51F510 vs. KDP51WS655

[jedivader]

HELP!!!!

As far as specs, which TV offers more (is better)? I have been doing so much research that the details have become confusing. Anyone with in-depth knowledge, please assist...................

http://hitachi.us/tv/browse/projection/16-9digital_mon/51F510.shtml

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/
SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_
RearProjection_42to51TVs&ProductSKU=KDP51WS655&TabName=specs

[mjones73]

The Sony offers more if you look at them side by side, question is do you need more then what the Hitachi offers. What do you intend to hook up to the TV for input sources?

[jedivader]

Right now, DVD, VHS and basic cable.

The picture on the HItachi seems to be grainy compared to what I remember from the Sony and I can't seem to get the color settings just right.

I just want the TV that is going to give me the best picture through every source.

[mjones73]

Do you already own the Hitachi?

[Tryton]

Yes he does, You have nothing to worry about, Just like I found out. When you have a new tv ANY RPTV it will look grainy till it breaks in. and just to let you know. I had the sony kp 57ws510 before I got the hitachi. THe Hitachi IMO has much better colors and you cant beat the menu settings. Did I read right that your only hooking up basic cable to it? If thats the case you should bring back your tv and get an analog one. You would be much happier.

[jedivader]

I have had it almost a week now. We plan on getting an HD receiver for local channels and maybe adding a dish at some point.

When I had the KDP it seemed to look pretty good out of the box, didn't have to mess with much. I have been fooling with the color menu every night with the F510. Any recommendation on settings? I had to turn of the "black enhancer". It made things to dark, could not see detail.

[mjones73]

I recommend a calibration disk...

[jedivader]

I searched the CC, BB and Radioshack websites and they all came back with not found. Where would one purchase a calibration disk?

[Ratman]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/630551982X/102-1252889-2929756?v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005PJ70/102-1252889-2929756?v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005TRZA/102-1252889-2929756?v=glance

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?cid=17436&PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD_ID=474761&fp=F&siteID=d6SecL9f5go-b9aUnLjuPLSSCkXg7XRFqQ

http://stores.ebay.com/HDTV-Supply_A-V-Calibration-DVDs-D-VHS_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQftidZ2QQtZkm



Examples....

You also check here for more info:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=15378

[TheAntMan]

You could also go into the BB, CC etc... stores, and ask for the disks. A previous poster had to ask for one in the store, but got it. Usually, they are a little more expensive in the store, but some people would rather purchase in the store than on-line. I don't know which catagory you fall under.

[jedivader]

Well, decided to return the F510 within the 30-day. Pain in the ass having a seperate HDreceiver. Plus, the TV developed a black shadow type "V" in the middle of the TV. We could only see it from an angle. Putting the TV purchase off for a while. I am very picky concerning the TV and money spent on it.

Checked out Sears and looked at the TV's side by side with the same programs, all pics looked sort of grainy even though on HD feed. The Sony looked like glass. I have come to find out that there are a lot of Sony haters when it comes to RPTV's. I returned two Sony sets myself. The picture just looks so much better on the Sony. Why is it that the Sony has such a life-like image and all others are grainy? Isn't the technology in the Hitachi sets supposed to give superior picture quality?

[mjones73]

Did you calibate the set? Also, if your going to add a dish at some point, getting a TV with the ATSC tuner is a moot point, the dish receiver will come with the ATSC tuner built in and allow integration of the guides between dish and OTA...

[jedivader]

We have no future plans on adding cable or a dish.

I messed around with the settings and color guns and finally got a great looking picture, just grainy. Even watching DVD's had a slightly grainy look, especially on faces.

No, did not get a calibration disk.

[mjones73]

Sorry, you commented about possibly adding a dish above... Can't give you a solid answer about the grainy bit, could be the TV, settings, the DVD player showing flaws on a bigger screen, etc... SD programming will look bad at it's best on an HD big screen also...

[jedivader]

I know, my wife and I decided we didn't want to spend extra money each month for tv. I had the Sony KDP for a little while and the picture was not grainy at all.

[51hitgirl]

By the way I've seen your post under other menus and yes, you are picky!! I had the same issues my first couple of weeks. I've seen post where they said to wait a couple of weeks. Well everyone was right!! I have the SA83000hd box from adelphia cable and some of the hd channels. I can't wait to get home now and watch my tv. The HD is breathtaking. My only complaint now is that the hd is so smooth and clear, I now find flaws in the picture when watching dvd's. I also use a pass-through function on the cable box this seem to work better for my sd channels. When I first rec'd the tv my 32" and 25" had a better picture but I've had the tv for 2 1/2 months now and the Hitachi's picture is now clearer on all channels, I barely watch my other televisions. I did get a calibration cd from amazon in the beginning but even after using that I didn't see a huge change. I believe the best bet with the Hitachi is time.

[jedivader]

If the grainy picture goes away after a few months, how does that explain the grainy picture on the store display models that have been running all day everyday and there is no change?

Can't help but be picky about $2,000+

[51hitgirl]

I feel you on the 2000+. I'm the type of person that I will spend months researching a buy, decide to make the buy, and then have buyer's remorse. I drive my family crazy with that, I thought it was a female thing(maybe not). It seems to me that you may not be happy with any television so, maybe you should wait to make that purchase. I may be wrong but I did start out with a regular digital cable box when I first purchased the tv. I did have it for about 2 to 3 weeks before I changed to the hd box with different settings. If I didn't have the SA8300hd box maybe I would've had the same issues as you.

[jedivader]

I was driving my wife CRAZY !

It was tv talk 24 hours a day.......

[TheAntMan]

Jedi, it seems like you don't need an HDTV at this time. You don't plan on getting HD cable or any type of sat provider? That's how you get a high def signal though. If all you are doing is watching dvd's and vhs tapes like mentioned in post #13 a good EDTV would be just right for you. Do you just want an HDTV or would another type, possibly EDTV do for you?

[jedivader]

TV shopping started off as just wanting a big screen. I knew analog would be just alright but DVD's would be great. Then, I saw the Sony built-in tuner and figured for a little more we could watch the local stations in HD. Well, after having two Sony's delivered (both with problems, both returned) and unable to pick-up all local HD signals, that sent the TV shopping into a spiral.

[TheAntMan]

I hear ya man, TV shopping's not easy. Would you consider a suggestion on a 30in set? Walmart has a good HDTV set for between $550-$650. It's widescreen HD, has 2 component inputs, has HDMI input. For the price it's a real bargin and it's not too big that SD channels will be stretched out and grainy. It's got an HD tuner built in, so an indoor antanea (as is my case) may allow you free digital locals. I picked up this TV when I saw it b/c of the price and it's in my bedroom. If you can get away with a 30in.....man, try looking into it, especially if your not really using the TV for mega HD channels or anything. My PS DVD player looks great with it as well...just a suggestion my friend.

[Ratman]

If you're referring to the HT30744, get it quick. They have been discontinued from what I've read. They are a "Walmart only" item and supposedly, Sanyo can't keep up with the manufacturing.

The set has many positives for the price, but there are also issues that some cannot 'live with' (geometry, wavy sides, etc.)

AVS forum has a very long thread that is helpful for insight, tips, service manuals....

IMO... for the price, it's a decent set despite it's faults. (I bought one for each of my sons)

[TheAntMan]

Yeah that's the one Ratman. I would not be surprised if they are having trouble keeping up with demand on that set. Price is great for a starter type/casual HD viewer. I've not experienced any issues with the set myself though. Jedi sounds as if he is a casual HD viewer looking for a good set, and mainly for DVD watching.

[jedivader]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[jedivader]

I decided to go back to the Sony. This is the third time I have had this one (the others had problems). Hopefully third time is a charm, so far so good. CC is really dropping the price on the RPTV's. They have the 57' for $1500. I got the KDP-51WS655 for $1700. The KDP-51WS655 actually dropped $80 more since last week, I am going to try and get the difference back.