
Among professional reviewers, CNet offers the most credible reporting. David Katzmaier is largely pleased with the TV, especially the dramatic black levels, but notes picture quality quibbles that keep it out of the ranks of the very best. About.com's Robert Silva names it one of the best plasma TVs, but doesn't offer detailed reasoning. User reviews are still not plentiful, but what's there seems to indicate a high level of satisfaction overall.
Though professional opinions are split on the 46-inch Panasonic VIERA TH-46PZ85U, the most credible reviews say that it is a good, but perhaps not great, plasma TV. Reports say the primary colors are not as accurate as they could be and noise reduction is not very effective. However, reviewers say its black levels are among the deepest of any TV currently available, and that goes a long way in overcoming those issues. Panasonic is alone in offering the 46-inch screen size, which competes directly against similarly-sized LCD screens. If your budget is a bit bigger, the company's THX-certified TH-46PZ800U (*est. $2, 240) delivers this set's same great black levels and far better color performance. If you like what this TV has to offer, and are not married to the 46-inch screen size, the PZ85U series is also available in a larger 50-inch version as the Panasonic VIERA TH-50PZ85U (*est. $2,000) or a 42-inch version as the Panasonic VIERA TH-42PZ85U (*est. $1, 300).

| Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ85U 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV | |
(115 reviews) |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
The deep blacks of the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U make it a stand-out, according to David Katzmaier. But the TH-46PZ85U does exhibit some flaws in noise reduction and color accuracy, he says. While this Panasonic has fewer picture controls than many HDTVs, it offers five aspect ratio controls and options to combat image retention.
Review: Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U Flat-panel TV, David Katzmaier, Apr. 17, 2008
2. Amazon.com
The Panasonic VIERA TH-46PZ85U gets the highest rating of five stars from most of the few owners posting at Amazon.com. The unusual 46-inch screen size attracts many buyers. The picture quality wins raves from most owners, and some also praise the sound quality. The antireflective screen draws mixed comments.
Review: Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, Contributors to Amazon.com
3. BestBuy.com
The first (and only) owner to offer a review of the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U on this site raves about the plasma set's picture quality. He also applauds the VIERA's multiple connections and many features, and adds that this TV is a good value.
Review: Panasonic - 46" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV, Contributors to BestBuy.com
4. About.com
This list of "favorite" plasma televisions, compiled by About.com's home theater guide Robert Silva, includes the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U. The list's criteria are not disclosed, and there is no sign that the author has performed detailed testing. Silva commends the unusual 46-inch screen size. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but doesn't share any editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top Plasma Televisions - EDTV and HDTV Plasma Televisions, Robert Silva, June 2008
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