Hitachi HDTV?

[Kryptonite]

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-P55T551-HD1080-Plasma-HDTV/dp/B000VSYCBY

I'm looking at the Hitachi P55T551 HDTV. I realize this model is NOT Full 1080P, but is it close? How close? It does have one front-side "1080p compatible input", whatever that is.

Anything about Hitachi in general that I should be aware of, either good or bad?

I do like this "timed switching" idea. The way I understand it, if i'm watching a dark scene in a dark room, i'll actually be able to see things, unlike what I see now, which is mostly just a black screen.

I also like the anti-reflective technology. If there's a light shining towards the TV, it won't turn the TV into a mirror, right?

[Dante]

Is there a reason why you need a plasma? Could you possibly get an LCD or rear projection tv? If so you can easily get a true 1080p tv for less at the same size.

[StiltonFC]

We have a 1080i Samsung DLP and I cannot tell the difference between it and 1080p TVs I've seen, except where the feed isn't HD. Then the DLP isn't as good as a CRT, but I don't know whether that's true also for plasma and LCD. Notice that the Hitachi you are looking at weighs 138#. That makes wall placement an issue, unless you put it on a stand that can handle that much weight.

[GringoTex]

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-P55T551-HD1080-Plasma-HDTV/dp/B000VSYCBY

I'm looking at the Hitachi P55T551 HDTV. I realize this model is NOT Full 1080P, but is it close? How close? It does have one front-side "1080p compatible input", whatever that is.

Anything about Hitachi in general that I should be aware of, either good or bad?

I do like this "timed switching" idea. The way I understand it, if i'm watching a dark scene in a dark room, i'll actually be able to see things, unlike what I see now, which is mostly just a black screen.

I also like the anti-reflective technology. If there's a light shining towards the TV, it won't turn the TV into a mirror, right?

Right now the only 1080P format that exists is HD-DVD and Blue Ray. This is where you can tell the difference. At some point in the future, tv stations will broadcast in 1080P, but that could be years down the road. However, you can find true 1080P for similar prices, so I'm not sure why you wouldn't go with that.

[Dante]

Right now the only 1080P format that exists is HD-DVD and Blue Ray.

True, and gaming. With the prices of HD DVD players now, unfortunately Blu-ray is still a bit too expensive, it's also wise to look into picking up a HD player because not only do the HD movies look great but the players upconvert nicely as well.

[striker]

At what resolution is over the air or cable HD tv being broadcasted? 720p (?) or 1080p/i?

[Dante]

Depends on the network. Some are 720p while others are 1080i.

There are currently no tv shows broadcast in 1080p.

[Kryptonite]

If i'm not mistaken, Fox Sports (NFL, MLB, etc.) is 720p. CBS Sports is (1080??).

BTW, this TV is officially off the list. The Samsung "blue light" model is still the #1. I've seen ESPN2 (SD) on it and it, along with FSC, could possibly fool someone for being HD, it's so good.


What does anyone know about Pioneer? That's what my current TV is. I've had it for about 10 years. In 2001, it went in for service for something. The guy was called out to repair it another time. Other than that, no major problems. Anything major I should know about Pioneer?

[nancyb]

Why would my cable station's (Cox) website state that they only work with 1080i TVs? We bought a 1080p and it works fine. I guess that's a good thing since I found that statement on their website after I bought the TV.

[Kryptonite]

Why would my cable station's (Cox) website state that they only work with 1080i TVs? We bought a 1080p and it works fine. I guess that's a good thing since I found that statement on their website after I bought the TV.

I would guess that because a 1080p is one step above a 1080i, that it would automatically work.

Sort of like if you have a PlayStation2 and a few games, then you go out and buy the PS3 how you can stick the PS2 games in the PS3. It won't be PS3 quality, but it'll work.

Just like how that video signal that you're watching through Cox is 1080i, it'll work with a 1080p. It won't be 1080p quality (as the only 1080p stuff now is HD-DVD and Blu-Ray), but the 1080i stuff will work.