A big issue here is the ability to accept (and produce good results with) HD material at that special speed of 24fps. I know that the Pioneer can definitely do this. I am not sure about the Panasonic 58PZ700 because while the 42" version (42PZ700) will accept (and do a fantastic job with) 24fps, the 50 inch version (50PZ700) will not accept 24fps properly - you only get to see one corner of the picture while the rest of the screen stays blank! To know definitively whether or not the 58PZ700 will accept 24fps you have really got to try for yourself by connecting an HD source such as a Blu-ray player and have it set to 1080p/24. Some people play down the importance of tvs being compatible with 24fps, but it is important if you will be watching Blu-ray content, especially at this size, as if the tv will not accept 24fps you will end up watching films that judder violently with any motion, and I'm sure that would potentially ruin your enjoyment of your home cinema system. So, if you are considering the Panny, make sure for yourself (don't rely on what some salesperson might tell you - even if they actually genuinely mean well, these people make mistakes) by testing this yourself.
The reason I haven't just said to go for the Pioneer is partly because of the Panny's extra 8 inches - I know 8 inches would make a lot of men (and their girlfriends) very happy! - which will add to the cinematic experience, although with a viewing distance of 11ft, a 50" screen will do just fine, and if you really want the picture to be a bit bigger you can always move your sofa closer to the tv.
The other thing in the Panasonic's favour is the fact that it has the full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, displayed progressively of course. This is unlike the Pioneer which is an HD ready affair. This means that the Panny will easily beat the Pioneer when it comes to image sharpness, detail and line definition. However, the Pioneer makes up for this in other areas, mainly it's Panny bashing black levels which mean a picture that is just so cinematic (something that is no doubt helped by the Pioneer's 'true' 24fps handling). These deep, dark blacks don't just mean, er... deep, dark blacks, but also mean this tv displays the rest of the colour spectrum superbly also, as they are incredibly vibrant and realistic, and just generally stunning. However, the Panny manages some pretty decent black levels and realistic colours too - just not as good as the king of blacks Pioneer. Back to the full HD issue; there is actually a full HD 1080p version of the Pioneer - naturally it costs a bit more.
So, here's my conclusion; if you find out for yourself. by testing it for yourself, that the Panasonic 58PZ700 can't handle 24fps, then I wouldn't buy it. However, if the Panasonic does accept 24fps, then you will have a hard decision to make. Make sure you see both tvs in the erm.... flesh (obviously you will already have seen the Panny in the 'flesh' when you tested it's compatibily with 24fps!) and make your choice. Both tvs offer an amzing level of picture quality, but they do both have easily noticeable differences, or characteristics, in picture, so it may not be that hard to choose. Another thing, there is a 60" full HD pioneer (and it obviously handles 24fps) which may answer all your problems. Then again it is even more expensive! Over five grand I think! Anyway, good luck, and choose what most pleases your eye!
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