50" - 16:9 - HDTV - MPN: P50H401
Strengths: great picture quality and great resolution, lots of inputs, 1080i resolution, superb design, great value for the money
Weakness: none so far
I absolutely love this tv, spent a while looking for a 1080 plasma around 1k bucks and finally got this one on sale from best buy and I can't be happier. Colors are great and despite what others say about sound quality on this tv, to me it sounds awesome. Make sure you wait a least a month for plasma to settle down and calibrate it, you can google a fairly simple guide to do it yourself.
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TopStrengths: Built in ASTC/NTSC/QAM Tuner, Multiple inputs Easy to mount, good picture. Like the stand by feture
Weakness: takes a while to switch inputs, Best to have it hooked up to a receiver. Standby time it too quick.
Bought this tv before thanksgiving 2007 from best buy for around 1200 with 3 years of warranty. Got it mounted on top of the fireplace around January this year. Every since the fireplace mount, my love for this tv grew exponentially. The picture quality is excellent. We have a up converting reciever and that could be partly responsible for the picture quality but regardless, the tv is excellent in projecting the quality. We can see it from any angle and it it looks amazing. When we initially got this tv, we didn't have any cable or dvd player, so we hooked it up with out 1990's portable antennas and it picked up almost all of the HD-Digital channels from air. the quality was amazing. this was like free tv shows right out of the box. We also tried this with by connecting a few paper clips together and it worked great. Great tv overall, i love it.
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TopStrengths: Great 50" 1080i Plasma HDTV; picture bright and crisp; lots of input options; overall best bang for the buck.
Weakness: Fairly heavy at over 100 lbs; remote a bit sluggish.
We have many HDTV's throughout the house including two 32" LCD and a 65" projection. This is our first plasma and we have been very impressed so far. The 50" screen is amazing and provides for a great home theater experience. The picture is clear, crisp and bright with amazing color contrast, just takes a teeny bit of tweaking, but not much. Sound is great too! I'm surprised by the great sound coming out of the tiny speakers because one of my LCD HDTV's with similar sized speakers has very tinny sounding speakers. Lots of inputs for all your needs! When we saw this set in the store, it was below a Samsung, right of a Toshiba, and left of a Pioneer that were all 1080p. Even though this is a 1080i, it came very close to the other sets and at half to a third of the price of the $2000-$3500 sets! I am extremely happy with this purchase. The *only* negative is that the tv has a tiny lag time from remote, but it's barely noticeable. All I can say is that if you are thinking of buying this, don't hesitate! It's a great purchase and value.
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TopStrengths: Easy setup and installation, attractive frame and a great picture
Weakness: Not 1080p
This is a great plasma TV at a great price. Very easy to configure and setup. Wall mount was a piece of cake. Picture quality is excellent right out of the box. Would definitely buy a Hitachi again!
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TopT.V's great huh?? get a HDDVD that will up-convert or run 1080p and get a HDMI cord and use one of the 3 HDMI inputs and you will see 1080p heh....
Strengths: Picture and sound
Weakness: do not support 1080p
One of the best in Hitachi seris I ever like. The overall quality is excellent. It doesn't support 1080p. This is the one of the best and would purchase again
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TopIt does actually support 1080p...try one of the 3 HDMI inputs that this T.V. has with a HDDVD 1080p or a xbox or something then u will see 1080p LOL....read your manual :/
Strengths: The picture on this T.V is really good. A little tweaking required but what T.V. doesn't heh. As I bought my Plasma for much less than any retail or online vendor..haha...I cant be more content.
Weakness: True this Plasma isn't 1080p, but it will support 1080p through HDMI only, so if u have a HDDVD that can up-convert or is 1080p it will definitely be 1080p
My Xbox Elite cant look any better on my Plasma, and yes I run it on HDMI "1080p". I read all these reviews talking about "not 1080p" "Its not 1080p" blah blah yes naturally it isn't 1080p its 1080i but it does support it and thats actually a plus because most dont even offer that..bottom line do your homework and "READ YOUR MANUALS" lol..heres a link to help current owners who think it cant support 1080p..
www.hitachi.us/Apps/hi...
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TopStrengths: The picture quality is absolutely dazzling and a great value to boot!
Weakness: The main power switch was difficult to find; Sluggish remote response on the screen
I own 3 1080i televisions (52" rear projection, 40" LCD, and now this 50" plasma). The picture on this plasma is by-far the best of them all. Bright and crystal clear HD. The TV had to sit (unused) on my TV stand for a couple days because I was too dumb to figure out that there was a main power switch on the bottom of the TV molding. After viewing the TV in the showroom I was skeptical about the quality, but WOW, those fears were erased once I had it home with HD hooked up. What an incredible picture! I am very pleased with my purchase!
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TopStrengths: Many Inputs from Front & Back. Excellent HDTV. Great SDTV. Fabulous Set. Easy Installation. Built in ASTC/NTSC/QAM Tuner.
Weakness: Remote Delay. No PIP Feature.
I bought the Hitachi Plasma because I was looking for a HDTV with a large screen at the lowest price possible. I finally found it at BestBuy for a really great bargain and it cost less than $1000. I'm quite impressed by the plasma and it has done an excellent job in viewing my HD channels with Time Warner Cable. I have used the component and hdmi cable for my Scientific Atlanta HD-Box and I can say the HDMI input is much clearer. I watch a lot of sports and the P50H401 really does an amazing job after some normal tweaking in the video settings. You won't be disappointed if you are in the market for a near 1080i/p resolution Plasma HDTV at a budget price.
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TopStrengths: Price Quality Size
Weakness: Not Full HD
I got this TV and best buy super cheap and it is amazing. I played xbox 360 on it and I felt like I was in the game. My only little complaint which I havent even noticed yet is that its not full 1080p but can display it. Other than that its great.
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TopStrengths: Easy setup and installation, attractive frame and crystal clear picture
Weakness: Not true 1080, slow menu functions, No PC input
This is my first HDTV Plasma and I am pleased with Hitachi at this point. This is a great plasma TV at a great price. Very easy to configure and setup. Picture quality is excellent. My only little complaint is no PC input, but for the price I pay, I can't complaint too much :-)
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TopStrengths: Great picture, easy setup
Weakness: Not true 1080P.
This is a HDTV with high quality picture at the right price. It is easy to set up. I use a HDMI cable to watch movies played by my computers. No special set up needed.
However, it is not true 1080P. It is 1080i instead. Well, I can't tell the difference in picture qualities.
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TopStrengths: Very competitive price, screen size, easy setup. Hookups (2 rear, 1 front) are easier to access than the last plasma I owned.
Weakness: Pictuire quality looked very sketchy at the store. Stand seems a little wobbly.
This unit had come down in price a TON. I just (a few weeks ago) purchased for less than $1000. This same unit was going for $2500 just a few months ago. That's what attracted me to it. However, when I saw it in the store, I confess to having some qualms about the purchase. The picture looked worse, literally, than any of the other plasmas on display. I'm not really sure why. When I got it home, however, I have been very satisfied by the picture quality (especially after a little adjustment to the settings). I will say that (obviously) non-HD signals look considerably worse than HD quality. I'm not plasma snob, but for me this purchase was a no brainer, at least for the price.
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TopStrengths: Good Picture Quality. Decent Number of HDMI, Component Inputs Price - great value
Weakness: Slow response from remote. Contrast needs to be up all the way for best picture Quality. Master power switch hard to find.
First experience for a Plasma and it's a good one. Purchased for under $1000 and delivers a very good picture for HD, Standard Def, and 480p DVD movies. Although not 1080p resolution, the 1080i resolution still makes HD OTA channels look great. Has a decent upconverter so DVDs scales to 1080i resolution look pretty good. The blacks may be a little light, but can't complain for the price. I find that I need to adjust contrast all the way up to get a good picture. The remote is OK...basic functions and a good 'Aspect' button to make sure the picture is displayed on the whole screen. The remote is a little slow though and you sometimes have to press the buttons twice to get a response. It's got a good number of HD inputs with an HDMI being in the front which may not be the best thing for permanent components, but good if you hook up an XBOX 360 to it once in a while. When I first got the set, thought it was dead because couldn't figure out where the Master switch was and eventually found it under the right side of TV. Overall, a highly recommended set for the value.
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TopStrengths: Nice picture quality, great price for a 50" HDTV.
Weakness: Sound system not loud enough, remote delay.
Easy set up. We recommended some of our friends. They got the same tv and they are overall satisfied with it. Great to play WII. We got 4 years warranty on it too.
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TopStrengths: Screen size contrast price
Weakness: none
I got this from Bestbuy when it was onsale, I have it hanged on the wall above my fireplace and the set looks awsome. colors are vivid, contrast is sharp, size is plenty. it has 3 HDMI connections. it has a USB port but unfortunatley can only be used for firmware upgrades. it has a very nice technology which is the pixel shift so burnout is not i=an issue. Overall I am very happy with this set.
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TopStrengths: Great picture quality, lots of easily-accesible functions via the remote.
Weakness: Maybe too many settings. You could spend hours tweaking settings.
I was pleasantly surprised when I found this set at the store for the same price as many 42" sets. When I saw a good rating for Hitachi in Consumer Reports, I was sold. Great features and impressive picture quality. And the black housing looks good even when off. It was very easy to set up, except for the hidden master switch located at the bottom of the back.
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TopStrengths: Nice HDTV, plenty of inputs including 3 HDMIs, great picture quality and great resolution
Weakness: Tweaking is required for black level. Remote control looks generic. Heavy plasma TV.
I ordered this TV from Bestbuy for $999 then pricematched with Sears at $1,999 back in late Nov 2007. Got the TV for less than $999 plus discover 5% cash back and pricegrabber product review rebate. It was an excellent deal as the same TV is selling now as of Feb 2008 at $1,500. Picture quality is really great. I tried both HDMI and component cable for video and both worked well. HDTV is really great. At the time my order with Bestbuy at $999 was still pending pickup. I was thinking about getting a second one but did not want to spend more money.
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TopStrengths: Reputable quality with great price (bought at $999.99). "Accepts" 1080p source signal.
Weakness: Not "displaying" true 1080p. Picture is a little greenish.
Some people may be confused between "accepting" signal format and "displaying" resolution. (1) This model does accept 1080p signal format, which is its advantage. Of course, it also accept other signal formats such as 1080i, 720p, etc. (2) The displaying resolution is a bit tricky. This model (and some other Hitachi models) have a unique physical pixels at 1280x1080, which Hitachi markets with the term HD1080, and thus the maximum it can display is 1280x1080 pixels. Most other TVs which claim to be 1080p have physical pixels at 1920x1080, and thus can display at 1920x1080 pixels. So you see, this Hitachi has the same vertical lines resolution as 1080p models, but not horizontal. So it needs to re-process the 1080p signal to "fit" the horizontal resolution. Nevertheless, the viewing result is still very good. Compared to other 50-inch TVs with much higher price tag, I'm happy with this Hitachi. When comparing two TV sets, remember you can't compare a 50-inch with a 32-inch. Also, if someone really goes to the extreme and argue over every tiny detail, he/she is not watching the TV program, but rather the TV "set". :) Enjoy.
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TopHow 1080i and 1080p Are Both The Same and Different
read before speak
1080i and 1080p are both High Definition display formats for HDTVs. 1080i and 1080p signals actually contain the same information. Both 1080i and 1080p represent a 1920x1080 pixel resolution (1,920 pixels across the screen by 1,080 pixels down the screen). The difference between 1080i and 1080p is in the way the signal is sent from a source component or displayed on an HDTV screen.
In 1080i each frame of video is sent or displayed in alternative fields. The fields in 1080i are composed of 540 rows of pixels or lines of pixels running from the top to the bottom of the screen, with the odd fields displayed first and the even fields displayed second. Together, both fields create a full frame, made up of all 1,080 pixel rows or lines, every 30th of a second.
In 1080p, the each frame of video is sent or displayed progressively. This means that both the odd and even fields (all 1,080 pixel rows or pixel lines) that make up the full frame are displayed together. This results in a smoother looking image, with less motion artifacts and jagged edges.
Differences Within 1080p
1080p can also be displayed (depending on the video processing used) as a 1080p/60 (most common), 1080p/30, or in 1080p/24 formats.
1080p/60 is essentially the same frame repeated twice every 30th of a second. (enhanced video frame rate).
1080p/30 is the same frame displayed once every 30th of a second. (standard live or recorded video frame rate).
1080p/24 is the same frame displayed every 24th of a second (standard motion picture film frame rate),
The Key is in the Processing
1080p processing can be done at the source, such as on a Upscaling DVD Player, Blu-ray Disc Player, or HD-DVD player - or it can be done by the HDTV itself.
Depending on the actual video processors used, there may or may not be a difference in having the TV do the final processing (referred to as deinterlacing) step of converting 1080i to 1080p.
For instance, if the TV is utilizing a Faroudja Genesis, DVDO, Silicon Optix HQV, or homegrown processors, such as the ones used in higher-end Sony, Pioneer, Hitachi, and Panasonic sets for example, may be equal to the processors used in many source components - so the results displayed on screen should be equivalent, or very close. Any differences would be more noticable on larger screen sizes.
1080p, Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD
Also, keep in mind that with both Blu-ray and HD-DVD, the actual information on the disc itself is in the 1080p/24 format. Players, such as LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo player, have the ability to output 1080p/24 direct from the disc to its output.
However, since most current HDTVs cannot display 1080p/24, when you connect the LG BH100 to an HDTV that does not have 1080p/24 input and display capability but only has 1080p/60/30 or 1080i input capability, the LG BH100 automatically sends its 1080p/24 signal from the disc to its own video processor which then outputs a 1080i/60 signal. This leaves the HDTV to do the final step of deinterlacing and displaying the incoming 1080i signal in 1080p.
Another example of 1080p processing, is the Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc Player - what is does is even more complicated. This Blu-ray player reads the 1080p/24 signal off the disc, then it actually reinterlaces the signal to 1080i, and then deinterlaces its own internally made 1080i signal in order to create a 1080p/60 signal for output to a 1080p input capable television. However, if it detects that the HDTV cannot input a 1080p signal, the Samsung BD-P1000 just takes its own internally created 1080i signal and passes that signal through to the HDTV, letting the HDTV do the final deinterlacing step.
Just as with the previous LG BH100 example. The final 1080p display format depends what deinterlacing processor is used by the HDTV for the final step. In fact, in the Samsung case, it may that a specific HDTV has better 1080i-to-1080p deinterlacer than Samsung has, it which case you may see a better result using the deinterlacer built into the HDTV.
Final Take
In the final analysis, the proof is in the actual viewing - how the image looks to you in the real world with your specific HDTV. Short of having a tech come out and doing actual measurements, or comparing results using different TVs and source components yourself, even if you don't have a 1080p input capable Television, as long your HDTV has 1080p internal processing, you may still be able to get the benefits of 1080p. The key is in the processing, and, of course, not all HDTVs and video processors are created equal - let your eyes be your guide.
Strengths: Great price, stylish design, plenty of connections
Weakness: Brightness is weaker than others, color is kind greenish
A great TV at a great price.
QAM tuner picks up a lot of extra channels that I missed with my regular TV.
The brightness and color can be adjusted and you will not fell much difference.
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TopStrengths: Low price, 50-inch size, 1080 resolution, great detail and low power consumption
Weakness: Not the best black level, not "true" 1080 resolution
Originally wanted to buy a Panasonic plasma TV, but couldn't resist the sale price of this P50H401.
This TV has excellent detail level, good size and accepts 1080 signal. Its resolution is 1280x1080 however, which means the vertical resolution matches 1080i of the highest res broadcast signal available, but horizontal is lower.
Still, this seem to matter little as the images have consistently great detail level (with high-def signal).
The black level is not as good as with some other plasma TVs, especially Panasonic models that blow away this set and most others with deep black levels and pleasing colors.
The Hitachi seems to be solidly built and has enough HDMI/component/composite inputs for me. Its feature list is also long.
I am glad a bough this model and recommend it if you can get a good deal on it.
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TopStrengths: Sharp HD picture, anti-burn technology, great price point
Weakness: SD images, contract level
I just picked this up at Best Buy for $997, can't beat that deal for a 50" name brand plasma. True it is not a true 1080p display, but at a 50" screen size does it really matter when it cost a third the price. The picture is sharp and colors fairly accurate. My only issue is the contrast ratio, but for $997 I will not complain too much!
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TopStrengths: Easy to put together, instructions were very straight forward. I like the swivle base because it's a bit heavy, so it makes changing angles fairly simple. Having 3 HDMI's is a big pluse.
Weakness: The only thing I'm not very thrilled about is the fact that I have to manually change the modes between day and night manually to extend the life of this TV.
I've had the TV for about 10 days now and this is my first HDTV Plasma. My previous TV was a 32" tube and it ways 5 times as much!!
50" is definitely the way to go, the wife and kids love it and I'm glad I made the purchase and got a really good price on it too!!
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TopStrengths: Price point, picture quality, easy assembly
Weakness: Factory settings, hidden on/off switch
Bought 4 of these when they were on sale for half price. After seeing the picture, all my friends wanted one. Traded my old 12 year old 50" Hitachi in for this and couldn't be more pleased with the picture quality. I do wish the factory settings didn't come maxed out on the contrast. After talking to the engineers, they recommend keeping that setting below 80% to avoid burn in, so why not set it there from the factory? Also the power switch is so well hidden, you'll have a hard time finding it. But over looking these couple of things, I would recommned this set to someone looking for a plasma.
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TopStrengths: 1080 native res, good picture quality, great price
Weakness: Delayed remote response, weak speakers, dark scenes
I got this for a sweet low price and so far it has been worth it. Setup is relatively straight forward. I was able to do it myself but needed another person to lift it onto the TV stand. Picture quality is quite nice for HD material (have tried OTA, Blu-ray, PS3 games). SD material is watchable but from owning a Vizio L32, I knew that the PQ would be pretty mediocre. On the negative side, there is a delay from when you press a button on the remote and the function being displayed on the screen. The speakers are pretty weak as expected. Dark scenes have been problematic so far but that may be due to my settings. When there's a lot of blacks, it's hard to differentiate them (like if a guy is wearing black shirt and black pants, it comes out like he's wearing one piece). Overall this is a great lower-end large screen Tv.
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TopStrengths: picture looks great, plenty of inputs including 3 HDMIs, sleak looking
Weakness: slight humming noise while on, weight
This television was a great deal for the price I paid. The picture looks nice and clean. The HD channels with 720p or 1080i looks great. Even the channels with 480i look very good. Plenty of different aspect ratios to toggle between depending on format of DVDs or channel output. Plan on having this TV for long time.
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TopStrengths: Great quality for a great price!!!
Weakness: contrast settings need adjustment so the picture is not dark, enters standby too quickly
I purchased this TV the week before Thanksgiving to upgrade my entertainment system. I went from a 27" CRT to this magnificent 50" plasma and wondered why i had waited so long.
It is very easy to set up. I use a receiver so i only have one input into the TV. The sound comes out of the receiver to separate speakers so i don't know how the TV speakers are.
The quality of the picture is incredible. I've watched movies in 1080i quality and it is really good. Football games are fun to watch. It's almost like you are at the stadium!!!
The TV goes into standby mode if it doesn't receive signal to decrease the chances of burn-in. Although i think it goes into standby too quickly, this is a great feature as i often forget to turn the TV off.
The biggest drawback is that in dark scenes, the contrast needs to be adjusted to clearly see the picture. Once you adjust the settings, the picture for dark scenes gets better.
Overall I love this TV. I would highly recommend it for people who want great entertainment at an affordable price.
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TestSeek.com has collected 6 expert reviews for Hitachi P50H401 and the average expert rating is 77 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use TestSeek.com to find all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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Hitachi P50h401 Television receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.83 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #23 plasma flat panel TV of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a...
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Display is Average according to 3 Flat Panel TV experts. -- "excellent connectivity options"-products.howstuffworks.com -- "Noise reduction on the other hand was pretty good, and the High mode had a noticeable impact in cleaning up the motes and snowy noise in the scenes of sunsets and skies--although it did soften the image a bit, as usual."-reviews.cnet.com -- "the huge screen, superior picture...
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THE GOOD: Inexpensive; relatively effective antiglare screen; three independent picture memories per input; versatile selection of aspect-ratio modes and power-saving options; three HDMI inputs. THE BAD: Produces a light shade of black; relatively soft picture; inaccurate primary color of green; bluish color temperature that cannot be adjusted; introduces false contouring. THE BOTTOM LINE:...
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Excellent HDTV Value!!
Strengths: Superb design and price, 1080i picture offers up a great picture and is as close to 1080p as you can get.
Weakness: Bland remote control and slow menu functions. Sound is mediocre but when hooked up to Bose surround sound it is a nonfactor.
This is my first HDTV experience and I am pleased with Hitachi at this point. I receive many on air digital channels through regular cable that broadcast in HD. This TV was comparable to Samsung, Panasonic and LG in its price range (actually the Hitachi came in a good 300.00 less than the next lowest price) and in my opinion offers a better value.
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