View Full Version : Hitachi 42" Plasma HDTV (42HDS52)
daniels1994
08-02-05, 01:21 PM
Any thoughts on this. It looks its at a decent price?
RickInMA
08-03-05, 06:38 AM
I kinda like the specs on this thing - 2 HDMIs, 1024x1024, etc
I just haven't really had the chance to compare it live to the panasonic - they seem to be at the same price point - and prior to a few days ago, I thought the panny was a no brainer...
I'm looking to buy one of these (42HDS52 or panny px500) in the next two weeks - please post anymore info you find on it
JamesMH
08-03-05, 11:47 AM
Take a look at the 42HDT52, doesn't cost much more, maybe even the same.
RickInMA
08-03-05, 01:26 PM
The specs on the 42HDT52 look even better, I haven't done a whole lot of homework on it yet, but I haven't found many retailers (online or otherwise) selling it.
I don't want to break forum rules, but where have you seen this thing?
10553311
08-03-05, 03:25 PM
[QUOTE=RickInMA]The specs on the 42HDT52 look even better, I haven't done a whole lot of homework on it yet, but I haven't found many retailers (online or otherwise) selling it.
I don't want to break forum rules, but where have you seen this thing?[/QUOTE]
I think it is safe to say hopefully. But CC has these.
puckfreak
08-03-05, 03:33 PM
Man, I can't believe the lack of interest here on this model, on paper it looks great. I guess it's because the brand name doesn't start with a "P" :p
Anyways, one main concern I have is with the 1024 x 1024 panel. Not sure if this is a good thing or not. I tried searching for some old threads on the subjuct, but I didn't seem to find a strong opinion one way or the other.
Can't wait to see this in person. I see that CC has it on their site, but they didn't have one locally a couple of days ago.
RickInMA
08-03-05, 05:50 PM
[QUOTE=10553311]I think it is safe to say hopefully. But CC has these.[/QUOTE]
I thought CC had the "S" model, but not the "T" model -
I could be mistaken, but I think the "T" has extra HDMI + firewire, etc
I don't have enough viewing experience, but the 1024x1024 thing seems like a good idea given 1080i HD TV broadcasts and upcoming next gen DVDs. At the same time, I don't understand how SD could look good with all this resolution - but I'm certainly not an authority on this stuff...
If you see one, please post your thoughts
RandyWalters
08-03-05, 07:21 PM
I gave a serious look at the Hitachi 42HDF52 at a couple of CC stores near me but the HD image wasn't as good as the Pannys on the same wall. Dunno how it compares to the other Hitachis as this is the only model they had on display. I really really liked the all-black design of the Hitachi cabinet and it's features but the Panny's picture looked considerably better in the stores and i just didn't want to risk it. Maybe it would have looked fantastic in my home with my components but i'll never know . . . .
JamesMH
08-03-05, 08:31 PM
The 42HDT52 model has Tv Guide and a firewire port that it looks like can directly record to a firewire HD. The 42HDF52 is a wierd tv, it doesn't have QAM that I can tell, only one Component input, one DVI. The T and S have two HDMI and two component, QAM and cable card. Just call the tv shop, they have got my T in yet. :(
mike1123
08-03-05, 08:39 PM
I may be wrong, but I have heard that Hitachi uses a completely different technology on their plasmas, making them last MUCH longer. They weigh more, though. Just what I've heard.
fingerscrossed
08-03-05, 09:52 PM
I just saw the 42HDF52 at my local store. The picture was nice but I wasn't blown away. They were using an HD feed of the Braves game.
Does anyone know if the "S" or "T" models have a better picture or do they just have more inputs and gadgets?
Macfan424
08-05-05, 01:47 PM
[QUOTE=puckfreak]Man, I can't believe the lack of interest here on this model, on paper it looks great. I guess it's because the brand name doesn't start with a "P" :p
Anyways, one main concern I have is with the 1024 x 1024 panel. Not sure if this is a good thing or not. I tried searching for some old threads on the subjuct, but I didn't seem to find a strong opinion one way or the other...[/QUOTE]
I think the "lack of interest" is due to Hitachi's relatively weak distribution. They aren't always easy to find, although they seem more accessible on the West coast. (Not that I disagree with your "P" factor. ;) )
As for the 1024x1024 panel, I've seen a number of strong opinions. It is Hitachi's proprietary ALiS design, and has been used by Fujitsu, Sony and Philips, as well. Consensus of reviews I've seen is that it produces a very smooth "film-like" picture, but blacks suffer compared to some competitors (notably one starting with "P"). I share that opinion. It might be noted that Consumer Reports gave various ALiS sets consistently high ratings for HD picture quality.
Anyway, you might find more info if you search under "ALiS."
there is the F model at canadian futureshop stores, good price too, $300 drop
probably check it out later this week, but from what is being said it doesn't look as good compared to other plasmas at the same price point.
hey i saw this tv at cc today with the px50u...anymore thoughts on this tv??..i like the 1024x1024 and VirtualHD(TM) 1080p II video processing technology
I have an older Sony with an earlier generation of this same panel. Bottom line is it's really desinged to looks it's best (and it does phenomanally well) with a 1080i signal, on normal or brightly lit/higher contrast scenes. If you are buying it to primarily watch HDTV in a lighted room, for example, it's hard to beat the resolution and (IMO) oveall pq. But (and my Sony is worse than the newer Hitachi's, Fuji's, etc) if you are primarily watching DVD's, and esp. if you like movies with lots of dark and low contrast scenes (espcecially if you like to watch movies in the dark with no ambient light) you'll probably be happier with a Panny. The blacks of an AliS aren't as black, and, at least on my display, there is a tendency with some material to show "false contouring" where all the details get lost in a dark area of the screen. As I said, the newer AliS are better, but the blacks still aren't close to Panny standards.
For a 1080i signal, as I understand it; an AliS panel crops some pixels but does no vertical scaling; scales horz from 1920 down to 1024, and doens't de-interlace (the first field is "strobed" onto the even numbered pixels, then the second onto odd numbered, etc). I'm not 100% sure this is correct, but that is my understanding. This means less processing for 1080i, and higher resolution (and thus less screen door), than any other 42" plasma; but it also means blacks aren't as black and more processing is required for SD material (DVD's still look good to me for the most part, as long as they don't have a lot of dark, low contrast scenes).
The peculiar nature of AliS also has given some folks problems trying to drive the panel with a computer, figuring out the best resolution, etc (though there are a numer of scalers made which suppor this res, and I've seen a number of people report good results from HTPC's as well). It's something to consider if you're contemplating running it off a computer (I have mine connected as an "occasional 2nd display", running 1280 x 1024, and it looks OK, but notice that text, for example, is not as sharp as I would expect a normal progressive display to be; I haven't tried to tweak it with powerstrip, though).
Osprey Guy
08-17-05, 06:53 PM
I just now joined the forums so that I could comment about my recent purchase...the Hitachi 42HDS52.
Let me preface, that I am not a "videophile"...But having been in the "high end" of the Graphic Design business for nearly 30 years, I do have some idea of what looks good.
I went through several sets before finally settling on the Hitachi. After a lot of research, and a lot of trips to many stores, I had pretty much come down to a decision between the Hitachi and the aforementioned Panny. Over the course of our search for a new set we visited three different branches of the same store...the only one, which carries the Hitachi.
All three stores had both the Hitachi 42HDF52 and the 42HDS52 on display...there's really no comparision,...the 42HDS52 is the superior of the two...hands down. Having saif that, one thing I learned in my travels is that whatever picture you happen to see in the store is definitely not an indication what the PQ will be like at home. Even when comparing two sets on the same wall...it's very possible, that they're not getting apples vs apples feeds.
In one store the PQ on the Panny was slightly better than the Hitachi, but in the other two it was more or less a dead heat. With all things being equal (including price), I decided that the incredibly good looks of the all-black Hitachi and it's "Oh so James Bond" power swivel feature, coupled with numerous on-board features such as the AliS, the 1024 x 1024 with Virtual HD 1080, the nifty "screen saver" (when the set detects a static image after 20 minutes, it shifts everything over by 2 pixels), and the numerous inputs including 2 HDMI outlets were among the deciding factors for me...so we pulled the trigger.
I've had the Hitachi setup in our living room for a couple of weeks now. It's hooked up to an HD box via the local cable company and the sound is being pumped through our new Onkyo 7:1 system (not exactly top-of-the-line...but not too shabby either). With all the discussion about plasmas not delivering good blacks, I'm especially impressed with the blacks on the Hitachi. I have it set in the "Black Enhancement" mode...The default setting was on "high", but I find the "middle" setting to be black enough for my tastes. ..and I currently have the contrast set for "Normal" rather than the "Dynamac" default setting.
For anything non-HD...the picture looks great. For DVD's it terrific...and for HD programming it's downright breathtaking. Some of the programming, especially from the Discovery channel, is very reminiscent of watching iMax. While this may be a "given" for HD sets, this effect was not as evident when viewing many of the other HD sets.
All-in-all, I couldn't be more pleased. The Hitachi satisfies everything I had hoped to find in a large, wide-screen, HD monitor...and much, much more.
Osprey Guy
This is a great-lookin' set. Saw it recently at Circuit City. Nearly rivals the Panny in PQ, good color reproduction, good to very good blacks (not quite Panny level), loaded with features and a neat, motorized swivel stand.
Definitely worth checking out. I bet Hitachi will reduce the price on it, too, if the purported Panasonic price-drop occurs on the 28th.
Absolutely check this plasma out if you're thinking about it.
gordita
08-18-05, 10:12 AM
[QUOTE=Osprey Guy]I just now joined the forums so that I could comment about my recent purchase...the Hitachi 42HDS52.
Let me preface, that I am not a "videophile"...But having been in the "high end" of the Graphic Design business for nearly 30 years, I do have some idea of what looks good.
I went through several sets before finally settling on the Hitachi. After a lot of research, and a lot of trips to many stores, I had pretty much come down to a decision between the Hitachi and the aforementioned Panny. Over the course of our search for a new set we visited three different branches of the same store...the only one, which carries the Hitachi.
All three stores had both the Hitachi 42HDF52 and the 42HDS52 on display...there's really no comparision,...the 42HDS52 is the superior of the two...hands down. Having saif that, one thing I learned in my travels is that whatever picture you happen to see in the store is definitely not an indication what the PQ will be like at home. Even when comparing two sets on the same wall...it's very possible, that they're not getting apples vs apples feeds.
In one store the PQ on the Panny was slightly better than the Hitachi, but in the other two it was more or less a dead heat. With all things being equal (including price), I decided that the incredibly good looks of the all-black Hitachi and it's "Oh so James Bond" power swivel feature, coupled with numerous on-board features such as the AliS, the 1024 x 1024 with Virtual HD 1080, the nifty "screen saver" (when the set detects a static image after 20 minutes, it shifts everything over by 2 pixels), and the numerous inputs including 2 HDMI outlets were among the deciding factors for me...so we pulled the trigger.
I've had the Hitachi setup in our living room for a couple of weeks now. It's hooked up to an HD box via the local cable company and the sound is being pumped through our new Onkyo 7:1 system (not exactly top-of-the-line...but not too shabby either). With all the discussion about plasmas not delivering good blacks, I'm especially impressed with the blacks on the Hitachi. I have it set in the "Black Enhancement" mode...The default setting was on "high", but I find the "middle" setting to be black enough for my tastes. ..and I currently have the contrast set for "Normal" rather than the "Dynamac" default setting.
For anything non-HD...the picture looks great. For DVD's it terrific...and for HD programming it's downright breathtaking. Some of the programming, especially from the Discovery channel, is very reminiscent of watching iMax. While this may be a "given" for HD sets, this effect was not as evident when viewing many of the other HD sets.
All-in-all, I couldn't be more pleased. The Hitachi satisfies everything I had hoped to find in a large, wide-screen, HD monitor...and much, much more.
Osprey Guy[/QUOTE]
Hey Osprey,
after reading your post, you have me salivating at this set.
any chance you can hook us up with a couple of pics?
that would be great........
thanks
I recently purchased the S52 Hitachi. For me it won over the Panasonic in PQ.
I spent about an hour adjusting both sets in the stores before I started the picture comparison.
The Panasonic had some sort of color shimmer when there were fast moving details on the screen (I saw this on four sets in two different stores, I doubt it was the feed). Perhaps there was a setting I missed or did not understand.
The Hitachi in general showed better detail and appeared much smoother when displaying slow panning images. The panel just seemed faster, maybe faster phosphor or some such. Maybe better 3:2 pulldown.
After adjusting both sets to show similar skin tones and comparable contrast/brightness, the Hitachi set appeared to be a bit brighter, colors were more vivid. This was an important point for me since we have a lot of light in the living room.
I can't much comment on the black levels since both sets are good enough and most likely past my sensitivity threshold. Depth of the black levels does not bother me much, unlike scaling/motion and temporal artifacts.
It's important to note that the Hitachi does not scale 1080! signals vertically. It crops 28 lines from the top and bottom of the picture. It is a tradeoff that I am willing to live with but may be bothersome to others.
Both brands offer excellent value. I personally felt that the Hitachi had fewer anomalies to my eyes. YMMV and there is no substitute to seing the sets in person. In the end I felt it was worth a few hundred more than I would have paid for the Panasonic.
For those curious about the F52 Hitachi, it is proof positive that cheap electronics can ruin an excellent plasma panel. I really wanted the PC input but no manner of adjustment I did on the F52 could get it even into the ballpark of the other two displays.
Jagsman
08-18-05, 11:40 PM
After reading the posts here I went to CC to check out 42HDS52 and must say I was impressed. It was right next to the Panny and held it's own. PQ was fairly even...The sharp black cabinet and swivel base a huge advantage for the Hitachi....$300. price edge goes to the Panny.
The Hitachi is extremely hard to find.....on-line usuals do not carry and CC seems to be the only local with it. Price aside, I'm eager to pull the trigger on the Hitachi, but you almost have to wait to see if the anticipated end of the month price break on the Panny (or plasmas in general) actaully happens.
Thanks for the heads up on this. It is now without a doubt on the radar.
Rolex24
08-21-05, 10:28 AM
Just picked up a 42HDS52 at CC yesterday. WOW! got it home late last night and have only made rough video adjustments but I have to say that I was able to make LOTR ROTK look incredible, practicaly HD quality. I'll run AVIA through it today and get some HD on it as well to really check it out. I'm usually one to research my purchases thoroughly but this was one of those impulse buys. The black cabinet sealed the deal with my wife.
This is my first plasma and I'm excited by what I've seen so far. Unbelievably better picture than my 4 year old Mits 55" HD rear projection. It was like seeing the movie for the first time.
As a side bar, we went out to get a 26 or 32" LCD for our bedroom. Then we decided we needed to add a 13" LCD for our exercise area. I also wanted a HD receiver. My wife(God I love Her) started looking at the plasmas and figured we'd save money by just going with the 42" plasma. Now my bedroom tv blows away my living room set. COOL!
JamesMH
08-27-05, 02:41 AM
The manuals for the 42HDT52 are online now 1st part here: http://merchant.satisfusion.com/library/manuals/owners/42HDT52.pdf and 2nd part here: http://merchant.satisfusion.com/library/manuals/owners/42HDT52_part2.pdf
Look at the HD recording capability, looks interesting.
Rolex24
08-30-05, 11:04 AM
Got the 'tachi set up with Avia and tweaked very little to get the settings right. HD content (MNF last night) simply blew my Mits55RPHD set away. Got my CableCard installed last Friday and so far no problems. Even got the Comcast HDDVR in the other room and it works good too.
I've got three questions: 1)This is a bedroom set and I'd just like to add a sub to bolster the sound as the standard sound is pretty good. I was looking at the Infinity 8" and Velodyne 10", $299/$250 respctively. Any comments? 2)The manual says the OTA input is disabled when a cablecard is installed...is this true? and do I just pop out the card when I want to receive OTA. That would suck. 3)In the Avia brightness setting screen the two gray vertical bars in the left(black half) screen are not visable. Why aren't they visable? Black Enhancement conflict? I turned it off and still no bars! I had to ball park my brightness because of this.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Jagsman
08-30-05, 12:01 PM
[QUOTE=Rolex24]Got the 'tachi set up with Avia and tweaked very little to get the settings right. HD content (MNF last night) simply blew my Mits55RPHD set away. Got my CableCard installed last Friday and so far no problems. Even got the Comcast HDDVR in the other room and it works good too.
I've got three questions: 1)This is a bedroom set and I'd just like to add a sub to bolster the sound as the standard sound is pretty good. I was looking at the Infinity 8" and Velodyne 10", $299/$250 respctively. Any comments? 2)The manual says the OTA input is disabled when a cablecard is installed...is this true? and do I just pop out the card when I want to receive OTA. That would suck. 3)In the Avia brightness setting screen the two gray vertical bars in the left(black half) screen are not visable. Why aren't they visable? Black Enhancement conflict? I turned it off and still no bars! I had to ball park my brightness because of this.
Thanks in advance for any help.[/QUOTE]
Not sure I can answer any of your questions, but I do have one. What made you pull the trigger on the Hitachi? I have been debating between this unit and the Panny equivalent and can't seem to decide.
Thanks.
gordita
08-30-05, 01:54 PM
[QUOTE=Rolex24]Got the 'tachi set up with Avia and tweaked very little to get the settings right. HD content (MNF last night) simply blew my Mits55RPHD set away. Got my CableCard installed last Friday and so far no problems. Even got the Comcast HDDVR in the other room and it works good too.
I've got three questions: 1)This is a bedroom set and I'd just like to add a sub to bolster the sound as the standard sound is pretty good. I was looking at the Infinity 8" and Velodyne 10", $299/$250 respctively. Any comments? 2)The manual says the OTA input is disabled when a cablecard is installed...is this true? and do I just pop out the card when I want to receive OTA. That would suck. 3)In the Avia brightness setting screen the two gray vertical bars in the left(black half) screen are not visable. Why aren't they visable? Black Enhancement conflict? I turned it off and still no bars! I had to ball park my brightness because of this.
Thanks in advance for any help.[/QUOTE]
Rolex,
can you comment on the aspect modes for SD and HD and if you use them at all.
I'm told that the hitachi panel is the only panel where you can stretch HD content. The panny cannot do this.
Also, hitachi has two HDMI inputs and a pc input and that gorgeous all-black look.
I have not seen live tv in a couple of yrs and all my SD and HD watching would be through a STB DVR and coupled with the aspect modes and two hdmi and pc input, this is almost proving to be a no-brainer.
any pics?
In doing a comparison on cc's site, it says the Hitachi "F" and "S" are both about 12 inches thick while the Pan 42PX50U is only 3.9 inches thick/deep. Why would the hitachi be so much thicker? is that normal for a plasma? Am i reading something wrong?
whew, downloaded the Hitachi pdf manual - 80 pages!
~ wendy
Xcalibur_255
08-30-05, 02:51 PM
[QUOTE=Rolex24]Got the 'tachi set up with Avia and tweaked very little to get the settings right. HD content (MNF last night) simply blew my Mits55RPHD set away. Got my CableCard installed last Friday and so far no problems. Even got the Comcast HDDVR in the other room and it works good too.
I've got three questions: 1)This is a bedroom set and I'd just like to add a sub to bolster the sound as the standard sound is pretty good. I was looking at the Infinity 8" and Velodyne 10", $299/$250 respctively. Any comments? 2)The manual says the OTA input is disabled when a cablecard is installed...is this true? and do I just pop out the card when I want to receive OTA. That would suck. 3)In the Avia brightness setting screen the two gray vertical bars in the left(black half) screen are not visable. Why aren't they visable? Black Enhancement conflict? I turned it off and still no bars! I had to ball park my brightness because of this.
Thanks in advance for any help.[/QUOTE]
I'm an Infinity man myself, but I'd say get the Velodyne. :)
Rolex24
08-30-05, 03:08 PM
X- I was thinking Velodyne too, hard to argue with their reputation especially at that price point.
Wendek- The panel is the same thickness as everybody else's. I think they're taking the detachable base dimensions into account.
Gordita- I've only run it through the stretch modes once on SD, it automatically goes to full screen/wide screen on HD and I personally don't know why you'd want to stretch HD, what's the point.....especially since I've been conditioned to think Americans don't have overweight issues after watching stretched SD on my Mits for 4 years :D I like to watch SD expanded to fill the screen, not the fishbowl or ZOOM applications...to much distortion in those.
Jagsman- The most overwhelming factor was my wife, she like the black cabinet. Picture quality between this set and the others on the wall; Panny, Phillips, etc was hard for me to discern without tweaking the settings of each set. They all looked good and get them at home away from the others and I think they'd all be considered awesome. I love PLASMA! I still can't believe my wife steered me away from the 32" LCD's to a 42" Plasma.
Qualities after the purchase that I'm please with: Cable Card, Inputs, built in wire ties on the back, Picture Quality, OSD is very user friendly although the input selection is a little cumbersome, Picture Quality, Sound Quality, decent factory remote. I didn't research this product at all and really feel I lucked out.
JamesMH
08-30-05, 03:32 PM
The input selection is kinda strange, but it works ok. Input 1 is both the HDMI-1 and S-video input. The HDMI device needs to be powered off before the S-video is detected, strange I think instead of having a different input name.
Watched prison break last night on this tv, the picture and sound were great. The monday night football picture looked much better though, but I'm not into that sport.
[QUOTE=Rolex24]
Wendek- The panel is the same thickness as everybody else's. I think they're taking the detachable base dimensions into account.
.[/QUOTE]
oh, thanks.
~wendek
silly me.
Jagsman
08-30-05, 04:57 PM
[QUOTE=Rolex24]X- I was thinking Velodyne too, hard to argue with their reputation especially at that price point.
Wendek- The panel is the same thickness as everybody else's. I think they're taking the detachable base dimensions into account.
Gordita- I've only run it through the stretch modes once on SD, it automatically goes to full screen/wide screen on HD and I personally don't know why you'd want to stretch HD, what's the point.....especially since I've been conditioned to think Americans don't have overweight issues after watching stretched SD on my Mits for 4 years :D I like to watch SD expanded to fill the screen, not the fishbowl or ZOOM applications...to much distortion in those.
Jagsman- The most overwhelming factor was my wife, she like the black cabinet. Picture quality between this set and the others on the wall; Panny, Phillips, etc was hard for me to discern without tweaking the settings of each set. They all looked good and get them at home away from the others and I think they'd all be considered awesome. I love PLASMA! I still can't believe my wife steered me away from the 32" LCD's to a 42" Plasma.
Qualities after the purchase that I'm please with: Cable Card, Inputs, built in wire ties on the back, Picture Quality, OSD is very user friendly although the input selection is a little cumbersome, Picture Quality, Sound Quality, decent factory remote. I didn't research this product at all and really feel I lucked out.[/QUOTE]
Where did you get yours? Not too many places carry this. CC seems to be the only place.
Thanks.
Osprey Guy
08-30-05, 09:51 PM
Not including the base, my 42HDS52 is slightly under 4" thick.
I do believe that CC is the only place where Hitachi's are currently available in the U.S....at the very least it's the only brick and mortar outlet.
The Hitachi (dot com) website* has great photos of all of its plasma TV's. First click on products and services...select your country...go to AV products...and then to Plasma Televisions. You'll find photos of the entire lineup with specs on each TV.
*Sorry, but apparently the forum won't allow me to post any website URL,...even if it's only to a manufacturer. :confused:
Osprey Guy
mohanman
08-30-05, 10:46 PM
I don't know what you guys were talking about velodyne woofers.. but they are absolutely the best.
I bought a 10" a long time ago for about $1000.00
best woofer I ever heard, until it broke.. they wanted $800.00 to repair it
Say what??
Crap
Mo!
krikfalusi
08-30-05, 11:11 PM
Can any of the S52 owners comment on how SD looks on this TV? Some have speculated that 1024x1024 would be worse for SD than other plasmas.
I'd especially be interested in hearing anyone's experience with SD via D*TV.
Thanks
Superastro
08-30-05, 11:33 PM
Does the HDS52 have NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuners? Meaning can it tune over the air HD as well as unencrypted digital channels through basic cable (w/o a set top box and w/o the cablecard)?
Also, any idea why Hitachi got rid of the media receiver they had in last year's model?
krikfalusi
08-30-05, 11:38 PM
Another question:
Just read the glowing review of the HDX61.
How does the S52 compare in terms of PQ? Featurewise, the S has all I need, just wondering if the performance of the screen is comparable to the T and X models.
When i looked at the hitachi today, i was pretty un-impressed with the F model as it sat looking washed out next to the panasonic 42px50u. The S model for a few hundred more with all the extra fancy features a person could ever want looked a bit better. some think the PQ is fabulous, me, not so much, but once you got the Hitachi home and away from the comparisons, you'd probably be very happy. that's what i'm hoping for anyway.
~ Wendek
Osprey Guy
08-31-05, 12:39 AM
Regarding PQ...here's a copy of what I wrote a few days ago in another thread:
I've had the Hitachi 42HDS52 for nearly three weeks (I happened to be on the phone with Hitachi today and I was told, that I was probably one of the very first in the U.S. to own one of the new S52's). :)
If anyone was in CC trying to compare the Panny, chances are they were looking at the lower-end Hitachi (42HDF52), in which case the Panny would most certainly have won. But if anyone thinks the PQ on the Panny is better than the PQ on the S52, it's gotta be strictly subjective...the S52 has got a killer picture! Not only is the HD PQ scary good, but it's amazing how really good SD programming looks on this set...definitely better than on any other Plasma I've seen.
Now when I first hooked it up, the SD was only fair at best...and that made me more than a little nervous. But that was while I was still using the component cables, which the installer from the cable company had brought along with him, to go with the new High Def box he was delivering. On a hunch I rushed out and bought some HDMI cables, and as soon as I got home I swapped out the component cables for the HDMI. The difference was nothing short of astounding!
Even the installer who was here on Friday (he was here to switch the High Def box for a High Def/DVR box), said that he was really surprised and impressed with the PQ of the SD signal. He said he couldn't recall having seen a plasma with as good an SD picture...and he was even more taken with the HD picture and volunteered the comment that the HD PQ was definitely among the very best he'd seen in all his travels. He thought that the blacks looked especially good and that the color rivaled some of the top Pioneer Plasmas he'd seen.
All I know is I couldn't be more pleased with the breathtaking picture...and the "Oh so James Bond power swivel", which is way cool (The other night I had some friends over, and with the lights turned way down in the living room, we watched a High Def/Dolby Digital, "double bill" concert, featuring Chicago,...along with Earth, Wind, and Fire. I have my audio pumped through my 7:1 home theater system, so it not only looked great but sounded pretty darned good as well. While everyone was still transfixed by the great picture on the TV, I secretly hit the power swivel button on my remote...the TV turned and everyone was totally blown away!). :D
Osprey Guy
ClarkeBar
08-31-05, 12:52 AM
[QUOTE=Rolex24]I've got three questions: 1)This is a bedroom set and I'd just like to add a sub to bolster the sound as the standard sound is pretty good. I was looking at the Infinity 8" and Velodyne 10", $299/$250 respctively. Any comments?[/QUOTE]
I have a preference for Velodyne but the Infinity is fine as well.
[QUOTE=Rolex24]2)The manual says the OTA input is disabled when a cablecard is installed...is this true? and do I just pop out the card when I want to receive OTA. That would suck.[/QUOTE]
Sure looks like CableCard usage nullifies the other antenna input. Looks like you will have to pull the card or at least unseat it in order the get normal antenna operation. I guess they figure you will get all available OTA with CableCard connection.
[QUOTE=Rolex24]3)In the Avia brightness setting screen the two gray vertical bars in the left(black half) screen are not visable. Why aren't they visable? Black Enhancement conflict? I turned it off and still no bars! I had to ball park my brightness because of this.[/QUOTE]
Do you mean the second screen, the one after the Contrast/Needle Pulse screen?
And you say you cannot see the Bars at all? No matter what setting of Brightness adjustment in the entire range? I have never heard of this. I have seen many sets not affected through the entire Contrast range and the needles stay straight and there is no blooming. In fact with many Plasmas this will be the case. But the Brightness slider should affect the screen more significantly and you should be able to see the two bars somewhere along the range, even if very high up. What is the Contrast setting? You should be using whatever custom or personal preference mode exists and NOT a preset. My set (non-Hitachi) using component requires a high level (0-100 range, value at 70) to adjust the bars. My set also has no toggle for Black Enhancement and I make sure to turn it off if found on the DVD player of choice. For normal TV viewing the levels are much less but my set stores different settings according to input type, even the different tuners.
[QUOTE=Osprey Guy]Regarding PQ...here's a copy of what I wrote a few days ago in another thread:
I've had the Hitachi 42HDS52 for nearly three weeks (I happened to be on the phone with Hitachi today and I was told, that I was probably one of the very first in the U.S. to own one of the new S52's). :)
If anyone was in CC trying to compare the Panny, chances are they were looking at the lower-end Hitachi (42HDF52), in which case the Panny would most certainly have won. But if anyone thinks the PQ on the Panny is better than the PQ on the S52, it's gotta be strictly subjective...the S52 has got a killer picture! Not only is the HD PQ scary good, but it's amazing how really good SD programming looks on this set...definitely better than on any other Plasma I've seen.
Now when I first hooked it up, the SD was only fair at best...and that made me more than a little nervous. But that was while I was still using the component cables, which the installer from the cable company had brought along with him, to go with the new High Def box he was delivering. On a hunch I rushed out and bought some HDMI cables, and as soon as I got home I swapped out the component cables for the HDMI. The difference was nothing short of astounding!
Even the installer who was here on Friday (he was here to switch the High Def box for a High Def/DVR box), said that he was really surprised and impressed with the PQ of the SD signal. He said he couldn't recall having seen a plasma with as good an SD picture...and he was even more taken with the HD picture and volunteered the comment that the HD PQ was definitely among the very best he'd seen in all his travels. He thought that the blacks looked especially good and that the color rivaled some of the top Pioneer Plasmas he'd seen.
All I know is I couldn't be more pleased with the breathtaking picture...and the "Oh so James Bond power swivel", which is way cool (The other night I had some friends over, and with the lights turned way down in the living room, we watched a High Def/Dolby Digital, "double bill" concert, featuring Chicago,...along with Earth, Wind, and Fire. I have my audio pumped through my 7:1 home theater system, so it not only looked great but sounded pretty darned good as well. While everyone was still transfixed by the great picture on the TV, I secretly hit the power swivel button on my remote...the TV turned and everyone was totally blown away!). :D
Osprey Guy[/QUOTE]
Thanks for sharing, Osprey Guy. It's true, i was looking at the 42" F model right next to the 42" panasonic i thought i wanted. it was hard to see the S model down the aisle on it's own and honestly compare it also. After reading all the specs and now to read up on the PDF manual, i think the hitachi is what i have been looking for, albeit more than i was planning on spending this year. I was originally only looking for a bedroom tv. And anything will be breathtaking next to my 27" tube, i'm sure! I am still with bunny ears and TiVo in the bay area, but it's nice to think i can upgrade to cable any time and have a fancy little spot for the cable card just waiting for me. and in the mean time get the best OTA and SD possible.
~ wendy
I can live without cable for now, but i can't live without TiVo!
jackie C
08-31-05, 07:20 AM
Can you explain your hdmi cable situation in detail? Did you buy 2 and how you hooked them up, as opposed to the component cables? Thanks
krikfalusi
08-31-05, 10:55 AM
Osprey guy and others.
OG - thanks for the repost. My situation is that I will not have HDMI hook-up for a while. My current D*Tv Tivo box has s-video and composite only. I'll get HD OTA. I trying to wait it out until D*Tv goes MPEG-4 and I've heard the non-Tivo HD D*TV boxes have HDMI problems :(
So, my question is what can I expect with S-video SD and component DVD?
Any input is appreciated.
[QUOTE=mike1123]I may be wrong, but I have heard that Hitachi uses a completely different technology on their plasmas, making them last MUCH longer. They weigh more, though. Just what I've heard.[/QUOTE]
Considering that todays plasmas are typically predicted to last for 60,000 hrs, based on factory settings, your talking 10 to 15 years of normal use. How much longer could the Hitatch last and who on this forum is using a 15 year old TV? :)
JamesMH
08-31-05, 01:26 PM
[QUOTE=Superastro]Does the HDS52 have NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuners? Meaning can it tune over the air HD as well as unencrypted digital channels through basic cable (w/o a set top box and w/o the cablecard)?
[/QUOTE]
Yes.
I only have basic cable, get all the QAM channels through it. I can not get the tvguide to work though, this might be Comcast though.
Superastro
08-31-05, 01:57 PM
Cool. Thanks JamesMH. I may have to make my way to Video Only this weekend. I thought I was sold on the Panny, but now I'm not so sure.
Osprey Guy
08-31-05, 02:21 PM
There was only a need for one HDMI cable. I ran it from the HD converter box (it also doubles as a DVR box...I paid extra to have Comcast come out and exchange the initial HD converter for the HD converter with the DVR included...A great added feature, absolutely worth the extra few $$$ per month).
I had initially purchased a DVI to HDMI cable to go along with their regular HD converter (which is what we are still using for my daughter's 27" HD LCD). It only has outputs for DVI or Component cables, so when the installer came back out at my request (again!) to replace the HD converter (which they had connected to the Hitachi just the week before), for the new HD/DVR converter, I ran back up to CC and exchanged the DVI to HDMI cable for an HDMI to HDMI cable (you can't begin to imagine how many A/V-related trips to the store I've made over the past few weeks). :rolleyes:
The Hitachi has two (2) HDMI connections and I have the cable connected to what they refer to as "HDMI Input #1"... Although the HDMI connection provides audio as well as video, I want the sound to only come from my home theater. So I have the converter also connected to my receiver, using fiber optic audio cable. Then I simply turn down the volume on the Hitachi and let the audo only come through the home theater system.
I have never tried S video with the Hitachi....Once the HDMI connection was made, I never felt the need. I can tell you that when I was using the previous HD converter, the DVI to HDMI connection worked fine. With either box, the component cables worked great for HD but not so great with SD. I definitely believe that a distinct possiblity for that could be due to the (probably inexpensive) generic, component cables provided by Comcast.
I went through a total of 5 HD TV's before settling on the two we now have...the Hitachi in our living room and a 27" HD LCD by Akai in our daughter's room. I can tell you from experience that PQ can vary greatly from set to set...same brand, same model...we obviously won the luck of the draw with that particular Akai...It's a surprisingly good PQ...especially for such a ridiculously cheap price (Sam's Club). In addition, I have tried many different types of cables and brands... and in the process I have learned first-hand, that better cables/connections absolutely contribute to a better picture.
We've always had "noise" issues with the electricity in our house, so with that in mind I even improved the PQ on the Hitachi when I switched to a better quality of surge protector...and I even noticed a difference when I swapped out for a better grade of extension cord!
Hope some of that helps...
Osprey Guy
JamesMH
08-31-05, 03:31 PM
[QUOTE=Superastro]Cool. Thanks JamesMH. I may have to make my way to Video Only this weekend. I thought I was sold on the Panny, but now I'm not so sure.[/QUOTE]
No problem, just to be clear for you, Video Only has the 42HDT52 and Circuit city has the 42HDS52, slightly different.
Jagsman
08-31-05, 09:41 PM
[QUOTE=Osprey Guy]There was only a need for one HDMI cable. I ran it from the HD converter box (it also doubles as a DVR box...I paid extra to have Comcast come out and exchange the initial HD converter for the HD converter with the DVR included...A great added feature, absolutely worth the extra few $$$ per month).
I had initially purchased a DVI to HDMI cable to go along with their regular HD converter (which is what we are still using for my daughter's 27" HD LCD). It only has outputs for DVI or Component cables, so when the installer came back out at my request (again!) to replace the HD converter (which they had connected to the Hitachi just the week before), for the new HD/DVR converter, I ran back up to CC and exchanged the DVI to HDMI cable for an HDMI to HDMI cable (you can't begin to imagine how many A/V-related trips to the store I've made over the past few weeks). :rolleyes:
The Hitachi has two (2) HDMI connections and I have the cable connected to what they refer to as "HDMI Input #1"... Although the HDMI connection provides audio as well as video, I want the sound to only come from my home theater. So I have the converter also connected to my receiver, using fiber optic audio cable. Then I simply turn down the volume on the Hitachi and let the audo only come through the home theater system.
I have never tried S video with the Hitachi....Once the HDMI connection was made, I never felt the need. I can tell you that when I was using the previous HD converter, the DVI to HDMI connection worked fine. With either box, the component cables worked great for HD but not so great with SD. I definitely believe that a distinct possiblity for that could be due to the (probably inexpensive) generic, component cables provided by Comcast.
I went through a total of 5 HD TV's before settling on the two we now have...the Hitachi in our living room and a 27" HD LCD by Akai in our daughter's room. I can tell you from experience that PQ can vary greatly from set to set...same brand, same model...we obviously won the luck of the draw with that particular Akai...It's a surprisingly good PQ...especially for such a ridiculously cheap price (Sam's Club). In addition, I have tried many different types of cables and brands... and in the process I have learned first-hand, that better cables/connections absolutely contribute to a better picture.
We've always had "noise" issues with the electricity in our house, so with that in mind I even improved the PQ on the Hitachi when I switched to a better quality of surge protector...and I even noticed a difference when I swapped out for a better grade of extension cord!
Hope some of that helps...
Osprey Guy[/QUOTE]
Thanks for all of the feedback on this plasma. I have been on the fence and your posts have really swayed me in this direction...the recent panny price drop still has me wavering. Too bad the Hitachi has limited retailers where the Panny equivalent seems to be dropping in price every day.
jackie C
08-31-05, 10:23 PM
Thanks, Osprey Guy. Thats a big help.
Has anyone heard anything about Hitachi price drops to offset panasonic's recent slashing?
abentin
08-31-05, 11:57 PM
I am one step away from pulling the trigger and buying the 42HDS52, but I am not sure if I will be able to plug my computer into it. I guess my options would be to plug into HDMI using DVI -> HDMI calbes or to plug into the component input. Does anyone have any experience plugging a computer into this TV?
I would really appreciate any feedback.
Thanks.
visual insanity
09-01-05, 01:07 AM
Hello everyone I'm new here and have been looking around for an HDTV forever. I've been doing a lot of research and I've gone back and forth between every TV technology known to man. I've always thought plasmas had a certain wow factor that other displays lack but I'm concerned about two things....
1. I play a lot of video games. Should I turn elsewhere like to an LCD because of burn-in factor. With that said is there anyone that owns this set and actively plays video games on it?
2. Is it true that plasma sets are power hungry and basically eat up your electricity bill?
Osprey Guy
09-01-05, 02:57 AM
I purchased my Hitachi on August 1st. Since then, the price has dropped three times for a (very respectable) total of $534 off of my original purchase price (Although all plasmas have recently enjoyed a big drop in price, I'm certain that this substantial drop in price can't be just a coincidence and is probably in response to Panny's move)...Thankfully, because it happened within 30 days, I received full credit for the entire $534! :D
BTW-Another point worth noting...I've called Hitachi three times so far with various questions...Each time I got through so fast I was absolutely shocked. I guess I've become so accustomed to the long waits one typically gets with other tech manufacturers, that my experiences so far with Hitachi have felt akin to pure joy. Not only did I always get through fast, I actually got to speak with real live, American technicians/personnel....and in each case they were bright, personable, seemed genuinely grateful that I had purchased one of their products...and best of all, they were obviously well-educated and actually knew something about the product!!! The most recent call I made to them was last Saturday morning...and I don't think I was kept waiting more than 2 minutes... What a treat! ;)
Osprey Guy
Boy, Hitachi sure has lot's of different lines of the same size. Saw two totally different 42" models in CC the ohter day, and after looking online, it appears there may be 5 or so 42" models; each with the same glass, but slightly different feature sets.
What appears missing from most of them is a VGA connector. I believe the media box model has one, and the lower end "F" model, but none of the others. Have any of you guys connected these panels to a computer, and if so, how?
jackie C
09-02-05, 10:24 AM
Is this the weekend to get the Hitachi 42HDS52, or are they going to drop the price even further in the near future?
tacurran
09-02-05, 01:37 PM
Just bought one at cc. Does anyone know how to hook up the tv speakers as center channel speakers for my home theater? Manual doesn't say.
jackie C
09-03-05, 07:20 AM
I would like to hear a few more reports on the Hitachi 42HDS52.
visual insanity
09-05-05, 09:37 PM
I saw this set at CC for a price of [MSRP only please] Not bad. I'd really like to hear more comments about this set. Has anyone had any problems with it?
Osprey Guy
09-06-05, 12:32 AM
Regarding the 42HDS52...it's only been "on the street" for a very short while (mid-July), so you're not yet likely to hear from too many people speaking from actual experience....and even then it's only gonna be a few weeks worth. Hitachi told me that I'm probably one of the 1st in the U.S. to own one (I bought mine Aug 1st)...and so far it's been trouble free...a real pleasure.
The 42HDT52 is even newer,...It wasn't officially released until August 1st and is only just now actually being made available for sale.
I bought mine based on a few things: Hitachi's reputation, a competitive price, the set seemed to me to be neck-and-neck with the Panny in terms of PQ...and above all I just had a very good gut feeling about the quality. But then the final call was based on looks...With all else being pretty much equal, when the set was turned off, as far as a good-looking piece of furniture goes, there was absolutely no contest. ;)
I truly understand the angst one goes through when it comes to making up your mind about which set to get... I returned two other sets before I finally realized that I'm just far too picky for price to continue to be the main factor. Once I increased my budget just a little, and took a look at the Hitachi, it was a serious case of love at first sight...and I figured, that given Hitachi's reputation for top quality I really couldn't go wrong.
Jagsman
09-06-05, 10:51 AM
[QUOTE=Osprey Guy]Regarding the 42HDS52...it's only been "on the street" for a very short while (mid-July), so you're not yet likely to hear from too many people speaking from actual experience....and even then it's only gonna be a few weeks worth. Hitachi told me that I'm probably one of the 1st in the U.S. to own one (I bought mine Aug 1st)...and so far it's been trouble free...a real pleasure.
The 42HDT52 is even newer,...It wasn't officially released until August 1st and is only just now actually being made available for sale.
I bought mine based on a few things: Hitachi's reputation, a competitive price, the set seemed to me to be neck-and-neck with the Panny in terms of PQ...and above all I just had a very good gut feeling about the quality. But then the final call was based on looks...With all else being pretty much equal, when the set was turned off, as far as a good-looking piece of furniture goes, there was absolutely no contest. ;)
I truly understand the angst one goes through when it comes to making up your mind about which set to get... I returned two other sets before I finally realized that I'm just far too picky for price to continue to be the main factor. Once I increased my budget just a little, and took a look at the Hitachi, it was a serious case of love at first sight...and I figured, that given Hitachi's reputation for top quality I really couldn't go wrong.[/QUOTE]
Can you please tell me the max swivel angle for the Hitachi. Due to lack of space on the CC rack, I could not see how much it actually swivels.
Thanks.
yourefree
09-06-05, 10:52 AM
I bought the 42HDS52 this weekend, I returned my previous set which had issues playing DVDs via the Oppo DVD player. I had a good feeling about this set when it fit in the back of my SUV without having to remove packaging! I think the PQ is amazing - HD looks much sharper than the other plasma and it gave me the Wow factor that had been missing. It also played without macro blocking artifacts at 720 and 1080 output from Oppo. I was also impressed with the SD PQ, after tweaking the input slightly the picture is about as good as the 36" CRT I replaced with the plasma. My SD is connected via S video Tivo box until tomorrow when HD DVR will be installed.
The other things I like about this set.
Very smooth and clear picture with HD, DVD and SD
Individual PQ settings for each input plus day/night for each
Fast channel surfing and it picks up all the channels via my cable (75ohm) comcast connection - the only reason to have comcast here is to get HD DVR.
Power swivel, seems like an unnecessary feature but it does help in rooms with a lot of windows - you can swivel to reduce reflection.
Energy Star qualified - rated at 236w - which is about half the power consumption of the other set I had.
Looks great out of the box although I would recommend turning the contrast down
Nice PIP options.
Overall high quality feel.
yourefree
09-06-05, 10:53 AM
Jagsman
swivel. 30 degree in either direction.
maximum360
09-06-05, 12:35 PM
For a cheaper alternative: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=576857
It's listed as 42" CDS Plasma HDTV on Sams Club website. Price is a steal.
I have yet to see this one in person though.
Maybe it's time to find a Sam's Club in my area.
high_beta
09-06-05, 11:53 PM
I just bought the Hitachi from CC. Was between 42" Panasonic (I can't remember model number) and this one. I thought the Pan had a slightly better picture in CC even after fiddling with the Hitachi's remote for a while (something about the Pan's clarity), but in the end chose the 42HDS52 because of its drop-dead looks. Also liked the speakers on the side instead of bottom. And I don't like the base on the Pans.
Cable was supposed to be installed the day after delivery, but scheduling conflict delayed it. Having this crazy TV just sitting there without even regular cable is a little tough. But I hooked a good Sony DVD player up. First used the cables that came with the player - red, white and yellow - I think they're called A/V cables? Put in Old School (I know, not best choice for PQ testing). Picture was okay, not great. Then picked up Belkin Component cables. Put in 2001: A Space Odessey and was very impressed. Very clear, great colors, blacks pretty good - wasnt sure at times if some of the faded blacks are the film itself or my TV.
I can't wait to see an HD signal. Yes, I've got an HDMI cable ready.
My major complaint so far is the sound quality of the sets speakers. I think its very poor, I was expecting much better. The speakers are strained to play anything high-pitched, and the distortion causes the speaker to vibrate briefly. Its annoying. I have the volume about 1/3 of the way up. Can't go any louder because I don't want to hear the speaker rattling. Anyone else experience this? If I can't figure this out and if its not a problem with my set, I guess I have to buy some external speakers soon.
Another question: Taped to the front of the screen's plastic packaging was a warning message about burn-in prevention/screen care. It said to use Aspect Ratios that fill the entire screen, only allowing letterbox images 15% of viewing time. With the 2001 DVD, I'm using the 16:9 Standard aspect ratio - the proper ratio to watch DVDs on (I think). But there is still about an inch or two of letterboxing at the top and bottom of the screen. Using a different aspect ratio to fill the screen cuts the quality of the image (by losing some of the image and/or magnifying it). What am I doing wrong? My DVD player is set to send a 16:9 signal to my TV. Any suggestions?
Also, to other 42HDS52 owners, what are your settings at? Ive got all of mine in the middle, except for the one that allows you to set the Power Usage for the image - Ive got that one on Max - the picture is so much better/brighter/vivid compared to the Low and Middle settings.
So I really like the set so far, but irked by the tinny/alarm clock radio-like sound quality of the speakers and the DVD letterbox issue. other than that, the DVD PQ is great and the set looks bad ass in the living room.
Will let you know how HDTV goes when I get it installed next week.
Question on zoom / scale / stretch of HD signal was asked a few posts back...
Yes, it does and it is very good. Not only can you justify the image to eliminate bars both on top and bottom, but each mode is adjustable for location and region of justification. Hard to explain. In the zoom modes, you can move the picture. There are even more SD modes but I seldom use them due to the HD signal from the cable box.
This has been a godsend for the break-in period. I can keep the glass lit regardless of source aspect ratio (yes, I might crop some stuff but I'll suffer through that for a short time).
After a few weeks the only fault I can find is the relatively weak range / power on the remote controller. often I have to press stuff twice.
Asked somewhere earlier in this thred...
"Can you hook up a PC DVI to HDMI on the S52"
With an NVidia FX5200 I fed in 1920 x 1080, 60HZ using the latest NVidia driver (72.14 MCE Drivers), and setting the Display setting "Treat Flat Panel as HDTV", plus 6% underscan.
Perfect Windows desktop.
I can see some minor flicker but the fidelity of the image is quite good. Text is readable.
The S52 actually synched to all resolutions I sent to it, but few were actually useable without tweaking for unde/over scan and I did not want to fiddle with PowerStrip once I got the stock 1920x1080 to run correctly.
JamesMH
09-13-05, 12:27 AM
[QUOTE=cirtes]
After a few weeks the only fault I can find is the relatively weak range / power on the remote controller. often I have to press stuff twice.[/QUOTE]
I have found that the first movement of the wheels (which I hate) wake the remote up, the 2nd operation is actually transmitted.
edmcgee
09-13-05, 06:24 AM
just put a little pressure on the wheel before you move it and there is no delay.
And I love the wheels.
eddie
neekos1
09-18-05, 04:48 PM
Does anyone know if the 42HDS52 or HDT52 have internal fans? My older Hitachi that I sold was so loud, I had to get rid of it.
Also, my older Hitachi had a great high def picture, so if these new sets are better, they would be impressive.
JamesMH
09-18-05, 04:55 PM
There is one small fan on the lower back, its hard to hear unless you put your ear up against it.
neekos1
09-18-05, 05:43 PM
I currently have a Panny TH 42 PHD7.
What would some of the benefits be of the 42HDS52 or 42 HDT52 over the Panny?
Is the black level better on the newer Hitachi's compared to the older one? My older unit did suffer from black levels which produced digital artifacts.
Certs351
09-19-05, 11:19 PM
Has anyone wall mounted this unit? Just curious because I'm planning on using an omniview U3 tilt mount and am wondering if I need an additional adapter or if the mount is all I need. Thanks.
bobharp
09-20-05, 11:05 AM
Neekos1,
I am just loving this unit so far. The fan noise is minimal. I am hoping to see the unit using the DVI/HMDI input soon. Need to pull cables. Until then I'm not sure that I can fairly voice my opinion on the black level. But having said that, using a component hookup from my HD STB, watching the US OPEN was amazing. The image depth is fantastic. Overhead shots of the stadium had an amazing 3D quality.
Certs351,
I originally planned on wall mounting the unit but the power swivel has won me over. I would not like to lose that feature.
This set has really cool bonus features not found in consumer level level sets (if you can call 3k consumer level). It also has built in power protection (pg 71 in the manual), 2 HMDI slots, an upgrade slot, and a USB port.
1hcetih
09-22-05, 10:49 AM
Same here purchased 3 weeks ago and loving it, watch more sports then ever before now, was going to wall mount but when I tested the power swivel I returned the wall mount and purchased a nice Bello tempered glass stand.
Thanks for the heads up on the built in power surge protection I really need to read the entire owner's manual :O) Now if Comcast would broadcast local HD channels in 16:9 versus 4:3 notice at night the local stations broadcast in 16:9 but when a commercial comes on it goes to 4:3 Tried 16:9 zoom but I notice if there is writing scrolling along the bottom of screen the letters are partially lost under the screen. If anyone has any ideas how to correct it please post.
bobharp
09-22-05, 11:45 AM
1hcetih,
Have you cycled through the aspect ratios (pg.23)? HD content in my area displays all over the map on my set.
I have has my S52 for about a month and a half now.
The HD picture is amazing however the standard cable chanles can be very grainy and broken up.
I have the imput set up by HDMI but that produces sound problems. I called Hit*** and they told me that the set will not output fixed audio if you are using HDMI or compnonent video. I have routed all of my audio signals directly to my amp. The only problem with that is I have to change the source on the amp.
I also am un-happy with the fact that some widescreen DVD do not fill the screen properly as well as some of teh HD chanels.
I have brighthouse HD/DVR service and on some of teh HD chanels when the box says it is getting a 1080i input the screen still has bars at the sides. I am concerned about burn in so I have been adjusting teh aspect ratio to accomidate the different picture sizes. I have tried using the upconvert feature of teh cable box but it seems to loose some picture quality. I have also tried turning on the auto aspect ratio in the setup menu but it dose not seem to do anything.
Hit*** has been very helpfull on the phone so please call them if you have any questions.
I went to CC to buy the panny but the HD picture on this unit was far better. I just wanted to voice a few of my concerns to see if anyone had sugestions or remedies.
Slamm
Two things.
1. A large number of DVD's today are 2.35:1 aspect ratio and will display black bars on the top and bottom. This is normal. Any aspect ratio 1.85:1 or less generally will not. Depending on the overscan of your display.
2. Just because your box indicates 1080i does not mean that the program material is broadcasting "HD" 16.9. You will get sidebars. Unless you are watching HDNET, INHD, DiscHD, etc, these channels will always fill the screen. Broadcast channels generally transmit their HD widescreen offerings during primetime. So during the day and during the commercials and during non HD programming you will get the sidebars.
Also for better SD cable reception try running RG-6 cable from the RF input on the back of your DVR to the antenna A input on your plasma. On my Hitachi plasma I find I get better quality reception for SD stations using this method than when using HDMI or component. YMMV.
Anyone else can correct me if I am wrong.
Certs351
10-11-05, 01:29 AM
Just wanted to put in a good word for this display. I've had the S52 for about 3 weeks now and simply love it. Although the swivel base was definitely cool I had to wall mount the unit for it to work in my living room. It still looks awesome mounted on the wall in my opinion. I've got it hooked up via HDMI to my comcast HD DVR and the HD channels come in with amazing picture quality, even better than my older Sony HD LCD rear projection.
The only quirk I've found with the TV so far is that everyone once in a while when turned off (as in the power light in the corner of the set is red) the sounds feed will mysteriously turn on without displaying any picture. Has anyone encountered this same issue? I'm curious if this has something to do with my menu settings but so far haven't been able to figure it out. It only happens maybe once a week at most so I'm more than willing to put up with it. This is a great TV and I couldn't be happier with my purchase so far.
I have not had an problems with sound feeding, however when the TV is off my entire system is usually off.
Has anyone accessed the service menu on this set? The previous generation of Hitachi plasmas had color decoder and color management adjustments in the customer menu, but the new ones don't (except for the HDX62's). I was wondering what was adjustable through the service menu.
Thanks,
Duke
I am still a little confused by the 1024x1024. How is widescreen presented correctly with this resolution? Simply by cropping the image? I am planning on using a HTPC to drive whatever display I end up with.
Macfan424
01-31-06, 12:01 PM
They use rectangular, not square, pixels. So do the more common 768X1024 plasmas albeit at a different ratio. You'll still see the full picture, as the TV interpolates on the horizontal axis.
I can't address the HTPC issue, except to say that if the TV is made to accept a PC input (some aren't), you will have no problems.
Thank you.
I am picking one up tomorrow and will be driving it with a MS XBox 360 connected to my Media Center PC. Darn the luck...ran a cross the 360 at a Target the other day and had to pick it up. :) Oh well...it is only money.
I will post my impressions.
ghstrider
02-03-06, 02:57 PM
im new and was wondering if theres a link to some good tweaks of the settings (contrast, tint, etc) for a hitachi plasma 42hds52a that i picked up 2 days ago and LOVE! i set the contrast and brightness down but am wondering if theres a good thread or web page w/ some preferred settings that will reduce the chance of burnin , extend the TV life, and still look amazing?
thanks in advance...
eddy
Who-Dey
02-21-06, 01:57 PM
I just replaced the Panasonic 42PX50U with the Hitachi 42HDS52a. I must say I am very happy with the exchange. The Panasonic had water damage, so there was nothing wrong with the TV itself, however it was going to be 4 weeks before CC could replace. The Hitachi caught my eye, so I did some comparing and realized this was a serious contender. I must say it looks much better on the wall... on or off! better hookups, better remote, and I love the IR atatchments. As for the picture, I cant really notice a difference, but time will tell. I will also say, with little ones on their way (one of my main reasons for a wall mount), having easy access to the photo and video hookups for my video camera are a huge convenience.
Eddy, did you manage to find anything on the web? I have been messing with the settings, and was curious to see what everyone else is finding. Looking more for opinions on advanced features... temperature settings, auto movie (on/off), black enhancement, etc.
high_beta
02-23-06, 08:21 PM
What is everyone setting this too? (Its under Setup, then Screen Saver) I have mine on Max.
Was concerned that burn-in may be more of an issue with this setting, but the picture looks so much better, in my opinion.
Thanks
johnmiddle
03-31-06, 06:06 PM
hi, what is the difference between HDS52 and HDT52 models?
gtamega
03-31-06, 06:21 PM
Been 3 days with my Hitachi 42" Plasma HDTV (42HDS52A) And could not be happier. :) :D
With the 36 months no interest CC has right now i just could not pass up.Also would like to know some good setings for this TV,
Thanks
B737Pilot
04-01-06, 07:27 PM
Anyone figure out the remote code to control a DirecTV H20?
USCTrojan
04-01-06, 09:29 PM
The S model Hitachi does not have the TV guide and therefore will run much quieter than the versions with the TV guide. The TV guide updates several times a day and the TV fan will run while it is in standby. The latest firmware fix adjusted fan speed so that it is not running at fullspeed 24/7. No longer an issue for me and I have the T version in the bedroom.
daniels1994
04-03-06, 03:20 PM
Have the 42 HDS52A now. Using Denon 1920 DVD player with HDMI.
Any experinces upscalling to 720 or 1080 P
Which DVD's would be best to test the set with?
USCTrojan
04-04-06, 11:42 PM
I use the incredibles. Awesome animation/color.
gtamega
04-17-06, 04:54 AM
What kind of video settings are you guys using??? :rolleyes:
I am kind of lost here. :confused:
I have the 42hds52a
Thanks
GT
1hcetih
11-12-06, 11:21 AM
My Hitachi 42HDS52 after 13 months is making a loud buzzing noise it is intermittent. At first I thought it maybe the fan going bad, the buzz is coming from the rear top middle there are two large capacitors on a board. Has anyone had a similar problem?
I purchased the extended warranty from the Hitachi product registration website.
I called ConsumerCare Extended Service Contract Monday 11/06/2006 for service this is the service company which I purchased the extended service contract when I registered my TV on the Hitachi website. I've been on the phone with them everyday it is now Friday 11/10/2006 and they cannot find a service tech in my area I been given 5 service centers and none of them service Hitachi Plasma TVs. The contract is thru Consumer Care Underwritten by New Hampshire insurance company. I will be back on the phone with them Monday but a heads up to all research your extended service contract purchase.
1hcetih
11-25-06, 02:05 PM
I purchased 2 months back can ceiling spot light flourescent energy saving bulbs from Home Depot and I had installed them where I have a dimmer switch. Removed bulbs and no more Buzzing noise I was able to hear the same noise from my circuit breaker panel very faint compared to the buzzing coming from the rear of my TV. As for the extended warranty I never heard back from ConsumerCare Extended Service the extended warranty insurance company. I am very disappointed with the extended service contract I purchased thru Hitachi warranty registration website. I did receive my software update memory card from Hitachi. Appears Hitachi customer service is great to deal with in comparison with the 3rd party ConsumerCare Extended Service Underwritten by New Hampshire insurance company.
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