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Entered CNET Catalog: 03/26/2004
SKU: 50V500
Manufacturer: Hitachi America Ltd.
Manufacturer description
Sophisticated information and electronics technologies, while already fundamental to virtually every aspect of modern life, will become even more critical in the future. With a wealth of accumulated technological expertise, Hitachi has the solutions to meet its customers' needs.Product summary
The good: Black-level performance on a par with DLP TVs'; slim and light design; custom Day and Night modes for each input; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance still less than perfect; expensive.
The bottom line: While not quite as fetching as some, this set offers the best out-of-the-box performance we've seen yet from a rear-projection LCD.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/13/2004
A flip-down door below the center of the screen reveals a set of A/V inputs, a PCMIA card slot that accepts adapters for all kinds of digital photo memory cards, and a few function buttons such as Input, Menu, and volume and channel controls. Hitachi's remote remains one of our favorites, with full backlighting and the capability to control other A/V devices. Its keys, along with the set's internal menu system, are well laid out and easy to navigate.
Like all microdisplay TVs we've seen, the 50V500 takes a while to warm up. We measured an average of about 20 seconds from turning it on to full brightness. Since producing that brightness requires a lamp, you'll eventually (after 6,000 to 10,000 hours, according to Hitachi) have to replace the bulb. The one included with the TV is covered by a 90-day warranty, and replacement bulbs cost $200 apiece.
Hitachi also sells the slightly more expensive 50VX500, which has a high-gloss titanium-colored cabinet (as opposed to silver); an antireflective screen shield; and an extra, simpler remote. Otherwise the two are identical. The three LCD chips that create the 50V500's image each have a native resolution of 1,280x720 pixels. That's a perfect match for 720p HDTV sources and qualifies this set as an HDTV-capable display. By the way, Hitachi's "Virtual 1080p" video-processor terminology is a bit misleading, since all incoming sources--from standard TV to DVD to 1080i HDTV--must be scaled to fit the available pixels (which amount to 720p, not 1080p).
Sure, this set includes four selectable color temperature slots; six aspect ratios (only two work with HD sources); and a sophisticated dual-tuner PIP function with split screen, POP, and a strobe mode. But in our book, the coolest feature is the Day and Night picture memories. They essentially provide two separate, fully customizable memory slots for each input, so you can optimize the picture for both daytime viewing with lots of ambient light and serious home-theater action when there is little or no light in the room.
Picture-enhancing features include 2:3 pull-down in video processing--but only if the Auto Movie mode is engaged. We also appreciated the adjustable color decoder, although the set's out-of-the-box color is accurate enough for most folks (see Performance for more).
DVI outputs. We also counted two sets of component-video inputs with stereo audio, two sets of A/V inputs with S-Video, two RF inputs, and a center-channel input that allows the set's stereo speakers to be used as the center channel with an external A/V receiver. An A/V monitor output with S-Video and a front-panel A/V input with S-Video round out the jack pack. Even before calibration--that is, out of the box--we were impressed by the 50V500's performance in the Night mode and Standard color-temperature settings. Our only complaint, and it's minor, is that the color decoder pushes red a bit, so you may notice a reddish tinge to skin tones, for example. That can be fixed, as long as you know what you're doing and have a good calibration disc with color filters.
After calibration, we sat back to watch some scenes from our newest reference DVD, Seabiscuit. Blacks looked good for an LCD-based display, although their depth still wasn't up to the level of CRT-based sets such as Hitachi's own 57S500. In consequence, we did notice a loss of shadow detail in some areas, and blacks weren't quite black. On the other hand, the big final race from Chapter 25 looked impressive, with excellent color saturation, natural-looking skin tones, and all the fine detail we expect from a high-def set.
Indeed, True HD from our DirecTV satellite feed looked mostly excellent. Yes, dark scenes from We're No Angels, an HDNET Movie channel flick starring Robert De Niro and Demi Moore, did reveal the set's less-than-perfect black-level performance. However, it's obvious that Hitachi has made real improvement in this key area. As we expected, bright scenes looked quite good, conveying real impact and pop.
The 50V500 is one of the best performers we've seen to date in the rear-projection LCD category. Its ability to deliver deep blacks rivals that of DLP HDTVs, and we noticed less low-level video noise with this Hitachi than we've seen on Samsung DLP TV's such as the HLN467W--enough for us to give the video-quality nod to the Hitachi. The 50V500's out-of-the-box picture smokes that of Sony's Grand WEGA, including the KDF-60XBR950--although after calibration, the Sonys narrow the gap considerably.
| Before color temp (20/80) | 6,675/6,150K | Good |
| After color temp (20/80) | 6,550/6,500K | Good |
| Before grayscale variation 20 to 100 IRE | +/- 341.6K | Good |
| After grayscale variation 20 to 100 IRE | +/- 83.3K | Good |
| Overscan | 3% | Good |
| Color decoder error: red | +5% (0%) | Good |
| Color decoder error: green | 0% | Good |
| DC restoration | All patterns stable | Good |
| 2:3 pull-down, 24fps | Y | Good |
| Defeatable edge enhancement | Y | Average |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 User Rating: 
10/10
GREAT TV HI TECHNOLOGY EVEN TODAY
Pros: Great picture, color and controls. A pleasure to watch Blue Ray movies.
Cons: I had a problem with "pink" screen the first month I had it. Sears had to come out twice. Hitachi told me a site for the repairman to reference and that fixed it.
User Rating: 
2/10
NEVER AGAIN
Pros: when it did work it was great
Cons: repair after repair after repair. finally gave up
User Rating: 
6/10
Frustratingly good
Pros: Great HD picture, sound(internal speakers) is great with action packed movies...User friendly. Pretty light weight for the size. Fits well into the corner or in an open wall with the stand we got with it.
Cons: I'm on my second major repair in 2 years. Weve had it for 5 yrs. This is the second time the light engine has gone out $1000 or more to fix.Hitachi has picked up that tab each time thankfully. Except the repair center is over 1 1/2 hour away
User Rating: 
1/10
Great when first purchased. But now I'm l seeing pink.
Pros: Very nice looking TV with great sound.
Cons: Just after warranty expired started getting a pink hue. Not bad at first, but now it's on the entire screen. We called customer relations and the said they haven't heard of a problem like that and offered no help.
http://www.angelreyesblog.com/2008/08/articles/lawsuits-and-verdicts/hitachi-class-action-lawsuit-filed-by-horpb/
User Rating: 1/10
Very problematic.
Pros: Beautiful picture.
Cons: Inconsistency in picture reception because screen turns pure white resulting in no picture just sound.
User Rating: 2/10
Dead On Arrival
Pros: Check "Consumers Report". Hitatchi has the worse TV reliability rating!
Cons: After 3 years this TV developed a huge "red blob" in the middle of the screen. A common problem with this TV. Hitatchi provided "NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT" since it was out of warranty. $1300 for part to repair
User Rating: 6/10
Positives & Negatives. Glad I bought it in late 2004
Pros: My first HDTV - Great Picture
Cons: Undergoing 2nd major repair, in its 38th month
Then shortly before its 36 month anniversary, a "red cloud" showed up - especially noticeable in dark scenes. Actually, I didn't notice it but friends visiting the house did notice. I found a Web Site called FIXYA, to learn that the light engine was failing. The advice there was also great. I called Hitachi Customer Relations who suggested that I take it to an authorized dealer for a diagnosis - Alex Audio Video here in Minneapolis - who confirmed for Hitachi - that indeed my light engine was going. Hitachi is providing the replacement light engine at no cost, and the service company is making the repair for $250.00. NOTE: To save $100.00 I took the TV to the repair dealer - rather than having them come to my house to do the diagnosis.
The bulb also went out after year 2 - $210 - so in my 38 month, I will have about $460.00 in repairs on a HDTV that I paid $3,000.
Bottom line. The TV has been great but an expensive proposition, however in December of 2004, $3,000 for Rear Projection LCD was a far cry cheaper than Plasma. I figure that when the bulb goes again - which should be within the next year - I'll put in another $200.00 and ride it until it dies again. If I get 5-6 years out of it, I will be able to honestly ay, that I enjoyed jumping on the HDTV bandwagon back in late 2004- and that it was as worth something to be "ahead of the curve" in terms of getting into HDTV. It has been fun being the first one on my block having HDTV - and besides, after 5 or 6 years, I will want this TV to fail permanently, so that I will have the excuse the buy something new!
User Rating: 1/10
faultly design/manufacture
Pros: Do not buy this TV new or used, expensive repair required
Cons: needed expensive repair after 1 yr
User Rating: 
5/10
Stay Away from this Used TV
Pros: Good HD Picture
Cons: Major QC problem with the engine.
Manufacturers should be ashamed when their $2,500 product is only good for 18 months and then the repair cost is almost equal to the current replacement cost.
User Rating: 1/10
Red Ring in Picture and picture bulb went out
Pros: Worked great then went South
Cons: Not worth the cost.
User Rating: 
3/10
I give it a 3, 1point for every year it worked :(
Pros: Great picture and features
Cons: Bad light engine problems!!! I would expect that after spending 3000.00 for this TV it would last longer than 3 yrs.
I called for service and parts and labor to fix will cost me 800-1500.00 bucks. For that I can buy a new and update set!!!
I am glad that they don't make this TV any longer. So no one else will spend 3000.00 for a piece of JUNK!!!! Thanks Hitachi for nothing.
User Rating: 3/10
Blue Spot on 2nd Light Engine in 3 years
Pros: Awesome 50" picture when it worked.
Cons: Needs service every year.
User Rating: 1/10
HUUGEEE BUMMMMERRRRR
Pros: Don't have any pros
Cons: Junk TV bad engines over and over
I have decided to file a small claims suit and want to thank everyone that has posted here for their most valuable information. I was offered a TV at "commercial rate" and that was the end for me. I am going to try and get a full refund on this loser lemon. Good luck with your TV and don't let them rip you off! I will keep you posted on the progress.
User Rating: 1/10
Hitachi Model 50V500 is good TV but has a bad Light Engine
Pros: This is not bad TV for money if not keep going die and die ,over and over
Cons: Don't ever buy this product because it had design a bad light engine, it will be going bad after year and continue die and need replace all the time, and they don't call back this item to be fix
I just want to tell someone looking for TV, I have Hitachi 50V500 TV for a about 2 years, it keep die light engine, the TV had been fix 2 times 1st year, Hitachi pay for part and labor that is a good thing but after that is continued die, it cost more then $200 for part and labor cost between $200 - $400, and keep die over and over, don't ever buy Hitachi, they don't have a good customer service, if some thing happen like this, they'd known the problem, and don't replace part for free, buy Hitachi make your life busy, to call, to fix and waste money for bad thing, don't trust Hitachi company, they make good TV but they're not fixed their problem they made, they just want money from customer and don't care what's going on after and what do we get
Finally: Don't buy Hitachi if buy make sure buy insurance cover your product
User Rating: 1/10
Lemon Alert! If you like Pike clouds on your scrren buy this TV!
Pros: Great when it was new. Lots of features and nice looking set.
Cons: Reliability.
I have a repair man comming out to look at the set but I may cancel. I paid over $3000 for the set 3 yrs ago and I can probably buy a new one now for about $600. (NOT THAT I WOULD EVER BUY ANOTHER ONE!) Repairs are bound to be a few hundred bucks so I think I will just trash the thing. What a waste of money. Hitachi you should be embarassed to have made such a piece of crap! There should have been a recall on this thing. It looks like a lot of other people have had similar problems with their sets. Hitachi and Circuit City will never see another one of my dollars!
User Rating: 2/10
watch your wallet
Pros: great initial picture
Cons: very short longevity, very expensive repairs
Quality has taken a backseat to profits. I still have the first tv purchased 1975, and it only has ha 1 repair at $110 last year.
these comanies see nothing wrong with cost of ownership exceeding $2800/year. A very expensive lesson learned.
User Rating: 3/10
DO NOT BUY THIS TELEVISON! LEMON ALERT!
Pros: Looks nice sitting in my living room!
Cons: Nothing but problems and repairs!
User Rating: 
8/10
Great Set after a bumpy start
Pros: Picture is super, all I watch is HD now
Cons: Ghost image after 3 months, cable connection cleaning required after several months
Had a BAD ghosting problem (progressed to unwatchable quickly) within the 1st 90 days but a service call and an adjustment was all that was needed. Since then It's been knock-your-socks-off huge 50" picture, super sharp and beautiful colors. When I lose the picture (like at turn-off) a big pink-red blotch covers most of the screen, but isn't there during normal viewing. For the money this is one helluva set. Love the football games!
User Rating: 
4/10
PINK SCREEN
Pros: Good picture without any adjustments out of the box
Cons: Pink screen and dealing with Circuit City
Now in Nov. 2006 I have not had any problems with the pink screen since the light engine was replaced. I hope this was the final fix. The TV picture does now look good.
User Rating: 2/10
Hitachi does not stand behind their products!
Pros: Bright and clear, until problems began...
Cons: After a few months, I got a big read oval glow across the center of screen. It appeared where the color should be black. The red oval grew over time until it almost covered the entire screen.
I bought a Sony KDF55XS955 to replace. The reviews I have seen on the internet on it are excellent. I will let you all know after I test it out for a while. Initially, it is awesome. It has 2 HDMI inputs and higher resolution than most!!
User Rating: 8/10
I have it since June, 2005 and never have any problem.
Pros: Great picture, better than Sony Wega
Cons: Now the Sony has the SXCD
User Rating: 10/10
Great TV out of the Box
Pros: Both the screen and esthetics look fantastic
Cons: remote could be a little fancier
User Rating: 2/10
Two Times replaced now exchanging for new model
Pros: Nice design with a Great Picture
Cons: Last a couple months then something gos wrong
after 9 months had the same problem with
red spotting on screen. Extended warranty
a must on this one.
User Rating: 8/10
Great TV Except for NON-HD Broadcasts
Pros: Awesome picture, value for money
Cons: Picks apart a bad picture
User Rating: 1/10
Repairs Needed
Pros: Excellent Picture Quality, Design, Presentation
Cons: Bad Components Galore!!
The light engines and boards constantly need replacing. If you are interested in this set please do to avsforumdotcom and do a search for 50v500 issues. You'll see many, many unhapy customers who've had 2,3 and 4 repairs. Only to either have their sets replaced or remimbursed for the original purchase.
There will never be a brand called Hitachi in my house, ever again!
They took our money and gave us a defective product, while Circuit City pushed the units on customers.
User Rating: 3/10
I am at 6 months waiting...
Pros: I have no idea at this point...
Cons: I have no idea at this point...
1st at home repair: Light Engine replaced
2nd at home repair: Some kind of ribbon cable replaced
I have gotten good customer service from Hitachi themselves but the service center has been a nightmare. They have the worst hours, can't keep brands straight when ordering parts and worst of all they've told me several times they dont know what the problem is and have been "consulting" with Hitachi. However, Hitachi doesnt know what is causing this either so they have just been replacing parts at random.
After all that they told me that they would have to take it in to diagnose the problem. So I took it in myself because of their horrible customer service (Televue, Denver CO). After another backorder wait they advised that it needs a new Ballast and a new Bulb.
I am not a tech but to me a ballast and bulb are not the problem when the tv has been powering on just fine. Plus the bulb is not flickering it is the picture that goes in and out. Every time they have messed with it the tv starts working and then it stops working after a day or two of watching it. It always goes back to the white screen and when I have been watching it I've noticed that flickering, like the image goes in and out for a split second. If anyone has experienced this PLEASE let me know. It seems to me like a problem with the input box or some kind of loose connection somewhere. If you buy one of these, make sure to get an extended warranty it will save you hundreds of dollars!! Trust me! The service center has been giving me crap about that too since it is a refurbished unit.
-------------------------------------------
OK, So, I finally had the chance to have another service center look at my TV. And yes, just as I suspected when I originially wrote my review: A LOOSE CONNECTION! The guy tapped around the back and I noticed the flickering image. Well right away, in like less than a minute he says oh here it is. This cable is coming off! He put it in and I haven't had any any issues at all since. Goes to show how incompetent some service techs are. Of course, since it was under manufacturer warranty I am sure they were just playing stupid and getting as much out of Hitachi as they could. The way this TV has been since I would rate it at an 8.
User Rating: 1/10
Worst TV I have Ever Owned !!! Do NOT BUY THIS One!!
Pros: Picture when it works
Cons: Has broken down 4 times in less than 2 years
User Rating: 6/10
5 weeks downtime
Pros: I like everything about the machine except the repairs
Cons: I'm on my 2nd major repair.
February a shadow appeared. Had to replace the Video Card.
May the screen went black. Took 7 days to get a repair scheduled. Fan quit working and blew the bulb. I'm currently awaiting parts. Down with no picture for 2 1/2 weeks going on three. Gonna be a month or more before it's back in operation.
I bought the Circut City Guarentee so the repairs are w/o charge but still ... One more repair and I'll qualify for the "no lemon" replacement provision. Pain in the tail.
User Rating: 5/10
not worth what you pay for it
Pros: great pic at first.
Cons: recieve a red shadow after only 3 mths.
User Rating: 
9/10
So far...GREAT
Pros: HD picture is unreal, standard cable picture is decent
Cons: Needed a minor adjustment by a professional
User Rating: 9/10
Great TV, Picture looks great with just basic Cable
Pros: Out of the box Picture was very good. After a few minutes adjusting to my liking, picture was amazing.
Cons: Have had the set for only two weeks, so no problems-so far.
User Rating: 9/10
I NEED MORE HD PROGRAMMING
Pros: AWESOME HD PICTURE
Cons: BAD DIGITAL CABLE PICTURE
User Rating: 2/10
3rd TV not the charm...
Pros: Very user friendly
Cons: Horrible picture - VERY pixelated
User Rating: 8/10
Great Tv, perfect for DVD Watching
Pros: Great Picture Quality,Good viewing angle, the picture quality is comparible to my plasma.
Cons: Stand not included and expensive for piece of plastic. First set I brought home had damaged screen, returned and have enjoyed the TV for over a year.
User Rating: 9/10
Always Love Hitachi, it just gets better and better This is my second Hitachi Television.
Pros: You must have HD receiver to recieve the benefits of the quality of picture. Excellent Picture Easy to use I don't have a noise from my fan, I even unplugged the fridge and barely heard any noise coming from the television. So make sure you check your TV
Cons: DirectTv is not sending the full potential picture to television. S-Video was not as good as the rca jacks when it came to hooking up satellite. I recommend using the RCA jacks it takes the blurriness away until you can get the HD receiver hooked up.
User Rating: 8/10
i love this set
Pros: This has to be one of the best rear projection lcd i have ever seen. I work at a local hdtv dealer and was blown away by the quality of this set right out of the box. looks great on all signals ( it even gives a great picture using a standard 480p dvd pla
Cons: a little blur on fast motion otherwise great
User Rating: 4/10
died after 6 month
Pros: nice picture
Cons: great at first then had problems with picture (ghosting) had tech come to fix light engine is no good buy a sony
User Rating: 
7/10
Good picture fair price
Pros: The set has a good picture not as good as my Plasma
Cons: Picture turned pink it took Sears Tech 15min to reprogram but was told it could happen any time again the filters for light engine are underneath it it has to be removed to clean poor design 2hr job to keep set working
User Rating: 3/10
Worst Picture I Have Ever Seen
Pros: Nice features, connectivity, attractive body.
Cons: Grainy picture even with HDTV and DVD viewing.
User Rating: 6/10
Overall, very good television
Pros: Have had and been using this TV for 4 months with digital cable and HD programmming... The picture on the HD channels is stunning. Like any big-screen tv, the picture on the non-HD channels can be grainy, but that is to be expected. No problems at all w
Cons: A couple of minor quibbles: There is about a 10-second lag between when you turn the tv on and when the picture appears, and it is another 10-15 seconds before it reaches full brightness. Also, when the show is in a dark setting (jungle at night, or a d
User Rating: 10/10
Movies/Video games have never looked so good!
Pros: Wonderful picture, Built in surround sound receiver - it's the TV of my choice to play Halo 2 on.
Cons: Dead pixels (though they're invisible unless you stand six inches in front of the set), black levels are good, but can get a little blue at times.
User Rating: 5/10
Broke in less than week....
Pros: Great picture and sound. People who complain about the fan must have dog hearing. Its hardly noticible with any volume on.
Cons: Have had ours less than a week and the bulb went out. Getting a new one tommorow. Will keep ya posted.
User Rating: 9/10
The Best LCD Projection TV - Period.
Pros: I have had this TV for Over a Year now, and it is still going strong! DVD Progressive output is crystal clear. And the sound from the TV Speakers is Impressive!
Cons: Only slight smudging sometimes. But this is the only drawback.
User Rating: 9/10
Nice TV for the money
Pros: Stunning picture on HDTV and progressive scan DVD. Regular TV is acceptable. If you shop around you can find it for around $2600. On a price tp performance basis, it is hard to beat. Also, the sound is very good for a TV.
Cons:
User Rating: 10/10
Best one I could find
Pros: Excellent performance and value, through rebates and haggling, I got mine for $2300.00 cash... Locally owned store had a buying group rebate... I am thrilled, very happy and glad to have this as a centerpiece to my home entertainment system.. The sound
Cons: None so far...
User Rating: 5/10
lamp engine can go bad
Pros: a very good picture when working properly.
Cons: the lamp engine went bad after 2 months and getting it fixed has been a nightmare.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Television
Pros: Ease of use, Fantastic Picture I purchased this set back in Sept.2004 no problems as of yet dvd play back unreal cable is a little fuzzy but acceptable If you want a flat panel tv this is the one Hatachi has proven themselfs again with a great tv and aff
Cons: Dealer told me Lamp life may be short and needs to be replaced about every four years or so remote is cheap looking
User Rating: 4/10
PINK IS IN
Pros: Great HD picture,very light weight, easy set up
Cons: Under 90 days into it, a very bright light took over the sreen, 10 minutes later the entire screen is covered in a pink fog. For the money I spent I am know worried what happens after the one year warranty is up. CC was no help, since i did not buy their
User Rating: 9/10
We love this TV
Pros: Great picture. Big, bright, sharp. People come over for dinner and wind up staring at it.
Cons: If you don't have HDTV, the picture is not as good as it would look on a smaller tube TV.
User Rating: 9/10
Very good famly entertainment.
Pros: Great Picture, Easy to use, easy menus. Light and easy to setup.
Cons: Stand designed for it was expensive and almost a must. have not found any other problems yet. Have owned it 9 months
User Rating: 9/10
Amazingly rich and sharp colors
Pros: Great out-of-the-box performance. The colors are so much richer than I ever realized they could be on a TV, and the sharpness is amazing (using HDTV cable receiver with digital cables). Be sure to watch Discovery HDTV channel! Sound out of the TV is gre
Cons: The remote is good for a standard remote. The IR-Blaster GUI is an interesting idea that just doesn't seem to do the job. Get a Harmony remote instead! Well worth the flexibility. For a 50", it is wider than most, so it took a bit of looking and $ to f
User Rating: 10/10
Best bang for the Buck
Pros: Simply the Best picture I saw for an LCD HDTV, and I looked at them all. Very good black level
Cons: Got none
User Rating: 8/10
WONDERFUL TELEVISION SET
Pros: MENU SYSTEM IS USER FRIENDLY WHICH IS A PLUS IN THIS DAY AND AGE. 170 DEGREE VIEWING ANGLE. PICTURE QUALITY IS SUPERB.
Cons: MY NEIGHBOR IS JEALOUS AND IS OVER 24/7!!!!
User Rating: 7/10
Decent HDTV for the price
Pros: I've had a 50v500 since November 2003, and have generally been pleased with it. Of course Dish Network locals (standard resolution) often look poor, but that's to be expected on an HDTV. Stretch modes, however, are decent. Due to shadowy smudge-like strea
Cons: The optional stand is overpriced. No built-in HDTV tuner. Remote is hardly "universal".
User Rating: 8/10
LCD PINK PICTURE CORRECTION PROCEDURE
Pros: remote easy to use,clear picture with many possibility of adjusting the video,plenty of video input,works well on my analog cable.
Cons: after a week of used add to call service tech to do lcd pink picture correction (wich took only 10 minutes)seems this reset of the memory is common.
User Rating: 9/10
Makes my theater room complete
Pros: Great picture, very easy to set up and great sound out of the box.
Cons: You have to have HDTV to appreciate this TV. A normal cable signal look terrible on this TV. Only HDTV or DVD at at least 480p.
User Rating: 8/10
good LCD
Pros: 1080p-onlu lcd with that techo. srs and bbc sound 6 color adjustment pcmcia slot good white levels
Cons: LIKE ANY LCD NOT THE BEST BLACK LEVELS FAST ACTION IMAGES INTEND TO CREATE SQUARES ON SCREEN
User Rating: 9/10
Stunning picture, on-screen menus and remote
Pros: I've had this unit for almost two months, and I'm extremely impressed with not only the picture quality, but the technology and features. Though HD sets don't like non-HD sources, Hitachi's Virtual HD does a better job of presenting these sources than any
Cons: Very few. As the C-Net review said, I'd prefer that the unit had a larger black border around the screen. Also, an optical or coaxial audio input for DVD players and set top boxes would be nice. Most other problems that I read about from users are simply
User Rating: 10/10
best tv yet
Pros: i bought this tv for 2799 + warranty and i feel like i stole it from the store. excellent smooth picture, great contrast levels. i honestly like these over the plasmas any day. and only 100 lbs and 16 inches cabinet space. im sold
Cons: stand is pricey, worried about bulb $, in 3-4 years.
User Rating: 3/10
Junk, waste of money, a joke.
Pros: Lightweight, great component DVD quality
Cons: Purchased May 3, 2004, May 17, had to replace the TV tuner. August 3, screen went very bright and then a strong magenta/pink cast went over the entire screen. All inputs are affected by the color cast. Few thousand bucks for a pile of junk. 2 major pro
User Rating: 10/10
I own the 60' version of this TV. Great TV!
Pros: Remote is easy to use, clear picture, HD looks unreal. Light weight! SD memory insert in front of TV. Plenty of inputs for multiple devices. works well with PS2/XBOX
Cons: none at this time.
User Rating: 8/10
one of the best lcd rptvs out there...
Pros: great picture especially with hdtv (dvi connection) and component cables for dvd player. i had sdtv at first and it looked horrible. best viewing at night.
Cons: does need a little tweaking although picture is actually great out of the box. sdtv looks disgusting. if u can buy a 3500$ tv then u should be able to afford hdtv. fan noise can be heard only if the volume is muted. if ur fan noise is too loud then u can
User Rating: 8/10
great tv picture is briliant day or night.
Pros: This is a great tv for the video game junkies out there. No screen burning and my games come to life. Also the hdtv channels blow me away. Great picture quality.
Cons: My Brother bought this tv the same time as me and his went up in two weeks but he has had no problem with the new one.
User Rating: 9/10
Best money can buy, DLP VS LCD
Pros: This set offers the best picture that money can buy when considering a DLP or LCD rear projection TV. I had a Samsung 50" DLP, but returned it because of the concave edges that show up in 4:3 mode. This is a problem with all Samsung DLP's, one that they h
Cons: DLP and LCD both have not achieved the black levels of conventional CRT based rear projection sets, but then again they take up 5-8 times the amount of space for the same given screen size. Some peole have commented on the cooling fan noice that the set p
User Rating: 8/10
Picture and Sound vatastic
Pros: The TV has been in my homefor 3 months and has been trouble free. With a progresive scan DVD the picture quality is great. Buy monster cables they will make the diffrence in your picture quality!!
Cons: Black level is a small problem and that is adjustable.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Set, but poor Analog Quality
Pros: *Great 480P or higher picture quality. *I have had set for 1 month now and love the features. *USER replaceable lamp. Another rater listed it as a con because she was charged labor to replace lamp. It is very easy to do this yourself, as simple as r
Cons: *Very poor analog picture quality. If you are not recieving a digital signal, or are using a coax or composite source, I recommend an upconvert box like the Samsung SIR-T165. This will provide a DVI connection and upconverts analog sources such as VHS p
User Rating: 8/10
Hitachi LCD Makes the Grade
Pros: I've had my 50v500 for almost 2 weeks, and I am a very satisfied customer. Out of the box I felt the picture needed some tuning and tweaking, but after some adjustment the picture is almost perfect. Also, the blacks are very impressive, Hitachi has done
Cons: Yes, the fan is a little noisy. It is at a whisper, when you start it up, but after 10 minutes, it sounds like a table top computer fan. It's noticeable during quiet scenes, but in my opinion, I don't find it too distracting. Surely, the Hitachi engine
User Rating: 6/10
horrible refresh for gameing
Pros: no defects, no problems since purchase when product first came to market
Cons: was told was gameing compatable, is not system will not give good refresh rate for modern games, had to end up useing jusat as a t.v., and is great for that only
User Rating: 6/10
love the tv
Pros: day night feature is very handy.picture is very good. takes alot less space than i expected a wide screen would take.optinal hitachi stand expensive but i had to have it.pictuere is great.
Cons: after having the tv 6 mos. a bulb went out and the bulb was$200.00 and labor 168.00 Iwas upset at this but covered under ex warranty
User Rating: 8/10
Great set for beginners!
Pros: Two Component inputs, one DVI input. PCCard is great for photos. Can be used as center speaker for a 5.1 system. HiDef picture is great!
Cons: When used with a seperate amplifier, the audio output isn't static. Bulb/light engine having issues about five months in (replacing under HHGregg warranty) UI to get to PCCard is annoying. Only two component inputs!
User Rating: 6/10
repair technician: bad reliability
Pros: picture quality rating: 1)hitachi 2)panasonic 3)sony very good black level
Cons: i'm a repair tech for a US electronic superstore (one of the largest in US) these hitachis just keep on coming back. i would say 6/10 have problems after the first year i would purchase the hitachi tv set
User Rating: 9/10
Educated decision, Uneducated use.
Pros: Excellent picture. I did homework, reviewed online compaints against other brands. The Hitachi is the best value. Contrast better than the competitors. Replaceable lamps are expensive, but make the set maintainable where as plasma sets are disposable.
Cons: Don't seem to have the Blued effect caused by the 'A' revision Mercury Vapor Lamp design change that some complain about. However the composite and coax inputs provide a very poor pitcure. Component Video or S-Video connections perform excellent but if
User Rating: 8/10
Great value and great picture.
Pros: great value considering the plasma alternatives and full size lcd costs. 50' priced less than 42' rivals.
Cons: none as of yet, very pleased.
User Rating: 7/10
picture quality changed from day to day
Pros: Nice looking TV, good size and weight. Great user menu and I liked the 'day/night' mode settings.
Cons: The particular set I had came with a red push. You could see it in 4:3 mode where the grey bars were actually a little pinkish. I was able to correct that and, on SD, I had a great picture. I hooked up a DVD (component) and again, great picture. Howev
User Rating: 7/10
Videophile friendly - Noisy Fan
Pros: - Beautiful HD images. - Better than most SD images. - Excellent video processor adjustments. - Beautiful color and gray scale images - Great sound and excellent dynamic range. - Good sound adjustments. - Excellent menu navigation. - Price: Paid 2548 + T
Cons: - Lamp assembly cooling fan is very noisy. The fan duct resonates with the fan noise and becomes loud. Hitachi replacement fans come with the duct and upgraded hardware. Hitachi will not admit there is a noise problem. - My set required focus adjustmen
User Rating: 1/10
ok while it lasted...
Pros: price, picture
Cons: This set was ok while it lasted. Died in two weeks and then the replacement died in another month. Returned and bought a Samsung DLP. Save yourself the hassles. Reliability just isn't there and customer service is terrible!
User Rating: 7/10
Best picture in price class
Pros: day, night settings, easily programable, great picture detail, no screen door effect
Cons: generic styling
User Rating: 9/10
I'M IMPRESSED
Pros: I did a lot of reading and comparing before purchasing the Hitachi 50V500. My first instinc was to go with the Samsung DLP but I got gun shy after reading some of the reviews. The Sony Grand Vega was also on my list but they had problems of their own wi
Cons: You can hear the fan but would not consider the noise as overwhelming but can be distracting where show dialog is low key. The analog channels are not as clear as tube sets but I would consider Hitachi better than most other manufactures with similar mod
User Rating: 8/10
WOW best PR TV yet
Pros: Everyting about this set screams great. Extensive input memory settings and nice day/night modes. Picture quaility on HD far exceeds Sony and Samsung..
Cons: one major known issue, smudging can appear on light backgrounds during warm up. Hitachi already has a manufacture fix for the LCD screens.
User Rating: 8/10
Better black levels than Sony LCD Projection
Pros: I wanted to buy Sony for the name. I couldn't justify it however, when I compared the 50" Wega LCD to this Hitachi. The black levels on this Hitachi were BETTER than the LCD Projection sets from Sony and Panasonic. To me, it even looked better than the sa
Cons: I haven't noticed any yet. More component inputs would have been nice, but that's not critical. I also never heard any of the fan problems other reviewers speak of, and I bought my set from Circuit City in February of 2004.
User Rating: 6/10
Picture is great - fan noise is bothersome
Pros: We are big Hitachi fans. We now have a 61" analog 4:3 set and have had great experience. This LCD R-P TV has a terrific picture - better than the 50" LCD Panasonic we also brought home. There is "some" blurriness with fast moving scene in a film or fast s
Cons: Returned set due to loud fan noise. Even with surround sound stereo, unless the volume was up considerably, the fan sounded like one of those old fashioned movie projectors - same issue with 50" Panasonic only slightly worse. We found "relief" only when t
User Rating: 6/10
Went through 2 of these sets
Pros: Great user menu settings. Great HD display. PCMCIA slot for various media cards (need to buy adapter)
Cons: Below avg SD display 1st set developed "crop circles" and Hitachi claimed it was a known issue and would not replair CC replaced 1st set and 2nd one had the "smudges" Finally got a Sony 60xbr950 and never looked back, costs more, but better picture overa
User Rating: 7/10
Excellent picture offsets the drawbacks
Pros: High quality picture Good sound for a TV No glare from screen HDTV Zoom, not available on other models, good for pan&scan images
Cons: Loud fan noise from time to time which can be masked by turning TV volume to 12. Expensive at $3200, should be priced around $2500. Remote can't control as many components as the TV can through the unnessesary UI. Darks are not as detailed but you get use
User Rating: 8/10
Best 50 LCD TV
Pros: Bright vivid picture, great features, quality sound.
Cons: Fan noise from units is louder than most.
