Great Deal on RPTV (Hitachi 53SBX01B) (1 Viewer)

[Jack Fanning]

Since I'm new to the forum, I thought I'd try to add something since I've learned so much over the last coupla weeks of lurking. The Hitachi 53SBX01B RPTV is listed for $1,799.99 at this site.
http://www.xtremeshopper.com/xtreme..../View/53SBX01B
After reading so many great reviews for this set, I'm pretty excited about this deal. Plus the fact that Sears carries this product ($2,199) and will match internet deals and they are having a 2 day no-interest-for-a-year deal coming up this Sun and Mon 2/18-19.
I think I'll take 'em up on this deal, hope it helps someone else too!
Jack

 

[Bill_M]

I don't want to rain on your parade but putting that money toward an HD capable set might be a better idea. You'll get a line doubled NTSC picture- which makes a great difference- and won't have to buy a new set when you are ready for HD.

 

[KyleS]

Jack that is a great Analog RPTV, probably one of the best. Just a slight step down in picture quality as you really have to look to see the scan lines, but I must agree that you might want to look at an HD capable TV. I believe you can get the HD version for right around $2500. I know my parents just bought this set but they live WAY out in the country and it will be ages before they get HDTV or pay the money for a progressive DVD or HDTV sattelite. Best of luck though on your decision,
KyleS
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[Steven Simon]

Moved to HDTV area....
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Steven R. Simon
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Theater Pics Updated 2-10-2001
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[Jack Fanning]

Kyle,
You guys are absolutely correct on the better quality of the HD sets of course, but you mentioned $2,500, and the Hitachi can be had for $1,799. Alas...$700 difference is a great deal of money in my limited budget. And $2500 appears to be entry level for these HDTV's.
Forgive my ignorance as I'm new to this RPTV game, but am I correct in assuming that when HD broadcasts do come online widely, I would have to purchase a receiver and other gear to decode it for the HDTV capable set? Doesn't this cost upwards of $500 or so?
I just don't get the argument for it, except maybe where Bill mentioned the line-doubled NTSC, is that basically where the extra $700 would come into play? I can safely say if money were no object, I would certainly pony up the extra $700-$1,000, but since it's not, I guess I will have to settle for the analog set, are there others that are having this dilemma?
Jack

 

[Dave IW]

I recently got the Hitachi 43FDX01B (the HD model) and the picture is really excellent. The brightness and wide viewing angle of the Hitachi sets - really great. And unless you are stuck on the bigger size this set was $1700 on sale at HH Greg. This would fit your budget (as it did mine) and I really think you should not sink nearly $2K into something that will not have a 7 year future. Analog TV's don't!
As a side note, I have had a problem getting a Pioneer Elite Progressive DVD player to work. I eventually took it back and took a regular DVD player.

 

[ScottL]

Dave,
Just as a FYI..the problems with the progressive scan inputs into the Hitachi's has been recognized bt Hitachi. A service tech will need to be called over to install two small capacitors onto the video board. The sets would blank out from 2-5 seconds when going from a dark scene to a very bright scene. More info can be found at http://www.hometheaterspot.com under the hitachi section.
I have my tech coming over today to fix the issue.
Later,
Scott

 

[Jeff_N]

Just remember, Sears will match internet pricing, but Best Buy will also BEAT local pricing. That means, you just match at Sears, and take the price to Best Buy. I had them price out the Sony 53HS10. Sears matched at $2350, and Best Buy countered with $2175.
And from what I have read, this TV is vastly superior to the Hitachi set. (Even according to my friend at Circuit City.) BTW: He said that the price Besy Buy quoted was less than their cost.
Again, this is with a Sony. I don't think that Best Buy carries Hitachi.