will feel right at home as the centerpiece of a home theater setup.
An Understated Beauty The TH-58PZ700U does not look like it's trying too hard. Instead, it lets the big screen speak for itself. The glass is surrounded by a thick glossy black bezel on all sides, with a door on the bottom to keep controls out of sight. Another hatch hides a slot for SD memory cards. Speakers--matching in color and barely noticeable--are set on both sides of the display. The understated look would be an elegant addition to any decor.
Outstanding Performance The TH-58PZ700U is 1080p, meaning it has a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest HD resolution available for the clearest and sharpest picture. Because its plasma display, the black levels are deep and the uniformity of brightness is superb. The unit has 4096 shades of gradation and has up to a 5000:1 contrast ratio. Video noise reduction circuitry and a digital comb filter make sure the picture on screen is always optimal. The TH-58PZ700U will upconvert any signal you feed it and display it at 1080p.
Connections On the back, the TH-58PZ700U features two HDMI inputs, two component inputs, two composite inputs, and two S-Video inputs. Hidden beneath panels in front is another composite and S-Video input, a component video input, and a slot for SD cards. Insert an SD card filled with photos and you can watch a slide show with the built-in Photo Viewer software.
TV as an Art Gallery The TH-58PZ700U includes GalleryPlayer software you can use to display high-definition art and photography on your TV. A free collection of images is included so your television can display art even when it's not on.
One-Touch Convenience When you use the Panasonic EZ-Sync technology to connect to other compatible EZ-Sync devices via the HDMI connector, you get one-touch control over all your home theater components. For example, with one touch of a button, you can turn on the DVD player, turn on the receiver, and set the DVD player as the source while also adjusting the sound level, turn on the TV--which will accept the input signal--and play the DVD. Instead of fumbling to find all the right buttons, you can watch your movies without wondering how to set everything up.
The TH-58PZ700U is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.
What's in the Box TH-58PZ700U plasma HDTV, remote control (with batteries), AC cord, pedestal, two cable clamper, and antenna adapter.
Buy cheap Panasonic TH-58PZ700U 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV now.
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