I thought the glowing red screen in my Hitachi 50V500A was an isolated problem and since I didn't buy the extended warranty, thought I'd write it off as a bad experience. But now, after reading so many with similar problems, I've realized this is not an isolated problem. Hitachi has a responsibility to its consumers to deal with this. I never would have guessed that my 18 year old Sony tube TV would out last my 2 1/4 year LCD that I paid 5 times more for. Any new results with Hitachi on this one?
Contact Hitachi and tell them you know that this is a problem. They will try to tell you they are not aware of the problem but keep asking to talk to someone else. I have heard many many folks who got thier Hitachi TV fixed by doing this. The problem is a bad light engine. It happens to almost all of this model type of set. Most likely they will finally give in and send a free light engine to your local Hitachi repair depot and you will have to pay only for the lablr charge. Most of the TV's that i know where fixed this way had a repair bill of around 200 bucks or so. Good Luck, and keep us informed about this repair.
As of this morning, I have the same issue with my 50v500.
This is not the first issue that I have had with Hitachi and this set. This is actually my 3rd (yes -t-h-i-r-d 50v500) in just under 3 years.
I actually had my first two covered by an extended warrenty that was "thrown in" by the sales rep @ REX at the time of purchase.
In each of the first two sets, I had what they determined to be defective ballists(?). I was told that it was a regulation unit for the power to the light engine and lamp.
Anyhow, I awoke this morning and powered up the set and to my suprise, everything was pink.
I am going to contact Hitachi and pester the heck out of them until they own up and replace the light engine.
Also, I wanted to ask, what 50" or larger LCDs would everyone recommend?
Price is not an issue however I must fit the unit into a space no larger than 56.5" wide and 37" high.
I am going to replace this the 50v500. It is in my gym and I am going to move it to my son's playroom once it is repaired.
Thanks for the insights and best of luck to anyone who has a 50v500 hunk of junk!!!
If you really what an LCD go for the Sony I think. If you want a plasma go for the pioneer.
Thanks for the feedback, I'll keep you posted.
As a result of the "red bloom" problem on my $2500 Hitachi 50V500 and Hitachi's refusal to correct the problem I will never but another Hitachi product or allow any of my family and friends to buy from them either.
Hitachi does NOT stand behind their products when a serious design deficiency develops. SAtay away from Hitachi products!