Topic: 798ci SI Combo vs 798ci HD SI

[leeland]

Hello All...first post and it is probably a repost...

I wanted to check with you guys before I made a decision.  I just got my first fishing boat...the boat had a previous F.F. on it that was older than me I think.

Anyways I have been reviewing sites for the best and decided I want to get a humminbird...the SI really interests me.

The budget I can afford puts me into the 798 range.

I found what appears to be a legacy model for sale at a local store...it is the 'NON-HD' version.

Calling the store and asking the guy what the difference was between the 798ci SI and the 798ci HD SI was that the 'non-hd' version doesn't have DI where the HD version does.

He didn't give much more detail other than that.

I haven't been able to find much info that confirms that, the only thing I found was the difference mainly being from a connectivity standpoint and possibly the screen backlighting.


The price difference is:

798ci SI  = 800 - 50 dollar rebate 750 + 40 tax = 790
798ci HD SI = around 950-1000 online


Is the extra cost worth it?

If I could afford it I would get the larger screen but I am on strict orders from management (the wife )

Thanks in advance for any information.

Lee

[ITGEEK]

Well, my 2 cents:

I guess the 'HD' stands for high definition, which
means clearer screen/images, with more detail.
Some of the newer models have updated screens, so
if you fish in the sun, this would help you see things better.

If it were me, I WOULD NOT buy a legacy unit to start off with.
If possible, I'd save up and get the current/newest model.

These sonars get old really fast, and you will want one that
is still supported by HB for a few years after you buy it.

Good Luck in your decision.

[jnc5908404]

Definitely the 798 si hd, I bought this unit to compliment the 998 I installed last year and the screen is great in sunlight and at night.

[rnvinc]

The 798ci HD SI is Ethernet compatible...
The 798ci SI is not....this model is now a legacy unit and retailers are clearing their shelves because it will not be made any more....(that's why it's cheaper)...

The 798ci SI is capable of Interlink ...( but I hear rumors that the Interlink may even fall into "Legacy" status eventually..Ethernet is the wave of the future)...

Now for the story the clerk told you about HD...HB units have the same pixel count as before...they just decided to add "HD" to the moniker because they already had the highest pixel count available in the industry....(marketing....HD just sounds like it should give clearer images)...

Both the 798ci HD SI and the the 798ci SI have DI (computer generated DI from the information received from the SI crystal elements in the SI xducer)...

Always be sceptical of what store clerks tell you...get your answers from actual users like here at sideimagingsoft.com

Rickie

[leeland]

The more I am talking to my dad about getting the next model up.

The more I have been reading the more I have found out about the 'legacy' model and it probably isn't that great to start off in the hole with something that isn't being actively updated.

So the other negative I have seen is the 5' screen vs the 7' screen...

Coming from someone who has NEVER used a fish finder and just gone in a john boat this is a big change for me.

all things being equal is it really that big of a jump to go to a 7 inch screen?  Is it worth the extra money?  All I have been seeing is people wishing they had the larger screen, but I am trying to justify the higher cost...

Also, at least initially this would be my ONLY fish finder because of the cost...

What options are available for having the finder mounted on the steering column but viewable / usable from the bow?


Thanks in advance for all the quick answers.

Lee

[rnvinc]

SI vs 2d structure image size ratio is an undiscussed issue in SI conversations...

On my 1197...(with a 10.4 inch screen...)

A brushpile image in 2d that shows as the size of a golfball.. will show in SI as the size of a dime ...(roughly 1/4 size)...note: the structure image size in SI can be enlarged "somewhat" by a lower SI Range setting or setting the image to 1 side only...

On a 798...(with a 5 inch screen...)...That same brushpile image in 2d will show as the size of a quarter...but in SI will show as the size of a peanut...

Here is a 3-way split view from my 1197 that shows the structure image size ratio of SI vs 2d...(that brushpile at the top of the SI image in the water column is the exact same brushpile showing in 2d and DI... Only it's showing as 1/4 the image size)...



Buy the biggest screen you can afford ...you will not be satisfied with looking at "peanut" sized brushpiles...

Rickie

[Bob B]

rnvinc is right on.....there is no diffence in the screen between the legacy 798 and the new 798 with the HD designation....I think they just stuck the HD on the end as a way to distinguish between the 2 models.  The 798 does have excellent screen visibility and sunlight visibility........A bigger screen for use with SI is better.

There is no diffence between the 2 models when it comes to DI either.......this is a software upgrade.

The difference is the ethernet connectivity which is important for future options.

[scott22]

I was in the same boat as you are; what's the difference in the two? Well, after multiple phone calls to different distributors and finally 2 to Humminbird, I was told from Humminbird that the only difference was the ethernet connection on the HD unit. Screen resolution is the same. I made 1st call to Humminbird , then to other places, then a final back to HB. I got answers ranging from screen resolution to different transducers to different processors, but HB factory's answer was ONLY difference is ethernet on HD. Long story short, after many days searching the web and phone calls, I went with the non-HD unit, ordered on-line for $749. So far so good on what it does. No complaints.

[ITGEEK]

The bigger the screen, the more you will be able to interpret
what's being displayed.  Even with a big screen, sometimes it's
hard to know exactly what you are looking at.

The small screen would get a lot smaller if you want to
see multiple views at the same time (map and sonar).

+1 to 'Buy the biggest screen you can afford'.

I looked at the 798ci HD user's manual and I don't see that it
has the video out connector on the back.  So, if it's mounted on the
console, I don't think there are any options to have it viewable
at the bow, except to buy an additional bow unit.

[LocDown]

correct, the 798 does not have video out. I believe the 898, 998, and 1198 do have the video out tho.

[leeland]

correct, the 798 does not have video out. I believe the 898, 998, and 1198 do have the video out tho.

THanks so much guys for the info and rnvinc for that awesome insight...that is something I haven't seen anywhere else when you are trying to justify getting a larger screen.

On the topic of having a video out option...

I am planning on mounting the main F.F. on the console but was curious what others do in regards to having 'something' on the bow (if that is the best way to go) vs. always turning the console F.F. towards myself while fishing from the bow.

Sorry of that is a bit confusing...basically I am wondering if people roll with one main fish finder...and just tilt it to the general direction as to where they are fishing or have two separate fish finders...

[LocDown]

When they have one on the bow, there's usually a transducer mounted to the trolling motor to see what's below. There's no point in looking at the console FF if the transducer is at the back of the boat while you're sitting in the front.

[leeland]

When they have one on the bow, there's usually a transducer mounted to the trolling motor to see what's below. There's no point in looking at the console FF if the transducer is at the back of the boat while you're sitting in the front.

Makes sense, I guess I didn't think that through completely when writing that question.   After looking around on some youtube video's I see what you mean about the bow mounted setup.

[Bob B]

Hey.....There is a LOT to learn about this technology, different unit specifications, strength and weakness of various units, how to interpret the images, how to tune and utilize your unit for best perfomance etc.
At first it is overwhelming, but keep studying and things will clear up.

[Plano Tool]

There is a lot of good info here, not only to answer your direct question about the difference between the "HD" and the older model, but to consider the larger units.  However when it comes to comparing the 798 to the 898, 998, etc, there is one critical feature difference that I have not seen mentioned in any of the responses to this post.  The 798 unit SI/DI runs at 455 kHz max.  All other SI units come with an option to run at 800 kHz, which is used to produce the razor-sharp side and down scan images.  It is a significant enough difference to consider before purchasing a unit.

[Speedtroller]

I own a 798ci SI  it's a good unit but after the time I have spent using it and seeing the difference in the 8 9 1100 series unit.i wish I would have waited and got one of the more powerful units. even on 455kz the images are so much better then the 7 series units.