- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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4.5 stars
"Nice looking TV with much to offer!"
Pros: Large size, many inputs, easy set up and navigation
Cons: No VGA and only one RF input.
Summary: This TV has replaced my 13 year old 46 inch Sony XBR CRT projection TV which was in need of another round of repairs. There are so many choices and technologies today that it is difficult to decide what to buy. Initially I intended to go with a 62 inch Mitsubishi WD62927 rear projection DLP for two grand but ultimately decided to step up to a flat panel. We already have a 50 inch Panasonic rear projection which can appear washed out if the ambient light is too bright in the daytime. I finally selected this 55 inch ?Directors Series? for the increase in size over the two other televisions which had made my short list?the Sony 52 inch XBR2 LCD ($4500) and the Pioneer 50 inch Elite plasma PRO-1140HD ($2999 sale price). I paid $3800 plus $400 for the remote control stand. The deciding factor for me was the screen size, especially over the 50 inch Pioneer. The 50 inch would display standard definition much smaller than the TV we were replacing. Despite wanting the 1080p resolution on the Sony, I personally prefer TV displayed on a plasma. Relections, which can be an issue with plasma, were a major concern for me. However, I noticed that light reflecting off dark areas on LCD displays can impair viewing and even appear worse in some situations than the mirror-like relections inherant in the plasma. I decided that each had a trade off and that I would give the plasma a try. I have been very pleased with my choice! The Hitachi's black brushed aluminum and floating glass appeal more to me, though the Sony is very nice looking too (except the annoying lighted Sony logo). I prefer the more horizontal proportions of TV's with side mounted speakers as these all have. My main complaint regarding the Hitachi is the lack of a VGA input, though it is possible to utilize component, HDMI or S video for PC connection (depending on your video card). The unit has 3 component and 3 HDMI inputs which is more than the Sony or Pioneer, although those do provide VGA inputs. The Pioneer has a ?Home Media Gallery? network connection for accessing music, photos and videos on a home network, but the slide show offered does not provide the elegant transitions which is possible when using the TV as a computer display. I intend to connect an entertainment PC eventually, which will be more useful. Recently I used the S video connection from my laptop to display my daughters music video for her cast party. The full screen image looked quite acceptable, even from the 640x480 video CD. It looked best using Real Player over Windows Media Player but I did not attempt any adjustments to the default settings. The Hitachi's lack of a VGA connection can be overcome but I can?t make the TV?s any bigger!
The picture is remarkable. Our 3 year old 50 inch Panasonic rear projection hi-def looks perfectly fine but this plasma display is stunning! I suspect that most newer TVs all look great with a decent signal. We have it connected via DVI out of a Comcast hi-def box to an HDMI input on the TV. This requires using a separate input for the audio. I would have like an additional RF input. I use an antenna on my Panasonic which is able to provide a better (uncompressed) signal for local channels but this TV has only one RF input which I have used for a direct cable connection. (I could use a switch but am pleased as-is) By-passing the box and utilizing the TV's HD tuner allows me to receive some additional local programing which is not available from the box. This also provides additional options for PIP. The high def image is incredible and the standard def is suprisingly good too. In fact much better than I had ever expected...sharp and clear, especially out of the cable box. It is not quite as good when viewed directly from the cable or through any of the components tuners. Perhaps the digital connection helps...I use a component connection on our Panasonic. I played with the settings extensively in the showroom before purchasing, and felt satisfied that there were sufficient user adjustments to obtain excellent color. I have been very pleased with the color out of the box and have only made very minor adjustments. Hitachi claims a "16-bit/281 trillion color capability". I just know it looks great! I have been advised that one should always obtain a professional calibration, which I may eventually do, but it is difficult to imagine it could improve significantly.
The remote was easily programed with codes to control my VCR, DVD recorder and surround sound. I am still using the Comcast remote for the box since none of the codes seemed to work. It is possible to have the TV remote learn certain functions of another remote via the AV net. I intend to attempt that soon to see if I can elimiate the Comcast remote. Set up has been very easy and the manual is fairly clear but somewhat difficult to read when it steps you through some of the set up. I found the menu quite intuitive to navigate even without the manual. I like being able to name the inputs. The scolling wheel is great for quickly making various menu, input and channel selections and the backlight on the remote is great too! The included mini remote seems kind of pointless with limited functionality. The remote controled rotating stand works well to minimize reflections, which really are not as severe as I had feared. The on-screen TV guide has been downloaded but we tend to use the TV guide residing on our DVD/hard drive recorder for recording purposes and the Comcast guide for viewing. The 4 included IR blasters do allow you to schedule recording from the TV if you need.
Hitachi provides a two year in home warranty on parts and labor with their Director Series televisions. So far I have no trouble recommending this 55HDX99. It really has delivered more than I could have hoped. If it had another RF input (like the Sony) and a VGA inpit I would have given it a perfect score.
