OK- Here are my thoughts on these issues;
1. A-V dissociation delay; Usually the audio trails the video when the vid signal goes directly to the display and the audio goes through a receiver. But not always. I cant comment on Hitachi video processing causing a delay because I dont own one. Maybe ask your retailer about it. But look again and see if its audio or video that is delayed. Often its hard to tell. My Receiver allows for some adjustment in this regard. Occasionally I see this problem with certain DVDs but usually not.
2. Ability to view cable HD signal-- I would look into using a cable card- that Hitachi has a cable card slot. Users at avsforum.com report a better HD picture via use of the card. Sound and Vision Magazine November issue ( I think) also discusses the advantages of the cablecard over the set top box.
3. Tivo- If it is possible to somehow have HD signal via cable card and non HD signal via STB ( ie signal splitting) I might go with the s-video for the non-HD channels since its reliable and simple. DVI to HDMI is a potential headache. I dont like that set up at all. Too many chances for video signal to be altered.
4. I do see that the Hitachi has built in tuners- Are these potentially helpful? Perhaps not. But can the cable signal utilize the built in tuners ( I know often times the answer is no). I only use my plasma for HT so I don't really get into the multi device hookup scenario.
1. A-V dissociation delay; Usually the audio trails the video when the vid signal goes directly to the display and the audio goes through a receiver. But not always. I cant comment on Hitachi video processing causing a delay because I dont own one. Maybe ask your retailer about it. But look again and see if its audio or video that is delayed. Often its hard to tell. My Receiver allows for some adjustment in this regard. Occasionally I see this problem with certain DVDs but usually not.
2. Ability to view cable HD signal-- I would look into using a cable card- that Hitachi has a cable card slot. Users at avsforum.com report a better HD picture via use of the card. Sound and Vision Magazine November issue ( I think) also discusses the advantages of the cablecard over the set top box.
3. Tivo- If it is possible to somehow have HD signal via cable card and non HD signal via STB ( ie signal splitting) I might go with the s-video for the non-HD channels since its reliable and simple. DVI to HDMI is a potential headache. I dont like that set up at all. Too many chances for video signal to be altered.
4. I do see that the Hitachi has built in tuners- Are these potentially helpful? Perhaps not. But can the cable signal utilize the built in tuners ( I know often times the answer is no). I only use my plasma for HT so I don't really get into the multi device hookup scenario.