Hitachi's 50VS810 is a 50-inch HDTV that relies on LCD projection to create a bright, lively picture. This UltraVision CineForm model has a high-gloss black cabinet that preserves the clean look of the front panel by placing easy-access inputs on the side. The integrated NTSC and ATSC tuners can handle both standard- and high-definition content without requiring a separate receiver, and a rear CableCARD slot can potentially eliminate an external cable box.

The high-contrast fine-pitch screen is coated to reduce reflections, and it can display over one billion colors. A variety of input signals (480i, 480p, 720p, and 1,080i) are viewable at 720p. Non-high-definition signals are up-converted through progressive line doubling to intensify the picture. Dark and light areas are displayed with high levels of detail, and a 3-D Y/C digital comb filter largely suppresses hanging dots and rainbow effects. Movies are automatically adapted to the screen with 3:2 conversion, so that the action sequences are smooth.

The twin tuners make it possible to watch two programs side by side, and other PIP options include a surf mode. The 50VS810 offers some appealing video presets, including a color temperature setting specially designed for black and white content, day and night settings, and a timer that can be used to activate the day/night setting switch automatically. The internal three-way speakers produce a total of 40 watts of audio output, which can be configured to simulate surround sound or to serve as a center channel of a surround sound system. Convenience features include on and sleep timers, channel and input labeling, and a screen saver to prevent image burn-in, to name just a few.

Images on a digital camera can be quickly displayed on the 50VS810 via a USB input on the side panel. The rear-panel input options are extensive, with two HDMI inputs, two RF inputs, four audio/video inputs, two S-video inputs, and two component video inputs. An audio/video output, optical digital audio output, and fixed/variable audio output are also present. The universal remote control has unusual roll-and-click controls for managing volume and channel changes. The remote is comfortable to handle, and the buttons glow with a pleasing blue light for night viewing.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, in-home service