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Expert Review
Hitachi 51F59 51-inch CRT projection HDTV

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Expert Rating:  3  (what's this?)

Expert Review

Hitachi 51F59 51-inch CRT projection HDTV

Date Published: 4/28/08

The Hitachi 51F59 is a 51-inch CRT projection HDTV that manages to cut a few inches from the traditionally large CRT cabinet. The wide-format screen is trimmed in black and sits above a large gray base that contains a pair of stereo speakers, with control buttons and a set of composite video/S-video inputs easily reached in the area between the screen and the base. The internal digital tuner delivers full high-definition content without the need for an additional HD receiver. However, the 51F59 doesn't have a CableCARD slot or QAM tuner, so it is not digital cable-ready.

The wide-format, fine-pitch screen presents a clear 1,080i picture that stands up in most light conditions, and it has the deep, pure blacks common to the CRT design. A 3-D Y/C digital comb filter reduces or eliminates dot crawl and rainbow effects, and convergence can be adjusted automatically or manually. You have a choice of three HD picture modes, and there are six standard-definition modes to fit standard 4:3 images to the widescreen. The 51F59 offers split-screen and other PIP options, but the lack of a second tuner means you will need to supply an additional video source.

The stereo speakers create a respectable 24 total watts of audio output, and simulated surround sound is available. A center-channel input makes it possible to use the TV as the center speaker in a home theater system, and the 51F59 also has an optical digital and fixed/variable audio outputs. Convenience features include an adjustable sleep timer, parental V-chip controls and memory for the settings for each input. A timer can be activated to switch the 51F59 from day to night settings (and back again).

In addition to the audio inputs previously described, the 51F59 has a decent selection of video inputs, such as an RF input, five composite video inputs (including the one on the front panel), three S-video inputs (one on the front panel), two wideband component video inputs and one HDMI input for HD or other digital content. The universal remote control is a spacious silver model with curvy contours and a relatively uncluttered layout.

Among the big-screen HDTVs, the 51F59 is a traditional CRT projection choice that makes the transition to high-definition programming affordable.

Pros: CRT produces clear images and deep blacks, day and night settings, center-channel speaker input
Cons: No second tuner for PIP options, not digital cable-ready

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, 2 years picture tube, in-home service



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Product Specs

Depth
21-15/16 in.
Height
50-3/8 in.
Width
48-3/4 in.
PIP/POP
yes
Nbr. of speakers
2
Screen size
51 in.
Watts per channel
12 watts X2
Weight
151 lbs.
Comb filter
3-D Y/C digital
Display capability
1,080i
Headphone jack
no
Parental control
V-chip
DVI/HDMI interface
HDMI X1


Compare prices on Hitachi 51F59 51 in. HDTV CRT TV
Hitachi 51F59 51 in. HDTV CRT TV
Enjoy huge, high-definition video in your own home theater with the 51-inch Hitachi 51F59 projection CRT HDTV, which delivers advanced optics to produce a superior picture in a thin and sleek modern cabinet. Nicely slim at just 21.9 inches deep, it features a sleek modern cabinet that will fit nicel...
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release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 264336
type: review
category: l4-cp-projection-tvs

brws title: Hitachi 51F59 51-inch CRT projection HDTV Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

meta d: The Hitachi 51F59 is a basic but affordable 51-inch CRT projection HDTV. Read the full review.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Mitsubishi-Diamond-835-WD-65835-65-in-HDTV-DLP-TV/productId=68583324