Ok so I own the panasonic at this point (1080p supposed 20,000:1 contrast ratio) but I'm interested in the pioneer 4280 which is 720p but has the deepest blacks of any tv on the market. I won't be within the "sweet spot" for 1080p viewing so that's not really a factor in the decision. Anyone have any insight that I might be missing? Just really looking for opinions one way or another as I really like both tvs but the pioneer is just calling to me.

I'd rather have a Pioneer, but for now I'd probably be happy picking up a "small" (42" Panasonic) for 1/3-1/4 less than the Pioneer. Save up and get a better Pioneer when prices come down and new models are out in a few years.

Besides, you bought a brand new 80 series. Why would you want to change already?!

I guess my question would be what is your source material and what are the room lighting conditions?

I would want to know that before trying to decide if your viewing will be enhanced.

What'd you pay for the 42PZ80? It can be had for $1196 before tax at Circuit City...is the Pioneer less than $2000 anywhere? That's 65%+ more than the Panny, so Brian's question would be paramount in making a decision to spend that much more, IMO.

This is my bedroom tv. Lighting conditions are typical bedroom ligthing. Not much direct light in the room. Sources are PS3 for Blu Ray and charter HD through TIVO HD via cable card both hooked up via HDMI. I can get the Pioneer (new in box) for $100 more than I paid for the Panasonic. I'm generally a Panasonic fan but the price on the Pioneer with the black levels being what they are and the fact that I have a free ISF calibration when I want it are pushing me towards returning the Panasonic and getting the Pioneer but I can't make up my mind if the contrast ratio difference plus newer build with the Panasonic would serve me better in the long run.

Just my .02 but if you have blu-ray and hd cable, why would you want to go back to 720p even if the blacks are better?

I would use the ISF calibration on the Panasonic and call it a day.

Brian, only reason being that given what I know about the two tvs I think that given my viewing distance I won't be able to notice a difference in the 720 vs. 1080 part of the arguement. If this is the case then I'm wondering if I should go for the one with the better overall picture which I guess was what my original question should've been.

I just bought the Pioneer 5080 for under $2000 @ Best Buy this week.
They have it on closeout for $2199, and I used a 12% reward zone coupon that I received via email this week. I would assume that you can get the smaller model cheaper (assuming that they have any stock...finding the 50" was tough). I purchased at a B/M, not online. The online price was higher, and now it's gone.

I paid $1149 for the panasonic and the Pioneer woud be $1374

You may notice in my responses that I try not to get dragged into subjective issues. I enjoy helping with problems, troubleshooting, setup etc.

"Better" in the electronics world is highly subjective and whether or not a tv has a better picture is up to you to decide. I have never seen or heard a product that could be judged based on specs alone. That is why when people ask what speakers to buy, my response is always the same, "what have you listened to?"

Have you looked at both sets, with a variety of material? Can you see any noticeable difference for yourself?

Unless you are going to hang a 1080p sticker on the tv, the image is what will do the talking!

And for what it is worth, both my brothers-in-law with Sony LCD 1080p sets were floored with my Panasonic 720p plasma.

Good luck.

Brian, I already own a 720 panasonic 50" and really like the new 42pz80u. the only thing i've noticed with it is alot of noise issues that I haven't noticed on previous sets. I'm not hung up on the 1080 vs 720 issue (personally i can't generally tell a difference between them even at close range on good sets). I have looked at both sets with the same setup generally on them (i.e. blu ray and high def cable) and like the picture on both with the Pioneer having less noise. I know that the tv for me is the one I like the best and is most pleasing to my eye (I'm the one that watches it after all) but I guess I was looking for some opinions on longevity of the Pioneers and overally PQ as I've only tested them at work (I work for best buy) for short periods of time and wondered if the Pioneer held up as well as the Panasonic. Sorry to turn this into the worlds longest "guy can't make up his own mind thread".