Newbie Questions Regarding the Hitachi 55PD8800TA!

[zok1503560685]

Hi Guys...have also bought this TV and love it...except for a pixel burn out after 3 weeks. Has anyone else experienced this problem ? Called Hitachi who inform me that they won't do anything until 5 or more pixels burn out. Must admit it makes no difference to the picture but it happened only after 3 weeks !!

It's a few months since peoples last post but I purchased the plasma for $5790 from HN near Highpoint in Melbourne.

[MJBarbaro]

CRICKEY ! thats a fantastic price well done! nope havent had any problems at all its a very very good TV, the picture quality still impresses me.

Hi Guys...have also bought this TV and love it...except for a pixel burn out after 3 weeks. Has anyone else experienced this problem ? Called Hitachi who inform me that they won't do anything until 5 or more pixels burn out. Must admit it makes no difference to the picture but it happened only after 3 weeks !!

It's a few months since peoples last post but I purchased the plasma for $5790 from HN near Highpoint in Melbourne.

[Guest dham]

Has anyone purchased this one resently in Brisbane? I am pretty keen to pick one of these and the best offer I have received so far is $5600 from JB but I have been stuffed around on this by JB big time!

[luis]

Guys, I'm getting this model next week (55PD8800TA) but I'm not sure if I should get a SD or HD STB (is this a silly question?). I believe HDSTB will allow to pick mainly ABC & SBS programs and I believe the SD STB will allow you to pick all the usual free to air channels, right?. I also heard of STB with a HDMI connection as the way to go?. Can you recommend a STB for a plasma of this size?

thanks

[MJBarbaro]

Guys, I'm getting this model next week (55PD8800TA) but I'm not sure if I should get a SD or HD STB (is this a silly question?). I believe HDSTB will allow to pick mainly ABC & SBS programs and I believe the SD STB will allow you to pick all the usual free to air channels, right?. I also heard of STB with a HDMI connection as the way to go?. Can you recommend a STB for a plasma of this size?

thanks

not true. With a HDSTB you still get the FTA channels. i definetly reccomend the HDSTB as teh quality is much better. You can also chose to watch in SD as well. The Toshiba & Sony are the best HDMI HDSTB. I have heard the sony's have some problems, i have the Toshiba and its worked perfectly from day 1 !

[pjc]

Guys, I'm getting this model next week (55PD8800TA) but I'm not sure if I should get a SD or HD STB (is this a silly question?). I believe HDSTB will allow to pick mainly ABC & SBS programs and I believe the SD STB will allow you to pick all the usual free to air channels, right?. I also heard of STB with a HDMI connection as the way to go?. Can you recommend a STB for a plasma of this size?

thanks

With a 55" it would make alot of sense to get a HD STB. You have it a bit backwards regarding HD content. There is much more HD content on the comercial channels, the exception being Sunday night ABC. Remember SBS and ABC are just upconverted SD. Seven is only 576p and not true HD but hopefully will be forced to upgrade sometime. If I were in your position I too would get a HD STB (actually I would, and did get a HD PVR)

[otublueleader]

Guys, I'm getting this model next week (55PD8800TA) but I'm not sure if I should get a SD or HD STB (is this a silly question?). I believe HDSTB will allow to pick mainly ABC & SBS programs and I believe the SD STB will allow you to pick all the usual free to air channels, right?. I also heard of STB with a HDMI connection as the way to go?. Can you recommend a STB for a plasma of this size?

thanks

G'day, I am considering this screen also at present but just wondering why you have settled particularly on it. I was also looking at the Pana 50 but personally cant decide between them except for the extra size.

[zok1503560685]

G'day, I am considering this screen also at present but just wondering why you have settled particularly on it. I was also looking at the Pana 50 but personally cant decide between them except for the extra size.

I'm no gadgets man but the reason I chose it was... 1) The tv looks sensational in the black with the gun metal grey speakers... 2) I have the Topfield TF7000HT hooked up to it ( not fussed with recording at the moment ) and the picture quality still amazes me !! 3) I love the 55" size...the extra 5" really does make a difference... 4) 2 HDMI inputs and 5) Hitachi have a good wrap on their Plasma's.

The information on this forum was a Huge help and do not regret purchasing it one bit. I know it's not really technical but I hope that helps a little.

[luis]

G'day, I am considering this screen also at present but just wondering why you have settled particularly on it. I was also looking at the Pana 50 but personally cant decide between them except for the extra size.

same here, I've decided to get this one becasue of the size and good reviews on this forum (from people who have acquired one). Other than that, no particular reason.

Thanks for responding my question regarding SD and HDSTB - I shall get a HDSTB

[MJBarbaro]

same here, I've decided to get this one becasue of the size and good reviews on this forum (from people who have acquired one). Other than that, no particular reason.

Thanks for responding my question regarding SD and HDSTB - I shall get a HDSTB

Exactly that 5 inches does make a difference. Also the sound out of the TV is very good quality. I have friends who have 50 inch LG, Pioneer & Pana's that always comment on the size and quality. Also the Pioneer has a bright view screen (gloss finish) which isnt ideal in a well light room or sunny day.

same here, I've decided to get this one becasue of the size and good reviews on this forum (from people who have acquired one). Other than that, no particular reason.

Thanks for responding my question regarding SD and HDSTB - I shall get a HDSTB

Exactly that 5 inches does make a difference. Also the sound out of the TV is very good quality. I have friends who have 50 inch LG, Pioneer & Pana's that always comment on the size and quality. Also the Pioneer has a bright view screen (gloss finish) which isnt ideal in a well light room or sunny day.

[zok1503560685]

Exactly that 5 inches does make a difference. Also the sound out of the TV is very good quality. I have friends who have 50 inch LG, Pioneer & Pana's that always comment on the size and quality. Also the Pioneer has a bright view screen (gloss finish) which isnt ideal in a well light room or sunny day.

Exactly that 5 inches does make a difference. Also the sound out of the TV is very good quality. I have friends who have 50 inch LG, Pioneer & Pana's that always comment on the size and quality. Also the Pioneer has a bright view screen (gloss finish) which isnt ideal in a well light room or sunny day.

Good point MJBarbaro. Another aspect that amazes me is that it really does not matter if there is so much light in the room...the picture is still sensational. No where near as reflective as the other screens.

[otublueleader]

I'm no gadgets man but the reason I chose it was... 1) The tv looks sensational in the black with the gun metal grey speakers... 2) I have the Topfield TF7000HT hooked up to it ( not fussed with recording at the moment ) and the picture quality still amazes me !! 3) I love the 55" size...the extra 5" really does make a difference... 4) 2 HDMI inputs and 5) Hitachi have a good wrap on their Plasma's.

The information on this forum was a Huge help and do not regret purchasing it one bit. I know it's not really technical but I hope that helps a little.

Thanks very much for the comments / advice. I was dead keen on the Pana until I read this post and went and had a look myself. Took a bit to find a store with one in though. I agree the extra 5 inches make the screen look dramatically bigger than the 50's but I must have seen a poor set up at H.N. cause picture just seemed a little grainier than i thought it should've, but still excellent and I did notice the difference on the gloss screen pioneer, good call. Whats the current ideas on buying on Ebay. There is a "store front" selling the Hitachi at present for around $5600 supposedly new and with warranty, but I just cant seem to bring myself to part with the dough like that, but best I can get in store is around $6500. Doesnt leave me much to get the STB and Cable etc. Anyone got any good deals lately ? Thanks again for your help

[otublueleader]

Hey guys, sorry I couldnt wait to see if any better prices around - I just ordered it and think I got a good deal. H.N. did tv for $5700 (close enough to ebay guy) and then i added 5 yrs warr, latest phillips hdstb, monster hdmi cables, monster surge protection for all av gear and monster optical audio cable to hook in to my Yamaha system for a total of $7200. Cant wait to crank it up, dont know if I can wait for delivery. Thanks again for everyones comments, will get back to you with the impression after its running.

[Black Dawg Down]

Hey guys, sorry I couldnt wait to see if any better prices around - I just ordered it and think I got a good deal. H.N. did tv for $5700 (close enough to ebay guy) and then i added 5 yrs warr, latest phillips hdstb, monster hdmi cables, monster surge protection for all av gear and monster optical audio cable to hook in to my Yamaha system for a total of $7200. Cant wait to crank it up, dont know if I can wait for delivery. Thanks again for everyones comments, will get back to you with the impression after its running.

Take the monster cables back, you're getting ripped off. A $30 cable will do the same job.

[otublueleader]

Take the monster cables back, you're getting ripped off. A $30 cable will do the same job.

Thanks, I must admit i thought that, but got a bit excited and wanted to have "the best" if I was spending so much on the plasma. So basic standard cable are just as good ??

[Big W]

I purchased this box 2 weeks ago $6000 including extra 4yr warranty (5 yr total) & delivery. I was happy with the deal as they had stock and delivered the next day.

Apart from a service call (black pulsing which is now solved) this TV has been awesome.

I'm glad I went with 55" Vs 50'. The motorised swivel is actually very useful and allows more use of the TV.

[MJBarbaro]

Thanks, I must admit i thought that, but got a bit excited and wanted to have "the best" if I was spending so much on the plasma. So basic standard cable are just as good ??

Great price otublueleader ! you have done really well. I paid $200 for 1 meter HDMI pure AV brand, i did the same thing, figured i spent all the money on a top of the line TV & HDSTB that an extra bit of $$ wasnt going to kill me. Interested to know your thoughts on your purchase once you have it all set up !

[Black Dawg Down]

Thanks, I must admit i thought that, but got a bit excited and wanted to have "the best" if I was spending so much on the plasma. So basic standard cable are just as good ??

Basic $30 HDMI cables will do the same job. Buy a $50 HDMI cable from Dick Smith and compare it to your Monster if you don't believe me. You can always return the cable to Dick Smith within 14 days no question asked, if it turns out that Monster are better.

[otublueleader]

Great price otublueleader ! you have done really well. I paid $200 for 1 meter HDMI pure AV brand, i did the same thing, figured i spent all the money on a top of the line TV & HDSTB that an extra bit of $$ wasnt going to kill me. Interested to know your thoughts on your purchase once you have it all set up !

Thanks MJ, only prob I have now is waiting to pick it up.Will definitely come back with impressions once its set up, but wont be till after the 1st Sept. I'm also keen to see how good the Phillips HDSTB will be in comparo with my Panasonic and my mates Strong. If its as good as the hype, shoudl be great with the 55 Hitachi. Has anyone got any comments on HDD / DVD recorder brands to suit ??

[pgdownload]

Thanks, I must admit i thought that, but got a bit excited and wanted to have "the best" if I was spending so much on the plasma. So basic standard cable are just as good ??

The only difference in cheap and expense HDMI cables is how well they work over long distances. If you're buying 5+ metre lengths then cheaper ones may start having interference. For a 1m cable $ spent is irrelevant to PQ. A good article:

http://bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[otublueleader]

The only difference in cheap and expense HDMI cables is how well they work over long distances. If you're buying 5+ metre lengths then cheaper ones may start having interference. For a 1m cable $ spent is irrelevant to PQ. A good article:

http://bluejeanscable.com/articles/hdmi-cables.htm

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Wow, what an article pjdownload - my heads still spinning, but at least its a bit clearer now. If i'm reading it right, its basically saying that except for a few extra data bits - a $15 component cable would give just as good pq over shortish distances as the $200 specialist HDMI ?

[pgdownload]

Correct. HDMI is mostly about (future) copy protection. As the article says, a component cable gives better PQ over long distances and similar PQ over short ones. Personally I don't buy the cheapest ($15) of anything, but a step up from that should see you fine in the cable arena.

Comparing HDMI to HDMI - as long as the 1's and 0's gets from one end of the cable to another then the fact they travelled over gold or copper is pretty irrelevant to PQ. But its just so easy for a salesguy (or yourself) to suggest that you've just spent $3000, what's $300 on cables that will get the 'most' out of it.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[HNoperative]

Basic $30 HDMI cables will do the same job. Buy a $50 HDMI cable from Dick Smith and compare it to your Monster if you don't believe me. You can always return the cable to Dick Smith within 14 days no question asked, if it turns out that Monster are better.

Not True! something like 15 fine strands of copper, all being pulled on by the weight of the cable (somethins gonna give). and I've done the tests. it's true there isn't much between the $119 monster and the $299 job, but it depends on how much you want from your telly. but run a cheap HDMI lead and you are going to get bleeding and loss of definition. I spent many an hour in a quiet store testing them all!

my opinion - if you're going to spend $30 - get a case of beer and hook up the component lead that came with your STB.

otherwise spend you money on a monster or Neotech or Belkin HDMI. Get your freakin moneys worth.

However, HDMI VS Component. I'm still not totally convinced (that running the signals we have available at this present moment) HDMI is better than Component

[jokiin]

However, HDMI VS Component. I'm still not totally convinced (that running the signals we have available at this present moment) HDMI is better than Component

No HDCP support via component so format support is different, HDMI can be problematic though as not all HDMI equiped devices will play happily together.

[aztec]

I just bought the 55 inch Hitachi (early Father's Day present).

I want to thank the regular contributors in helping me make the decision. What finally convinced me was a review I found somewhere on a UK web site (I can't remember where exactly but it was dated within the last month which is odd, I guess, given that the model has been around for some time).

I hope to be able to contribute and put into what I got out of this forum (but I'm not making any promises )

Adam