LCDs - Hitachi vs Panny 50 in.

Folks,


Saw the side by side comparison of the Panny and Hitachi LCD 50s. Few seem interested in this thread, but for those who are, here goes.


Both TVs were hooked to the same Sears HD feed. I fiddled with the brightness and contrast, picture, and all the other regular settings to get the TVs showing fairly well. They were both great looking sets. The guy I spoke with before going in to see them, had told me they had both sets and that he would unpack them and hook them up. Being skeptical, I called first, and he said he was ready, and had hooked them up to DVD players too.


Looked at my Shawshank Redemption DVD (component) on both sets. At first the pic on the DVD seemed more 'refined' on the Panny, but then I wondered if it was the DVD player (each set had it's own player and they were different). The guy said no problem and switched the DVD players. Then we saw that it was the player, because the Hitachi seemed to have the better pic when we switched. Back to the HD loop. Again, both were fine, but we leaned toward the Hitachi. Seemed I was able to adjust the brightness, contrast, etc. to get a better end result...albeit, not by a lot.


The Best Buy warranty was in the $350-$400 range as I recall. Sears had a three year policy for $249, including a yearly checkup, in home service, and a guarantee for replacement if they have to come out to fix it 3 times.


Been through all the threads and started out wanting a Plasma. Then wanted a 50 incher, and could not afford Plasma, so went to DLP, and liked the Sammy. Still do. Just did not think the price difference was worth it, plus I was worried about some folks getting dizzy watching it, possible rainbows, etc., so decided to get the Hitachi LCD. Scheduled for delivery next Monday, 9/15.


Thanks to all the forum members who shared their knowledge, and experiences here. It made me feel like I made at least somewhat of an informed choice. Hope I will be happy with the set, and look forward to continued participation here (hey, still need a new DVD player, etc.).


Frank

I was walking through CC today and noticed they had the Hitachi 50" near their "walk through" TV area but it was not hooked up [they have to know it wont sell just on the "looks"..LOL]. I asked the guy to hook it up and the only thing he "could" do was hook it into the in-store HD loop. The other 6 or so TVs in that area were all CRT RPTVs playing the same loop. I noticed immediately that the "out of the box" picture on the Hitachi was noticably better than the other sets but one things imediately stood out to me.


When the loop got to the sports [football] segment I noticed some serious pixelation in the picture. I was about 7ft from the set, but it was really noticeable. Could this be just from the loop material or is this really what to expect on these sets?


I am beginning my foray into the research game for either Sammy, Hitachi or possibly the new Wegas....and will be shopping for the 60" sets...but have yet to really look at the sets properly. I was just curious as if this first "peek" is what I should expect.


It was definitely bright, but really crisp.

I would have considered the Hitachi, but no VGA input killed it. The Panny has VGA and can split the screen, half tv - half VGA. Pretty cool for surfing net while wife watches tv (yet I'm still "spending time" with her).


I looked at Hitachi at Sears and it looked dim to me.

If you sum up all the posts here, my summary is:


Hitachi Pros

- Best LCD PQ

- Better Blacks


Hitachi Cons

- Possibly scaling up/down of 720P signal

- No VGA inputs

- Only 2 (I believe) component inputs


Panny Pros

- Cheaper, by $300 or more

- Input friendly (2 VGA, 4 component)

- Can PIP/Split screens on all inputs (DVI & VGA)


Panny Cons

- Blacks less than Hitachi & DLP but better than GWII