Hitachi UltraVision 42HDT52 Plasma HDTV
Nice Plasma TV 42HDT52a
I give this TV 5 stars because I am a consumer, not a pro TV reviewer. I am really impressed with this unit. <br />I have read reviews saying this TV has minor problems accuratlety displaying quality blacks. I cannot see it.   <br />Mfg date is 5-06. Firmware is V0102.0001. <br />She is a keeper. A real nice looking unit even turned off. Picture quality and the cosmetics were unexpectedly much improved in the home setting. This is the only TV I have seen where the side mounted speakers don't turn me off. The stereo separation should be better this way anyway. They sound good. <br />Picture quality is impressive across the board. <br />I am no expert viewer but the blacks look great to me, and this is with the break in contrast and brightness settings at 50%. I have seen the so called excellent blacks on a Sony XBR 34 inch fine super fine pitch tube tv and to tell the truth it was too black in dark scenes. <br />Black wet and shinny hair and dark purple robes as seen in Gladiator were fantastic. All the flaws I read about in pro reviews I just do not see. No clay face, no false this and that. Hell I'm glad I don't know what they are talking about. Joe consumer just does not look at TVs' like they do.  <br />The remote controlled power swivel stand is less of a gimmick I thought it would be. It is very useful to say the least. If a lamp or window is reflecting in the screen I just bump it over a tad. Nice!  <br />Standard definition PQ is up to the expectations of any type of TV.  <br />Even good old 480i DVD playback is fantastic. <br />If HD gets any better I don't think I could see it. The Discovery ChannelHD 1080i broadcasts stun me. <br />The stretch modes are great compared to other TVs' I have looked at recently. It seems I can get satisfied in any situation without being pained by too much distortion or cropping. I think Hitachi stepped up to the plate here. <br />If you are looking for a TV that the reviewers and everyone else rates as a \\"10\\" then take a nerve pill because you will need it.   <br />If you want a Plasma that has a great PQ and all the connectivity and convenience features and options then grab this one. <br />It looks like to me newer models in all brands are loosing certain options and like some are saying the Panny 50U was better than the 60U. I dunno. <br />Great PQ, Dual Tuners, QAM, PIP, POP, Split Screen, USB, HDMI x2, FireWire x2, Cable Card, Back Lighted Remote, Power Swivel Stand, Geesh!  <br />The remote is also nice. Compared to others I have tried I cannot complain. The back light is bright and I have no lag or point issues I have read about here. I did not bother with the included batteries. They are never really good. <br />Sure there are some user interface items I would improve on a bit but they are by no means deal breakers. <br />The PIP was really closer to being a deal breaker in my choice on any tv and I am glad this unit has it. Like I said, is seems all the brands are trimming the bells and whistles in newer models. It works really nice. <br />The TV has a 3 option anti burn in screen saver feature and a white screen wipe feature also. It is really lots harder to burn the newer year model plasmas anyway. <br />All inputs video setting are memorized separately for each. <br />Killer TV. <br />