PICTURE QUALITY This model's high-definition picture quality, though good, was below that of most other sets. It generally did an fine job with HD image detail, but quality was diminished by oversharpening and edge enhancement which made the image look a bit "cartoony." A lack of contrast gave images a flatter appearance with little depth. Brightness level was only fair, dimmer than most, best-suited for a darker room. Black levels were generally good, though not as dark as better performers on the darkest scenes. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did a very good job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was only good with visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes on movies. Deinterlacing was very good, with minimal jaggies visible when converting 1080i video content, such as from cable, to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE This Hitachi has a narrow viewing angle overall, below-average performance among LCD sets on this attribute. Only those seated directly in front of the screen will see the best picture quality. If your family is seated in chairs off to the sides of the TV, they will see increasing degradation of image quality the farther they sit from center.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was fair; the picture showed a strong loss of color so flesh tones looked very washed out, along with a slight color shift. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was good. The picture showed some change in color, contrast, and black level.
MOTION BLUR This Hitachi TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. This is typical of LCD TVs with the basic 60Hz frame rate. On typical program content, the blurring effect is often fleeting and may not bother most people. However, keen-eyed viewers may detect the loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement, especially in high-quality video such as a Blu-ray movie.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some LCDs, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
SOUND QUALITY This TV has poor sound quality, which is apparent on typical programming, and glaringly so with movie soundtracks and music. With movies, dialog was acceptably clear sounding, though a bit muffled and thin, while background music and other sounds were slightly recessed. Bass extension was notably absent, and treble lacked detail, while the overall sound was notably thin, and closed in. Its volume range is limited, just adequate for a smaller, quiet listening environment. If you expect at least decent sound from your TV, especially one intended for primary viewing, we suggest looking at other models or be prepared to add an external sound system.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was very easy, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote control is excellent, and the on-screen menu is easy to navigate.
The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate. When making a video adjustment, the on-screen menu covers a significant part of the screen making it difficult to see the picture as you make adjustments. It lacks the ability to add custom labels to different input sources.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the support stand to the TV is straightforward.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV does not have access to the Internet.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes one HDMI input, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), one VGA input, coaxial digital audio out, and one USB port. This TV has no type of wireless connectivity. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, and a remote with batteries. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
