Panasonic 9 Series TH-50PH9UK 50" Plasma Display

Eye Popping Picture for a 1080i Screen

Strengths: Stellar performer with an endless number of configurations. This is truly the "erctor set" of Plasmas. Any source can be feed to an appropriate input board or "blade" to match installation requirement

Weakness: Price is a moving target, aim carefully... This is a broadcast quality piece and requires a certain depth of knowledge

When your neighbor has no choice but to dump his/her set because HDMI has established a newer standard, all I have to do is order a new interface board for maybe 150 bucks!! How cool is that? The picture quality "out of the box" was pretty good, but it does pay to fine-tune any home theater. I used the Datacolor SpyderTV Colorimeter, and was pleased with the results. Plus I can do it again after...
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When your neighbor has no choice but to dump his/her set because HDMI has established a newer standard, all I have to do is order a new interface board for maybe 150 bucks!! How cool is that? The picture quality "out of the box" was pretty good, but it does pay to fine-tune any home theater. I used the Datacolor SpyderTV Colorimeter, and was pleased with the results. Plus I can do it again after break-in. I did order one HDMI "blade" at the time of purchase (yes, by Dec 31 for the $100 rebate and the 5 year warranty) so I would have at least one digital input during initial setup. DO print the pdf literature on Pana's website, as it is a great reference for all of the available options. Remember that this is a 1080i display and the 1080p offering costs a bunch more. Hey, for 70k you can get the 103"

O.K.- Here's the current (partial) equipment list: Panasonic TH-50PH9UK is mounted on a BDI Avion cabinet (8527 in espresso) with the optional pillars (8540) that also act as cable runs so you see no cables at all. It's neat whiz bang stuff!
A. Panasonic uses recessed mount points, and luckily I had some nylon spacers
B. Board changes can be done after the set is up (if you like standing on your head) so install them first.
C. Manual is not oriented toward average consumer or retail market. Fine for me but be advised...

In the Cabinet: Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver, 130W x7 channels attached to Definitive Technology Mythos 5's for L/R front, Mythos Seven center channel speaker and Mythos Gems on matching stands for Rears with the DT Sub (Pro 200TL) being driven via LFE. A clean very aesthetically pleasing 5.1 system.
No DVI or HDMI on this model (2 yrs. old), but I cable my DVR (Scientific Atlanta HD8300) right to the Monitor and take Optical Audio into the Receiver. Also take digital video from DVD (basic Sony) to the Monitor and digital audio to the receiver. Best video reproduction and best sound reproduction. Yamaha (like many higher end AV receivers) comes with its own microphone and will set speaker levels EQ etc. so I still need to go Component input to the Monitor to see my AV GUI on the screen.

You now have a STUNNING monitor, protect it with some type of power conditioner or surge suppressor designed for home theater. This is a MUST!

Was trapped in my new townhouse for 3 days due to the recent ice storms, so I had plenty of time to fine tune all of the new toys, and readjust the existing hardware. This monitor was a pleasure to work with. It gives the user total control of picture, tint, color, brightness, sharpness and has advanced settings that should only be changed if you have the proper test equipment. This is where a professional "tuner" can really tweak your set. But not to worry. All individual menus on the Panasonic have a "normalize" option, and all adjustment settings revert back to factory setting. If you become hopelessly lost there is even a reset called "shipping" which is a master reset to all factory settings. Pretty neat!
The list of features for PIP Multi-PIP and multiple input are just amazing. The following link takes you directly to the pdf of the owner’s manual, so you can judge for yourself if this the right product for you. ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/manuals/OM_TH-9Series.pdf

I followed the 8 and then the 9 series of monitors for a little over a year to replace my main viewing screen (46" Samsung, Rear Projection DLP). It just moved to an upstairs den/library, still has fine picture quality and 5.1 surround will be added to enhance this viewing area.

Master Bedroom currently has a 37" LCD, but will be replaced with a Panasonic Plama soon. Maybe just a 42", but wall mounted on a tilt/swivel.

In summary, the 50" Panasonic will be the heart of my home theater in the living room, and the base for a complete Home Automation Interface. I'm using Control4, which utilizes wireless zig-bee mesh networking and their home theater controller. Installed Hunter Douglas motorized shades throughout the home which was also pre-wired for ethernet, cable and alarm. My lighting (interior and exterior), window shades, thermostat, sprinklers, alarm system, exterior video surveillance, ceiling fans, gas fireplace and three separate viewing areas each with surround sound and HD screens will be controlled from any screen in the house. Or from Control4 wireless touch panels. A small form factor PC in the AV cabinet facilitates storage of audio and video, and allows greater depth and distribution. That was probably the single most important buying decision for me. A PC input to the monitor and total control for side by side video. Net surf while watching TV programming... on screen control of my environment and all from the comfort of a large overstuffed leather chair!!! Now, how is that beer gonna get from the fridge to the chair? Hmmmm...

By markfreeborn - Jan 22, 2007

Plasma TH50PH9UK Review

Strengths: Price, Expandability, Picture Quality, Warranty/Rebate.

Weakness: No 1080p.

I bought the Panasonic 50" TH50PH9UK in December 2006 through an official Panasonic reseller online. I had searched all the major retailers around town and could not find a better price or in some cases this model at all. I did about 3 weeks worth of researching before deciding on this TV. There were a few key reasons why I picked this one and I'll outline all of those for this review. 1)...
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I bought the Panasonic 50" TH50PH9UK in December 2006 through an official Panasonic reseller online. I had searched all the major retailers around town and could not find a better price or in some cases this model at all.


I did about 3 weeks worth of researching before deciding on this TV. There were a few key reasons why I picked this one and I'll outline all of those for this review.


1) Panasonic. Their equipment has always been good to me in the past and I trust their brand name.


2) Price. This is a bare bones MONITOR. There are no speakers, no TV tuner and no stand. This of course makes the price very reasonable as I have a surround sound receiver/speakers and connect my satellite receiver directly to the TV through component video cables right now. Also, I was able to buy a cheap no name tilting wall mount for the TV and it seems to be working great. I highly recommend checking online before you goto a local retailer and spend $100+ for a wall mount. I have had no problems so far (only a month or so) but it seems very solid and of good quality. I choose to mount mine above my fireplace (check the temperatures before doing this!) and have it tilted about 15 degrees downwards which looks great!


3) Expandability. This model offers expansion slots in the bottom of it allowing you to upgrade and expand your connection abilities, such as adding an HDMI input. Some see the lack of HDMI as a negative, however I don't have any equipment that uses HDMI at this time, so I'd rather have a cheaper priced TV and choose to buy the $100-$150 upgrade card when I want to.


4) Rebate/Warranty. At the time I bought this, Panasonic was offering a 5 year in home warranty and a $100 mail in rebate. This is a huge savings and I strongly advise looking for these type of deals.


5) Picture quality. After seeing various models in store and doing online comparisons, I was confident with the picture quality of this model. Although it does NOT have 1080p, I feel it is very high quality for HD and non-HD content. It is important to remember to feed your sources correctly before you complain about picture quality. Often people loose quality by their cable choices. It should also be noted, that comparing TV's at a local store side by side is not always accurate. Ask a sales rep to adjust the picture settings and inquire about how they're being connected. You'll be surprised at how the most expensive model always has the best settings and cables.


Overall, I think this is a great TV for the price. It would be nice to have 1080p, however I am very satifised and highly recommend purchasing this unit. A few suggestions for this Plasma or any other is to follow the instructions for the first 100 hour break in period. You can find a great break in DVD that you can play during this period to break it in properly. It is free and you can find it by doing a search online. Another suggestion I highly recommend is a DVD like DVE. This shows you how to set EVERY setting properly and truly makes a huge difference. I think by doing your research and reading A LOT of unbiased reviews, anyone should be able to make an educated and satisfying purchase. Good luck!

By Mike B. - Jan 17, 2007

Amazing! Glad I waited.

Strengths: Exceptional color, out of the box display is great, improved contrast ratio. Very clean appearance. Modular

Weakness: Doesn't come standard with HDMI input.

A friend has the TH50PHD7UY which is still one of the best on the market. I was planning on buying the TH-50PHD8UK but came across the 9UK while shopping online. Having seen the 7UY in action I knew the Panasonic Pro model plasmas were extremely comparable to the Pioneer Elite in performance. When the 9UK hit the street I was all over it. I purchased mine from Visual Apex with a one year extended...
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A friend has the TH50PHD7UY which is still one of the best on the market. I was planning on buying the TH-50PHD8UK but came across the 9UK while shopping online. Having seen the 7UY in action I knew the Panasonic Pro model plasmas were extremely comparable to the Pioneer Elite in performance. When the 9UK hit the street I was all over it. I purchased mine from Visual Apex with a one year extended warranty, HDMI card and an articulating arm mount for a bit over $3,500. I am Very pleased with the monitor. I am currently using a Sony up-convert (1080i) DVD player through the HDMI card and I feel like I have a new collection of movies. I've yet to watch any HD programming as I can't get DISH out until the Sep 16th. Once I do I will update this review. I have little doubt that I will be even more pleased with this plasma.
***Update***11/27/06***
Dish has been installed for a couple months now and I have been extremely pleased. Dish currently has the most HD channels available. The 1080i channels (Discovery, Rush, and Rave are my favorites) are amazing! You won't be disappointed. I'm also able to get HD locals over the air and am again impressed. I'm using component video cables with no complaints. Since I've purchased this plasma the 1080p monitors are now on the streets which has made the price of the 1080i monitors drop significantly. Currently there are only 2 1080p sources that I am aware of. Blue Ray dvd and the Playstation 3(uses blue ray discs). So, unless you are going to spend the money on blue ray devices this plasma should last you for quite some time. The longer I have it the more I like it.

By valdezc - Sep 10, 2006

TH50PH9UK

Strengths: Picture quality Latest panel Panasonic engine PQ calibrations Design

Weakness: Not 1080p capable, but my DirectTV can't supply it anyway

I did a lot of research and waited for this model to come out before purchasing plasma. These are consistently the highest rated by consumerreports and cnet. Latest user reviews on AVS Forum were also helpful in making purchase decision--all point to this as being the best model even remotely in its price point. Purchased from Visual Apex, which has great resellerratings and terrific customer...
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I did a lot of research and waited for this model to come out before purchasing plasma. These are consistently the highest rated by consumerreports and cnet. Latest user reviews on AVS Forum were also helpful in making purchase decision--all point to this as being the best model even remotely in its price point. Purchased from Visual Apex, which has great resellerratings and terrific customer service--I was able to confirm with them, on a Saturday afternoon, that the product was in-stock, would ship on Monday, and had no complaints from previous buyers.

By jraphaelso - Aug 7, 2006

Excellent TV!

Strengths: Crystal clear picture, deep blacks, easy setup, no burn-in noticed.

Weakness: None.

Excellent TV, would recomemend to anyone purchasing a plasma tv. Simple understated design looks great in our room. Easy to setup, out of the box performance is excellent (Little or no calibration needed)

By molex - Nov 28, 2006