Help with Hitachi Ultravision 50vg825

[Sylin]

I inherited this TV after a friend passed away. His family said the lamp had gone out recently, and it needed a new one.

So I picked up one on eBay from a vendor I've bought from before (my TV is a 50" SXRD). Then I gave the lamp and the TV to my father, as his TV was on the fritz (and I'm happy with my SXRD).

Dad called and told me that the lamp enclosure that came from the eBay vendor did not match the original enclosure, but he swapped the bulb between enclosures (using gloves--my dad is very technically proficient).

Upon turning on the TV, he observed the screen has a very noticeable yellow tint, emanating from the center of the screen, on all inputs. I brought over my PS3 and HDMI cable, and even after adjusting the video settings using DVE HD, I can't get a proper white on the screen and the color is definitely off.

I'd hate to toss out an otherwise good TV, especially after spending $150 on a lamp. Any thoughts as to what might be wrong, how to go about fixing it, and how much it should cost me?

Thanks!

[Badboyztn]

Not sure about this problem, but I had 1 of these tvs and the mercury tube went out after less than 2 years. Big purple spot in the middle of the tv. $1100 fix... I tossed it and paid $1000 for a 50" Vizio Plasma, 2.5 years ago and have never been happier!!!!!!!

[DavePS3]

I'm assuming this is a rear projection but it sounds like the optics in the light engine. Usually it's on one board that often houses the lamp assembly and it's easy to swap out as long as you align it like the original. If the owner was a heavy smoker, it could be just an accumulation of nicotine on the lens. Since the lens is convex shaped, the middle would be amplified. It's a slight possibility.

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

I'm assuming this is a rear projection but it sounds like the optics in the light engine. Usually it's on one board that often houses the lamp assembly and it's easy to swap out as long as you align it like the original. If the owner was a heavy smoker, it could be just an accumulation of nicotine on the lens. Since the lens is convex shaped, the middle would be amplified. It's a slight possibility.

Thanks, fellas, for the prompt replies. I think it puts me on the right track.

It is a rear-pro LCoS. I've read about these TV's having optical block issues, but the price range for repairs seems to be inconsistent. I certainly hope it isn't $1100! Forgive my ignorance, but is the optical block the same as the light engine? Or are they two different things?

Owner was not a smoker, so I don't see that as a complication, but thanks for the tip.

[Zen_Amako]

I'm not familiar with this set, but I have the Ultravision 50v500 and I had to replace the light engine in that TV after the first two years. The design of the original light engine didn't allow for adequate ventilation, so the LCD panels eventually got burned. I had a large red blob in the center of the screen once this had happened. Since replacing the light engine with one of the slightly redesigned ones, I haven't had a problem (knock on wood!), but Hitachi RP TVs are notorious for having issues. It's probably why they got out of the HDTV business.

Edit: The light engine is the same thing as the optical engine. It's basically the TV (minus the screen and outer shell) and it does cost quite a bit. Fortunately, when mine went bad, the TV was still covered by the service plan I'd purchased.

[LordoftheRings]

Sylin,

Here's your simple problem: You did not purchase the right bulb from that eBay vendor, and your Dad by taking it out from the wrong casing and putting it back in his own original plastic casing simply put the WRONG BULB.

* Solution: Buy another BULB, but make sure it is the right one this time.

The Bulb serial # you need for this particular set is:

* Lamp type: LP700
* Part #: UX21516

~~~ You don't need to buy another casing, just the Bulb is fine, and you'll save money too.

>>> This is a FACT, I've been through this myself with this exact same model TV #. It is VERY IMPORTANT to get the RIGHT BULB. They all look alike but they don't have the same exact design and propriety for the right rear-projector TV set. What your Dad experienced is exactly what I did experience too.

Get a new bulb (the right one this time). ...And your Dad's TV will look brand new!

+++ You can tell if you have the right bulb by comparing it with the original one. Look very carefully at the front edges of the bulb itself (looking straight from the front face & also side ways), they should be Exactly 100% Identical. That bulb should be around $100 or so (without the original casing).
You get that right bulb, and your Dad's TV picture will regain its original quality & all, he'll notice right away, guaranty.

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Sylin,

Here's your simple problem: You did not purchase the right bulb from that eBay vendor

The Bulb serial # you need for this particular set is:

* Lamp type: LP700
* Part #: UX21516

You get that right bulb, and your Dad's TV picture will regain its original quality & all, he'll notice right away, guaranty.

LotR - thanks for the info. Do you have a particular vendor in mind that sells these lamps? After dropping over $100 on the first one, I am not eager to roll the dice on an untrusted source.

Also, while I do appreciate the info, I'm not sure about the solution here. The lamps in these TV's just provide white light, which shines on the optical block. I'm not sure how even the incorrect lamp would produce a yellow tint to the screen. I'm not saying you aren't correct--just that all the research I've done points to the light engine, not the lamp.

Still, for $100 it might be worth it. I spoke with 2 different local Hitachi service centers, and was told the light engine is around $430 to replace, plus labor. That's waaaaaay more than I want to spend--I'll junk it and cut my losses before I do that. Or, ya know, I might just try a different lamp. It's just a tough decision spending another $100 on this and not knowing the outcome. Do lamp vendors offer refunds?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Sylin

LotR - thanks for the info. Do you have a particular vendor in mind that sells these lamps? After dropping over $100 on the first one, I am not eager to roll the dice on an untrusted source.

Also, while I do appreciate the info, I'm not sure about the solution here. The lamps in these TV's just provide white light, which shines on the optical block. I'm not sure how even the incorrect lamp would produce a yellow tint to the screen. I'm not saying you aren't correct--just that all the research I've done points to the light engine, not the lamp.

Still, for $100 it might be worth it. I spoke with 2 different local Hitachi service centers, and was told the light engine is around $430 to replace, plus labor. That's waaaaaay more than I want to spend--I'll junk it and cut my losses before I do that. Or, ya know, I might just try a different lamp. It's just a tough decision spending another $100 on this and not knowing the outcome. Do lamp vendors offer refunds?

Alright, you might be right, I just share my experience on this in hope that it might get you in the right direction.
As for the lamp itself, I'm in Victoria area in Canada, and just the lamp without the casing is $200 for me (with the casing over $400 ). This world we live in is very sick!
So, I can't really help you there, but ask around, someone knows for sure a trustable place with a decent price. The USA is so big!

If you are convinced it's the light engine, just give up man, it ain't worth it, you can buy a brand new 1080p plasma 50" for $599 or so (perhaps $699 ).
Anyway you know the score...

If only you can find a place that will let you try a new lamp just for testing you know, that'll be the best for now; Googgle around, and see close to where you live or good friendly neighbors with a similar TV.

Good luck (when mine's gone she's real gone!), and say Hi to Dad.

P.S. Now, are they any people familiar with that TV? The Hitachi 50VG825, a rear projection LCD with a native resolution of 720p (1280x720 lines).
Which resolution should I send to it from my Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player?
That would be cool to know from an expert or two.
Thanks.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

If you are convinced it's the light engine, just give up man, it ain't worth it, you can buy a brand new 1080p plasma 50" for $599 or so (perhaps $699 ).
Anyway you know the score....

I agree that it's not worth the cost to fix, but you're not gonna find a 50" 1080p plasma for $700

'maybe' black Friday, but I doubt it.

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I agree that it's not worth the cost to fix, but you're not gonna find a 50" 1080p plasma for $700

'maybe' black Friday, but I doubt it.

Yeah, I've seen a couple dip down into the $9xx range, but never the 7's. Maybe soon, though, once more of this year's CES-intro'd models start hitting retail.

One of the repair guys I talked to said that if I /cry to the right person @ Hitachi, I might get them to comp you the optical block part. Then all I'd have to do is pony up for labor (approx. $120). But I honestly don't feel like going through the effort for a TV that isn't that spectacular.

Full disclosure on Craigslist, here I come. Maybe someone won't care, and I can sell the TV and the stand and recoup my costs on the lamp? We'll see.

Thanks for the info, fellas.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I agree that it's not worth the cost to fix, but you're not gonna find a 50" 1080p plasma for $700

'maybe' black Friday, but I doubt it.

Some 1080p plasma 50" sets from last year models can certainly be found for around $799 if not less, with careful shopping. I would believe.

Originally Posted by Sylin

Yeah, I've seen a couple dip down into the $9xx range, but never the 7's. Maybe soon, though, once more of this year's CES-intro'd models start hitting retail.

One of the repair guys I talked to said that if I /cry to the right person @ Hitachi, I might get them to comp you the optical block part. Then all I'd have to do is pony up for labor (approx. $120). But I honestly don't feel like going through the effort for a TV that isn't that spectacular.

Full disclosure on Craigslist, here I come. Maybe someone won't care, and I can sell the TV and the stand and recoup my costs on the lamp? We'll see.

Thanks for the info, fellas.

"For a TV that isn't spectacular"! ...Wow man, that's not very encouraging, I tought it was a great TV.

* If it cost you only $120 labor, I'd say go for it.
And I agree, Hitachi knows the score on those, they should accomodate you for free, give it a try, it's worth it. ...That's what I honestly think; if your Dad can get few years out of it, that's great.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Now, are they any people familiar with that TV? The Hitachi 50VG825, a rear projection LCD with a native resolution of 720p (1280x720 lines).
Which resolution should I send to it from my Panasonic DMP-BD55 Blu-ray player?
That would be cool to know from an expert or two.
Thanks.

^ Can anyone help?