Archive through February 16, 2004

 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2003
James Ward...the correct site is shopsunshine.com. If this doesn't work at $2699, tell the salesman they will ship it to you (price is on their web site) He may include the freight or not but the price will still be better than $2699.
 

New member
Username: Jamesward

Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2004
We did it!We finally got a local Sears store to do the price match.The key is don't deal with the asst.mgr or the dept mgr.Deal with the customer service mgr.Especially if things are not going your way with the salesman or the manager.Insist on talking to the CSM.Also like someone said earlier talk about building a relationship with the store because that was my next move if it didn't work.I had already bought a $2000 refrigerator from Sears.It was going to be the last time if they didn't price match the Hitachi 50v500 for $2699.It happened at the 3rd Sears store We went to.Plus the Sears warranty covers the bulb .3yrs $399 and 5yrs $599.Good luck to everyone!
 

DouginLouisville
Unregistered guest
Sorry... What does it mean at the top..., "Not accepting new threads on this page?"
 

Anonymous
 
For what it's worth... ordered a 50V500 from the local Sears here back on the 20th. Better to be lucky than good sometimes, as I didn't even realize they were having the 10% off, 0% financing deal. Anyway, we agreed on the $3299, less discounts and headed to a register. When the item code was entered, the price came up at $3134 vice $3299. After the $100 off for TVs over $499 special and the 10% special price was $2731.49 without stand, delivery, tax or warranty.

I'm supposing that anybody shopping at Sears should be able to get to that price through negotiations alone, pricematches notwithstanding.

*** BUT ***

Delivery to my local store for pickup has been delayed for the second time...from the 2nd to the 6th and now the 13th.

At this rate I'll be lucky to watch baseball, let alone the super bowl.
 

New member
Username: Surly

Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2003
OMG im in hell, sears delayed my tv again this time till the 14th. ughh
at least they gave me another gift card
$50.00 so i guess i cant complain too much.
If you live in 626 area you might get a call from sears saying they have a manufacturing delay .
 

Steve Strader
Unregistered guest
This is the third thread I've read on the 50V500 and it makes me feel even better about buying mine early in Dec. Got it at CC in Santa Rosa,CA for $2850. Bought the warranty, covers the bulb. Just got DishNetwork HD setup, even improves regular broadcast (sat) to DVD progressive quality. Unfortunately no local HD OTA broadcast so I have to settle for meager HD content. This new Sat/Rec is too good to be true. Since I had no previous sat hookup it was the normal $49 setup, extra $10 a month. There are some good settings to be had over on the AVS forum, there is 125+ post thread there on this TV.
 

Anonymous
 
Pacific Coast Parts

http://www.pacparts.com/scripts/whlsl.cfm

UX21511 lamp available $195 with tax and delivery in CA.

More numbers for people considering repair costs vs. warranty.
 

Unregistered guest
I still haven't seen any posts about the noisy ringing the fan makes. Just plugged in my 60v500 and boy does it make an annoying ring!! Any info would be appreciated!!
 

DouginLouisville
Unregistered guest
Weird... it comes up $347.13 for me.
 

Dan Rhody
Unregistered guest
I just bought the 50v500, to be delivered by CC this Saturday. They had it on sale for $2850 a month ago, but it went back up to $3299. Somehow I got lucky and they were willing to price match a Yahoo! store that had it for $2699. The guy said it was because Yahoo! stores have to prove they're "real" before they can set up a store front. The deal they gave me was $2699 + what it would've cost to ship it if I bought it online. Total cost: $2850. They also mentioned that ABC Warehouse will go that low on the price, so if you have one of those in your area, mention that.

I also think the sales people liked me, 'cuz I spent some time asking them about modding a PlayStation 2 and playing Final Fantasy X2 on the TV.

I also bought the tv stand. What a waste of money. $499 for two pieces of particle board and two pieces of glass! Anyone else out there looking into getting this TV, don't get the stand unless you absolutely want it to look like it does in the store. A wall mount and a cool glass and metal book case would look better, offer more room for components, and cost about the same.
 

New member
Username: Jamesward

Post Number: 5
Registered: 01-2004
I hate the stand for the 50v500 so I opted to try something else.The best I could come up with so far is the Bush VS74377 stand they have at bestbuy.It is for $299.I would love to get it for less than that if possible.I have also been looking at the BDI ICON 9429 stand .Which is very sweet and very expensive $700 range.I would love to hear about other possiblities if there are more out there.The main problem I run into is the width of the stands and the ability to hold other Items such as the center channel and recvr,dvd etc.The tv itself is 55 inches wide so the stand should be atleast 58.
 

New member
Username: Newbieny

Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2003
I agree on the low quality part for the stand, and it's NOT well designed. I almost returned it. But in terms of the look with the TV, I still think it's the best, very slick when you put them together. So I guess I sacrifice the function for the look (hmmm, sounded bad :-)).

But the most important thing is, the picture (especially HD signals) on the TV is so beautiful, right?!
 

Unregistered guest
Just received my Hitachi 60" Digital Widescreen LCD HDTV at a price of $3420.00, with a 5 year warranty that I just read is worthless when it comes to the bulb taking a dive. As great as the TV looks, the noisy fan is very, very annoying. They offered to come out and "fix it" but said that we could not return it for the reason of a noisy fan because that is a known issue??? Anyone heard of that?
 

gypsy
Unregistered guest
Hey Greg, i almost bought 60v500 this weekend

$3450
$499 - stand
$150 - 3 year year warranty
plus tax

Altogether haggled the price down to $4230(not sure if it is a good deal)

Did you get it $3420 plus tax? or the whole thing for $3420 including tax and where did you get it?
Also, if fan noise is too much, can you return it or did you get it from internet store?

 

Anonymous
 
Hitachi 60v500 is awesome. The design is great. The tv is a cool silver with a flat front panel, it doesn't take much room, sound is good,and it looks like a plasma. I was happy until ..... I noticed a fuzz around letters, numbers, etc. I called tech support with no help. I then found out that it's a common issue with SD signal on HDTV monitors. Ok so I decided to see if I could somehow minimize the fuzz a little by tweaking with settings and i found the setting that helped me cope with the issue. I turned the video noise reduction to high and it didn't eliminate the fuzz but helped minimize to where it's almost unnoticeable from viewing distance. Second issue but the most annoying issue I have is the fan. You can hear at the 13 or below volume level. It's humming sound like a small fan or small fridge. I've had the tv for more than 30 days so returning or exchanging will be problem. I attempted to return or exchange it during the holidays but the sony kf60we610 lcd I was considering as a replacement was out of stock and i didn't want to be without a tv. It looks like 4K+ down the drain but if I complain enough maybe i can convince them for an exchange at CC but if the fan issue is the same on the SONY then I guess I'm gonna have to live with it.Does anybody know if the Sony lcd has the same noisy fan issue?
 

New member
Username: Absolut

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
I work at Nebraska Furniture Mart and looking at this TV to add to my house. We carry both the 50" and the 60" models. I think my price is around $2400 for the 50" not including stand, tax or delivery.

I will probably pick it up in another month or so... I heard that this one is a little better than the Sony showing a little bit better blacks than the Sony. I still have yet to compare the 2 side by side.

I will let you know how it goes... :-)
 

jp
Unregistered guest
Alot of people are looking for a stand for the 50" . I got one from target ,and it works great. here is the . site http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_2/601-8565900-4092124?asin=B00008P C3Y

Just cut and paste. I paid $130.00 now it is $116.00. My TV hangs off not even 1/4" on each side. I am very happy with it.
 

gypsy
Unregistered guest
Does anyone knows when the next generation Hitachi LCD TV 50v500 or 60v500 coming out, any comments, rumors?

I am thinking...should i wait at this point?
This noise issue is a bit discouraging...
 

Bruce C
Unregistered guest
I'm looking into a 60V500 and just found this board. Is it worth the $4K? Does CC have any flexibility to pricing and how low are they willing to go? Any help is appreciated
 

New member
Username: Absolut

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2004
Has anyone noticed any screen door effects with the 50" or 60"? Just curious since it might look totally different from the show room floor to my living room.
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 8
Registered: 12-2003
"GYPSY"...if you wait for the perfect set, you'll never get one because things are always improving and in a state of flux. The fan noise is MINIMAL...check it out for YOURSELF by going to the store and puting your ear right next to it...some people complain just to complain. I don't think my set is any different than most and the fan noise can't be heard IF you have the volume up enough to hear words being spoken...if you mute the sound and are in a church-like silence, you will hear a slight sound...it's like buying a car, if you turn the radio off, you can hear the engine but that doesn't mean you won't buy a car!
"ANTHONY" Why should the screen door effect be any different in the show-room rather than your house...a picture on the screen is a picture on the screen.
Come on guys...go buy it and enjoy it like I do and like most of the others on this forum are doing.
 

Anonymous
 
I was wondering if anyone looked into buying the
Samsung HLN-5065WX 50" Widescreen DLP HDTV instead of the Hitachi 50v500? Caught between the 2. Any info on this would be great ..thanks
 

mcpagano
Unregistered guest
I saw on Uecweb.com (which is an authorized Hitachi refurbished dealer) is selling the 50V500 for $1,895. It only has a 30 day warranty. But that is about $1,000 less than new. It also shows you can buy an extended warranty. I can't find a price on the extended warranty though.
 

Unregistered guest
I'd have to agree with Best Deal.. No tv is going to be perfect (at least not with the current technology). With plasma you get short life and high price.. with LCD you get poor blacks and stuck pixels.. DLP rainbows and watery looking sharp whites.. CRT gives you big bulky sets and convergence concerns..

To me LCD was the perfect choice.. People come over and automatically fall in love. Most think it is plasma (although once you watch it long enough you'll know the difference), my wife can pick up one side when we need to move it, amazing color, super bright picture and best of all an affordable price for what you get.

You can drive yourself crazy trying to decide which technology to buy, then which brand/model. I had a specific size, price range, and narrow brand preference from forum research. My choices were limited to Sony, Hitachi and Mitsubishi. My budget was $3000. I wanted 50" minimum. This put DLP and Plasma out of the choices (although I don't like DLP anyway). I decided to go with LCD to avoid dealing with CRT convergence later. I watch TV all the time now.. never used to before. I'm happy with my 50V500!

Steve
 

Dan Rhody
Unregistered guest
I got my 50v500 and have been using it for 4 days now. It is great! The fan noise is only noticeable when there is no sound in what you are watching and your heating system isn't running. Really, the fan noise is just as bad as every other piece of electronic equipment, or even a refrigerator. I assume that, like everything else, my ear will get used to it and I will eventually never notice it. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to listen for it. Of course, maybe I got lucky and got one with a good fan? Who knows, my model # doesn't end in "A".

The picture on some SD signals (like commercials) is not that great. I am waiting for my Dish Network HD receiver, which should help a lot. But shows that are natively digital, like things on the History Channel, look great!

My DVD player, with progressive scan, could only show in 480 resolution. There is only one DVD player on the market that can play in 720 or 1080 (that I found). It is made by Samsung (model DVDHD931) and costs $300. It upsamples the image to 720 or 1080. The guy at BB told me that DVDs right now only come in 480 format, so the DVD player needs to "upsample" the image. Either way, I noticed a big difference between the old DVD and this one. Talk about a sharp, super-clear picture. I highly recommend.

Oh, and the picture on my TV? I can view it with the shades open. It looks great all the time, but watching the Matrix in a completely dark room was better than watching it at a theater.
 

DouginLouisville
Unregistered guest
Rats. Our 50v500 is about 17 days out of the box. (HH Gregg has a 10 day return policy :-( ) And tonight, when we turned it on, it's entirely filled with a red hue. It looks sort of like a giant red sandstorm has swept into all our programming. Happens on all the inputs equally. What could be wrong?

Should I call for a service appointment?
Wish I could return it for a refund. :-(
 

New member
Username: Barrett141

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
Model 50VX500 features a Deep Black anti-reflective shield which results in a better picture. It also comes with a Smart Remote, for further convenience.

Product specifications on these units can be found by following the links below. I hope this information is helpful.

50VX500
http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd/lcd/50vx500.shtml

50V500
http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/lcd/lcd/50v500.shtml
 

Unregistered guest
Best Deal, you have got to be crazy. The fan noise on mine is 10 times louder than the frig, and even louder than my furnace. I can hear it from upstairs with the door closed. Maybe the 50" models are a little more quiet, but I know the 60" model that I have is WAY too loud to stand for considering the cost. Having service out tomorrow, and will see what kind of resolution we come to.
 

Vince
Unregistered guest
Greg_78, that sounds wrong dude. Mine can only be barely heard when the volumn is muted and there is no other things running. You should check with the store maybe swapping out for another one.
 

Greg_78
Unregistered guest
The service guy is coming today, so I will let you know the outcome. The fan doesn't bother me at all, but about 6 minutes after turning the TV on, it begins emmitting a high pitched ringing noise. I can tell it is the way the air is flowing through the air dam, but I don't think there will be any way to resolve the problem without getting a new box. Will let ya know.
 

Anonymous
 
John Barrett...

Not trying to "dis" your TV, but I've looked at both the VX and the V series. Remote is the same on both. The different reflective shield between the two doesn't really show me much of a difference either.

I called Hitachi Customer Service. Even they had a hard time describin the differences. Picture quality on both is outstanding and equal.

As best I can tell, the major difference is the price. The VX series sells for about $1K more than the V series. VX series is only available through "boutique" AV dealers (read expensive), where they don't have to compete directly (because different model numbers) with the mass market retailers.
 

DouginLouisville
Unregistered guest
Okay... so after much persuasion, HH Gregg finally agreed to take back our malfunctioning 50V500... even though we had to agree to pay the 10% restocking fee. So... thanks for the input on this board... but for now, we're outa' here!
 

HalfDuplex
Unregistered guest
I just received my 50V500 yesterday. Comcast guy came to hook up our HDTV box the same day. Looks great! Fan noise isn't even noticable. The HD channels are incredibly bright, crisp, and clear, but even standard broadcast material looks pretty good. Spent only a few hours so far exploring the all the new capabilities of the TV and Comcast's digital service. It's a bit daunting actually. It will take many more hours of exploration. "Sorry honey, can't go shopping with you right now ... gotta get this new TV setup figured out."
 

Anonymous
 
I just purchased a 50v500 from Circuit City for $2558.00 plus tax in Miami. They matched a local dealers price. I hope it is as good as advertised.

I am concerned about all the fan noise talk.
 

Dave P
Unregistered guest
I just now called Sears in my area R.I. and they honored the 2699.00 price from www.shopsunshine.com bcause they have a store in N.Y. They did however have to add the shipping cost of what www.shopsunshine.com would charge me (185) so I got the TV at sears for 2885.00
Circuit City also honored the price so I am buying it there because they have in stock and next day delivery
 

Anonymous
 
The difference between the 60v500, and the
60vx500 is the color.
Silver vs high gloss titanium.
 

Unregistered guest
For anyone looking for a 50V500.. There is a guy selling them on Ebay almost as fast as he lists them for $2300 plus about $250 for shipping. Check completed items if none are current. One is up right as I post this but it will be sold soon. Looks to have a lot of postive feedback too.

Steve
 

charles hamilton
Unregistered guest
Thanks for all of the posts the information is great. Still trying to decide between the HIT or the Panasonic. Are there any stores in SoCal to price match from>? Please help!!
 

New member
Username: Surly

Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2003
About time i received my 50v500A and i must say im quite impressed and i cant hear the fan noise unless i mute my television and actually concentrate on the sound.
Damn star wars never looked so good on my tv before hehe:-)
I got it for $2749 + tax + 50.00 delivery but with all the delaying and rebates it came to 2800 even from sears.
OMG i purchased a bose 321 system before i got my tv and now i must sell cause the sound is remarkable mind you its in my room which is not very big.
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2003
Greg_78, if I'm crazy that the fan is barely able to be heard when the set is muted and not able to be heard when the sound is on, then it looks like an awful lot of others are crazy also. You have a defective set and it should either be fixed or replaced. If the store set doesn't make noise like yours, then demand it be corrected or tell your credit card co you are refuting the charges...not on your credit card?, Small Claims court will resolve the matter.
 

New member
Username: Newbieny

Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2003
The one on ebay though is a refurbished model. The guy probably purchase a few from Uecweb.com (which is an authorized Hitachi refurbished dealer) who had it for $1895 a while ago. With the relatively new technolgy used by this TV and a few "common" (relatively again) problems being reported here, I'm not so sure refurbish is the way to go. Just my 2 cents.
 

Greg_78
Unregistered guest
Best Deal, Your right on. It appears we have a bad fan, as the tech was out on Wednesday. He pulled the cover and applied some pressure to the fan and thing really started screaming. He had to order the replacement fan, so I hope that resolves my problem. I was a happy camper to hear that news, as I love the look and picture of this set. I really didn't want to have to go to the Sony, as i just didn't like the look or the picture as much.
 

Rob White
Unregistered guest
Purchased my 50v500A two weeks ago at video only Tacoma,Wa.for $3100 out the door.(includes tech craft ptv58 stand,8.8% sales tax)Have no problem with fan noise and I have good hearing.Have not yet hooked up to comcast hd,but probably will soon.Regular t.v.has good picture especially close ups,more distant shots are somewhat blurry.Grey lines on 4-3 aspect do not seem to be that noticeable,probably less so than black would be. Dvd is great but I did up grade from a non progressive scan player to the samsung hd931.Your postings were helpful in making my purchase. Thanks, Rob
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 10
Registered: 12-2003
Greg_78, good to hear your tech found the problem...be sure to keep us updated so the people thinking about this great unit can be assured that the fan doesn't USUALLY make noise and can be corrected if it does. I'd hate to think someone passes on this unit because they're worried about the fan noise.


 

Mark G.
Unregistered guest
Rob White - How well does your PTV58 stand fit the TV?
 

Rob White
Unregistered guest
Mark-Very well,stand is 58" wide,50v500 is about 541/2".Front to back is also excellent fit.
 

New member
Username: Toaster

Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2004
are you guys sure that the only difference between the vx and the v series is the titanium color box? the price difference at my local retailer is 800-1000 difference .
 

cougar57
Unregistered guest
There are a few differences between the 50v and 50vx. The ones that I know about are:

1) Titanium Color
2) Deep-Black screen shield
3) Simple Remote
4) Possibly 2 DVI's - the normal X series has two, so I'm not sure of this
 

JMS@Cols.OH
Unregistered guest
Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to quote from the owner's manual on the HIT 50V500 (Page 5):

"A small number of missing, discolored, or lit all the time dots or pixels is characteristic of TFT LCD technology due to manuacturing process for such technology irrespective of manufacturer. If your LCD has defective pixels, it should not be considered defective"

WHAT!!!???

I couldn't believe my eyes. Comments please.
 

New member
Username: Biged

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
Folks,
Just got my 50V500 from a local CC yesterday after a week of haggling and "pseudo" price matching (much thanks to this board). I had an incredibly bad experience on one night with a manager who would do nothing for me (while insulting me and my wife) and then I had a great experience with another manager a few days later (without my wife in attendance) who took $500 off the set and stand. Unfortunately, my set arrived late yesterday after the 3rd Quarter of the Eagles-Panthers game and it had a dark black strip running diagnal across the screen. A buddy of mine who was over said it looked like a "gasket" came loose and was hanging down on the back of the screen. It was so humorous, even the delivery crew yucked it up. Needless to say, I rejected it and they're bringing another set over tomorrow (great quality control, huh??!!).

My question for the assembled experts is that I've been having trouble getting digital sound into my JVC surround sound system from either my digital box (COX, HDTV tuner comes Saturday) or from my set----I have to use my analog setting on the JVC amp to drive my speakers (and it doesn't sound at all impressive). Anybody have any recommendations on the best hookup format for all the components and the 50V500?? I looked at the user's manual but found it less than helpful. I think I have every variant of cable, just haven't figured out the right combo yet. Thanks in advance!!!
 

Kiwanda
Unregistered guest
I just got my 50v500 today. However, I am not too impressed by the image quality. I have progressive scan DVD player input via component video, and the image on the TV looks like there is a thin plastic cover on top of it. This grainy image is very visible when the color is white. I thought maybe there is a plastic cover for protection during shipping, but I could not take anything off the screen. Is this normal, or just a setup issue?
 

JMS@Cols.OH
Unregistered guest
I've had my 50V500(A) for about a month now, and there are some good and bad things about this set.

Among the good is CBS's HD boadcasts through my Scientific Atlanta 3250HD cable box. The INDY/NE playoff game picture quality was, in a word, awesome. I've been reading about HD for almost a decade now and what a joy it is to finally see it. The standard before-the-snap field shot revealed so much detail! Audio came through in Dolby Digital Stereo. For the first time, I found analog Dolby Pro Logic to be satisfactory, with the announcers firmly on the center channel and croud noise around the room. (I do not have DPL II.)

Moreover, picture quality from my modest DVD player (JVC XV-N40, $70 after factory rebate!) has been very satisfactory on Input 2 @ 480p.

The biggest bad thing is the picture on all the analog channels. There's lots of pixelation and no amount of fiddling with the settings seems to help, thus far.

Furthermore, when using Input 1 via component hookup from the cable box, you're limited to 16:9 Standard--which yields a standard 4:3 display with sidebars--or 16:9 Zoom. The 16:9 Zoom setting zooms in too much and suffers from even more "digitalis."

I get better results by using the cable box's S-video out into another input on the TV. This then gives you, among others, the 4:3 Expanded setting (see page 31 in the manual). If you must fill the screen on regular TV, this is the way to go.

By the way, MELL, it's important to note that this TV is digital in video only. The only way you are going to get digital audio into your receiver is directly from your cable box's digital audio output (usually coax, but could be optical) bypassing the TV altogether.

Thanks to everyone for operational tips on this product. I'm still in learning mode!
 

New member
Username: Newbieny

Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2003
JMS@Cols.OH, I think your cable box has "4:3 override" set to off right now, which makes it output all signal in 1080i format, which make the aspect not adjustable on your TV. You should set that to either 480i or 480p, which then from the component hookup on your TV, you will get 2 options (16:9 standard and zoom) for HD signal, but 5 options (4:3 standard, expand, zoom and 16:9 standard and zoom) for non HD signal. I'm not familiar with your cable box, but on a Motorola dct5100/dct6200 box, you can do this by turning off the cable box, then pressing the menu key. Hope this helps.
 

New member
Username: Biged

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2004
JMS, Thanks for all the info and will start tweeking my cable box (esp. after I get my HD tuner on Sat). I'll try going with an optical conection from my current digital box to my JVC amp/surround sound to see if I can achieve digital sound that way. If not, I may bypass the TV (seems like a shame considering the HIT's good sound quality) and go directly to my JVC Amp with all sound. Thanks to you and Scott on the cable box settings. Haven't experienced aspect problems yet, but now I know what to do if it happens. I'll provide feedback on my efforts. Looking forward to the Super Bowl in HD!!!
 

JMS@Cols.OH
Unregistered guest
Scott--
You're right about the cable box setting. There's a 'stretch' mode on the on-screen settings menu on the box--a feature I've not explored yet on this 2 week old device. This setting affects only the component output, so if I want to watch SD in 4:3 I can switch to the S-video cable I've got going into Video 4 input on the TV. Thanks a million!

Thanks also to an earlier poster on the "Video Noise Reduction" adjustment. I'm now on "high" and things are looking better.

May all our pixels and bulbs burn brightly during our HD Superbowl parties!
 

Unregistered guest
JMS@Cols.OH

I have the same problem with my Scientific Atlanta HD cable box. My solution was the same as yours pretty much. I use input 1/component for the HD channels and keep it in 16:9 aspect. I used input 4/S-Video for watching non digital channels. For audio to both inputs I installed RCA "Y" cables on the cable box audio output. No digital surround system for me yet :-).

steve
 

jenny
Unregistered guest
Thanks for all the info. You guys are great. This is capitalism at it's best. (I wish we would have seen this site about a month ago.

We purchased our 50V500A from VideoOnly in Beaveton (Portland), OR just before Christmas for $2742. We picked it up from the store. I am searching for a lower price before the price match expires.

It's huge. We love it. Only notice the fan noice when we turn it (and everything else) off. (The fan runs for a few minutes -maybe to cool the bulb.) The standard Dish signal looks worse than our old tube (not enough resolution for 50"), but the DVD's are incredible. No bad pixels, but do have a 2" dot at the bottom sometimes - hmmm.

Will check the Dish receiver output. Thanks.
 

jenny
Unregistered guest
Almost forgot. In the quest for something other than the coffee table to put the 50V500A on ...

Hooker Furniture (online) came recommended. Well built, solid wood, designs for big screens, haven't found prices yet. One choice is 62wx22x36h has enough shelves for all our components and room to hide all the movies etc.

Bello also has a wow cherry/glass stand (don't pay list).
 

New member
Username: Yanks4life

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
Hello all, WOW i wish i would have found this review a few months ago. but to my surprise i seem to have got a decent deal on mine:
Purchased it at CC,
Web offer for 2999.99 + 10% gift card and free home theater sys.(value 100.00) i took all this in and walked out paying 2610.00 for the tv. Downside was i had to pay for the gift card 289.99. which i used for cables and other goodies. Well to get to my question is their a big difference in the picture between an hd rcvr w/ component vice a dvi input? Thanks for any help.
 

Unregistered guest
Questions for anyone!
When using the dvi connector straight from Directtv Hdtv receiver(sony hd200) to the 50v500:
--What happens to the non-hd channels? are they being upscaled by sony receiver first then to hitachi? or the non-hd signals go straight to hitachi tv and(if) being upscaled by hitachi tv?
Another question:
--are all the non-hd signals being converted when using component/dvi output from sony hd200 before going to hitachi? and does hitachi tv convert these signals again using dvi/or component input?
--Is it better to output with s-video from sony and let hitachi to convert when connected to s-video input to hitachi?
Am i making any sense?
Thank you for your help in advance
Dan
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2003
Found that running the cable directly to the cable box gave a de-graded standard definition signal so I split the cable, running one input to Antenna "A" and the other to the cable box, which runs to input 1 with no loss of signal...this gives a better picture while watching SD on antenna A and a GREAT PICTURE watching digital and HD on input 1. DVD is on input 2 and VCR is on input 4. This gives the best flexibility to get the best of each type signal.
 

Dan Rhody
Unregistered guest
Kipp - to answer your question, yes there is a difference in quality between DVI and component. But that difference is not noticeable unless you are watching an HDTV signal(1080 format), at least by my eyes.

For everyone else out there, I've had my set for 2 weeks and the fan is now noticeable. It is now a high pitched whine (wasn't this bad before). I'm calling CC to complain.
 

New member
Username: Yanks4life

Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2004
Directv is now offering the hughes htl hd or samsung sir ts 160 w/ their high def plan for existing plan. total comes to 470.00 w/tax and ship. included is rcvr, dish if you need it or 3rd lnb and free install. not a bad deal considering rcvr's alone are 5 and 600. downside is you dont get the choice of rcvr.
 

New member
Username: Teawalker007

Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2003
Jenny,
______________
No bad pixels, but do have a 2" dot at the bottom sometimes - hmmm
_________________
The answer to this question: It is a minor defect in this TV some call it a crop circle. There is a huge discussion on this issue in AVSFORUM.
 

New member
Username: Teawalker007

Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2003
For all you guys using COMCAST cable,

To make the picture quality little better for SD signal, set the output from cable box to 480p instead of 480i. This makes picture little shyny but the overall picture quality improves.
 

New member
Username: Markim

Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2004
New Member here, Hello everyone.
This is a big discision, which 50" LCD to buy?
I first got a Sony XBR 50" at Tweeter, after 3 weeks I noticed 30-40 dead pixels.
It went back and Im trying the Panisonic now.
I've noticed about 3 very small dead pixels and Im keeping my eye on before I decide to keep it or not, but wanted a tv for the Super Bowl.
The Sony has more features and adjustments than the Pansonic but seems to have a big problem with dead pixels.
I went to Sears to look at the Hitachi and was comparing the Sony with the Hatachi, the 50v500 has a much better picture. One Sony that had only been on the floor for 2 days had 3 dead pixels also. So now it is a choice between the Hitachi and Pani.
The 50v500 Sears had on the floor for 5 months, 16 hours a day had no dead pixels. The Pani has very few adjustments but great picture as the 50v500 has a great picture also with 4 times the adjuctments and newer technology.

Here is my concerns about the 50v500.
A friend of mine works for an AV store and says that Hitachi uses inferior parts and materials, that the tv will not last maybe only a few years.
I really like the 50v500 over all the others but I do not want to spend that kind of money for a few years (if that is true)
I would like to hear from all those who have had the 50v500 or other Hitachi products for a while and post your responce as to the reliability of 50v500 or other Hitachi TV's

Oh, Sears did do a price match with CC + 10% of the difference. CC has the 50v500 for $2969.00 right now. I think I will use the web page you all posted to get the best price match posible.

I really got some great info here on this TV and prices.

 

Unregistered guest
My local circuit city *finally* rearranged their hdtv dislplay. They now have the hitachi, panasonic and sony LCD's side by side. The picture quality between all three sets was nearly identical. We couldn't believe how close all three were, but when we got close to the Panasonic there were very noticeable vertical lines on the screen (between each row of pixels). You wouldn't notice it from 10 feet probably, but from 4 feet it's extremely noticeable. Both the Sony and Hitachi were mostly free of this problem, with the Sony edging out the Hitachi slightly.

Next comes the attack on DLP. I have to admit, I haven't been impressed by DLP from the time I first saw it. Well, I finally saw it sitting right next to the 50V500. It was the first time I really sat and watched it. While talking to the wife my eyes were going between the tv and her and that's when I finally experience the rainbow effect. Rainbow problems aside, I saw nothing about the image quality to justify the extra cost when compared to the LCD sets. Between the rainbows and jittery "watery" sharp lines, I'll steer clear.

Next came CRT.. I couldn't find any faults in the image that couldn't be fixed by a professional calibrator.. but no thanks, I'll stick to my 90 pound LCD.

Finally checked out the plasma sets. Having watched LCD for a month now, I was expecting to find the plasma to be much better. I was not impressed, even ignoring the price, I think I like my 50V500 better. Also was surprised at the amount of 'radiated heat' you feel from the plasma screen.

So I guess the point of this post is to say after a month of being a 50V500 owner, I still feel I made the best choice from the currently available technology. It's certainly not perfect but what hdtv is these days?

steve
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2003
MARK, if your friend that works at an A/V store was serious and not just "funning" you, he either doesn't know what he's talking about or can't get Hitachi. The Ultravision is top of the line and QUALITY! Just gave our 5 year old, trouble free Hitachi Ultravision (4:3, analog) to the Salvation Army for their T.V. room and it's in perfect shape and replaced it with the 50V500. If you like the set and think your "friend" is telling the truth, buy it with a five year extended warranty, which is a good idea anyway because one service call after the factory warranty runs out will cost more than the extended warranty. Go to www.warrantybynet.com for pricing.
 

New member
Username: Markim

Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2004
Best Deal,
Thanks for your comment, this is what I was thinking also.
I also appriciate the link for the warranty, all the chain stores are so high on this.
 

DWS44
Unregistered guest
Hello folks...interesting reading! Found this post thru Google looking for opinions on the 50V500. I took the plunge and ordered one today. It gets delivered on Thurs, so I have my fingers crossed tha tI get a good one!

I noticed alot of folks discussing the flimsy Hitachi base. I got the TV from Rex, who didnt even carry the Hitachi base, offering this one instead. You all might want to check it out. It looks great, isn't as expensive, and seems quite sturdy! You can probably get it cheaper elsewhere...I didn't pay this much for mine...but this was the best pic/description I could find of it:

http://www.plasmastands.com/ACCESSORIES/PLASMA_STANDS/TECH_CRAFT/PTV58.htm

Dave
 

New member
Username: Markim

Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2004
I bought the Bello AVSC2051MN, it is a nice tv stand that would go with any tv in my opinion.
Bello has a good selection of all A/V furniture and the quality is great.
http://www.bello.com/AV/avsc-2051mn.asp
 

New member
Username: Surly

Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2003
Im using my 50v500 thru dvi connection to access my computer and i seem to be able to only get 640x480 resolution. My tv automatically goes into 480P resolution.
Does anyone know how to change Res?
 

Unregistered guest
Good news for current/future 50V500 owners...

Lamp prices down below $200 now. Found this link over on AVS forum:

http://www.partsolver.com/Product.asp?InventoryID=12228220&SubstitutePart=1&Mode lManufacturer=Hitachi&ModelNumber=50V500&ModelID=374014&OrgPartNum=DP00541&OrgPa rtMfg=Hitachi
 

Jack Offman
Unregistered guest
I just bought one for $2,499 plus 5Yr. Warranty ($599) @ Sears in Florida. I couldn't believe the deal this salesperson got me!!!
 

Unregistered guest
I'm so interested in this TV, but I can't seem to find a good price...should I just walk into a Sears or CC and see how low I can get them? If I could get it for 2,499, I would buy right now!!!
 

Unregistered guest
That depends Jeff, if the reason you've heard of CC and Sears is because there nationwide, if you want a better store we need to know what area your looking in.
 

New member
Username: Anthony

Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2004
hey everyone...i also am really thinking of getting hitachi 50V500...im from new york and it goes for 3300 not including 499 warranty...anyone have any suggestions on the tv set its self or some barganing hints? any help would be greatly appreciated? what about those sites were you print out the rebates and the store i.e. sears or cc have no idea and you shock the sales manager? thanks ...anthony
 

New member
Username: Anthony

Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2004
hey everyone...i also am really thinking of getting hitachi 50V500...im from new york and it goes for 3300 not including 499 warranty...anyone have any suggestions on the tv set its self or some barganing hints? any help would be greatly appreciated? what about those sites were you print out the rebates and the store i.e. sears or cc have no idea and you shock the sales manager? thanks ...anthony
 

New member
Username: Anthony

Post Number: 3
Registered: 02-2004
hey everyone...i also am really thinking of getting hitachi 50V500...im from new york and it goes for 3300 not including 499 warranty...anyone have any suggestions on the tv set its self or some barganing hints? any help would be greatly appreciated? what about those sites were you print out the rebates and the store i.e. sears or cc have no idea and you shock the sales manager? thanks ...anthony
 

New member
Username: Anthony

Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2004
whoops did i do that..damn this computer
 

Unregistered guest
I'm living in a NW suburb of Chicago. I got a great deal on the Hitachi stand for the 50v500 ($200, it was a floor model, but looks great!). Anyways, if I can find the right deal, I'd buy the tv tomorrow. I'd like to take advantage of financing...I understand Hitachi is offering a 24 months financing option. Does somebody know of a good dealer around the Chicago area that could pull a great deal for me?
 

Unregistered guest
Sorry, the only place I know is in CA(bay area). Look in yellow pages for smaller stores, preferebly not one to high end. They'll usually not only match but beat any CC or Sears just to get business.
 

New member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 13
Registered: 12-2003
ANTHONY/ANTHONY/ANTHONY... Go to www.shopsunshine.com They're in Coney Island and have a $2699 price and free shipping to NYC. You can use this to bargain at Sears or Circuit City or just buy it from them.
Your helpful New Jersey neighbor
 

New member
Username: Teawalker007

Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2003
MarkE,
Where we can you get a good deal in the bay area ? what price ? Please let us know.
 

MAC77
Unregistered guest
Great tv but can't take the fan noise so I had to
return it. Does anyone have any info. on when the new 50V500 is going to be released this year ?
 

New member
Username: Biged

Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2004
MAC77,
Should have just got another set. My first one had a high pitch fan that was real loud. It also had a black stripe (loose gasket??) behind the screen. I simply got CC to bring another set and this one is great in all ways. Tha fan can be heard slightly when it is powering down (true with all LCDs from what I understand) but you really can't hear it at all even at low volume. Go for another unit and enjoy!!!
 

New member
Username: Hatch

Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2004
Hey Guys,
With two babies and a stay at home wife I am always on the search for a deal. Can anyone direct me to the best price for a 50v500 in So. California. If I have to watch Nemo 5000 times I would love an awsome tv to do it on. Thanks for your help.
 

New member
Username: Anumowt

Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2004
Well I just got the most incredable deal I walked into a Sear outlet store and low and behold a Hitachi 50v500 2 days before the Super Bowl! I couldn't belive it! I was scared to walk away from it when I couldn't see a sales rep so I just stayed with it until someone came up and asked if I needed help. The price you wonder $2100!! What was wrong? The front control door was broke (WOW) big deal! It get's no better than that!
 

MarkE
Unregistered guest
If you want a good price in the bay area e-mail me at baypsycho@yahoo.com. Sorry, I'd post it on here, but was asked not to by friend. Anyways, if I did I'd just be another guy with an awesome price from a store that wont give it to you
 

Bronze Member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2003
Anyone else think MarkE's post sounds fishy?
 

Santiago
Unregistered guest
Any recomendations on were to get a cheap quote in the DC area? I am planning to then go to Sears...
Cheers
 

MarkE
Unregistered guest
Fishy...

People in this forum keep asking, where can I get a good price?, how'd you get that price?

Well I know where to get it for you. If you think it sounds fishy then dont email. If you email and you dont think they have a good price, then don't buy it. They just don't like people posting their prices on publicly read forums, it one of things they'll ask you not to do for the price.

Also you can't just throw out specific name and specific price over a thread. It's against the rules of the forum.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 15
Registered: 12-2003
Gee, I guess I missed reading the "rules of the forum"...has ANYONE seen them?
As far as specific name and specific price, there's only about 20-25 of them posted here so far so it looks like a whole lot of us have violated the rule that only you know about.
I suppose this secret place that sells the 50V500 only sells them hush-hush and doesn't want too many people to know because they don't want to do very much business.
 

New member
Username: Anthony

Post Number: 5
Registered: 02-2004
hey everyone, a best deal thank you for the response and your other responses they are a big help...i went to C.C & Sears and they both said they do not deal with other stores but major retail stores such as them self's...and sears does not price match online prices anymore...and i don't know what to do cause i keep looking into sammy's damn dlp and it is very nice...then i go back to 50V500...ugh i like them both...does anyone know when the new updated versions of both these t.v's come out? i hate best buy cause they suck and C.C gives the better damn warrenty...i want to just walkin there and say hey give me a great deal on this tv i want, your gonna get only a couple of people in here that know what they want and then you get the regular guy who'll pay top dollar & you'll make your money on the mark up...so give me a deal and have a good day...only if it were that easy anyone with some other good adive....hey best deal should i just print out the price from shopsunshine and bring it to CC or BEAST BUY! or sears? see what they say...one more thing what is a brick and morder page? sorry i am all over the place...take care everyone...
 

Bronze Member
Username: Seeker

Post Number: 16
Registered: 12-2003
Anthony,Sears won't price match an online store but they WILL PRICE MATCH A BRICK AND MORTAR STORE...a real store with displays, salesmen, cash register, etc.
Print out the page from www.shopsunshine.com that shows their SHOWROOM and Sears will have to price match it AND give you an additional 10% of the price difference $3299-2699=600x10%=$60. Also, print out the part where they show freight is free to NYC. If this is too much bother, go to Sunshine and buy the set from them and screw Best Buys and Sears.
Now you know how to get the lowest price...get off your duff and get a great TV and enjoy !
 

Sad to buy Hitachi from Trutone
Unregistered guest
Noisy Hitachi - Ok for a Bar - Not for your Home!

https://www.ecoustics.com/cgi-bin/bbs/show.pl?tpc=2&post=47785#POST47785

I bought the Hitachi 50v500 and I also can't believe that Hitachi would let something as noisy as this TV go out of their factory.

Hitachi service came in and replaced the fan, but it remained as noisy as the original - possibly noisier.

Called my dealer (Garth at TruTone Electronics), and he reported after consultation with Hitachi that ... "even the fan in a BMW makes some noise". (but guys, I don't watch TV in the garage with my car running!)

Good picture, Bad Sound, Bad Service!
 

MAC77
Unregistered guest
Re: "Sad to Buy from Hitachi" - MAC77 here...
You had the exact same experience as I did in trying to resolve the noise fan issue. Service dealer comes out with a replacement fan and it ends up sounding the same. Brought the noisy fan problem to Hitachi and rather than admit there is a problem that must be fixed, they give you some excuse to justify the fan problem. HITACHI actually called me and said that it boils down to $$$ and cents...They will address the problem only if the MAJORITY of people that purchased this TV is complaining...So to everyone out there...start complaining because the NOISY FAN is totally unacceptable for the amount of coin that you pay for this TV....HATACHI...I hope you are listing to your Consumers....I RETURNED YOUR TV BECAUSE OF THE NOISY FAN....Your goal should be satisfy all your customers not the majority who are probably using their surround sound system to drown out the NOISE!!!
 

Dan Rhody
Unregistered guest
I put an earlier post here that my Hitachi wasn't noisy. Well, after about 3 weeks, my 50v500 started to whine. Loudly. I exchanged it at CC for another one. The new one came yesterday and it was just as noisy, out of the box. I spent yesterday at CC getting it replaced. I went with the Sony 50 in Grand Wega LCD. My CC did a price match on the deal I got on the Hitachi originally, and since I don't need a $500 stand (the sony design makes it look good on any stand) I am getting $500 back!

The Sony had 2 problems, a weird buzzing sound ocassionaly and bad bulbs. Sony stopped production and FIXED THE PROBLEM, so now I have to wait 5 weeks for the TV. I don't mind, I'll never by Hitachi again. At least Sony has the cojones to admit technical problems and fix them.

Oh, and two of the workers at CC told me they are returning their 50v500's for the same reason.
 

chas50v500
Unregistered guest
The fan saga is real for apparently some of us. I purchased my first 50v500 from CC on November 30, 2003. The fan noise was more than noticable from the second the tv was turned on, bu than got worse within a few minutes and remained at a high pitch until it was completely shut down. To call this a fan noise is a little confusing. I have several computers and a Reply TV that all use fans (Replay TV 5040 is always on....even when the unit isn't). These fans are a whirling sound that quietly drones in the background. The noise that I experienced is a high pitched whining sound.....it is extemely noticable and annoying.

I went back to CC within a week and they talked me into a repair call. The guy came out, never opened his tool kit and advised that they all make that sound. I strongly disagreed, but it didn't matter. I went to 2 different CC's and an independent store and none of their sets made the noise (and for a good reason, they'd never be able to sell the unit). I even went to a CC near closing time when the store was almost empty and we shut down all the sets in the large screen area.....no noise.

I had CC swap out the unit from my house and they set up a brand new one. The sound was much lower, but is still noticable and NOT as quiet as the store models.

Here's what fries me the most. This TV set is the top of the Hitachi line....Ultravision. It should be their flagship because it is totally awesome. DVD and Comcast HD are truly a treat to view in your home. I'm running a Sony amp and JBL speakers and it totally rocks....the audio from the TV is also high quality-top notch.

Why would you go cheap on a fan...apparently a bad shipment of fans since many of the store models and folks here have quiet ones. My first set was made in Sept 2003 and the second one was November 2003. Hitachi should own up to the problem, fix it ASAP and reap the benefits of a top notch TV and quality service.

I have clipped many of the fan noise complaints from this message board and will send them...along with this http address. A TV set is an extremely advanced piece of equioment. A sound meter as part of the QA testing process would have eliminated the problem on the spot. This should have been an ez fix. At some point, the dealerships will get tired of losing $$$ on the returns. Maybe their complaints will help.

The TV is awesome...the noise is annoying. Let them know how you feel....I'm just hoping they get enough complaints to fix it.
 

GusNeedsHD
Unregistered guest
Red, Pinkinsh color everywhere!

Same problem as DouginLouisville. Had our 50V500 for about 4 months. Everything was great until last night. Tried to turn off tv and it wouldn't shut all the way down. After about 30 minutes finally hit power again and after the tv came back on I noticed a pinkish hue on every input. Adjusting video settings doesn't help at all. I have a Sears tech coming over tom. If anyone has been thru this please let me know what might be going on.

Up until now this has been a great tv, but this is too soon for something to go wrong. :-(
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