HD PICTURE QUALITY. HD picture quality falls short. Reproduction of fine HD image detail is generally excellent but we did also note some added edge enhancement processing, but it isn't distracting. Color accuracy is acceptable but below that of most models. Images look a bit contrasty with brighter areas overemphasized and showing some loss of color saturation. Depth of black level is below average, with darker scenes in particular looking hazy, with little contrast (quality does further degrade as you move to the sides - see viewing angle). Image brightness is good (with the backlight control turned up), making it a suitable choice for most rooms. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the model does a very good job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. There is slight brightness non-uniformity along the edges of the display most noticeable on very dark scenes (or in the black bars of a letterboxed movie). We routinely see this issue with LCDs and severity can vary from model to model. The deinterlacing and film mode operations are excellent on HD content; there is little or no trace of jaggies on the edges of objects for video and film-based 1080i video content, such as from cable.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE. Overall UHD performance is very good but HD-to-UHD upconversion falls short. All native 4K content (non HDR) we played on this model, including movies and test videos, is presented in full 4K detail with excellent fidelity when played back via the TV's HDMI input. Via the USB port, high-resolution photos are a mixed bag, with images showing full 2160 pixel vertical resolution, but horizontal resolution is cut in half, showing compromised 4K detail on our test images. With regular HD content, the TV's HD-to-UHD up-conversion processing falls short, revealing some visible jaggies along the edges of diagonals when playing HD content. This TV does not support HDR.
VIEWING ANGLE. This Hitachi has a very narrow viewing angle overall, among the worst performing on this attribute. Only those seated directly in front of the screen will see the best picture quality. When we view the TV from the sides image quality degrades significantly. The picture shows a strong loss of color, so flesh tones look very washed out. Black levels visibly brighten, reducing contrast especially on dark scenes. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle is good. The picture shows a slight change in color, contrast, and black level.
MOTION BLUR. This Hitachi TV has good motion performance, with some blurring on our motion tests. This model does not include a blur reduction feature.
SOUND QUALITY. This model's sound quality falls short with below average performance. It's acceptable for typical programming, but shortcomings become obvious with movie soundtracks and music. Bass is lacking as is treble detail, and the overall sound is thin and notably closed in. The speakers produce a good volume range so this model should play sufficiently loud in typical room environments and without obvious distortion. If sound quality matters to you, you might want to add a soundbar or other external speaker system.
EASE OF USE. On first power up there is an on-screen guide that helps you through setting up the TV. The remote has a traditional design with a full number key pad. It lacks the ability to add custom labels to different input sources. Consider the TV's stand is 50 inches wide when choosing a table top to place it on.
INTERNET FEATURES. This TV does not provide access to the Internet.
CONNECTIONS. This model has three HDMI inputs-- one supports ARC (Audio Return Channel), one component input, one composite input one USB port, an optical digital audio out, a headphone out. Analog connections are made via a special breakout cable adapter (included) that attaches to the TV as a single plug.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX. A printed user manual. A quick start guide. A remote control with batteries. Breakout cable adapters (one component.). A detachable power cord.
