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New member Username: Gs4381996Post Number: 1 Registered: Apr-04 | Just purchased a new HITACHI 60V500A can anyone tell me what I can do to get the picture quality better . HD is perfect but the DSS picture is just awful, very screeny . If you watch a basketball game, you can't read the players names on there jerseys it's so grainy.What can I do to get this picture better!! Not happy with this tv at all!!!!! |
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Unregistered guest | Hi Mario: I returned my 60V500A to Circuit City. My observation back in January was noted in a recent issue of Sound and Video. The next generation of the LCD projection is due to be released in October or November of this year. Other than the poor quality of dark scenes and what should be black is all washed out and appears grey.See my comments and review below. Hope you didn't keep the set! The Circuit City Sores had the 50" on display. I checked the LCD rear projection TV's for two months and didn't pick up on that flaw. However, after looking at the 50" more closely, it has the same problem as the 60". You'll notice when you shut the Tv off when the room is dark, that the screen is blue for a few seconds. That's the mercury vapor lamp and I'm 99% sure that's what causes the black scenes to appear grey. Let me know what you ended up doing. Regards, Dick T. richieee1@aol.com Richard J. Therriault Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 02:23 pm: I purchased the Hitachi 60V500A prior to Christmas at which time CircuitCity had a backlog of 25 units. I accepted delivery 1/24/2004.I've spoken to three persons @ Hitachi. Their Tech Support group was not aware of the bulb change for models 50V500, 50V500A, and 60V500A. There was an addendum sheet with the instruction manual. The addendum appears to reflect an ECO which changes the mercury vapor lamp part number on page 69 of the manual (PN UX21511) to a new part number as indicated on the addendum. What I find strange is that the manual's cover indicates the model numbers 50V500, 50V500A, 60V500A Note: there is no 60V500 non "A". I suspect the "A" suffix is to distinguish the bulb change for units in the field. I spent a significant amount of time at our local CC's reviewing and testing their 50V500 display models. CC Dropped the 60V500 and the 60V500A from their database after Christmas and the 60" is no longer available from CC. It's a great TV. However, I am returning my unit. Based on the unit I received (I think it's a design error/problem) the picture is outstanding most of the time. However, anything shot in the dark or where the portions of the picture should be "black", the lamp makes that part of the picture washed out and difficult to see. When you shut the TV off (especially in a darkened room) the entire screen appears like a blue fluorescent light for a few seconds then the bulb shuts off and cools down. This blue light is what's causing the problems with the black matrix. I set up a 32" Toshiba next to the Hitachi, compared the pictures and found that the Hitachi definately has a problem with "black" The Hitachi has a three position "black enhancement" feature, however, it does not correct the problem. I'm extremely disappointed with the unit. |
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Unregistered guest | I am looking to purchase one of these sets from Circuit City. I have looked at several stores to compare various LCD Projection TVs and found the Hitachi to have the best picture. I didn't notice the problem with any problem with dimly lit scenes, but truth be told, I didn't specifically look for it. After reading your posting, I am considering differing my purchase until the next model come out in Oct/Nov. When do you think I could get one of the new models? Would it be in Oct/Nov, or would I have to wait until existing inventory sells out? So are you saying that the ECO for the bulb change has been implemented in the "a" suffix models of the sets, and that fixes the problem? Perhaps the sets rolling off the production line now have the ECO implemented? I have seen the 50" set on display, but have not been able to find anyone who has the 60" set on display. Did you find that the 60" picture quality was comparable to the 50" set? You mention an article in Sound and Video. What issue would that be? Also, there is a more expensive model (60vx500) of this set that Hitachi calls the "Director Series". I don't know the differences, but it's supposed to be a better set. Know anything about these sets? They cost about $400 more, after discount. Any guidance you can provide would be appreciated. Mario: Suprised you found the set "grainy". I had the sales man in the store run non-HD broadcast cable over the set and the picture quality was very good. Did you ever find out what the problem with your set was? |
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Anonymous | circuit city has a stand for 50v500 for $199 |
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New member Username: 78vette2Augusta, Ks. US Post Number: 6 Registered: May-04 | mine is a 60v500a, and I too have a grey problem with the blacks. I will be talking to CC to see what the problem is. My picture with HD is great, but all other inputs are less than perfect, to say the least. Mark Murphy |
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Jason N. Unregistered guest | I just purchased the 50V500A and have adjusted the black correction setting to "High". I do not see any grey but have noticed that the picture quality on Component Video and S-Video are good, but if you use composite or coax look out. Jason |
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Bronze Member Username: 78vette2Augusta, Ks. US Post Number: 13 Registered: May-04 | Is anyone seeing continuing problems. My set has been trouble free (knock on wood). I am still happy with my set despite the black/grey problem, and would like to know how everyone else is doing. I am in the market for a replacement bulb just to have one on hand. Let me know. Thanks...Mark |
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Anonymous | I've had my 60V500A for a year and it has been flawless. I'd recommend backlighting on this or any set, as it goes a LONG way to improving the perceived black level and color accuracy. I use the cheap model from www.cinemaquestinc.com, but I have heard that a decent "daylight" rig from Lowe's will serve you well also. Keep in mind that Satellite signals are compressed - you may be witnessing a limitation of your provider, not your set. M |
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Unregistered guest | I've had my 60v500a since march. I love it. I too had trouble with a substandard S-VIDEO cable for DBS. When I paid for a very good S-VIDEO cable, the picture really improved. DVDs via componant look excellent, and HD via DVI look wonderful. I didn't opt for the stand that comes with it, but use this one from sauder: http://www.comicboards.com/dave/newtv2.jpg Yes, that's my TV on the stand. :-) |
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Bronze Member Username: 78vette2Augusta, Ks. US Post Number: 26 Registered: May-04 | Is anyone using surge protectors/clean power units. I purchased the monster hts 1000 mkII recently to protect my components, and would like to hear what the rest of you are doing. Mark |
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Zach MI Unregistered guest | Hello everyone. I was wondering if I could get any updates on the 60v500a. I am 2 weeks away from buying and it seems like the best RPTV in a 60" out there. I plan on using a clean power source, Satellite TV with HD, S-Video connections, and a dimly lit room. Look Forward to any input, and chat. Zach in Michigan |
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Bronze Member Username: 78vette2Augusta, Ks. US Post Number: 27 Registered: May-04 | Zach, I have had my 60v since March. No regrets. I have dish network HD programing, with yamaha receiver, jbl L150 mains and jbl center with polk audio rear center and surrounds and an AR 12" powered sub. I have all Moster connections as well as surge protector. I don't know how it could get much better, even for 2 or 3 times the cost. I purchased my 60 at CC for $3499, I don't know what they are going for now. I can definately recommend the set you are looking at, it is awsome. Just be prewarned that non HD programing can be less than impressive. Please tell us how you like your set, and maybe how to make it better...Mark |
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Glaeken Unregistered guest | Hi Zach. I've had a 60v for 3 months now and really love it...the picture is simply breathtaking. I spent two months exhaustively researching the different options and finally narrowed it down to two sets: the Samsung DLP and the Hitachi 60v. Both are outstanding units, and I probably spent a total of about 3 hours comparing them side by side, but the thing that pushed me to the 60v was that it had a superior picture to the DLP on non-HD sources; DLP has the "marching ants" problem (undulations along edges of images). Most of the problems you read about on this board (grainy images on non-HD, flashing, washouts) are due to improper adjustments. A buyer should do a lot of reading about HDTV, formats, LCD sets, HD receivers, etc, before purchasing---most "problems" can be easily addressed once understood. I STRONGLY recommend buying the Digital Video Essentials calibration program...it's definitely worth the cost. DVE will allow you to perfectly calibrate your video/audio system, address most issues, and get a complete understanding of your system; it will require a few hours time, but once you've done it, you're made! The factory default settings of these TVs are designed for the bright showroom floors at retailers, NOT for your home, and they will not be satisfactory; the relationship of the brightness, contrast, and color decoding adjustments are critical to a great picture. After calibration, make sure to write down all of the settings so you'll always have them and can easily reset them. If you hear about problems with smudged blacks and greys, this is due to HDTV receivers used with digital satellite and cable, and not design problems with the set. Once I learned about this from DVE, I plugged an antenna coaxial cable directly into the 60v, bypassing my Samsung SIR-TS360 receiver, and sure enough, the problem disappeared; the same is true if you run a DVD player through an HD receiver rather than directly into the 60v. Also, beware that if you record off of the receiver using a DVR or DVD recorder, then play it back on the 60v, the same problem will appear. Of course, you'll need to have the HD receiver with your satellite/cable system, but it's good to know the source of the problem. Right before I purchased my unit, I read that the problem with the noisy cooling fans had been addressed, and sure enough, it's not been a problem. One suggestion: I think the 60v looks great on the Hitachi stand, which makes it look like an integrated unit. But the stand's retail price is too much - $300-$500. I called around to several Circuit City stores and found two that had floor display units in storage. I bargained with them and got one for $180. By the way, the 60v cost me $3175. Good luck, and enjoy your set! |
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csnwbrd Unregistered guest | Glaeken and Mark, Thansk for your review, it was great. So I'm thinking about getting the 50va or 60v...here's my question. 1) If I'm not going to get HD for sometime, how is the picture quality without HD. I've heard mixed reviews. 2) I've heard rumors about bulbs going out within 30 days with only 3 hours a day usage...any truth to this? 3) I've also heard the lifetime of the TV in general is not too long. Thoughts? |
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Bronze Member Username: 78vette2Augusta, Ks. US Post Number: 30 Registered: May-04 | csnwbrd The picture without HD is not spectacular, but not terrible either. My recomendation would be that if you anticipate getting HD programming in the future, go for it! If you have a good quality dvd player, the picture is awsome even though you don't have HD reception. I watch alot of movies, and love the tv. As for bulbs burning out after 30 days, I don't think so. My set is 8 or 9 months old, but yes it will eventually burn out. My opinion is if you have 3 grand to spend on a tv, a couple hundred bucks for a bulb every few years should not be an issue. Bottom line is this is a great tv!!! Go with the 60 if you have a large enough room, you won't regret it, and when you DO get HD, Buckle Up!! Mark |
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Dumbarton Unregistered guest | I purchased a 60V500A in July/04 and already have a group of pixels that will not turn off(they show as a bright blue dot). Hitachi says this is a known and acceptable problem, Screen wipe does not work. They are saying I should get the light engine replaced but that is no guarantee. Has anybody else here had pixel problems and if so how did you handle/fix it? Thanks for any help |
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Unregistered guest | My Hitachi 60v500a works great on HD channels through Dish Network as well as local over-the-air stations. My problem is, the picture quality on regular definition channels is pretty crummy. The picture through my DVD is alright, but not great. I thought this TV upconverted regular signals to near HD quality. Am I missing some sort of setting? I'm using component hookups on Sat and DVD. I turned down my sharpness and this helped somewhat. Would an outside video processor help the regular channels? Would a DVD player that upconverts to 1080i give me a better picture while watching DVDs? |
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Anonymous | Some comments on the issues like dead pixels (bright blue dots for example) and on the blacks that do not look black. The dead pixels are a result of the way LCD panels are manufactured and there is no way to guarantee 100% they will not be there. Some manufacturers consider a panel to be good when it has less than a certain amount of such pixels. The better the manufacturer policy, the less dead pixels you will see. Is there a way to fix it? NO unless you replace the WHOLE optical engine (where the panels are) and as I said this is NOT under warranty for any LCDs TVs I know. With Front Projection systems (Projectors) there is usually a 100% no-dead pixel policy from the major manufacturers like NEC, Epson, Panasonic etc so you can return your projector in case there is a single dead pixel on it. Not the case with the big LCD TVs. For the blacks we need to understand a simple thing. On LCDs we have a bulb that produces light ALL THE TIME while you are watching. The light goes out and passes through 3 panels with polarizers (one for each primary color, R, G and B) creating the color on the picture (the panels create the picture). When you have a completely black picture (big black square filling the whole image) light is still PASSING through the panels as these are semi-transparent. They CANNOT block light completely due to the technology/way they are. That is why blacks are sort of grey on ANY LCD system. Any way to fix this? NO. On some decent projectors you have something called Dynamic Iris where an Iris opens/closes based on the black content on every SINGLE frame being projected. This reduces/increases the light output increasing the black levels. That is why some projectors now have contrast ratios like 2000:1 (Panasonic PT-AE700) and even 6000:1 (Sony HS51) what beats the crap out of ANY LCD TV. Not to mention picture is a lot bigger giving you the full theater experience that cannot be achieved on a 42", 50" or 60" TV. Still on the black levels, that is why for purists CRT is the way to go. There is no way to beat the black levels on these TVs/Projectors. Black means CRT off what turns into pure black. If you are after the BEST picture ever, CRT is the only way to go as of today. Just depends on how picky you are with picture. |
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Unregistered guest | Thank you Anonymous for your answer regarding my pixel problem. Hitachi are prepared to replace the "light engine" whatever that is. My problem is that the pixel problem is now more or less out of the way. If I allow them to replace the "light engine" what are my chances I will again have pixel problems, only this time in the middle of the screen? If I do nothing, will my present problem become bigger? Should I accept their offer to replace the "light engine"? Your ideas on this are appreciated. |
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Anonymous | I would take their offer if the dead pixel is in an area where it is annoying you (like in the middle of the screen). If it is on the sides in an area you barely see I would not bother. Unless you explicitly asks them for a non-dead pixel policy, getting them to agree to that. If they agree, go ahead and get them to replace the engine. |
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Unregistered guest | I just bought the 50V500A tonight and i might be taking it back. I plugged in my Xbox and it was horrible, i mean i notice that when i was holding a weapon that it had about a 1/2 inch outline all around it and it was purple, i do not know anything about Tv's but i know that that didnt look right. does anyone know what settings the Tv should be on for HD and my Xbox? |
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DavidBryant Unregistered guest | Rick, I was having the same problem with my PS2 until I went into video settings and turned my sharpness level way down. That seemed to help a lot. I too would like to know if there are any more things I can tweak to improve pq for games. |
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Demo Ron Unregistered guest | I purchased my 60v500a a few months ago, picture quality is very good in HD and quite poor on regular cable. I have a 57" sony crt projection as well and the picture quality on non hd sources is substancially better. I too thought this tv had a built in virtual hd , that upcoded signal to 1080i, My sony is 5 years old with 10000hours and has a 100% better picture on non HD sources. Do you have to turn on the virtual hd, or was this just marketing? |
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Unregistered guest | Hi Everyone, I purhcased my Hitachi 60V500A in early December 2004. Overall I think it's a great TV. As with everyone else; HD sources look great but non HD looks pretty bad. My problem/concern that I have is when I'm viewing any images from any source (Satellite, HDTV, DVD, or PS2) I see faint lines in the picture that run vertically from top to bottom about 1 inch apart or so in the screen. I can really only see them when certain colors or images appear on the screen. I have the full warranty on the TV and Hitachi had a technician come out and look at my TV. He determined that it needed a new Optical block (engine). So yesterday, he came by and put the new optical block in. When we had the screen off he shined a light through the back of the TV to see if it was a problem with the screen itself. Well there were no lines so it's not the screen or mirror behind the screen. After the technician installed the Optical block, it seemed better but I can still see them in the picture. It's not as prodominant but it is still there. The technician said it may be a problem with the circuitry associated with the A/V input jacks on the back of the TV. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Am I being too picky or is it supposed to be that way? Any help would be greatly apprecaited. Thanks |
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Unregistered guest | I bought my 50V500A in October 2003 and it's starting to give me problems. I bought an extended warranty on it from the retailer, but I suspect the problem is the lamp. Which is not covered at all. The tv powers on fine the first time everyday, but after turning it off, I have to wait upwards of 5 hours before it will work again. When I try to turn it on before then, I have problems. Sometimes it does absolutely nothing. Sometimes the screen flickers and then shuts down with the temp light or the lamp light coming on. I'll be calling the retailer this week to have them come check it out and I'm hoping it's not the lamp. I thought I'd see if anyone else has had a similar problem. Also, does anyone know if Hitachi has started offering a longer warranty the lamps. Seems to me if the problem is the lamp, dropping a couple hundred bucks every year or so is not worth it. FYI, HD input from my Xbox looks fabulous, regular cable is not as sharp. But I haven't noticed any lines like Chuck mentioned. Thanks |
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New member Username: WpgtechWinnipeg, Manitoba Canada Post Number: 1 Registered: Jan-05 | Hi folks...I'm new here. I'm considering buying a 60V500, but for a different use than you folks. If I go this route, it'll be installed in a women's clothing store, and used for displaying on-sale items We've looked at several models of BSTv, and originally decided on a Sony 60WF655. We had a deal lined up, but ran into a major snag. We're hooking up computers to these things, and models like the 60V500 have a DVI-D in. The Sony had HDMI in, and I can tell you after several hours of long-distance phone calls, I can categorically state that you CANNOT hook up a computer over HDMI. The 60V500 has a very nice DVI-D input, and I brought one of our IT guys down to the Visions store with a PC. Once we hooked up, huzzah, an image immediately. Ran our sales picture, fabulous image. One issue, though, and this is where I would like to hear from others with this unit. I know the Sony service codes that allow me to get into the guts of the unit and adjust the vRef, hRef, vPos, and the rest of that stuff. When I hooked up today on the 60V500, the image told me I'd have to do some tweaking. Does anybody know the service codes for the Hitachi, that I may get into the deep end with this unit and optimize the picture? |
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ReRuss Unregistered guest | I just got one of teh 2005 models of these and I think the picture is abosolutly great , but I have read changes in soem hardware on teh 2005 line and the remotes changed to teh scoll wheel models and HDMI , although some come with DVI and standard remote instead which I would prefer to have DVI over HDMI. I guess they though DVI was too much of a hassle with people that could prolly bend pins so use teh HDMI connectors intead... |
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Unregistered guest | I have a Hitachi projection tv 9 years old. I has been a good tv with no problems until now. the picture is ok ,maybe not as bright as it was. The problem im having is evenly spaced diagonal lines over the whole picture. I had a technicion check it out, and he said it had something to do with the cone thingamjig and that parts are no longer available but it good be removed and sent in for repair for 300.00 to 400.00 dollars. He did not recommend that be cause of its age. The mod. is 46UX16B/17K |
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TVSalesguy Unregistered guest | Hello all I sell TVs for a living and while I won't claim to be the most knowledgable in the world, I would suggest that for all analog sources, use at least S-video or higher. On our displays, we show how analog signals can be interfered with by using a paper shredd in the dept and when you use it while on the coaxial input you see the electronic interference when you use S-video or higher it is gone. I do not suggest spending any more on the cables than you have to. Most people will sell you the Monster brand but in most cases a similar cable from a different manufacturer will be just as effective. |
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maddmike Unregistered guest | Hey TV sales guy what are your thoughts on the 50v500a?? |
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New member Username: LorenPost Number: 1 Registered: Aug-05 | I bought a 60" Hitachi and I have had it for 3 1/2 months (it still is a l'il babe). Loved it until this weekend: There was a popping sound when you turned it on, and the tv did not start (this has happened several times). Sometimes it takes hours before the TV works again. I have had a black screen with red lights and blue light flashing. The darn tv turned itself on when I left the house, and I come home to a gray screen (happened once--so far). Bought it from Circuit City; luckily I received an extended warranty from Circuit City, in the mail, which covers things that Hitachi does not cover, "supposedly." I have until 9-5-05 to purchase the warranty. Does anyone know what's happening here ? signed: Unhappy Girl. |
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Lutz Unregistered guest | I have a 50" hitachi LCD, its less than 2 years old. for some time now its had a red glow in the midle of the screen on black screens or any dark image. has anyone ever had this problem or know what it might be? |
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New member Username: CrzunchPost Number: 1 Registered: Aug-05 | does anyone know if i need to buy a set top box to get full features from the hitachi 60v500a ,such as the 1080x768 resolution and to recieve air signals from a antenna that that are highdef, or pretty much just to recieve highdef signals from digital cable or DIRECTV HD PLEASE LET ME KNOW BEFORE I BUY otherwise ill get a hdtv with a intergrated card in it already but they are alot more |
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New member Username: CrzunchPost Number: 2 Registered: Aug-05 | this is continued from last post ........after all that basically i just wanna know is the 60v500a Hitachi a HDTV that i can hook digital cable or a highdef directv reciever cable to it BAM i have HDTV as long as the signal is presented in HighDef ? i jsut want it to be plug n play like lol ...i dont wanna have to spend a additional 250-500 bucks on a set top box to get teh full features this tv has to offer ? so please post away if u know thanks.. |
