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A member of Hitachi's Director's Series of top-performing models, the 42HDX62 is a 42-inch plasma HDTV that offers sophisticated features and high-end performance. The wide-format monitor has a glossy black finish, and flanking speakers provide good stereo separation. Button controls and quick-access inputs are located on the sides of the monitor, while the remaining extensive array of inputs and outputs are on the rear. The detachable pedestal stand includes a power swivel feature that lets you adjust the screen's position using the remote control.

The 42HDX62's video performance leaves very little to be desired, with internal NTSC and ATSC tuners that can accommodate any type of input, a native resolution of 1,024X1,024, four-step black enhancement, dynamic screen contrast, and 26-point advanced video processing. Brightness and color are exceptional.

This plasma HDTV offers rich stereo sound to accompany the video, with a 40-watt integrated audio system that delivers BBE sound enhancement and simulated surround sound. The 42HDX62 can serve as a center speaker in a home theater system, or you can use the subwoofer pre-amp output to add depth to the audio.

Multiple PIP functions are available, as is a special black-and-white film setting and automatic 3:2 conversion of movies for accurate presentation. Additional stand-out features include timed day/night settings that can be customized for each input, digital photo viewing in a range of formats, and a choice of six standard image aspect modes or three HD aspect modes.

Few plasma HDTVs exceed the 42HDX62 in its selection of inputs and outputs. This set offers a CableCARD slot, five composite video inputs (one on the side panel), three S-video inputs (one side), two wideband component video inputs, two HDMI inputs, an IEEE 1394 input, side-panel DV and USB inputs, an optical digital audio output, the subwoofer output, a fixed/variable audio output, and two IR outputs for Learning AV NET IV remotes. The warranty goes beyond the competition as well, with 2-year in-home coverage. Instead of the usual one remote control, the 42HDX62 includes a large universal remote and a palm-size 12-button remote that can control an entire home theater through the AV NET IV system.

Warranty
2 years parts and labor, in-home service