The latest
news, reviews,
and features on TVs and home theater.
Delivered Fridays
|
Hitachi plasma TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$2,700 to $6,700 Initial release dates:
June through October 2005 Size range (inches):
42 to 55 (diagonal) Highlights:
Power swivel stands on select models
Hitachi's 2005 plasma lineup carries high price tags throughout, but it's still significantly less expensive than last year's line. We've always liked the Hitachis' styling, and their feature pack is typically more extensive than that of the competition, so buyers who are less concerned with price will want to take a look. Also, the remote-operated power swivel stands are pretty cool.
We reviewed the second-highest 42-inch model in the line, the 42HDT52, and it followed the stylish/well-featured trend, although its image quality has a couple of issues. For more info, refer to the full review of the 42HDT52.
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 42HDF52 is Hitachi's entry-level high-resolution plasma. It has a native resolution of 1,024x1,024, so it should display more detail than EDTV models ( more info). As noted above, it employs ALiS technology to get higher vertical resolution than most plasmas, but in our experience, ALiS doesn't produce as deep a black as other plasma technologies. The 42HDF42 features an ATSC tuner but is not Digital Cable Ready. This means you can receive over-the-air HDTV without an external tuner, but you'll still need a cable box if you use digital cable. Its connectivity is highlighted by a DVI input, a PC input, and one component-video input. The 42HDF52 ($3,799) is scheduled to be released in June.
- 1,024x1,024
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- DVI input
- PC input
- One component input
 
The HDS52 series consists of the two plasmas, the 55-inch 55HDS52 and the 42-inch 42HDS52. Don't be confused by the VirtualHD 1080p feature listed in the manufacturer information; it amounts to marketing hype since the native resolutions of the 55HDS52 and 42HDS52 are 1,365x768 and 1,024x1,024, respectively. Be aware that the 42HDS52 achieves its resolution using Hitachi's ALiS technology, as does the 42HDF52. Both sets also feature an ATSC tuner and are Digital Cable Ready, which means you can receiver over-the-air HDTV and digital cable without an external tuner. Their connectivity is highlighted by two HDMI ports, two component video inputs, and a USB input. The 55HDS52 also include a power swivel stand. Take note that this series--and other step-up models--lack the PC input of Hitachi's entry-level plasmas. The 42HDS52 ($4,300) and the 55HDS52 ($5,800) are scheduled to be released in June and October, respectively.
- 1,024x1,024 or 1,366x768 native resolution
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
- USB input
The HDT52 series is the step up to the HDS52 series. As with the HDS52 series, the 55-inch 55HDT52 has a 1,365x768 native resolution, and the 42-inch 42HDS52 has a 1,024x1,024 native resolution (which uses ALiS technology). The HDT52 series has a similar feature set to the HDS52 series, but there are a couple significant additions. The TV Guide On-Screen EPG is included, although digital cable users should be aware that we've found it to be unreliable in the past. The HDT52 series also adds two FireWire inputs, one for DV camcorders and one for IEEE 1394-compatible D-VHS decks and DVRs. The 42-inch version includes a power swivel stand, but the 55-inch version's power swivel costs extra. The 42HDT52 ($4,400) will be available in August, and the 55HDT52 ($5,900) will be available in October. For more info, refer to the full review of the 42HDT52.
- 1,024x1,024 or 1,366x768 native resolution
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- Two component-video inputs
- USB input
- Two FireWire ports
- TV Guide On-Screen EPG
The HDX62 series is the flagship of the Hitachi plasma line. Its feature set is similar to that of the HDT52 series, but it offers a few upgrades. The HDT52 series has a high-gloss black finish and includes two remotes, one of which is a small, simple remote for everyday use. The HDX62 also includes an adjustable color decoder and a special "ISF mode" to aid professional calibrators. The 42-inch 42HDX62 ($5,499) will be available in August, and the 55-inch 55HDX62 ($6,999) will be available in October. Considering the large price differential but relatively minor feature upgrades, we expect most consumers will go with the HDT52 series if they want a Hitachi plasma with a built-in EPG.
- 1,024x1,024 or 1,366x768 native resolution
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- USB input
- FireWire
- Simple remote
- Two-year warranty
|
Create a FREE flash website
Editors' top HDTVs
