Hey guys,

I know this isn't the area but I REALLY need fast help so posting this here for maximum visibility.

I'm at the store right now and they have a "Hummibird 798 ci SI Combo" as well as a "Humminbird 798ci HD SI"

I'm picking one up before the close (about 2 hours from now.)

The associates don't know the difference between the "HD" model and the "non HD" model, other than the words "HD." Can someone PLEASE help me out? The non-HD doesn't reference downscan.. is that the difference? Is there an update to make it downscan? The non-HD is about $200 cheaper.

Thanks!

Matt

Looks like the HD has better screen clarity and a few more features like switchfire sonar.

I couldn't find anywhere that promises the HD has better clarity. Both have the same pixel count and same amount of colors. The non-HD also has switchfire as well.

So far I've found 2 differences (I think) - the HD has the newer 'countourXD' maps, as well as an ethernet port.

If that's all I'm paying for for an additional $200 bucks, i think I'll take the older non-HD model!

HD = High Definition. That being said, it's how you set up (ping speed, fish I.D., chart speed, etc.) your sonar while on the water that will make the big difference, regardless of whether or not it's a HD model. And how you set it up is based on how & where you do most of your fishing (i.e.: shallow....deep). There are plenty of folks here to help you with that as well. We just need more details as to your "style" of fishing.

Thanks everyone!

For the record, in case anyone ever has this question in the future, I spoke with some people on the Humminbird forum.

The only diff with the 798ci si 'HD' model is that it includes an ethernet port. That's it. The 'HD' is in reference to their new higher-definition 'contourXD' mapping, which is available as a free upgrade to all non-HD models. In fact anything advertised about the "HD" other than the ethernet port is available on the non-HD model via a free software update from their website!

So that made the decision easy for me

Thanks again!

Thanks everyone!

For the record, in case anyone ever has this question in the future, I spoke with some people on the Humminbird forum.

The only diff with the 798ci si 'HD' model is that it includes an ethernet port. That's it. The 'HD' is in reference to their new higher-definition 'contourXD' mapping, which is available as a free upgrade to all non-HD models. In fact anything advertised about the "HD" other than the ethernet port is available on the non-HD model via a free software update from their website!

So that made the decision easy for me

Thanks again!

I used the website upgrade on my 898C. It was pretty painless, download to an SD card, plug the card into the unit, fan the smoke...er I mean, restart after the upgrade...