AKAI 50" HD Plasma??

[dominicp]

I was at Sam's recently and I saw the 50" Akai PDP5016H plasma tv. It has a 1366X768 resolution with a 3000:1 CD?

I check with Costco to see if they would be carrying these and the woman at customer service said that they were "in the pipeline" and should be arriving soon. Costco's model number is PDP5061 I believe. I love how each chain gets their own model number, makes finding information out about the product a breeze. :)

Has anybody figured out if Akai really makes these? I called their tech support line and the guy said that this particular model is made by Akai. I asked if he was sure because I had heard that other Akai's were really rebadged Samsung's.

I also heard that if you find the FCC ID you could figure out the true manufacturer, but I did not see any such number on the back of the unit or in the manual.

Since the price is incredible (somwhere between $2,800 and $3,200) and the picture looks pretty damn good, I was wondering what you guys/gals thought of this unit.

Thanks for the help!

[MNbri]

I don't have any first hand experience with Akai but a friend of mine bought one last year from Costco. Returned it after a couple months due to poor PQ and buggy operation when switching inputs, etc. He picked up the Pio the same day and loves it.

[dominicp]

I believe the unit you're referring to was the Samsung. If the tech guy is correct, the new unit is a "real" Akai unit.

[90c4]

I'm pretty sure that Akai doesn't make any products - they are a marketing company that purchased the name years ago and rebadges other companies' products.

[ChrisHelvey]

I just returned a Sony XBR to Circuit City (bad unit I think, but I was entirely displeased) and hopped on over to Sam's to look around. I was VERY impressed with the Akai picture quality and simple design. It also has DVI, VGA, and component inputs all in the back. I'm really contemplating purchasing this unit. It has seemed to me that 50" displays look better (in general) than 42"ones. Oddly enough, even SD seems to scale better to a 50"HD than a 42"HD (ED still looks better to be with SD signals.) Perhaps it's due to the difference in horizontal scaling to 1366 pixels instead of 1024 - I don't know, but all the 50" units look cleaner than 42s (even the "cheaper" ones.) This unit is priced in a 42" range, so I'm thinking it may be a great buy.
The other thing I was thinking was that sometimes marketers like Akai want to get in on a market share, so they flood the market with really good units in hopes of creating a name. Then the prices go up (or stay about the same in the case of tech stuff - larger profit margins anyway.) I just may get it. I'm sure if I don't like it once it's home, I can return it.

[pdampier]

I can't find a link to this online (at Akai or Costco) but there was a 50" Akai Plasma in Costco today - Anyone know anything about these? Who makes the glass/scaler etc?

[MSRP ONLY]

[fingerscrossed]

I just got through looking at this very model at Sam's and I was blown away. I've been to Circuit City, Best Buy and Sam's today and looked at every single television. Plasma, CRT, DLP, LCD and this Akai at Sam's has the sharpest and best picture of anything I saw today.

I would really love to know who makes the glass and other components for this model. I wasn't going to go with a plasma but if this model checks out OK for quality components then I don't have a choice. I can't pass this up. It really looked great.

[kidvid]

Did anyone get the model number?

[QUOTE=fingerscrossed]I just got through looking at this very model at Sam's and I was blown away. I've been to Circuit City, Best Buy and Sam's today and looked at every single television. Plasma, CRT, DLP, LCD and this Akai at Sam's has the sharpest and best picture of anything I saw today.

I would really love to know who makes the glass and other components for this model. I wasn't going to go with a plasma but if this model checks out OK for quality components then I don't have a choice. I can't pass this up. It really looked great.[/QUOTE]

[fingerscrossed]

The model number is PDP5016H

[Vphile]

This particular product is from an AKAI factory.

V

[kidvid]

Silly question -- the model number was in the first post.

There's absolutely nothing to be found about this model on the net.

[newguy2]

[QUOTE=fingerscrossed]I just got through looking at this very model at Sam's and I was blown away. I've been to Circuit City, Best Buy and Sam's today and looked at every single television. Plasma, CRT, DLP, LCD and this Akai at Sam's has the sharpest and best picture of anything I saw today.

I would really love to know who makes the glass and other components for this model. I wasn't going to go with a plasma but if this model checks out OK for quality components then I don't have a choice. I can't pass this up. It really looked great.[/QUOTE]

Consider yourself fortunate that your eyes see things this way, they will save you a boatload of money. One thing that I would suggest is to view the different sets properly adjusted (they come from the factory in "torch mode" which makes the 'brighter' picture stand out in a row) and in a real viewing room (not fluorescent lights). Only then will you know what each set can do. If you still see the Akai as the clear winner, buy it and enjoy!

[fingerscrossed]

[QUOTE=newguy2]Consider yourself fortunate that your eyes see things this way, they will save you a boatload of money. One thing that I would suggest is to view the different sets properly adjusted (they come from the factory in "torch mode" which makes the 'brighter' picture stand out in a row) and in a real viewing room (not fluorescent lights). Only then will you know what each set can do. If you still see the Akai as the clear winner, buy it and enjoy![/QUOTE]
Thanks. Actually it didn't seem overly bright or saturated at all.

You mention viewing them properly adjusted. How is this done? I don't know how to adjust them.

Although I did love the picture of the Akai, it is a relatively "no name" brand. That is why I'd love to know more about the guts before buying.

There's absolutely nothing to be found about this model on the net.
Believe me I know.I've searched.

This particular product is from an AKAI factory.
How do you know?
Aren't they all?

[WooBah]

I just came from Sam's and saw the AKAI 50". I too would like to know more about this model. It is 2 Grand under any other 50" Plasma. Now, when I was in Sam's Club, the AKAI was not as bright as the other models. I was trying to figure out if the AKAI look was the correct one, or the brighter displays. They were playing that movie with Ice Cube, the one where he is trying to take care of his girlfriend's kids, so he can make an impression on her.

I thought the the AkAI had more of a filtered film look. The other displays were very bright, the skin tones bright, colors bright. The Akai was more film like, subdued. I am not sure if that is bad or good. I wish a sporting event would have been on, so I could have had a better reference, for me anyway. I will go back and look again. It is hard to tell in stores, because you don't know about the settings. Anyway, just my two cents.

[WooBah]

I have looked and looked for information on this model, but still have not found any info. I went back to Sam's Club again. This time I talked with a sales person, but he knew nothing about it. Again, the picture did not look as bright as the other plasmas. I would compare it to the picture on the DLP's when they are viewed front and center. The nice thing about the AKAI is that it is a plasma, and you can see from any side angle, and up and down.

[dominicp]

As I stated before, Akai issues new model numbers depending on which retailer receives them. I know that when Costco receives them, it will have a different model number as well.

My plan is to purchase from Costco and adjust the set using Avia or the like and get the most out of the display. I will be doing a lot of DVI out from my HTPC so I'm not that concerned about component/analog issues.

And best of all, if it craps out at any time, I can return it for replacement or cash back. I would never buy this particular set from Sam's. (Their return policy is much less liberal than Costco's.)

[Enigma]

This sounds like a Panny panel to me (panny glass, anyway), just from the size, resolution, and CR specs. That doesn't mean Panny makes the whole panel, but it sounds from the specs (assuming they are accurate) that they make the glass.

[WooBah]

[QUOTE=dominicp]As I stated before, Akai issues new model numbers depending on which retailer receives them. I know that when Costco receives them, it will have a different model number as well.

My plan is to purchase from Costco and adjust the set using Avia or the like and get the most out of the display. I will be doing a lot of DVI out from my HTPC so I'm not that concerned about component/analog issues.

And best of all, if it craps out at any time, I can return it for replacement or cash back. I would never buy this particular set from Sam's. (Their return policy is much less liberal than Costco's.)[/QUOTE]


Are you sure that Costco is going to be getting this set? If so, do you know when? I too would rather buy from Costco. Also, what is AVIA?

[fingerscrossed]

The scary thing is, if you go to the Akai website, they don't even list a 50" plasma. They also don't have any sort of support page.

Akai seems like a company that just sort of assembles custom products together for companies like Sam's club. The 50" could be an incredible find that turns out to e an incredible value or the thing could fritz in 2 weeks and there is nowhere to turn for support or repairs.

[surround]

I saw the 50" akai at costco. The model number is pdp 5006H. The price is $$$$.


[MSRP ONLY]

[fingerscrossed]

[QUOTE=surround]I saw the 50" akai at costco. The model number is pdp 5006H. The price is $$$$.[/QUOTE]
What did you think? How did it look? I wish we had Costco around here but unfortunately this is Sam's country.

[dsmith901]

Without knowing how these displays are adjusted I don't think you can be too critical of the PQ until you get it home and set it up properly. Which is what makes the great return policies of Sams and Costco so convenient.

[aykew]

[QUOTE=Enigma]This sounds like a Panny panel to me (panny glass, anyway), just from the size, resolution, and CR specs. That doesn't mean Panny makes the whole panel, but it sounds from the specs (assuming they are accurate) that they make the glass.[/QUOTE]

Could also be Samsung, Hitachi, NEC or LG... I think. (Some of those four could also share the same glass with each other, too)

[fingerscrossed]

[QUOTE=fingerscrossed]The scary thing is, if you go to the Akai website, they don't even list a 50" plasma. They also don't have any sort of support page.

Akai seems like a company that just sort of assembles custom products together for companies like Sam's club. The 50" could be an incredible find that turns out to e an incredible value or the thing could fritz in 2 weeks and there is nowhere to turn for support or repairs.[/QUOTE]

I was on the wrong website. The AKAIUSA.com website shows a 50" plasma.

Here is the link. http://www.akaiusa.com/pdp5091hd.htm#

The model# is pdp5091hd.

[DieselClown]

wow the 50 inch HDTV model looks nice with the glass cover!

http://www.akaiusa.com/img/product/tv/pdp5049ghd_med.gif

[fingerscrossed]

Where did you find that picture?

The one on the website is this?
http://www.akaiusa.com/img/product/tv/pdp5091hd_lg.gif

[aykew]

The glass one would be the Akai PDP5049GHD. (Go up a level and you'll see it. Looks to be an older model; 1000:1 cr, etc)

[surround]

When I saw the Akai it was sandwiched between two pioneer plasmas, one 43" and one 50". To me the colors on the Akai looked a little washed out compared to the pioneers surrounding it, but not $2000 more (the price of the 50" pioneer is $$$$).

[MSRP ONLY]

[Enigma]

[QUOTE=aykew]Could also be Samsung, Hitachi, NEC or LG... I think. (Some of those four could also share the same glass with each other, too)[/QUOTE]

Could be, but Panny is the only one I'm familar with with a 3000:1 CR spec; LG and Samsung jumped to 5000:1 (I think Samsung did; but I know LG did); then Samsung intro'd a panel with a claimed 10,000:1, which Sony also uses.

Hitachi used to use Pio glass for their 50; not sure if they still do; their own glass manufacturing plant (used to be FHP; but Hitachi bough out Fuji) just makes 42" and 55" AliS glass, AFAIK.

It looks like NEC standard glass is 1365 x 768, rather than 1366. It still looks like Panny glass to me.

[fingerscrossed]

It still looks like Panny glass to me
Nothing wrong with that.

My big question is other than component inputs, etc, and the glass what are the biggest factors in determining a great picture?

[bill6410]

I was just at Sams and it looks nice. I also noticed their 43 inch dlp. I read in another post that those are manufactured by a 3rd party in SD. dvlx. No real info on their page but fyi.

[TowJumper]

I helped a friend buy the 50" Akai from our local Sam's Club and the thing is loud as hell. I mean the sound from the fans and buzzing was so loud you had to turn up the TV to cover up the buzz. My NEC and Optoma plasmas are MUCH more quiet.

We took it back and got a second Akai, wall mounted the thing - same buzzing. He is going to take it back if it ever stops raining.

Of course in the Sam's you could not really hear the buzzing because of its display location. I would stay away from this bargain. The picture looked good, however we never got to calibrate it. If you suffer from severe Tinnitus - it may be a great set for you.

Good Luck.

[WooBah]

Anyone else hear about excessive buzzing with this set? It may be an isolated incident. I could not hear buzzing at the local Sam's Club, but maybe that is not the best place to hear it. Again, the colors were not as vibrant as some other sets, but for $2000 less, it is pretty darn good.

[revmike]

My cousin bought one and it did not last a day. Price was right picture wasn't.

[dominicp]

[QUOTE=TowJumper]I helped a friend buy the 50" Akai from our local Sam's Club and the thing is loud as hell. I mean the sound from the fans and buzzing was so loud you had to turn up the TV to cover up the buzz. My NEC and Optoma plasmas are MUCH more quiet.

We took it back and got a second Akai, wall mounted the thing - same buzzing. He is going to take it back if it ever stops raining.

Of course in the Sam's you could not really hear the buzzing because of its display location. I would stay away from this bargain. The picture looked good, however we never got to calibrate it. If you suffer from severe Tinnitus - it may be a great set for you.

Good Luck.[/QUOTE]
I think that the units are different. As I fuzzily recall, the one at Sam's has the buttons in a different location and it was a different color. I'm going to give AkaiUsa techsupport another call and see who makes the Costco model.

In comparing the Akai 50" to the Pio 50" sitting next to it, the colors and saturation looked better on the Pio by a slight margin, but since they are probably both set to "nuke" I wouldn't see it as a big deal. Once calibrated, I would imaging you could get closer to the Pio quality. I just can't see coughing up another $1,600 for the Pio over the Akai.

[WooBah]

If you find that Costco makes a different set than Sam's Club, please let us know. I just came back from Sam's Club again. The Akai at Sam's is a DUD! The colors are washed out. I would stay away from it.

[Enigma]

[QUOTE=fingerscrossed]Nothing wrong with that.

My big question is other than component inputs, etc, and the glass what are the biggest factors in determining a great picture?[/QUOTE]

I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with it; in fact, I'm not sure anyone else has past Panny yet in the black level dept.

The other main determining factors are the quality of the electronics (scaler, as wll as whatever sub-pixel control they use). Fuji uses Panny glass for their very highly regared 50" model, but the electronics are better, resulting in a better quality picture (by most accounts).

[fingerscrossed]

[QUOTE=Enigma]I wasn't implying that there was anything wrong with it; in fact, I'm not sure anyone else has past Panny yet in the black level dept.
[/QUOTE]

I know you weren't. That’s the problem with the written word; It's hard to communicate the subtleties of the spoken word.

I wrote down some info on the back of the Akai at Sam’s One of the names was BBE Sound Inc. Another was APH, LLC in Woodland Hills, CA.

It seems as if Akai is really just a brand that is licensed out. If I’m dropping 3 grand I want a company behind it. I’m seriously considering the Pioneer. I’m I had a bottomless wallet I’d definitely try the Akai because I’d have nothing to lose.

[dominicp]

[QUOTE=fingerscrossed]I know you weren't. That’s the problem with the written word; It's hard to communicate the subtleties of the spoken word.

I wrote down some info on the back of the Akai at Sam’s One of the names was BBE Sound Inc. Another was APH, LLC in Woodland Hills, CA.

It seems as if Akai is really just a brand that is licensed out. If I’m dropping 3 grand I want a company behind it. I’m seriously considering the Pioneer. I’m I had a bottomless wallet I’d definitely try the Akai because I’d have nothing to lose.[/QUOTE]


Akai - AKA - APH Inc, IS a marketing and sales company:

(Liberated from Akaiusa) --

APH USA is the exclusive sales and marketing company for Akai home audio, home video, and home and portable consumer electronics products in the United States.

APH USA is committed to creating the very best in home entertainment. We continue to strive to make products that are ahead of their time, products that will help consumers expand their creative horizons, products that will help facilitate the coming integration of sound, graphics and picture into new realms of home entertainment.


My view on the "risk" of buying this panel is mitigated by Costco's return policy, plus once we figure out who really makes this panel, it may lessen the concern once you know what you're really buying.

[fingerscrossed]

My other concern is the processor running the display. Even if it's great glass it still may (probably) use crap for the internal parts. Sam's Club/Wal Mart are legendary for making companies cut costs. Those cuts have to come from somewhere to make the price so affordable.

I hope it turns out to be a great display for whoever buys it and a real steal. I'm just more comfortable going with Pioneer, Panny, etc with a model that has been trial tested.

[ChrisHelvey]

FYI to all who are interested in this display: I bought it. And I like it! :)
I purchased a Sony XBR 42" open box from Circuit City, had it three weeks and returned it due to poor picture quality. When I saw the Akai, it:
A) Had all the inputs I needed. (I will use it with an HTPC as well.)
B) From my viewing distance looked great in the store. As good as a Pio - no, but THOUSANDS cheaper. Personally, I think twice about what I can do with that kind of savings.
C) It is a very nice looking display (turned off as well as on) - since the speakers are not permanent (and I don't need them,) the display is a thin silver border around the unit - looks like a high-tech picture frame. So many of the new units are too big. This one is all screen ....which brings me to...
D) IT'S 50" - not 42"which was the price range I was looking at! Holy cow, 50 inches! The WOW factor has a play in this if you are currently looking at 42" displays because they cost less.
E) Sam's club has an awesome "no explanation needed" return policy too. I'd know within 30 days if I didn't like it.
F) $200.00, including an upgrade to the "Premium" Sam's membership got me a 5 YEAR warranty! Circuit City wanted 950.00 for theirs (sliding scale with the cost of the unit.) In all fairness, other warranties are for on-site repair. But for 200 bucks, it's a no brainer. I know Sam's will stand behind it, even if I do need to transport it in.
G) It's pretty clear this is not a product affiliated with "AKAI of Japan" in any way. I have no problem with a Chinese made product out of principle - the quality of the manufacturing and the USA company that stands behind it is more important to me. Which brings me to:

What it's like at home:
First the good:
1) This unit is built VERY well. The silver case it not plastic like - it is heavy powder-coated metal. All the fasteners are heavy and solid. Built like a tank.
2) It comes with a stand (which I don't use.)
3) The glass has a nice minor anti-glare on it. Not enough to notice it much, but it works well.
4) All the connectors are very solid and high quality. No movement.
5) The picture is very bright and the colors are vibrant. I turned brightness and "contarst" (they spelled it wrong on the menu, he, he) down to about 35.
6) Although my Harmony remote did not know what it was, it integrated fine in the system. (Toggle power, aspect progresses to next option, etc.)
7) This is not an old technology unit - Manufacture date on mine is March 2005.

Now the bad:
1) The fan is VERY noisy. Way too noisy. With the fan as is, the unit runs very cool. From comparing the heat coming from the top with my hand, it is much cooler than any other display I have checked. In fact, it's hardly warm. In my opinion they either over-engineered it or used a cheap, noisy fan. In any case, I intend to fix that myself (Even though I'm electronically adept, I think anyone could accomplish this.) I'll probably just disconnect the current fan(s) and mount and wire in a 120V one that will come on when the system comes on or find 12V DC on a circuit board and use high-quality, super quiet PC fans to do the job. I'm not afraid of doing this - I know how to move air quietly over the right parts.
That said, now that I've had the display for a few weeks, I've become accustomed to the sound and it doesn't bother me as much as when I first got it.
2) The manual is pretty pathetic. But at least the menu is intuitive.
3) No technical support number that I have found. (Thusfar I haven't needed it though.)
4) Dark scenes are just "OK" - they aren't terrible, but nothing does it like a Panasonic (or even a Pioneer.)
5) If you turn up the brightness to help with the dark scenes a bit, you get a little more of a "digital" look. In fairness, I must say I'm judging this part with DirecTV SD.....
6) It does not have an HD tuner. (I don't care at all - I tune from my HTPC.) In my opinion, it was a good place to save on the cost. Anyone can by a good external HD tuner.)

Now a few opinions:
This set has a definite break-in period. The quality after two weeks of use is at least Three times better than when I got it out of the box. I was ALMOST a little disappointed when first turned on. Now, I'm pretty thrilled.

I think this may be a rebadged Samsung, although it is quite different from the current models I've seen. I am curious whose glass it is just for curiosity's sake.

In short, although this is not the best unit on the planet, it is, in my opinion, a GREAT value with little risk. Try it, if you don't like it or the fan bugs you (like I said, I think it's fixable) then take it back to Sam's with nothing lost but some time.

Hope this info is helpful to someone, I'm sure there will be others interested to know about this new unit. If anyone has any questions, just ask and I'll try to answer them the best I can. Although I may not be a "videophile," I think I have a pretty good eye, as I looked at a hundred of these things before purchasing over the course of the last 6 months.

Chris

[ChrisHelvey]

By the way: Mine lists contrast specs at 4000:1 (in the manual and on the box,) although we all know this really doesn't mean anything. It looks good at home - that's what counts. The fan thing is the only big concern on this unit.

[cvillacci]

can you pm me on the price at costco?

[fingerscrossed]

Great review Chris. Thanks.

The Akai is intriguing. The one at my local Sam's had a great picture. The menu from the Incredibles DVD they were playing was burned into the screen so be careful about that.

I'd love to know exactly how you go about the fan problem and what you do to fix it.

I'd love to have a 50" on a 42" budget but then again the room I have isn't that large so I think a high quality 43" pio might be great too.

Good luck and I hope the Akai keeps getting better and better for you.

[dominicp]

Great review Chris thanks! I'm also wondering about the Vizio (vinc.com) 50" that will hit Costco in August (at least the coupon mentions that) It uses a 60,000 hour panel with 10 bit color. The price on that one with coupon is $400 less than the Akai.

I emailed Vizion and they said that they use LG glass. As for the electronics, I'm sure they have their child laborers hard at work as we speak. :)

[90c4]

Are you able to get 1:1 pixel mapping at the native resolution? I went for the Maxent at costco (who now has the Optoma 50 inch for the same price), and while the manual says it should and even has the timings, I can't get it to accept native even with Powerstrip. I have an HTPC so I'd love to be able to run native.

[UTVguy]

:eek: This was already covered in a different thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=541173&highlight=akai

[ChrisHelvey]

I haven't felt the need to try. I'm well aware of Powerstrip and was fully convinced I would need to use it. I am running an ATI 9200 on 1024X768 on the VGA connector and the screen looks perfect to me. So good, that I decided not to even mess with it.
I run my tuner card at it's 1280X720P res over the DVI.

Chris

[cheridave]

Threads Merged!

Dave

[dominicp]

[QUOTE=UTVguy]:eek: This was already covered in a different thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=541173&highlight=akai[/QUOTE]


??

It's the same thread we're on. What am I missing?

[MonteyBurns]

Saw the Akai at Costco and was watching a HD signal. In one scene the top of the screen looked all black until I looked at the Panny next to it and realized that it was a black/grey section. Great price, but poor pq. I am going to wait for the Vizio coming in August and hope its better.

[fingerscrossed]

Well Pannys are widely considered to have the best blacks of any plasma display so any screen might look a bit gray next to a panny.

[rwyost]

Has anyone actually bought one of these Akia 50" 'ers from SAMS? I'm thinking about buying one and would like to hear from another victim on how it performs.

[TowJumper]

I bought one (actually two, returned both) with a friend. My remarks are in this thread. Summary: looked decent, sounded like a helicopter was hovering in the living room with the volume muted.

My friend just ordered the 50 inch Optoma from Costco - I have an older model of this plasma and am happy with it - it is now priced the same as the Akai from Sam's - I much prefer the Optoma over the Akai.

FWIW I also have a NEC XR4 50 plasma which is better suited to my brightly lit bonus room - but it is not in the 3k range.

[ChrisHelvey]

I'm still liking it. Still haven't dealt with the fans, but I will. PQ is getting better by the day (breaking in well.) The difference between when I bought it and now is a LOT. So much so that it makes me wonder if that's why some units look better than others on the showroom floor. The one sitting there for a while breking in would certainly look better than one right out of the box from my experience.

[JoelMcLean]

I see it has been a couple weeks since there has been any talk on this tv.

Anyone else bought one?

I'd like to know if others are unhappy with the fan noise and if Chris was able to replace the fans.

There are some of these about an hour from where I live so I plan on taking a look. Not sure if I can tell how the noise is in the store.

Also, the price may be lower now - it is at least a little lower than the price range mentioned in the first post.

[Glimmie]

My use is for the master bedroom but I don't want to be stuck in a couple of years when I get HD-DVD.

Also the units at my Costco (Canyon Country, California) are all black. Some of the units discussed here were said to be silver.

[90c4]

To those who bought this, how was it packaged? I know the 42 inch had a large box whiched contained a plasma box, a speaker box, and a manbual/remote box. If that's the case for the 50", how large is the interior box? Trying to figure out it it will fit inside a station wagon.

[ChrisHelvey]

It's a huge box. I doubt it will fit in a wagon. I took it out of the box, stood it up for proper travel position, broke the boxes down flat and drove home carefully.

I'd be curious to see others opinions on this display once it is home and broken in. Eventually I'll deal with the fan noise - I just don't feel like taking it down (takes two people.) SD TV from direcTV is not great, but DVDs are incredible as well as high def.

[Kralon]

You may want to check out this recent review of a similar model number, which may in fact be the same TV.

Since I can't post a url, go to the plasmatvbuyingguide site and look at the latest 50" Akai review.


:)

[Mr. Bentiez]

Chris,
Great write up !! I just brought it at Sam's..Iam not a TV buff, but I waited a long time for a 50" plasma at this great price. Iam waiting for the wall mount bracket to come from Sam's before I mount this bad boy. I have basic cable but upgraded to a HD package (CableVision). Do I have to purchase special "cables" or can I used CableVision's ?. My buddy has a DLP and is useing everything from "Monster", I think it's just overkill. PS.. How did you make out with your Fan motor ?. Thanks

[M_A_C]

Have you guys noticed any burn-in with this model at all? I want to use it for games, espically when the 360 and PS3 come out. Thanks!

[etp]

Akai PDP5016H 50

So what up eh! Is it a good buy? They are getting cheap!

Listing #: 77937104
Item: 469400
Model: PDP5016H
High Definition TV (HDTV) means that a TV can broadcast signals of at least 720p or 1080i via any of the TVs inputs, usually the component-input.

Picture size is measured in inches. The size of the screen is measured diagonally from corner to corner.

Features



1366 x 768 Pixel Resolution
Powerful Image Engine
Wide Screen Aspect Ratio (16:9)
PIP/POP/PBP
4000:1 High Contrast Ratio
1000 cd/m2 Brightness
YCb Cr/ Y Pb Pr Component Input
S-Video and Composite Inputs
PC (RGB) Input
Intelligent Picture Control
Intelligent Sound Control
New Thin Bezel Design
FCC Class B Certification

[Bud-man]

I wouldnt touch it with a 10 foot pole, worst looking 50" at Costco's, Vizio was alot better, false contouring/clayface you name it it has it.
Last Sat i saw a guy waiting outside with one, wanted to go up to him and say....."You sure you really want THAT set?" as i wheeled by with my panny.
With the new 50PM50 Panny there soon i'd wait.
Last march i for 3 weeks owned a Akai!

[voovoov]

[EDIT]..I just bought one and plan to pick it up tomorrow.

EDIT>>

mod note: no price talk. Thanks

[Jim5506]

Sam's has these for less than twok double cheezeburgers, very tempting!

[Prany]

I bought my PDP5016H on Jan 21, and I'm very annoyed by this whinning sound especially when I watch movies with my family. The worst part is during silent section of the movie........and watching Golf got even worse. I rather hear the birds screaming than the winning sound.......Tech is coming to replace the fans today. Keep my fingers X.

[Prany]

In my case, it is not the fans that are buzzing..........Weeeeeeehhhhhhh.....I don't know what it is. It could be transformers in the power supply board or other boards in there. The tech said it's the same noise as another Akai that he was working on that has different problem.

I wish It didn't have this noise because the PQ is awsome and price was right at 1.6k cheeseburgers at Sam's.

Should I return it or should I not, Should I return it or should I not...............stressful...

I supposed hard-of-hearing people might like this unit.

[Prany]

In my case, it is not the fans that are buzzing..........Weeeeeeehhhhhhh.....I don't know what it is. It could be transformers in the power supply board or other boards in there. The tech said it's the same noise as another Akai that he was working on that has different problem.

I wish It didn't have this noise because the PQ is awsome and price was right at 1.6k cheeseburgers at Sam's.

Should I return it or should I not, Should I return it or should I not...............stressful...

I supposed hard-of-hearing people might like this unit.

[rbhamric]

I bought one from Sam's in October. I have been thrilled with the pciture quality. You cannot beat the price which keeps dropping every time I go in the store. Sure, there are better Plasmas out there, but you can get two of these for that price, and no one can convince me the extra money is worth it. At this price, I almost consider this TV to be disposable. I have considered evrything under the sun. I have no annoying fan problem - and I have asked anyone that has come to my house if they can hear it. Nope! My XBox is MUCH MUCH louder than my TV could ever dream of being. The bottom line is you can pay thousands more for a mostly unnoticably better picture quality, but as long as you don't have another TV sitting right next to it, you would never know. So, just dont bring your Panny or Pio with you when you visit and I'll be fine. I spent the extra money I saved on a Denon AVR-3805 and Athena 7.1 surround system. If that TV starts making noise, I sure won't hear it! BOOM! POW! CRASH! :D

[highnndry]

Any update on the Akai PDP5016H 50" from current users? One of the comp usa store is closing and they have it on sale for dirt cheap but their additional warranty is expensive. Anyway I would appreciate any input from current owners.

[highnndry]

Did you guys returned your Akai for something else? There's got to be someone with an Akai still in their home. For fourteen hundred smackroo I'm very tempted to buy, please advice.