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Jan 8, 2013 Milt     This TV is bulletproof. Replaced a couple of bulbs over the years but that's the...

Apr 9, 2011 Dan M     I purchased this new at the Circuit City (obviously no longer there), although I...

Jun 7, 2010 HackBenjamin      I purchased this TV as a floor model at Circuit City in late 2005. It is a ...

Mar 24, 2010 mrpiano     Bought this set about 4 years ago from Circuit City (it's now March, 2010). Rec...

Feb 3, 2010 Van     I purchased this in June 2006, it is now Feb 2010. I dont even use this tv very...

Aug 26, 2009 dana     bought in febuary of 06 then in march of o7 the bulb went out. called hitachi th...

Aug 22, 2008 DENNIS     I bought this new from circuit city march 2006. The picture has never really bee...

Aug 7, 2008 Chris Leon     This TV is one of my best investments. I've owned my set for a little over 2 yea...

Feb 19, 2008 Steve     I bought my 55 VF 820 Hitachi at a going out of business sale.It was a demonstra...

May 19, 2007 Nick     So far so good. I bought this TV 5 months ago and for the price, I couldn't at ...

Apr 17, 2007 BL117     Have owned it for a year now. Not a single complaint since the firmware upgrade...

Mar 8, 2006 Dan      I have owned this TV for 4 months now and have to encounter a problem (knock o...

Feb 5, 2006 Boostfed     Purchased the 50VF820 and took it back for the 55VF820 since the price differenc...

My Experience: I have owned this TV for 4 months now and have to encounter a problem (knock on wood). I looked forvever and settled on the newer Sony Grand Wega- until I got in the store and compared the two side by side. The sizes were the same.The pictures were extremely close. While I thought the Wega had a slight (and I do mean slight) edge in picture, I considered the fact that I wouldn't be looking at two TVs at home, just the one I purchased and I'd heard the settings were often off on these TVs in the store. The Hitachi beat the Sony in features, most notably the two hdmi ports (compared to 1). Regular cable is what you'd expect and I have not yet mortgaged my soul to get HD service from Charter, but I did purchase the Oppo dvd player with the DVI output (with cable included to go directly into HD slot for direct digital link). I love that. Watching movies is such an experience. I have some superbit titles that you can see every pore in people's faces, etc. It's simply brilliant. It works well with the lights on in the room (I don't have much natural light as it's in the basement). Xbox looks incredible, especially EA games. If the game is poorly done though, you'll know it.
All in all, I couldn't be happier. Do what they say- buy the biggest you can afford or you'll want it later, but buy the best for your money and at a $200-300 savings over the Grand Wega, I got exactly what I wanted. My friends marvel at it and ask when the next "movie night" is going to be.

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Problems: None so far. I wish it turned on faster, but that's because I am a product of an impatient society.