HITACHI: Share Your Custom Display Settings

[crackinhedz]

This thread is intended for members to share their custom picture settings for all Hitachi model TV's.

To help make life easier for others...please try to include (but not limited to):

TV Model Number?
Weather it's an ISF Calibrated setting or Disc calibrated setting?
What Input Connection this setting is used for? (ex. HDMI, Component, Composite etc)
What device is connected? (dvd player, bluray player, cable tv ..etc)
What kind of room lighting you have? (dark, dim, bright etc)
Any key features that are turned on or that should be turned off?


Additional Info: *Calibrate Your HDTV*

*Please do not criticize settings being shared...it is a courtesy to those who cannot afford an ISF calibration or do not own a calibration dvd.

*Please also keep in mind that using someone else's settings may look good but it does not necessarily mean it will be ideal for your viewing pleasure and may require some tweaking.

*It is also NOT recommended for anyone to go into the Service Menu to make any adjustments.

[Blove23]

Hitachi Director's Series 55hdx99
ISF Calibrated
HDMI connected with A Denon 2309 also connected is a Xbox 360, PS3, and a Panasonic BD-55k
Room setting: Dark
The only key feature to this Hitachi model is the power swivel tabletop stand that should be turned on when friends are over. It simply is the greatest pimp factor for this television.

Settings:
Picture mode: Normal
Picture temp.: Normal
Contrast: 98
Brightness: 56
Color: 30
Hue:-2
Sharpness: 0

[Blu3]

Model: Hitachi Ultravision 42HDS69

Equipment: PS3, connected to HDTV via HDMI

Room Lighting: Dim to dark.

Calibration: I started with the in-disc calibration available on most blu rays. From there I have tweaked it using Batman Begins and Dark Knight for blacks, Casino Royal for whites, colors and tint, Irobot and Die Hard 4 for sharpness and detail, as well as confirmation of Batman and Casino Royal adjustments, followed by Ratatouille for overall observations and final tweaking.

Please keep in mind that the settings you see here are optimized for BD only, through a PS3 with HDMI at a 1080i resolution, in a dark environment. I have different settings for regular broadcasting inputs, with different cable connections at various other resolutions. Your Hitachi will likely be a little off as well to begin with (compared to mine), as each has slight differences in the base settings (service menu settings) and performance from factory. Good luck with your calibration

BD VIDEO CALIBRATION WITH HDMI

PS3 SETTINGS

Video Settings
BD/DVD Cinema Conversion: Automatic
BD/DVD Video Output Format: Automatic (uses Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr)
BD 1080p 24Hz Output (HDMI): Automatic (I assume it turns to ON when movie is 24fps)

Display Settings
Video Output Settings: Current Output Resolution 1080i
Cross Color Reduction Filter: On
RGB Full Range (HDMI): On (Note: it's evident the PS3 uses Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr with the Hitachi, which is better)
Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super-White (HDMI): On (Note: no visible difference here, but I left it On)

HITACHI SETTINGS

Video
Picture Mode: Day (Dynamic)......NOTE: the mode will make a difference!
Contrast: 53
Brightness: 48
Color: 30
Tint: 5 clicks towards Green
Sharpness: 30
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: Off
Contrast Mode: Normal
Noise Reduction: Off
Auto Movie Mode: On

Setup
Set The Screen Saver - Image Power: Max
MMC Software Version (firmware): V0115.0001

Note: I don't think I have the latest firmware upgrade. Unfortunately, I didn't register the tv when I first got it. I called Hitachi customer service and the rep tells me there are no upgrades that show up when he checks my Model. However, on an Amazon review, someone that wrote a review in 07 (I bought the tv in 06), listed version V0119.1001 as the latest. If you have a firmware upgrade beyond mine, please post here or IM me. I am interested in possibly using your card to upgrade my tv (if it's ok with you), and I am interested in what exactly does the firmware upgrade do/improve/fix/etc.


SAFETY (reduced risk of burn-in)

PS3 SETTINGS
Display Settings
Screen Saver: After 5 min

HITACHI SETTINGS
Video
Black Side Panel: Off
Setup
Set The Screen Saver - Main Picture Moving: Option 1
Automatic Power Saving: Yes

[EvilE981]

Originally Posted by Blu3

Model: Hitachi Ultravision 42HDS69

Equipment: PS3, connected to HDTV via HDMI

Room Lighting: Dim to dark.

Calibration: I started with the in-disc calibration available on most blu rays. From there I have tweaked it using Batman Begins and Dark Knight for blacks, Casino Royal for whites, colors and tint, Irobot and Die Hard 4 for sharpness and detail, as well as confirmation of Batman and Casino Royal adjustments, followed by Ratatouille for overall observations and final tweaking.

Please keep in mind that my settings are optimized for BD only, through a PS3 with HDMI, in a dark environment. I have different settings for regular broadcasting inputs. Your Hitachi will likely be a little off as well to begin with, as each has slight differences in the base settings (service menu settings). Good luck with your calibration


PS3 SETTINGS

Video Settings
BD/DVD Cinema Conversion: Automatic
BD/DVD Video Output Format: Automatic (uses Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr)
BD 1080p 24Hz Output (HDMI): Automatic (I assume it turns to ON when movie is 24fps)


HITACHI SETTINGS

Video
Picture Mode: Day (Dynamic)......NOTE: the mode will make a difference!
Contrast: 33
Brightness: 61
Color: 40
Tint: 5 clicks towards Green
Sharpness: 40
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: Low
Contrast Mode: Dynamic
Noise Reduction: Off
Auto Movie Mode: On

Setup
Set The Screen Saver - Image Power: Max

I'm going to have to try your day dynamic settings!

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by EvilE981

I'm going to have to try your day dynamic settings!

Keep an eye out on this page. After running these settings for about a month and letting my eyes get used to it, I began noticing some white crushing. Even with contrast set at 33, the overall contrast level appears a bit high with dynamic contrast. You can try and lower the contrast level some more, into the 20s and what not, but I've kind of given up on trying to get dynamic contrast to work well. It's a bummer too, because some details appeared better on screen, but I'm learning that this "better" may be what my eyes *think* is better, and not necessarily a true representation of an accurate image.

I have an ISF calibrator coming in next month and I will post my settings once it's calibrated and I'll also mention any tweaks in the service menus, should he do any. You won't be able to get to the service menus, and you don't want to, unless you really know what you're doing, not to mention that each set will have minute differences from factory, but at least it will give you an idea of what differences you need to adjust your settings to from my calibrated settings, in order to replicate the image as best possible without your own calibration.

Check out my calibrator's site :

http://lionav.com/info.php

Scroll down on the main page (link above is main page) to where they show different images to illustrate different settings, correct and incorrect. The first image is the correct reproduction image. Now look at the 3rd image, the one that shows contrast set too high. This is what I get with dynamic contrast. It's tough to pick up at first, because as you can see, the baby's shirt can be considered to look better, as you see more detail in the threads and better contrast between dark and bright shades, as in the stains on his collar. I tried to offset this by lowering the contrast level to 33 on my tv, and even though it got better, especially with help from the black enhancement setting (set to low), I still got the high contrast effect pictured here, overall speaking. Keep an eye on my settings post above. The calibrator will be here mid-late February

I have returned my tv to regular contrast mode by the way, while I wait for the calibration.

[EvilE981]

Thanks I'll check it out. I have 3 settings. 1 for bluray movies 1 for tv and 1 for Anime

For Anime I use Day Dynamic

Video
Picture Mode: Day (Dynamic)
Contrast: 100
Brightness: 40
Color: 70
Tint: center
Sharpness: 0
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: Low
Contrast Mode: Dynamic
Noise Reduction: Low
Auto Movie Mode: On

For Blurays I used the DVE BluRay to set the following settings

Video
Picture Mode: Night
Contrast: 48
Brightness: 56
Color: 24
Tint: center
Sharpness: 0
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: off
Contrast Mode: Normal
Noise Reduction: Low
Auto Movie Mode: On

For basic cable Tv I rearly use I have Day Normal set to

Video
Picture Mode: Day Normal
Contrast: 72
Brightness: 50
Color: 54
Tint: center
Sharpness: 0
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: off
Contrast Mode: Normal
Noise Reduction: Low
Auto Movie Mode: On

(this 1 hasn't been perfected)

All have the Setup
Set The Screen Saver - Image Power: Max

I also got the "firmwire update" HAMP1219.F02 (Ver.0121-1002).
But since then when I shut the power off it loose my settings so I have to leave it in standby mode. Its not a problem becasue I mostly watch dvds, and blus, so I just shut the player off adn it puts the tv in stand by mode.

I was curious before finding this forum I messed with my service menu settings.. oops!

I only messed with the colors in the menu/menu/8/select mode. Can someone please post their color settings for WHITE BALANCE medium and standard RBG's please? I appreciat it greatly!

[EvilE981]

I have also been to other forums including c net and avs forum.

almost everyone has 3 things in common
1.) they use night mode almost all the time
2.) they set the dynamic/normal option to normal.
3.) Most also use the High color set vs warm

During select Blurays I saw some "flickering" like white specks shifting about in dark scenes. I found leaving the contrast lower helps. (The manual also recommends keeping the contrast low to prolong the life of the TV)
I also noticed cutting down on sharpness drastically improves the image as well. I have only seen this flickering issue on 2 blu rays 300, and shutter.

This is cut and paste right off the cnet's page with what they found to be the best image settings.

Settings


Picture Mode: Night
Color Temperature: Standard
Contrast: 50
Brightness: 58
Color: 32
Tint: 4 clicks left of center
Sharpness: 0
Black Enhance: Off
Auto Movie Mode: On


But Ill be checking in.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by EvilE981

Thanks I'll check it out. I have 3 settings. 1 for bluray movies 1 for tv and 1 for Anime

I did that when I first got the tv. But lately I began adjusting for best PQ in general, so that I wouldn't have to keep switching between modes. And now I just threw in the towel and scheduled a calibration, so that I know whatever I'm watching not only is it the best my tv can do, but it's actually accurate and not some oversaturated oversharpened eye candy.

Originally Posted by EvilE981

For Anime I use Day Dynamic

Video
Picture Mode: Day (Dynamic)
Contrast: 100
Brightness: 40
Color: 70
Tint: center
Sharpness: 0
Color Temp: High
Black Enhancement: Low
Contrast Mode: Dynamic
Noise Reduction: Low
Auto Movie Mode: On

Holy sh*t man. How are you not burning up your screen? That is way too much contrast, especially in dynamic mode. Did you turn down the service menu settings or something?

Originally Posted by EvilE981

I also got the "firmwire update" HAMP1219.F02 (Ver.0121-1002).
But since then when I shut the power off it loose my settings so I have to leave it in standby mode. Its not a problem becasue I mostly watch dvds, and blus, so I just shut the player off adn it puts the tv in stand by mode.

Really? The tv shouldn't lose the settings when it shuts off. Mine didn't even lose the settings last time I moved, and I shut the main power switch on the bottom off, which I thought would lose the settings for sure, but it didn't

What exactly does that firmware update do? Did Hitachi say? Have you noticed anything?

Originally Posted by EvilE981

I only messed with the colors in the menu/menu/8/select mode. Can someone please post their color settings for WHITE BALANCE medium and standard RBG's please? I appreciat it greatly!

WHITE BALANCE MEDIUM
R - ff
G - ed
B - eg

WHITE BALANCE STD
R - ff
G - d5
B - ge

Note - yours may have been tweaked differently from factory.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by EvilE981

almost everyone has 3 things in common
1.) they use night mode almost all the time
2.) they set the dynamic/normal option to normal.
3.) Most also use the High color set vs warm

I agree. Also try this - optimize settings in night mode, then copy those settings to day dynamic mode - it might look better in day dynamic mode, even during night time watching.

Originally Posted by EvilE981

During select Blurays I saw some "flickering" like white specks shifting about in dark scenes. I found leaving the contrast lower helps. (The manual also recommends keeping the contrast low to prolong the life of the TV)
I also noticed cutting down on sharpness drastically improves the image as well. I have only seen this flickering issue on 2 blu rays 300, and shutter.

I get that too, usually on very dark scenes, and rarely. Out of my collection, the most noticeable spot is on Wall-E, the part where he puts himself to sleep and rocks himself in his shelf, just that one scene. However, mine only does this in dynamic contrast mode, in normal contrast it doesn't do it.

[EvilE981]

I was reading our TV has they they dubbed a "flicker" problem. Check it out on the avs form. IDK if I have it or not because others have reported seeing it quite often where I only see it now and again.

My Dynamic settings were tweaked LOWER from right out of the box. For some reason when my set resets contrast bumps up to 100. I tweaked everything lower tried to work everything from most powerful in dynamic mode to less powerful in night mode.

IDK I guess I thought dynamic was good for fake over done colors good for animated entertainment. Where night was more of a "real" tone setting.

But I am new at all this stuff. I switched my dynamic to check out your settings.

[Blu3]

Originally Posted by EvilE981

I was reading our TV has they they dubbed a "flicker" problem. Check it out on the avs form. IDK if I have it or not because others have reported seeing it quite often where I only see it now and again.

Mine doesn't do it that bad either. Only on a scene here and there.

Originally Posted by EvilE981

My Dynamic settings were tweaked LOWER from right out of the box. For some reason when my set resets contrast bumps up to 100. I tweaked everything lower tried to work everything from most powerful in dynamic mode to less powerful in night mode.

Cool. Just make sure it isn't too bright. Too much contrast can shorten screen life. The reset default is most likely a setting for the store display environment. You should always turn it down a bit.

Originally Posted by EvilE981

IDK I guess I thought dynamic was good for fake over done colors good for animated entertainment. Where night was more of a "real" tone setting.

But I am new at all this stuff. I switched my dynamic to check out your settings.

How did it look? If your contrast was lower from factory, it might have looked better than mine.

[Obeshi]

hi anyone here can help me set my hdtv for ps3 not for watching blu ray movies..

but for playing games...

my hdtv is hitachi 32LD7800TA

thanks in advance

[Blu-Boy in BKK]

I have a Hitachi PJ-TX200 3LCD Front Projector. I don't suppose anyone has the correct settings for the unit? I had to do a reset and lost the settings I had previously. TIA.