New 50" Hitachi 1080 Line Plasmas

[betty boop]

noticed this on home cinema choice news. looks like an affordable 50" 1080 line plasma on way from hitachi. good to see horizontal res beign taken out to 1280 lines.

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/shownews.php?id=9173

Hitachi delivers new highly affordable 50in plasma TV with 1080-line resolution

Rolling into stores as we write is a new 50in plasma TV from Hitachi.

The P50T01U is a highly specified affair claiming an HD-friendly native resolution of 1280x1080 (made widescreen by using pixels elongated horizontally) and the latest, full HD-capable version of Hitachi's acclaimed Picture Master image processing system. All for around £1500.

For those of you who haven't come across Picture Master before, it claims to produce truer colours, better textures and 'glossier surfaces' to create a more realistic viewing experience.

Hitachi has gone back to the drawing board with the P50T01U's design as well, going for a sleeker, curvier frame with tapered bezels and ultra-slim, bottom-mounted speakers.

Other features of note include 1080p/50/60 playback, two HDMIs, three Scarts, and a motorised swivel stand.

[sanitarium]

hrrm, i wonder how different this is to the current 50PD960DTA?

looks like all they've done is paint it black!!

[Struggo]

hrrm, i wonder how different this is to the current 50PD960DTA?

looks like all they've done is paint it black!!

Looks the goods to me.

I may have to put that on my shopping list. I just haven't told the BOSS yet

http://www.currys.co.uk/images/841888_01_huge.jpg

[complectus]

I think you'll find that there is little or no crossover between the European & Australian Hitachi plasma ranges. I doubt that model will ever be sold here.

http://www.hitachidigitalmedia.com/DMG/plasma.jsp

[sanitarium]

yeah it does look pretty good, i like the fact that they haven't jumped on the "piano black" bandwagon!!

its funny tho that Hitachi and Panasonic have both opted for the all black finish on their new models.....those marketing people obviously have too much time on their hands....

wonder when we can expect these in AUS, don;t suppose anyone knows if Hitachi are planning on releasing a 1080p plasma any time soon?

[complectus]

don;t suppose anyone knows if Hitachi are planning on releasing a 1080p plasma any time soon?

From memory, full HD 1920x1080 Hitachi plasmas were demonstrated at CES this year, but no schedule for their release was made available.

[sanitarium]

From memory, full HD 1920x1080 Hitachi plasmas were demonstrated at CES this year, but no schedule for their release was made available.

haha i didn't think that it would take you too long to show up in this thread complectus!!

what is the latest on your quest for 50" glory, have you made up your mind on what to purchase yet?

unlike me i'm still sitting on the fence

[complectus]

haha i didn't think that it would take you too long to show up in this thread complectus!!

what is the latest on your quest for 50" glory, have you made up your mind on what to purchase yet?

unlike me i'm still sitting on the fence

I think I'm going to buy the Panasonic 600A... Hitachi's image processing on the the 50PD960DTA gets less convincing the more I look at it... it "vibrates" & I think I'd find that tiring after a while. The panasonic looks nearly out-of-focus in comparison, but it's rock solid. It will still be an agonising decision & to be honest, if I go for the Panasonic, part of the reason will be pure spite - LOL - "punishing" Hitachi Australia for giving us a compromised product that would not be accepted in other markets.

Another reason why I'm still undecided is the imminent arrival of the new Samsung TVs - I'm even considering spending a bit more than I had planned & getting the Full HD M8-series 46" LCD... waiting impatiently for the rest of the review of the 40" here http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Samsung-LE40M86BD/ to appear.

Not to mention the 70/ 700 series Panasonics...

[betty boop]

hehe not sure on the image processing, see the new one comes wiht image picture master system for processing not sure if that is as now or jsut somthign new. either way pretty happy with my now previous gen 8800. the pana is probably a good choice too but please dont spite your face and cut of your nose by getting a sammy if the pqw of their lcds is anythign to go by.

I like it hitachi si keeping the 1080 line thing going. mine certainly does a great job with good quality hi-def which we get ocassinal glimses of on hdtv but there is also hi-def disc formats. hd-dvd output at 1080i looks sensational. would be very nice on the 50" I think with its 1080i res and added horizontal res.

[complectus]

hehe not sure on the image processing, see the new one comes wiht image picture master system for processing not sure if that is as now or jsut somthign new. either way pretty happy with my now previous gen 8800. the pana is probably a good choice too but please dont spite your face and cut of your nose by getting a sammy if the pqw of their lcds is anythign to go by.

I like it hitachi si keeping the 1080 line thing going. mine certainly does a great job with good quality hi-def which we get ocassinal glimses of on hdtv but there is also hi-def disc formats. hd-dvd output at 1080i looks sensational. would be very nice on the 50" I think with its 1080i res and added horizontal res.

50PD960DTA has Picture Master II. The European model you started this thread about has a different version - Picture Master Full HD. I don't know how these two editions differ, but I do know that I'm not at all impressed by Picture Master II on the 50PD960DTA, for the reasons I've previously mentioned briefly here & in more detail in another thread about the 960DTA. If you compare the downloadable manuals for the 960DTA & the 8900TA, the newer TV is missing a lot of picture adjustment settings from its menu. I agree completely about the benefits of Hitachi's 1080 line ALiS panels, even more so in its 50" 1280x1080 edition, which adds "no horizontal scaling for 720p" to the 42"ers "no vertical scaling for 1080i". It's a brilliant compromise, in my opinion. As you own an 8800TA, I'd be very interested to hear your opinion of the picture of the 50PD960DTA, as it's my theory that your older model TV actually includes a better image processor than the current models. Even with apparently inferior image processing, the extra detail afforded by the higher resolution is almost enough to convince me that it's worth my money.

[sanitarium]

50PD960DTA has Picture Master II. The European model you started this thread about has a different version - Picture Master Full HD. I don't know how these two editions differ, but I do know that I'm not at all impressed by Picture Master II on the 50PD960DTA, for the reasons I've previously mentioned briefly here & in more detail in another thread about the 960DTA. If you compare the downloadable manuals for the 960DTA & the 8900TA, the newer TV is missing a lot of picture adjustment settings from its menu. I agree completely about the benefits of Hitachi's 1080 line ALiS panels, even more so in its 50" 1280x1080 edition, which adds "no horizontal scaling for 720p" to the 42"ers "no vertical scaling for 1080i". It's a brilliant compromise, in my opinion. As you own an 8800TA, I'd be very interested to hear your opinion of the picture of the 50PD960DTA, as it's my theory that your older model TV actually includes a better image processor than the current models. Even with apparently inferior image processing, the extra detail afforded by the higher resolution is almost enough to convince me that it's worth my money.

i'll register my interest with that as well, i would love to hear your thoughts on how they compare, especially in relation to SD pictures. considering hitachi are offering $500 cash back on the 8800 they effectively become the same price so the extra 5" coupled with as good a piture seems like a bargain in the making!

furthermore, what is the 8800 like in a fairly bright environment? do you notice any difference due to the low contrast ratio?

[betty boop]

interesting guys re the image processing on models following the 8800/8900 being inferior. not some thing I was aware of. lets hope wiht subsequent models and with the later image processing this is restored.

I'll keep an eye out for the current model 50" guys for you hopefully htere is a 8900 I can compare with to pass comment, or some familiar material eg the 7 loop that looking at can make some judgement call.

on the 50" "no horizontal scaling for 720p" to the 42"ers "no vertical scaling for 1080i". you mentionen complectus are really big bonuses. 8800 is certainly very nice of 1080i hopefully hitachi gets the best of image processing to the newer models to really make them shine.

[big_marcelo]

I saw one today - physical form looks great .... and although the tech specs are fantastic, Iwasn't too impressed with the picture ... which is a shame..... it was being shown on 1080i HD TV, direct HDMI connection to the box ....

[metal beat]

50PD960DTA has Picture Master II. The European model you started this thread about has a different version - Picture Master Full HD. I don't know how these two editions differ, but I do know that I'm not at all impressed by Picture Master II on the 50PD960DTA, for the reasons I've previously mentioned briefly here & in more detail in another thread about the 960DTA. If you compare the downloadable manuals for the 960DTA & the 8900TA, the newer TV is missing a lot of picture adjustment settings from its menu. I agree completely about the benefits of Hitachi's 1080 line ALiS panels, even more so in its 50" 1280x1080 edition, which adds "no horizontal scaling for 720p" to the 42"ers "no vertical scaling for 1080i". It's a brilliant compromise, in my opinion. As you own an 8800TA, I'd be very interested to hear your opinion of the picture of the 50PD960DTA, as it's my theory that your older model TV actually includes a better image processor than the current models. Even with apparently inferior image processing, the extra detail afforded by the higher resolution is almost enough to convince me that it's worth my money.

The tech from Hitachi said the picture master II is an updated version of the picture master used in the last series, 42PD8900, 55PD8800 etc to suit the HD tuner. I agree that the 50 inch is a little jagged but the colours and contrasts are superior to any plasma out there. Would be nice to have it all. perhaps the 2nd gen 50 inch will better.

I have had a look at both the old manuals and the new ones. There are a couple of adjustments that are no longer available in the new one and a couple that seem to be different - otherwise pretty similar.

The 42PD960 I think is very good and clearly in my eyes better than the pany and pio. I am sure my Sony HD PVR would probably have better PQ than the internal HD tuner thou. It is better than the HD tuner in the Sony X series LCD.

[complectus]

The tech from Hitachi said the picture master II is an updated version of the picture master used in the last series, 42PD8900, 55PD8800 etc to suit the HD tuner. I agree that the 50 inch is a little jagged but the colours and contrasts are superior to any plasma out there. Would be nice to have it all. perhaps the 2nd gen 50 inch will better.

I have had a look at both the old manuals and the new ones. There are a couple of adjustments that are no longer available in the new one and a couple that seem to be different - otherwise pretty similar.

The 42PD960 I think is very good and clearly in my eyes better than the pany and pio. I am sure my Sony HD PVR would probably have better PQ than the internal HD tuner thou. It is better than the HD tuner in the Sony X series LCD.

Where are the 68.6 billion colours from the 8800's? - I've seen false contouring on the 50PD960DTA on areas of blue sky that wouldn't be apparent with better colour depth. Hitachi Australia make no claims for the number of reproducible colours for this model so it can only be assumed that they are unspectacular and worse than the previous generation. American Hitachi plasmas claim colour depth somewhere in the trillions...

With respect to the missing & changed features from the settings menu, why is it that the missing ones are the most advanced ones? - Why is it no longer possible to individually adjust CMY as well as RGB? Why can you no longer choose to sharpen luma & chroma separately? Mpeg noise reduction has replaced individual Y & C noise reduction...

The Hitachi tech's claim that Picture Master II is an update to the previous version may well be true, so long as by updated he didn't mean improved.

My problem with the Hitachi 50PD960DTA's picture has nothing to do with jaggedness. I think it's wonderfully sharp & the extra fine detail of its picture is stunning when compared to competing 768p plasmas & LCDs. What I find unconvincing is the way the picture flickers, usually when the scene changes. Often the flickering will disappear after a second or two, which makes me suspect the processor can't quite decide what to do with the picture. My other major problem with this TV is the false contouring I mentioned earlier. Again, the more I look at this TV, the more these things bother me.

I think Hitachi made a brilliant panel but chose to skimp on the electronics for Australia, & I just don't understand why they would choose to do that, especially since the same panel is available overseas with all the bells & whistles. This is really my biggest problem with this TV.

[betty boop]

Where are the 68.6 billion colours from the 8800's? - I've seen false contouring on the 50PD960DTA on areas of blue sky that wouldn't be apparent with better colour depth. Hitachi Australia make no claims for the number of reproducible colours for this model so it can only be assumed that they are unspectacular and worse than the previous generation. American Hitachi plasmas claim colour depth somewhere in the trillions...

With respect to the missing & changed features from the settings menu, why is it that the missing ones are the most advanced ones? - Why is it no longer possible to individually adjust CMY as well as RGB? Why can you no longer choose to sharpen luma & chroma separately? Mpeg noise reduction has replaced individual Y & C noise reduction...

The Hitachi tech's claim that Picture Master II is an update to the previous version may well be true, so long as by updated he didn't mean improved.

My problem with the Hitachi 50PD960DTA's picture has nothing to do with jaggedness. I think it's wonderfully sharp & the extra fine detail of its picture is stunning when compared to competing 768p plasmas & LCDs. What I find unconvincing is the way the picture flickers, usually when the scene changes. Often the flickering will disappear after a second or two, which makes me suspect the processor can't quite decide what to do with the picture. My other major problem with this TV is the false contouring I mentioned earlier. Again, the more I look at this TV, the more these things bother me.

I think Hitachi made a brilliant panel but chose to skimp on the electronics for Australia, & I just don't understand why they would choose to do that, especially since the same panel is available overseas with all the bells & whistles. This is really my biggest problem with this TV.

interesting points complectus. I actally saw the recent 42" didnt take much notice re the pq but the overall looks in my opinion looked a bit shabby compared to the previous 8800/8900. hopefully again these restyled updated hopefully improved hitachis get things back where they should be. no need for another cheap nastie plasma plenty of those out there already.

just a point complectus re 'false contouring on the 50PD960DTA on areas of blue sky that wouldn't be apparent with better colour depth" it is extremely rare we see any false contouring on the 8800, but most recently this week actually ch7 for their hi-def loop went to 1920x1080i broadcast up from 1440x1080i which is what they were doing last week. And you shoudl see the false contouring noticeable in blue sky that creates - apart from other artifacts as well. all due to the lack of bitrate to suport that broadcast res I have no doubt. I have the loop recorded on 1440x1080i from last week so very easy to compare vs whats broadcast now. point I'm making broadcast quality has a part to play as well these screens are very revelaing of poor quality broadcasts. but yeah if they have dropped the spec of the current range hopefully they get that back to where shoudl be or better. no point going backwards !

[metal beat]

Where are the 68.6 billion colours from the 8800's? - I've seen false contouring on the 50PD960DTA on areas of blue sky that wouldn't be apparent with better colour depth. Hitachi Australia make no claims for the number of reproducible colours for this model so it can only be assumed that they are unspectacular and worse than the previous generation. American Hitachi plasmas claim colour depth somewhere in the trillions...

With respect to the missing & changed features from the settings menu, why is it that the missing ones are the most advanced ones? - Why is it no longer possible to individually adjust CMY as well as RGB? Why can you no longer choose to sharpen luma & chroma separately? Mpeg noise reduction has replaced individual Y & C noise reduction...

The Hitachi tech's claim that Picture Master II is an update to the previous version may well be true, so long as by updated he didn't mean improved.

My problem with the Hitachi 50PD960DTA's picture has nothing to do with jaggedness. I think it's wonderfully sharp & the extra fine detail of its picture is stunning when compared to competing 768p plasmas & LCDs. What I find unconvincing is the way the picture flickers, usually when the scene changes. Often the flickering will disappear after a second or two, which makes me suspect the processor can't quite decide what to do with the picture. My other major problem with this TV is the false contouring I mentioned earlier. Again, the more I look at this TV, the more these things bother me.

I think Hitachi made a brilliant panel but chose to skimp on the electronics for Australia, & I just don't understand why they would choose to do that, especially since the same panel is available overseas with all the bells & whistles. This is really my biggest problem with this TV.

Complectus

I agree with you. I think Hitachi Australia has skimped on the quality of the image processing to dumb down and cheapen their plasma's and LCD's to compete on price with the other makers outside of Pioneer/Fijitsu.

I picked up a demo stk 42PD8900TA TODAY from the local Domayne store. Got a very very nice price, don't need a HD tuner as I have a Sony HD PVR and I have the remote swivel which is great. All in black as well as I preferred it to the silver edges on the 42PD969DTA which is out now. I am a very happy camper as these are as scarce as hens teeth.

Interesting on the back it states the model is for Australia and Hong Kong. Hong Kong now has the different model called the 42PD9800 which has the better image master processor??. I wonder if the new models state for Australia only?

The same is happening with their LCD's, 2 out of the 3 Aussie models are made in Thailand/China and they are not as good as my 32LD8800 in my bedroom which is made in Japan and great from the last model range.

Interestly foxtel looks a whole lot better thru component than s-video!! The main thing my excellent Philip's 36inch CRT TV does better than the plasma is whites. Other than that the plasma is great.

Hopefully when Hitachi release theri next models, they carefully consider where in the market they want to compete. ie complete mass with LG, Samsung, Philip's, pany, or higher up with the higher pany's and pio's. If they advertise they could do both.

[Hussla]

I've been examining one of these Hitachi's at work, had the Ps3 running 1080p into it.

Beautiful sharp picture let down by the noticeable flickering/vibrating that could be seen.

Most noticeable on the Ps3 x-media bar, however running only 1080i into the tv and its worse.

Also when running widescreen BD I noticed that the bottom of the image would flicker to, quite distracting.

It's a shame its a great tv, with great specs let down by the flickering.

[Hussla]

Goodgear buide had a pretty accurate review

http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/...3;pid;3297;pt;1

whilst the gadget guy had a .. less accurate review lol

http://www.gadgetguy.com.au/reviews/151249...achi-50pd960dta

[Owen]

What’s less accurate about the second review?

[Hussla]

What’s less accurate about the second review?

2nd review overlooks the tv's major weakness and that's the flickering and it's VERY VERY noticeable..

[Owen]

What where you viewing? If it was any of the TV stations that are 576p no wonder it flickered.

[STiScott]

Hi there guys and girls. Haven't posted in almost 2 1/2 yrs .

Anyway the current Plasma i have is an old LG RT-42PX10 OLD C-Net Review i have been happy with this screen and at the time of buying, there wasn't the real choice we have now. Over the last week i have been up to the local HN, Clive Peeters etc.. and have noticed this panel 50PD960DT, the 55PD8800TA (i know is now old but one store have a demo model left and there is no burn in at all) and from others have said and the odd review has been given a pretty good rap. Also took look of the Fujitsu P55XHA51AS, which it's smaller and larger brothers have gotten pretty good reviews. Lastly had a glance at the Pioneer PDP507XDA, which seems to have gotten good reviews also.

My main uses will be watching shows D/L, foxtel, HD-DVD through XBOX 360 and PS3 Gaming/Blu-ray. Considering the panel i have now i believe any of the above/below will be a HUGE improvement in all ways. I have all top notch audio gear to go with it, though I'm most likely going to buy a Yamaha RXV-1700B as my RXV-2090 is getting a bit dated and i will need the HDMI inputs and the extra Optical/Coaxial inputs that it has. Was also thinking about getting a new DVD player, but i read that with the new firmware update for the PS3 that it now does a decent job of upscaling normal DVD's (buying the PS3 with every else).

Unfortunately i cant remember the prices that were listed exactly on each panel, except for the 50" Hitachi which was decently below $4000. So if anyone wants to say anything of any of the four fire away. I have been reading the forums alot over the last week and i think i would be pretty damn happy with any of the panels and probably come down to price a bit (not a real concern, but saving $1000 does help )

Hitachi 50PD960DT

Hitachi 55PD8800TA

Fujitsu P55XHA51AS

Pioneer PDP507XDA

Cheers

sskmercer

[Joecool]

mate, if you are considering a Pio 507, I would definately look into a 50MXE20. It's the commercial panel, so would need a STB but it still comes with delivery, installation and an ISF calibration for around the same money. It would leave all the other panels you listed for dead.

[STiScott]

I had a really good look at them today, as i bought the Yamaha RXV-1700B, PS3 and associated cables (Monster Cables, always been a fan) and the Pioneer screen was under the same conditions as all the other panels i mentioned ie. Well lit fluro area, what looked to be a HD Loop of Channel 9 of some sort and the Pio' was defiantely a better looking picture and feel to it. Mind you you it is around $1000 more than the 50", same as Hitachi 55" and less than Fuji 55" even then i would rather "LOOSE" the extra 5" and goto the Pioneer screen.

I have had a quick read up on the 50MXE20, is the actual panel the same or a bit better. I was of the understanding that the Tuner/Electronics within the Pio' were quite good.

Thanks for teh reply also.

Cheers