The 36SDX01S has the same pix tube as the RCAs and handles 800 x 600 just fine, either from a computer or from the RCA DTC-100 STB, both of which I use with the 36SDX01S.
While I never saw the 36SDX88B, I did compare the Hitachi to an RCA MM36100 and a Toshiba (forgot the model # of their HD-ready 36") in a properly lit showroom. The Hitachi and RCA looked nearly identical with an HD input, but the RCA lacked a line doubler and the Toshiba lacked a SVGA DB15 input at that time. The Hitachi was about $400 less than the RCA and $200 less than the Toshiba.
The RCA and Hitachi both have data grade pix tubes with 0.77 dpi while a "standard" 36" set had 0.99.
Hitachi does make a nearly identical analog 36" TV with a standard pix tube. The difference is the lack of "DIGITAL" directly under the "ULTRAVISION" label on the front of the set. In all other respects (except PQ) the non-digital set looks just like the HD ready digital set. Obviously there is a corresponding price difference of about $800.
Dave
[This message has been edited by Budget_HT (edited 07-17-2001).]