Added Furtech IEC connector to Hitachi RPTV

BlueFox

In Novemeber 2004 I purchased a 57" rear projection Hitachi digital monitor for $1700. At the time these TVs were superior to all flat screen TVs in terms of picture quality, and even today the picture is quite good. Especially since I have had it calibrated twice. The only complaint I have had is that its power cord is hard-wired. As I have replaced power cords on my audio gear, and on the HT electronics I have been stuck with the Hitachi cord. Since each power cord upgrade has made a postivie improvement I have wondered what would happen with upgrading the Hitachi.

So, I purchased a Furtech audio grade IEC connector, and installed it today. The stock power cord terminates into a two pin connector that plugs into a circuit board. I cut the power cable where it enters the rear of the TV, and attached the Furtech to the ends. For a power cord I used an idle Pangea AC14SE, and it fits very snug in the Furtech. I need to go to Home Depot and try to find sometype of gizmo I can attach to two screws next to the IEC so that I can secure it to the TV with tie-wraps. Currently, it is loose, but since the TV does not move around this will not be a problem.

Anyway, I turned the TV on, and it did not go up in flames. Plus, there is a picture. I will let it warm up until around 10:30 tonight, and then watch Avatar. That is my reference disck for video. If the Pangea results in a better picture then I will order a Shunyata Ztron Cobra, and a Shunyata 2 port Hydra power conditioner to replace the current Panamax. This will be a good purchase since I will replace this TV someday, and when I do the power foundation will be ready to go.

As you can see, it is a bit dusty so this gave me chance to blow the dust out, and clean the CRT projection tubes.

BlueFox

Well, being able to upgrade the power cord is a great option. Adding the Pangea bought a bit more vividness to the picture, and seems to have added a better balance between light and dark scenes. I used Avatar for overall color and detail, and was impressed at what I was seeing. I'm sure all was there before, but so much more color and detail in the background just popped out. Using Zero Dark Thirty, Jessica Chastain was gorgeous even more than usual. Reds seemed more pronounced and better balanced in both of these movies. The scenes of the helicopters flying at night had a bit better contrast, and I was able to see them and other items on the ground a bit better.

This was all with the Pangea AC14SE cord. One thing I have realized is after I get everything upgraded I need to get the TV recalibrated. The calibration is done with all the gear turned on and warmed up for at least 5 hours. If anything changes then the calibration is off by whatever change was introduced. I am currently changing the power to the electronics (Oppo 93) with the new Shunyata Hydra AV which I should get this week. Last night I ordered the Shunyata Hydra two port model, and a Cobra power cord for the TV. Those new items will really throw off the calibration once they are all in place. I should have enough points on my Amazon credit card to get a "free" Oppo 103, so once everything is in place, and broken in, it will be recalibration time.

Systems

If you haven't tried the Furutech Silver IEC combined with the Copper male.
DO IT!:cheesygrin:

No matter what!
Video, audio, whatever, deadly combination!
And cheap, considering bang for buck!
Several members here can chime in here.:biggrin:
My favorite so far (other than the high $$ Oyaide).
You will never feel like it was money wasted, ever!

BlueFox

pepster wrote: »

If you haven't tried the Furutech Silver IEC combined with the Copper male.
DO IT!

Are you telling me that copper goes into silver? That's not normal.


Anyway, this home brew upgrade is working great. I will be glad when my Shunyata power cable, and power conditioner get here.