Hitachi P50H401

Price: $ - $

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No Regrets One Year Later05/01/09

Pros:

Resolution, Quality & Value

Cons:

No DVI input

First off there is a lot of confusion about this TV's resolution it is not True 1080p because it’s native resolution is 1280 x 1080 while True HD models typically have a 1920 x 1080 native resolution. Despite the misinformation out there the Hitachi P50H401 is not a 1080i or 720p television. Sales people have a hard time understanding this particular model. This TV has 50% more pixels than 720p models but is lower in resolution (as mentioned earlier) than True 1080p (1920 x 1080) models. Here is the secret: All LCD’s and Plasma flat panel screens display in progressive format. They can accept different types of signals but their internal video processor has to convert the signals to their native resolution in progressive format. This means that lower signals like a standard DVD (480i), progressive DVD(480p) and other sources are up converted by the TV’s internal video processor. Considering that I’m not too sure about all those up converting DVD players out on the market since the TV’s internal processor has to do it anyway.
This is not to say that a converted 480p or 480i signal will look as good as 720p or 1080i or 1080p signal. However the higher quality the signal is presented to the TV the higher the image quality will appear. So a 1080p signal when presented to the Hitachi P50H401 will look better than a comparable TV with 720p lines of resolution resulting in a 50% increase in clarity. All three HDMI inputs on the Hitachi P50H401 will accept full/True 1080p (1920 x 1080) signals but they are down converted to 1280 x 1080 resolution. So the down conversion is only completed on one axis. This means you can still benefit from Blue Ray content though not as ideal as 1920 x 1080 (True/Full HD TVs). So the thing that this TV has over the competition is it’s quasi-1080p capabilities at a 720p price point and considering it’s still going to be a long while before we see 1920 x 1080p signals on TV the only time this will come into play is with Blue Ray and you still won’t lose too much their either when you do watch a Blue Ray DVD.
The bottom line: I’ve had this TV for over a year now and don’t regret it at all. Before purchasing the TV I was debating whether to get a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 42” TV or the Hitachi P50H401 1280 x 1020 50”. I’m so glad I went with the larger 50” size. This TV looks great with the XBOX 360, DVD’s, Blue Ray and HD cable. You’ll want to go in a tweak the video settings. I found the contrast and brightness a little too high at the preset factory settings and also I use the low setting on the Black level. As far as the Plasma it’s so much nicer than most LCDs with better contrast and more natural colors. Also I would like to note I have not had any type of burn in issues at all. However the front of the screen is made of glass so this might not be the greatest choice for commercial retail stores etc…
Note: Sound quality I rated at 3 stars but really that is because I don’t think much about any TV’s built in audio I always use a high quality AV system and speakers. Also I don’t know much about support since I have had no problems with this TV.