Hitachi PD5200 vs PD3000

[mfini]

I recently had the rare chance to see a 42PD3000 and a 42PD5200 side by side, connected to the same DVD source via S-video.

I must say that the older model was a lot better in any aspect! The technician tried to fine tune the two, but he eventually had to admit it.

The older one had far more natural colors, while in the 5200 digital artifacts of the 8bit processing (solarization-like) were very evident.

This is a pity, as I did not buy the PD3000 for Christmas as I was waiting for the newer model, that on paper has better performance.

Comments, anyone?

 

[AV Geeza]

Interesting!
Where did you see them side by side?
Why were they connected by s-video as opposed to scart?

 

[mfini]

Not in the UK. I travel a lot, and I saw them in France and Italy, but only in the latter coutry I could see them both in the same store.
There were over 10/12 screens connected through an S-video splitter, not the best I can imagine in terms of quality, but still they should be getting roughly the same input.
By the way, the 5200 is the one with integrated tuner, but I guess this has little impact on S-video.
I actually asked to have it connected through the component input, but it was last saturday asfternoon and the store was packed... the chap told me to come back in the middle of the week of course.

By the way, among the differences, I forgot to mention a very visible dithering on the 5200.

 

[chris]

I like your post very much, as i have continued with my order for a PD3000 from currys and gave up on the PD5000 from RS...

Can you please continue on how much better the 3000 was over the 5000, untill mine gets delivered and then i wont keep thinking (everyday), maybe i should cancel my order and go to RS for the 5000........

 

[mfini]

..well, I do not know myself which one to order!
I wanted some advice, but apparently mot much coming!

 

[Cag]

haven't seen the 5000 but have just got the 3000 a week and a bit ago from JL & am very impressed with Sky+ & DVD PQ.

I was very worried about Sky PQ before I got it but must admit the PQ is, in my opinion, just as good as my 32" Sony CRT

 

[Paul97]

Hi Cag
Had any problems with "Buzzing" fromthe rear of your Plasma, I have had the 42" model now for 6 weeks.

Paul

 

[Gazzad]

I have seen the 5000 running alongside a PMA400 in RS at London Bridge. Could not really tell much difference between the 2, if anything 400 was slightly better, but could just be that the 5000 had only been up for a day so probably not bedded in (if that really does make a difference!) Oh, and the 5000 was connected with high quality component cables although not sure what they were using on the 400.

I've actually cancelled my order for the 3000 to go for the 5000 when I get the cash together (no interest free at RS!).

 

[fuzzybee]

Originally posted by Paul97
Hi Cag
Had any problems with "Buzzing" fromthe rear of your Plasma, I have had the 42" model now for 6 weeks.

Paul

I've had my 42inch Hitachi panel for 4 months now and mine doesn't buzz at all, it's wallmounted so maybe that has a bearing on the buzzing issue. I have to say the PD3000 blows my socks off everytime i switch it on, i've just had sky+ installed and it looks stunning

 

[johndon]

My 42PD3000, which I love, didn't buzz when it first got installed but it does now (I've had it around 6 months now) to the point where I can hear it from the seating position during scenes where it's just dialog with no background noise.

I've got an engineer coming tomorrow so I'm hoping he'll agree that it's making too much noise.

John

 

[peezee]

johndon, any update on this noise issue? Thanks!

 

[johndon]

Hi Pezee,

Got in touch with the dealer who arranged for a service agent to come round. They ordered a new transformer from Hitachi and it was fitted on Thursday. So far so good, the screen still buzzes a little but it's a vast improvement on before.

HTH

John

 

[peezee]

Looks like this new xformer did the trick - thanks for the quick update John!

 

[hon750321]

Hi Cag
Had any problems with "Buzzing" fromthe rear of your Plasma, I have had the 42" model now for 6 weeks.

Paul

i have bought a pd5200 4 weeks ago was buzzing badly got an exchange and its just as bad. got hitachi involved and they are changing the power supply. I dont think you should hear the buss 8 feet away should you

 

[Pacha]

i've just had sky+ installed and it looks stunning

Fuzzybee

I have a 42PD300 which i am very pleased with. However i've noticed a lot of people say how impressed they are with the quality of Sky+, are you saying that the PQ from a Sky+ box is far superior to a normal Sky box?

cheers
Pacha

 

[Cag]

Just a long belated update. My 42PD3000 is buzzing alot now..especially when colours on screen are light. It's starting to get on my nerves.
I also get the screen 'flashing' then looking ok again which seems strange.

Do u guys think I should get on to JL about it

Cheers
Cag

 

[MPBayless]

I think you should get onto JL and Hitachi immediately. Too many people are having problems with Hitachi screens buzzing and its about time Hitachi sorted it out once and for all.

I'm nearing small claims court on mine since Hitachi say that the buzzing is within specification, even though they have fitted two new transformers. Latest is that Hitachi have told me after numerous complaining letters that the supplier will contact me to enable a suitable solution to be found ... watch this space

 

[Portstanley]

I have seen the 5000 running alongside a PMA400 in RS at London Bridge. Could not really tell much difference between the 2, if anything 400 was slightly better, but could just be that the 5000 had only been up for a day so probably not bedded in (if that really does make a difference!) Oh, and the 5000 was connected with high quality component cables although not sure what they were using on the 400.

I've actually cancelled my order for the 3000 to go for the 5000 when I get the cash together (no interest free at RS!).

So what is RS?

I wanna get the PD5200 and looking for best price. Intrest free sounds good.

thanks

 

[Cag]

RS = Richer Sounds

Regards
Cag

 

[BBXepha]

My 5200 should be coming today

I work near RS at London Bridge so went in there first but managed to get a substantial saving they couldn't match at http://www.hiwayhifi.com/

I'll report back how I get on....

any tips any current owners can give me on set up as I am pretty new to Plasmophillia... or would that be a new Plasmaphile?

 

[Portstanley]

RS = Richer Sounds

Regards
Cag

Many thanks.

I am near the Richer Sounds in Watford, its £2500 for the PD5200, and a further 100 odd for the stand what is included everywere else.

Rip off.

 

[Cag]

Portstanley
If I were you I'd try John Lewis as you get 5 year warranty and they will pricematch any offers you can find (as long as they have a shop!!)

I've had a few problems when I got mine & Customer Service was good on the whole.

Cheers
Cag

 

[Portstanley]

thanks Cag, but i just looked £3,000!!!!!

I know the extra 5 years warrenty but still.

You can get this for £2280 on the web, delivery about £45.

I don't know weather to leave it 4 months and see if they come down to £2000.

 

[Portstanley]

ahhh price match. sorry i shall check them out.

 

[BBXepha]

I went for the the 32" 32PD5200 which I found at £1699 inc Vat and £35 delivery which was the best price I found. Service has been good so far, phoned me on despatch and the courier just called to say he is close and will be here soon!