Hitachi Ultravision 42HDS52 42-Inch Plasma HDTV
Uncompromising, as long as the features suit you
If you are buying HD for a single quality -- i.e., picture quality -- then I'm not sure why you'd go any further after you see the picture on this unit. Unless, of course, you are one of those rare consumers who can see beyond what everyone else sees into some other realm of discernment. Then you might continue your quest for happiness elsewhere.  <br /> <br />The look is sleek, high-end no-frills brushed metal deep blue-black. No built in strobe lights, no dashing/slashing/curing chrome strips, no gun ports. Just a discrete reference to the brand.  <br /> <br />This TV operates essentially like other TVs. I've installed it as part of a wall-mounted home theater arrangement, with all cabling and external speakers concealed in the walls. So the hookup features of the 42HDS52 were particularly appealing. Everything (a full complement of antenna, set-top-boxes, audio, and video inputs, as well as outputs for external speaker systems) is concealed behind the unit except for a limited set of side inputs -- Input 5 (i.e., one for a USB device like a still camera and another for a composite video/S-video/audio input like a video cam or an iPod) on the left side recessed panel. On the right side is a set of external button switches for operating on/off, volume, channel external to the included remote.  <br /> <br />At the time I bought, I really wanted simply a monitor -- no speakers, no tuner(s). I bought the HDS because it had an HDMI input, which I thought was mandatory. Therefore, I've never used the tuner or speakers in this device.  <br /> <br />I also haven't used the remote control except for initial setup, so I won't comment on it. I spent some extra dough on a third-party programmable remote. BTW, if you're thinking about an A/V receiver-driven home theater setup for the first time, seriously consider a highly-featured third-party remote. All of the so-called universal remotes that come with your electronic devices will leave you ultimately disappointed. Compounding your frustration will be the inevitable flotilla of remotes on the coffee table. This caution is especially valid if you have someone in your household or extended family of casual users who is in any way daunted by change or technology. If you're technology oriented yourself, you'll end up using your computer to customize the crap out of the programmable remote. Even if you don't take this self-customizing step, you won't regret the purchase of the remote and you'll never go back. End of digression.  <br /> <br />The rear panel of the Hitachi is replete with inputs that bring the total to five, including an HDMI hole. My hookup uses only the HDMI input that comes from a big honkin' Denon A/V receiver.  <br /> <br />The Hitachi has a number of nice features, including a great picture-in-picture, powered side speakers (I haven't heard them in action), 1080i screen, screen saver, on-screen display, and a slick remotely controlled rotating stand (removable for on-wall installation) that rotates + or - 30 degrees.  <br /> <br />However, its main draw is the picture, provided by a gazillion teeny-tiny pixels that help ensure that Hitachi's stellar reputation in plasma screens does not go down in flames with this unit. After five months of living with the Hitachi, my wife and I still marvel aloud when something designed for HD flashes to breathtakingly brilliant life on the screen.  <br /> <br />When I took delivery of the device (early January), the street price was about $3K. I've seen it now about 5 months later at less than $2.2K. By the time this review goes online, they could be giving them away. Who knows.  <br /> <br />For my money, the best test isn't whether you'd recommend it to a friend. It's whether you'd buy it again. I would. <br />