Hitachi rear-projection TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$2,800 to $8,500
Initial release dates:
Aug. through Dec. 2005
Size range (inches):
50 to 70 (diagonal)
Highlights:
Slim front profile on select models; 1080p LCoS in high-end models
Hitachi's 2005
rear-projection HDTV lineup employs
LCD technology in its
microdisplays. The company also offers a series of
CRT-based rear-projection HDTVs, but we're not covering them here since we expect the microdisplays to draw the most interest. Among microdisplay technologies, we generally favor
DLP over LCD due to its superior black levels and less-noticeable screen-door effect--you can compare the two
here. The company did indicate earlier in the year that it would also offer
1080p televisions with
LCoS light engines, but it later scratched that plan. Unlike most other major manufacturers, Hitachi will not ship any 1080p rear-projection TVs in 2005.
In general, this line will likely prove less popular than Sony's rear-projection LCDs and Samsung's, Mitsubishi's, and Toshiba's DLPs because of those companies' stronger presence at retail and Hitachi's prices being generally higher than Sony's. Past Hitachi microdisplays such as last year's
50VS810 have performed well, thanks to their extensive picture adjustments (including an adjustable color decoder), and the unique, slim styling of the VF820 series will appeal to people who want a plasmalike "all picture" appearance from the front.
The Hitachi lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The 50V720 is Hitachi's entry-level 2005
LCD-based rear-projection TV. It is the lone member of its series, so no other sizes of 2005 Hitachi TV share its feature set. Don't be confused by the VirtualHD 1080p feature; it amounts to marketing hype since this set has a
native resolution of
720p (1,280x720), not 1080p. The 50V720 is equipped with both an
ATSC tuner and a CableCard slot, so it needs no external hardware to receive over-the-air and digital cable signals. Its
connectivity is highlighted by an HDMI port and two component-video inputs. The 50V720 ($2,800) replaces 2004's
50V710 and hits the street in September.
- 1,280x720 native resolution
- LCD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- One HDMI port
- Two component-video inputs
The VF820 series is the step-up model to the 50V720. It consists of three LCD rear-projection TVs: the 60VF820, the 55VF820, and the 50VF820. These TVs offer similar features, but there are some significant differences. The VF820 series features a plasma-look design, which means that, from the front, it looks very slim, with much less cabinet below the screen than the 50V720 and other manufacturers' lineups. The VF820's lens and light engine aren't the same, so the picture quality may differ; in particular, the slimmer-look cabinet usually means the image is dimmer than that of other LCD sets with larger cabinets. Finally, the VF820 series has two HDMI ports, which is important if you have two HDMI-capable components, such as an HD cable or satellite box and an HDMI-equipped DVD player. The 50-inch 50VF820 ($3,100) and the 60-inch 60VF820 ($4,000) will be available in August, while the 55-inch 55VF820 ($3,400) comes out in September.
For more information, check out our review of 2004's
50VS810, the model that the 50VF820 replaces.
- 1,280x720 native resolution
- LCD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
The VG825 series is the step-up set to the VF820. These TVs feature metallic black styling and come with an illuminated remote. They also have the TV Guide On-Screen
EPG, which can provide TV listing information and make up for the loss of your cable box's EPG, but we have found it to be unreliable in the past. Also included is a USB input, which can be used as a photo file viewer. The 50-inch 50VG825 ($3,200), the 55-inch 55VG825 ($3,500), and the 60-inch 60VG825 ($4,100) will be available in September.
- 1,280x720 native resolution
- LCD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
- USB input
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