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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 purchased this TV as a floor model at Circuit City in late 2005. It is a fantastic TV and has stood the test of time. The only drawback is the warm-up and shut down time. If you are short on patience, I recommend another TV. I owned this TV for 4 years with absolutely no problems. At the 4 and change mark, I had to replace a bulb which cost 80 dollars plus shipping. At the time I had a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I replaced it a year later because my youngest son likes to turn the TV on and Off over and over again which greatly reduces the life of the bulb. It is an easy fix, but hard to control. If you allow the TV to warm up and cool down properly (1min/4min respectively) before pressing the power button again your bulb should last you 3-5 years.

Problems: Kids press on and off button over and over again shortening the life of the tv lamp dramatically. I highly recommend haveing a spare lamp on hand so you don't feel the need to pay for overnight shipping like me.