Bob, do I need to order a new cable since I will eventually run this behind the wall (the cables I currently have are only 6 feet). I would really like to know if flickering is reduced/minimized using one hookup over the next.
Who-Dey,
How did your tests go? Running low voltage cables in walls can require certain jackets (coating) to meet safety codes. I think the code is CL2. Measure the distance you need and add 2feet.

Got my HMDI cable. Tested s-video, component and hmdi with a 1081i signal from my comcast HD STB. ==> No flicker. 42HDS52

If anyone wants to trade their 42 or 55 HDT52 or HDX52 plasmas with me for further testing, I'd be happy to oblige. ;)

So I've sorted through this entire thread without seeing anyone that has commented on my particular issue.

I purchased the hdf52 from CC in August of 05'. Being my first plasma, I was very careful to set the tv up as well as I could with Avia, and Video Essentials to avoid any burning or other problems. From the very beginning I always noticed ghosting of images or image retention. Example:Say I watch a widescreen movie with black bars. After the movie is over I can see the bars for about 20-30 minutes after the movie. Also with logos or other static images, they tend to linger. Its so bad that when I adjust the brightness or contrast, the bright white graphic is visible for almost ten minutes after the image times out. I thought that maybe the tv needed a break in stage and it would eventually get better. Wrong!

So since I was well out of my warranty from CC, I turned to Hitachi for help. They sent some local guy out who looked at my display, turned the brightness to 10 and the contrast to 12 and said "there you go man its fixed." As you guys can guess, I was a little more than peeved at the whole exchange, and the fact that I couldn't even see my freakin picture! So long story short, a new tech came out an replaced the main board upon request from Hitachi. Still no dice. This was last week, and I've scheduled another tech to come out Wednesday, but not after the lead guy told me that these symptoms were normal for plasma displays, and I was being too picky.

My thoughts are that I received a bad display, and no matter what they do its going to be funky. Its not a subtle problem. It doesn't even pass the W.A.F. test, and you all know how bad that is.

Any thoughts/ suggestions here guys?

Press menu,video, and scroll down until you find color management. Press it and it should show you the options for color adjustments.

I have an 42HDT52 which I bought here in Calgary and there is no color management in the video menu. Maybe there is a difference berween the models for the east and the west. Thank you anyway.

jbh613,

Sorry to hear of your woes. I have not seen any retention or ghosting issues on my s52. That will happen when my boy starts playing video games on the thing.
Is your warranty up? Look through your CC info as well to see if you can get some love there.

May the force be with you.

i have the 42HDT52A my only complaint thus far is when shows such as Corwins quest and other nature shows i noticed that in some scenes the greens flicker such as the bushes in the scene but nothin else mostly it happens to greens but the grass and other things are fine occasionally ill see it in a tree its hard to explain but its kinda annoying.another example was Sunrise Earth they had a shot of yellowstone park overlookin the trees the close up trees had the flicker but the trees in a far didnt.the noise reduction gets rid of most of it but it takes alot of the detail in the trees and blurs it so thats not really an option...anyone else had this problem??

Thought I would join the fun.

Today I added a 55HDT52 to the family. It replaced a Toshiba 56MX195 that I loved, but it was slightly too deep for the location. Since my dad was in the market, I got him to buy the 2 month old Toshiba from me and I got the Hitachi.

This is my second Hitachi as I have a 57S500 in my basement and have been very happy with it.

The plasma was heavier than I thought, but it is securely mounted and looks great. The Wake/NC State game was on ESPN and it was stunning. Looked even better than the Toshiba did.

So, as for now its all good. Pretty high WAF also. :)

I had the 42" Hitachi, but upgraded to the 55"....needed to go bigger. I also saw the flickering edges on small stuff like leaves and such in HD on the 42" The 55" does not show that, and in fact is a bit softer than the 42" was. I would expect that is the difference in 1080i vs. the 55''s 720p. I liked the crispness of the 42" a bit better, but also like the softer edges of the 55....a trade I'm still glad I made.

I had the 42" Hitachi, but upgraded to the 55"....needed to go bigger. I also saw the flickering edges on small stuff like leaves and such in HD on the 42" The 55" does not show that, and in fact is a bit softer than the 42" was. I would expect that is the difference in 1080i vs. the 55''s 720p. I liked the crispness of the 42" a bit better, but also like the softer edges of the 55....a trade I'm still glad I made.
good im not crazy now i just need to find out what to do about it

I have had my new 42HDTa for 2 weeks now. Cant see any flickering in my set and I know why. At the store there was a returned model that was supposedly flickering. They had it as the display model. We played Godfather 2 as suggested earlier. I did not see the flicker. In discussion with the manager, we both agreed that this forum will have its share of true videophiles who are very demanding and critical and so they may indeed be noticing the flickers.
To the average joe or even above average joe - I could not see it and I was looking very closely and really trying to see it.
Also, I own a Panny plasma which has always come out in the ratings and the 42HDT supposedly has weaker blacks blah blah blah. Well I have them side by side right now and I really cant see a difference in the black levels (both sets are properly calibrated). Infact I think the picture of the hitachi is just slightly better - looks more smooth.

The pixeling edges are different from the black flicker issue. My 42" didn't do it, and the 55" came with the most recent software. It is pretty fair with the blacks.

new firmware for the 42HDT52A The new version is V0102.0001 ..my tv was made in february and had firmware V0101.0002...HOPEFULLY THIS FIXES THE BUGS IVE EXPERIENCED sorry bout the caps

new firmware for the 42HDT52A The new version is V0102.0001 ..my tv was made in february and had firmware V0101.0002...HOPEFULLY THIS FIXES THE BUGS IVE EXPERIENCED sorry bout the caps

Keep us posted with how the firmware is working for you. Although I don't have a flicker problem, I am interested in the fix just in case I need it in the future.

Do we need to call Hitachi to get the firmware disk sent to us to upgrade? Can it be downloaded from somewhere and then saved onto a disk........?

If the 52's are like my 51's, the firmware upgrade comes on a chip you plug in.

Do you have a dedicated AV circuit? My random flicker issue was resolved when I plugged the plasma to the dedicated circuit.

sadly, my house has outlets and lights sharing circuits all over the place. i don't really have an option for a dedicated AV circuit. the living room is in the middle of the middle level of a 3-story house and across the hall from the garage where the switch panel is, so putting in a new one would be hell. but the flicker occurs even when the TV and the DVD player are the only thing actively drawing power.


In discussion with the manager, we both agreed that this forum will have its share of true videophiles who are very demanding and critical and so they may indeed be noticing the flickers.
To the average joe or even above average joe - I could not see it and I was looking very closely and really trying to see it.

i am most assuredly not a videophile. i can't speak for the set you were looking at, but there is no way you would not notice the "flicker" on my 42HDT52A if you were looking for it. perhaps the set you're talking about is less susceptible (to the point of not being noticed by a non-videophile), or the conditions in the store weren't right to bring it out.

another poster has referred to this as a "dc restoration" problem, but the reading up i've done on that problem indicates that it would cause the black levels to vary over a single frame, but i'm finding that it varies from frame to frame but appears to be consistent within a single frame. dc restoration also sounds like an analog problem, and i've always seen the black levels change in discrete steps.

i found another good test for the flicker last night: the DVD "millions." the end credits start with white text fading in and out on a black background. i could see the black level of the background step up and down as the text faded out and back in.


new firmware for the 42HDT52A The new version is V0102.0001 ..my tv was made in february and had firmware V0101.0002...HOPEFULLY THIS FIXES THE BUGS IVE EXPERIENCED sorry bout the caps

can you give us any more details about your communication with hitachi? have you been working with them for a while? did they give you any fuss about "you have the latest version already" etc? thanks!


Do we need to call Hitachi to get the firmware disk sent to us to upgrade? Can it be downloaded from somewhere and then saved onto a disk........?

you'll definitely need to contact hitachi and they'll send you a small SD memory card (same kind commonly used in many cameras) that plugs into the upgrade slot on the back of the tv. i doubt they'll make it downloadable, although it might be possible for someone to copy it off their card and post it. this would be an "at your own risk" activity, obviously. i sent an e-mail to their customer service a week or so asking if an update was available for the 42HDT52A and haven't heard back.

cheers,
nathan

Does anyone think that a line conditioner may help? Is this a waste of money? I saw a few at Frys in the hundred dollar range.

And how fast does the firm ware card come from Hitachi?

u have to contact hitachi for the upgrade card and hitachi to this point has been very easily to deal with ....by far among the best customer service via email took less than 30 min to get a reply im being processed for a upgrade card as we speak

USCTrojan,
I have been looking at PSAUDIO's stuff. I am still trying to isolate an intermittant ground loop in my system. I had a real bad hum when I started to upgrade my equipment. The scrolling bar was very apparent on the plasma. I isolated most of the problem when I got comcast to properly ground thier cable.

Bob,
Then I would assume that purchasing a line conditioner would do nothing if the cable itself was not properly grounded. How can you tell if a cable is properly grounded?

^^ most line conditioners have a light lite up if its correctly grounded i have monster HT800 and mine has it

What makes little to no sense to me is this: If they had the problems on the 55's and people are telling them the problem resides on the 42's as well. Why the hell dont they release an update for 42's as well?

How hard is it? :mad:

i have the 42HDT52A my only complaint thus far is when shows such as Corwins quest and other nature shows i noticed that in some scenes the greens flicker such as the bushes in the scene but nothin else mostly it happens to greens but the grass and other things are fine occasionally ill see it in a tree its hard to explain but its kinda annoying.another example was Sunrise Earth they had a shot of yellowstone park overlookin the trees the close up trees had the flicker but the trees in a far didnt.the noise reduction gets rid of most of it but it takes alot of the detail in the trees and blurs it so thats not really an option...anyone else had this problem??

What I have noticed is that it's not just plasma or Hitachi that has this problem. My Samsung DLP will not be smooth on trees, grass, water that is moving alot. It has to do with the compression that the cable, satallite Co, or TV station delivers the signal. The higher compression the more flicker, artifacting, un-smooth edges you will see. Check a DVD with the same type of scene and you shouldnt see the problem. This may prove it's the signal and not the TV.

Hey all: I am fairly new to this forum and entirely new to Plasmas but being a graphic designer using large high definition monitors for many years, I tend to notice color issues and flickers. This one sounds more like a throb, though. This forum thread has inevitably gotten me freaked out about the weapon of mass destruction in my 42HDT52A that is this hidden flicker and I have been paranoid about it. This is actually my first TV.

After freaking out, I don't have it. If I do it is unnoticable to me after 50 hours of viewing and I am cofortable not ever having it pointed out.

In reading these posts, this throb as described by many sounds like a power issue and to them I would heartily recommend testing with a high end UPS, conditioner, or power strip runnning on a dedicated circuit. I personally run a dedicated circuit to my AV and then use a Monster Power conditioner/strip. Cheap power strips are just that, cheap.

I understand if you don't have access to a dedicated circuit and to test these cases I would temporarily run a long power cord from another circuit in your house that is dedicated. Good luck, I love my set, and I hope your situation improves so you can be as overjoyed as me.

Question:

In the Hitachi manual they make special care to mention that these HDMI inputs on the 42HDT52A are not intended for computer use. Does anyone know why?

I would really like to plug a HTPC into this set for some games occasionally and to stream movies or archived video on the PC. I would need to purchase a long HDMI->DVI cable but I am fine with that as long as I am not going to be damaging my set by using it in this manner.

What makes little to no sense to me is this: If they had the problems on the 55's and people are telling them the problem resides on the 42's as well. Why the hell dont they release an update for 42's as well?

How hard is it? :mad:

Very very few people have reported flicker on their 42HDT52. I have not intentionally counted but on this thread, about 3 at the most.

What I have noticed is that it's not just plasma or Hitachi that has this problem. My Samsung DLP will not be smooth on trees, grass, water that is moving alot. It has to do with the compression that the cable, satallite Co, or TV station delivers the signal. The higher compression the more flicker, artifacting, un-smooth edges you will see. Check a DVD with the same type of scene and you shouldnt see the problem. This may prove it's the signal and not the TV.
no my tv is clearly defective my other hitachi that i traded in for this i thought i was gettin a upgrade in PQ but went down the other hitachi didnt do it 42hdf52 my T does and i put in avia to calibrate it and that dvd looks horrid im havin somebody come out here asap also with dvd 's example the exorcist new begginning the first scene when the preist walks thru the deserts and see all the bodies the black bars at the top of the screen arnt solid black they have other colors in it then when the scene changes it goes back to normal black then does it againw ehn it gets dark ill post pics later but i an VERY dissapointed the place i bought the tv form has a 5 day return policy which is absurd so im gonan have to deal with hitachi hopefully the will replace this ive had 2 hdtvs and never had any of these problems theres a TON Of noise in my tv that the other hitachi didnt have nor my panny crt..also when i run a break in disc when the screen is blue u can see flickering horizontal lines also the case when its grey,and when the screen is all black on the disc its not solid black it has colors in it ...the exact same setup as my other tvs ill post pics later

Hey all: I am fairly new to this forum and entirely new to Plasmas but being a graphic designer using large high definition monitors for many years, I tend to notice color issues and flickers. This one sounds more like a throb, though. This forum thread has inevitably gotten me freaked out about the weapon of mass destruction in my 42HDT52A that is this hidden flicker and I have been paranoid about it. This is actually my first TV.

After freaking out, I don't have it. If I do it is unnoticable to me after 50 hours of viewing and I am cofortable not ever having it pointed out.

In reading these posts, this throb as described by many sounds like a power issue and to them I would heartily recommend testing with a high end UPS, conditioner, or power strip runnning on a dedicated circuit. I personally run a dedicated circuit to my AV and then use a Monster Power conditioner/strip. Cheap power strips are just that, cheap.

I understand if you don't have access to a dedicated circuit and to test these cases I would temporarily run a long power cord from another circuit in your house that is dedicated. Good luck, I love my set, and I hope your situation improves so you can be as overjoyed as me.

Well, I have the 42HDT52A plugged into a Monster Power conditioner which is plugged into a dedicated circuit, and I most definitely have the flicker/throb/pulse/shift - whatever you want to call it, it's there.

Got the set in December and it's firmware 101.0002. I've waited to call Hitachi since it seemed like the firmware would be officially updated at any time. Since everything else on this display is so incredible, I've been able to wait on the fix. Now I'm hearing that some people have fw 102.0001 and seem to have the flicker problem no more.

Guess it's time to call in.

I do wish people would refrain from thinking others are imagining the problem or are "videophiles" who see things "normal" people would never see. I am a video professional, but by no means a videophile. I can tell when something isn't right, and on my set - it's not right. Just because your set works, doesn't mean everyone else's are fine too. That's why we have these forums - to compare and contrast results.
(taoofbean, I'm not picking on you; just quoted you because of your power theory - which is a good one; I wish it were that simple for me! ;) )

quick flicker update:

just got of the phone with Hitachi and they are sending me an upgrade. They asked me to call them with the results - if the upgrade works or if it doesn't work.

So it sounds like they are interested in our feedback regardless of success or failure. Gotta say, that was the easiest tech support call I've ever made! Hopefully they won't be outsourcing their tech calls anytime soon (like others I've dealt with - apple, dell, dish, etc.)...

Hopefully I can join the ranks of flicker-free soon!

Has anyone upgraded the firmware on their 42hdt51? My software version is V0136.0000. I have not experienced any problems, picture looks stunning (no flicker) :) . I called Hitachi to see if mine needed to be upgraded. After giving him my software version he said it needed to be upgraded and would mail out the upgrade. I did not ask him what version he was sending. Has anybody upgraded this model and software version and if so did you notice any differences. Also where do you guys keep your Image Power set at? Mine is set at Max.

I keep mine on Max.

quick flicker update:

just got of the phone with Hitachi and they are sending me an upgrade. They asked me to call them with the results - if the upgrade works or if it doesn't work.

So it sounds like they are interested in our feedback regardless of success or failure. Gotta say, that was the easiest tech support call I've ever made! Hopefully they won't be outsourcing their tech calls anytime soon (like others I've dealt with - apple, dell, dish, etc.)...

Hopefully I can join the ranks of flicker-free soon!

Good to know that they are aware that the flicker exists in the 42" models. Do you think the firmware update you are applying to your 42HDT model would also be accepted by the 42HDS model? I'm curious to know because I have an eye on the 42HDS model.

Anyways, let us know how the results work out, and perhaps inquire about firmware updates for the 42HDS model when you get back to them. Hopefully all of your problems are fixed. Thanks!

I upgraded my '51 models to firmware version 140. I thought the contrast was better but it could just be my imagination.

Don't know if there would be the same fix for the HDS or not. I would think it would be the same or at least similar. However, when the CSR verified my model number, I added that it was an "A" model and said "not that it makes a difference." And he said it actually does matter.

Still not quite sure what the difference is between the A and non-A models, but apparently there is. All I know is I'm finally getting a fw update and hopefully the one and only problem I have with this magnificent display will be resolved!!!


Good to know that they are aware that the flicker exists in the 42" models. Do you think the firmware update you are applying to your 42HDT model would also be accepted by the 42HDS model? I'm curious to know because I have an eye on the 42HDS model.

Anyways, let us know how the results work out, and perhaps inquire about firmware updates for the 42HDS model when you get back to them. Hopefully all of your problems are fixed. Thanks!

Funny - I called today to get my firmware updated - I have the 42HDT52A model. While I got through to a live person and the tech was very friendly he did not know about any flickering issue that this update would fix. This fix "improves" edge enhancement and some general software "issues" but even he was not all that confident in that what it was really for so maybe it does fix the flicker.

On a secondary note:
My fan seems to be running a lot even when it has been in standby for several hours or more. Its not that loud but I notice it. My 37" panny 50X model has ZERO noise ever and that is our main tv which is on all of the time. Technician said that a line conditioner may help reduce the "hum" although he could not recommend a brand or model. I think I will purchase a line conditioner.
The only thing that concerns me is how much loss does one experience when hooking cable thru the line conditioner? Picture on SD is just ok and I certainly do not to make it worse.

USCTrojan,

AFAIK, a line conditioner is only for AC power conditioning... Why would you want to connect your cable to it? Nothing from your cable signal is making your fan motor hum.

Very very few people have reported flicker on their 42HDT52. I have not intentionally counted but on this thread, about 3 at the most.

Thats good because I dont have a 'T' model, I have the 'S' model 42HDS52A.

On a secondary note:
My fan seems to be running a lot even when it has been in standby for several hours or more. Its not that loud but I notice it. My 37" panny 50X model has ZERO noise ever and that is our main tv which is on all of the time. Technician said that a line conditioner may help reduce the "hum" although he could not recommend a brand or model. I think I will purchase a line conditioner.
The only thing that concerns me is how much loss does one experience when hooking cable thru the line conditioner? Picture on SD is just ok and I certainly do not to make it worse.

Not sure if you've tried this yet, but turn off the tv guide feature. That will eliminate the fan noise when in stand by.

This forum is great. I turned off the TV Guide and sure enough the fan stopped after several minutes. Thanks.

As for the line conditioner - I think what I mean is a power filter like that made by Monster - HTS 1000 or the higher products. You actually plug your coax cable into and has some type of filtering capability. It also does the same with all of your components when you plug into the power strip. I have heard mix reviews but I know that they nearly always install these on high end systems and in some reviews they swear by them. In the January issue of Sound and Vision they discuss this as well.

USCTrojan,
Sorry for the delay. Look at this forum's hum faq. You can get 'hum' from your AC power. The faq explains it all. Happy reading.
www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322698

Noob Question :o

I just got my first Plasma (55HDT52) last week. What do you all clean your screens with?

For my old CRT RPTV and my DLP's I use the Monster :o Screen cleaner. It does a great job on the plastic screens of DLP's etc, but left the glass screen of the plasma streaked.

Thanks.

be careful about using any cleaners on the plasmas. They have a anti-reflective coating on the screens that can be damaged by certain chemicals. The Hitachis come with a microfiber cloth for cleaning fingerprints and the like. If it worse than that then I would wet 1/2 the microfiber cloth with water, clean and then dry it with the other half. Cleaners - especially with alcohol or ammonia based can "eat" away at the ant-reflective coating.

The Hitachis come with a microfiber cloth for cleaning fingerprints and the like. If it worse than that then I would wet 1/2 the microfiber cloth with water, clean and then dry it with the other half.
I tried the Microfiber cloth and it seemed worthless. I will wet it and give that a try. Thanks.

This forum is great. I turned off the TV Guide and sure enough the fan stopped after several minutes. Thanks.

As for the line conditioner - I think what I mean is a power filter like that made by Monster - HTS 1000 or the higher products. You actually plug your coax cable into and has some type of filtering capability. It also does the same with all of your components when you plug into the power strip. I have heard mix reviews but I know that they nearly always install these on high end systems and in some reviews they swear by them. In the January issue of Sound and Vision they discuss this as well.
I has an interesting experience with surge protectors. I was having a problem receiving a series of HD channels from my digital cable box. After re-running cable throughout he entire neighborhood (I actually saw them do this all day on a Saturday), re-running the line to my house (and through my house, no fix. It ended up being the surge protector. Apparently running the cable line through the surge protector filtered out some of the signal. The tech ran the cable line right to the box and problem solved. He also made an interesting point. All cable lines must be grounded at the pole, and the odds of the surge running though the cable line into the house are extremely low. He still encouraged the use and suggested I return the one I was using ( too bad its over a year old). I would think a better quality model would not have this issue. Im not saying Monster is the way to go, as I am sure other mid-priced models would also be effective.... just not the one I have in my house right now!

[QUOTE=USCTrojan]This forum is great. I turned off the TV Guide and sure enough the fan stopped after several minutes. Thanks.
QUOTE]
how did u turn off the tv guide?

I use baby wipes to clean my glass and then go over the screen with a microfiber cloth. I have done this for a year and the glass looks the same as when I got it.

Funny - I called today to get my firmware updated - I have the 42HDT52A model. While I got through to a live person and the tech was very friendly he did not know about any flickering issue that this update would fix. This fix "improves" edge enhancement and some general software "issues" but even he was not all that confident in that what it was really for so maybe it does fix the flicker.

On a secondary note:
My fan seems to be running a lot even when it has been in standby for several hours or more. Its not that loud but I notice it. My 37" panny 50X model has ZERO noise ever and that is our main tv which is on all of the time. Technician said that a line conditioner may help reduce the "hum" although he could not recommend a brand or model. I think I will purchase a line conditioner.
The only thing that concerns me is how much loss does one experience when hooking cable thru the line conditioner? Picture on SD is just ok and I certainly do not to make it worse.

thats funny another rep told me it was for the Digital Tuner

not having any problems with my 42hdt52a but called hitachi and ordered the firmware upgrade. my service rep said he had no idea what it was supposed to fix, but said it would be a good idea to upgrade anyway. if anyone figures out what it cures please let me know.

Noob Question :o

I just got my first Plasma (55HDT52) last week. What do you all clean your screens with?

For my old CRT RPTV and my DLP's I use the Monster :o Screen cleaner. It does a great job on the plastic screens of DLP's etc, but left the glass screen of the plasma streaked.

Thanks.

Go to WALMART get the eye glass cleaner in the spray bottle this bottle is 2oz it must be the bottle that has free refills. YES, they refill the 2oz free and the 4oz isn't, so be sure.
It's called NO-GLARE safe for anti-reflective lens and all lens. I've been using it for well over a year and it works excellent.
.....and use the micro-fiber towel by all means.
Hope that helps... ;)

I just hooked up an RCA 2160 HD DVR to my 55HDX62. This thing kicks ass. The picture is incredible. Go to HD DVR threat for more info.

I just wanted to tell everyone it works great on our Hitachis (w/ firewire). I highly recommend this addition for anyone that uses OTA or cable and has their TVGOS working. At $100 and no monthly fee, this thing is a steal!

So you hooked it up strictly to the hitachi's firewire port?

So you hooked it up strictly to the hitachi's firewire port?

well plus the power cord...

it's pretty simple and you control it through a menu on the tv. so no extra remote on your coffee table.

Edit: Ppl have been PM'ing me about where I got it. hdtoystore.com has it for $100.

Originaly posted by USCTrojan
I think I will purchase a line conditioner.
The only thing that concerns me is how much loss does one experience when hooking cable thru the line conditioner? Picture on SD is just ok and I certainly do not to make it worse.


I use the Monster Power HTS 3500MKII and run my cable line through it. I noticed immediate improvement. Color was more vibrant and had to be tuned down and sound was louder at the same settings. I even noticed improved blacks in picture. Call me crazy even my wife noticed a difference. Also this thing is built like a tank. The power cord is as thick as my cloths dryer cord.:eek: I would highly recommend this product or something comparable. I am not saying everybody will notice an improvement but I sure did, and it will definitely not make it any worse. :D

That looks like a *great* deal.

Anyone dealt with HDToys before?

Thanks

I have a nearly one year old 55HDT51. I bought a three year warranty from my dealer, HH Gregg, at the time of purchase. It was the longest they offered.

On the Hitachi Web site is their own five year warranty, by Satisfusion:

5 Year ConsumerCare Plan(ON SITE - SERVICE) 5 Year $349.99

Is it worth spending $350 for an extra two years of coverage?

got my firmware update today and....it didnt fix my issues (flickering edges lot of noise in picture)so i am returning my set in hopes that just mine is defective and will get another hdt as the store i bought from doesnt carry panasonic or i would have gotten that instead and the pio are a lil out of my price range i could only afford an open box model and that will open a whole new door of problems i do not want to deal with so i hope my new T will be better than this one.

Holy Heck ! re the RCA DVR...looked at those before but they were up in the 400's. 99 is fantastic !

Just got the TV last week. The screen goes black intermittently, about twice a day on the average. The LED stays solid green for 10 secs or so then blinks (screen still black) then TV comes on and goes to TV Guide (default). Mostly viewing SD channels (straight thru wall jack). Called Hitachi CR and they've not heard of this problem. They will, however, send me the updated firmware but they don't know if this will fix the problem.

Anybody else seen this problem?

All, I tried the USB input (left side) with my digital camera (Canon Powershot). The camera was not recognized by the TV, and therefore, no pictures. The physical connection seems fine to me since my camera powers-up when connected to the TV...just like it does when connected to my PC.

I'm wondering if there are any tricks/tips to get this working.

Thanks.

PS: Build date on my 55HDT is Jan '06 and I don't have any flicker or other issues.

I'm getting an audio delay on Discovery HD. I have a 55hdx62 hooked up via HDMI to a Denon AVR3806 and DirecTV HD Tuner.

Anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if I have a problem or if the audio is messed up from the source.

yatinm- my 42hdt52 recognizes my Canon powershot s320, Casio exilim 750 and olympus C50 over USB with no bother. Plug my cable in set the camera to play, set the tv to photo input and off it goes

New firmware does not fix my particular problem. (flicker, black level shift, contrast shift whatever you want to call it) Though let me make it clear that I am not saying that the upgrade does not fix flicker, it just didn't fix it on my set.

Haven't viewed for a long enough period to determine if I notice any other differences or enhancements.

i just returned mine for a pioneer have to wait tho they dont get any in stock till mid april so back to my 30" panny crt till then

I'm getting an audio delay on Discovery HD. I have a 55hdx62 hooked up via HDMI to a Denon AVR3806 and DirecTV HD Tuner.

Anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if I have a problem or if the audio is messed up from the source.

Please let us know if you get this worked out. I have two 55HDX62's to pick up this weekend.

Scott

I'm getting an audio delay on Discovery HD. I have a 55hdx62 hooked up via HDMI to a Denon AVR3806 and DirecTV HD Tuner.

Anyone else experience this? I'm wondering if I have a problem or if the audio is messed up from the source.
Discovery HD famous (infamous) for the audio delay. It gets unwatchable sometimes. :(

Its not the TV.

Looks like the audio is fine now. After I posted, I checked all of the other HD channels and it was only Discovery with the audio delay.

As far as the Plasma is concerned, I'm loving it! Great picture in SD, and unbelievable in HD!!

We haven’t seen the flicker on our 42HDT52A, but I do have a different question related to black issues: we have a fair bit of “black crush,” the tendency for there to be little differentiation in what ought to be distinct shades of black. It’s especially noticeable with men in black suits who are standing against dark backgrounds. Also, with a lot of lighting situations, folds in their suits don’t show up as well as they should—just an undifferentiated mass of black; ditto the lapels against the suit material. This despite tweaking with the Digital Video Essentials disc. Do others notice this, and for the users who got the firmware update, did that make a difference in black crush?

Re the reports about the flicker, etc., either we got a good TV or my family has undiscerning visual systems.

We’ve had our 42HDT52A for a couple of months now, using it with a Motorola 3412 and Comcast service as well as a Pioneer DV578A DVD player. Overall, our experience has been very positive.

Regarding the Black levels - this has been one of the main criticisms regarding this TV - weak black levels as reported by a few of the major magazine reviews. Still, you may want to tweak further with the dynamic contrast setting and black enhancement setting and raising the brightness . This helped me and I have it to a point that I see just as much detail as in my Panny 37PX50 which is suppose to have the best black level of the plasmas.

We haven’t seen the flicker on our 42HDT52A, but I do have a different question related to black issues: we have a fair bit of “black crush,” the tendency for there to be little differentiation in what ought to be distinct shades of black. It’s especially noticeable with men in black suits who are standing against dark backgrounds. Also, with a lot of lighting situations, folds in their suits don’t show up as well as they should—just an undifferentiated mass of black; ditto the lapels against the suit material. This despite tweaking with the Digital Video Essentials disc. Do others notice this, and for the users who got the firmware update, did that make a difference in black crush?

Re the reports about the flicker, etc., either we got a good TV or my family has undiscerning visual systems.

We’ve had our 42HDT52A for a couple of months now, using it with a Motorola 3412 and Comcast service as well as a Pioneer DV578A DVD player. Overall, our experience has been very positive.

If you post your actual video menu settings, someone might be able to help you with info in order to get a better picture. I can give you mine if you want, along with the set-up I have used to obtain a really nice picture. Sure, everybody says that Panasonic plasmas have the best black levels out there but after a week the human eye gets used to whatever it is watching. Unless you put the TV's side by side and use the same set-up to adjust both of them you will not see the difference. I've done that (Hitachi vs Panasonic) and yes, the Panny had the better black but I bought the Hitachi(42HDT52). Black levels are not everything in a PDP. Before getting the Hitachi I had an LG plasma which I returned. Hitachi, Pioneer and Panasonic are simply on another(higher) level.

I have a nearly one year old 55HDT51. I bought a three year warranty from my dealer, HH Gregg, at the time of purchase. It was the longest they offered.

On the Hitachi Web site is their own five year warranty, by Satisfusion:

5 Year ConsumerCare Plan(ON SITE - SERVICE) 5 Year $349.99

Is it worth spending $350 for an extra two years of coverage?

Depends, do you feel lucky. May be worth it. Good to see they lowered there prices, a year ago there pricing was through the roof.

I just bought the 5 yr warranty. My big issue is with the fan that runs 24/7 even when the tv is in standby mode (Because the TV guide is updating 24/7). I figure the fan will be the first to go.

I just bought the 5 yr warranty. My big issue is with the fan that runs 24/7 even when the tv is in standby mode (Because the TV guide is updating 24/7). I figure the fan will be the first to go.

USCTrojan and others, I paid $499 for 5-yr warrant on 55HDT52 2 days ago. I'm hearing $349 and am wondering whether I've been suckered and/or need to haggle.

Thanks,
..YatinM

yatinm- my 42hdt52 recognizes my Canon powershot s320, Casio exilim 750 and olympus C50 over USB with no bother. Plug my cable in set the camera to play, set the tv to photo input and off it goes

asiparks, What do you mean by "set the camera to play"? Is that something that you do on the Camera or the TV?

Typically, while downloading photos to my PCs I just hookup the cables and the software does the rest. Wondering if this is a problem with the latest firmware incase it's a TV issue.

The Hitachi manual mentions, BTW, that if the camera has too many photos it might not recognize the camera or take a few minutes to recognize. I have 100s on my 256Mb stick but that's really not a "lot" of storage these days.

Any help appreciated.
..Yatin

Hi, on the camera:

http://homepage.mac.com/asiparks/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-03-19%2013.51.40%20-0800/Image-7CCA2038B79211DA.jpg

With the camera power off, hook the usb up to the tv, tv to photo input, camera to play, power on the camera. Might take a mo, speed depends on the data transfer abilities of your CF card. the first pic should appear soon-ish. Use the left/right pad on the remote to move through them. My casio has a gig card in it and each pic is about 7mp so it can take a while. Fingers crossed for you.....

yatinm,
Most important is that you bought a warranty. I hear service can be really expensive. I bought the Hitachi warranty - but if you buy it you find out it is not through Hitachi but a 3rd party. I think most extended warranties probably cover the same items. As far as prices - the prices are dropping all of the time so I really would not worry too much. I hope for your price you did get 5 years?? I saw a GE service plan for your price that was only 3 years. The Hitachi plan is 5 years.
Ultimately I would be surprised if any of our Hitachis make it that long because of the fan. Just like any computer, the fans either go out or a bearing wears something out and the fan gets really loud. I was told that if I would have bought the S model instead of the T model it would have avoided the TV guide and the Fan would have shut off when in standby mode (TV guide continually updates thereby keeping the fan running).

have not received my firmare update yet. but emailed hitachi to inquire what it would fix. received the following response:


Thank you for visiting our website and for your inquiry.

The exact specifications of the upgrade are not released. I apologize for the inconvenience. However, though they may address other issues, the upgrades are usually used to improve or update the HD tuner.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Gene
Hitachi Home Electronics.

yatinm,
Most important is that you bought a warranty. I hear service can be really expensive. I bought the Hitachi warranty - but if you buy it you find out it is not through Hitachi but a 3rd party. I think most extended warranties probably cover the same items. As far as prices - the prices are dropping all of the time so I really would not worry too much. I hope for your price you did get 5 years?? I saw a GE service plan for your price that was only 3 years. The Hitachi plan is 5 years.
Ultimately I would be surprised if any of our Hitachis make it that long because of the fan. Just like any computer, the fans either go out or a bearing wears something out and the fan gets really loud. I was told that if I would have bought the S model instead of the T model it would have avoided the TV guide and the Fan would have shut off when in standby mode (TV guide continually updates thereby keeping the fan running).
I believe if you turn the TV Guide off, it will no longer update during standby mode. That way your fan will not be running all night :)

I dropped by Magnolia this weekend and my two 55HDX62's are in, so I will be picking them up tomorrow and should have everything installed by the first of April... :D

Question for everyone because I know I'm not the only one that does this... Who kicks back in the theater room watching a movie on the Plasma you just purchased? Because I sure as hell do!!! :D They were playing Batman Begins on the 55" hooked up to a surround sound THX system and it's a good thing I didn't have access to candy, popcorn and a soda because I would have been there until closing...LOL

Scott

Just purchased the 42hds52 after returning the phillips 7320 because of the black-out issue. The hds52 has a better picture quality and overall a better look than the phillips. I hope to read about how to better tweak the picture from the forum in the future.

Everyone with a plasma...if you do not have TVOG enabled (meaning the fan does not run when the TV is off in standby mode) do you hear any buzzing from the back pannel of your plasma? About 80% of the time, i hear nothing, but there are days where there is a buzz from the back of the plasma (not speakers, its 2 very large capacitors in the upper middle on the back...

Hammyoni,
If you hear buzzing sound then you likely have electrical interference of some sort. Try getting a good power conditioner like the monster HTS 3500 (not advocating any particular one I just happen to have that one). It not only removed the buzzing sound for me but improved the video picture slightly. It is real easy to get interference.

Hammyoni,
If you hear buzzing sound then you likely have electrical interference of some sort. Try getting a good power conditioner like the monster HTS 3500 (not advocating any particular one I just happen to have that one). It not only removed the buzzing sound for me but improved the video picture slightly. It is real easy to get interference.
before i go spend over a hundred on a power conditioner, are there any other models to look for? hopefully similar specs but less?

Hammyoni - see if you can isolate the electrical interference. Disconnect everything but the TV (including disconnecting from outlets and powerstrips). Then just have the TV plugged in and see if you still hear the buzz. Also with just the TV connected try using a different wall outlet if possible. Then one by one reconnect all of the dvd players etc that you have. Even the set top box can cause some electrical interference. Also make sure llights and lamps on the same circuit are disconnected. Now if your hitachi is really loudly buzzing by itself then maybe you have a bad power supply on the TV or the power being supplied within your house is "dirty". Another option is to look for the Monster HTS 1000 model which you can get much cheaper on ebay and still has power filters.

Hi, on the camera:

http://homepage.mac.com/asiparks/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-03-19%2013.51.40%20-0800/Image-7CCA2038B79211DA.jpg

With the camera power off, hook the usb up to the tv, tv to photo input, camera to play, power on the camera. Might take a mo, speed depends on the data transfer abilities of your CF card. the first pic should appear soon-ish. Use the left/right pad on the remote to move through them. My casio has a gig card in it and each pic is about 7mp so it can take a while. Fingers crossed for you.....


Folks, Unless my TV's photo input is broken (I'm going to try some other cameras over the weekend), the Canon S40 doesn't work with the 55HDT52 :-(

asiparks, Thanks for the picture. The S40 automagically goes into "play" when hooked-up to a host device it looks like.
..YatinM

Nbafan23,

Welcome to the club! I have an 42hds52 as well. I observed the 'master burn in' thread guidelines at the root of this forum and have pretty much left my settings at the default. Good luck and enjoy!

My settings are the same, how do I check the hrs to confirm the 100hrs of breakin.

I estimated. Just be careful of sidebars and station logos. What are your input sources (component, cable, etc.)?

Sat dish network box 211. Denon dvd 2900. Old but still faithful laserdisc pio cld 504.

Do any of you even see some Image Retention with your Hitachi? I never see any on my 55HDT51. I have a 50" NEC as well, and the image retention on it is bad. On the upside though, the colors and black levels of the NEC are a bit better than the Hitachi. I am looking forward to sitting them side by side for a comparison.

I am looking for any advice on the major difference between the 55HDX61 and the 55HDS52. Beyond the advanced video settings, is there any significant difference between the two displays?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Marky_Mark896,
No image issues yet.

sdwyatt,
Price $$$. Let the HDX's speak up. There are some TV guide and input options not present on HDS's.

I am looking for any advice on the major difference between the 55HDX61 and the 55HDS52. Beyond the advanced video settings, is there any significant difference between the two displays?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
its been covered many times in this tread alone and with links to hitachis page that details the differences. Check it out.

mainly, 2 year warranty, anti reflective screen, more attractive tv casing, 2 remotes...could other small things I cant think of right now. Best is to read the hitachi site.

A big difference in my opinion is the TV guide. On the more advanced models they will come with the TVGuide which means the TV and fans run all day and night in standby mode. Knowing this now I might have opted for a lower model without the TV guide. The fan noise is just annoying in my case since it is in my bedroom.

A big difference in my opinion is the TV guide. On the more advanced models they will come with the TVGuide which means the TV and fans run all day and night in standby mode. Knowing this now I might have opted for a lower model without the TV guide. The fan noise is just annoying in my case since it is in my bedroom.

Why don't you turn the tv guide off? There is info on this forum of how to do it. I don't remember how but it is here.

Here is another method for turning off the TV guide - I have not tried this yet.
"When prompted in the initial setup, in the "setup navigator" it will ask whether you want to set the "auto channel setting" for use with 1) antenna , 2) cable , or 3) do not set .

Just simply select DO NOT SET and you should be able to effectively ignore all of those TV Guide or related problems with your setup."

I bought the 42hdt52a model about 2 weeks ago and have been having some very strange problems.

The first problem is that when I turn the panal on, regardless of what input I have it on, it always says "no sync signal". The only way to get rid of it is to re select the input.

The second problem is a bit more strange.
I was watching the tv the other night and all of a sudden the picture goes nuts! All of the colors were jacked up, everything looked neon and there was a lot of static in the picture.

If I turn the set off and back on, the picture stays messed up. It stayed like this for about 5 minutes and then was O.K.
About 10 minutes would go by and the problem would come back. The problem was on all inputs and in the tv's menu as well.

http://bigryan.smugmug.com/photos/60994003-M.jpg

http://bigryan.smugmug.com/photos/60994026-M.jpg

something is seriously wrong with your TV. Disconnect everything and try it (that way you can isolate the issue to just your TV and NOT your STB or DVD etc.... If you still see the problem return the set.

the fan for tvguide doesnt really bother me because its in the lviing room, but i prefer my cable prvoides onscreen guide through the DVR box...it just integrates better for the DVR recording.

I know the problem is in the tv because it is showing up in the tv's menu.

I know the problem is in the tv because it is showing up in the tv's menu.
retrutn that asap

I did the upgrade last night and they fixed the fan problem!!!! The fan and TV goes silent after a few minutes in standby. Thank You Hitachi!!! Also this is suppose to enhance the picture in some way (get rid of flicker??). My picture has always looked great so I do not see a difference. I would definitely recommend the upgrade.

Anyone know how to get your particular set's serial number without looking behind the set? I didn't write it down before mounting and HItachi wants the serial before they will send me an upgrade to the firmware. I looked through all of the configuration menus and the manual to no avail.

My set is mounted on the wall very securely right now on a tilt bracket and I really would prefer to not have to unmount/remount it again. I have a strong nightmare of somehow fracking it up and the set crashing to the floor.

mine is also stickered on the side, same side as the power, channel, volume etc buttons.

I bought the 42hdt52a model about 2 weeks ago and have been having some very strange problems.

The second problem is a bit more strange.
I was watching the tv the other night and all of a sudden the picture goes nuts! All of the colors were jacked up, everything looked neon and there was a lot of static in the picture.

If I turn the set off and back on, the picture stays messed up. It stayed like this for about 5 minutes and then was O.K.
About 10 minutes would go by and the problem would come back. The problem was on all inputs and in the tv's menu as well.


I had something like that happen. I was getting some interferance from another old set top box. I unpluged the old box and never had the problem again. We can only hope it's something simple like this.

here are the two capacitors that are making all the noise from my plasma, circled in red...took the pic when the service man was taking the back off, interesting huh?:

http://images1.fotki.com/v291/photos/1/131828/1578054/plasma_caps-vi.jpg

its loud enough that i can hear it over the audio of the plasma. The same capacitors buzz at a lower volume when the tv is off and in standby... Ive already had the entire board that these two capacitors are connected to replaced by hitachi...but its making noise again.

First: To whomever started this thread, thank you. This is a great resource!

Quick question regarding the feature where I can use the TV speakers as the center channel in my surround. Aside from the 4 RCA inputs in the back panel, and the very brief mention of this feature in my manual, there's really not much else to explain this. Has anybody tried this feature, and if so, how does it work for you? Can I still use the internal speakers when I'm watching regular TV without the receiver and stereo fired up?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

i was dissappointed in the center speaker feature. i thought i'd be able to input the center channel speaker line from my amp and use the tv speakers to supplement or replace the center speaker in my 5.1 system. all the center channel feature allows you to do is use the tv as a center channel if you run the output from the tv itself to a stereo amp utilizing the built-in surround processing of the tv. it allows you to have a 3 channel sytem (3.1 if you have a subwoofer) with only a stereo amp. a speaker line in on the back of the tv would have been much more useful.

Called Hitachi last week for upgrade card for 55HDX62 (seeing that slow flicker in dark scenes w/ version xxxx01), received upgrade card today & just about installed V:0113.0001, but below version # is 42HDT52 & 42HDX62 listed on it. Called customer service & they said send it back & they'll send correct upgrade card.

Called Hitachi last week for upgrade card for 55HDX62 (seeing that slow flicker in dark scenes w/ version xxxx01), received upgrade card today & just about installed V:0113.0001, but below version # is 42HDT52 & 42HDX62 listed on it. Called customer service & they said send it back & they'll send correct upgrade card.

That makes me livid, updates for every TV except the 42HDS52 series. :mad:

midfat,

I think our 'official' thread starter, nashvillecat, bought a panny (panisonic). :eek:

atlavfan, thanks for the info. I have been meaning to explore the center channel feature but it has escaped me. I have 3 inputs from my comcast stb. 2 of those get audio from my 5.1 audio system. The other is direct to the cable input on the plasma. I wanted to get rid of my center speaker but I did not see how I could make it work.

received my firmware update. card was labeled 102.0001 42hdt52a and 42hdx52a. so we know the hdt's and hdx's must be close to the same inside. also there must be a real difference between the 52's and 52a's.

my tv has always worked fine. no flicker or other problems. its connected to a comcast motorola hd dvr via hdmi.

things i've noticed:

blacks seem blacker. i had to step back the black enhancement setting to low on the day setting and off on the night setting otherwise i couldn't see shades of gray in black items.

sd broadcasts are much sharper than before. their upconversion approaches the sharpness of hd channels broadcasting sd tv shows that have been upconverted by the network. this is especially so on digital sd channels like hbo or on demand.

hd channels look the same except for improved blacks. may be sharper but its hard to tell.

the 4:3 expanded function is significantly improved. before, everything on the screen was widened to fit the screen. now the center of the screen remains unchanged and all the widening is done to the left and right of center. filling the screen was something i thought the panasonic did best. the hitachi now does it just as well. i was using 4:3 zoom1 because the expanded distorted too much. i'm switching over to expanded for routine viewing.

don't know if improved fan function since i don't use the built in tv guide.

plugged a rabbit ears in to check the av sync. lips and sounds matched, but i'm still not convinced that's a tv issue since its only some of the time. i think its from the broadcast, but plan on using a set top box anyway.

i'm interested in any other observations others note after the upgrade. personally i am impressed.

Does anyone know if there are ways to have more than two devices hooked up to the IR blaster input on the Hitachis? I had this idea last night that I might prefer to hid all of my components entirely if I could just get one more IR blaster for controlling them via the TV. I found a few products like this from smarthome and just wanted some other thoughts. http://www.smarthome.com/8191.html

Additionally, I bought a Harmony 880 remote to replace the default Universal remote and am incredibly pleased. It is a remote that really complements the quality of my TV. I am no longer constantly annoyed by the awkward channel wheel on the default remote. It isn't cheap and I could have bought a heck of a DVR for the price of the remote but it seemed like a good choice at the time. I paid $170 shipped on the remote for the curious.

taoofbean,
The IR Blaster is another feature that I have not fully investigated. I am currently using an Xantech IR receiver kit to control my house AV system. I have my AV system tucked into my closet on a rotating avrak.

Is there anyone residing in Canada who has received a firmware update card for your 42HDT52A? If so, please let us know and which office you contacted. Thanks. I am interested in this info for future reference.

For Canadians that want to buy a Hitachi plasma with Costco's great customer support, costco.ca now carries the 42hdt52a.

So everything was going well, upgrade and all with ZERO issues (even my fan issue was fixed with the upgrade). Then all of a sudden I turned on my TV and across the screen came the typical rainbow colors in a vertical stripe pattern. Called tech support and they think I fried my video board with static from my rabbit ears antennae. They said it was my fault and not covered. Called Video Only and thank God they said bring it back and they will exchange it (<30days). Still a major pain to take this beast down 3 flights of stairs and box it up. I spent all day today dealing with this. Finally have the new TV up and running.
My major question is - how can you tell if the cable is properly grounded? Maybe it was my cable and not the rabbit ears? I have everything else plugged through the monstercable protection. Even my TV cable went through the monstercable line/surge protector so in reality I do think it was the rabbit ears. A measly $10 junk antenna took down a $3K plasma!!!

that really stinks...why did you have rabbit ears on a plasma anyways! : |

anywho...great that you can exchange it...lucky you didnt do mailorder!

I have basic cable in the upstairs and with the rabbit ears I was able to get all of the High Def channels for free. I was told by the sales guy at VO to install one of the Jensen isolation transformers (Cable TV ground isolator) between the cable and TV and this would prevent what happened to my TV. I thought the monster power conditioner would do the same but I guess not. Here is the link for anyone that is interested since they are pretty cheap (about $50).
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/iso_vid.htmlas (http://)

Newbie question. I am currently it the market for a 55"+ big screen plasma, so I am looking at either the Hitachi 55" or Pioneer/NEC 61". Seems like the 61 will have better PQ and reliability, and is generally regarded as a superior model over the Hitachi's (dats based on my observation reading thru this forum and from asking around) Again, the 61" is kinda too $$$ for me, and I dun think I need a 61" (12ft viewing distance) and the need to spend the extra $2000 for 6 more inches.

My question is, can anyone tell me what's the difference between all the Hitachi 55" models?

55HDS52
55HDT52
55HDX62
55HDM71

Thank you very much.

So everything was going well, upgrade and all with ZERO issues (even my fan issue was fixed with the upgrade). Then all of a sudden I turned on my TV and across the screen came the typical rainbow colors in a vertical stripe pattern. Called tech support and they think I fried my video board with static from my rabbit ears antennae. They said it was my fault and not covered. Called Video Only and thank God they said bring it back and they will exchange it (<30days). Still a major pain to take this beast down 3 flights of stairs and box it up. I spent all day today dealing with this. Finally have the new TV up and running.
My major question is - how can you tell if the cable is properly grounded? Maybe it was my cable and not the rabbit ears? I have everything else plugged through the monstercable protection. Even my TV cable went through the monstercable line/surge protector so in reality I do think it was the rabbit ears. A measly $10 junk antenna took down a $3K plasma!!!

This is why you don't go cheap on a good surge protector/power conditioner.

twnmango,
I have the 42hds52 set. The big features you miss on the 's' sets (as compared to the 't') is firewire and TV Guide. I never found a store in my area where I could compare the features and images from the different sets. I actually went in thinking I was going to buy a panny. CC has a sale on the 42hds52 if you are in the states. Check out Hitachi's website (http://www.hitachi.com/jsp/hitachi/hitachi/product/personal/av/index_t.html) for specs and features. Compare those base features with those of other brands. I think you will find good value in the Hitachi plasmas.


USCTrojan,
That totally blows. I'm glad that VO replaced it. I will keep your link in mind. Many of those isolators (hum busters) block the 'digital cable' signals from the cable company. Your basic cable should not be affected. Most cable companies are required to properly ground their systems where it enters your home. The ground should be connected to your house ground.

BTW your link should be :
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/iso_vid.html

Thanks Bob. Supposedly the Jensen isolator will let the digital signals pass. I am going to try it (the $50 is worth the effort of possibly having to return/disassemble another TV...). I just would have thought that the monstercable would have eliminated this. In the HTS3500, you can connect the coax cable into it and I figured they must have some filtering otherwise why would they have you connect it?

Monster, APC and other companies offer equipment protection/insurance. I have seen horror stories of consumers trying to collect off those. I actually returned my Monster HTS2600 because they provided absolutely no info on the warranty of the unit itself. CC says that they have a 1 year, returned it anyway. Getting a Panamax 5100. I do think these MOV based products will degrade over time but features and necessity have driven me to this purchase.

Regardless of the coax filtering you do, make sure the cable (antenna or cable) is properly grounded!

Forgive my naivite but how do you ground an antenna coming in on the antenna in coax? When you say rabbit ears, you mean a powered pair right? I don't buy that your measley rabbit ears fried your panel board. This is a new one to me so fogive me if this is common. That is a hell of a static spike from that line in.

I have a lot easier time seeing a spike coming in over a cable input but you said it was protected via the Monster so that shouldn't have been possible. Fishy.

Personally I have a $30 powered Radio Shack Antenna coming into my Hitachi and I sure as heck want to ensure that I don't fry it similarly. Know that I am not saying your explanation or you in real life smell fishy, USC.

I got my two IRBlasters to work as advertised via the AVNet configuration on the Hitachi. They work fantastic once I got it setup. You have to pick an IR channel in the configuration and I couldn't figure out why the only device I configured at first wouldn't work at channel one. I still don't know why but moving everything to channel 2 and beyond worked great. There are two IR Blasters included that plug into one of two IRBlaster outputs on the Hitachi. I plan on picking up a second dual emitter cord and then having all of my devices controlled via the set. Available here (http://www.smarthome.com/8171s.html) or here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBZT5I/002-9577556-1076847?n=172282) .

It may be a small luxury but I like not having to wave the remote around and having all of the signals passed to the appropriate device from the TV.

When I sit on the couch to watch a movie, I click "watch DVD" on my Harmony remote. It then lowers the lights in the room, turns on the TV to the right input, turns on the reciever for 5.1 surround, turns on the DVD player, and then it gives me a foot massage.

I bought the remote controllable dimmer from one of the avs forum sponsors dimmers.net. It is a Maestro IR and functions very elegantly.

Just did the upgrade to 102.0001 on my 42HDT52A and wanted to report my findings.

Mainly, the flicker issue was not resolved. I'm still having problems with the dark scenes, and it really feels like it's related to the Dynamic Contrast - whenever a scene is predominantly dark, it seems that the set is trying to find the "middle ground" of contrast in the overall picture.

Otherwise, things are fine. It may be my imagination, or the desire to believe the fw upgrade did something, but the picture in general looks better. The SD material is a bit sharper and cleaner, and colors seem a bit stronger (I have not adjusted any of the settings).

I still love this set, but I still hold out hope that the flicker wll be fixed...

If the over the air antenna was outside it absolutely needs a ground though oddly given the time of year (winter here on the east coast) static electricity can pack a wallop for those indoor rabbit ears.
taoofbean,
I agree with you, most cable installations are not properly grounded.

Picked up my two 55HDX62's this weekend... BIGGGGG BOXESSSSS!!!! Damn near took up the entire 6' bed of the truck. Also, WTF on the assembled in MEXICO on the side of the box??????? :eek:

Scott

My unit was assembled in Mexico, too. That should not make any difference, right? Quality control should be the same.

Just checked with Hitachi on my 42HDS52A to ascertain if upgrade card current which they told me it is being V0100.0003. Have watched "Pulp Fiction" ten times and "Fargo" 1:69 seven times. So presume I've earned the privilege to enjoy at least onn vertical black barred 4:3 DVD movie, perhaps "Maltese Falcon" based on limitation to 15% black bar use or risk burn-in with only cure of buying another one. Don't think I can deal with this too much longer. Miss era of just buying a console TV and watching it unrestricted.

Stephen

Perhaps another option if I experience burn-in:

http://www.visualappliances.com/zeroburn_home.asp

Regarding the static electricity - it does not take much to fry any type of motherboard. In fact you can generate enough static just by rubbing your feet on the carpet. I should have known something was up because I started seeing green and purple horizontal lines (very faint) and they were only noticeable when the screen was black. As this built up and when I finally turned on the TV the next day that is when the video board fried (I had really nasty vertical wideband colors with zero picture visible. VO told me they have seen this before and asked me specifically if I had an ungrounded "rabbit ears" antenna - which it was. I really did not think for any moment that the cheapest accessory would take down my $3K TV.

I just recalibrated both of my sets (Panny 37PX50U and Hitachi 42HDT55a) with the SpyderTv. I really liked the system of calibration and ran it twice on each set and it was consistent with the calibration settings.
Interesting note:
Panny Black levels = .105 cd/m2 Hitachi Black levels = .209 cd/m2
Panny White levels = 141.995 cd/m2 Hitachi White levels = 207.697
What does this mean? Both sets were in a pitch dark room.

USCTrojan,

Have you tried posting your question in the AVS Display Calibration (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=139) thread?
Could it be that the Hitachi can show blacker blacks and whiter whites?

I still have not cracked my Avia disk yet.

can anyone advice me on how to manually preset channels on hds52?thank you

This post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=661844
might have been better suited in this thread...

But reading through this again, I am sure members are getting the upgrade mailed directly to them from Hitachi, correct? Has anyone from Canada had it mailed to them? I'm thinking the Hitachi rep that answered my email(s) is blowing smoke...

antarutin,

What input are you using? Please try and explain any other details.

can anyone advice me on how to manually preset channels on hds52?thank you

I'm not so sure you can set them manually. Channel manager will do a auto scan. You can add favorite or lock channels bu I don't see how to remove or add a channel. Pages 46-47 in the operating guide.

before i got my set top box i played around with deleting channels. i couldn't add channels manually. what i had to do was let it auto scan all the channels in. in the channel manager you can however delete channels. it takes time because they must be deleted one at a time. after doing it you can have just the channels you want.

If you punch in a channel manually, you can then add it I believe. I am sure I did this when I initially set up my HDT.

sorry ,im using ota antenna and half of the stations are on the opposite sides so running channel manager installs only half plus strongest ones from the other direction to be able to preset channels manually seems the only way to get week stations , but i can not find that option any advice welcomed thank you.

I am also using an OTA antenna. The following works for my HDT - not sure if other models differ:

Go to Channel Manager in the menu, then Channel List. Punch the channel in manually that you want to add, then under the Scan heading turn it to "ON". That channel will now be part of your scan list when scrolling through the channels.

Hi folks, I want to buy the Hitachi 42HDS52 for viewing SD DVDs, but does anyone know if I can also use a DVI to HDMI adapter cable to view my PC's videocard display? The cable is about $125.00 at CC and it would be nice to watch streaming HD content on the Hitachi.

Thanks for any tips, leads or links! :) :) :)

Matt

The cable is about $125.00 at CC ......

Thanks for any tips, leads or links! :) :) :)
The first tip would be to NOT buy the cable from CC for $125. You can get them online for less than $25.

Thanks for talking me off the ledge, and I'll look for a deal like that-- but any notion if it's going to work in the first place?

Newbie here just wanted to share what i got... I have a Hitachi 42HDS52A bought it a couple of weeks and it has a Software Version V0100.0003 Manufactured February 2006... i hope buying this one having the latest firmware upgrade and problem free

Newbie here just wanted to share what i got... I have a Hitachi 42HDS52A bought it a couple of weeks and it has a Software Version V0100.0003 Manufactured February 2006... i hope buying this one having the latest firmware upgrade and problem free


That is latest version. I called Hitachi last week to confirm since I bought my 42HDS52A on March 13.

slannes

Thanks for talking me off the ledge, and I'll look for a deal like that-- but any notion if it's going to work in the first place?

Works fine, although I haven't fully solved the overscan issues. Haven't really done much research on it either, so I'm not totally sure if it's my HTPC, the Hitachi, or inherent to all plasmas

It's kind of weird, because in Native mode, the desktop is way overscanned, but when playing a dvd or a movie from the hard drive, the image doesn't appear to be overscanned at all.

When I underscan the desktop so that it fits on the screen, I get uneven "letterboxing" on a 16:9 movie. It's a narrow bar at the top and a wider bar at the bottom.

Oh, and I bought my 6ft dvi to hdmi cable for 35 from a company online called "hdtv supply" (I think)

Good luck.

check out monoprice dot com, they have dvi to hdmi for around 10 including shipping.

So far so good on the Hitachi 42HDS52A, I made the purchase a week ago, and it's hooked with Time Warner Cable NYC and a Denon 1920 HDMI Player.

I still don't understand the difference between 720P and 1080i. I was watching Grey's Anatomy on ABCHD and the indicator read 720P and Crossing Jordan on NBCHD where the indiactor read 1080i. Also I didn't see any flickers when watching shows. Also what is macroblocking, I keep forgetting, what I should I look out for to notice macroblocking.

Also would it be safe to watch a 2:35 to 1 ratio movie for just a couple of hours or should I wait and watch about 100 hours of the full screen mode. Obviously worried about burn in.

thanks

...
Also would it be safe to watch a 2:35 to 1 ratio movie for just a couple of hours or should I wait and watch about 100 hours of the full screen mode. Obviously worried about burn in.

thanks


not sure what macroblocking is or refers to, but if you are worried about the black bars, just use one of the zoom or stretch modes for now.

Hello all - a few issues with my new Hitachi 55", not sure if specific to the SA8300 or not:

When I power on SA8300 and Plasma using "System On" button on SA8300 remote (I already programmed for Hitachi), it takes a few seconds to come on (is this normal?) and it goes to the last channel I was watching (an HD channel), but there is this "black hole" in the middle where it looks like either a menu or guide should have been, with bottom of screen time/status bar. Not sure if this is from the box or the Plasma. Anyway, this goes away when I hit "guide" or change the channel. Only happens when I turn on the TV/cable. Any iears?

Also, for those who have the SA8300, what are the best combination of ratio/display format settings for both the cable box and the Hitachi, that will show the best picture and reduce manual "stretching"? Eg. turn on all resolutions on box, set "Upconvert 1" on box, set 16:9 Standard on TV. I am connected via HDMI.

Finally, I am running a Panny prog scan DVD player (cheap 2 yrs old) via components. When I hit "info" on my plasma, why does it say 480i and not 480p?
Thanks!

I don't know about your model, but my 42HDT52 takes about 10sec to turn on (about about another 5-7sec or so to respond to remote commands) if it is fully off - if it is in auto standby (fan running) it only takes a second or two.

For the DVD player - check for a switch on the back to set from 480i to 480p.

Regarding the Time Warner cable in NYC, yes I have the black hole in the middle too when I turn on both components (TWCNYC and Hitachi 42hds52A). Doesn't bother me, I switch channels quickly.

I just noticed that on my 42HDTA I have a 1/4 inch strip that goes the entire length of the TV on the left hand side that the picture does not cover. Is there any way to adjust this so the entire screen is covered? I have tried all of the aspect modes etc but that does not adjust the picture horizontally to cover it. Service menu adjustment? I just need the whole picture to shift and fill a little bit. Happens with cable and dvd and I have yet been able to fill it. I figure those pixels are going to be toast if I don't do something.

Just got off the phone with Kevin from Hitachi. He told me the firmware update for my 55HDS52 was not available for distribution. BUT that he would try and find a local service facility that could download the update and they would install.

HUH??? :(

I bought a 42HDS52 this Saturday from CC and was glad I made the choice to go with hitachi. Thanks AVSForum. The elegant look of the TV, power swivel and the PQ are just excellent. SD quality on the TV is just too good than what I expected.

I picked up the HD box yesterday and connected the HDMI cable and was immediately blown away by the HD PQ. But later I noticed a horizontal bar constantly moving from the bottom to the top of the TV.

Do anyone of you guys had this problem or do any of you have an idea as to why this might be happening? Any help is appreciated

Thanks, herdfan, Em Gee and Asiparks.
NewTubeQs

I have the local shop who does the service for Hitachi coming to look at a problem with my plasma later on this week and they insist that the TV must be removed from its wall mount bracket first otherwise they won't come look at it. That sounds a bit extreme. Is this a typical request from techs?

Hi - I have my Panny progressive scan DVD player connected to my 55HDT52 via components, yet when I play a DVD and hit "Info" on my Hitachi remote I only see "480i" displayed?

Thanks

I bought a 42HDS52 this Saturday from CC and was glad I made the choice to go with hitachi. Thanks AVSForum. The elegant look of the TV, power swivel and the PQ are just excellent. SD quality on the TV is just too good than what I expected.

I picked up the HD box yesterday and connected the HDMI cable and was immediately blown away by the HD PQ. But later I noticed a horizontal bar constantly moving from the bottom to the top of the TV.

Do anyone of you guys had this problem or do any of you have an idea as to why this might be happening? Any help is appreciated
I can't tell you why, but I can tell you I'm having the same problem right now with a D* SD TIVO on a Sony 27" CRT. It just started within the last two weeks. Is your "HD Box" a Tivo by chance?

Hitachi42,
Congrats! The CC 42hds's are finally lower $$ than last fall.

Your horizontal bar is most likely a ground loop. Check out the HUM FAQ (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322698).

The most likely culprit is your cable TV. Make sure it shares your house ground. HD TVs really bring these things to light.

DirtyWaters,

I have the ES10s panasonic DVD-R. On my DVD-R you need to change the TV type in the setup to 480p.

I just recalibrated both of my sets (Panny 37PX50U and Hitachi 42HDT55a) with the SpyderTv. I really liked the system of calibration and ran it twice on each set and it was consistent with the calibration settings.
Interesting note:
Panny Black levels = .105 cd/m2 Hitachi Black levels = .209 cd/m2
Panny White levels = 141.995 cd/m2 Hitachi White levels = 207.697
What does this mean? Both sets were in a pitch dark room.

USCTrojan,

Did you find any info on your discovery? I wish I had the facilities to replicate your findings.

Hitachi42

Congrats, I just purchased the same set 2 weeks ago, I have the HD from TWC in NY. Last nights Toronto blue jays-minnestota twins looked fantastic on HD 1080i and so did Law and order on NBCHD on 1080i

Have you tried playing DVD's, i'm using a denon 1920 with HDMI, i'm getting mixed results.

I played a snipet of North by northwest (Cary Grant-1958) and it looks amazing at 720P. Howver I played Tomorrow never dies (1997) at 720p and 1080i, but was disappointed at the quality. Please let me know any feedback regarding DVD's

Thanks

I'd be interested in the up converting as well. I can't wait till the blue-ray and HD-DVD stuff settles out. Watching HD content, unexpectedly sporting events, is great!

Wow. This looks interesting
Hitachi Announces Quad Tuner TVs With PVR
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=1623

No USA release info.

I just purchased a 55HDX62 this past weekend and has just started to play around with it by watching some DVD's.

Just lastnite I noticed there is a horizontal lines that runs all the way across the panel, at the center of the panel. I mean I can't see it if the scense are dark, but in a bright scene with bright color (white, yellow, blue..etc.), you can tell the line is there and its all the way from the left to right. It feels like the entire line of pixels is not as "bright" as the rest of the panel, thus, making this horizontal "line" apparent.

Can anyone tell me what this is? Is this a defective panel? I'm really worried now cuz this set costs me a lot of $$ and the time/effort to install (it's one heavy beast), I really hate for anything to go wrong once its already mounted on the wall.

Has anyone exeprienced this?

twnmango,
Is it the same across all inputs/sources (DVD, cable, svideo, hmdi)? I would place a call to Hitachi.

Yes. I currently only have 2 inputs into the panel.

Component - DVD player
S-Video (don't laugh) - Karaoke player

Both these inputs have that slight fainted "line" across the screen.

Should I call reseller (authorized Hitachi dealer), or just deal with Hitachi directly. I am not sure if my dealer would actually swap one for me (altho its only 4 days old), but it would be nice if they do. Otherwise, I assume it's a hassels and takes a long time to go thru Hitachi customers service??

Hitachi42

Congrats, I just purchased the same set 2 weeks ago, I have the HD from TWC in NY. Last nights Toronto blue jays-minnestota twins looked fantastic on HD 1080i and so did Law and order on NBCHD on 1080i

Have you tried playing DVD's, i'm using a denon 1920 with HDMI, i'm getting mixed results.

I played a snipet of North by northwest (Cary Grant-1958) and it looks amazing at 720P. Howver I played Tomorrow never dies (1997) at 720p and 1080i, but was disappointed at the quality. Please let me know any feedback regarding DVD's

Thanks


I tried playing Matrix on DVD and was not satisfied with the quality, but other DVDs were good. So now my concern is on setting the black level. But again my DVD player and the DVD itself is not of top quality and the I use component cables from the DVD to the TV. I am gonna pick up a good DVD player and gonna try using the HDMI cable and gonna see how it looks. Also I haven't calibrated the TV settings much since I don't wanna mess around with the video settings for the first 100 hrs or so (to prevent the burn in) and hence I have toned down all the video settings around the 40-45 mark. Will let you know if I see any noticeable changes.

twnmango,
I would try customer service first. Was this a set your reseller usually stocks? They can be very difficult about replacing or returning special orders. Are you able to try the cable input yet? Even standard cable would probably show your problem.

Hitachi42,
The new DVD format and players should be coming out in the next few months. I would wait for your purchase. HD movies (not ED DVDs) and players will be released this spring.

Hitachi42,
The new DVD format and players should be coming out in the next few months. I would wait for your purchase. HD movies (not ED DVDs) and players will be released this spring.

bobharp,

I would have have to check the DVD quality, before the 30 day return period.
I may buy a HD up-converting DVD player and try it out.

Hi all - thanks for the great info so far. I love my new 55HDT52. And HD content is great when connected to my Time Warner SA8300 DVR via HDMI.

I wanted to ask, when watching some of the HD channels, specifically INHD or DISCOVERY HD, I noticed that HD Video looks a tad bit "hazy" or "smoggy", as if there is an ever so slight amt of smoke in the picture. I'm breaking my set in, so contrast/brightness is in low to mid 40's, and color is around 40. Dynamic contrast is OFF, and black enhance is LOW.

Is this a quality specific to plasmas (this is my 1st), Hitachi TV's, Time Warner HD channels, the SA8300, or are my Video settings just not right? I used a THX optimizer and Monster calib DVD to calibrate already.

Thanks again!

Which mode are you finding it best to see dvd? 720P or 1080i?
Thanks


____________________________________________________________ __

I have the 42HDS52a

Use HDMI from DCT3412 comcast cable box and to my LG DVD player. I have watched for one month now and still have never seen the flicker that has been described.

I have watched many dark movies and unless this flicker is so subtle that I miss it I have to believe my set does not have the problem. Is it that noticeable where there is no way you would miss it?

I have not tried using component or lesser connections types though - Always HDMI

Hi all - thanks for the great info so far. I love my new 55HDT52. And HD content is great when connected to my Time Warner SA8300 DVR via HDMI.

I wanted to ask, when watching some of the HD channels, specifically INHD or DISCOVERY HD, I noticed that HD Video looks a tad bit "hazy" or "smoggy", as if there is an ever so slight amt of smoke in the picture. I'm breaking my set in, so contrast/brightness is in low to mid 40's, and color is around 40. Dynamic contrast is OFF, and black enhance is LOW.

Is this a quality specific to plasmas (this is my 1st), Hitachi TV's, Time Warner HD channels, the SA8300, or are my Video settings just not right? I used a THX optimizer and Monster calib DVD to calibrate already.

Thanks again!

DirtyWaters,

I too have the 55HDT52, and I think I know what you mean by the sometimes "hazy" looks of certain channels, especially HD. I think it's a video settings issue, although my settings are similar to yours. I keep brightness & contrast in the mid to upper 40's, and color in the upper 30's. However, I've found that I get a better picture by switching from the "Day" setting to "Night." Also, I think you'd be hard pressed to see any difference with the Black Enhancement feature with your Dynamic Contrast set to off. You should set it to on, and then play with Black Enhancement while viewing dark material. You should see a noticable difference, as I have. I usually have mine set to Low, or Medium. Hope this helps.

Pappy

DirtyWaters,

I too have the 55HDT52, and I think I know what you mean by the sometimes "hazy" looks of certain channels, especially HD. I think it's a video settings issue, although my settings are similar to yours. I keep brightness & contrast in the mid to upper 40's, and color in the upper 30's. However, I've found that I get a better picture by switching from the "Day" setting to "Night." Also, I think you'd be hard pressed to see any difference with the Black Enhancement feature with your Dynamic Contrast set to off. You should set it to on, and then play with Black Enhancement while viewing dark material. You should see a noticable difference, as I have. I usually have mine set to Low, or Medium. Hope this helps.

Pappy

I calibrated my 42HDT55a with the spyder TV and got a calibrated contrast of 79 and a calibrated brightness of 29. The gray disappeared. I think this has a lot to do with the dynamic range of contrast to brightness ratio. Having the contrast and brightness equal definitely hazed the TV (albeit only very slightly). I would try reducing the brightness first a ways. Then try increasing the contrast.
On a related note: how do you guys tell when you have hit the 100 hours on this tv? I have not been able to find any counter (although at this point I am just watching the calibrated settings).

Forget the 100 hours, just use it the way you want to use it.

Obviously proper calibration is important. My TV is calibrated and I have not hit the 100 hours. I am really enjoying the awesome picture right now so I am going to skip the break in. If it was so critical I figure Hitachi would have listed instructions as to 100 hour breakin. They did not. But they did go out of their way to make a special flyer about how to avoid image retention (and still said nothing about break in period).

I just recalibrated both of my sets (Panny 37PX50U and Hitachi 42HDT55a) with the SpyderTv. I really liked the system of calibration and ran it twice on each set and it was consistent with the calibration settings.
Interesting note:
Panny Black levels = .105 cd/m2 Hitachi Black levels = .209 cd/m2
Panny White levels = 141.995 cd/m2 Hitachi White levels = 207.697
What does this mean? Both sets were in a pitch dark room.

USCTrojan,
Sorry to post this again. Did you get any info on your results? Also, I guess your static rabbit ear issue is behind you. How did the replacement/exchange go? Was that 1/4" problem on the new set?

Obviously proper calibration is important. My TV is calibrated and I have not hit the 100 hours. I am really enjoying the awesome picture right now so I am going to skip the break in. If it was so critical I figure Hitachi would have listed instructions as to 100 hour breakin. They did not. But they did go out of their way to make a special flyer about how to avoid image retention (and still said nothing about break in period).

I would still advise you to be careful about it. I was watching a baseball game on my week old TV yesterday for about an hour (the first time I actually saw a program/channel that long) in the afternoon and then switched it off. Later in the evening when I switched to another input that did not have any inputs connected (it was displaying the no synch signal) and I was standing about a few inches from the TV when I noticed the image of the scoreboard from the game being retained on the screen, which really scared me. The image was not visible when the distance was more than about 2 feet or so.
But after watching 15 mins of another channel that didn't have a static image, the older scoreboard image was not there anymore. Now this is of real concernto me, the image retention happening even though none of my video settings are greater than 45 and I haven't watched any program for more than an hour.

Do any of you guys noticed/experienced this issue before? Please advise.

I have a 55HDT51, and I have a 50" NEC. My Hitachi has never had any image retention, but the NEC is very susceptible to it. I am finally getting used to it, but it bugged me for a long time after I bought it. I don't know if IR means the set is more likely to have permanent burn-in or not. It always goes away, and I am starting to worry about it less and less. I figured Hitachis just didn't have IR. I can leave a static computer image on the 55hdt51 for hours, and nothing happens.

I have a 55HDT51, and I have a 50" NEC. My Hitachi has never had any image retention, but the NEC is very susceptible to it. I am finally getting used to it, but it bugged me for a long time after I bought it. I don't know if IR means the set is more likely to have permanent burn-in or not. It always goes away, and I am starting to worry about it less and less. I figured Hitachis just didn't have IR. I can leave a static computer image on the 55hdt51 for hours, and nothing happens.

So do you mean the image retention doesn't happen on a Hitachi?

It hasn't ever happened on my Hitachi. The Hitachi was my first plasma, and I was scared to death about burn-in, and I watched it very close, but never saw anything.

My Hitachi has had image retention but that is not the same thing as burn-in. The image retention will go away when you start watching TV/movies again and after a few minutes you wont ever see it. I only noticed it on the all black screen when switching between channels.

Bob,
The results when taken as a ratio indicate that the Panny has a "wider range" = contrast ratio as defined by the white level divided by the black level.
As far as the 1/4 strip it looks like after careful inspection, all of the actual panel glass that is usable for pixels are being used. They just did not center the entire glass absolutely perfectly and so about a 1/4 in of the left hand side of the glass with the wires in it is showing more on one side. I noticed it but it really is so minor that it does not bother me. I am not sure if they could fix. You would have to take the panel apart and just recenter it.
And this is on my new TV - the old one that fried seemed perfectly centered - or at least I never noticed it.

USCTrojan,

Im glad the switch out worked for you. How are you getting the Antenna broadcasts now?

In the setup menu, on the "Screensaver" selection, one can choose between "screen power" and the "screen wipe." My question is on the screen power mode. The choices are low, medium, high. If I choose medium, the screen is much darker. On low, it's almost unwatchable. If I drop the screen brightness on the regular video menu to 50%, am I still getting the benefit of extended set life, or do I need to drop the power in the screensaver menu. I'm a bit confused as to which one will do the most good.

Jim

I just purchased a 55HDS52...

Can anyone tell me what my best bet is for a pedestal stand (I don't necessarily need the one that Hitachi offers) for this TV? I was quite surprised that it didn't have at least a basic mechanism to put it on my table.

-IR

You would think they had a non-powered swivel stand available.

IR, you don't want the powered stand?

IR, you don't want the powered stand?


I don't **need it**, meaning its not essential. Like I said I was pretty surprised that it didn't come with anything to put it on. What would be everyone's recommendation? In other words what is the cheapest way to go vs. the best way to go on the stand issue? Is there some special stand out there I can buy at any store that will work with the Hitachi 55HDS52 but is just not advertised that way? Remember the 55" version doesn't come with a stand but the 42" does.

Edited: Now I am confused. I did a little more checking and it seems it is **supposed** to come with a stand but the version CC sells does not. Anyone know anything about this? What do I do. I just want to put it on my table :P


-IR

Which mode are you finding it best to see dvd? 720P or 1080i?

I have been using 1081 with the LG DVD player connected via HDMI cable. I have not really done a good comparison between 720p and 1081i though. Maybe I will check it out more this weekend and compare.

Other than that - The set has been geat! No issues ;)

I don't **need it**, meaning its not essential. Like I said I was pretty surprised that it didn't come with anything to put it on. What would be everyone's recommendation? In other words what is the cheapest way to go vs. the best way to go on the stand issue? Is there some special stand out there I can buy at any store that will work with the Hitachi 55HDS52 but is just not advertised that way? Remember the 55" version doesn't come with a stand but the 42" does.

Edited: Now I am confused. I did a little more checking and it seems it is **supposed** to come with a stand but the version CC sells does not. Anyone know anything about this? What do I do. I just want to put it on my table :P


-IR

I would checkwith cc. Keep us posted!

Hello everyone,
A friend of mine recently bought a 42HDT52(I have the same TV). After the first 2 weeks and AFTER he played with the TV guide, the set started to turn itself ON randomly, usually during the night but not always. The Hitachi service guy couldn't figure out what is going on. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you guys.

Have a three week old 42HDS52A. Occasionally remote control volume wheel will increase volume instead of lowering or visa versa as indicated by numbers ascending or descending. Anybody had this same problem?

Thanks,

slannes

The HDT4255 will turn itself on and off because the TV Guide updates at least 4 times daily (including in the middle ofthe night). The only way to get rid of the updating is to turn the TV guide off (look back through the middle of this thread because I put instructions on how to do that). Also make sure you get the firmware update because they programmed the fan to not turn on so loudly and run at lower speeds during updating.

As far as the pedestal stand I think that is how CC knocked a few hundred bucks off their price. The power swivel feature is truly awesome and after having it I could not live without it. I would recommend you get the power swivel stand because it is one of the features that make this plasma stand out. I would also complain to CC - especially if they did not tell you. Maybe they will throw in some type of stand??

As far as the remote control: Replace the batteries. I do notice on my flywheels that you have to spin them once to even get them to start changing the channels. It does not seem as sensitive as it could be.

I second USCTrojan's suggestion about getting the power swivel pedestal. It is awesome, and you will use it more than you think. It's nice to be able to sit where ever you want to in your room, and adjust the set to maximize your viewing angle. It's a couple hundred more than a normal stand, but it's worth it.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/502/PICT0004.JPG

As far as the remote control: Replace the batteries. I do notice on my flywheels that you have to spin them once to even get them to start changing the channels. It does not seem as sensitive as it could be.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. Changed batteries and volume wheel tolerances closer and works fine.

slannes

Hello All

I have a 55HDT52 that I purchased in mid Feb. I have comcast digital cable. Every once in a while if watching a movie from Comcast my picture will freeze. Is this Comcast or is it my tv. I have to press play or fast forward to get it going again. Thanks for the imput

Sounds like it's probably most likely your cable system. I'd talk to them. Does it do it on DVD's?

[QUOTE=USCTrojan]The HDT4255 will turn itself on and off because the TV Guide updates at least 4 times daily (including in the middle ofthe night). The only way to get rid of the updating is to turn the TV guide off (look back through the middle of this thread because I put instructions on how to do that). Also make sure you get the firmware update because they programmed the fan to not turn on so loudly and run at lower speeds during updating.

Maybe I was misunderstood but the TV turns itself on, not only the fan. It is weird :confused:

fnria- I have comcast digital here in Portland. I'm using the motorola 6412 III box and it's a bunch of arse, frankly. I had an older box without the DVR feature and though it occasionally did some nasty pixelated stuff on quick movements, it never froze. This 6412 locks up, gets horrible pixelation and On Demand is a crapshoot. I hooked my box up to my Sceptre LCD panel, and although it didn't lock up in the time it was connected, the On Demand and pixellated nonsense continued. Fair to say it's comcast or the set top box, not your telly.

fnria- I have comcast digital here in Portland. I'm using the motorola 6412 III box and it's a bunch of arse, frankly. I had an older box without the DVR feature and though it occasionally did some nasty pixelated stuff on quick movements, it never froze. This 6412 locks up, gets horrible pixelation and On Demand is a crapshoot. I hooked my box up to my Sceptre LCD panel, and although it didn't lock up in the time it was connected, the On Demand and pixellated nonsense continued. Fair to say it's comcast or the set top box, not your telly.

asiparks, I just had to return one of the 6412's for the same reason. It locked up all the time. So far this second one is ok...we'll see.

asiparks: Thank you for the advice on Comcast. I have the same box that you have. I wonder if it would be better to dump Comcast and to go with satalite dish and a TIVO? Thanks again Fnraia

Just got off the phone with Kevin from Hitachi. He told me the firmware update for my 55HDS52 was not available for distribution. BUT that he would try and find a local service facility that could download the update and they would install.

HUH??? :(
That isnt right. When I called in I read off my current FW and my rep said...oh my, thats a few versions behind, we will send you the latest."

I guess its the luck of the draw? call again.

I think the diagonal viewable image of the 42HDS is 40.5", correct?

[QUOTE=USCTrojan]The HDT4255 will turn itself on and off because the TV Guide updates at least 4 times daily (including in the middle ofthe night). The only way to get rid of the updating is to turn the TV guide off (look back through the middle of this thread because I put instructions on how to do that). Also make sure you get the firmware update because they programmed the fan to not turn on so loudly and run at lower speeds during updating.

Maybe I was misunderstood but the TV turns itself on, not only the fan. It is weird :confused:


Might just be easier to reset the TV to defaults than to try to figure out what happened.

I was going to do just that:) Thank you Keith! I might post the results here. Wish me luck:)

Has anyone heard about the ground loop interference problem?. I seem to have the problem on my TV caused by the cable set-up box, do you guys have any idea as to what might resolve the problem?

I may have similar problem with my 42HDS52. I was using cable card (another story) but switched to cable box. Using cable box I now have a low "hum" sound from the speakers. Pulled the left or right audio cable out and I can discern the hum from that speaker. Did not have this problem using cable card, or when I use my DVD player. Tried switching audio ports, seems to be caused by the cable box. I have heard about "hum buster"devices (<$60.00) from an audio store thatmay work or a power line conditioner (e.g.Monster 3500 MK II) that may solve this as well....any advice appreciated/

I may have similar problem with my 42HDS52. I was using cable card (another story) but switched to cable box. Using cable box I now have a low "hum" sound from the speakers. Pulled the left or right audio cable out and I can discern the hum from that speaker. Did not have this problem using cable card, or when I use my DVD player. Tried switching audio ports, seems to be caused by the cable box. I have heard about "hum buster"devices (<$60.00) from an audio store thatmay work or a power line conditioner (e.g.Monster 3500 MK II) that may solve this as well....any advice appreciated/

Unfortunately I have video interference, not audio. I see faint horizontal bars moving constantly from the bottom to the top of the screen. The cableguy confirmed it was a ground loop issue, but he had no idea what do. Do anyone else have any other ideas?

I had the video interference problem and the ground loop was caused by my cable and DVD player (which the Monster Power conditioner fixed the DVD ground loop but not the video interference). I purchased this Jensen Cable TV isolator and it eliminated the problem. Here is the web site: http://www.jensen-transformers.com/iso_vid.html and I bought mine on EBay for pretty cheap <$50.

One thing I forgot to mention is that the cable isolators wont work with the dish. Also I went with the Jensen because of the bandwidth pass (look for greater than 900MHZ). Some of the much cheaper isolators wont allow the higher bandwidth digital signals to pass and then you will cause other issues.

I posted a problem with my 1 week old 55HDX62 a few days ago. There seem to be a very faint horizontal line across the screen, all the way from the left to the right edge. The line, looks like its perfectly in the middle of the screen, which cuts he panel into half, top and bottom. The lines DOES NOT move. Its thin (i would say no more than 2-3 pixels thick).

I went to my retailer, who was nice enough to come out today and bring a brand new set in case they need to swap it out. They did some test on my original set, like changing power supplies, input components, etc...and determines that the horizontal line is persistant and is there no matter what htey do. So they decided to open up a brand new one to swap it. And guess what? The new set has EXACTLY the same problem...the same horizontal line that runs across the screen as well. You can't tell in absolute dark screens or white..but you can tell if its anywhere in between with any color.

Has anyone have experience with this? People with HDS or HDT models? My HDX was built in Feb.2006 with the newest firmware.

What should I do? Tks in advance.

Hitachi42,
Congrats! The CC 42hds's are finally lower $$ than last fall.

Your horizontal bar is most likely a ground loop. Check out the HUM FAQ (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322698).

The most likely culprit is your cable TV. Make sure it shares your house ground. HD TVs really bring these things to light.

GUYS!

I have been trying to point you to this HUM FAQ (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322698) for a while. Your cable provider is required to properly ground your cable to your building ground. That ground is not a rod driven into the ground.

anyone?

anyone?
Did you even bother to read any of the posts since your last visit?

how do you disable the guide? Everytime i turn the TV on, it defaults to that. I'd prefer it did not as i do not use it...
cheers

"When prompted in the initial setup, in the "setup navigator" it will ask whether you want to set the "auto channel setting" for use with 1) antenna , 2) cable , or 3) do not set .

Just simply select DO NOT SET and it will not set up.

Alternatively, you can set all zeros for the area code and it will not be able to update. I would try the first method first.

If you simply do not want the TV guide to show up when the TV is first turned on then there is a setting within the TV guide menu that turns this feature off when starting the TV.

Yes, I've read the responses..and basicly the only suggestion I got was to call Hitachi, which I did, and all the did was refer me to a service shop to try to do repairs. Hitachi gave me 3 local service shops who can come out to take a look. When I called them up, none of them have seen or experienced this problem. Moreover, all 3 shops even admits to me they do not have much experience with Hitachi plasmas (altho they are the authorized service center). From what I feel..they have no idea what the problem s and have no fix for it. I have a feeling this could take forever if I go thru them.

I posted my problem on here in hope to find a better answer from fellow members who actually own and have experience with Hitachi plasmas (especially the 55")

Tks.

I'm having a strange problem that I hope is easily fixed. This is the setup:

55hdx62 Plasma
Denon AVR 3806
SD RCA Tivo DirecTV
HD H-20 DirecTV Receiver
Harmony 880 Remote

Two weeks ago the Harmony died on me. Flat stopped working. I took it back to Magnolia and they exchanged it no questions asked (I had the remote for about 30 days). My aspect control worked perfect on the Harmony and I had no problem going thru the six different settings.

The aspect control on the new remote isn't able to toggle thru all 6 settings. I liked watching the 4:3 expanded setting for sports events as I was able to read the scores on the top and bottom of the screen. Now all channels are in the expanded mode on the HD tuner and I'm not able to even get to a standard 4:3 image (I've tried changing the aspect on the Hitachi remote and it also will only allow me three settings thru the HD box, but all 6 settings thru the SD box).

Any ideas? Thanks!

twnmango,

You most likely have a ground loop in your cable system. Your display if fine. Very common problem. Read the FAQ

TrojanBoy,

On the HD H-20 DirecTV what is displayed when you press info on the remote?
Did you change inputs from the H-20 to the display? Component to HDMI?
What ratio is the H-20 outputting? 4:3 or 16:9
You should be able to cycle through the H-20's resolution settings by pressing format on H-20 remote.
Look at pg. 23 on the Hitachi manual. It suggests that with some inputs resolutions you only get 2 to 6 modes depending on your source.
Check you auto aspect setting as well.
I will try and flip through my Comcast box to see if I get 6 on my component input at 1080i.

Good luck

how nice of Hitachi support to send me an older version of firmware on my 42HDX62, now i have to call again and wait 2 weeks for the update.

Hi Bob,

Plasma is hooked up via HDMI to AVR 3806. H-20 box is HDMI via AVR. SD RCA Tivo is component.

The bizarre thing is it worked fine with the Harmony remote that malfunctioned. I guess its possible I changed something inadvertently when I was Universal Remoteless for a week?

I'll take your advice and play with the settings once I get the kids to bed. Thanks!

twnmango,

You most likely have a ground loop in your cable system. Your display if fine. Very common problem. Read the FAQ

Where is the FAQ?

how nice of Hitachi support to send me an older version of firmware on my 42HDX62, now i have to call again and wait 2 weeks for the update.

Atleast they sent you something... if you had a Panny or a Pioneer, you'd be lucky to get anything.

GUYS!

I have been trying to point you to this HUM FAQ (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=322698) for a while. Your cable provider is required to properly ground your cable to your building ground. That ground is not a rod driven into the ground.


Hitachi42,
It is linked in an previous post but here it is again. Good luck. Make your cable company properly protect your equipment!

I appreciate it bobharp

bobharp,

I don't get it.

Its currently connected to 2 sources. DVD player vis Component and a Karaoke player via S-Video.

When my retailer was here to diagnoisis, he actually plugged his OWN DVD player via the side inputs (component) and video only, no sound. But still, the problem is there. He even used his own power source and ran the power from my living room and kitchen.

That's when he told me the problem is with the panel, not with the power or the cables.

Well, he may be wrong, so could you kindly tell me, where could the ground loop be?

Tks,
Jimmy

bobharp,

He even used his own power source and ran the power from my living room and kitchen.

That's when he told me the problem is with the panel, not with the power or the cables.

Well, he may be wrong, so could you kindly tell me, where could the ground loop be?

Tks,
Jimmy

Seems very odd to me as well. What was his 'own power source'? Has your retailer tried your old panel back at the store to see if the line is still present? Ground loops usually scroll. Do you have lighting dimmers, ceiling fans, etc.. Have you tested your outlets for proper ground/connections. Good luck with your problem. I doubt that this line would of gone unnoticed by other users. I also doubt, although it is certainly possible, that you got 2 duds from your retailer. I will continue to look.

Bob,

Tks for reply. The line DOES NOT move or scroll. Its just there and persistent, no matter what input or material I feed it. My retailer brought back the 2nd unit he brought over my house, and I think he noticed the same problem at his store. Therefore, I think yes, we have 2 brand new duds.

Good news is he just called me and said he has arranged to get me another new unit by next tuesday or wednesday to swap out. Hope this time it works.

Will keep you posted.

Bob,

Tks for reply. The line DOES NOT move or scroll. Its just there and persistent, no matter what input or material I feed it. My retailer brought back the 2nd unit he brought over my house, and I think he noticed the same problem at his store. Therefore, I think yes, we have 2 brand new duds.

Good news is he just called me and said he has arranged to get me another new unit by next tuesday or wednesday to swap out. Hope this time it works.

Will keep you posted.

good luck twnmango

Seems very odd to me as well. What was his 'own power source'? Has your retailer tried your old panel back at the store to see if the line is still present? Ground loops usually scroll. Do you have lighting dimmers, ceiling fans, etc.. Have you tested your outlets for proper ground/connections. Good luck with your problem. I doubt that this line would of gone unnoticed by other users. I also doubt, although it is certainly possible, that you got 2 duds from your retailer. I will continue to look.

I have two 55HDX62s and neither of them do this. Trust me, after reading this, I spent a little bit of time looking closely at every inch of the panels. Sounds like a ground issue to me... very odd.

ws6whiteshark,

tks for ur inpout. but im curious..how could it be a ground issue if the plasma has been tried plugging into power outlets from 3 different places in the house.

also, at one instance during diagonisis...the plasma has only ONE input..that is..thru Input 5 on the side panel, to a DVD player via component. Still the problem was there. I dunno, I can't wait until next week for them to bring the 3rd panel out here for swap. We will see then.

Tks.

ws6whiteshark,

I can't wait until next week for them to bring the 3rd panel out here for swap. We will see then.

Tks.


I think this time I would tell them not to bring it untill they checked it out at the store first.

hi all,

this is my first post, i just bought a hds52... its all good on it, except on some HD channels there are small white flickering lines on the top and bottom (only when the picture doesn't take up the whole screen) - the lines are where the picture and black bars meet up.... any help would be great

thanks

MORALDO,

Who is your HD channel provider? I have comcast. I get the same effect when watching HD "cropped" shows like Scrubs. Welcome to the world of High Def.. 99.2 % of your content is still Standard Def.. or filmed at a 4:3 ratio instead of 16:9 or some crazy director will choose some crazy ratio like 2.35:1 which will give you those black bands back again. Good fun.

BTW CONGRATS!

Hi thanks....

I live up in canada, my provider is shaw digital cable.... for awhile i thought i hooked it all up wrong..... do you know if there are any standard settings for brightness , contrast and all those video settings?

I was buying either this model or the Pioneer (PDP4360HD)...... should i have gone with pioneer?

by the way... this site is actually really helpful, some of you guys know way too much about tvs :p

I think you got the best set, though I might be a little biased (I have a 42hds52 don't really like the Pioneer electronic stuff I've had in the past). The features on this unit set it apart from the rest. Hitachi gives you more feature for your $$ than the other manufacturers.

I have left my display settings at the default. One day I will open my avia disk and play with my setup.

There is a lot of info in this forum (avs and others). Check out the other threads. If you have a problem or a question it is likely to have been asked before (and hopefully answered). You just need to search for it.
I know very little but do know how to research it.

Good luck.

I sure wish I had another 3k to spend on this HK receiver AVR-745 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=661058&highlight=avr+745) . I have not futz'd with upconverting video yet. Having a central video and audio switching receiver has been my goal. My current receiver is now 3 years old with component out for video. Maybe I need an upgrade. Hmmm

so how does the black level compare on the 55hdt52 to panasonic or pioneer in relation to hd and upscaled dvd and hd dvd?

Here are my settings that you can use for a general reference (I used spyder TV to calibrate) and I have the 42HDT55a
Standard color temp
Contrast 79% (seems high but that is what was calibrated)
Brightness 29%
Color 40%
Tint - 7 (7 clicks to the left)
Sharpness 15 to 25 (on the spyder TV you have to do this one with your own eyes)
I keep the contrast on dynamic and the black level in the middle setting.
Noise reduction on low.

I bought an HDS52 a few months ago from Circuit City. At some point after a few weeks I noticed a faint greenish crescent moon shaped kind of thing towards the right side of the screen. Most of the time I don't notice it but if the that part of the screen is white, it is very noticeable...about a foot in length, a few inches wide, greenish ghost like artifact. I did pay extra for the C.C. insurance. Is this something they should replace the unit over or should I expect a battle. The reason I bring it up now...At first it was really not noticeable the vast majority of the time and I was thinking I could live with it, but now I'm kind of thinking it might be getting worse. Or at least I am noticing it more. Anybody have any experience with something like this?

First make sure it is the TV and not any of your components. Disconnect everything (even the cable box) and run regular cable into and see if it does not disappear. I have had an issue with my Toshiba DVD player that was doing weird things and at first I thought it was the TV. If you try different scenarios and inputs and you still see it get it replaced (the plasma).

I bought an HDS52 a few months ago from Circuit City. At some point after a few weeks I noticed a faint greenish crescent moon shaped kind of thing towards the right side of the screen. Most of the time I don't notice it but if the that part of the screen is white, it is very noticeable...about a foot in length, a few inches wide, greenish ghost like artifact. I did pay extra for the C.C. insurance. Is this something they should replace the unit over or should I expect a battle. The reason I bring it up now...At first it was really not noticeable the vast majority of the time and I was thinking I could live with it, but now I'm kind of thinking it might be getting worse. Or at least I am noticing it more. Anybody have any experience with something like this?

Is your speaker anywhere near it? Not your center channel but a front speaker?

Is your speaker anywhere near it? Not your center channel but a front speaker?
Good question... 'cause it does remind me of that type of image you would get on a crt from a speaker being too close, but both speakers are the same distance on each side, about a foot away and it's only doing it on one side. The speakers are described as being video shielded, (Infinity 360 towers). Is a plasma screen susceptable to magnetic interference like crt's are?

I have the 42HDT52a and I was experimenting with the black enhancement feature while watching Gangs of NY yesterday. Noticed that when I enabled the black enhancement feature it did make the blacks more black but did nothing with regards to detail. In fact it took away details as I moved the black enhancement feature to high. I noticed that some of the characters were wearing black suits and the lapels disappeared when I cranked this feature up. Not sure what good this does when you loose detail. I now have the feature turned off.

I have the 42HDT52a and I was experimenting with the black enhancement feature while watching Gangs of NY yesterday. Noticed that when I enabled the black enhancement feature it did make the blacks more black but did nothing with regards to detail. In fact it took away details as I moved the black enhancement feature to high. I noticed that some of the characters were wearing black suits and the lapels disappeared when I cranked this feature up. Not sure what good this does when you loose detail. I now have the feature turned off.


I have noticed this as well. Also noticed that the black level enhancement does not seem to do anything if you have the contrast set to normal mode. It only seems to have an effect on dynamic mode...

Hi everyone,
This is my first post in this SUPERB forum! Thanks to all of you for this interesting and well informative thread.

So, I've bought a 55HDM71, built in Feb.2006.
I didn't notice any of the problem that many people mentioned, and I'm very pleased with the PQ. I was told that Pioneer is the best, but honestly, when I hooked this piece I was more than happy.
I have switched my cable box (Videotron) to HD and even the SD channel are looking much better on theHitachi than on my former CRT32 using SD cable box.
I'm using a MOnster Cable Power Center

So here are my questions:
1/ Where should I look for the firmware?
2/ Did anybody succeed seing all graduation of black and white on the DVE (I'm using a LDA-531 with all the unlock given by the forum)
3/ When switch off, the monitor is emitting two noise that I would translate as a big "bloum". I don't thinkthis is usual.
4/ I read that the RS232C was a 2way connection. Could I plug a PC for recording in this slot?

Tks Christian

so how does the black level compare on the 55hdt52 to panasonic or pioneer in relation to hd and upscaled dvd and hd dvd?


Deez,

I owned a couple of 42hdt52s and returned them both based on black level performance. I've now picked up a panasonic 42px60u and I have to say it's a revelation. Deep deep detailed blacks, no crush, and rock solid, ie: no flicker or dc retention.

It's not as pretty as the Hitachis, but the panel is far and away superior.

Update regarding the horizontal line issue.....

My retailer called me last weekend and told me they were playing around with the unit they brought back and installed it in their showroom. That unit (which had the line at my house), now is perfectly normal sitting in their showroom. I drove down and looked at it..and yes, there was NO LINE.

So now my retailer is telling me the problem might be coming from my house, from my power outlets. So he suggested a Panamax power conditioner to try over the weekend. I tried it, and it didn't help. I am still seeing that persistant horizontal line across the center of the screen. I tried using extensino cords and connect my plasma to several other outlets in my house..and...same thing.

BTW, when I am checking to see the line, I unplug everything, and simply just go into TV GUIDE setup with the white/light blue setup green. The line is visible there. Which means, it can't be from the cables from any of my inputs components.

No one, not my retailer, not Hitachi customer service, not one of their nearest service center has ever heard of this problem....what can i do?