Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV TC-P55UT50 $749 at Costco (Starts Jan 31)
 

Panasonic TC-P55UT50 normally $799 at Costco will be going for $749. This is taken off at the register, instant $50 off (no coupon necessary) and will be going on til Feb 24. Limit 2.

Comes with 2 year free Costco concierge service with the warranty, plus you have the option of purchasing an extra 3 years of square trade warranty for only $60 which makes the warranty 5 years total.

Truly an amazing TV and for $749, this is the lowest I have seen this go for. Definitely something to pick up for Superbowl season.

Product Link: http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...27872.html

Reviews:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-V...TC-P55UT50

Cnet: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-pane...53393.html

Specs taken from Costco's site:
Brand: Panasonic
Cabinet Style: Tabletop
Closed Caption: Yes
Color: Black
Depth: 3.4 in.
Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 2,073,600
Game Mode: Yes
HDTV: HDTV (Receiver/Tuner is Built-In)
Height: 30.8 in.
Includes Stand: With Stand
Number of A/V (Composite) Inputs: 1
Number of Analog Audio Inputs: 1
Number of Coaxial Audio Outputs: 1
Number of Component Inputs: 1
Number of Ethernet Input: 1
Number of HDMI: 2
Number of SD Memory Card Slot: 1
Number of USB 2.0: 2
On-Screen Menu: English/Spanish/French
Refresh Rate: 48 Hz
Resolution: 1080p
Screen Size: 55 in.
Speaker Watts (Each): 20
Speakers Built-in: 2
Surround Sound: Surround Sound
Timer: On/Off Timer
Tuner Type: ATSC, NTSC, and QAM
Type of Remote Control: Remote Control
Type of Television: 16:9 Plasma Monitor
Weight: 62.9 lb.
Wi-Fi Enabled: Yes
Width: 51.3 in.

Neat. Bought this a week ago. Guess I'll go get $50 back.

If I don’t see a deal on ST50 by then, I may have to buy this. For that price I can live with some poor daylight viewing.

It's really not that bad. Great set, just a moderate amount of glare.

Yep, I bought it on the 23rd of December, so I'm going to see if they'll honor the $50 difference to me.

Thanks. My LCD has a lot of glare and is dark in daytime too (have to change the brightness but I usually don't bother). My CRT before that (XBR800) was also very reflective.

this is probably the best bang for your buck on any tv in the market. the only other way to go is to step up to the ST/GT pannys.

2% back if you're an Executive member too. Brings it down to $734 net.

Not to mention, AMEX Costco Card is 1%, so 3% total? $726.53 if I'm not mistaken...

Yup!

I think my decision is made. I was going to watch for a deal for the 60" "dumb" Panny without 3D / Smart features. But the exec rebate, coupon, excellent customer service / return policy, and 2nd year warranty pretty much seal the deal for me.

Guess I know what I'm doing a week from now! :bounce:

Fantastic deal, and really the price EPP should have had it at long ago, IMO (if they were serious about moving them).

If I move to a house we're considering, it would be in the basement, so light is no issue. But, in my current home, it would be in our living room where we have a bank of south-facing windows on the wall adjacent to where our TV is located, and a west-facing pair of French doors opposite the TV. Lots of daytime light. Would I need the ST or GT version to have it look good in my current living room?

OK, let me give you an example of my situation. Our living room has a balcony and we have full glass doors adjacent to where our TV sits. I thought about the lighting issue many, many times and I simply figured it this way .....Me and my fiance both work during the day for the most part, the only time we ever have time to sit down to watch TV or a movie is during the night. When our friends come over, its during after hours too, so it was not an issue for us and I went ahead with my TV purchase.

I'll be honest and say that the daytime light / glaring suck, but for us with the money we save and our utilization times, this was the way to go.

I would avoid plasma. It's out the door

Smokin deal if you don't use this in a bright room. There is no anti-glare coating at all on this set. I replaced my U50 (same set in terms of anti-glare) with the ST50 not for the 3D or the "smart" features, but for the anti-glare. It's still not as good as my old 60U but I consider it acceptable, which the U50 was not in my situation.

You start to lose black level with even a little ambient light. So if tha'ts important to you, you need the ST/GT.

I'm hoping we'll see better deals on 55" ST/GT, it's hard to justify a $400 premium over the UT50.

I would avoid led looks like crap

Avoid cliches like the plague.

I've had a 55UT50 for about 2 weeks, and I am exchanging it for a 55ST50 (found open box at BestBuy for $899) for the anti-glare filter. Since I've had a 42" Panasonic plasma for 10 years, I though I could deal with the UT50's glare; but it's worse than my old one. Even my wife notices.

If you can place the UT50 in a light controlled room, then it is hands-down the best bang-for-the-buck set out there.

Where do you guys find these open box buys, do you go to the Best Buy or find them online?

I used the store locator at bestbuy.com to check out the open box inventory of the stores around me. Luckily, the second nearest store had a 55ST50 listed, so I went over to look at it in person.

Panasonic TC-P55UT50 - $799 Costco
 

it's $1,055 on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-V...tc-p55ut50

Best Buy has it for $850 after $400 off

Costco has it for $799

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...reId=10301


This seems like a good price for Panasonic Viera 55" plazma :worship:

This deal has been posted several times; here's an upcoming deal: http://slickdeals.net/f/5816680-P...rts-Jan-31

I'm really torn between this and the Pannasonic Viera TC-L55ET5 55 inch for $950 from Amazon right now.

The main thing being passive 3D vs active on the plasma.

Can anyone comment how the two might compare picture-wise?

I just got back from a bestbuy that had the ST50 open box. They said it was just over a grand and they would not budge.

Yeah, they wouldn't budge initially for me ($1039 - 10% Open Box coupon = $935 + tax), but I told them about the $1149 shipped/no tax price from Paul's TV for a new 55ST50. Walked around the store for a little bit, and then they offered $899.

Only $35 less than the coupon price, but better than nothing, and an easier return than buying through Paul's. At least, I was able to inspect the set, and it only had 20 hours of use

Well, I recant my last statement. I opted to go for the 60" set without 3D/Smart Apps. Typical techie, and will forever question my decision. But certainly not while I'm watching TV. Was a tough call, as this is a sweet deal on a great set.

Why are they so stingy and only have two HDMI? Doesn't make sense to me.

Is the glare that bad?

Keeping costs down. Statistically most people buying a set this big have a receiver and only need one HDMI.

The ST series and up have 4 HDMI. It's just Panny trying to cut corners!

Well, sale started today. I'm going to go in after work and hopefully get my $50 refunded even though it's been over 30 days since I purchased it. 38 days to be exact.

Edit: Got my $50, no questions asked. Love Costco!

I just picked up the 60" at bestbuy for $823 last week. Amazing TVs

Thanks OP/. I picked one up in Houston. Bunker hill location. They had over 10 there. I got in right when they opened.

you haven't owned plasma tv before I'm assuming

Costco Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV TC-P55UT50 $749
 

People have been waiting for today for the additional $50 discount. So it's finally here and I thought it deserved its own thread.

Don't forget this is from Costco so that's 2 yr warranty + $60 if you want an additional 3 yrs.

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...reId=10301

Free shipping if you don't think it fits in your car and you are willing to wait.

I'll probably get one so don't go out and rush to get them all.

PS. Ahh crap, forgot to put on title that this has 3D and wifi ready.

Be nice! :)

you are a week late

https://slickdeals.net/f/5816680-...?t=5816680

The higher plasma models from Panasonic, like the ST, GT, and VT have an anti-glare filter and perform fine with light in the viewing area

Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV TC-P55UT50 $750 at Costco with FS
 

This is my first deal post so let me know if I did anything wrong. This looks like a great deal with free shipping!

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-5...RRWidgetID

$945 on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-V...sonic+ut50

How so? Open box - coupon?

$749.99 after $50 OFF & Free Shipping Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV TC-P55UT50 Panasonic 55" 1080p Plasma HDTV $749+FS FOR MEMBERS
 

http://www.costco.com/Panasonic-55%22-1080p-Plasma-HDTV-TC-P55UT50.product.100027872.html?catalogId=10701&keyword=Tc-P55UT50&langId=-1&storeId=10301



Bon members pay $40 more

*non members

Remeber if you buy with an AMEX you get a third year of warranty.

Panasonic for one year, Costco for second, Amex will give you a third. Then you can buy the other warrnty on top.

Amex extends the manufactures warranty for an extra year. I believe the Costco and Amex warranty would overlap.

perhaps but not this model, he was most likely asking about this particular model

O contrare, perrier.

Plasma is the king of gaming and sports.

I was replying to your comment, where you seemed to be making a statement about all plasmas in general

Finally bought one. I was waiting for a 60" but really wanted something delivered by costco and easy returns. Will probably throw in a 3-year extra warranty for $60 assuming I do like it. My first plasma and my first smart TV. Yay!

For some reason my payment information is going through on the website. It's not proceeding to the "review" page

i bought one and all of the red kinda flickers. Did get a bad unit or what's going on?

damn you beat me:mad::mad:

he probably has people skills...I got a like new OB 60UT50 for $870 no coupon

I went to grab one at lunch.

Yeah, no way that monster is fitting in the back of my Subaru hatchback.

What is crazy is that my 50 inch Kuro had a bigger box than this 55 inch tv. This one has that really nice box where you pull the inserts and the top comes off. I hate the ones you have top cut open and take the tv out from the top.

I am coming back with the Odyssey to pick it up. Not fitting in the backseat of the TL

just curious why this isn't even listed as a hot deal. This price is pretty crazy.

Did you guys buy the 55"? Do you think it'll fit in the back of a Subaru Outback? (the new big model).

was this at costco? do they carry the 60 inch? Do you know if the open box has any warranty. I really was waiting for a deal on the 60"

I didn't, as I'm 99% sure it wouldn't fit in the back of my Subaru CrossTrek. It would probably fit laying flat or diagonally, but there are warning signs all over the box that say to transport it upright only. I didn't feel like risking the 25 mile commute home with it laying flat.

Best Buy complete open box, full warranty

I was at Costco last night and they did not have the 60". I would kill for a similar deal on the 60" TC-P60UT50. That's the model I really want but can't find any sales anywhere on that one. Would gladly pay up to $1,000 for it but can't do it at $1200 when the 55" can be had for $750! I'm in a pickle. Need something in the next couple weeks and don't know whether to settle on the 55" or hold strong for a sale to pop up on the 60". Life's tough problems :)

There's a lot of people in this thread that really want at least a 60" set.

My best advice based on long time experience is.. absolutely NEVER buy a smaller set than what you're really looking for.. regardless of price. There's no such thing as a tv being "too big", but there's definitely problems when your set is too small for your area. That's a real problem which will you give you serious buyer's remorse.

55" sets are just not very big anymore. They're more like an entry-level size, just like 40" sets used to be about 4-5 years ago.

55" just isn't big enough as a centerpiece set for a living room or theater room. Most people now realize they need at least 65" or 70" sets for those type of rooms. And of course there's now a lot of demand for sets between 80" and 100".

Paul's has it for $1150 w/ no tax, free shipping. Best I've seen.

Mine was OB, not a single scratch on the unit, remote, manual, HDMI cable, original stand, and delivery. Was a steal if you ask me. Absolutely love this tv :heart:

Does BestBuy offer the free delivery on openbox tvs, or only new tvs?

They delivered my open box set for free

Bought one yesterday, it barely fit in a buddy's 2005 CRV.

TV is awesome, glare is no worse than our glossy LCD was. Our budget was about $1200, but just couldn't pass up this deal.

Not true. I was able to see both the u50 and the UT50 side by side. The U50 is dark and has a different screen. The UT50 is much brighter and uses an anti glare screen. Picture quality was a big time difference. Now...the ST and higher are even better...but the U50 and UT50 are not the same is output. Do yourself a favor and read some reviews (testing) on the net.

Both the U50 and the UT50 lack an anti-glare filter. You need at least an ST50

Watched Total Recall on the new UT50 in the daytime. This is definitely not a TV you want to watch a dark movie in the daytime. It's fine for full screen NFL games (which are bright), but anything dark or letterboxed and you'll see your room reflected in the TV.

It's worth it to me, to save $400 vs an ST50, but if you're a daytime watcher, you won't be happy.

Very true, you can never have too big of a tv. I bought a 50 inch 3d plasma less than two years ago for a very small living room and was debating getting a 50 or 55 and went with the 50 because it was $400 cheaper. After about 6 months, it began to bother me because it was just a tad too small. Just bought a new 55 inch to replace it and now finally happy. Can't do 60 inch because it would extend beyond the wall.

looked at it today at my Costco here in Michigan...love the image...much warmer than most LED sets nearby. They had at least 25 of these sets...at the front door and in a regular slot in the aisles. Still on the fence because I really want a 60"...an LG 60" was nearby and just a tad more $$$$..may go back and get that one mainly for the size....tough choices...too many choices in this world nowadays.

Planning to pick this up today from Costco. Any reviews from the recent buyers and if Square trade warranty will be worth it. My only worry about the glare part.

Still debating between this VS TCL55ET5@ Frys. Both stores are within 3 miles radius so pick up not issue. But frys have a no return policy for TVs.

How is this television for gaming? That is what I will primarily be using it for and of course watching television. I read on CNET that the burn in from gaming wasn't bad but then on AVS Forums I read that this tv isn't that great for gaming due to it being a plasma. Any recommendations from current owners?

Plasmas aren't ideal for PC monitors, that's probably what they're referring to. For gaming, plasmas are excellent due to low lag and no motion blur - i already notice gaming on my new UT50 that there was motion blur on my previous LCD that is now gone on the plasma.

Input lag is supposed to be good on the UT50 as well.

As for IR, you'd probably want to break in the TV before a lot of gaming with fixed HUDs or whatever.

I've had mine for a week. There is serious glare in the horizontal plane - like we have to turn off all the lights in the next room even at night. However in our TV room the lights are in the ceiling, I can leave those on, they don't reflect.

so imo, all lights not on the ceiling need to be off when watching this TV. On a sunny day, you only want to watch bright stuff, like an NFL game. I don't see the glare during an NFL game.

Otherwise the TV is fantastic.

price drop at costco, go get your fifty bucks

This is nuts. I got my 50 bucks back om 2-21. Today I got a letter form Costco saying their buyer negotiated a better deal. The letter included a $50 dollar costco cash card!!! I just got this tv for $649 bucks.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

This TV is $699.99 at Costco right now until 3/10/13. No rebates just the straight price. I was just in there yesterday.

Seriously.....you couldn't be more wrong. If you don't know anything about plasma tv's then don't bother commenting and giving false information to people who might be interested in the deal. Plasma is as popular as ever and still gives the best blacks.

Best blacks, no banding, no dirty screen effect, etc. The only downside is the overall brightness. If you are not putting it in a brightly sun lit room, Plasma is the best choice by far.

Anyone know if this is still available, particularly in the Bay Area?

If you're still looking, I saw plenty today at the South SF Costco near SFO. I'm seriously considering upgrading my 46" ST30 for this 55" UT50, but wondering if the price will ever drop to $699 again.

Im stopping by costco at clearwater today, ill let you know.