Hitachi 53UDX10B

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by:
  Kevin Miller
• Reviewed on: 01/18/2002
• Updated on: 01/10/2010

Hitachi's new 53UDX10B, a 4:3, HDTV-capable, rear-projection TV, offers a couple of key performance-enhancing features that help it produce reasonably good pictures. However, the set is a little pricey when compared to some other 4:3, HDTV-capable sets with similar screen sizes.Hitachi's new 53UDX10B, a 4:3, HDTV-capable, rear-projection TV, offers a couple of key performance-enhancing features that help it produce reasonably good pictures. However, the set is a little pricey when compared to some other 4:3, HDTV-capable sets with similar screen sizes.

Straightforward design
The 53UDX10B is a pretty basic-looking big-screen RPTV. It's mostly screen, with a small base covered in grille cloth, which hides the stereo left and right speakers. Aesthetically, this is nothing to write home about, but then again, few big-screen sets are superstylish.

As far as the remote goes, it's long and slender, with fairly well-laid-out buttons. We found it intuitive to use, and we applaud Hitachi for backlighting the key function buttons, making them easy to find in the dark.

Picture enhancement
The 53UDX10B has a total of five aspect-ratio settings, including the all-important anamorphic aspect ratio for anamorphically transferred DVDs, and the internal line doubler does have 3:2 pull-down, which aids in getting rid of the jaggy artifacts that are typically generated with film-based material on DVD. Both of these features, which we consider must-haves on any big-screen HD-capable TV, significantly enhance the set's picture quality. To our surprise, Aspect 1 doubles as both the 4:3 and the anamorphic aspect ratios. The set also sports the best-of-breed 3D-YC comb filter, which helps eliminate moiré and other artifacts with S-Video and composite-video sources, such as satellite and cable TV.

The convenience features include a universal remote control that's something of a genius. It's capable of controlling a slew of other A/V equipment, Multi-Picture-in-Picture with a freeze function, Magic Focus automatic convergence, and selectable color temperatures. Unfortunately, like that of most sets on the market, the Hitachi's autoconvergence doesn't perform very well, particularly at the edges of the picture. The Perfect Picture feature automatically adjusts both the contrast, depending on the amount of light in the room, and the color, in an attempt to keep flesh tones natural. We highly recommend that you don't use this feature, though, as it will adversely affect both black level (the detail you see in dimly lit scenes) and the color accuracy.

The audio features include both Sound Retrieval System (SRS)--a faux surround mode that simulates the surround-sound experience using the set's two stereo speakers--and the built-in BBE circuitry, which helps re-create midrange and high-range sound channels through the TVs speakers. Continue reading

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Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 19 reviews
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• 1.0 stars

  "Warranty Ends so does the TV"

  by smxbob on July 22, 2005

• 2.0 stars

  "take a hint"

  on May 19, 2004

• 4.0 stars

  "Simply a Great Device!"

  on March 5, 2004

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