Help a Girl Out Again . . . I don't like my TV.

[techigirl78]

I posted my HT purchase a week or two ago in another thread: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15739&highlight=girl

After setting everything up and watching some of my favorite shows in HDTV and a number of DVD movies, I am not extremely happy with my TV. Granted it looks decent, just less then I expected. I keep messing with the settings, but it still seems off.

I went to a different store last night and they had my TV (Hitachi UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV - 55VG825) and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-R50XBR1 sitting side by side. I almost cried in the store, sad but true. I wasn't aware of how much improved sony's new generation was until that moment. The TV itself is 5" smaller, but in this case, size doesn't seem to matter. The PQ of the Sony is so much better and it sill is an LCD, I didn't want a DLP due to the rainbow effect. It would cost me $589 to upgrade.

I alreay put in the sales order for the exchange, but could cancel it if I'm making the wrong decision. I like the exterior look of the hitachi better, but its the inside the counts, right? You think this is the right decision, return the hitachi for the sony?

 

[surveyor]

I posted my HT purchase a week or two ago in another thread: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15739&highlight=girl

After setting everything up and watching some of my favorite shows in HDTV and a number of DVD movies, I am not extremely happy with my TV. Granted it looks decent, just less then I expected. I keep messing with the settings, but it still seems off.

I went to a different store last night and they had my TV (Hitachi UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV - 55VG825) and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-R50XBR1 sitting side by side. I almost cried in the store, sad but true. I wasn't aware of how much improved sony's new generation was until that moment. The TV itself is 5" smaller, but in this case, size doesn't seem to matter. The PQ of the Sony is so much better and it sill is an LCD, I didn't want a DLP due to the rainbow effect. It would cost me $589 to upgrade.

I alreay put in the sales order for the exchange, but could cancel it if I'm making the wrong decision. I like the exterior look of the hitachi better, but its the inside the counts, right? You think this is the right decision, return the hitachi for the sony?

If it looks better to you the user, then you made the right choice. Sony makes good TV's.
As for the rainbow effect with DLP, it has been remedied. It is a thing of the past.
Congrats.

Kelly

 

[markw]

"I keep messing with the settings, but it still seems off."

Sets CAN be tweaked but it takes someone with a little experience to maximize them. Have you ever had it professionally set up? That will cost less than a new TV.

 

[techigirl78]

Sets CAN be tweaked but it takes someone with a little experience to maximize them. Have you ever had it professionally set up? That will cost less than a new TV.

No, I haven't had someone professionaly set it up, but four different people have tried to adjust it and it still didn't seem right. Do you think this would help: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=14705223&type=product&id=1491804

Most HD channels I watch are 1080i now. Is it correct to assume that the 1080p processor/ 1920X1080 display (sony) will likely look better upconverting these signals then the 720p processor / 1290X720 display (hitachi) will downconverting the same signals due to the native resolution? I wasn't sure if I'd even be able to tweak it to get the same image. At the store, even when trying to tweak the TVs, even ESPN looked better on the Sony, but the differernce between the two with respect to Discovery HD (my now favorite channel) was insane.

 

[markw]

I can't answer all those questions, but what I can say is ...

...that virtually all TV's coming out of the box can be "tweaked" if done correctly to provide a better pictiure than the do out of the box.

As for that disc, I'm a bit leery of that sound format they use. It's not like I don't like DTS but most movies are not DTS encoded yet.

Now, about the other formats and conversions, well, that's a question for someone else to answer. If your TV doesn't do what you want/need, then no amount of tweaking will cure that.

 

[mike c]

I went to a different store last night and they had my TV (Hitachi UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV - 55VG825) and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-R50XBR1 sitting side by side. I almost cried in the store, sad but true. I wasn't aware of how much improved sony's new generation was until that moment.

before you return anything, was the sony playing the same source as the hitachi it was beside of? was the sony playing an HD source? (HD source makes the tv's play spectacularly better than ordinary DVD's)

 

[markw]

VERY good point

before you return anything, was the sony playing the same source as the hitachi it was beside of? was the sony playing an HD source? (HD source makes the tv's play spectacularly better than ordinary DVD's)

Retail stores don't always operate on a level playing field.

 

[gellor]

I posted my HT purchase a week or two ago in another thread: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15739&highlight=girl

After setting everything up and watching some of my favorite shows in HDTV and a number of DVD movies, I am not extremely happy with my TV. Granted it looks decent, just less then I expected. I keep messing with the settings, but it still seems off.

I went to a different store last night and they had my TV (Hitachi UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV - 55VG825) and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-R50XBR1 sitting side by side. I almost cried in the store, sad but true. I wasn't aware of how much improved sony's new generation was until that moment. The TV itself is 5" smaller, but in this case, size doesn't seem to matter. The PQ of the Sony is so much better and it sill is an LCD, I didn't want a DLP due to the rainbow effect. It would cost me $589 to upgrade.

I alreay put in the sales order for the exchange, but could cancel it if I'm making the wrong decision. I like the exterior look of the hitachi better, but its the inside the counts, right? You think this is the right decision, return the hitachi for the sony?

I do agree with others that you can have your set professionally tweaked and it will look better. However, there's the possibility that you still may not like your TV after its setup. If you're going to get a product to try tweaking your system, you'd probably be better off with the Avia or Digital Video Essentials guides. (You can get them at Amazon)

 

[techigirl78]

before you return anything, was the sony playing the same source as the hitachi it was beside of? was the sony playing an HD source? (HD source makes the tv's play spectacularly better than ordinary DVD's)

Yes, both were playing the same source.

 

[ELK]

Try this first please

When dwelling into the video world and you purchase a TV at the local boutique shop you need to look at the display units. Often when at one of these stores it is common practice for the stores to raise the brightness and contrast levels to the maximum adjustments that the sets can handle.

This deceives a person looking to buy a TV into thinking that this is the brightest and best TV they can get for the money. It is also common for the manufactures to preset these floor models up for demo systems prior to them being placed into large retail outlet stores. This also deceives many potential customers into thinking one set is better than the other.

Now all TV’s do have greatly varying differences in set quality. Though for the most part they all have the exact same pieces and parts within them. One can have a professional come out and adjust the black levels and use very expensive equipment to calibrate a set for you. They will come out with test patterns and light meters and set the TV up for about 120 an hour. They will also if they are any good have the back door remote codes for the TV and adjust the RGB signals and shoot for equal energy chromaticity, which is very difficult if not done by someone fully certified.

So for help a girl out here is what I would suggest you try first. For $24.99 buy a DVD called Digital Video Essentials. This will have all of the same test patterns that a test pattern generator will have (though you will only calibrating to the signal resolution that the DVD player is sending to your set). This will also have a strip of blue film for you to calibrate the tint and hue of the set using the NTSC test pattern we get when the TV station stops transmitting at night. You know the one with all the colored bars. This test pattern is also part of the DVD. It will also give you step by step instructions on how to calibrate the set. You should be very happy with the results after you watched the video and adjusted the system for yourself. DO NOT for any reason try and find the back door remote codes for your set and try to adjust the internal setting. Use only the settings given in your main menu setup. If not qualified you will mess your set up so bad that you will have to buy a new set if you attempt to access these back door menus.

So try this before replacing the set you have. This DVD will work for any display, though it is not a pro setup it is an adjustment tool and I think you will be happy with the results.

Good luck

 

[techigirl78]

Thanks for the name of a calibration DVD. I checked and they have a copy in at the local public library, cause I'm all about free. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again!

 

[AFJumper03]

Im surprised you are having problems with your Hitatchi. Mine looked incredible out of the box and even better after an Avia treatment. I compared it at the time to the Sony and I thought the Hitatchi was much better. Granted I have a slightly different version that you ( I have a 50VS810) but its still the same line. I recommend maybe returning it for another of the same model, the picture should be better than it is.

 

[AVRat]

Fyi Sxrd

For anybody unaware, SXRD is Sony's version of LCoS as is JVC's D-ILA. The technology is a hybrid of DLP/LCD. It is supposed to alleviate/eliminate the rainbow/screen door effect.

What you may be noticing on the Sony is its out of the box color oversturation. Here is a review of the 60": http://www.hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/1105sony/

 

[gellor]

Thanks for the name of a calibration DVD. I checked and they have a copy in at the local public library, cause I'm all about free. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again!

FYI, Netflix has both Avia and DVE as well.

 

[techigirl78]

I think something is wrong.

I did go get the DVE DVD from the library and worked through part of the audio and all of the video sections. The Blue and Red looked close to perfect, but I couldn't get the greens correct. Does this mean there's something wrong with the set? It also bothers me that others got this TV or the same line and didn't face any problems.

I'm thinking I'm just going to ask for a new Hitachi. I really like the look of it over the Sony, exterior wise. The DVE did help a lot, btw thanks again everyone. My fiance' is rewatching a few DVDs that he saw problems with this week for a second opinion. After going through the DVD, he did indicate that there was a noticeable improvement, but the green thing still is bothering me. When I watched HD football last Sunday, the grass and players (Packers) didn't look right either. Looks like its off to the store to talk to the sales guy some more. I'm thinking I'll ask for a new TV and then ask if the option would still exists for a no-hassle return if I'm not satisfied at that point.

Besides, with the money I save, I refigured it to be 800-1000, I could save it towards another television in 1-2 years once TVs begin accepting 1080p, devices start outputting 1080p, and media starts becoming more easily available that is formatted for 1080p. The Sony has the 1080p, but from everything I've read, can't input 1080p anyways.

 

[MDC]

Same Model Hitachi

I have the same model you have. I also found that, with the exception of the green adjustment, the factory settings were just about right. After making a few passes through the adjustments with the Avia disc, the green came in. Now the picture looks great.

Good luck with yours.

 

[techigirl78]

What's wrong with me?

Well, the Hitachi is going back to the store. I'm unsure what the problems is at this point. The TV, the model, the fact its LCD, or what. Any advice would be appreciated. I have made all the necessary adjustments and beyond a slight oversaturation of green, everything seemed to be good color wise. I did notice some blotching, so I think the TV itself does have some minor problems, which is why its going back.

Here's the issues. Watching dark scenes in movies with no light at night is difficult. Its hard as I am usually happy during the daytime watching with only my fish tank lights on in the room, but get very frustrated at night watching all my sci fi/horror movies in the dark. Adjusting seems to be needed, particularly in movies that flip between bright and dark scenes, like Saw for example. Second, I see the screen door effect sitting 9-10 ft away. Is this normal? Third, I get headaches from watching my TV, while others do not seem to be effected that watch my TV. Could screen size be my problem? The Hitachi is 55' and I sit about 9-10 ft away. I only watch HDTV and DVDs (with upscaling/HDMI hookup). Their website made this seem like it would be fine: http://www.hitachi.us/tv/find/what/what_index.shtml#size Could anyone give some input on their sitting distance and screen size?

The TV just makes be tired, eye strain/headaches seem common and too many adjustments seem needed. I'm not sure what it is, but would like some advice of what you would do in my situation. Should I get a new 55' Hitachi to see if that was the problem? Try a smaller screen size of the Hitachi? Look at some of the competitors, like Sony, Samsung, and Mitsubishi? Going to the store, these all seem to give a nice image, but you can't test dark rooms/unique lighting/etc. in the show room. The larger LCDs/plasmas are out of my price range and I don't like the size of the CRTs, my house is just too small.

My salesguy has been great and they'll do a free exchange on any product I'd like to try or if I just want to replace the Hitachi with a new one.

 

[brian32672]

Here's the issues. Watching dark scenes in movies with no light at night is difficult. Its hard as I am usually happy during the daytime watching with only my fish tank lights on in the room, Second, I see the screen door effect sitting 9-10 ft away. Is this normal? Third, I get headaches from watching my TV, Could screen size be my problem? The Hitachi is 55' and I sit about 9-10 ft away. Could anyone give some input on their sitting distance and screen size?

The TV just makes be tired, eye strain/headaches seem common and too many adjustments seem needed.

55' and 9' away. WOW, that would be a problem. Oh, I get it, you meant 55" and 9' away. Just kidding.
Most people here would say 2 to 2.5' of the screen. But they would be wrong.
Granted I sit 15-16' away from a 120" DLP projector/screen.

Anyhow, I suggest you read this. It is not only for computers, it gets into TV viewing.
This is what the Assc. of Optometrist say, (and clearly sounds very much like your problems)
http://www.opto.ca/en/public/04_eye_info/04_02_05_computers.asp

ALSO read this - http://tv.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/viewingdistance.htm

Television


Your Eyes and Vision: TV & Vision

Eye care experts generally agree: Watching television will not harm your eyes or vision if the TV room is lit properly and if you follow a few viewing tips. In fact, there is usually less strain involved in TV viewing than in doing close work such as sewing or reading. But TV watching for long stretches of time can leave your eyes fatigued.

What are the best conditions for TV viewing?

A normally lit room, suitable for general activities, is best. Excessively bright lighting tends to reduce contrast on the screen and "wash out" the picture. No lights should be placed where glare or reflections will be seen in or near the television screen. Strongly colored lighting should not be used and surroundings should be neutral in color.

Is it all right to watch television in a dark room?

This situation is not ideal. When the room is totally dark, the contrast between the television screen and the surrounding area is too great for comfortable and efficient vision. When the room is softly illuminated, undesirable high contrast is kept to a minimum.

Is it better to adjust the television set to room lighting or room lighting to the set?

Adapt the set's brightness and contrast to room lighting -- not room lighting to the set -- after the room lights have been turned on.

Is it all right to wear sunglasses while watching television?

Generally, no. Sunglasses may shut out too much light for good vision. If worn when not needed, they tend to make it difficult for the viewer to adapt promptly to normal light levels. If you are bothered by brightness, consult with an eye care practitioner about the possible need for lenses more appropriate to TV viewing.

Possible difficulties with TV viewing

Children sometimes sit close to the set. Does this hurt their eyes? While close-up viewing is certainly not recommended, it is generally not harmful. It is best to watch television from a distance of at least five times the width of the picture. Picture details will appear sharper and better defined and the television lines and defects will be less apparent. If your child persists in watching television from a short distance, have his or her vision checked. Nearsighted (myopic) children like to sit close to the screen.

What does it mean if the eyes water or if there is other visual discomfort while watching television?

It could indicate a problem that needs professional attention. Some viewers, especially those over 50 years old, may find relief with special glasses for television viewing. Discomfort could also indicate that the drainage passages which drain tears from the eyes into the nose are partially blocked and require examination.

What about color television for viewers with color vision deficiencies?

Color deficiency (i.e. color blindness) is generally not a barrier to enjoying color television. However, viewers with color deficiencies may disagree with others as to the "proper" color adjustment. A color TV picture properly adjusted for most people may appear too green to a protanomalous (weak red) observer, or too red to a deuteranomalous (weak green) viewer. When the set is adjusted to "correct" its color, the resulting picture is usually unsatisfactorily tinted for other viewers. Viewers who are severely color deficient, the so-called "red blind" or "green blind," will see little or no difference in widely different color mixtures, and will not be bothered by most color adjustments.

TV viewing tips:

Make sure your television set is properly installed and the antenna properly adjusted.
Place the set to avoid glare and reflections from lamps, windows and other bright sources.
Adjust brightness and contrast controls to individual and/or viewer's taste and comfort.
Have the set at approximately eye level. Avoid having to look up or down at the picture.
Avoid staring at the screen for lengthy periods. Briefly look away from the picture, around the room or out the window.
Wear lenses prescribed for vision correction, if advised to do so by your eye care practitioner.
View from a distance at least five times the width of the television screen.

 

[ruadmaa]

Hitachi TV

I posted my HT purchase a week or two ago in another thread: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15739&highlight=girl

After setting everything up and watching some of my favorite shows in HDTV and a number of DVD movies, I am not extremely happy with my TV. Granted it looks decent, just less then I expected. I keep messing with the settings, but it still seems off.

I went to a different store last night and they had my TV (Hitachi UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV - 55VG825) and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTVKDS-R50XBR1 sitting side by side. I almost cried in the store, sad but true. I wasn't aware of how much improved sony's new generation was until that moment. The TV itself is 5" smaller, but in this case, size doesn't seem to matter. The PQ of the Sony is so much better and it sill is an LCD, I didn't want a DLP due to the rainbow effect. It would cost me $589 to upgrade.

I alreay put in the sales order for the exchange, but could cancel it if I'm making the wrong decision. I like the exterior look of the hitachi better, but its the inside the counts, right? You think this is the right decision, return the hitachi for the sony?

A properly adjusted Hitachi TV displays a picture that is as good as any in the industry. You either have a defective TV (which is possible) or you simply do not have it adjusted correctly.

 

[MAX661]

The SXRD is by far a better choicethan replacing the hitachi.

No SDE, 2ms response time, 13,300:1 contrast ratio, No rainbows, 1920x1080 resolution, excellent user menu, quality remote, good color, no burn in, no magnetic fields disrupt it, good viewing angles and excellent fill factor.

I am not surprised it looked better than your hitachi RP-LCD considering it beats it in almost everyway.

I own a Sony RPLCD and a Sony SXRD, both are 60'' and I can tell you from viewing both everyday that the SXRD is a far superior set. If you have the money than go for it. I cant recommend it enough.