AKAI PT5598HDI @ Sam's Club

[TechRulesGA]

Anyone know about this 55" HDTV set being sold for under $1300 at Sam's? It is said to have integrated tuners for HDTV, so it is a real bargain. It also is 16:9 and has a DVI port.

THANKS

[jcanale]

I called AKAI and they said it was the latest model and had no other option than the previous years model except for the addition of the DVI port. They also told me where I can get it serviced. I called the places and confirmed, but they were reluctant to give me any info on the reliability verses picture quality. All they would say is they haven't seen many of them.

This raises another question. Who owns these? There is not one damn review on this set. Why? This makes me reluctant. I cant believe a company which has been in business since WWII has no American customers. I'm rarely the pioneer purchaser. I think I'm gonna hold off for now, but may actually end up buying it if I can get a legitiment review.

Anybody????????????

[mech]

Here is a quick answer for you and it's not meant to be rude by any means. After the research you have done, and past brand recognition. Does this brand yell quality? There's a reason the price is low!

[kevinw]

Yes it is a bargain. It is also an unknown quantity. So few people have one and if they do they more than likely are not HD enthusiasts like most people here. Is price an issue? Then try the Sears outlet at Discover Mills or Uecweb.com , at least you will have name brand products to look at.

Anyone know about this 55" HDTV set being sold for under $1300 at Sam's? It is said to have integrated tuners for HDTV, so it is a real bargain. It also is 16:9 and has a DVI port.

THANKS

[mobius97]

Here is a quick answer for you and it's not meant to be rude by any means. After the research you have done, and past brand recognition. Does this brand yell quality? There's a reason the price is low! Whats so bad about the quality. Is Samsung bad quality in your opinion too. I posted this somewhere else too. Samsung and Akai are the same...the sets are even manufactured in the same factory. They are in a joint venture with some other companies Under Videocon...look it up you will see what I mean. The only difference is Akai carries a cheaper price tag and a diferent badge than the Samsung twin. So before you are so quick to reply and not meaning to be rude you should do some research before making these types of claims.... unless you think samsung is crap too.... ;). At the same time I must note too. I have a Akia hd set the only diference is the samsung twin comes with DVI inout while mine did not.

[spaceman_spiff]

Make sure the set has DVI with HDCP. Without HDCP, its almost useless.

[jcanale]

Hey guy you the man. I just called AKAI and talked to a very cool technical support person and she confirmed that the TV's are made alongside Samsungs. Note this is something there not supposed to talk about, but I'm glad this tech confided with me.

To answer another post. The HDI is this years model (2004) which is identical to last years model except for the addtion of the DVI port. Last years model the HD can still get HDTV with component cabling.

Well guys pioneer or not I'm off to Sams this weekend and buying this set. Look for personal views/questions to come.

Thanks to everyone who shared

[diamatron]

I am watching for a review of this set. Like you said, Price too good to be true?

[Teewinot]

I bought this set this weekend and took it home and hooked it up using cheap component (red, blue, green) cables I bought for $15.00 at the local WM to hook up the DVD and I am really happy with the whole setup. I have analog cable and my picture is better than my neighbor who recently bought a DLP 61" and he has digital cable. The sound on this set is better than his also. I do not have a surround sound unit but don't think I will need it with this unit. I looked at all types of units, LCD, DLP, Plasma, but couldn't justify the price difference when compared to this unit. It also has a built in tuner that picks up over the air local HD broadcasts and they are excellent.

[diamatron]

How far away are you from your OTA HDTV Towers?

[Teewinot]

I am between 11 and 19 miles from the three main local channels. I am using a Terk tv-5 and I get 4 hdtv capable channels and 3 other channels clear as you can imagine. I do live on a very high hill however and have a clear line of site in the direction all the transmission comes from. I can receive all the digital channels without on the Terk tv-5 without turning the amplification below it's lowest setting so I may be in a unique spot. Have nothing to compare it to since most of my neighbors with big screens don't have a tuner yet. I don't even know if my tuner that came in this set will pick up cable or satellite hdtv. Does anyone know?

[varaonaid]

Hello,

I'm no expert on TV's or HD but I've been browsing around researching affordable HD sets and came across the Akai @ Sam's. I too heard some time ago that Akai and Samsung were the same sets only rebadged. We've even owned an Akai pure flat screen standard tv and my husband and I have been extremely happy with it.

I found the AKAI PT5598HDI on their website but wanted more specs. After the reading the posts here reconfirming that Samsung/Akai partnership, I thought I'd check on the Samsung site for the twin model. I believe I have in the archived models. The promo photo is even identical on the two sites. I've included them below if any one is interested in checking them out for themselves.

http://www.akaiusa.com/pt5598hdi.htm
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1661741090.1086668846@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadcljegffddcfejceefdfggdhgn.0&eUser=&prod_id=HCN5529WX%2fXAA&selTab=Specifications

Hope that helps someone on their quest for that elusive perfect television.

[varaonaid]

Also just found the product brochure for the twin Samsung unit:

http://www.samsungusa.com/SamsungUSA/PRODUCT/20030722/hcn5529.pdf

[craigmri]

Does the AKAI PT5598HDI offer 720p when playing DVD's like its Samsung brother? I plan on picking up one of these sets at Sams tomorrow morning!

The Akai website doesnt offer much for specs.

Craig

[diamatron]

And, Does the DVI have the copywrite preotection HCDM or somethinglike that. I notice all "brand Name" TV have HDMI inputs now.

[craigmri]

Was extremely excited to purchase this Akai PT5598HDI at Sams. I felt I was getting a tremendous value.

Brought the set home and set it up. It looked really good sitting in my living room. Once I started viewing the TV attached to Non-HD Direct TV signal I went through the auto and manual convergence functions to get everything the best it could get. I couldnt help but feel the image just looked a little blurry and nit as crisp. I didnt expect HD quality but did expect it to look better.

The bizarre thing was when I would pull up the PIP with the same channel displayed the PIP image was alot clearer. I suspected cause it was a smaller compressed image so I changed the PIP size so it was half screen. The PIP half of the screen looked good were the main image side looked a little blurry. I figured I had a tuner issue of some type. I called Akai and after 6 hours getting bounced back and forth from Akai to Direct TV Akai gave me the number of their local service outfit. I called and they said if they find something wrong they would have to take my set to their shop for repair. This after owning the set for 24 hours I decided it wasnt worth the trouble and I simply returned it. Sams didnt have any more so I decided to continue shopping.

In the end it turns out that although it was alot of work getting the set to and from the store I did get to spend alot of time learning things I like and dont like.

At this point I have my choices narrowed to Hitachi, Sony and Panasonic.

Craig

[summerfun]

I couldnt help but feel the image just looked a little blurry and nit as crisp. I didnt expect HD quality but did expect it to look better.
You are experiencing what every new HDTV owner experience. SD programs on an HDTV sets don't look very good. In fact, your old TV set looks much better than your new HDTV for SD programs.

This happens for two reasons. One, the higher definition of the new set was not designed to display SD very well. It will do it, but that was not its design. Secondly, most of the time your new HDTV is a larger screen than your old TV set. It will take the imperfections of and SD signal and blow them up even larger. The PIP looks better because of the smaller size.

Some people have better luck sending the SD signal from the STB to the HDTV through s-video. It may help the SD channels look a little better. Of course your HD channels still must go through the component inputs.

Although you may be watching some SD programs still today, I would buy the set that gives you the best HD PQ. That is the point of purchasing and HD set and will be most of what you watch now and in the future.

[Teewinot]

I copied the info below from another forum and did the tweaking last night to my Akai PT5598HDI. Mine was well focused when I went to the convergence screen. I did correct a few areas around the edge. It is good to know you can fine tune the convergence if you need to however. I am sorry Craig had a problem with his set. I guess I just lucked up and got a great one.

There is a MUCH better convergence mode. go HERE to view a pdf guide that is mostly correct. Except the tv has to be turned on when you hit mute 1 8 3 to get the menu. Also to save your settings you press and hold enter until cursor flashes. and sleep moves grid to right (do not do this though). Also the number 6 does not do half steps like the guide says. Other than that the guide is perfect. T.V. looks MUCH better after a good manual convergeance adjustment.

I also changed some options in the system menu. However I HIGHLY recommend NOT doing this without doing a lot of research first and writing down everything. If you feel like risking ruining your t.v. you can open this menu by turning off the t.v. then hitting mute 1 8 2 then power to turn t.v. on.

[Teewinot]

I'm sorry, the Here should have connected you to http://www.ssns.net/HTStuff/Samsungtips.pdf in that last thread.

[gwheeler]

I bought one this weekend, and I'm very happy with it.

BTW, the complete model number is PT5598HDIX. I don't know if the X is significant or not.

At the moment I have it connected to plain (analog) cable TV, and I use the component connection for my DVD recorder/player. We watched Haunted Mansion on DVD on Saturday night, and it was great! Excellent picture, good sound. Analog cable programs are, as expected, not so excellent -- just big. I don't see that as a problem. The F1 race from Indianapolis looked just fine.

There are a couple of features that I miss. It has no way to label the channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.) like some of my other equipment. The clock auto-set feature requires a digital broadcast; it won't set itself from an analog channel like others I have.

OTOH, there is an unexpected find: it has a built-in program guide. That also requires a digital broadcast, which I don't have yet, so I don't know the details of how it works. Has anybody else used it?

Future enhancements include an antenna to receive local digital broadcasts, and a proper sound system to decode the digital audio.

Gerry

[diamatron]

I am wanting more specs on this television. Like how many vertical Lines does it have? DOes it have 2:3 Pulldown? What are its stretch modes? IS thier anyway you could scan and email me the spec page?

Rick

[diamatron]

I just got off the phone wil AKAI and my CSR would not admit to any Samsung relationship. How good/bad is this television? I guess I just ned to buy it from Sams, and return it if I am not Happy!

[gwheeler]

I am wanting more specs on this television. Like how many vertical Lines does it have? DOes it have 2:3 Pulldown? What are its stretch modes? IS thier anyway you could scan and email me the spec page?

Rick

There aren't many specs published, as far as I can see. The PDF files mentioned in previous posts seem to cover it. There's not much in the user manual either.

2:3 pulldown? I don't think so. It's not mentioned in the manual or in any of the onscreen menus.

Stretch modes? Normal, Wide, Zoom 1, Zoom 2, and Panorama. Normal is, well, normal. 4:3 programs are centered with grey bars at the sides. Wide stretches the image to fill the width of the screen. Everything appears a little wide, but it is surprisingly easy to get used to. Zoom 1 and 2 magnify the image in both directions. The only difference is the amount of magnification. Zoom 1 fills the width of the screen, and some of the picture is lost top and bottom. Zoom 2 is higher magnification. In both cases you can move the picture vertically to adjust how much of the top and bottom is lost. Panorama stretches the image to fit the screen width, but the stretch is more at the edges, and none at the center.

Given the lack of specs, this set may not appeal to the super techs. But this is the first large screen TV of any kind for me, so I think it's great! I think the key points were the reasonable price and the built-in digital tuner.

[diamatron]

Thanks gwheeler...

Does the unit have 1 or 2 1080i inputs on the rear? Can you do a "split screeen" for PIP? Have you fed the TV a HD signal yet?

[gwheeler]

Does the unit have 1 or 2 1080i inputs on the rear? Can you do a "split screeen" for PIP? Have you fed the TV a HD signal yet?

There are three 1080i inputs -- two component video and a DVI. When using the DVI connection, the audio goes in the same jacks that would be used for standard video, so I presume they are mutually exclusive. But I don't see any reason mentioned why all three 1080i inputs can't be used at once.

The PIP has size and placement adjustments. I don't know whether it can be as large as half the screen or not. Note that the secondary picture can only use the video A input, which is a standard RF input (antenna or cable). That feeds the standard tuner (NTSC and ATSC), but I think the PIP tuner is NTSC only, because I see a note in the manual that "digital channel does not function when changing PIP channels".

I haven't had an HD signal yet. I really really dislike outboard boxes (STBs), because they complicate all the connections, so I'm resisting getting the Comcast HD package. I'm currently favoring an antenna to receive local digital and HD broadcasts, but we just moved in and I'm still unpacking, so that's not a high priority just yet. :) (Maybe I should reconsider the HD package.) So, at the moment, the best signal I've seen is 480p from my DVD player, and it was great! I can only imagine how good a digital signal will be.

[win308]

I got mine last night (6-24) and it works fine for me. I do notice when I playback movies on the VCR at the lowest speed, I notice they are more grainy than they appeared on my smaller Philips tube set. Now I can see the flaws of recording at extended play. I am using regular cable, so the picture looks good, not GREAT. So now I have to go to Charter Cable and upgrade to a HD settop box to get the real effect. I will post an update when I do.

Miles

[kl32351]

:wave: I Am Also Looking At The Akai 55" Projection Tv With Built In Hd Tuner. What Is The Difference Between The Akai Pt5598hd And The Pt5598hdi Units? Is The Hd Just Hdtv Ready, And Do You Need A Add On Digital Decoder? And Is The Hdi Ready To Give You Hdtv Without Any Additional Equipment. The Add Says It Has A Built In Hd Tunner Thanks Kent

[diamatron]

The Difference in the HDI vs HD = DVI Output on tht HDI Model!

[rmaverick]

I think the Akai 5598HDI is a really good deal... I think costco's also carries them. Akai and Samsung are said to be the same company. The image quality is really nice, as long as u got a nice hd converter box and dvd player.

[Maestro]

I've been looking for a HDTV for awhile now and came across the 55" AKAI 5598HD (did I forget the X or I) nevertheless I was a little worried since I didn’t recognized the name. After reading some posts on here saying that it was identical to a Samsung TV, I went ahead and purchased it. I have never looked back, it is an awesome TV. I really like that it has the built in HD Tuner which saved me 200+ bucks on buying one. I just bought a $30 antenna and watched the NBA Finals in HD, I can’t wait till football season. I do agree basic cable isn’t as clean on a tube, but then again as someone mentioned this TV is build for Digital Broadcasts. When I view the HD broadcasts they are clear and crisp, so the TV is doing its job. Plus with the bigger surface it’s easy to see the imperfections of the signal, that’s going to be a given with any TV as you get a bigger picture. A few things I do not like are that in the various modes, in NORMAL (4:3) there are gray bars instead of black bars. In the manual it’s recommended not to view in this mode too long since there is a chance of burning the gray bars into the screen. If there were black bars I don’t think there would be any danger if that. Secondly, is the time it takes to go from channel to channel, maybe I’m just being picky but I guess I’ve gotten used to that. This makes for a more patience viewing experience and less chance to channel surf.
I hope this helps for those debating on whether or not to purchase this TV, hey I paid $1400 (w/tax) cash for this TV and I don’t regret it for a second. It is the best TV for your money right now.


PT5598HDIX 55” AKAI HDTV
Onkyo TX-SR701
Onkyo DV-CP701
All Monster Cable hook ups
An awesome pair of JBL L5
JBL EC35 center channel speaker
JBL PB12 powered subwoofer
A pair of Cambridge Soundworks Surround II

[gwheeler]

A few things I do not like are that in the various modes, in NORMAL (4:3) there are gray bars instead of black bars.

The grey bars are a little distracting, but I think they're better than black. Burn-in is only noticeable if part of the screen burns while another part doesn't. (And normal use will burn the whole screen evenly.) What you notice is the difference between the burned part and the adjacent part. So, if those were black, the center part of the screen would burn more than the edges, and eventually you would see it (if you used that mode too much). By making them grey, they're trying to keep the screen brightness the same all across, so if you use that mode a lot you won't burn the center more than the edges.

[gwheeler]

My DVD recorder includes a "universal" remote control, and I wanted to set it to control the Akai TV so I could change volume while watching DVDs. The code that sets it correctly is the one for Samsung -- more evidence that the Akai is a Samsung in disguise.

[diamatron]

I wish my local Sams had the HDI model in stock, we only have the HD. ANd, theya re charging the same price as the HDI, isn't that just rude!!!!

[win308]

I went to Wal-Mart Sat and purchased their best 9 ft S-video cable they had for $20. I installed this cable from the cable box to the back of the TV and picture quality improvedd by about 10% over the standard plugs/connectors that came with the set. I still don't have the HD set top box from the cable company, just the standard one, but the picture is looking REAL nice now with the S-video connector. I highly recommend this if you are not going to use the DVI connector.

Miles

[Teewinot]

Great advice from Summerfun, Everyone needs to read this thread if you are a newbie as I was. When I see the HD picture quality on a true HD transmitted and filmed signal, I know the picture is absolutely perfect and any picture I am not happy with at any other time is not the fault of my "No Name, Questionable Quality"???, Absolutely Incredible!!!, Akai TV, but the inferiority of the signal. My digital non-HD signal is pretty darned good however. No complaints here. The only problem I have is the On Demand signals seem to have trouble with dark scenes. This has to be some shortcoming of the two way signal communication required by On Demand. I am not complaining however because On Demand is so convenient.

[diamatron]

Does anyone have an actual picture of the unit. Because someone here said it was darker grey then what Sams Pictured??? And, my SAms only had the HD not the HDI in stock.

[Teewinot]

Does anyone have an actual picture of the unit. Because someone here said it was darker grey then what Sams Pictured??? And, my SAms only had the HD not the HDI in stock.

The picture in all the ads is a totally different color than my set. Mine is a very dark grey. I like the dark grey color because when watching the set in dim light the cabinet disappears. I also found a nice component cabinet at BB for $100 which matches the finish of the Akai exactly and sitting side by side they look as though they were made as a set.

[Teewinot]

Bush Collection Pedestal Audio Cabinet - Black

Model: 7412/A

Here is the entertainment center which matches the Akai 55" so well. Find it at BB site for a picture. It is also on sale now for $94.99

[diamatron]

Thanks for the Color Info!!!! I like the darker color too!!!!

Next Question. When you are viewing a 1080i HDTV Channel... Do you still have all your "Stretch Options" Available. I am sure thre are some HD TV shows on tonight after 8pm to check this out.

I need to know this because my local HD channels broadcast alot of 4:3 material in upconverted 1080i WD and need to be ble to stretch it. If it doesn't then the Integrated Tuner will not be any good to me!

[Teewinot]

I don't believe it does. I am limited on some of the HD programming to Wide and Normal and can't access the Panoramic and 2 Zoom options on some programming. The INHD Channels and Discovery HD and HBOHD fill the screen but I noticed my local stations when not broadcasting a true HD program like CSI or Jay Lenno gives you a limited screen area with black outs on both sides. ESPN almost always has blinders on each side unless it is a ball game and then it is full screen. This is not important to me so I haven't tried to discern what is going on. Hope it helps though.

[diamatron]

You are not using an Antenna to watch HD programming I take it? Both your Locals and Cable channels are coming in through a ComponenVideo?

[Teewinot]

I have an antenna connected to watch my local programming which I connected before I had the digital cable hooked up. I don't use it now however because my digital service provides all my local stations in HD also. I can switch between OTA and Digital however and they are the same quality. I have a very good OTA signal because I am on a high hill.

[Teewinot]

I don't think you can stretch any of the true HD signals or the upconverted 4:3 signals if that is what you are asking. The HD channels limit your view format to Wide and Normal only for some reason. You can stretch any of the SD signals that are not HD. Hope this helps, but being ignorant in all the ways of HD may keep me from understanding what you are hoping to get from the set. Quite honestly, I think the set does what most any of the HD sets do. As I said before, I bought this set because of the price and I got tired of talking to sales people trying to explain why I should pay $2,000 plus for things I didn't think I really needed.

[GIDAT1]

Hello:

After reading extensively on this TV . I went ahead and bought $ 1297.00 TV from Sams. Kind of heavy to carry up to second story.

My regular anolog TV does not do much justice to the HD format, but hooking up a cheap antena, I was able to get HDTV picture and the format on couple of chanels. One was PBS and other the UPN. Both are UHF.


I am unable to get VHF chanels on this antena. My question is, can I get this chaneels with any kind of indoor antena or I have to install a large outside antena? Are any expensive indoor antenas available for this.


My brother says that in digital format either you can or you can not get the picture. and yes We live in Panhandle of Florida, where the interstate ramp is probably the high spot of the neighbourhood.

thanks

Phil :confused:

[gwheeler]

I am unable to get VHF chanels on this antena. My question is, can I get this chaneels with any kind of indoor antena or I have to install a large outside antena? Are any expensive indoor antenas available for this.

Makes sense -- UHF antennas are tuned for the higher frequencies, so they're not very good at picking up VHF channels, which are much lower in frequency. It can be done -- I get a local channel 9 station on my UHF antenna, but it's close and strong.

Antennas for digital reception are not much different from antennas for analog reception. The digital tuners may be a little more picky about the signal (strength, multipath distortion, etc.), but from the antenna's point of view, a signal is a signal is a signal.

So, if most of your stations are good on your UHF antenna, but there's one VHF station you need, you could try adding a single-station VHF antenna and mixing its output with the UHF antenna. It's likely to be smaller than a wideband VHF antenna, and you can point it at the station independently of your UHF antenna.

There are a couple of websites, such as antennaweb.org, that will help you determine what type of antenna you need. Try using them by specifying just the single VHF station and see what they recommend.

Gerry

[win308]

The cable guy came out last Friday and installed a new HD cable box for my new set. "This new box is High Definition, right?" He said yes and showed me the signal out hookups that said HD OUT. Surprise, he didn't use S-Video or the DVI connector, just regular RCA jacks.

I turned it on...........What a great picture. My old analog cable box was not sending out a good signal at all!!!!! Now, with the new HD box, ALL stations are crystal clear on that 55 inch screen. What a difference.

So, yes, it is a good TV....but hook it up to an HD box, then it becomes an outstanding TV, There are only about 10 channels that are broadcast by my cable company (Charter) in High Definition, but All channels look like they are high def now. I mean....... it is a top notch TV. I have had it about 2 months and it is a great deal with the HD signal. And with Sam's Club, you can return it for ANY reason for the first 12 months you own it. So there isn't much of a gamble buying this set from Sam's. Highly Recommended.

[summerfun]

Surprise, he didn't use S-Video or the DVI connector, just regular RCA jacks.
What he used is called component cables. Red, Green and Blue wires for the video, the audio is separate.

This is the same quality as DVI. You can not get HD out of S-video or composite (yellow RCA) video cable or RF coaxial cable.

[maxebaldwin]

I would agree with win308 whole heartedly on the Akai 55". I brought it home and hooked it up to regular cable television with cheap home made 75 ohm cable and had a ok picture. But,when the cable guy hooked it up to the digital box with good cables, I was overwhelmed. The picture is fantastic! Best buy I ever made. I did buy a extra 3 year warranty for $189.(just in case) :>) I feel very comfortable knowing Sam's will back the warranty and do whatever necessary, should a person have problems. I would recommend it highly. Don't pay any attention to the picture you see at Sam's,it may or may not be adjusted properly. Also your home has a much better viewing enviorment. Believe me, when you get it home and adjusted,it WILL give you a fantastic picture.

[Shinare]

I'm glad this thread is out there. I just saw this TV in Sams last night and was wondering about the "Akai" name and if it was worth anything. I decided to hold off getting it because of that and search it out on the web today. There was a single very bad review of this TV somewhere and I was about ready to get the Phillips 60" 4:3 projection TV that was standing right next to it even though that had a bad review as well. Now after reading this I am going to pick one up tonight and give it a try in my home. I will also write my review of this TV here so that there is a larger review base out there for this TV. Thanks so much for your input. The modle at the Sams was without the "I" at the end so it doesnt have the DVI inputs which I find a little distracting, but not a deal killer. We have 2 other Sams in town (oklahoma city) so I will go look there this evening and see if I can find one with the "I" in there.

[Splicer]

The AKAI name is a very goood name indeed :D .

[kevinw]

. There was a single very bad review of this TV somewhere and I was about ready to get the Phillips 60" 4:3 projection TV that was standing right next to it even though that had a bad review as well. I can

Do not buy a 4:3 tv. Do not buy a TV that does not have DVI. Actually read all the Faq's including the one about If I had only known.

[Shinare]

Ok, last night I picked up several things. Needless to say it was a very exhausting evening for me. I went to Sams and picked up the PT5598HDI. It looked so small in the store... (need I say more? hehe) After finally getting the huge sucker into my house, my wife decides that she needs to clean and vacuume the place where the old 36" tube was (it was rather disgusting under there). So after all that, we tear up the box, get the thing out, set it all up, head to BB to get the magnavox $49 progressive scan DVD player and some S-Video cabled (4 of them) get back, get it all plugged in and....


....


.... Waiting some more...

[Picture finally comes up] WOW!!! Thats freakin awsome! :wow:

Ok, I finally Cool off a little and start watching a DVD and it looks great in progressive I know that because I mistakenly thought that you could hook up through S-Video and get progressive output. After the initial "Ho-Hum, what have I done" gut reaction, I decided to try it through the component video ports. BINGO! Progressive scan and beautiful picture. I have to say that so far, after 1 day of viewing I give this set a super Thumbs up. Of course the regular Dish Network channels look a little grainy but the DVDs look very nice. The color out of the box was set to "Cool 1" I believe it is and it was pretty good, but I set it on "Normal" and it looks very nice. "Cool 1" looked a little washed out to me.

Heres a question that may be Off Topic but I am finding little help on it, and this seems the appropriate thread since it is about my TV: What kind of antenna do I need to get now to get the Over the Air HDTV digital channels in my area? Also, do I just plug it into one of the ANT-1 or 2 jacks? Do I need to set it up special in the menu or anything? I am thinking about going out tonight and getting the TERK HDTVi indoor antenna from BestBuy but I have no idea whats out there for indoor antennas. I am in Oklahoma City and live less than 10 miles from the transmission towers for all the local channels here. I tried plugging in my crappy old rabbit ears and they dont pick up anything.

Thanks again for your help!

[Ratman]

Here's a place to start reading (as well as the TV manual!)
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=7266

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=6514

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=3784

[Shinare]

Here's a place to start reading (as well as the TV manual!)
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=7266

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=6514

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=3784

*lol* Thanks for the RTFM responce. :)

Actually, I had been reading that thread and am probably gonna go over and post this question in the OTA forum. It looks like antennaweb thinks I need a medium sized directional antenna but I was really hoping I could get away with using some kind of indoor set-top type of deal. I guess my real question is are indoor antennas "up-to-snuff" to receiving quality HD signals, and if so which ones.

[kevinw]

....

.... Heres a question that may be Off Topic but I am finding little help on it, and this seems the appropriate thread since it is about my TV: What kind of antenna do I need to get now to get the Over the Air HDTV digital channels in my area? Also, do I just plug it into one of the ANT-1 or 2 jacks? Do I need to set it up special in the menu or anything? I am thinking about going out tonight and getting the TERK HDTVi indoor antenna from BestBuy but I have no idea whats out there for indoor antennas. I am in Oklahoma City and live less than 10 miles from the transmission towers for all the local channels here. I tried plugging in my crappy old rabbit ears and they dont pick up anything.

Thanks again for your help!

FIRST go read the FAQ's on What to do with my new TV.

2nd read your manual about how to hook up an antenna- I am not being mean here but that's what manuals are for.

3rd NO TERK - http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/search.php?searchid=34207

[kevinw]

*lol* Thanks for the RTFM responce. :)

Actually, I had been reading that thread and am probably gonna go over and post this question in the OTA forum. It looks like antennaweb thinks I need a medium sized directional antenna but I was really hoping I could get away with using some kind of indoor set-top type of deal. I guess my real question is are indoor antennas "up-to-snuff" to receiving quality HD signals, and if so which ones.
Don't bother with the post We just gave yu links to everything you need to know :D

[Shinare]

Nah, I was just joking with the RTFM comment. :) Unfortunatly the manual that comes with this TV is less than helpfull. Sure it shows you where the ports are and gives them a name, but aside from that there is little help otherwise as in explaining what things do and why you would want to hook something up to it. They really leave it up to the individual to do their own research on stuff and that is what I am trying to do. I say that without doing an in depth, nose-in, front to back cover read of the thing, but the first thing I did was break open the manual after removing the TV from the box.

Anyway, I must be a total noob or I dont understand things yet or I may just be too sleep deprived to comprehend things right now (going on day #4 of 4 or less hours of sleep). I was just looking for a simple "get XXXXX indoor VHF/UHF HDTV antenna and it will be great based on your antennaweb.org result". I'm now (after reading all the stuff you pointed me too) going to swing by RadioShack on the way home and get the 15-18880 antenna and give it a try. That review of the Square thing stated that the Radioshack jobbie was the best out of all of them at getting 10 stations even beating out the ones that cost 2x more.

VHF is very important to me as the big 3 broadcast in the VHF range here (NBC,ABC,CBS). I take it that no indoor antenna is capable of doing justice with VHF.

I guess if the RaidoSnack jobbie does not work I will have to resort to mounting a big guy to the roof. I was just trying to avoid having to drill a hole through my wall.

I know your just tryin to help. Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight and I will feel a little better in the morning. :sleeping:

BTW, just for giggles heres my antennaweb.org results:

Here are the digital stations from antennaweb.org:

* red - uhf KWTV-DT 9.1 CBS Oklahoma City OK 23° 9.3 39
* red - uhf KSBI-DT 52.1 IND OKLAHOMA CITY OK 23° 9.3 51
* red - uhf KOCB-DT 34.1 WB OKLAHOMA CITY OK 35° 7.3 33
* red - vhf KOCO-DT 5.1 ABC Oklahoma City OK 33° 7.3 7
* red - uhf KOKH-DT 25.1 FOX OKLAHOMA CITY OK 38° 6.6 24
* red - uhf KQOK-DT 29 IND SHAWNEE OK 130° 19.0 29
* red - uhf KAUT-DT 40.1 UPN Oklahoma City OK Awaiting FCC Permit 27° 9.0 40
* red - uhf KETA-DT 32.1 PBS Oklahoma City OK 23° 9.3 32
* red - uhf KFOR-DT 4.1 NBC Oklahoma City OK 23° 9.3 27
* red - uhf KOPX-DT 62.1 PAX Oklahoma City OK 23° 9.3 50
* blue - uhf KTBO-DT 14.1 TBN OKLAHOMA CITY OK 30° 8.2 15

[kevinw]

Shinare,
I thought COX cable had all kinds of HD available in OK City?
www.antennasdirect.com

They have a good indoor antenna

[Shinare]

Shinare,
I thought COX cable had all kinds of HD available in OK City?
www.antennasdirect.com

They have a good indoor antenna

[I love telling this story]
Cox tried their best to loose me as a customer by unwillingness to help, sarcastic account reps, and a general "We're the only game in town so like it or too bad" vibe but I stood by them for over 10 years of giving them a monthly little bit (shyah right, try a lot) of my money. One time they pushed me over the edge when I called up tech support to ask why port:80 is blocked on my cable modem. They said its designed like that and you need a business account to open it up. I asked how much that was and the response was "Its pretty expencive, you probably wouldn'd be able to afford it." Regardless of weather I could or could not, that was not a wise thing to say to me. Right there and then I told the guy that was the wrong answer, and I had had it with their attitude. They lost not only a cable TV customer, but a digital phone and cablemodem customer and will never give Cox another cent for the rest of my life.

Heh, anyway, thanks for the info. Gonna try the radioshack tonight (cuz Olympics start sooner than I could get anything shipped from online.) But if that fails I will try online.

[Ratman]

What's the point of "the internet" if port 80 is blocked?
Heh-heh... sure it's wasn't Scumcast and and not Cox?
(Only joking... )

Idiots!

[kevinw]

What's the point of "the internet" if port 80 is blocked?
Heh-heh... sure it's wasn't Scumcast and and not Cox?
(Only joking... )

Idiots!
Where is Mikehwkbm when you need him :rofl2: Mikie is our Mod that works for Cox. I always gine him the shizz about cable...

[Shinare]

Welp, I bought the radioshack jobbie and it works pretty good. I was able to pull in 4.1 4.2 (which is the major one I totally wanted for NBC and Olympics)

:rockon:

If I turn the little element 90 degrees inside the "dish" part (I have no idea why this helps any) I get: 62.1 62.2 62.3 62.4 52.1 52.2 (none of which I really care for) But I loose 4.1 and 4.2. :(

I was hoping I could get the other VHF digitals but I cant be totally sure they even exist because they are not showing up at all when I scan for new channels. I say I am not sure because antennaweb didnt even tell me there were .2's .3's and .4's out there so I am unsure of the accuracy of the 5.1 and the 9.1 it says is available here. 25.1 (FOX) and 34.1 (WB) would have been nice too. :(

[Splicer]

But you get the Olympics :D !

[kevinw]

Welp, I bought the radioshack jobbie and it works pretty good. I was able to pull in 4.1 4.2 (which is the major one I totally wanted for NBC and Olympics)

:rockon:

If I turn the little element 90 degrees inside the "dish" part (I have no idea why this helps any) I get: 62.1 62.2 62.3 62.4 52.1 52.2 (none of which I really care for) But I loose 4.1 and 4.2. :(

I was hoping I could get the other VHF digitals but I cant be totally sure they even exist because they are not showing up at all when I scan for new channels. I say I am not sure because antennaweb didnt even tell me there were .2's .3's and .4's out there so I am unsure of the accuracy of the 5.1 and the 9.1 it says is available here. 25.1 (FOX) and 34.1 (WB) would have been nice too. :(
The Point 2 or .3 numbers are subchannel broadcasts .. Time for a real antenna

[Shinare]

The Point 2 or .3 numbers are subchannel broadcasts .. Time for a real antenna


Yah, looks as though I might take this back to RS this weekend and get the 80" and put it in my attic. Hopefully that will be a little better. If not, then well, I will have to go the roof top options I guess.

Has anyone gone from indoor set-top to using an outdoor in their attic? Much better? I dont want to do the roof top uness its my last option, because, well, I live in Oklahoma, king of the high winds and tornados! I dont want to have to go up there every other day when there are high winds here and "adjust". :)

Thx.

[Ratman]

Depending on direction of the x-mitters, distance and power, attic antennas can and do work.

I tried 4 or 5 different indoor antennas (20 mile from x-mitters). None were stable. The attic solution worked for me. YMMV

all you do is give it a try and keep your fingers crossed!
Good luck!

[Splicer]

Make sure to put a drip loop on the OUTSIDE of your attic vent so water cannot get in by traveling down the wire. A simple 'U' is sufficient...Also try to seal the hole as best you can to keep wasps and the like out...

[Ratman]

Shinare:
You are quite close and would highy suggest that you attempt the attic route first. No hazards, no harm. And... it may work. You may save yourself some aggrevation and expense.

If all of your digital channels are UHF try this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2160

[Shinare]

Shinare:
You are quite close and would highy suggest that you attempt the attic route first. No hazards, no harm. And... it may work. You may save yourself some aggrevation and expense.

If all of your digital channels are UHF try this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2160

Yah, I'll give it a try this weekend. Thats a pretty nice lookin antenna, but the stations I consider the most important are all VHF (4.1, 5.1, 9.1) unfortunatly so I will need VHF/UHF. If I get any of the others it will just be a very nice bonus.

This (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2152) is what I will be picking up and installing this weekend...

[Shinare]

4.1, 5.1, 9.1 are the 're-mapped' channels. Not necessarily the 'real' channels. (PSIP will remap to the 'real' to the existing analog counterpart)

Have you checked www.antennweb.org or www.titantv.com?
The 'real' channels will be shown.

You may not need the VHF portion. (Just trying to save you a few scheckles and some attic space)

BTW... channels 14 and higher are UHF.

OOOOooohhhhh I see! hehe thanks for clearing that up. I was assuming that 4.1 was VHF. there is one (5.1) which has an "assigned freq" of 7 so that means that I do have one VHF channel, which totally sucks, but I see that all the rest are UHF... hmmmm... tough call on that one. I sure would like to have them all, even the one single VHF station but that one is not that important. *Sheesh* how'd I miss that? Just getting the one you posted above WILL save some greenbacks, so I probably will go with that then! You da man! :bow:

[Shinare]

Welp, I installed the above posted UHF only antenna in my attic today. Hardest part was runnin the coax up the exterior wall to the attic (insulation got in the way). I must say it's made one hell of a diference. I now receive all but one 1 listed digital broadcast and thats only because channel 5.1 is assigned freq 7 (VHF) but no big loss there. I never watch ABC and it's their loss for not broadcasting in UHF. :) I just now finished watching the Olympics opening cerimony in Hi-Def. For some insane reason they are delaying the Olympics in HD 24-hrs compaired to the SD. Some of the chanels that are HD here are a little odd to me because they show reruns of everything from Andy Griffth to MASH to Happy Days... no need for the HD signal there, heheh.

Oh well, thanks for the info, I've learned so much in the last week! I'm just waiting now for EVERYTHING to be "High-Def" so that it then becomes known as "Standard Def" :) (watching the Dish makes me want to turn it back to the HD stations) Theres no way I'm paying $400 and then $10 a month just so I can get like 4 more HD stations using the dish. I read over in the other forum that Voom has been a disappointment since you see everything and then you get tired of it.

Oh well, again, thanks!

[Shinare]

I posted a pic in the Gallery of my TV in it's new home. :)

[kaushikm]

Hi, I am a new guy trying to decide which TV to buy. I have been reading this forum carefully, and there is so much of good information out here. But I am confused about one thing. Many buyers have said that they are going for the HD srt-top box from their cable providers to get HD. But doesnt this TV already have a built in HD tuner? If so, why would you need the box? If I have standard basic cable, and I just hook it to this TV, will I not get HD??

[kevinw]

Hi, I am a new guy trying to decide which TV to buy. I have been reading this forum carefully, and there is so much of good information out here. But I am confused about one thing. Many buyers have said that they are going for the HD set-top box from their cable providers to get HD. But doesn't this TV already have a built in HD tuner? If so, why would you need the box? If I have standard basic cable, and I just hook it to this TV, will I not get HD??
No yoo must have tuner that can decode a HD signal. A standard or digital box will only get you the Standard Definition channles.
A tv with a nuilt in HD tuner allows you to hook up an antenna an receive digital stations. You will get a HD picture only when or if your local station broadcasts it. Remember not all digital is HD but all HD is digital.

[kaushikm]

But I have the basic cable and a few of the channels on it ARE HD. So, they should already be coming in as HD even today, right? If so, why would I need an external BOX from Comcast if my TV has the tuner? Still confused....

[kevinw]

But I have the basic cable and a few of the channels on it ARE HD. So, they should already be coming in as HD even today, right? If so, why would I need an external BOX from Comcast if my TV has the tuner? Still confused....
But your basic cable box in not able to output a picture in HD on SD- (standard definition). Your TV is designed to decode 8vsb coded signals. The cable box uses QAM... Sort of like one speaks Japanese and the other Mandarin Chinese. Both are Asian languages but neither can communicate with each other.

[bodyb]

All of the input on this topic has been great. I have been looking for a new hdtv and could not believe the price, especially with a tuner. I have looked all over the net and electronic stores and this price is very low nad hard to believe. This site is great to sift through all the complicated information on hdtv's. The best way to see if a television is worth is to hear from other people that have it. Thanks again for all the info!

I have Comcast right now and the post advising on their hi def box also helped. Looks like there will be an AKAI in my future. My wife works at Sam's so it also will not hurt the profit sharing!

[Rich58]

Picked up the Akai PT5598HDIX last Saturday at Sam's for $1288 near Greenville, SC. All I can say is, it provides a lot of bang for the buck. Real nice picture in HD. Also use the Samsung SIR-TS360 for Direct TV, another fine prduct. Wish I could say the same for Direct TV, they must hire total idiots! Even the English speaking help are a joke.

[gwheeler]

But doesnt this TV already have a built in HD tuner? If so, why would you need the box?

The tuner in this TV will receive digital broadcasts over the air, but not on cable. Unfortunately, there are different methods used to broadcast digital signals over the two mediums (media?). The TV's tuner is for ATSC signals, which you will get with an antenna. The cable company uses a different method (QAMM or something like that), so you need their box to receive digital cable.

Either way, once you're receiving digital signals, if the program is in HD the TV will show it that way. But not all digital signals are HD -- some are about the same resolution as a standard analog broadcast, and some are even lower. (My local PBS station broadcasts educational programs as a 3rd subchannel at very low resolution.)

HTH. Gerry.

[bodyb]

Anybody have issues with distance you should be when viewing? I will be putting this set in the wall and sitting approx. 8 ft away. Would it be better to purchase a smaller screen. I was reading posts from another site talking about the Akai from Sams and they mentioned the distance issue. These were from 2001. Seems this set has been out there awhile but I believe the addition of the tuner is new. Does this set come with a screen guard?
Thanks

[kaushikm]

The tuner in this TV will receive digital broadcasts over the air, but not on cable. Unfortunately, there are different methods used to broadcast digital signals over the two mediums (media?). The TV's tuner is for ATSC signals, which you will get with an antenna. The cable company uses a different method (QAMM or something like that), so you need their box to receive digital cable.

Either way, once you're receiving digital signals, if the program is in HD the TV will show it that way. But not all digital signals are HD -- some are about the same resolution as a standard analog broadcast, and some are even lower. (My local PBS station broadcasts educational programs as a 3rd subchannel at very low resolution.)

HTH. Gerry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I see what you are saying. For me, I have no cable box at all. Since I have the very basic 24 channels from Comcat, I do not have any cable box. The RCA goes directly from the Cable point into my TV-rear. So, what you are saying is that the tuner in the HDTV will not be able to decode any HD channel signals from this cable conection, and I will need a box. In that cae, the tuner is only for arial broadcast, and if you plan on going for the cable, there is no point in buying a TV with a built in Tuner, since you will have to get the HD-box from your cable provider anyway. Am I correct?

[kevinw]

----------------------------------------------------------------------
I see what you are saying. For me, I have no cable box at all. Since I have the very basic 24 channels from Comcat, I do not have any cable box. The RCA goes directly from the Cable point into my TV-rear. So, what you are saying is that the tuner in the HDTV will not be able to decode any HD channel signals from this cable conection, and I will need a box. In that cae, the tuner is only for arial broadcast, and if you plan on going for the cable, there is no point in buying a TV with a built in Tuner, since you will have to get the HD-box from your cable provider anyway. Am I correct?
Yes if you are going cable and your provider offers all the stations available in your area. On the other hand an OTA tuner buit in is a good back plan if cable crashes.

[kaushikm]

Thanks to everybody for clearing my confusion over in-built tuner. Another question. Any do of the current owners know if this has auto-convergence? From what I was reading over the net, auto and manual convergence is a very essential feature to get a good picture quality. Wondering if this TV has that feature.

[Splicer]

Most opinions shy away from the auto convergence and stick with manual as it is supposed to do a better job, ie...more convergence points to 'tweak'...

[bodyb]

I called Comcast ad I was advised that I would need a set box along with the HD cable box that Comcast provides. The tuner in the TV should replace the need for the set box and then be able to display the HDTV signals. Am I wrong on this? I thought I read a previous post where a person did just this with a Comcast HD box.

[Splicer]

I called Comcast ad I was advised that I would need a set box along with the HD cable box that Comcast provides. The tuner in the TV should replace the need for the set box and then be able to display the HDTV signals. Am I wrong on this? I thought I read a previous post where a person did just this with a Comcast HD box.


You mean to say you need TWO cable box's to get HD??? Well thats no good. I can't imagine Comcast footing the bill for 2 boxes...

[bodyb]

The Comcast HDTV box gives you the HD signal, I would imagine like the antenna does without a box. You then need a tuner built into the television, this is one reason the Akai is such a bargain, or the set box that acts like a tuner for HDTV ready televisions. The boxes can be as expensive as $488.00. Your regular cable box will not give you the ability to receive the HD broadcasts or premium channels. Comcasts offers two HD cable boxes. One has a recorder in it. You of course swap out the cable box you are currently using. I believe I am right on this so please someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Teewinot]

Answer to a few of the above questions. Ideally with the Akai 55", and I own one by the way, 12' - 15' from the screen is idea distance according to the experts. I would think 8' would be fine if that is you situation however. The built in tuner is only for receiving over the air signal. If you are connecting to cable service then the built in tuner is not used. To utilize the set to its fullest, a high def signal is required, and your cable service will provide you one box to receive this. You can still watch the TV with analog or digital service, but you would prefer to pay the little extra to get the high def after you experience it. Most cable companies provide between 5-10 channels in high def. Some high def broadcasts are better than others at giving you the true high def experience. Some digital signals are better than others also. Some digital signals approach the high def quality, but not quite. Some digital signals look like you are watchng through a foggy lens. DVD's are not high def and On Demand picture quality is not as good as watching a DVD or a movie broadcast on a high def signal and high def channel. That is it in a nutshell.

[bodyb]

I am finding that there is much to learn about HDTV. I have a built in 46" projection TV and I wanted to make sure I was buying the right TV because if I go up in size it will mean some destruction and construction. I thought the tuner would be a good buy since I will use Comcast hi def box when I buy. Now I find I will have to still buy an extra set box.

Do you have the problem of loss of clarity with fast action sports? I was watching the platform diving at Circuit City and even on the high end HDTV's the image seems to break up with the speed of the dives. Is that something you just have to get use to with HDTV? If so, it does seem to be perfected yet. I also notice you lose the image on the screen if you are not lined up right. My 12 year old tv shows the image at any angle. Just some questions of an HDTV owner. I find it is the best way to find answers.

When I called Comcast I asked if their HDTV box would give me the hi def signal to my HDTV ready television. Their tech told me that I would still have to purchase a separate box, or the better name would be tuner, so that their hi def signal could then be used by the HDTV. You seem to be saying you think their hi def cable box will be enough. I am confused!

Thank you for any input!

[Splicer]

Comcasts HD box will deliver all of their analog, Digital, and HD content depending on the package you desire. When used with a HD box with component/DVI/HDMI outputs, your TV is just a monitor. No internal tuner would be required.

[Rich]

Bodyb: the defects in the picture of the diving you saw in the showroom appear to be a problem with NBC's HD broadcast of this event. There is a whole thread on this, several pages long, elsewhere on this forum. It is not a problem with all HD broadcasts.

[Teewinot]

I agree with Rich about the HD NBC signal. Some HD is just better than others. It has to do with a lot of factors. Cameras, broadcasts equipment, etc., etc. I don't understand all the particulars, just what I see when I watch. Personally, I thought the Olympics HD was not all that great. When you compare a baseball game on INHD, there is no comparison. I wathced a boat race the other day on INHD, which was film and there was no breakdown in the fast speed action shots. NFL football so far seems to suffer the action shot loss of picture quality for some reason. I didn't really notice it last year during the Stanley Cup playoffs in hockey however. I only have one box from comcast. It is a HD receiver box which is different from their analog boxes.

[Splicer]

Damm I want INHD to compare with...My system does not offer that channel yet :mecry: ....

[bodyb]

Thank you for the info. It just did not seem correct that HDTV's would give you a picture that broke up. This is a great forum to pick up info before investing money in a TV. Nice to see evryone being respectful to each other also! :patriot: :)

[bodyb]

I am new to this, can you tell, message boards that is. Are all the electronic components in some posts the ones that each of you own? It makes the most sense to me.

[kevinw]

I am new to this, can you tell, message boards that is. Are all the electronic components in some posts the ones that each of you own? It makes the most sense to me.
If your refering to equipment listed in our signature Then, Yes I have the stuff listed below

[Splicer]

Ditto :D ...

[Teewinot]

The breakup we are referring to here in the HD action is not the same as a digital signal pixeling or whatever happens when there is a disruption in signal. The breakup is more like visual static on and around whatever figure is moving quickly through the picture. I noticed it more in the HD olympic coverage than I have on any other format. I have never seen it on HBOHD, ESPNHD, or INHD1/2, or DiscoveryHD. If you want to see what any HD set is capable of, I suggest Discovery HD programming. They seem to truly understand how to pull off the three dimensional like capabilities that great HD is capable of, especially with particular programs that they produce involving wildlife. As I have said before, when you see your set looking unbelievable with one of Discovery HD's truly crafted HD specials, you know what it is capable of, and if it doesn't look quite as good on other programming, it is not your set's fault but the programmings fault. Some are just better than others. Seabiscuit shown on HBOHD is really good to see what a set shows at it's best.

[nyctfl]

what's up folks. been following this thread as i am considering the akai rptv. does anyone know what is the native resolution of this set? at what resolution are 720p programs, such as espn hd, shown? are they shown at their broadcast resolution or up or down converted? thanks for any response.

[MIKED]

So tell me, what is the latest verdict on this akai. Is it worth the $1300 or is there another product that is better at this price point.

[craigmri]

Miked,

I had bought one of these sets from Sams a few months back. After setting it up and doing all the self calibrations I could with auto-converge and using my kids Nemo DVD I was left feeling the picture quality just wasnt as good as my brothers Hitachi. After two days I decided I wasnt happy so I returned it. I went to Circuit City and ended up with a killer deal on a 53" Panasonic which both my brother and I agreed was every bit as good and possibly better than the Hitachi.

yesterday I was at Sams and they happened to have the same Akai model as well as a similar Panasonic model to mine on the floor side by side playing the same program. It was obvious the Panasonic had the superior picture quality without question.

The Panasonic model I got has a built in HD tuner, SD media card slot, PCM computer card slot and a SD service card slot as well. This already came in handy as I was able to upgrade my TV software with Panasonics latest and greatest version. When a new and improved version is realeased I get it for free. After all rebates I paid $1350 out the door.

Some have mentioned that if I had the Akai professionally calibrated I would have been happier but I didnt want to risk it.

My opinion to you is find a Sams that has the Akai playing along side some other brands and compare for yourself. When it came right down to it, The picture quality was far more important than price considering your going to have this new set for a long long time. Spend a few more dollars for the better Picture quality IMHO.

Craig
Panasonic pt53wxd63

[TMBTank1]

I puchased the AKAI at Sams this past friday. Not knowing alot about HDTVor big screens for that matter, all I do know is that The AKAI caught my eye and my Eye liked it. So I go and research which led me to this thread 3 weeks ago. Man has it been informative. I brought it home set it up and have undoubtedtly made a wonderful purchase. I LOVE THIS T.V. :rockon: . I was a little intimidated about the setup, but it went like a breeze. We then sat down at about 8:00 pm and watched a DVD, WOW :wow: . Man it was sweeeeet. Then Sunday I went to Wally world and bought the component cables and a indoor antena so I could get the games in HDTV. SSSAAAWWEEEEEEEEEEEEET. I don't know how anybody could be disappointed in this TV. Or maybe I just don't know alot. Thanks for all the information folks.

[Teewinot]

I am glad to see someone that just went ahead and got this TV like I did and took it home and plugged it in. If you want to debate one picture quality vs. another, then go ahead, but as I said before, calibrate this TV as best you can and watch a good TRUE HD broadcast and it will not disapoint. Personally, I used the DVE disc to calibrate several of my settings but now I know which settings I prefer and I will change them occasionally depending on if it is a movie vs. a ballgame, or if we want all the lights out to watch a movie, etc, etc. Contgrats and look at BB for the video component stand that matches this set almost perfectly. I can give you the model # if you need it.

[JayUSA123]

So I just bought this set from sams and so far I'm pretty pleased with it. I do see the need to adjust it with the more advanced convergence though, so I downloaded the pdf above and went to work only to discover that the "add/erase" button needed to save the changes actually isn't on the remote for the AKAI version. I tried some buttons but the utility ended up closing without saving my convergence settings. :mecry: So now I have to go and start all over again; however, before I do, I figured I'd jump on here for a little guidance. What button saves the convergence changes on the PT5598HDI?

If you know, I'll be forever in your debt! :bow:

Thanks,
Jay

[vedder man]

I have not yet purchased the Akai model (PT5598HDI) everyone is talking about, but I am considering it. I do not know much about the screen size, and am looking for help. Will I be faced with the blacked out area on the top or sides of the tv. screen with certain programs or have the tv. companies fixed that now? What is the cause of that and do certain models "fix" that?

[JayUSA123]

To learn more about widescreen check out this site (http://www.widescreen.org/widescreen.shtml).

I have not yet purchased the Akai model (PT5598HDI) everyone is talking about, but I am considering it. I do not know much about the screen size, and am looking for help. Will I be faced with the blacked out area on the top or sides of the tv. screen with certain programs or have the tv. companies fixed that now? What is the cause of that and do certain models "fix" that?

[Shinare]

Its probably a little late to answer some of the questions in this thread as I have not been here in a while. I own this set so I can lend a little information about my experiances with it so far.

We sit ~8 feet from teh set. sometimes closer depending on where you sit in the room. 8 feet to mee seems fine and is very enjoyable. BUT, if you do sit 12" or more feet away the picture is a little better. Any closer than 8 feet tho, and your going to notice picture loss. Its something you have to live with if you want a rptv. If not, plasma is the way to go or LCD.

I too was very disapointed in the NBC broadcast of the olympics in HD. At first I thought it was my newly purchased set (purchased at the time almost specifically to watch the olympics in HD) and was going to return it but then other people started to complain about it too. Not only were the games delayed a day, the quality was terrible. Sometimes the sound was even off by as much as a second. The human ears and eyes are so tuned, that if the sound is off by only a fraction of a fraction of a second, its not only noticable, but bording on painful. I thuoght the tuner was FUBARed in my new set but it was not doing this on other channels. I'm glad I didnt haul this thing back to Sams for that. The moral of the story is just because something is in "HD" doesnt mean that its high quality.

I have only used the auto-convergance on this set as I do not feel I am ready to start messing with that at such a low level. However, that said, I believe the picture on this set to be outstanding for the pricepoint. I'm sure it would be even better if I manually adjusted the convergance (becasue I can "kinda tell" that it could be a fraction better). I hate to say it, as this will probably diminish my testamonial, but I am colorblind, so I cant speak much for the diferent color settings.

As far as OTA experiance, once I setup the UHF only antenna in my attic and ran the line down in the wall, its been perfect. I highly suggest antennaweb.org for suggestions on teh right antenna and where to point it. The built-in tuner has not failed me.

If your DVD player has component outs, USE them. I made the mistake of thinking that S-Video was better, but in reality it is not. I had hooked everything up with s-video through my sterio, but now the only thing hooked up that way is the dish box. Antenna, vcr, games, DVD are all hooked up in various other diferent ways. Because of this, its almost too hard for my wife to handle trying to figure out how to watch a VHS tape, OTA, or play the playstation, but she's finally able to do it now without asking me.

[racer12]

I just got home from Sam's and hope I can get a little help here..........I have been looking at the AKAI5598hdi at Sams for about the last two months, until I moved in my new house. Well the time has come to buy. I am going to have a 14x28 living room with the tv being at the far end of the 28ft side. I was really impressed with the picture quality on the AKAI and liked everything said about it on here. But tonight when I went to take a last look to make up my wifes mind(hehehe) they also had a PHILIPS60pp9202 60" there. The picture didn't seem quite as good as the AKAI, but they didn'y have Finding Nemo on it either. Can you please give me some insight on these two models and help me out here. I know that the AKAI is 16:9 and the Philips is 4:3....can someone explain these to me and help me understand what they represent.

[gwheeler]

I know that the AKAI is 16:9 and the Philips is 4:3....can someone explain these to me and help me understand what they represent.

These numbers are the ratio of the width to the height. For a given height, a 16:9 set will be wider than a 4:3 set.

To make them easier to compare, change 4:3 to 12:9 -- same ratio. If you compare two sets whose screens are 9 inches high, one will be 12 inches wide, and the other will be 16 inches wide. It makes a big difference.

This means that the 16:9 screen is closer to the shape used for DVDs, so there is less (or sometimes no) black area at the top and bottom when watching a widescreen movie.

Personally, I would only consider a 16:9 set at this time. Many (or most?) DVD movies are now available in widescreen format, and HDTV programs are broadcast in 16:9 format. It seems to be the way television production is going.

Gerry

[RBRunyan]

Hey all. New to this thread so apologies in advance. Just brought home a new Akai PT5598HDIX. Glad to see some of the comments here. Am going to be hooking it up tomorrow. Am upgrading from a 32" hooked into an Onkyo surround. I will post the details and pros/cons as I go. Hopefully it will help someone out there. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions along the way. All in all, can't beat the price but I agree with a post I read. "You get what you pay for" we'll see.....!

Ray

[gwheeler]

I've been playing with the set's A/V output jacks, and here's what I've found...

The output includes whatever is on the screen, downsampled to 480i (standard video). In addition, it is compressed in width to 4:3, even though it includes the whole 16:9 screen. (This makes it anamorphic, similar to widescreen DVDs.)

So, if you record the output and play back on a 4:3 set everything will look tall and skinny. If you play back on the Akai, set it to WIDE mode and it will look fine.

You can record HD or other digital programs because the set receives them and converts them to standard A/V. If you have PIP turned on, that will be recorded too. (During the recent hurricanes I recorded some weather briefings, and had PIP showing the local radar channel.)

Gerry

[RBRunyan]

Well it's Sunday morning, just in time for football!

Just took the Akai out of the box and hooked it up to the cable box. No HD or any special cables. I must say, the picture and sound are great. After playing with some adjustments I got it looking good. Mind you, I have not hooked up my A/V receiver or any s-video or HD cables.

I did hook up the XBOX just for fun! Really awesome! Very easy with the side video hook up.

Thought this would help some of you who are looking to just use the TV's sound.

More to come.....

Ray :overclap:

[vedder man]

Does anyone notice that when watching football, even when the station claims that is is high def, that the players and the field are somewhat blurry? The players seem to have a halo around them. I just havent been real impressed with viewing football. I have down the auto convergence several times. Its almost as if the tv cant keep up with the action.

[RBRunyan]

Well, the latest installment. I will keep it short as it looks like this thread may have reached it's end.

All in all, I am very pleased with the Akai. I have it hooked to my cable company box and also an OTA antenna. I am getting great PQ from the cable although they only have 3 HD channels. ESPNHD is awesome.

After reading a lot of threads and getting advice from everyone here (Thank you), I have tried the Terk HDTVI antenna and did not like it at all. My zip code (87124) has everything in yellow so shouldn't need anything other than indoor. I switched to the Radio Shack 15-1880 and it is well worth the $$$. I am getting awesome PQ from the local HD broadcasts.

My problem is that the audio shows to be Dolby Digital and it is not coming through. All I hear is popping. The OTA channels that are broadcast in stereo come through loud and clear. I have tried different audio connections from the rear of the TV to the Surround Receiver but nothing......Any ideas? The signal strength is maxed out. This is my only downfall at this point. I am sure it is something I am not hooking up correctly.

Thanks for all of the help and advice. Hope my $.02 is helpful to someone.

Ray

[Ratman]

For DD, you must use either a digital coax or optical connector.
Depending on your hardware, the STB and/or the TV should have these connections to going to the A/V receiver and set accordingly for DD.

Also... in some cases, the digital audio output has to be 'enabled' in the STB/TV.

[RBRunyan]

Cool, had tried a digital optical and coax but didn't help. Going to try it again. I am getting a great picture and when I first turn it on I can get sound from the digital channels for about 5 minutes then I loose it but the PQ is still great. Hoping the tuner isn't the issue. Don't really wanto to have TV issues so soon!

Thanks for the advice, will try again.

P.S.

I tried different cables tonight. No luck. optical and coax, no difference. I called tech support and they gave me a few ideas, non of which worked. They didn't understand that it works for a little while. Anyway, need to call "level 2" tech support in the morning in order for them to TS some more. Hoping to be able to get someone out here to look at it as I beleive it is a tuner issue.

Wll keep you posted. BTW, the tech support was good. Got right through with minimal wait. :patriot:

[racer12]

I went out last monday and purchased this tv from Sam's and can't say enought about how pleased I am with it. I have it set up at the far end of a 28ft living room and the picture is great........I admit that I am not the most critical videophile here, but as far as the picture quality and the cost, I haven't found a better bargain out there.......I want to thank everyone on here for your input and your help in my decision.............I read every entry in this thread over and over and really think I made a great decision. Thanx again.

[RBRunyan]

Well, my audio issue has come to an end. (read my previous threads) Seems it was a defective HD tuner. I confirmed previous posts that Akai and Samsung are tied together somehow. My calls to Akai tech support connected me to "Samsung" voice mails. After a run around from "level 1" and "level 2" tech support they advised me to call a local company for warranty service. That call advised me 1-3 weeks for service. A call to Sam's Club got me a replacement TV. Kind of a hassle taking it back but they exchanged it with no problem and the new one works fantastic.

All in all, I think this will be a great TV for the money. I would recommend getting the extended warranty. Not a bad deal. $198 for 3 extra years.

P.S. The Radio Shack antenna is the bomb!!!!!

[adam gibson]

Sam's apparently is closing this set out for $900.00. I just bought the last one and two guys were fighting for the floor model. Not bad. You get 55" HDTV w/dvi inputs. Great sound, good picture (in dark room). This should hold you until SED sets come out and plasma, dpl, lcos etc. goes away. They are also selling a nice Phillips lcos set. Unfortunately Phillips is abandoning the technology. Do they know something we don't?

[roman]

My Sams still has the old model with out DVI and want $1300. Any one know about same model with lager screen, maybe 60"-65". Cant blame the two guys for fighting over the 55" model for $900.

[Splicer]

My Sams is out of the Akai but now has the Toshiba 65H84 for $1699 (I think thats the price). Not a bad deal IMO.

[moviewatcher]

Sam's apparently is closing this set out for $900.00. I just bought the last one and two guys were fighting for the floor model.

I read that post last night and high-tailed it over to my local Sam's right after work today. They had six sets in boxes and the floor model. Unfortunately, they are still selling them at $1297 and change. I asked, but couldn't find anyone that knew if they were being closed out here in Huntsville, AL. Sure hope I catch one at the reduced price.

[roman]

Local SAMS had this tv on sale for $1098 this weekend. Waited for them to open Sun morning so that I didn't miss out. Eveerything looks great so far, still trying to setup all the pieces so that I don't have so many remotes. I purchased Samsung SIR-TS360 HD receiver. Cant find the remote code for the sat receiver to programe into the surround sys, its a RCA mod rt2580 I think.

[blw]

I have been looking at a couple local Sam's in my area and am interested in this HDTV. What I have noticed in my area is the set with the HD tuner is selling for 1297 and the set without the HD tuner is going for 999. I would like to pull in OTA local channels so I am more interested in the unit with the HD tuner. So all of you that have quoted purchasing the unit for under 1297, are buying the one with or without the HD tuner and with or without the DVI ?

[jsjmerz]

I had looked at 4 of the local Sams Club's trying to find one selling the PT5598HDI for the $900 close out that someone said they had found. No such luck. Bought one Friday for $1297. Went back Sunday (for other shopping) - new price $1099. Took receipt to the service deck and got a refund, no problem. I'll be checking for the next month to see if the price drops again. FYI - has the built-in tuner and the HVI connector.

[roman]

Same here, with tuner and DVI. Store had two left at $1099. I would keep my eye out. Sucks that Sams doesnt give employee disc or it would have been less.

[blw]

It has been a week since I last visited Sam's. I will make a trip back to see if their pricing has dropped in my area as well. Thank You for responding to my post!!! :cheers:

[vaska_paris]

We have Dish Network and are considering buying this AKAI from Sam's club. I am unfamiliar with the HDTV terms. is the built in tuner good for the satellite stuff or do I also have to purchase a box from my provider?

Thanks

[Ratman]

You will need a tuner from the provider for satellite programming.

[win308]

Dec 13th 2004.....I was at Sam's Club Saturday and they had 2 of the Akai's left. They were marked down to $1099 each. What was a good set at a more than fair price is now being sold at and even better price. I've owned mine since last June and it is still a great TV.

My last word on performance after 6 mo ownership.....HD broadcasts are terrific....most stations of regular broadcast are great. Some shows that have a lot of dark scenes are a bit grainey. All the Discovery channels, (Dwings, Dhealth, etc) are brilliant, even in 480i resolution. Watching Survivor finalie on CBS Sunday Night was sharp and crisp and beautiful....and that was not HD. But some old movies and older reruns are good, just not AS good as some of the newer programs that seem to have a stronger, clearer focus. I suspect there is little any big set could do to correct that....maybe a set with DLP could do better, I don't know.

If you want a big set with clear pix, I still recommend the AKAI for the money. You can spend $2500 or more and get SLIGHTLY better, but for the now lower price of $1100, you can't go wrong with this set. Miles

[vaska_paris]

I was wondering if there are others that have both satellite (like Dish or Directv) and also have an outdoor antenna, or attic antenna.
I am trying to figure out if we should just drop the Dish Netwrks, since we rarely watch TV, except the kids watching PBS and Disney.

Problem is, being in Southern California, I don't think that our homeowners association allows outdoor antennas.

What are the costs of putting in an attic antenna and will the pictures on the basic channels look good, or should I just stick to the Dish network and even though I am not paying for HD box from them the picture will still be good?

We will be getting the Akai this weekend (at the incredible Sam's price).

Any advice would be welcome, as to we get rid of the Dish and get the antenna or need both?

Thanks
Vaska

[wombat]

I am seriously considering this set. The price is nice. I am a newbie to hi def. I like this set b/c of the dual PIP and DVI inputs. What are the opinions of more experienced hD-philes. Is this a good entry set (considering features, costs, performance) ?

Thanks for any insight.

[doc_dpr]

Hi, I just bought the Akai PT5598HDI 55 " HDTV this weekend at Sam's Club. the picture is very good but I ran into a problem I'm hoping someone can help me with. When I play widescreen DVDs, I have to use zoom1 to fill the entire screen and then some of picture is cut off on the top and the bottom. Any advise on what I can do to view the entire picture without resorting to Zoom1? Also, the clerk suggested I buy the extended warranty, but I saw on some of the posts here that Sam's will take the TV back if you are not completely satisfied no matter if it is a month or year later. Anybody know what's really the case? Thanks in advance for anyone who can help. :)

[Ratman]

When I play widescreen DVDs, I have to use zoom1 to fill the entire screen and then some of picture is cut off on the top and the bottom.

some insight here:
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1052

[roman]

I'd agree with Ratman, something in settings of screen on tv.
Anyone know how to remove screen protector, if possible??
It looks like it has a smear when light hits it a certain way.

[blw]

My area Sams finally reduced the price on the Akai to 1099 so I went ahead and purchased one. I also got a Sams employee to hook up their in store satellite feed to the Akai instead of the DVD player they had hooked up to the unit. I wanted to see HD on the set before I made the purchase. Once hooked up the Akai was showing the best picture of the 3 RP CRT's (Akai 55, Phillips 60, Toshiba 65) they had on display side by side. Even the employees agreed with my assesment and decided to leave the 3 sets hooked up to the satellite instead of showing spiderman via DVD.I even compared the Akai picture to the DLP and LCD monitors they had running acroos the isle and was still very impressed with the Akai. I really think that this is probably the best deal that you can expect on a price/performance large screen HDTV set that is currently going on. At least that I could find, and I shopped all over my area for the best deal (N.Dallas suburbs). I watched Monday Night Football and Leno last night in HD via my OTA antenna and was very impressed and very happy with my purchase decision. Thumbs Up from this newbie reviewer!

[doc_dpr]

Thanks for the advice! I changed the size to widescreen on the dvd player. This resulted in a tall picture that still had gray bars on both sides but the bars on the top and bottom were gone. I then set the aspect ratio of the tv to "wide" which gave me the full widescreen view with no missing picture on the top or bottom and no distortion of the picture. This board is great! Thanks again.

[mrn4444]

Hey guys, great thread. I bought one last night after carefully reading all the info you great people have put here. My new set looks terrible!!! I have an old DVD player that does not have component out and I have Direct TV hooked to a Tivo DVR box and both look equally bad. (both using S-Video cables) I am very dissapointed right now but hope I can make this thing work correctly. Before I screw anything up I am wondering if somebody can tell me where to start! Thanks so much for you time.....

[kennethpruett]

I found this thread very informative and helped me in my quest for getting a good low-cost HDTV.

Bought the PT5598HDI at Sam's Club on Tuesday for $1100.

Since this was my first HD set, I had to play cable musical chairs.
Since I have a 1st generation TIVO, no high-end connections for it, but I had an S-Video connector for my DVD player (need component so I can see progressive scan).

First look at Tivo output was a little grainy, but I had expected such based on previous comments. I can learn to live with it until the HD units come down in price.
Put in a DVD and was impressed right away.
The kicker was when I hooked up our XBox with component outputs and put in Halo2. Blew us away.

So after a couple of days, decided I wanted to get an indoor antenna.
Got the RadioShack model mentioned in the thread.
Took a while to get a steady signal, but watched some college games today in HD and was really happy.
Bring on the Superbowl!!

Kenneth

[donhov]

Just got this set last Sunday. $1097 + tax. Got it home and found that it had been out once befor, apparently someone had returned it, but once I found out how to reset it it works great. So far only have DVD player, Dish network, and outside antenna set up. if you are wondering how to reset system it's easy.

1. Turn off set.
2. push "mute".
3. enter "1-8-2" in that order.
4. Then push "Power"

Welcome to the main service menu. Think that I should caution you that you may be able to do some major damage within this menu so use this settings menu with care has to be my warning.For me it cured a major problem. I couldn't get the set off of cable setting no matter what I tried until I found this menu. I can not give you much more than that but if you scroll down to the bottom of the list hit enter on the reset item and your set is reset to the way it came from the factory. You have to put in all your setup information all over again, probably including convergance adjustments.


Once I got to that point it is a very good set. Thought the Sony had a slightly better picture it also had a $800 higher price. After doing all the above settings I find that I really like the picture/ Dual tuners/ and many other features this set has for under $1100.

Remember that this set only has a factory warranty of 90 days labor/ 1 year parts so if worried spend the $197 at Sams for the extended warranty they offer.

I messed with setting all the convergience adjutments and it now has a very good picture on the stick antenna and Dish. Unbelievably good on the DVD player.

Hope this item is of some help to anyone with problems.

Don

[KEVINK]

whats up with the reset button on the left side of the tv, is this for a/v only

[ecourt]

I was browsing at a local electronics store today, and ran across a akai 1080... is this the same tv you guys have been talking about in this thread? it is also a 55" ...

Thanks for all your input. If I buy this one, it will be my first HDTV, now I just have to upgrade my dish network receiver.

[KEVINK]

Yes it is a bargain. It is also an unknown quantity. So few people have one and if they do they more than likely are not HD enthusiasts like most people here. Is price an issue? Then try the Sears outlet at Discover Mills or Uecweb.com , at least you will have name brand products to look at.
its agood tv for the money samsung makes this tv. look upsamsung tv model hcn5529w the same tv for 1000.00 more all your paying for is the name

[Semo]

Hey, I would like to thank you guys for your input..very helpfull.

I do have a problem with my akai. I have time warner cable and they came to install the hd reciever and told me the tv was not truly a HDTV. He hooked the reciever up to the componet 2 input, I have dvd hooked up to the componet 1 input. The hd stations come in, but he tells me they are not really hd..he said the tv was really only a high scanning tv.

Should I try using the dvi input rather than the componet input? The tv had HDTV on the right hand corner and the owners manual talks of HD capabilities and even a HD tuner with use of an antenna.

Please Help..sort of disappointed and confused right now. Thanks in advance.

[kevinw]

Hey, I would like to thank you guys for your input..very helpfull.

I do have a problem with my akai. I have time warner cable and they came to install the hd reciever and told me the tv was not truly a HDTV. He hooked the reciever up to the componet 2 input, I have dvd hooked up to the componet 1 input. The hd stations come in, but he tells me they are not really hd..he said the tv was really only a high scanning tv.

Should I try using the dvi input rather than the componet input? The tv had HDTV on the right hand corner and the owners manual talks of HD capabilities and even a HD tuner with use of an antenna.

Please Help..sort of disappointed and confused right now. Thanks in advance. Cable guy is a dufus... IT is a HD tv
http://www.akaiusa.com/pt5598hdi.htm

[Semo]

Cable guy is a dufus... IT is a HD tv
http://www.akaiusa.com/pt5598hdi.htm :rofl2:

I figured someone would say that. Thats about what I thought. I will tinker with it and see what I can do with it.

[Teewinot]

Your cable person is wrong. Make sure he used component video cables. You don't even need the expensive ones. WM has them for about $15.00.
If you have a digital cable box and are paying for HD channels and are using the component video cables and have done a reasonable job of convergence setting either with the automatic setting or the service setting, then it will be quite obvious when you see an HD program vs. a SD signal. I have had this same T.V. for almost a year and it still is the best buy for your money if you can find one.

[acmilano]

I was in Bj's wholesale club and they had an akai 47" pt4799 has anyone seen this model
they have on sale for 930.00

[Semo]

OK guys,
I still can not get HD service throught the componet input on my tv. The inputs do work with dvd player..checked out just to see if both componet inputs were working. When I hook up the HD reciever to the componet inputs..I get nothing..just as if I did not plug anything up.
I tried using the DVI connection also..which I got an error saying my TV doesn't support HDCP..which makes sense..this tv doesnt. Its only the dvi(video without audio). I am assuming thats the difference in DVI and DVI w/hdcp.

Is it possible the HD reciever isn't working? Can't figure it out..seems so simple to hook up.

[Sheabuff]

I do not have the tv or know the specs but could the Component Input you are using only accept upto 480P (the link Kevinw had showed the spec which included Component Inputs for Prog scan dvd player, 480p only?). Have you tried switching the input with the DVD one which you say works.

Which HD reciever do you have?

[Ratman]

Is your DVD player progressive scan?
Did you try swapping the component inputs on the TV (dvd/stb)?
What STB are you using?
Are you sure it's setup to output via component?
Have you tried setting the STB to 480i, then trying 480p?

If both TV inputs work for DVD and progressive scan (at 480p), the STB should work also.

If 480p works for the STB, set to 1080i.

So... it's either a bad setting on the STB or a bad STB.

[Semo]

Which HD reciever do you have?

It is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD. It was provided by my cable co. Time warner cable.

[kevinw]

I do not have the tv or know the specs but could the Component Input you are using only accept upto 480P (the link Kevinw had showed the spec which included Component Inputs for Prog scan dvd player, 480p only?). Have you tried switching the input with the DVD one which you say works.

Which HD reciever do you have?
I am stareing to think this TV may be an oddball , Best I can find on the specs is that the internal tuner outputs a 1080i picture but the components only do 480p????

[Semo]

I am stareing to think this TV may be an oddball , Best I can find on the specs is that the internal tuner outputs a 1080i picture but the components only do 480p????

Oh NO!! Thats horrific..surely they wouldn't do that.. :mecry:

[kevinw]

Supposedly this is the exact same model as Samsung (HCN5529W).
According to the manual for the Samsung http://media-server.amazon.com/media/mole/MANUAL000027292.pdf
All component inputs are active and it is HDCP compliant.

On the Akia site,it says so little and it implies the component are only 480p. It show that it has DVI but may not be HDCP compliant....Does anyone who owns this TV using a STB and are they really watching a HD picture? Not one converted to 480p?

[Semo]

The componet inputs on the back of my tv do show

480i/480p
720p/1080i

Sort of seems like it should accept 1080. What ya think?

[Semo]

Oh yeah,
Thanks a lot guys for giving me some help!! I do appreciate it.

[kevinw]

The componet inputs on the back of my tv do show

480i/480p
720p/1080i

Sort of seems like it should accept 1080. What ya think?
OK plug the STB into the one that says 720p/1080i and the DVD player into the one that says 480i/p

[acidbath]

[QUOTE=kevinw]Supposedly this is the exact same model as Samsung (HCN5529W).
According to the manual for the Samsung http://media-server.amazon.com/media/mole/MANUAL000027292.pdf



i have the akai pt5598hdi,and it is the same manual as far as i can tell.

[Semo]

I got it working..It looks great..sure does make my regular channels look like crap now.

The problem was in the HD cable reciever. I downloaded the manual for it, reset it and did the entire setup, in which I had to tell it lots of details of the tv.

Beautiful picture..I am very pleased.

Thanks again. :overclap:

[daweeze02]

hey guys im gald i found this forum since im thinking about getting a akai tv this one to be exact http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/110691/originURLEncoded/http%253A%252F%252Fwww.circuitcity.com%252Frpsm%252FcatOid%252F-12870%252FN%252F20012866%252B20012867%252B20012870%252B528%252Flink%252Fref%252Frpem%252Fccd%252Fcategorylist.do/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do#tabs

my sams club has only the non widescreen instock and the circuitcity sounds like a good eal what do you think. btw i called circuitcity and the sales guy said they dont sell them in there store here in brandon and they try to steer people away from getting them, but almost everything i have read on a lot of forums sounds good. anyways feedback would be helpful on the model im picking, dvi inputs etc doesnt matter to me.


last if i do get it should i get the 4 yr extra warranty for $289 since im already getting a 52 inch for under $1000

[Splicer]

If this is the set you want, go for it and get the extended warranty. $1239 + tax is good for a 52" with 4 yr warranty IMO. Make sure the warranty starts AFTER the TV warranty expires, otherwise you will be paying for a year extra.

Going by price is fine but ultimately buy what set you like the picture of most. Otherwise you will kick yourself.

[mulebiscuit]

Does anyone know what kind of tuner is in the pt5598hdi (Brand and model). I often here this talked about in forums discussing OTA reception. Has anyone compared the reception abilitys of the integrated hd tuner vs an external? I am useing an outdoor antenna on a 40' tower with a 6' mast CM4228 antenna with rotor and haveing good luck. In my area i am reciveing 13 diffrent stations digital all with hd and several more with SD simocast in digital. Whats everyone else doing for OTA and if you arnt then why did you purchase this set when you could have saved alot of $$$ by buying one without a hd tuner.

[kennethpruett]

Does anyone know what kind of tuner is in the pt5598hdi (Brand and model).

Well...maybe someone will have a more firm answer for you, but I'm gonna take a guess.

I'm buying a tuner off ebay for my dad to use with a non-HD tv.
I was looking at the remote and thought "heh..that looks just like mine for my AKAI".

I know people have said the AKAI is basically a Samsung.
The model may not be the same, but I'm betting it is one of theirs.

Anyway, here is the link:
Samsung T351 (http://search.ebay.com/Samsung-Sir-T351_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsatitleZSamsungQ20Sir-T351QQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC5QQsspagenameZhQ3AhQ3AadvsearchQ3AUSQQfromZR7QQnojsprZyQQpfidZ0QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQfclZ3QQfrppZ50)

Kenneth

[Teewinot]

I bought mine because at the time for $1,197.00 from S Club, I coudn't beat the deal, with or without a built in tuner. Now that I have the tuner, I am glad I do because I use it quite often for several reasons. Sometime I am taping using DVR and want to watch shows other than the ones I am taping and I just flip it over to OTA and watch my choice of about 8 digita OTA signals. Sometimes my cable goes on the fritz for short periods of time and I use the OTA and it really comes in handy for Fox because my cable company can't show Fox but I can pick it up in all it's HD glory through OTA. I use an indoor antennae and get exceptional signals because I live on a high hill with direct line of sight of all the broadcast towers and they are all within about a 25 mile distance.

[mulebiscuit]

I guess I like the built in tuner because I was able to drop my local channels from Dish to save some money and they look sooo much nicer now. Even the SD programs look better than the picture quality i was getting from dish. I also early on priced the cost of HD service from the various sat providers and my local cable company (charter) and didnt like the extra cost for what little you get. Im gona stick with OTA and hopefully when industry decides what HD-DVD format to go with finaly Ill get one of those setups. I watched the superbowl in HD and several nascar races and I realy like it along with several regular network series.

[kennethpruett]

It's been a while since I've posted here regarding my AKAI.
So far, I've been pleased with it.

I was looking to get a new DVD player and wanted to know, is anyone is using a DVD player with DVI to the set?
Does it do upconvert to 1080i?

I've seen a LG DVD unit (model LD-511) but it is HDMI.
I heard of a conversion cable for HDMI<->DVI, but not sure about those conversions.
Then there is the whole copy protection thing...any experiences there?

Thanks,
Kenneth

[roman]

My Akai is now 1 year old and I am very pleased with. Have it hooked up to Directv-HD and the PQ is unbelievable. OTA is by far the best picture. Hoping DTV will be better with the new sats going up and hopfully they will have less compression. Antenna is not reliable at over 60 miles from towers. If they are still available, I payed $1099, I think its the best buy-size-picture I've seen. The DVI cable is the only one hooked to the back of my tv. Everything runs through the Sat so it keeps the wife less confused. Tv upconverts everything to 1080i. Just have to try and see which does a better job of converting the signal TV or DVD, unless it plays HD-DVDs.

[Teewinot]

I have had my Akai 55" now for 1 year and 7 months and it still is doing great. I think it is one of the best pictures of any I see. I have only wiped the screen off a few times and have done no more adjustments since my initial tweaking of the convergence settings and use of the Video Essentials Disc to set up color. Best grand I ever spent on anything.

[blizzard_kb]

Here's another message confirming that the Akai PT5598HDIX projection TV has an internal tuner for HDTV. You can get HDTV by attaching an OTA (Over The Air) antenna directly to the TV.

I called up Akai and found out that AKai and Samsung are the same company; Akai gave me the number for Samsung. After talking with Samsung, they confirmed that the Akai PT5598HDIX projection TV definitely has a built-in internal HDTV tuner. All that was needed to get an HDTV signal was an OTA antenna. You do not have to use a set-top box.

I used a Zenith Digital HDTV (UHF Indoor Antenna) and plugged it into the "Antenna Ant-A" cable connection on the back of the TV. I then positioned the antenna until I started receiving a signal.

I had an initial problem getting access to the Channel/Select Antenna/'Air' menu choice, which was needed to make adjustments to the antenna HDTV channels. This was because I had already set my regular cable channels into memory. This is how I fixed the problem and got HDTV channels:


1. Go to Menu/Channels/'Add & Delete Channels' and delete a channel already in memory.

2. Return to the Channel menu and go to 'Memorize Channel'. Choose the 'Ant A / Ant B' setup you have. I had 'Ant A = Air / Ant B = Cable'.

3. Select your cable system (STD/HRC/IRC). I had HRC (which I found out by calling my cable provider).

4. Select the antennas to memorize. I chose 'Ant A + Ant B' as I had both the antenna and a regular cable connection for the TV. The TV should now automatically find both cable and HDTV channels for your area.

5. Go back to the Channel menu and select 'Select Antenna'. You should now be able to select either 'Air' or 'Cable'. You need to choose 'Air' for the HDTV channels.

6. To get the greatest number of HDTV channels, go to the Channel menu and choose 'Check Signal Strength'. Then move the antenna to get the greatest number of bars, with 1 bar being the worst and 10 bars being the best. (This is theoretical for me; I only got 6 bars at best.)

You can check with www.antennaweb.org to find the HDTV channels in your area.

That should cover all you need to get HDTV channels with your OTA antenna. Enjoy!

[bobscomputers]

pt5598hdix I have looked in the book and the net and can't find out how to make the digital optical audio work. I have connected a new optical cabel installed between my sat reciever and the tv, the red light is shining from the component to the optical source on the tv.
question when you go into the menu on the tv; digital audio is greyed out as if it's not workable. have tried everything I know. anyone figured this 1 out yet? BOB

[roman]

The optical on the tv is for output of the audio. Do not belive the its gonna pass sound to the tv speakers.

[Snake]

I do have to say, I've had this set around 3 years (had to hire a pick-up to get it home as Sams don't deliver), but it's always worked great.

All in all, it was a great buy, even If it died tomorrow, it has been good value for money.

My only bug bear with it, is that the DVI connection does not accept a PC connection :sightv: I've tried to force it using PowerStrip ect; but all I get is a blank screen. The set knows a DVI lead is connected, but that's as far as I get. (It does say in the manual that the DVI is not compatable with PC's). Just wondered if anyone, has figured out a way around that???
I do have it connected via a Video S type dongle to component, so it gets 1080i, but I would have liked to see the result with DVI.

[kennethpruett]

It's been a while since I've posted here regarding my AKAI.
So far, I've been pleased with it.

<snip>


Well, my unit would power on but not show an image.
I turned it off/on about 2 or 3 times and then it popped and the magic smokes that makes things work escaped.
I have not opened it up to look and see what went out, but most likely I'm going to call it a goner. There was alot of smoke.

Almost 3 years exactly.
If anyone else has comments about what failed in their units and they got repaired or replaced themselves, please post or private message me in case it is what happened to mine.

Thanks,
KP

[JerryG2K]

Kenneth, my PT5598HDXT is almost exactly the same age, and the same thing happened to it. Except for the smoke, that is. I don't doubt I could get the smoke if I turned it on and off a few times. The symptoms are the same as yours were: Video suddenly stopped working but the audio still plays. The unit was three last December. I don't know what went wrong but would certainly like to know what happened to yours, if you ever found out.

The Akai was a good deal for the price considering the picture quality, although the ability to control it with the remote was lacking in some respects. But far worse would be an expensive failure after only three years. Hopefully that's not what either of us had.

Actually I'd be very happy to hear from anyone who had the same problem, especially if you know what caused it!

Thanks,

JG2K

[kennethpruett]

I recently tried some diagnosis by plugging it back in.
I found a large capacitor on the power board that was puffing out smoke.
So I replaced it and plugged the tv back in. After about 10 seconds the capacitor popped like a firecracker, so obviously something else is wrong with the system.
My dad knows more about electrical components than me, so I'm going to have him take a look at it when he has some free time.

KP

[JerryG2K]

I opened up the back of mine to have a look, but there is nothing apparent. I work with electronics myself, and could probably figure out the problem if there was documentation available, but so far I haven't been able to locate any technical information at all, much less a schematic. Has anyone else had better luck?

Thanks,
JG2K

[kennethpruett]

Update.

My dad did some probing and we determined that a Zener diode right next to the capacitor was shorted. He said this was probably letting the voltage go too high and that is why the caps were failing.
I've since identified it (1N4733A - 5.1V) and just bought a pack of 2 from Radio Shack. So now I just have to get another capacitor and some more free time and will try again. Cross yer fingers.

Oh, and I did find where you can purchase a service manual online.

SamsungParts (http://www.samsungparts.com/part_detail.asp?catalog%5Fname=Parts+and+Accessories&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=SM%2DPT5598HD)
$28 + shipping.
I can't vouch for them or it as I haven't bought one.....just passing along what I found.

KP

[JerryG2K]

Gerry, the program guide is downloaded from individual channels. As long as they send it you will get it, but I believe it only works with digital channels. It's a great TV and in my experience you can't beat the price--as long as it keeps working!

In two years of owning one, the only functional problem I've had is with the remote control not being able to tune all of the channels. That only happens when you have more than one of a channel. For example, you may have an analog channel 9, then a digital channel that gets labeled channel 9-1, and if there's another it would be channel 9-2, etc. Because the tuner is quite slow, you may find that you want to delete some channels that you don't often watch from those discovered by the automatic setup. No problem because you can always enter the channel number manually through the remote control. That is, unless it's a hyphenated channel. From what I've been able to determine there is no way to manually tune these. If you can't pick one up the day you do the automatic tuning, the only way to get it later is to do a complete retune. And if you then get the broadcast channel you missed last time, chances are that you missed one of the others. Maybe Akai will eventually come out with a firmware update that will fix this.

JG

[JerryG2K]

Kenneth,

It sounds like your Dad really knows what he's doing when it comes to troubleshooting electronic circuits, and the bad zener certainly sounds like it could be the problem. Is there any way you could give me and others an idea of where this part is located on the circuit card? I don't imagine that it's marked with a reference designator, but it would narrow the search even to know which quadrant of the board it's in.

That's not to say that what you've already posted isn't helpful. If the zener turns out to be my problem, too, you will have saved me a lot of money. Either way, I appreciate your efforts very much. Sooner or later there will be others who will, too.

Best regards,
JG

[kennethpruett]

Well not a success, but not another major failure.
I put in the zener diode and replaced the capacitor, but plugging in the unit this time just caused the front led to light up and that is it.
But the cap. held this time.
I want to try a system reset, so I have to find the sequence that does that before I try that.

As far as identifying where my problem was, it was on the power board.
The capacitor is C451 (220uF, 160V) and the diode was ZD420 (Zener Diode 5.1 V, 1 watt).

My dad and I both figure that if this didn't fix it that there may be another part/component somewhere else that caused these components to fail.

I'll try the reset and if that doesn't work, I'll keep trying.
If anyone gets a manual then let us know.

KP

[JerryG2K]

Kenneth,

For what small good it might do, I've been reading some of the technical information posted to the Samsung web site. (I think you know that Samsung is the manufacturer of the PT5598HDIX television.) There was little information specific enough to be helpful, but one article did address our problem, although it was for a different model rear projection television. The owner of the tv said that he lost the picture but the sound still works. The technician replied that what usually causes this is the power supply. I took ity as confirmation that you and your father are probably on the right track.

I looked at the power supply of my own TV, but without removing it there is no visible sign of a problem. The next step for me will probably be to order the repair guide.

Good luck with your search for the cause. Please let us know if you learn anything new! I will do likewise.

JG

[kennethpruett]

Seems the Zener diode shorted again.
I spend some more time checking other components on the power board, but didn't find anything that appeared bad.
I can put the other one in, but until I find why it keeps failing in that area, no need to ruin another one.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Samsung site and technical info.
I'll check it out in more detail.

KP

[JerryG2K]

I was going to order the PT5598HDIX service manual, but when I went to the Samsung web site to place the order it warned that it "may not ship right away", or something to that effect. I sent a message to customer service asking how long they think it might be, but so far there's been no response.

I also spoke with a Samsung customer service representative to see if they would be willing to share any information that might help in troubleshooting the unit, and to see what their reaction would be when I told them that my unit had lost all picture at just over 2 years old. The representative I spoke with stepped me through the reset procedure, which is unplugging the unit for ten minutes, replacing the plug and trying again. That didn't work, so then she had me connect a dvd player to see if that caused the display to turn on. Since it did not she offered to put me in touch with a service person, so that I could pay him to come out and take a look at it. I declined.

The lady I spoke with was nice, but the company wouldn't budge on the warranty. While I was at the website I noticed that Samsung sells copies of various owners manual for ten bucks. When most other companies offer owners manuals for free by downloading a pdf file, Akai/Samsung in comparison appears to be a company unconcerned about loss of repeat business.

JG

[kennethpruett]

Too bad they couldn't tell you more.

I previously found the manual for the set and looked it up again.
You can download it as a PDF from here (and free):
http://tv.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/akai/pt5598hd.html

KP

[JerryG2K]

That's a really good find on the owner's manual, Kenneth, since they sell it for $10-20 from the replacement parts site. I was looking for the service manual, however, and I still haven't heard back from Samsung on how long it might take to get it if I order it. It bugs me a little that the only thing they offer is express shipment when at the same time they tell me there will be a delay. Then they won't say how long of a delay. Since you found someone else with the owners manual, maybe I can find someone else selling the service manual.

FWIW, I checked and found the zener on my unit has no voltage across it. As you know that could me that the zener itself is bad or than the voltage supply powering it is bad. No way that I know to tell without lifting one end of it to test, and I'm not yet ready to pull the card out of the set. Persistence will pay off in the end. I think we'll get to the bottom of the problem sooner or later.

JG

[JerryG2K]

Here's a long overdue update.

I bought the service manual for the Akai PT5598HDIX, which is actually a manual for the Samsung Chassis P58A(N). I can honestly say that in 25 years working with electronics I have never run across a worse set of drawings. They are extremely difficult to read and some areas are indecipherable. Never the less I attempted to persevere, but finally gave up after running into a component that I could not identify.

I again called Samsung to see what it would cost to have someone come look at it for me, hoping to be surprised. Unfortunately, they didn't have anyone within a hundred miles, but offered me the phone number of someone a bit farther than that. Otherwise, they said, I was on my own. This was where I finally got lucky.

The repairman I spoke with was familiar with my problem, and when he guessed I was missing one of the high voltages he further inspired my confidence. He said that no one he knows tries to troubleshoot this kind of thing to the component because the schematics are so bad, and because there are several components that aren't identified. I protested that I wasn't wild about the idea of paying for replacement subassemblies, but he said that it wouldn't be as expensive as I thought. (Turned out he was correct.) He went on to say that the trouble I was having was caused by the power deflection board. Just order one of them and my problem would be solved. I'd have to do an alignment and he cautioned me to use only the auto alignment, not anything else from the manual.

I ordered a BP94-00505U, and installed it a few days later when it arrived. Just as advertised, my TV started working again, and the alignment was horrible. I used the autofocus and it didn't help. But after two or three more days of fooling around with it, I finally got it back where it had been, and it's been working great ever since. The cost of the replacement circuit card was $179.63 including shipping.

Replacing this or any other circuit card in a television is not a job for the unintiated. There are very high voltages in the area and you risk killing yourself if you poke around not knowing what you're doing. But if you do, or know someone else who does and can help, then this is a reasonable alternative to throwing away what is otherwise an well performing set.

Good luck to all.

JG

[JerryG2K]

Here's a follow-on from my previous post on the Akai PT5598HDIX for the benefit of anyone who can use the information. In spite of what the technical staff with Samsung USA told me, I found that it is possible to configure the TV to have it display the output of a PC. (The Samsung people said it couldn't be done.) The manual contains misinformation when explaining features that seem to be related to the task, and doesn't give any direct information on connecting a PC specifically other than to say that the DVI port won't work. I have yet to find a way to use the DVI port, yet even the service manual states that that is all it is. If so it should connect directly to the output of any computer VGA video output with the correct physical adapter.

Be that as it may, I was able to get satisfactory results by connecting the svideo output of a GeForce 7800 graphics card directly to the svideo input of the PT5598. Turn on the computer and television and everything just works. The trick is that you must disconnect the computer monitor before you turn this configuration on. Although it shouldn't be a problem, I couldn't get correct operation from configuring the video card for two display operation. I'm tending to blame the nVidia interface for that, but don't know for sure.

Connecting the svideo out of the card to the svideo in of the television gives you a display that is rather difficult to read if you must control the computer once connected, but the various configurations needed to make the video software I was using (Media Player Classic) work correctly all happened automatically. In other words, I just plugged it in and it worked well and without further intervention on my part.

Cheers,
JG