best panasonic picture?

[avnut]

setting up a system for my dad. I have a pana th50pz80 and as this is the entry level plasma just curiuos as whether the picture can be improved by a higher spec model. it does not need to be 50 in so the pz85 comes into the equation although review on this site says "not the best pana picture weve seen" already have sky hd so the freesat on the 81 is not required. any thoughts please....

 

[SpiceWeasel]

The picture quality "should" be identical on the 80,81 and 85 models as they have the same spec panel,800 has a higher spec panel so might be different.The performance/quality of the different sizes can sometimes vary though, ie a 42" can get a 5star review where as a 46" for example only gets 3 or 4 stars.

The biggest difference is the bells and whistles on each model. 80 is the basic, 81 has freesat and some features of the 800, 85 has improved audio and IFC and the 800 has the full monty of features but no freesat.

I went for a 42"PZ85 as I wanted the improved audio for late night and normal tv viewing. I do have a proper surround system for movies though.

Best thing you can do is to set it up properly with the THX optimiser, or you can buy this on dvd/blu-ray which is even better. I also bought one of these for £24 delivered from amazon, much cleaner picture and less picture noise.

If your not interested in the freesat I would choose between the 80 and 85 model. I don't think the extra expense of the 800 is worth the money for the slightly better picture.