HD PICTURE QUALITY. HD picture quality falls short. Reproduction of fine HD image detail is generally excellent though we did note some added edge enhancement processing, but it isn't distracting. Color accuracy is below that of most models. Blues tend toward purple, and on dark scenes in particular there is a strong green cast to the image that was distracting. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest is generally good, so images have some depth, but there is visible loss of color intensity on highlights. Black levels are acceptable, though not the deepest, so dark scenes won't look hazy (though quality does 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 all but the sunniest 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. 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.
UHD PICTURE QUALITY. 4K UHD picture quality is below average and 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 unfortunately downscaled to a lower 1080p resolution, not taking advantage of the display's detail potential. 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. Unlike most UHD TVs this model does not support High Dynamic Range (HDR).
VIEWING ANGLE. This Hitachi has a narrow viewing angle overall, below-average performance among TVs for 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 moderate loss of color, so flesh tones look a bit 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 very good. The picture shows minimal 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 has poor sound quality, which is very apparent on typical programming, and especially so with movie soundtracks and music. Bass is notably absent, and treble lacks detail, while the overall sound is thin and notably closed in. The speakers can play at a fairly loud volume level and without obvious distortion. If you expect decent sound from your TV, especially one intended for primary viewing, look at other models or be prepared to add an external sound 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 35 inches wide when choosing a table top to place it on.
INTERNET FEATURES. This Smart TV provides Internet functionality with a selection of applications. This TV does not provide access to the Internet with access to a library of applications.
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.
