This particular Hitachi that I have is crap. I have read a lot of other messages from this forum that support the claim that this particular set has problems.

I never had this red ghost image until recently. The Sears repair man said that Hitachi called this normal. Sorry, this wasn't normal when I bought the set, nor was it normal for 11 months after that. Something is wrong and they can't or don't know how to remedy the situation.

I am also upset about spending a large amount of money on an item and not having that item work as it should. Any of you would feel the same way.

Again, Hitachi is not crap. This paticular Hitachi that sits in my family room is crap.

I would recommend that you call Hitachi directly and talk to their resolution department. I had to do this when they told me 6 dead pixels were normal 6 months after my tv was delivered...you could see them 30 feet away...they ended up replacing the light engine and the lcd panels...it is worth a shot.

Originally posted by J9_ls1
I would recommend that you call Hitachi directly and talk to their resolution department. I had to do this when they told me 6 dead pixels were normal 6 months after my tv was delivered...you could see them 30 feet away...they ended up replacing the light engine and the lcd panels...it is worth a shot.

I did call Hitachi and they were very polite, but they had never heard of the problem I am currently dealing with. I would also think, that they would pass the buck to Sears, since I purchased the TV from them.

The Sears guy is coming tomorrow. This is the same guy who said the red ghost was normal. I am going to suggest a new lamp. We'll see where it goes from here.

Does anyone have the contact info for the service dept at Hitachi?

I was at my parents house yesterday and there set is messed up. :( The image is ghosting... Best way to describe it is if you pause the screen, take that image and move it to the left about 1/2 an inch and fade it out a little on top of the current image. :( :(

What info does Hitachi need to come fix this thing?

The number is 1800HITACHI.

Here is their website.

http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd/lcd_index.shtml

Closed for the Holiday.

Columbus Day is not a real holiday!

Originally posted by arkid
I never had a service guy out to my Hitachi, I just looked at the PQ, the design, the build and came to that conclusion. I don't think all Hitachis are crap, just the V500.
I'm a big fan of logic, you should try to use it instead of bias sometime. :rolleyes:

Actually I was responding to the previous poster (who did elaborate on his statement and his position makes perfect sense). I'd hardly call my post "biased".

I like the TV, but I too have had problems with it and if it comes to replacing it I might even go with another brand/model (I actually like the design and PQ, it's the reliability that I am questioning). I was just stating that the conclusion drawn did not fit the circumstances. Your original post just seemed to pile on that false conclusion without any evidence to support.

I'm so glad you're a "big fan of logic". :rolleyes:

Heheh, I love the rolleyes emoticon.

Well the Sears guy just left. Basically he told me that Sears puts him in touch with tech center (over the computer and on the phone) which are trained by Hitachi or something like that.

The last time he came and said there was really nothing wrong and the red ghost was normal. That was because the last tech support guy told him that.

Well, the Sears guy talked to a different tech support guy today and got a different response. He looked at a "ribbon" connection. Then a circuit board replacement was mentioned.

The final solution was a complete light engine replacement. The part came to a final cost of $1093.39. Labor is $240. God! I am glad I got the service agreement. I used to laugh at sales people who offered me those things. I usually buy them on high end items, not cheap stuff.

I am glad that the repair guy got a hold of a more knowledge tech support person.

My only concern is that this fix will be temporary and the same problem will arise again. Some post mentioned a 3 strike lemon law and they got a replacement set. Can someone explain that to me.

I hope sharing this experience will help some of you out there who might be in the same boat.

Originally posted by serro821
Well the Sears guy just left. Basically he told me that Sears puts him in touch with tech center (over the computer and on the phone) which are trained by Hitachi or something like that.

The last time he came and said there was really nothing wrong and the red ghost was normal. That was because the last tech support guy told him that.

Well, the Sears guy talked to a different tech support guy today and got a different response. He looked at a "ribbon" connection. Then a circuit board replacement was mentioned.

The final solution was a complete light engine replacement. The part came to a final cost of $1093.39. Labor is $240. God! I am glad I got the service agreement. I used to laugh at sales people who offered me those things. I usually buy them on high end items, not cheap stuff.

I am glad that the repair guy got a hold of a more knowledge tech support person.

My only concern is that this fix will be temporary and the same problem will arise again. Some post mentioned a 3 strike lemon law and they got a replacement set. Can someone explain that to me.

I hope sharing this experience will help some of you out there who might be in the same boat.

Sears were really good to me after my tv died (40LC13). They had a tech come out about half a dozen times, mostly to look around and chat with other techs on the phone. He ordered parts/lamps for the set. When the time came to actually repair something he made a hash of the whole thing even ending up with a metal plate and a hand full of screws. I firmly believe that the set could have been repaired by the right person. The tech I had left my house scratching his head and telling me "you'll have a nightmare getting that fixed".
Anyway, as I said Sears were really good to me. They came and took the TV away, offered me compensation for waiting around with no tv (approx 2 months). They replaced the set with the 50V500 which I had them pick right back up as it was so pitiful I couldn't even begin to fathom how $3k could be justified for that POS. After that they gave me a great offer to buy any other set I want at a discounted price. The discount came from the first set as I bought it with a price match. They offered to pass this on to which ever set I choose next.
I'm about to go with the Sony WF or XS when I can find them to look at.
I like Sears. :)

Originally posted by DangerMouse1964
Your original post just seemed to pile on that false conclusion without any evidence to support.

I'm so glad you're a "big fan of logic". :rolleyes:

Heheh, I love the rolleyes emoticon.

I had $3k worth of evidence in my living room. My conclusion was made from what I saw right in front of me.

I love the rolleyes too! ;)

Seriously, how many of you Hitachi 50V500 owners are happy with your sets. I guess I have buyers remose.

BTW does any know where to find information on the lemon law concerning applicances and TVs?

I am very happy with my 50V500a. 3 months with no problems.

Originally posted by serro821
Seriously, how many of you Hitachi 50V500 owners are happy with your sets. I guess I have buyers remose.

BTW does any know where to find information on the lemon law concerning applicances and TVs?

Since this is the issues thread I don't think you'll hear a lot from the folks that haven't had any problems and are satisfied completely with their set.
That said, I'm pretty happy with my set. I love the PQ and the design. Reliability might be an issue, but at least one, if not two, of the problems I've had have been misdiagnosed by the service guy.

There's no "lemon law" that I know of that applies to appliances. I've got the extended warantee with CC and they have a "No Lemon Guarantee" with a 3 strikes rule. There are possibly things you can do via your credit card company if you purchased a set that way.

Serro..

I am very happy with my set so far. I purchased in Feb and got the 500A model and like most up to this manufacture date, I had those dreaded smudges. I called Hit and they also told me they had never heard of this issue with these sets. Strange, mean while almost everyone in this forum had the issue and contacted Hit. Sometimes it takes several months for all the info to filter to all the levels in Hit (not defending or blaming Hit). Even AFTER my screen was replaced AND the tech told me "there is a manufacture fix" for the LCD screens Hit still claimed there were no known issues with this set. From this forum and afew others I visit regularly I can see there are more software issues than hardware or design faults. This pinkish hue is a software issue and can be fixed in 5 minutes in the SM. Besides the screen smudges and this hue issue I know of no other common faults with this set. As far as I know, any set with a Apl 2004 or newer manufacture date should have these "new" screens and more robust software to address the two issues that are well known with this model. Yes there are people with other problems but these are the two issues I see popping up most often and even Hit now has manufacture fixes for.

EDIT: Serro.. that image of your red push is NOT normal. Your set should not do this, if it take a LE to fix it so be it. At least this LE should be one of the newer models that addresses some of these issues, check the manufacture date of the LE and do not settle for an older one. Though, I doubt this will be an issue usually they do not have many spare parts lying around.

I know of 4 50V500s and 1 60v500 and all of us are 100% happy with them. 1 of them is having a ghosting issue that started this weekend. I'll let you know the outcome.

The guy that said it was delievered and was a POS must have some weird opinions on what looks good. Bought a Sony? Get your repair guys address and start sending Holiday Cards. :D

Arkid,

Sorry you had such a rotten experience with the v5xx series. When I was researching a TV I looked at the Sony and the HIt side by side and to me there was no hesitation. The PQ and options the Hit offered over the GW were enough alone to sway me from the sony set. I hope you have more luck with your sony than most, so far I have counted 4 design issues that got so bad several stores here in Alberta discontinued selling them plus there has been a recall on some date stamped models of sony's LCD RP.

Originally posted by Uwish
Arkid,

Sorry you had such a rotten experience with the v5xx series. When I was researching a TV I looked at the Sony and the HIt side by side and to me there was no hesitation. The PQ and options the Hit offered over the GW were enough alone to sway me from the sony set. I hope you have more luck with your sony than most, so far I have counted 4 design issues that got so bad several stores here in Alberta discontinued selling them plus there has been a recall on some date stamped models of sony's LCD RP.

I think you are comparing the Hit to the GWIII's. I'm not thinking of getting a GWIII. I'm looking towards the Sony WF or XS.

Originally posted by TTA89

The guy that said it was delievered and was a POS must have some weird opinions on what looks good. Bought a Sony? :D


1. I guess I must be stupid and didn't realise how good the Hitachi was and how lucky I was to have this set grace my presence? :rolleyes:
Look, unless you sneaked into my house and saw the POS I had don't try to tell me what and how I should think.
What a douche!!
2. I didn't buy a Sony, yet.

Originally posted by Uwish


EDIT: Serro.. that image of your red push is NOT normal. Your set should not do this, if it take a LE to fix it so be it. At least this LE should be one of the newer models that addresses some of these issues, check the manufacture date of the LE and do not settle for an older one. Though, I doubt this will be an issue usually they do not have many spare parts lying around.

Thank you for your comments. Sorry, but what is an LE. I am still a newbie to this TV lingo.

LE = Light Engine. It's the part that contains the lens, the LCD panels, etc.

Sears will be replacing my Light Engine. The part will be put in on Monday. I hope this fixes the problem once and for all.

Good Luck!!!

Originally posted by TTA89
Does anyone have the contact info for the service dept at Hitachi?

I was at my parents house yesterday and there set is messed up. :( The image is ghosting... Best way to describe it is if you pause the screen, take that image and move it to the left about 1/2 an inch and fade it out a little on top of the current image. :( :(

What info does Hitachi need to come fix this thing?

Mike,

There is an adjustment for Ghost in the Service Manual. It's on page 57 I think. I did this once on my set just to see wtf it was. Not sure if it would help or not with your parents problem.

Originally posted by arkid

Look, unless you sneaked into my house and saw the POS I had don't try to tell me what and how I should think.
What a douche!!


Yo Kid,

Why are you here calling Mike a douche? That's not too damn friendly is it?
Didn't yo mamma teach you any manners? I guess I don't understand why you are even hanging out at this Hit thread. Shouldn't you just mosey your illmannered butt over to the SonySlut section?:D

Originally posted by manpig
Yo Kid,

Why are you here calling Mike a douche? That's not too damn friendly is it?
Didn't yo mamma teach you any manners? I guess I don't understand why you are even hanging out at this Hit thread. Shouldn't you just mosey your illmannered butt over to the SonySlut section?:D

Maybe you should be asking your friend why he's attacking others opinions? I didn't write anything about him until he attacked me.
Do you think that he has 'manners' or was being 'friendly' when he attacked my opinion and tv choice?
I'm not hanging out anywhere, I read a lot of threads and respond to them just the same as most people. This forum is about sharing opinions and experiences which is what I was doing in response to another posters specific questions.
I suggest if you want to have your own clicky Hitachi club where you can stroke each other and attack other people who don't own the same TV, car, fridge etc.. that you have then go somewhere else as AVS isn't really the place for you.

Is Valencia near San Francisco? Don't have a map and was just curious.

Originally posted by arkid





1. I guess I must be stupid


Hey Man, You said it. I just quoted it. :D :p

Originally posted by manpig
Mike,

There is an adjustment for Ghost in the Service Manual. It's on page 57 I think. I did this once on my set just to see wtf it was. Not sure if it would help or not with your parents problem.

Yeah I was talking to Ahardt the other day and she mentioned the same thing. Its under warranty, I'll let Hitachi worry about it. :D

Originally posted by TTA89
Yeah I was talking to Ahardt the other day and she mentioned the same thing. Its under warranty, I'll let Hitachi worry about it. :D

Please, if you can, post the solution the service guys carry out when they come. I don't necessarily mean the gritty details (although that'd be great!), just whether they do something in the SM or not.

I had the ghosting problem and the service guys they sent decided to replace the LE. I'm wondering now if that was completely unnecessary.

Originally posted by arkid
Maybe you should be asking your friend why he's attacking others opinions? I didn't write anything about him until he attacked me.
...

You may not be biased and we know you're a "big fan of logic" :rolleyes:, but you're not the most stable fella are yah? Relax, you got rid of the "POS" right? So don't take it so personally when other folks disagree with that somewhat hasty (IMHO) assessment.

Each to his own I guess. But from my experience the Sony was the POS :) Also, Hit can't be all that bad considering it makes and owns the patents on most of the technology thats is in ALL RP tv's. Hit consistently is rated among the best among consumers and even by the industry. Sony does well also but with all the grief they had with the GWIII its no wonder they had a new GWIV on the market so quickly that looks...hum almost identical to the GWIII. In fact it IS the GWIII just "fixed" so now it works the way it was intended to.

You lot are stuck so far up each other that you can't even see the simple fact that you can't tell other people what their opinions are.
You are still trying to tell me how I should think.
Look dangermouse, I don't care if people disagree with me. What I care about is people attacking me because I don't agree with them. There is a massive difference and none of you get that.
Also, how do you know how my opinion was derived? How do you know it was hasty? It's almost as ridiculous as ta99 trying to tell me that I have no right to dislike the tv I had.
This thread should be renamed "Don't post if you don't agree!"
Manpig, I have no idea what the reference is supposed to be but it shows the intelligence level of your little V500 gang.
ta99, the comment I was making was facetious and obviously way over you head leaving me to believe that my initial assesment of you was correct, you are a douche.

Like I said earlier, AVS Forum really isn't the place for you. You should start some mutual appreciation club and leave this forum for people who want share experiences and information.

Originally posted by arkid
You lot are stuck so far up each other that you can't even see the simple fact that you can't tell other people what their opinions are.
...

Okay, okay, whatever you say. Just don't come to my house and boil my rabbit.

Originally posted by arkid

ta99, the comment I was making was facetious and obviously way over you head leaving me to believe that my initial assesment of you was correct, you are a douche.



Should I keep feeding the troll? :D :rolleyes:

TA99,

Just curious, but how good is your Samsung HD931 DVD Player? I have the Samsung HD841. Yeah, I know it probably kicks my ass. It was the only HD DVD player I could find in my town.

Arkid,

I don't think anyone is trying to tell you what your opinion is. I also, was a little confused on your comment. What we were trying to get out of you is WHY you thought it was a POS. If you have that opinion..fine thats ok. Did you not like the look of the unit? Black levels? warm up time? what?

"I never had a service guy out to my Hitachi, I just looked at the PQ, the design, the build and came to that conclusion. I don't think all Hitachis are crap, just the V500"

So what made u not like the PQ? you think the sony GW is better? I think afew people were trying to nudge more info out of you than "oh I just don't like it" at least thats what I took from the last several posts.

Originally posted by serro821
TA99,

Just curious, but how good is your Samsung HD931 DVD Player? I have the Samsung HD841. Yeah, I know it probably kicks my ass. It was the only HD DVD player I could find in my town.

It looks pretty sharp although I haven't tried another one on the TV so I can't really give a good review. I know I hate how slow the tray is to open when you first power it up. Also its supposed to have some black crush issues and doesn't pass pluge? (Blacker than Black). I'm not in love with it but it does the job till I find something better.

I have been reading the reviews of the Denon 1910 DVI player, I might upgrade after the holidays. I have my eyes on the new Marantz 8500 DVI Swtiching Reciever that comes out next month first. :D

Does anyone know where the Link is for the Hitachi Service Manual? A link would be great. :D

Thanks

Akrid,

I'd like to know more specifically what your opinion of the 50v500 is as well, why you didn't like it and not just that it was a POS. I'm assuming you at least looked at it in the store and would hope that you'd have gone one step further and compared it to other models in the store. Assuming that you did this why did you buy the set.

Also comparing this set to a GWIV probably isn't the fairest comparison, you'd need to compare the 50V710 or mayber even a VS810(though in all fairness that would probably blow the sony out of the water.)

And finally why are calling people a douche? What are you, 12 years old.

Originally posted by TTA89
Does anyone know where the Link is for the Hitachi Service Manual? A link would be great. :D

Thanks

Check your PM.

Originally posted by Uwish
Arkid,

I don't think anyone is trying to tell you what your opinion is.

I was labeled as 'weird' and 'I came to a false conclusion without any evidence to support it' because I didn't conform to the thought process of this thread.

Originally posted by caltvdude
Arkid,

I'd like to know more specifically what your opinion of the 50v500 is as well, why you didn't like it and not just that it was a POS. I'm assuming you at least looked at it in the store and would hope that you'd have gone one step further and compared it to other models in the store. Assuming that you did this why did you buy the set.

Also comparing this set to a GWIV probably isn't the fairest comparison, you'd need to compare the 50V710 or mayber even a VS810(though in all fairness that would probably blow the sony out of the water.)

And finally why are calling people a douche? What are you, 12 years old.

I did post specifics about this about six months ago when it was relevent. I don't really want to go through it all again, the only reason I brought it up is because someone was asking about Sears and the service there. It didn't make sense to go full blown into what I didn't like about it again so I kept it brief.
I have looked at other sets including the 810 but I haven't seen the Sony XS which you haven't either so I don't understand how you can dismiss things you haven't even seen yet just because it's made by a certain manufacturer. How can you say that 'in all fairness'?
I'm waiting to see the new Sony's before I decide.
I never said all Hitachis are rubbish and all Sony's are great but the oppposite seems to be the norm with Hitachi owners.
I've never owned A Sony and am not a flag waver for them but just because I mentioned that's what sets i'm interested in everyone here jumped on my back as though I build them myself and somehow because i'm interested in a Sony tv any thoughts or experiences about any set I've owned are now irrelevent.

And finally, my '12 year old' comment was only written in direct response to comments made about me. I guess they get a free pass though because that person likes his V500.

me too please ... Does anyone know where the Link is for the Hitachi Service Manual? A link would be great.

Thanks

"I was labeled as 'weird' and 'I came to a false conclusion without any evidence to support it' because I didn't conform to the thought process of this thread"

True, that statement was made after your initial assessment that this tv was crap. But thats all you said. I have been on this thread for almost a year and I do not remember your post about this set. Thus from my perspective you gave no supporting evidence. That is why you were hammered and got comments like the one above. People knew you didn't like it but you didn't say why. I understand you don't want to go into all the details again. At least that sort of clears up the matter. After all, imagine a scientist arguing against a hypothesis buy just saying "I don't like it"...the response would be the same without supporting evidence or some form of reason.

Originally posted by arkid
I was labeled as 'weird' and 'I came to a false conclusion without any evidence to support it' because I didn't conform to the thought process of this thread.




I didn't call you weird. This was an attack on your opinions and not you. Below is what I posted.

Shesh! :cool:

BY TTA89

"The guy that said it was delievered and was a POS must have some weird opinions on what looks good."

I vote we quit talkin to this Kid unless he really has something useful to say as it pertains to this thread. Someone can start a new thread called
"Let's bash the Arkid and his Illogicial Logic" or STTE.

Originally posted by YAZ
me too please ... Does anyone know where the Link is for the Hitachi Service Manual? A link would be great.

Thanks

Check PM Yaz

Originally posted by manpig
Check PM Yaz

Oh man! I'm dying here! :eek: Could you PM me any info you can on where to find the SM manual? Thanks!

Akrid,

You take this stuff way to seriously. I'm not knocking you on the Sony, I think it's the picture quality rates the same as the Hitachi, both have pros and cons. I just asked why it is you bought it, maybe it looked good in the store and not at home? The bottomline is if your going to write a post about the 50V500 being a POS on a thread where most people love their PQ than you better be prepared to take a little and tell us why.

The reason I asked if you were 12 years old is because instead of taking a couple sentences to tell us why you don't like the set, you've written all these long posts defending yourself like a little kid. Seriously thats how 12year olds act and saying he started doesn't help especially when he just used the word weird when talking about your opinion

I've been trying to get a SM off of E-bay all week,but there's something wrong with Paypal.Can someone hook me up with a link or info too?

I have a copy, I'll post it on my website in a bit. Its a 15 meg PDF. I'm gonna see if I can convert it to word and shrink it down.... 185 pages.. :rolleyes:

Dang I was worried. I noticed a slight ghosting effect to left of every image on my 50v500 screen during the olympics. I've had the tv since Thanksgiving of '03 without any problems so naturally I was worried. I looked in this thread a few weeks back and was informed that there was a simple service menu to fix this problem. Well, the Sears tech came out last week and took all but 5 minutes to go into the SM and fixed my ghosting problem. He even told me it was a common problem that they get called on all the time.

Anyhow, I'm a satisfied customer. My 50v500 is back to normal and I can continue enjoying the beautiful HD broadcasts of the NFL and MLB. I have about 1400 hours on my set. I have been very satisfied with the picture quality of this set since day 1. My set has been calibrated with Avia via 1080i component output of my Zenith DVB318. I've also calibrated the DVI input as well via Zenith.

Lastly, I wanted to know the life of the bulbs? How much life do I have left in my bulb if I'm currently at ~1400 hours?

I don't think its time to get to worried. From what I can tell I think Hit says about 5000 hrs. I have heard of 8000 hours but I think that is streching it a bit.

Originally posted by manpig
Check your PM.

It would be great if I could get the link for the SM also. :)

Thanks in advance

Carson

If you please, also PM the service manual link to me. Thanks.

Originally posted by manpig
I think Ahardt traded her Hit in for a Wega and is too ashamed to come here and tell us. LmFaO

A pox on you, Manpig. I would have to be more insane than even you to do that, heh.

I've been off watching my Hit and dreaming of more a/v gear to purchase. Unfortunately, I'm pretty set-up and can't justify buying anything else :(. I've been thinking of accidentally "dropping" my receiver and speakers, though. I'm moving soon and it would be really easy to slide the moving dudes a tenski to do it for me.

Speaking of moving, my V500 is getting moved as well. The thought of letting it get into the hands of movers and driving across the country is making me feel pukey. Tell me I'm being a big pussy and not to worry about it.

Originally posted by arkid
I suggest if you want to have your own clicky Hitachi club where you can stroke each other .....

Ummmm, yeah guys....?

I didn't really realize I was supposed to be getting stroked. Get to it, would ya? I need some hot Hitho action. But I'm not stroking back no matter what you all say, unless there's cash or gear involved, then I'll think about it ;).


(arkid....where's the love, dude?)

Hey A :D Nice to here from ya!

Originally posted by Ahardt
A pox on you, Manpig.do that, heh Tell me I'm being a big pussy and not to worry about it.

I would neva eva tell you that Mrs. A-girl. I am but a gentleman doncha know. My gawd, it's great to see you back. Now, ifin ya would only repsond to yer PM's........where ya movin to? Texas? Yeehaw.:D

Originally posted by Ahardt
Ummmm, yeah guys....?

I didn't really realize I was supposed to be getting stroked. Get to it, would ya? I need some hot Hitho action. But I'm not stroking back no matter what you all say, unless there's cash or gear involved, then I'll think about it ;).


Get Astroke for AV gear? yeahbaby. I think I have my dad's old Sonyslut betamax vhs playa on the table. :D

ps: doncha be so offended. you knew i wuz perve material.

:o

Sorry Arkid, the Sony Betamax is not available to you.

Sears guy came yesterday and installed new light engine. Everthing seems to be working great. No red ghost of death. Cross my fingers.

good stuff!

My V500a has started turning itself on and off. It will power itself down, the blue light will blink, and then it will turn itself on. This happens once an hour or so. I tried covering the IR port in case there was some rogue remote. Anyone know what could do this?

David

Are you connected to a cable set top box? I experienced this once through my Motorala DCT c/w switched power outlet. Once that was reset it never happened again. Check for a misplaced remote...assuming that more than one is set for your V500.

Originally posted by TTA89
Does anyone have the contact info for the service dept at Hitachi?

I was at my parents house yesterday and there set is messed up. :( The image is ghosting... Best way to describe it is if you pause the screen, take that image and move it to the left about 1/2 an inch and fade it out a little on top of the current image. :( :(

What info does Hitachi need to come fix this thing?


Ok the tech came out today and fixed the set. He went into the service menu and into the ghosting option and it only took one click to the right to correct the issue. I think he was a little suprised it took only a little adjustment to put it back.

He decided to do a Hard Reset anyways just to clear anything that might be causing a problem from the memmory. That option was in the service menu as well.

The Set had 1755 Hours, its right at the top as you go into the service menu. I asked him about playing around in there and he said that almost everything can be put back to normal except something in the vertical sync (I could be wrong, it was vertical something) he said if you mess that up you can't get the picture back so stay away from that one.

I asked about bulb life and he said he has generally been replacing them on sets with between 8000-9000 hours.

Seemed like a cool guy, we made fun of Sony's Light Engine Problems on the GWIII while he fixed the set. :D

This set was at my parents house so I don't see it all that often, but when you go into the ghosting adjustment its a bright white screen with a black box in the middle. The first thing I noticed was SMUDGES on there set! BLAH! This set was made 1/4/04 I think.

He told me to call Hitachi and tell them and schedule another appointment to come out and replace the screen. He said he has done a couple of them already.

Picture is at least back to normal although after the hard rest you have to redo the settings again.

My set isn't turning on and off anymore, maybe I had an overactive remote.

David

Hello everybody. Need advice badly.
I have for under 1 year 50v500. It started having a orange blob on durk screens. I have citiadvantage Circuit City plan. I called the service. They took my tv to their shop. Tech said it is bad optical engine assy. They ordered the part from Hitachi and part is back order till october 28th. They picked up my tv september 28th. I have doubts that it will ready any time soon. I contacted CC consumer relations many times and nothing helps. They say there is not ime limit on repair. I say what if it's a year the answer "no time limit." I do not have my TV, terribly upset and out of options.
Any advice?
Please.

I think I am missing something or I do not fully understand. You said they picked the set up in Sep and the part will not be available until 28th of Oct? That is only three days away so I do not see an issue.

TTA..

I to had to have my screen replaced back in May because of the smudges but since then, haven't had one. My set has 1600 hrs on it, nice to hear the bulbs may last to 8K hours? I thought they were only good for up to 5k hours or so.

IT IS BENN A MONTH ALREADY. And I do not think it will be ready in three days.

unfortunately, many manufactures due not keep many spare parts. Usually they manufacture them when a service request is processed. That is standard practice and an attempt to reduce manufacturing cost on their part. While I sympathize with your plite, all you can do is contact the service provider and verify that your unit will be ready on the 28th.

Originally posted by DangerMouse1964
Oh man! I'm dying here! :eek: Could you PM me any info you can on where to find the SM manual? Thanks!


Can someone please tell me where to get the service manual for the 60v500a? Please? Thanks a bunch

Originally posted by gibbyscott
Can someone please tell me where to get the service manual for the 60v500a? Please? Thanks a bunch

If you every find out about the service manual, please let me know. I would like a copy too.

Thanks.

I can host it, no problem, if someone can email me it.

It happened again....I came home from work and went to turn on my Hit and it was off and no lights blinking but I could hear the fan. WTF? I turn on my set and the ugly pq was back. This time it had a more bleached out look than orange tinge but the orangish tint was there. It basically looked like crap. My service provider had called me this week and said the new module had finally come in and they scheduled to come out this Fri and replace it. So, with that knowledge in hand I decided to get brave and I pulled out my tape of the service tech fixing my set the last time and I did what he did. It boils down to a memory init reset and I did it and now my set looks as good as ever. I hope to hell the new module fixes this. It seems to be happening around every 30 to 40 days now and this is the third time it has happened.

As one of the first Hithos and a owner of a 50 non A set, I have to believe there was a bug in the design. I hope that this bug was fixed and hopefully not too many Ho's will go thru this. I am not pizzed. It is still a freekin nice set. At least I am covered and even if I wasn't, I know how to get it back to normal. I will let ya know what happens Fri. Fingers crossed and hoping.

Hey Hos,

I've been MIA for some time, but have stopped by to lurk now and again.

I suppose not that the Pig and Ms. A are becoming active again, I just might.

After a year of planning and 5 months of building, we finally got our new 'stand'. Well, maybe it's a bit more than a 'stand' :D

Check it out at: http://gallery.avsforum.com/showphoto.php?photo=10592 and let me know whatcha think. (Remember, for perspective, its a 60" Hit.

=Fax

VERY NICE! One of the best I have seen.

Mike

Originally posted by Big Mike
VERY NICE! One of the best I have seen.

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I just realized I posted it in the issues thread, not the main thread. Would anybody (that counts) be mad if I posted it in the main Hit thread?

(For all you newbies, there USED to be only 1 colossal Hit thread until somebody decided to break it up.)

=Fax

Fax,

Looks great - awesome baby! Of course I already told you that realtime but felt I should put it into print. Tell the Hitho's about the sliding stuff for easy access. A lot of thought went into this project I am told.

I think I voted against the "thread breakup" btw.

Faxman,

nicely done, it looks really sharp. I like the hidden DvD / book shelving. Well done. That is one of the only non Hit stands that make the 500 look good. Most of the others don't flatter the style but your does a nice job.

Originally posted by FaxMan
Thanks Mike,

I just realized I posted it in the issues thread, not the main thread. Would anybody (that counts) be mad if I posted it in the main Hit thread?

(For all you newbies, there USED to be only 1 colossal Hit thread until somebody decided to break it up.)

=Fax

Don't even front, Fax, multiple threads just give you the opportunity to ho out 'The Stand The Fax Built'. More GREEN, if you will. I think I even saw you post in a DLP thread, you bad boy ;).

Faxman, there's no doubt about it. That is one supernice setup. Very classy, and very good design. Major thumbs up to ya.

Hey Piggy... what the hell happened to Tech? I was expecting them to beat TU!

Originally posted by Ten 99
Hey Piggy... what the hell happened to Tech? I was expecting them to beat TU!

So was everyone else........over confidence???? They thought they won the game without a single snap. Also...Vince Young and Benson and your defense. You guys played great and we stunk. We also had a ton of stupid penalties as usual. Too bad, cuz we had just broken into the top 25 and a victory over the Horns would have been HUGE. We may not win another game......uh, except Baylor, if these guys don't get they head out they azzes. :(

ps: thanks for the reminder btw

A '10' from Ten
Three Oinks Up from the Pig
Blessings from the Queen


Life is good = )

OR...How 'bout dem SOX!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

just had to bring it up :p

Yeppers Bruce, dem soxies sure played great. Once the Astros exited I have to admit rooting for you guys. Derrick Lowe usta be one of my fantasy guys in the old days (no not homo, just fantasy sports) And then there was Schilling (another one of my guys when he was with AZ) and bleeding and scheeet........love it. And Pedro who's yer daddy Martinez.......can he now get a freekin haircut? lmao.
Can't beat that.


My service guy shows up today with the new drive module at 430 pm. He tells me this is an "in-house dealio" cuz they is gonna hafta remove 153 screws and sets up a pick up for Tues. I think he said Tues. He did not want to pick up my set today and leave me Hitholess for the weekend. What a guy. Will report more next week.

I betcha April is lovin all this sports talk. lmfao.

Piggy... I spoke too soon. Baylor had their way with my Aggies last night. Three turnovers, and a blocked punt. It went into overtime, and they went for a two-point conversion on their TD. 35-34. :(

I'm still feeling it in my gut.

Originally posted by Ten 99
Piggy... I spoke too soon. Baylor had their way with my Aggies last night. Three turnovers, and a blocked punt. It went into overtime, and they went for a two-point conversion on their TD. 35-34. :(

I'm still feeling it in my gut.

I forgot you were an Aggie livin in Horn country. Baylor upsets Ags in OT with 2 pt converstion.......THAT'S JUST WROOOOOONGGGGGG. :eek:

Did I mention that they picked up my Hit and took it into the shop to put in the new drive module? I am Hitless........reminds me of when I played baseball. I have a 19 inch Panny sitting in it's place that I stole from my boy's room. Man, the black levels are terrific........If only I could make out what they are displaying.

Update:

drive module circuit boad has been replaced. tv looks good again. hope this works. part number btw was JP06781. repairdude said it took him close to 3 hours. he had to remove the light engine to do it. i asked him if the inside of my tv was dusty at all and he said no. that was good news to me cuz i live in a dusty area of Texas. he said this tv is sealed pretty damn good compared to the rear-pro crt's he works on.

is anybody listening?

question to other Hithos:

turn on your set and let it warm up. power on one of your inputs like say where you have your dvd player or stb hooked to. leave tv on but turn off your device (either stb or dvd player). what does your screen look like? mine, shows a slight reddish glow that is more prominent in the center area. is this normal? kinda has me freekin a bit.

ManPig,

I think it may be a reflection of the fire engine red vinyl bean-bag chair you do your TV watching in (while nekid, eating Cheetos) :eek:


Just did the test here. No such glow.

=Fax

Very very funny Fax. Thanks for checking. Keep in mind tho, that the glow is not prominent. It is a subtle coloring and you have to look fairly hard to see it. Put on your glasses and check once more.

I see no such reddish colour. More like grey AKA LCD black. :)

Originally posted by manpig
a slight reddish glow that is more prominent in the center area.

manpig, I have the exact same problem. Just posted a separate thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=466253) asking for others to chime in. Guess I should have looked at this thread one last time before posting.

It's not normal and there is no way I missed this for the past year.

...Mike.

MikewL


yeah, that sounds like what mine looks like. i had been wondering if it meant a potential beginning of a problem with the LE. Can you post a dig pic of it here? My camera is out and waiting on a new one to arrive.

You know it looks strange, but it does not seem to be affecting my overall pq........yet. I wonder why your repairguy thought it was the LE? Did he elaborate? One last note, our sets are about the same age. Do you have the 50 or 60 and is yours an "A" model?

HHHEEEELLLPPP !!!

My 50V500 has a red glow during darker scenes (and getting worse)started in July after working great for 6 months. Saw some posts about other people having this issue and they had Optic/Light Engines being replaced. Some people apparently have the "Hitachi LCD Service Manual" were this is listed as a known problem.

I BEG ON MY HANDS AND KNEES.....CAN SOME EMAIL THIS TO MANUAL TO ME

Service has been out adjusting some service menues...no go....replaced a board...no go...took the set for ten days and brought back...no go...they say Hitach Tech people said that it is what it is and there is a red glow on dark scenes....so far not the best overall support.

Would love to get the manual to shove in there face...Thanks in Advance to anyone that can help me out.

Yea, will try a digital pic tonight when I get home. It's really starting to get on my nerves. Watch a movie with some dark scenes and it will drive you crazy.

glad to see I'm not imagining all of this.

Originally posted by mgd2win
HHHEEEELLLPPP !!!



I BEG ON MY HANDS AND KNEES.....CAN SOME EMAIL THIS TO MANUAL TO ME




no need to beg hitho brother:D

Originally posted by mgd2win
replaced a board

Which board did they replace? If you don't know, can you check your service call receipt and see if they listed a part number and name?

I am assuming the only problem you were exibiting was the red glow in dark scenes dealio? is that true or did you have other problems as well?

let us know, we need to document this stuff as it happens so we can help other Ho's should it happen to them.

Boy, this is easier said than done. Blacks look like grey in real life, but on the camera they show up as blue. And it didn't end up focused, but that doesn't matter. Now, let's see if I can actually post a picture...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v403/MikeWL/RedCloud.jpg

Hey, it worked. Photobucket.com is cool.

BTW, this was taken in a completely dark room from front/center of the TV. From the side it looks pretty much the same.

MikewL

good job. other than the colors being off, that is what it looks like. i noticed tonight that it definitely shows up better in a totally dark room.

First off let me say a huge KUDOS to Manpig for hooking me up with a manual. I am not sure what Board Assy they replaced, it does not say on the invoice will get that info monaday and post. The first time they came out they did the I2C Buss Setting Adjustment then swapped the board a few days later...Then they carried my set back to the shop...brought it back this Thurs (10 days later) still not fixed and with new problems (but that is another story) now I am making them come back out Tues .

Next question I have, is does anyone know where skipdog came up with the info below? This is on the first page of this string & I would love to find this in a Hitachi Document. Anyone out there know where I can get my paws on the manual Skipdog is rerfering too?

Pasted from skipdog post.........Found the reference to the problem. It's in the "Hitachi LCD-Projection Training Manual", under Known Issues
"Pink Picture or Not Enough Green or Green Missing:
Even with Color turned all the way down, the picture remains pink. This indicates
an Engine Failure. Please replace the Engine Assembly.
• UE22331 for 50V500
• UE22333 for 50V500A
• UE22333 for 50VX500 (Service Manual PA-0178 shows p/n UE22331,
please correct)
• UE22334 for 60V500A

I even went to CC & Sears yesterday to look at the dispaly models and what do you know they were not glowing red...no idea how to get this through Hitachi head as I am not the only one with this problem.

Saw the previous pic from Mikewl of the problem, but I can not link my pic directly into this message do to board rules as I have not made 5 posts yet.

But you can see my pic on Tinypic.com/k428z

Be warned it is not for the faint at heart and is a hidous red glow....this was taking last night after trying to watch "Day After Tommorow" DVD but all I saw was red during the movie

http://tinypic.com/k428z

Dan, that looks really bad. It is like mine only worse. I would assume if this is indeed a light engine problem, then the problem should get worse over time and then the repair people/Hitachi support will no longer be able to skirt the issue. Hopefully, we all have EW's. PM me your email addy and I might can find for you the file skipdog was referring to.

I just had a thought. In blowing up Dan's pic, it almost looks like dust in the light engine. I seem to recall seeing this once a long time ago on another set. Are UMR and/or Mufusick still around? Maybe someone can PM them if they are and ask for their opinions.

Has anybody messed around with Digital Video Essentials to see if this can be highlited anymore for the techs to acknowledge it?

Originally posted by manpig
I just had a thought. In blowing up Dan's pic, it almost looks like dust in the light engine. I seem to recall seeing this once a long time ago on another set. Are UMR and/or Mufusick still around? Maybe someone can PM them if they are and ask for their opinions.

I looks like a problem with the LCD being uneven. The only fix I know of is to replace the light engine or TV and try again. I do not know how sophisticated Hitachi is when they setup these sets. Sony uses something they call 3D gamma to compensate for this in their LCD projection devices.

I told you it was bad...well the techs are coming out again tommorow and we are all going to get on the phone with Hitachi Techs in CA. I think I am going to insist that they replace the light engine at this point.

You would think the simple thing would be just to replace the set and save all of these headaches and tech service calls.

Mike --- bad news about 2 months ago is the first I noticed the red glow and it just kept getting worse.

I have a question for you all. Is anyone having any compatibility issues with their 50v500 and other components hooked up via the dvi connection? It works, but I seem to get some interference or something. Don;t quite know how to describe it. I get some flashing and bleeding along brightly colored parts of the images. Only happens with the dvi connection. This is our second tv. It was swapped for other issues. They both had the same thing. Works fine with component. Seems like it might be a compatibility issue? Just too many different technologies? What do you think?

Originally posted by Pablopsd
I have a question for you all. Is anyone having any compatibility issues with their 50v500 and other components hooked up via the dvi connection? It works, but I seem to get some interference or something. Don;t quite know how to describe it. I get some flashing and bleeding along brightly colored parts of the images. Only happens with the dvi connection. This is our second tv. It was swapped for other issues. They both had the same thing. Works fine with component. Seems like it might be a compatibility issue? Just too many different technologies? What do you think?

Just a guess, but I would think it was a bad dvi cable or that it was not inserted completely. That would be my first guess.

Originally posted by Pablopsd
I have a question for you all. Is anyone having any compatibility issues with their 50v500 and other components hooked up via the dvi connection? It works, but I seem to get some interference or something. Don;t quite know how to describe it. I get some flashing and bleeding along brightly colored parts of the images. Only happens with the dvi connection. This is our second tv. It was swapped for other issues. They both had the same thing. Works fine with component. Seems like it might be a compatibility issue? Just too many different technologies? What do you think?

What are the components?

I've hooked DishNetwork 811 and 921 via DVI with no problems.

Maybe you have some of the v500 'enhancement' settings up too high.

=Fax

Well the techs were just hear and made some more adjustment to the I2C chips and that resolved a few of the issues that were caused by them having the set for 10 days....yep went to a Hitachi Authorized Service center and came back with alot more problems than when it left, go figure

BUT....the red glow still persists and after being on the phone with local tech and Hitachi tech for an hour they are going to go ahead and replace the Light Engine Assembly !!!

I told them to do this a month ago what a hassel...new engine should be installed next Tues.

Bottom Line --- If anyone has this problem just push them to replace the light engine or the problem just gets worse as days go by. Hitachi own manual says to do this for a red glow. It also says in the Hitachi manual that the local tech can order the Light Engine without prior permission from Hitachi Tech Support

Hope this helps anyone else with this Red Glow problem

Manpig and Fax, thanks for responding. I have a Hughes direct tv receiver connected to it. We did use another cable with the same results. Once the TV was exchanged, I tried with the new TV same results. It is the only DVI device that I own, and I really don't see a difference with the image quality between component and DVI. The poor quality of the SD channels offsets anything gained with the DVI in HD. I have to connect my laptop to the DVI to see how that it is. Just haven't had the time in the last 9 months! :-)

Originally posted by Pablopsd
and I really don't see a difference with the image quality between component and DVI.

some people do not see much of a difference between dvi vs component.

i see some improvement but it is certainly not significant.

if you have tried two cables with the same result then you need to try a different dvi device next. maybe your receiver is funky.

Has any one had thier 50V500 ISF calibrated by someone like Greg Louwen who has all of the cool toys. Because after my set is back up to speed I was thinking about getting Greg to do his magic.

Was it worth it ?

Or maybe just do some tweeks myself with Avea or DVE...comments or suggestions oh wise ones

Gregs site

http://www.lionav.com/services.html (http://lionav.com/services.html)

Faxman did.

Dan,

congrats on your light engine replacement. please come back here after it's done and report on the red glow and if it goes away completely, somewhat, mostly, or whatever.

Pablopsd

Is your DVI cable longer than 6ft or so? I've read that that can sometimes cause issues. Don't have personal experience with it though. Try to give us more details if you're still having problems. Good luck.

A-

We purchased our tv in May this year. In August, we noticed a red pixel (close to centre) on our tv. A week later we notice that everything was starting to look off. There is a reddish/pink color that hi-lights around everything on the tv.

The repair guy came out & said that he needed to change the optical lens, and that we would have to wait for one coming from Califonia, as they are not stocked in Canada. That was The end of September. We still are waiting for that part. It was annoying to watch, but we dealt with it -----UNTIL last Thursday, We turned on the TV & all we saw was """"RED"""" It was soo brightand horrible - hurt the eyes to look at. We called the repair shop, and was told that the part is not available in Canada, and they could not get it, and that we should ask Hitachi for an exchange. We called the sales rep, who then contacted Hitachi and was told we would have the part within 5 days. -- There is something definately wrong with this picture!!! I definately want an exchange, and do not want to deal with this anymore. Anyone else have this problem??

We'll keep ya posted


__________________
Maz

We purchased our tv in May this year. In August, we noticed a red pixel (close to centre) on our tv. A week later we notice that everything was starting to look off. There is a reddish/pink color that hi-lights around everything on the tv.

The repair guy came out & said that he needed to change the optical lens, and that we would have to wait for one coming from Califonia, as they are not stocked in Canada. That was The end of September. We still are waiting for that part. It was annoying to watch, but we dealt with it -----UNTIL last Thursday, We turned on the TV & all we saw was """"RED"""" It was soo brightand horrible - hurt the eyes to look at. We called the repair shop, and was told that the part is not available in Canada, and they could not get it, and that we should ask Hitachi for an exchange. We called the sales rep, who then contacted Hitachi and was told we would have the part within 5 days. -- There is something definately wrong with this picture!!! I definately want an exchange, and do not want to deal with this anymore. Anyone else have this problem??

We'll keep ya posted


__________________
Maz

Maz,

you could try a memory initialization in the service mode and see what happens, but since your part is due in 5 days, i think i would just wait and see if they can fix it.

I know this topic was touched on a while ago but since this thread is getting so large I will ask again..

What (if any) are people using for UPS (Uninterupted Power Suply's) on this set / their HT equipment? I would hate to have the power die (not that it happens often) and the set power off without being able to cool the bulb even if for only a minute.

any particular suggestions?

Simon,

I don't have a UPS. I figure the chances of a power failure are slim, and even if it does happen, I don't think it would hurt the bulb very much. It might shorten the life a bit, but that is all. It is kind of like a slide projector and how the instructions tell you to leave the fan on for awhile after the light is turned off to cool the lamp down, but most people don't even know to do this.

Uwish & Manpig, I am using a an APC 3000XLT UPS on my Hitachi Set. I have never had to deal with a power failure at the set that the unit could not handle.
I am starting to see some red ghosting and NOTICEABLE pink/red vertical lines offset to the left of the 4:3 black bars (Black bars turned on) and also to the left of any BLACK objects or lettering on a light background (any input or screen res). If you turn off the black bars on 4:3, the offset vertical lines on either side dissappear. They only show up against black, and only seem to run the vertical height (left of the black edge) of the black line/object that they are related to.

If you can provide any assistance for this, it would certainly be more than CC has been able to do so far! If you could hook me up with a SM, it would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to do any more than I have to, but I am no stranger to service areas if I have a map, and I don't think that I could do any worse than the bunch they've thrown at me so far. Other than this recent problem(s), my set has been flawless (after the color calibration that is).

I have had my 60v500 since march 04 and so far havent had any problems with it(knock wood). I have a question that I havent been able to find an awnser for. Is there any way to make the grey bars stay black after turning off this tv? I like the black bars instead of grey when watching 4x3, but each time you turn this tv off, they reset to grey. Help and thanks.

Zocalo,
That is what happened to mine before the colors went completely wacky. I asked a couple salesmen about convergence, because that is what it looks like, but they had no clue. In the Service Menu there is a ghosting setting. Very easy to adjust. It is a square box, and if it is off, you will see a "ghost" of the box. You just tweak with arrows on the remote. Really shows on menus too, correct? Offset words.
When the colors go completely off red and yellows, they did a memory initialization. It has been fine since. I exchanged the first one that did this, was only 32 days old. The new one went at 3 months. Since the reset, it has been fine.

NOTE if you had a calibration, write down all your settings because you lose everything with the reset.

Pablo

Originally posted by Pablopsd
Zocalo,
That is what happened to mine before the colors went completely wacky. I asked a couple salesmen about convergence, because that is what it looks like, but they had no clue. In the Service Menu there is a ghosting setting. Very easy to adjust. It is a square box, and if it is off, you will see a "ghost" of the box. You just tweak with arrows on the remote. Really shows on menus too, correct? Offset words.
When the colors go completely off red and yellows, they did a memory initialization. It has been fine since. I exchanged the first one that did this, was only 32 days old. The new one went at 3 months. Since the reset, it has been fine.

NOTE if you had a calibration, write down all your settings because you lose everything with the reset.

Pablo

How does one get to the Service Menu?

Pablo, After reading through some helpful docs sent by Manpig (Thanks!), I felt that may be exactly the adjustment I was looking for. You have pretty much hit the nail on the head with the symptoms. I'm going to try it out the next chance I get.

Well, I couldn't sleep with that ghost on my mind...err, screen. So, I tried the adjustment in the SM. It worked great! problem gone, hopefully. The setting had changed itself by 6 clicks, and adjusting it simply brought it back to the value that was in the SM as a reference point. Thanks again for the feedback and support! Unfortunately, I now have a lower opinion of the "certified" tech support that I had already recieved. Hopefully they can handle swapping the lamp if/when it burns out!

I have heard from several techs that the main issue with this set is the software. For some reason ghosting and the red push seem to be the two settings that get "moved" somehow in the SM. Hit was replacing LE after LE until they did some engineering and found the SM was adjusting itself. So far the only issue I have had with my unit was the smudges which was easily solved with a screen replacement.

weblance,
Check out the settings in your HD tuner. I have the Samsung SIR-TS160 and you are able to change the side bars to black in the settings menu. I have the 50V500A and it reverts to gray everytime the set is turned off.

I think you're right Pablo. I don't know if anyone else remembers the older Sony's, the GWII, but there was actually an adjustment in the regular menu which would shift the red colors(maybe even the blues too), I can't remember what it was called though.

The sad part is that it's probably something Sony's not doing anymore and Hitachi chose not to do because of the risk of the settings being out of whack in stores and scaring off customers.

Well still waiting for my Light Engine asembly after 2 weeks. Hitachi promised to have it shipped priority overnight to the repair center. Well after hounding the Customer Relations over and over they finally said it was shipped via ground to a re-seller in Miami --- and then --- it will be shipped to the service reps in Tampa via what ever means the resller decides to go with.

Hitachi support is absolutely the worse I have ever dealt with as a consumer or in business. They say they will call back time after time with updates but you here nothing unless you initiate contacting them.

Originally posted by maxyvits
How does one get to the Service Menu?

I would like to know this too. Can someone please direct me to this information?

Is it the same as the Hitachi f-series CRT RPTVs?

Thanks,

Mike

Make sure your tv is on an unused input like say input 4 or 5. Turn off your tv. Wait for all the lights to quit blinking. Open the front faceplate and look for the input button. Hold the input button down (push in) and keep it in and then power on the set. Wait about 10 seconds for the set to come on and then you can release the input button. You should see the service mode display at this point. Be careful! You can void your warranty if you screw something up.

I would really like to get a copy of the service manual...I haven't been able to nail one of them down yet..anyone have a link??

Originally posted by manpig
Make sure your tv is on an unused input like say input 4 or 5. Turn off your tv. Wait for all the lights to quit blinking. Open the front faceplate and look for the input button. Hold the input button down (push in) and keep it in and then power on the set. Wait about 10 seconds for the set to come on and then you can release the input button. You should see the service mode display at this point. Be careful! You can void your warranty if you screw something up.

I had my 60V600 calibrated and it took forever because of this. For one thing it took a lot of trial and error (i.e. a lot of on/off cycles) before the calibrator (a very well known calibrator who shall remain nameless) figured out that the TV had to be on an unused input and that he had to wait for the full cool down cycle. While adjusting the greyscale the he would take a reading from VE change to an unused input, turn off the tv, wait the two minutes, turn the tv back on in the SM, make a change, exit the service menu, switch to the DVD input, take another reading, switch to an unused input, turn off the tv, wait the two minutes, etc, etc.

Is this really how it has to be done? All this turning on and off can't be good for the TV. In fact its now about 2 months after the calibration and the TV's overtemp light went on last night, the picture went black and it won't come on. Service is coming tomorrow. I don't know if it is related but I wonder...

OK...I don't think I have seen a smudge or a crop circle because I don't know what they look like (and I don't see any link on the OP on this thread).

That said, I do see faint vertical bars, spaced about 1" apart, mostly visible in flat areas of colour (gray, blue skies, etc). This is NOT screen door effect, its a pattern of some kind (occurs via DVI or component, regardless of source).

As time passes, the effect clearly diminishes to a nearly invisible level (but does not dissappear completely).

I have noticed the same effect on other lcd rptv's to varying degrees. What could cause this kind of pattern?

Thanks,

Mike Flynn

Originally posted by sleslie
I had my 60V600 calibrated and it took forever because of this. For one thing it took a lot of trial and error (i.e. a lot of on/off cycles) before the calibrator (a very well known calibrator who shall remain nameless) figured out that the TV had to be on an unused input and that he had to wait for the full cool down cycle. While adjusting the greyscale the he would take a reading from VE change to an unused input, turn off the tv, wait the two minutes, turn the tv back on in the SM, make a change, exit the service menu, switch to the DVD input, take another reading, switch to an unused input, turn off the tv, wait the two minutes, etc, etc.

Is this really how it has to be done? All this turning on and off can't be good for the TV. In fact its now about 2 months after the calibration and the TV's overtemp light went on last night, the picture went black and it won't come on. Service is coming tomorrow. I don't know if it is related but I wonder...

what happened with your service call? was it the lamp?

Originally posted by mike flynn
OK...I don't think I have seen a smudge or a crop circle because I don't know what they look like (and I don't see any link on the OP on this thread).

That said, I do see faint vertical bars, spaced about 1" apart, mostly visible in flat areas of colour (gray, blue skies, etc). This is NOT screen door effect, its a pattern of some kind (occurs via DVI or component, regardless of source).

As time passes, the effect clearly diminishes to a nearly invisible level (but does not dissappear completely).

I have noticed the same effect on other lcd rptv's to varying degrees. What could cause this kind of pattern?

Thanks,

Mike Flynn

Mike,

can you capture a dig pic of your problem and post it here? there were some pics of the smudges and crop circles, but they are probably in the original Hitho thread that got archived. smudges do not have color and we think are caused by screen separation. crop circles are circular not linear and usually have color and are caused by dust.

Originally posted by manpig
what happened with your service call? was it the lamp?

Not sure what the problem is but its more than the lamp. The tech came looked at the TV, pulled the lamp, tried turning it on and off and declared that it could only be troubleshot in the shop. The movers are coming tomorrow morning to take it in. My money is on a bad temp sensor but that is just a gut call.

Can anybody tell me if the way I described it is the only way to calibrate these TVs?

Originally posted by mike flynn
OK...I don't think I have seen a smudge or a crop circle because I don't know what they look like (and I don't see any link on the OP on this thread).

That said, I do see faint vertical bars, spaced about 1" apart, mostly visible in flat areas of colour (gray, blue skies, etc). This is NOT screen door effect, its a pattern of some kind (occurs via DVI or component, regardless of source).

As time passes, the effect clearly diminishes to a nearly invisible level (but does not dissappear completely).

I have noticed the same effect on other lcd rptv's to varying degrees. What could cause this kind of pattern?

Thanks,

Mike Flynn

Mike,

The physical screen is the culprit when we're discussing "smudges" - This seems to be caused by cooler climates, especially when the humidity is higher. This "smudgie" problem is not unique to Hitachi sets. In fact, quite a few manufacturers of LCD and DLP sets alike have had this problem.

The "crop circles" or "color blobs" as some people are calling them, are circular shaped patters that are usually about 1 to 3 inches in diameter, and usually either red, blue, or green. They aren't usually extremely bright either. Often times, it is easiest to see one on a "black" screen or blank input. As noted earlier, these are caused by small dust deposits which get on the LCD panels. You can tell which panel generally speaking, due to the color of the crop circle.

The vertical lines that you are describing, area phenomena that is common to most LCD sets to one varying degree or another. This is commonly referred to as "Vertical Banding." This vertical banding is supposed to be due to the variances in voltages applied to the vertical strip portions of the LCD panels. To some degree or another, this is often servicable or tweakable on SOME sets, but not all. If it can be tweaked, it is a service menu type of item. I'm not certain if it can be tweaked with the v500 sets or not, but I do know that if it can be tweaked, I don't know which parts would allow this to be done.

Originally posted by sleslie
Not sure what the problem is but its more than the lamp. The tech came looked at the TV, pulled the lamp, tried turning it on and off and declared that it could only be troubleshot in the shop. The movers are coming tomorrow morning to take it in. My money is on a bad temp sensor but that is just a gut call.

Can anybody tell me if the way I described it is the only way to calibrate these TVs?


Sleslie,

I have not had my set calibrated, so it would be difficult to say. I do know that you must have the TV in the "off" mode to be able to access the Service Menu. You can actually get into the SM by turning the set off, and then holding down the "Input" button on the front console and then pushing the Power button to turn on the set. The problem is, if you don't wait about two minutes from the time you power down the TV, until turning it back on in the SM mode, then the remote won't work. You need the remote control in order to navigate through and manipulate the SM settings. This does make it tedious I suppose, for the calibrator.

Now, from what I have observed, if you try to enter the service menu when you are on Input 1 and Input 1 is setup with the digital (DVI) input, you can not actually see the Service Menu. This does not mean that you are not in the SM mode. Simply use the remote and push the Input 2, 3, 4, or 5 button and you will switch to one of those inputs and you will see the Service Menu.

I noticed, for instance, that you pulled up test patterns from the Digital Video Essentials DVD on Input 2, and you were in the SM, that any changes that were made would be readily apparent or "live" as you made them.

Also, I noticed that if you had a source input via DVI on Input 1, and you switched to another input (like 2) while in the SM, that while you could not actually "see" the SM while on Input 1, you could "see" it on Input 2. Further more, if you used the remote to get to the SM item that you were adjusting, and then switched to Input 1, that when you used the remote to make adjustments (via the joystick) by moving up or down a click, or by holding down the joystick up or down (left or right for that matter) to move the values more dramaticly, that you could see the effect of the change "live" on Input 1, regardless of not being able to see the Service Menu while on Input 1 (via DVI). ---> I hope that this is making sense? If not, I'll try to put it into better words.

Now, I have a question for you... Having had your set calibrated, what did you think of the difference?

Also, did you take a look at the bulb, and could you tell if the bulb had possibly burned out? I do know that Hitachi did have some of the sets getting Temp sensors going bad, so your conclusion might not be far off. I hope it gets back to you soon.

Originally posted by Ten 99
Now, I have a question for you... Having had your set calibrated, what did you think of the difference?

Also, did you take a look at the bulb, and could you tell if the bulb had possibly burned out? I do know that Hitachi did have some of the sets getting Temp sensors going bad, so your conclusion might not be far off. I hope it gets back to you soon.

Ten 99,

Thanks for the response. Your explaination does make sense (though I have no idea why Hitachi would design it like that). Whenever we (the calibrator and I spent hours trying to figure out how to get into the SM and then how to make the adjustments) changed from the unused input to input 1 (which is the DVD player on DVI) we assumed we had been kicked out of the SM.

Did I see a difference after the calibration? Yes but it was not as dramatic as when I had my old Toshiba CRT RPTV calibrated (mind you that calibration included a complete convergance, electrical and manual focus as well as grey scale). I was surprised to learn that the overscan could not be reduced (I guess that is not an adjustment for LCD RPTVs). Mind you the only time I notice is on the DVE disc. Nor could the colour, tint, etc in the user menu be centered to a new default.

I haven't heard from the service place yet. When the tech came to the house he did pull the lamp and inspected it and it looked fine.

Well, my big red cloud is indeed getting worse and the CC guy has gotten authorization to replace the light engine. It will be 3-4 weeks to come in, I'll report back when it's done.

Well Mike I told you it would get worse

My saga still contiues regarding the RED BLOB....ok here is the latest....service techs came and installed a new Light Engine yesterday (not new but was a refurbished unit) after a month long wait. The LE did solve the Red issue but now the TV has another problem. When you go into the menu to change the Color Temp setting the only one that works is HIGH all other settings screen goes black. The service menu items were adjusted but made no difference. For the less advanced this means the Day/Night button on remote only works in the Day setting the night setting is a black screen

Well it turns out that Hitachi just told the techs they need to replace the Light Engine yet again and the techs are REQUESTING a new unit not a refurb or rebuilt LE. Has something to do with the part number that determines if you get a new or refurb LE

Hi Hit-hos of old,

Some might remember me from about a year ago when I first bought my 50v500. It was great fun to read the forum and post back then, and very informational.

Since that time, I've forgotten about talk of dead pixels, smudges, etc., and just have enjoyed the set - REALLY enjoyed the set! Upon seeing the Thanksgiving Day parade for the second time, I realized that I was past year one - then the worry began - so I'm back for help from the source - Hit-ho central!

Here's the problem - I enjoy this set so much that I really fret when I think that this set might suddenly go wrong. Just reading a few of the posts on this thread increase the worry. What to do?

Well, the store that I bought the set from recently called me and offered the extended warranty again. Here's the approximate cost:

1 Year $1xx
2 Year $3xx
3 Year $4xx
4 Year $5xx

What would you do in this situation? I am not worried about changing the bulb. In fact, I will buy a spare one very soon if I decide not to extend the warranty.

=RSVP,

I would do at least a 2 year warranty. Easy for me to say now that I have a $1000+ part on the way. But that really is the issue. There are lots of things that can go wrong and cost BIG BUCKS.

Compare it to an auto extended warrany. A big repair on a car could run a few grand, but that's still only a few % of the cost of the car new (or a replacement car). However, with these TV's, you could easily have a single repair that runs 50-70% of the cost of the TV new. With the cost of these TV's going down everyday, it really makes sense.

Hi Manpig,

What did you ever do re: your extended warranty? Did you buy it, and if so, for how long? I read back through the thread and didn't see a post.

(I was just thinking back to that old 'Manping' episode about a year ago - gave me a chuckle. :) )

Originally posted by Hedgehog_SBM
Hi Manpig,

What did you ever do re: your extended warranty?

Sup Hog,

Long time no see. Yeah, I ended up buying the EW thru CC. I bought the 4yr dealio for $509.43. I guess that would be the equivalent of an initial 5yr plan. It is the first time in my life I have ever paid for a warranty of any kind. It hurt like hell to do it, but I will give you my reasons why:

I had already had 3 or 4 service calls. It is my belief that the first production runs of the Hit set had some inherent problems that have since been rectified on the newer sets (hopefully).

I have the beginnings of the red cloud dealio. If you read this thread closely, then you would probably conclude as I did, that my LE is doomed.

When I initially bought my set I puchased DVE and did the home adjutment thingie that most of you others did. On the screen in DVE where you adjust your brightness, I had three bars showing on the left and the right and then adjusted per the DVE instructions. After getting my set worked on (new module), I went to re-adjust everything using DVE and noticed now that I only see one bar on the left and one on the right. The other two have disappeared. I thoroughly checked my dvd player and connections and concluded it is my tv. Something funky forsure. Mike Mufusick once posted that he thought that over time the LCD panels or something like that would weaken and not be as bright. Could he be right or is it just my set. I now wonder if any other long time Ho owners like me have ever gone back to re-adjust using DVE after a year or so and what they found? I thought about asking about it here, but not many old Hos are around anymore

Lastly, my wife was freakin out about the service calls. We have never owned anything that required this much attention. She was the one that really pushed me on the EW. It still sucks that it cost so much damn money. I still am not sure if it was a "right" call or not, because since buying it, I have read some horror stories about CC's EW plans and how well they don't do what they promise to do under the plan. :rolleyes:

There coming to take mine away ha ha, he he, ho ho...to the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time and I can see all those nice young men in there clean white clothes....there coming to take mine away ha ha!

Actually they came last week and took it to replace the light engine because of the red blob and change the smudgy screen. They are bringing it back tomorrow. We'll see.


Bruce

Bruce,

Can you elaborate a bit on your red blob? I don't think I was aware you had this problem. I know what you are referring to on the smudgy screen.
Thanks.

We be stylin' again :D :D :D

Hi Pig,

I got the red blob in September and decided to wait for colder weather (for the smudgies to come back) before calling in service so as to get both issues addressed at the same time.

The blob was a reddish/orange with an oval shaped spot on a third of the screen mostly on the right hand side. It was more intense (redder) in the center of the spot then gradually faded orange to the edges past the center, far left,right, & down etc. It really only effected the blacks. It was tolerable but getting worse over time. Greens from the football field were not to good either.

On Thanksgiving day no-less, with 15 people in the Theater watching football, the whole screen turned almost completely red. It was like taking the tint button and setting it all the way red 3 times over. I was able to get it watchable with massive tweaking, but it was time for action now.

I called for service and they came out the next day. (EW service contract was referenced through Hitachi...not CC or another retailer) The guy came and as soon as he saw it, said the light engine was gone and the screen was defective. A week later, after the parts were ordered and delivered. They picked it up and took it to their shop.

It came back this morning and after letting it sit for a couple of hours to warm up, she's purring like a kitten. The pic is as assume as ever again. They even tweaked the colors and settings from my originals. I think they have ISF'ers there. :D

Here are the costs:
Optical Engine: UX22201R 411.34
Screen: KR03131 544.89
Pick up and delivery: 100.00
Technical labor charge: 365.00

All covered by the EW.


Hope this helps,

Bruce

Thanks for the info Bruce. Sounds like you be a happy camper now. I am sitting here thinking about the importance of an EW on these new sets (not only Hit but Sony, Samsung, etc). It's really a shame in a way that these manufacturers are coming to market with basically an untested product. Because of this lack of quality control and pre-testing in order to rush their products to the marketplace, we as consumers are in a way forced to purchase these expensive EW's to make sure our puchase lasts more than a year. This kinda pisses me off.

Yes, Brude, good to hear your set is back to it's glorious self.

I, too, have been contemplating EW's. Actually, what I was wondering was how EW's handle multiple repairs for the same and/or different failures. I have high hopes that the red-blob LCD issues have been solved now that these sets have been on the market for 2+ years. However, what if Hitachi really is just now learning about the problem and I get another ill-fated light engine installed? Does that LE have a 1-yr warranty or is it covered under my EW?

Sigh. I hate having to worry about this stuff.

Mike,

As long as you are under warranty (either mfg or ew) your light engine is covered. Now, assume you have your light engine replaced on the last day of your manufacturer's warranty and you do not purchase or already have an EW, then the LE and the labor to replace it would be warranted by whoever did the replacement for about 30 days I believe.

Well here is another update....Hitachi support called me last night and said that thier tech people want to send out a NEW light engine and not a refurb unit like they did once before (see previous post about the 1st replacement LE) and wanted to make sure if that is ok with me.

DUH...no I want a refurb LE not a NEW unit, what a stupid question...unbelievable.

Anyways they are supposedly sending me a brand new LE overnight....will see though they promised this in the past and it took a month to get the refurb.

3 months -- 2 board replacements, set in shop 10 days, replaced LE with a refurb LE and 50V500 repair saga continues

Don't fret mgd...when your set is fixed, it will be fantastic. I know the heartache though.

Mike, my thinking is, if you have a problem, get it fixed regardless how many times it has to go back, I only waited for convenience sake.



Bruce

Has anyone experiences a picture "shift" with their 50V500s? I have noticed a faint "shadow" of the picture - about 1/4 inch shift - on the left side. It is more noticable when looking at stationary items, like the lines on a football field, and obviously more noticable when there is contrast, but I can also see it pretty much all the time. The input doesn't seem to matter. Any guidance in troubleshooting is greatly appreciated, or should I call the technicians while I'm still in warranty?

Thanks!

Ah! I did a little more research and discovered the "ghost" issue. I called Sears for service and they are coming in early January, still under warranty. I hope this takes care of my ghost. Great forum!
Regards -

Originally posted by ohstate
Has anyone experiences a picture "shift" with their 50V500s? I have noticed a faint "shadow" of the picture - about 1/4 inch shift - on the left side. It is more noticable when looking at stationary items, like the lines on a football field, and obviously more noticable when there is contrast, but I can also see it pretty much all the time. The input doesn't seem to matter. Any guidance in troubleshooting is greatly appreciated, or should I call the technicians while I'm still in warranty?

Thanks!

You might want to check the screen saver mode to make sure it is working properly. It is supposed to shift to prevent screen retention.

Bruce

On the multiple warranty repairs question, I guess I'm just paranoid. I think the CC extended warranty is a great deal considering the cost of repairs and the (apparent) frequency of repairs. It makes me think there has to be an 'out' for them. They don't do these warranty programs for our benefit, they do them to make money. I wonder if they have drastically miscalculated the liablilities with these sets.

Anyway, not worth worrying about now. I guess I was really just wondering if anyone else had gone down this path.

Hey Mike by second LE is suppose to be installed today and will be a new unit not a refurb.

Onto you question of EW....I was told by a supervisor at Hitachi Customer Relations that once you hit the EW time period (after 1 year) that you contact CC (in my case) to process the warranty repair but in fact it is still Hitachi that provides all of the support and repair parts. So in the long run Hitachi is still taking the hit.

From the CC side of things the couple of hundered bucks they make are really only needed to cover phone support personel that handle the claim as an interface between the customer and manufacturer.

So over all I would say they are making out very well on the EW purchase that is why all of the stores push EW's on every thing they sale. They would not do it if they were responsable to cover the repair costs.

After the first year, Hitachi does offer technical support to the warranty provider and they provide replacement parts, but they do so at a cost to the provider. Granted, the provider probably gets a better price for the parts than either you or I. The actual repair under a EW is done either by the staff of the EW provider, or they may subcontract the repair to the local Hitachi authorized repair service provider.

In CC's case, their warranty coverage under their EW is underwritten by an Insurance Company (at least I think I remember reading that). It's kind of like a local charity golf tournament, and they give away a new Lexus if you make a hole in one on a designated par 3. Generally, that kind of give away, is also underwritten by an insurance company to limit the liability of the potential loss. There is of course costs involved with this kind of underwriting but nothing close to what it would be if they had to buy you a new freekiin Lexus. Don't ask me why I am bothering to say all this.

I just recieved my copies of Avia & DVE along with my new SPG Audio Meter so once my new LE is installed I will be going through the motions of calibrating....will end up with Greg Loween ISFing it on his next visit more than likely but I like to learn.

Here is my question --- I have the service manual and know how to access the service menues and I know what some of the items are but does anyone now were I can get a more detailed list of service menu items...I.E -something like menu setting "XYZ" = this parameter = and does this to the picture

Hope this is a clear question as what I am looking for and I am sure this is a long shot if something like this even exists.

Yea! My new LE is in (about 90 min install) and my set looks great. Stuck in Star Wars DVD to give it a quick test and couldn't help myself - watched the whole thing. Space is once again nice and black across the entire screen! Happy Camper!

my cousin has this tv. just bought it at circuit city. He has a smudge on the screen about 3 inch circle. Also, looks like a horrible geometry issue as the lines on the left and right screen when showing a 4:3 image is bent.

Question, should we just return it to CC for a new one or call hitachi to come fix it. it's 1 week old.

YAHOOO....I agree with Mike, my new LE was isntalled yesterday and the pic is back to its old self...what a 3 month ordeal.

Gadget, I would take it right back to CC for another unit since he just bought it and it is with in the CC 30 day return policy...do not go the route of repair on a unit he just got.

Yep, return it. Better yet, make them come get it when they deliver your replacement! Don't want to take any unnecessary risks, and besides, they owe you for selling you a defective product. CC is very good, I wouldn't expect them to balk about free pickup/delivery for a return.

...Mike.

Hi Manpig, and others,

I'm appreciating these last posts. Thanks MP for your specific reply. Even though I have been one of the lucky people that have had no issues with the 50v500 (except early turn-on smudgies that I have completely forgotten about and never see), I enjoy this set so much that I'm actually afraid to lose it suddenly with little recourse.

Actually, my credit card company extends the warranty for my set for two years, but I expect that the service will be inferior to CC - may have to wait forever for a replacement. Also, I think it will take 2 or perhaps 3 years until these sets start to come down significantly in price (they are about the same now as when I bought 1+ year ago), so I think I need at least 2 or 3 years EW for peace of mind. I might go for the 4 year, Manpig, just to be sure. :)

Yeah, it's a decent amount of cash, but perhaps this is one of the rare cases in which an EW makes sense.

Hi,

Has anyone else here experienced the fan failing to shut off after the power goes off on the TV? This started happening to me a few months ago. When I turned off the power, the light would do it's blinking, and then the fan would just keep running. I had to shut the power off going to the TV to get it to stop, then turn the power strip back on the next day when I went to watch the TV again.

After about 2 weeks of this, it started shutting itself off automatically again. Well now it has started doing it again.

I'm just wondering if anyone else had this same issue, and if so what is required to get it fixed? I have a 5 year warranty but I don't want them to drag the set off for a month because otherwise it still works fine.

Issue: photo/memory card reader

So i bought my wife a generic memory card reader to use in the front of the tv. I inputed it and nothing happened. After reading the manual i noticed that there were two recommended readers.

Has anyone had any experience in using this feature, and could recommend which compact flash card reader to get? Or if any reader should work?

I just got a generic one, but it is finicky with the files. IIRC it has to be FAT formatted, and it has trouble with certain resolutions.

David

Originally posted by BigBlueBong

Has anyone had any experience in using this feature, and could recommend which compact flash card reader to get? Or if any reader should work?

I have the Dazzle 4-in-1 reader and have used it (once) with my Sony Memory Sticks. I was really disappointed in the resolution. I have a 5Mpix camera and I thought the best way to view the pictures would be directly from the sticks like this, but they are really poor. Comparable to a VGA type input. I have much better results burning them to a DVD as a slide show or iMovie. (Mac's RULE!!) :D If I want to view them instantaneously, I just plug the camera in.

To answer your original question, though, the Dazzle 4-in-1 works with the V500 sets.

...Mike.

Thanks to those who posted about the red bob on black screen.
I recenly noticed this too. Look like i will call the ole' CC again for a service call.
Here's to my EW!!!

I have had my 50V500 for about 4 months and just recently moved. Now I am seeing smudges on both the left and right sides of the screen. They go away after about an hour or so. I called service and they are coming out next week. Are smudges definetly a result of a screen problem. Is screen replacement the simple and easy solution. I plan on letting the tech know what the solution appears to be. This sucks but, hopefully it is an easy fix.

Originally posted by jchas41
I have had my 50V500 for about 4 months and just recently moved. Now I am seeing smudges on both the left and right sides of the screen. They go away after about an hour or so. I called service and they are coming out next week. Are smudges definetly a result of a screen problem. Is screen replacement the simple and easy solution. I plan on letting the tech know what the solution appears to be. This sucks but, hopefully it is an easy fix.

Yes to all your questions.

Originally posted by Crazy MB
Thanks to those who posted about the red bob on black screen.
I recenly noticed this too. Look like i will call the ole' CC again for a service call.
Here's to my EW!!!

Do you have the red blob or the red glow thingie? Any pics?

I have the red glow that is centered in the middle of the screen and expands outward encompasing about 60% of the screen. It is really only noticable on very dark scenes. It seems to be getting worse and not better but the changes are very gradual. I plan on waiting a bit before doing a service call because if it is indeed a light engine replacement problem, I want to make damn sure all the bugs are worked out of the light engines that they are using to replace the current defective ones.

i just got a light engine replacement last week due to the blue/green halo's in the left of my screen. picture looks awesome again and none of my settings were lost. so if you have the EW and are thinking of replacing the engine, just do it. You can always throw it down a flight of stairs if it still sux.

So I was just reviewing the cnet review again and realized that this tv can only display up to 720p. What kind of settings do the rest of you use b/c i'd just been putting everything on 1080i?

Should i be using 720? Is there an upside/downside to using 1080i? Should i just go w/ what i think looks best? Anyone?

Originally posted by manpig
Do you have the red blob or the red glow thingie? Any pics?

I have the red glow that is centered in the middle of the screen and expands outward encompasing about 60% of the screen. It is really only noticable on very dark scenes. It seems to be getting worse and not better but the changes are very gradual. I plan on waiting a bit before doing a service call because if it is indeed a light engine replacement problem, I want to make damn sure all the bugs are worked out of the light engines that they are using to replace the current defective ones.

This time it is the red blob. I had the red hue thingy about 2 months ago, and that was fixed via your posts here that it can be fixed in the service menu as opposed to a LE replacement.
I have only recently noticed the red blob, and so far only notice it in the 1-2 second black screen between program and commercials sometimes.
it has yet to become a nusance to my viewing yet.
I plan on waiting until it is more noticeabl to call service.

Bong, I just set my STB to show Native which means anything coming in at 720 shows at 720 and anything coming in at 1080 shows at 1080. I really don't think it is noticable one way or the other. I would just go with whichever you like.

Crazy: This Blob you now have, how big is it? Is it constant color throughout or darker in the center? It sounds like you have what I have but mine is more like a circular red haze rather than a blob. lmao.

Originally posted by manpig
Bong, I just set my STB to show Native which means anything coming in at 720 shows at 720 and anything coming in at 1080 shows at 1080. I really don't think it is noticable one way or the other. I would just go with whichever you like.

Which STB do you have? I don't think the moto 6200 that comcast gave me has that option. I wish it did....

FWIW, I really like the native 720p pic better than the 1080i on the 50v500. Especially when viewing video based material, like sports. Film based 1080i is grainy imo.

Bruce

Originally posted by manpig
mine is more like a circular red haze rather than a blob.

Haze is probably a better description of this problem. There are a few pictures posted on page 21 of this thread.

Originally posted by JakiChan
Which STB do you have? I don't think the moto 6200 that comcast gave me has that option. I wish it did....

LG ST-3100A (I think)

Hey guys,

Its been awhile, been busy bla bla...

My Parents 50v500 has the smudge issues and seems to be getting worse. The TV is still within the 1 year warranty period and I called for service. They came out and looked and recomended a screen replacement and said they would call back when its in.

They called me back and said Hitachi Rejected the replacement because the screens only have a 30 day warranty. I called Hitachi and opened a case which they are looking into. They called me back today and said the screens only have a 30 day warranty. I explained how I am suprised this issue is not known to them as alot of owners have this problem and asked to speak to a manager who told me the same thing.

Of course he said there are no known issues and he doesnt know where I am getting my info. He wouldn't give me an email address so I could send him pictures of the Problem!!! I explained its difficult to explain a visual problem through the phone and he said he would call the service center for more info. I offered to send him links to over 600 posts of problems with this TV but he brushed me off.

I thought sometime back there was some kind of service TSB that was known to hitachi for this issue?

If anyone has any Info that could help me I would really appriciete it. Especially if they have ticket numbers I could reference for this being repaired.

I can't tell you how pissed off I am about this. I have spent near $6000 dollars on 2 Hitachi TVs and am responsible for 4 other sales. If this is the BS that I can expect it will be my last Hitachi. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Aren't the provisions of the warranty located in the owner's manual? If so, does it state there that the screens are only warranted for 30 days? I don't ever recall seeing that if it does.

If it does not, then this is total bullcrap. You should sue them in small claims court. Once the suit is brought, I would venture that they would crater.

Even if it is, then you might make the case that this is a product defect and should be fixed anyway. It seems like most all of us early adopters of this set have the smudge issue to some respect. It also seems to me that a lot of Ho's reported getting screen replacements here and I would venture a guess that most all occurred after the first 30 days. Getting ticket numbers is a good idea. Throw it in their cheapass faces and say what about this you lyin sacks.

TTA89

I had to deal with the Red Blob issue on the screen and Hitachi replaced 2 boards and my entire Light engine assemby twice.

As for the warranty I think everything is covered for one year then your extended warranty kicks in. How old is the set ?

Did they get the EW ?

I would also go back to the store and address this with them.

Bottom line is Hitachi knows of the two common problems Smudges and Red Glow and should fix them both no questions asked

TTA89,

Hope you got the EW man....already replaced my light engine after 2 months....you may be screwed otherwise!

No EW but its still within the first year so its under the mfg warranty.

The service center is totally on my side and wants to replace the screen. Its Hitachi thats saying No.

I have talked to 4 people that have never heard of the smudge issue. Does anyone have a contact that I can refer these guys too?

I bought my Hit in early Feb on 04 and had the screen replaced because of the smudges in May 04. I had no issues with warranty work and that was definately after 30 days. I doubt the warranty particulars are drastically different in Canada and the US. I don't have any work order numbers to give you, my tech would have all that info.

PS Hit Canada also told me it was a known issue. The screen I got was thinner than the original and the rep told me there was a new manufacturing technique to correct this issue. Hence, I conclude it is a well known issue to Hit Canada, and but defaut would assume Hit US.

I checked the US warranty provisions this a.m. and it does specify 30 days on the screen. wtf? does this mean they knew in advance the screen was gonna suck or what? 90 days on the lamp which didn't seem out of line but to warrant the screen for just 30 days seems mighty suspicious.

ratbastards!

Do I even dare ask how much a screen replacement is?

Wonder how the EW handles that?

Originally posted by TTA89
Do I even dare ask how much a screen replacement is?

Wonder how the EW handles that?

Two good questions. I started a new thread on the EW covering it or not so hopefully we can get some responses. Can you call your service guy that you have been working with and ask the price of the replacement?
I would like to know as well.

Originally posted by TTA89
Do I even dare ask how much a screen replacement is?

Wonder how the EW handles that?

TTA89, I had my screen replaced last month on the EW no questions asked. It was done by Tops Electronics in Haverill. Check out post 652, 654 on the v500 issue thread. I bought this EW through Satifusion (it came in the mail to let me know the oem was up).

Pig...what is the title (or link) to that EW thread?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=496026

Thanks :D ...man your fast:p

That's what my wife said last nite.

This set was bought through CC. I called them and asked about the Extended Warranty. They said I have till May 12th to purchase it even though the TV was purchased Jan 12th 2004. This service call was put in after Christmas.

If the EW covers it then I'll just tell Hitachi to FO when they call back and get the warranty and call back in a month.

We'll see what they say when they call back next week. I am responsible for 7 V500 sales. After this BS I think thats it from me.

How are the Samsungs doing these days? Time to try DLP?

Anyone wanna buy a year old 50v500 for cheap? Slight smudge issue, goes away after 30-40 min. :rolleyes:

buy the warranty and you will be fine

i agree, buy the warranty. The screen is probably not that costly, but the light engine sure is, and there are a couple of known issues with them.

Screen# KR03131, $544.89. Sorry, don't know who the manufacture is.

This is the price of the screen my repair company charged under the EW.

Anybody had a service call for the faint verticle line problem described earlier in this thread?

I have a brand new light engine, and my red cloud is gone, but now I'm seeing very faint verticle lines/shadows, especially when the camera is panning across a fairly solid-colored background. Very annoying, like looking through an old screen-door.

I haven't gone through the DVE since the LE replacement, but plan to soon.

Any thoughts?
...Mike.

Hiatchi just called and said they have decided to replace the screen under Warranty. I told them all I wanted was the same service everyone else was getting.

Guess I'll be getting the EW soon as well.

I'm glad to read that some others are seeing the same things that I am. Like MikeLW before me, I'm seeing faint vertical bands against lighter backgrounds. In lighter scenes (especially on scenes heavy with dust and smoke, light blues, sand colors, or blurred backgrounds) alternating faint vertical light and dark bars are apparent. I guess I would describe the lighter bands as the clarity and brigthness you'd expect from the tv unimpeded by any visual distortions. The darker bands seem as if some of the vibrance has been toned down. They cover the entire screen, but are more noticable as you near the edges. I would estimate the light bars are approximately 1/2" wide and the darker bars are 1/8" in width. They are visible on every input.

They become especially noticable with horizontal panning. But they're most noticable effect is making things look "jagged" where there should be smooth transitions, such as in faces and other things where you expect fine details, but which inevitably pass at different angles through these bands.

I've only found at least one related thread here discussing the topic that mentions something about uneven voltage applied to the LCD (board won't let me post the link but its threadid=42217 title "DLP Rainbows? LCD burn in?").

I can't accept that this is a natural property of an LCD television, as I don't see the same thing on floor models at retail stores on sets that I assume have more hours than mine. And I certainly don't like seeing even tiny faint bars in my HDTV content.

Has anyone with this problem had a service call? If so, what was replaced and why?

Thanks for your time!

For those who haven't seen it, take a look here if you want to find out more about your set;

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=506967

I looked over videobruces's extremely thorough thread. WOW!

I wonder if the bulletin referring to dust might apply to the red cloud issue.

Yes, manpig, I am now seeing the red cloud. (no comments about bean-bag chairs).

Yo Fax, have you noticed that when viewing porn, that the white women now look like they been at the beach with no sunscreen or what?

Ditto what you said about Videobruce and his thread dealio.

I don't think the red cloud is dust. JMHFUO

Hehe, now that's funny. On a related note, has anyone had trouble calibrating their picture to get the green out of people's blonde hair? I used DVE and I still can't get all the green fringe out and achieve a nice rich blonde yet. If I make the hair color warmer, it just reddens flesh tones too much.

Projected through dust..........can you say crop circle.

Hats off to videobruce for posting the best info I've seen about the v500 series. Thanks!!!

I'm just surprised of the low d/l's of the attachments.
I thought these were more popular sets.

I apologize in advance if this has already been covered in this thread.

MY Hitachi has the infamous red cloud issue (do all the sets have this problem). The tech was out last week and indicated that the Light Engine would need to be replaced (it is now on order I guess). My concern is the number of posts from people who have had the Light Engine replaced multiple times.

I was hoping that the red cloud was just a random defect but now I am not so sure. I would like some assurance that once replaced that the problem will not return, although it appears that I will get no such assurance. Has anyone had a Light Engine longer than a year that does not fail?

I bought the set at CC and purchased the extended warranty. I never buy these things but they told me that the warranty would cover the bulb and if they replaced even one of those it would almost cover the cost of the warranty. Thank God for that, otherwise I would not have the warranty and a huge repair bill to boot!

Anyway, I digress. I am curious if this defect is some kind of a design issue do I have any recourse to return the set and exchange it for some other brand? I have had the set a little over a year and am not happy with the prospect of replacing the Light Engine every year, especially after the warranty has expired. :-(

Does this red cloud problem only afflict a certain batch of production units, or all of them will eventually fail in this manner?

I thought I would post a note to let you know that my 50V500 has been without problems for almost 18 months. (knock on wood) Last winter I did have a few small smudges which cleared up within 20-30 minutes of warm up but I haven't noticed them this winter. Early on I did have an ISF tech come in mainly to adjust the color balance which seemed to improve the purity of the whites. I bought my set on the recommendation of a friend in LA who is in the video compression industry. Back then he found the V500 to have a very good lens. Clearly there are some issues with these sets and I too have an extended warranty with Sears but I believe I'm with a majority of owners whose sets have been essentially trouble free.

You can include me in the "Red Cloud" group. My set's in the shop now awaiting a new light engine. The set's exactly one year old. The attached photo was sent to Hitachi at their request.

If I didn't purchase an extended warranty, can I get one after the fact (maybe through a 3rd party?)? Been about 6 months so far, no problems yet, but all these posts worry me.

Originally posted by zaza4
You can include me in the "Red Cloud" group. My set's in the shop now awaiting a new light engine. The set's exactly one year old. The attached photo was sent to Hitachi at their request.

WOW! Although similarly patterned, my cloud is no where near that visible. (I don't even think my wife has noticed it yet).

Did you enhance it somehow to make it more visible?

Digital cameras seem to be more sensitive to the red cloud than the human eye. Mine wasn't nearly that noticable, but the pictures made it look REALLY bad.


Anybody have more information on the verticle banding issue?

Faxman,
MikewL is right. The digital camera does seem to emphasize the red cloud effect but it was getting increasingly worse over time. The cloud initially was only visible on completely "black" screens but was becoming more and more visible during programming with dark scenes. After reading about other people's sets having the same problem, I decided to act because my one year warranty was about to expire. If you're starting to see a red cloud in the center of dark screens be prepared because it does get worse over time.

Hmmmmm, count me in among the red cloud group. I see it too,.

Back to vertical banding. A previous post, or perhaps the thread with the service manual scans, mentioned that the Hitachi service tech came out and minimized it through the service menu. My question is this - if you have an extended warranty through a third party (for example, Sears) who uses their own technicians, are they knowledgable about the service menus or are they just hack'n'slash parts replacers? And will they pony up for a Hitachi service tech before they drop 1k on a light engine?

although I might post this in a separate thread...when the TV is 4:3 mode, there are grey bars on the sides. I assume this is because they didn't change this from the normal projection TVs (to help prevent burn in.) However, since it is an LCD projection TV, they don't need to have that. There is a setting where you can change the grey bars to black, but as soon as you shut off the TV and turn it back on, they change back to grey. Has anyone found a way to keep them black permanently???(with a firmware update or something like that.)

I believe that is one of the hangups people have with these sets. I use my cable box to make the side bars, and it keeps them black. Sorry.

Originally posted by locojones
Hmmmmm, count me in among the red cloud group. I see it too,.

Back to vertical banding. A previous post, or perhaps the thread with the service manual scans, mentioned that the Hitachi service tech came out and minimized it through the service menu. My question is this - if you have an extended warranty through a third party (for example, Sears) who uses their own technicians, are they knowledgable about the service menus or are they just hack'n'slash parts replacers? And will they pony up for a Hitachi service tech before they drop 1k on a light engine?

so i had a CC service guy come take a look at the lines on the tv and he played w/ the ghosting and a few other things in the service manual, but he said that it's the screen itself that has the lines.....that it's not a perfect peice of fabric or whatever......that's pretty wack if you ask me. but if you turn down the brightness a little and try to sit as far back as possible, they're not really noticeable......only really notice them when panning across a blue sky.....so tolerable, but not really......

I to can see the faint red push on start up and shut down..funny thing is, on plain dark images, it looks normal, no red push and it red doesn't bleed into my image at all. Even on the wipe screen it still looks normal. My set is one year old at the end of this month (I have another 3 years on the extended warranty however). Are some of you guys seeing this red push on the image itself? I think my sets image acutally looks much better now than when I first bought the unit...

I have a Hitachi 50V500 RP LCD HDTV. I have Time Warner digital cable, and use a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD DVR. My problem is I cannot figure out how to get Hitachi's picture-in-picture (PIP) function to work properly.

I can use the Time Warner DVR remote to get its own PIP function to work correctly. The problem is that it only allows a small square PIP box in one of the four corners of the TV. I'd much rather use Hitachi's PIP feature so I can watch split screen PIP.

When I try to use Hitachi's PIP feature, I am only successful in getting a split screen of the same channel. For example, I'll get two identical ESPN feeds split in half. When I try to change the channel on the PIP feed it either changes both channels together, i.e. from two ESPN split feeds to two HBO split feeds or it changes the PIP feed to the Antenna feed, rather than digital cable, giving me half a screen of nothingness. What gives?

Shouldn't I be able to watch two separate digital cable channels simulatenously using Hitachi's split screen PIP feature since my TV has a dual tuner? Is it a connection problem? Do I need to split my feed? Or is it a programming problem (i.e. I need to set something up so attempting to change the PIP channel doesn't swich me from a digital cable signal to a useless Antenna signal)? Any advice is appreciated!

dude, go read the manual for the hitachi......it says that if you have a digital/hd signal coming in to one of the tuners then it will only do split screen, not PIP. if you want true PIP on the hitachi your sources must be analog....but go read the manual for more info.

Originally posted by BigBlueBong
dude, go read the manual for the hitachi......it says that if you have a digital/hd signal coming in to one of the tuners then it will only do split screen, not PIP. if you want true PIP on the hitachi your sources must be analog....but go read the manual for more info.

I guess I'm confused. What I'm looking for is to get a split screen with two different channels (e.g. so I can watch two different sporting events simultaneously). I thought this was a type of picture-in-picture. Perhaps I'm getting my terminology wrong. Does picture-in-picture only encompass a small box superimposed on the background channel?

In any event, I simply want to know how I can achieve a split screen with two different channels. My current problem is that the split screen displays two identical channels and when trying to change one of them they either both change together to the same new channel or one of the split pictures picks up an Antenna feed which shows nothing but black and white snow.

Basically, I'd like some advice in properly configuing my 50V500 to allow me to watch two different channels on the split screen using my Time Warner digital HD feed. Do I need a splitter or something? Do I need to wire my system differently? And ideas?

I have the 8000HD, but otherwise the same hardware that you do. Try this:

First, when you get the split screen up, one side should be outlined in green. That is the active side (audio is for it). Hit one of your other inputs on the Hitachi (ANT if you want to watch another channel). You should now see 2 different channels.

Of course, you have to have your cable split prior to your cable box so that your TV can tune the channels, and this will only get you the analog channels. The digital ones will have to come through the box. I don't think my cable box has dual outputs (one for each digital tuner in the box), but then the 8300 might.

hope that helps.

Originally posted by MikewL
I have the 8000HD, but otherwise the same hardware that you do. Try this:

First, when you get the split screen up, one side should be outlined in green. That is the active side (audio is for it). Hit one of your other inputs on the Hitachi (ANT if you want to watch another channel). You should now see 2 different channels.

Of course, you have to have your cable split prior to your cable box so that your TV can tune the channels, and this will only get you the analog channels. The digital ones will have to come through the box. I don't think my cable box has dual outputs (one for each digital tuner in the box), but then the 8300 might.

hope that helps.

It does. Thank you!

If I understand correctly, I need to buy a cable splitter, routing one coaxial cable from that splitter into the 8300HD DVR and the other into the antenna (cable in) input of the TV.

Does this degrade my cable signal overall?

Any recommendations as to top quality cable splitters?

And when you say I will only get analog channels, I assume this means I can only use the split screen function to watch channels 1-120 (give or take a few). Correct?

yeah, you will only get the basic cable channels through the antenna, and yes, they will look crappy......

if you're going to split a line....call your cable company!!! i made the mistake of buying a radiocrap splitter and it totally f'ed up my signal.....just call the customer service and tell them you need to add a line.....it'll be worth the trouble! trust me.

yea, I agree, let the cable company split it for you. And yes, the PQ when using the TV tuner is not great, but when using split-screen, the picture is smaller and the poor quality is not as easily noticed. I don't think it's from the splitter, but more from the tuner. If you have lots of splitters in your house, you may need to get an amplifier (again, from the cable company).

One other thing: There are 2 ANT inputs on the TV. If I remember correctly, 1 of them is accessible by both TV tuners, and the other is only accessible by one of the TV tuners. I don't remember which to use for this situation, but if you still have problems, swith it.

BigBlueBong and MikewL: Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

Are the crop circles and smudges still an issue on the 710's / 715's? Are there any opinions if I should get a 50v500 or 42v715 at about the same price? I prefer DVI, not worried about HD Tuner. I was just wondering if newer ones still have these issues.

My Hitachi 50V500 is exactly 33 days old. Everything was great until today. Today when I turned my TV on, I noticed that every channel has a horrible reddish/pinkish tint. I tried adjusting the display settings, and nothing will make the reddish/pinkish hue go away. Not even resetting all video settings.

Does anybody have an idea why my tint went haywire all of a sudden. I don't think this is the same thing that other posters have described as a "red cloud", but I could be wrong. Any ideas as to how I might fix the problem?

Search this thread for "pink" and you'll get lot's of answers.

I just got my set back from the repair facility with a new light engine. The red cloud is gone. But now there is a very faint white triangle at the bottom of the screen. It's about 5 inches tall by 3 inches at the base. It is noticeable on a dark screen but cannot be seen on a lit screen. When I first saw it I thought it was dust on the outside of the screen. I believe it may be some type of internal reflection. The service tech is coming this Saturday to have a look.

Hi guys/gals!
Been a while since I have been out here. I was an early adopter of the 50v500a back in Feb/04. I have really enjoyed the set for the most part, but alas, my TV has succumbed to the dreaded 'redblobitis" aka red hue.

I have had much success with hooking it up to my PC and playing games, surfing, watching some slideshows etc... really been fun and entertaining.
My red blob started about 2-3 months ago, but didn't take action on it until last week. I came back here to see what has happened since last summer and what do you know? I come across many, many threads of what HItachi claims is not a common defect..... YA RIGHT! They need a serious customer relations overhual, tell you that.

Anyways, technician arrives here Thursday of this week to take a look.
I am going to just let him do his thing. I am NOT going to let him know how much I know about this issue, but I will pry and ask certain questions, looking for some answers. Strategy is my game here. See what I can find out. Probably nothing, but what the heck. Being here in Canada, I am curious to see what else we can find out about this. I know one or 2 in here from Canada have had the problem too.
In case anyone is wondering, I did opt for a 5 year extended warranty from my place of purchase, so I should be ok. I will definitely ask about my screen warranty, I am curious on that. I also will ask for a complete workup of the visit and assessment, and subsequent action to be taken. I'm gonna be nosey too. LOL. Of course, not overdoing it.... :-)

I work in IT and I can say with certainty that there are most certainly issues and defects in items that the public is unaware of, for obvious reasons as you can imagine.

If anyone has any suggestions/comments, let me know. I will incorporate them accordingly.
Again, I may get absolutely nowhere in finding out anything other than what we already know out here, but if you don't buy a ticket, you can't win right?

Nice to see some oldtime HO's out here again too. And Hi to all the new ones of course as well.
By the way, I suffer from NO crop circles or anything of the sort, but I suspect that is directly due to the fact that my apartment is always way too freakin' hot! NEVER cold at all!
By the way, being used to customer service and the importance/possible detrimental effect it 'CAN' have on a company, given certain circumstances With that said: Pressure should be the main goal for this one. Need to go high up the chain and need to provide documentation to backup any hypothesis/claim we have. Time and time again, I see they
have shut down what has been clearly brought to their attention and cannot be reasonably ignored. Need to find the right person/people/group/entity that will embrace and make a valiant attempt to bring this to the forefront of those who choose ignorant bliss over an opportunity to rectify a very apparent and clearly documented set of recurring issues.
But then again, maybe due to lack of sleep last night, I am dreaming up an idealistic view to it that would go no farther than this rant. :-) LOLOL

Lemme know what you think.

P.S for all of you who are experiencing issues other than the red hue/blob, I don't mean to only focus this rant on the red issue... It would be very nice and also only RIGHT to NOT have to see people PAY for an issue that HITACHI is UNWILLING to own up to.
Someone said it better though......... DIRTY RAT BASTARDS! ;-)

If anyone from Hitachi should read this, I make a recommendation that you GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER! I am sure more than one survey has been done on the importance of word of mouth to a company's corporate and public image! I think you know the results...

Hello all. I am new to this forum as I just encountered a problem with my 50V500. I have had it for about a year and I just now received the wonderful "smudges". I called Hitachi and complained about this and they told me that this is the first time that they had ever heard of this problem. I informed him that I had done a lot of research on the internet regarding this issue and that is was apparent that many people expeirenced the same problems. He said he doesn't want to trust the internet but rather customer response. Long story short, they said that my unit was no longer under warranty (even though it is a manufacturing probelm from what I read). Does anyone know which screen I should order so I get the newest version that takes care of this problem from ever happening again. I don't want to spend 500 on screen to have it happen again in anouther year. Thanks for any input including where to get it.

dude, go back and search the thread.....it's in here somewhere.....and it's only 35 pages, as oppossed to 200 like some others......

guys, I have an approtunity to get a v500 at Sears for only $1800, catch is its the floor model and the rep said that its at leat 6 months old. If I go in there and give it a good run through looking for these problems, and if I dont notice anything. Wouldnt that be pretty good

go for it man.....just the the extended warranty and if the bulb goes out tomorrow you're covered! set'll cost you 500+ more in the box.....

Well, the repair man came last thursday as I mentioned, but I wasn't able to ask or get hardly any info out of him........... NOT because he refused to tell me or was apprehensive about giving any info out, BUT because he was a moron!
This guy was clueless! AND couldn't care less.
All he did was take the back cover off the tv and look inside with a flashlight a little. He powered it on and looked at the problem a little also of course. I asked him a few questions like: How many service calls he has had to go on for these sets/types of sets, answer: hardly any.
He even carried on a conversation on the phone with his wife while I watched him work on it! lol
Anways, he deduced the following wisdom:
"Since there can be nothing else causing the problem, we will replace the light engine" haha
I mentioned to him near the end of his 20 minute visit that I had 'heard' that this 'may' be a problem with the imaging unit or 'something to that effect'...... He then told me 5 minutes later they will pick it up next week and have a closer 'Study' of the TV at the repair facility and 'probably' replace the light engine.

That is it guys/gals. I shall wait to see what happens...
Oh, and by the way, the place of purchase (along with extended warranty) is a reputable company here in Canada. I don't suspect all their repair persons who make onsite visits are as 'unprofessional' as he was.

did anyone buy their TV from Sears? I was wondering how good they are in supporting their extended warranties......I had some severe issues with how they rang up my warranty....but now it seems to be ok..but my TV has some repair issues. .however, I see Hitachi came out with a new model of this TV and was wondering if Sears ever replaces the TV with the newer version?

How do you check the "bulb" hours on a 60V500? I assume you have to get into the SM to find the hours. To get there I think it's- select an unused input- turn off tv and wait for it to cool down- hold input button down on front of TV while pushing the pwr on button. does this get me into the SM? If so, where does one go from there? Any help would be appreciated... Thanks, Gerry
ps: what is the average hours a bulb is good for? My set is 1 year old and I would like to have an idea of where I stand...

Interesting question on the bulb. Could an aging bulb be the culprit for behavior like red blob and vertical banding?

I doubt the bulb affects red blob or vertical banding. A new LE includes a bulb, and mine has shown the banding ever since it was replaced.

Bump- Anyone have a answer to post #746? Thanks, Gerry

you can enter the service menu and look around....i watched the service guy...it's not so intimidating.......just don't start making any changes!!!!