Help Needed With Hitachi 55hds52 Plasma Tv Hdmi Problem...

jpleasant1 · 12-04-2007, 05:36 AM

I'm having a problem with my Hitachi 55HDS52 Plasma TV and would greatly appreciate some help.

In brief, the problem is: The TV does not appear to recognize any HDMI inputs.

I have been working with Hitachi Customer Service and with some local service people, but there appears to be a lack of expertise when it comes to the specifics. So I'm looking especially for someone who has this model and who has a working HDMI input. The problem I'm having has been isolated to the TV, but it has not been determined whether it is a hardware or a software problem. I'm hoping to be able to make that determination in order to avoid any unnecessary transport of the TV for service; even if I don't have to pay for the service, I'd like to avoid the loss of use and avoid the risks of damage due to handling.

Here are the details of my setup, followed by a few specific questions.

A. The TV is an Hitachi 55HDS52 purchased about 18 months ago. It was an open box item. Until a few weeks ago, I never used its HDMI inputs.
B. The HDMI sources I tried are both new: a Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-EZ47V and a Toshiba DVD Recorder D-VR600KU. The HDMI cables used are two different models by NEXXTECH. I played a commercially recorded movie DVD on each player. I can view the movie on my TV via
composite video output, component video output, or s-video output, but not via HDMI output.
C. After finding that none of the combinations of DVD player and HDMI cable worked with either of the TV's 2 HDMI inputs, I brought both players and one of the cables back to the store and tested them on one of their (non-Hitachi) TVs. Everything worked fine without changing any DVD player settings. Returning home with the equipment and trying again produced the same failure as before. I tried all sequences of powering off and back on and unplugging the players and the TV, with no change in result. Both ends of the HDMI cables were plugged and unplugged from the TV
several times.
D. After connecting either player to either HDMI input 1 or HDMI input 2, the Hitachi "INFO" screen always displays: Input: 1 or Input: 2 (as it would with a composite video or NO video input); the "INFO" screen never gives any "HDMI" input indication.
E. I installed Hitachi's latest software upgrade V0105.0001, and there was no change in result.

My specific questions are:

1.When an HDMI source is operating correctly with this TV, what does the "INFO" screen display for that input ?
(e.g., does it show: "HDMI: 1", or something similar.) Exactly what does the display show?

2. Under what conditions does the "INFO" display show its "HDMI..." indication ?
For example, I have found that the "INFO" shows "S-IN:1" when an S-Video cable is plugged into input 1,even when the cable is NOT
CONNECTED TO ANYTHING AT THE OTHER END; similarly it shows "YPBPR: 4" when component video cables are plugged into input 4,
even when those cables are NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING AT THE OTHER END.
Thus does the "HDMI" indication show on the display: (a) when an HDMI cable is merely plugged into an HDMI jack (even if the other end is
not connected to anything, or (b) does the other end of the cable also have to be plugged in, even though the input device is turned off,
or (c) does the other end of the cable have to be plugged into a device that is turned on and operating?
PLEASE NOTE: Anyone with this model TV and a working HDMI input can easily determine the answers to these 2 questions.

3. What is the service menu code that can be used to look at the internal states of the TV ?

4. Finally, does anyone have other suggestions to help me resolve this problem ?

Thanks in advance for your help.

BobY · 12-04-2007, 09:50 AM

First, when using HDMI, make sure you have no other video cables connected to the display for that input (input 1 or 2)--no S-Video, no Composite Video and no Component Video. The display senses which jacks are connected and configures itself accordingly. If you have multiple cables connected, the display may not default to HDMI.

If this turns out to be the problem, shame on the Hitachi and local service people.

If that doesn't fix it, unfortunately, since you've never seen the HDMI input on the display work at all, there is no way of knowing if it is defective or if something is just improperly configured.

The first thing to try is changing the order in which you switch the units on. There is a copy protection digital handshake which must occur for the player to send the signal to the display.

Usually the display would have to be on first so that it doesn't miss the handshake request from the player. So try turning on the display, wait several seconds, then turn on the player. And if that doesn't work, try reversing the order, as some units continually try to establish the handshake and others only try for a brief time.

jpleasant1 · 12-04-2007, 10:28 AM

Thanks BobY for your reply.

Yes, I had already tried removing all connections to the TV except for the single HDMI from the DVD player --> No help.

Yes I tried power-up in both sequences (TV first, DVD player first) --> No help.

And thanks for your explanation which helps me understand why, when I tried these players at the store, the Panasonic player worked regardless of sequence, but the Toshiba player & TV would get confused if the sequence wasn't right, requiring things to be powered off to get things working if the sequence wasn't right,

Still looking for answers to questions 2 (does mere cable connection trigger HDMI indicator?) and 3 (what is service code?).

Thanks.

BobY · 12-04-2007, 10:35 AM

There's nothing in the manual about autosensing the HDMI port, so I would manually select it to make sure. They do make a point of telling you to only use one input connection at a time.

jpleasant1 · 12-04-2007, 11:02 AM

Thanks again BobY.

Yes, when I connect to HDMI-1 (or HDMI-2) I manually select Input 1(or Input 2) via the remote, but it fails as I described.

Do you have this or a similar Hitatchi plasma?

... still looking for HDMI problem help.

Thanks.

BobY · 12-04-2007, 11:08 AM

No, sorry, just giving you the standard tips.

Did you try kicking it?

jpleasant1 · 12-04-2007, 11:14 AM

No. I still like it a lot. Just want to get the HDMI working without transporting to shop.

Any idea about where/how to get code for service menu?

BobY · 12-04-2007, 11:59 AM

There was something in the manual about a disgnostics page, but I'm afraid I deleted the PDF...

jpleasant1 · 12-04-2007, 02:44 PM

The only reference in the owner manual to "diagnostics" is regarding the use of a CableCARD. ... So I'm still stuck.

ladyofluck · 12-04-2007, 02:50 PM

if screen is comeplete blank, then it might be the setting of the source.

try hooking the DVD player via other cables such as component or something.

if the screen shows....

then go to menu, switch to HDMI for video.(from DVD player)
...........

jpleasant1 · 12-05-2007, 12:55 AM

Thanks, ladyofluck, but I've already verified that I can view a DVD via all of the player's outputs EXCEPT for HDMI. Again, because of my tests when I brought this player and cable back to the store, I know I've set it up correctly for HDMI output.

What I'm trying to determine is whether I have a hardware or a software problem on the Hitachi plasma TV.

If you, or anyone, can direct me as to how to access the Hitachi service menu, I would greatly appreciate it.

BobY · 12-05-2007, 11:07 AM

I'm being a little dense here, but I need a clarification.

When you say:

"Yes, when I connect to HDMI-1 (or HDMI-2) I manually select Input 1(or Input 2) via the remote, but it fails as I described."

Do you mean that you are not only selecting Input 1 (or Input 2), but also selecting HDMI as the signal source for Input 1 (or Input 2). Selecting Input 1 (or Input 2) from the remote tells the display what input jack section to use, but does not automatically select HDMI as the source for Input 1 (or Input 2), I think that has to be done in the menu system.

Chiz · 12-05-2007, 03:26 PM

I don't have that specific set, but I do have a Hitachi 50" plasma (P50H401) with 3 HDMI inputs. When one of the HDMI inputs is selected on the tv, the "info" part of the screen says HDMI-1, HDMI-2, etc., regardless of whether there is a component connected or not. I don't know if that helps in the slightest but I have found that manufacturers don't make too many minor changes between their products.

This may be a stupid recommendation and I have no doubt that you tried it already (I'm a little confused like Boby on this), but when you are attempting to select the HDMI input are you simply pressing an input button on the remote so that it cycles through the inputs everytime you press it? Or are you pressing input and then manually selecting the HDMI input from a list shown on the screen? I have noticed that if you are just pressing a single input button to cycle through the inputs, there is a tendency to skip over certain inputs if it is set-up incorrectly. Like I said, I'm sure that doesn't help much but good luck!

12-04-2007, 05:36 AM	#1
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Help Needed With Hitachi 55hds52 Plasma Tv Hdmi Problem... I'm having a problem with my Hitachi 55HDS52 Plasma TV and would greatly appreciate some help. In brief, the problem is: The TV does not appear to recognize any HDMI inputs. I have been working with Hitachi Customer Service and with some local service people, but there appears to be a lack of expertise when it comes to the specifics. So I'm looking especially for someone who has this model and who has a working HDMI input. The problem I'm having has been isolated to the TV, but it has not been determined whether it is a hardware or a software problem. I'm hoping to be able to make that determination in order to avoid any unnecessary transport of the TV for service; even if I don't have to pay for the service, I'd like to avoid the loss of use and avoid the risks of damage due to handling. Here are the details of my setup, followed by a few specific questions. A. The TV is an Hitachi 55HDS52 purchased about 18 months ago. It was an open box item. Until a few weeks ago, I never used its HDMI inputs. B. The HDMI sources I tried are both new: a Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-EZ47V and a Toshiba DVD Recorder D-VR600KU. The HDMI cables used are two different models by NEXXTECH. I played a commercially recorded movie DVD on each player. I can view the movie on my TV via composite video output, component video output, or s-video output, but not via HDMI output. C. After finding that none of the combinations of DVD player and HDMI cable worked with either of the TV's 2 HDMI inputs, I brought both players and one of the cables back to the store and tested them on one of their (non-Hitachi) TVs. Everything worked fine without changing any DVD player settings. Returning home with the equipment and trying again produced the same failure as before. I tried all sequences of powering off and back on and unplugging the players and the TV, with no change in result. Both ends of the HDMI cables were plugged and unplugged from the TV several times. D. After connecting either player to either HDMI input 1 or HDMI input 2, the Hitachi "INFO" screen always displays: Input: 1 or Input: 2 (as it would with a composite video or NO video input); the "INFO" screen never gives any "HDMI" input indication. E. I installed Hitachi's latest software upgrade V0105.0001, and there was no change in result. My specific questions are: 1.When an HDMI source is operating correctly with this TV, what does the "INFO" screen display for that input ? (e.g., does it show: "HDMI: 1", or something similar.) Exactly what does the display show? 2. Under what conditions does the "INFO" display show its "HDMI..." indication ? For example, I have found that the "INFO" shows "S-IN:1" when an S-Video cable is plugged into input 1,even when the cable is NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING AT THE OTHER END; similarly it shows "YPBPR: 4" when component video cables are plugged into input 4, even when those cables are NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING AT THE OTHER END. Thus does the "HDMI" indication show on the display: (a) when an HDMI cable is merely plugged into an HDMI jack (even if the other end is not connected to anything, or (b) does the other end of the cable also have to be plugged in, even though the input device is turned off, or (c) does the other end of the cable have to be plugged into a device that is turned on and operating? PLEASE NOTE: Anyone with this model TV and a working HDMI input can easily determine the answers to these 2 questions. 3. What is the service menu code that can be used to look at the internal states of the TV ? 4. Finally, does anyone have other suggestions to help me resolve this problem ? Thanks in advance for your help.

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12-04-2007, 09:50 AM	#2
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	First, when using HDMI, make sure you have no other video cables connected to the display for that input (input 1 or 2)--no S-Video, no Composite Video and no Component Video. The display senses which jacks are connected and configures itself accordingly. If you have multiple cables connected, the display may not default to HDMI. If this turns out to be the problem, shame on the Hitachi and local service people. If that doesn't fix it, unfortunately, since you've never seen the HDMI input on the display work at all, there is no way of knowing if it is defective or if something is just improperly configured. The first thing to try is changing the order in which you switch the units on. There is a copy protection digital handshake which must occur for the player to send the signal to the display. Usually the display would have to be on first so that it doesn't miss the handshake request from the player. So try turning on the display, wait several seconds, then turn on the player. And if that doesn't work, try reversing the order, as some units continually try to establish the handshake and others only try for a brief time.

12-04-2007, 10:28 AM	#3
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Thanks BobY for your reply. Yes, I had already tried removing all connections to the TV except for the single HDMI from the DVD player --> No help. Yes I tried power-up in both sequences (TV first, DVD player first) --> No help. And thanks for your explanation which helps me understand why, when I tried these players at the store, the Panasonic player worked regardless of sequence, but the Toshiba player & TV would get confused if the sequence wasn't right, requiring things to be powered off to get things working if the sequence wasn't right, Still looking for answers to questions 2 (does mere cable connection trigger HDMI indicator?) and 3 (what is service code?). Thanks.

12-04-2007, 10:35 AM	#4
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	There's nothing in the manual about autosensing the HDMI port, so I would manually select it to make sure. They do make a point of telling you to only use one input connection at a time.

12-04-2007, 11:02 AM	#5
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Thanks again BobY. Yes, when I connect to HDMI-1 (or HDMI-2) I manually select Input 1(or Input 2) via the remote, but it fails as I described. Do you have this or a similar Hitatchi plasma? ... still looking for HDMI problem help. Thanks.

12-04-2007, 11:08 AM	#6
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	No, sorry, just giving you the standard tips. Did you try kicking it?

12-04-2007, 11:14 AM	#7
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	No. I still like it a lot. Just want to get the HDMI working without transporting to shop. Any idea about where/how to get code for service menu?

12-04-2007, 11:59 AM	#8
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	There was something in the manual about a disgnostics page, but I'm afraid I deleted the PDF...

12-04-2007, 02:44 PM	#9
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	The only reference in the owner manual to "diagnostics" is regarding the use of a CableCARD. ... So I'm still stuck.

12-04-2007, 02:50 PM	#10
ladyofluck High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 39	if screen is comeplete blank, then it might be the setting of the source. try hooking the DVD player via other cables such as component or something. if the screen shows.... then go to menu, switch to HDMI for video.(from DVD player) ...........

12-05-2007, 12:55 AM	#11
jpleasant1 Hitachi plasma HDMI woes. Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Thanks, ladyofluck, but I've already verified that I can view a DVD via all of the player's outputs EXCEPT for HDMI. Again, because of my tests when I brought this player and cable back to the store, I know I've set it up correctly for HDMI output. What I'm trying to determine is whether I have a hardware or a software problem on the Hitachi plasma TV. If you, or anyone, can direct me as to how to access the Hitachi service menu, I would greatly appreciate it.

12-05-2007, 11:07 AM	#12
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	I'm being a little dense here, but I need a clarification. When you say: "Yes, when I connect to HDMI-1 (or HDMI-2) I manually select Input 1(or Input 2) via the remote, but it fails as I described." Do you mean that you are not only selecting Input 1 (or Input 2), but also selecting HDMI as the signal source for Input 1 (or Input 2). Selecting Input 1 (or Input 2) from the remote tells the display what input jack section to use, but does not automatically select HDMI as the source for Input 1 (or Input 2), I think that has to be done in the menu system.

12-05-2007, 03:26 PM	#13
Chiz HD Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 139	I don't have that specific set, but I do have a Hitachi 50" plasma (P50H401) with 3 HDMI inputs. When one of the HDMI inputs is selected on the tv, the "info" part of the screen says HDMI-1, HDMI-2, etc., regardless of whether there is a component connected or not. I don't know if that helps in the slightest but I have found that manufacturers don't make too many minor changes between their products. This may be a stupid recommendation and I have no doubt that you tried it already (I'm a little confused like Boby on this), but when you are attempting to select the HDMI input are you simply pressing an input button on the remote so that it cycles through the inputs everytime you press it? Or are you pressing input and then manually selecting the HDMI input from a list shown on the screen? I have noticed that if you are just pressing a single input button to cycle through the inputs, there is a tendency to skip over certain inputs if it is set-up incorrectly. Like I said, I'm sure that doesn't help much but good luck!