Hitachi 42PD8800TA

[Enforcer]

Not sure.

I would expect so though.

This baby has 10 speakers albeit at low wattage.

I will be running mine via a PC using the sound card with the logitech Z5500's

The Mrs. will be using the panel speakers for Oprah 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks .. the reason I ask is that I don't really want a 5.1 surround system at this stage, I mainly watch sport and some movies and missus still wonders why we got rid of the old 20 yr National Panasonic crt a cpl yrs ago. Even though the picture displayed a lovely green .... all over !!

See I have to keep it all pretty simple for her, she breaks out in a sweat if she has to try and answer a mobile or make a call using one. She has a degree + a postgrade degree but still struggles with the climate control in the bloody car so I have to Idiot proof anything remotely technical .

Anyway Im off to Myers to kick a few plasmas

BTW : Just got the new DSE catalogue in the mail has the 42" Viera listed at $4898 .. save $100, What a bargain

[TwisTz]

I'm still not sold on those unattachable speakers. Hmm.

[zorg1503559539]

good luck enforcer look fwd to hearing how you go...

[Chopstar]

I'm still not sold on those unattachable speakers. Hmm.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I did worry about those as well however since they have decreased the length they dont appear overbearing.

The detachable speakers are also a worry as all the plasma makes i have seen that have detachables dont seem to fit perfectly square and when attached they make it look cheap.

[Enforcer]

good luck enforcer look fwd to hearing how you go...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hehe tks yeah like I said I just was doing some tyre kicking no Hitachis there but had a real good look at the Pioneer Fuji and Viera .

Pioneer looked the best in shop may have been the way it was setup though.

I want to have a good look at the Hitachi 42PD8800TA before I make a firm decision, but I definately am leaning towards a Hitachi.

Brother reckons I will get a better deal after christmas probably mid January the way prices have been droping he may be right.

Do we have many people here in Sydney interested in one of these units ?

If so we may be able to get a group deal through one shop any takers?

Hey Lasty mayby the guy your dealing with may want to move a few more for your price .... just a thought.

cheers

[bigblue]

Enforcer, happy to help with a group buy if interested, i have a contact at a major retailer so if there are enough numbers (3 min) i will refer you to him and you can deal with him directly.

[Enforcer]

Enforcer, happy to help with a group buy if interested, i have a contact at a major retailer so if there are enough numbers (3 min) i will refer you to him and you can deal with him directly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds good mate hopefully a few more may be interested as well.

Still trying to find one in a store so I can have a look at it. I have checked out all the major stores and can't find one atm.

thanks

[Enforcer]

Checked out a Bing Lee today and spoke to him about the Hitachi, he didn't have any info on it so he rang Hitachi. They have 100 on order and rrp will be $4999 for the 42PD8800TAKIT but dealer said he should be able to do a deal around the low 4's .

He obviously couldn't do a firm price as it's not in stock and won't be until the end of the month.

cheers

[blacknbrindle]

Went past Harvey Norman in Werribee on the way home tonight , saw the 42PD8800TA . Ticket price was $4899 with the words ya wont find a better deal under it lol . What wankers .

[zorg1503559539]

agreed but ticketed price I trust you could do better for cash with some haggling.

[Enforcer]

Went past Harvey Norman in Werribee on the way home tonight , saw the 42PD8800TA . Ticket price was $4899 with the words ya wont find a better deal under it lol . What wankers .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did you have a good look at the panel ?

If so how was it ?

cheers

[Chopstar]

Hehe tks yeah like I said I just was doing some tyre kicking no Hitachis there but had a real good look at the  Pioneer Fuji and Viera .

Pioneer looked the best in shop may have been the way it was setup though.

I want to have a good look at the Hitachi 42PD8800TA before I make a firm decision, but I definately am leaning towards a Hitachi.

Brother reckons I will get a better deal after christmas probably mid January the way prices have been droping he may be right.

Do we have many people here in Sydney interested in one of these units ?

If so we may be able to get a group deal through one shop  any takers?

Hey Lasty mayby the guy your dealing with may want to move a few more for your price .... just a thought.

cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes will ask him. Hopefully getting the call to see it this week before closing the deal.

[MichaelWRX]

Make sure you have a good watch of the screen. I bought (and took back) a 42PD6000TA Hidef model only to find it had an annoying picture quirk that the unit in the store also did.

When you go from a dark to bright image the set auto adjusts the contrast down. It is slow and in segments.. Same goes for going from bright to dark. In fast moving scenes this is very annoying.

Earlier models have a feature called "Black Enhancement" which you can turn off to fix but the 6000TA didn't....Dont know about the 8800.

Just look for this image issue before you take delivery.

[Chopstar]

Make sure you have a good watch of the screen. I bought (and took back) a 42PD6000TA Hidef model only to find it had an annoying picture quirk that the unit in the store also did.

When you go from a dark to bright image the set auto adjusts the contrast down. It is slow and in segments.. Same goes for going from bright to dark. In fast moving scenes this is very annoying.

Earlier models have a feature called "Black Enhancement" which you can turn off to fix but the 6000TA didn't....Dont know about the 8800.

Just look for this image issue before you take delivery.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the heads up.

I will be going over this baby with a fine tooth comb before making any decisions.

[africandiscus]

Homezone in the city has one on dispaly

[Inferno]

If I could just back track to the resolution issue.....

What is bad (or good) about the 1024 x 1024 resolution? I tried reading that link someone posted, but it was too technical for me.

[africandiscus]

If I could just back track to the resolution issue.....

What is bad (or good) about the 1024 x 1024 resolution?  I tried reading that link someone posted, but it was too technical for me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is bad because it is not 16:9. Even 1024x768 is bad because that is 4:3 and not 16:9

1366x768 is great, that is true widescreen

If you ever plan to set up a HTPC, GOOD LUCK. you have to use the zoom features, its very messy.

[Inferno]

It is bad because it is not 16:9.  Even 1024x768 is bad because that is 4:3 and not 16:9

1366x768 is great, that is true widescreen

If you ever plan to set up a HTPC, GOOD LUCK. you have to use the zoom features, its very messy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So what is the impllications of this? You still have a widescreen tv, does the picture quality reduce or something?

What is HTPC?

(Bye the way, thanks for the help on this, it clears up alot.)

[Lukass1503560035]

That's the first I've heard of 1024 x 1024 being 'bad' ! Considering the two leading screens, Fuji and Hitachi, both use this resolution and win stacks of awards, I'd be intersted to hear more on why you think it's a bad thing.

[selze]

Just had a good play with the 8800 at Clive Peters Mt.Gravatt. Physically I like the look of the unit very much. The speakers are very un-intrusive.

PQ was hard to tell. Really depends on settings. eg Days of our lives looked like crap on dynamic. ( I know Days like like crap anyway ). But was ok on Movie. TEN and NINE HD looked very good on dynamic and excellent on natural. I'd say it's got the good points that the new Pioneer has but a slightly smoother picture like the Panny has. Ended up very impressed with this unit. My only negative thing I'd say is the motorized stand. Not a smooth slow movement, it jerks.

Got quoted $4999.

Went to JB HiFi Mt Gravatt and they had it on display and standard price $4495.

The salesman said to me it will be $3500 after X-Mas.

I tried very hard and put my ears up to the unit and couldn't hear any buzz.

Only 1 year warranty.

[betty boop]

If I could just back track to the resolution issue.....

What is bad (or good) about the 1024 x 1024 resolution?  I tried reading that link someone posted, but it was too technical for me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

with its 1024 line displays some of the best 1080i pictures I've seen is been with these screens. I've posted many times just how gorgeous it can look.

go check it out for your self rather than postulating. as far as technology differnt plasma types I've seen good and bad with all types and its the implementation that makes a bigger difference than the base technology itself.

[betty boop]

Just had a good play with the 8800 at Clive Peters Mt.Gravatt. Physically I like the look of the unit very much. The speakers are very un-intrusive.

PQ was hard to tell. Really depends on settings. eg Days of our lives looked like crap on dynamic. ( I know Days like like crap anyway ). But was ok on Movie. TEN and NINE HD looked very good on dynamic and excellent on natural. I'd say it's got the good points that the new Pioneer has but a slightly smoother picture like the Panny has. Ended up very impressed with this unit. My only negative thing I'd say is the motorized stand. Not a smooth slow movement, it jerks.

Got quoted $4999.

Went to JB HiFi Mt Gravatt and they had it on display and standard price $4495.

The salesman said to me it will be $3500 after X-Mas.

I tried very hard and put my ears up to the unit and couldn't hear any buzz.

Only 1 year warranty.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know on my hitachi I would be wasting my time with anyohter setting bar the natural settig as all else tends to artificially boost to detrement of overall pq.

[Chopstar]

It is bad because it is not 16:9.  Even 1024x768 is bad because that is 4:3 and not 16:9

1366x768 is great, that is true widescreen

If you ever plan to set up a HTPC, GOOD LUCK. you have to use the zoom features, its very messy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just popped into homezone digital in the city to have a preview.

Looked mighty damn fine to me even at factory default.

Cosmetically very impressive. Far sleeker than the Pana,as the two are shown side by side.

PQ looks more natural than the Pana with richer colours than the old 7800TA.

Side speakers dont detach but no issue as they dont stick out like others with no problem of alignment.

Nice square cable box at the back and controls to the side neatly tucked away.

Price is the only drawback but remember the 2 HDMI's and the motorised swivel.

$4500 delivered is the best so far from them.

I couldnt get you my price as I had a special arrangement.

Im sure if you wait a little while it will come cheaper once they are stocked.

[fattchoi1503559854]

I know on my hitachi I would be wasting my time with anyohter setting bar the natural settig as all else tends to artificially boost to detrement of overall pq.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Same here with my Hitachi 7800. I set everything to natural and turn off all enhancements. By the way, the 7800 power swivel is NOT jerky at all. Maybe that 8800 set happened to be a bit faulty? And yes, I think so far, all the Hitachis do not have the buzzing problem at all.

Cheers.

[betty boop]

~ And yes, I think so far, all the Hitachis do not have the buzzing problem at all.

Cheers.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thats right certainly my older gen hitachi does not buzz either and it doesn't have a fan for any fan noise noise either.