Hitachi's 55HDM71 is a 55-inch plasma TV that is equally at home in a boardroom or living room. The monitor is framed in glossy black, with aluminum trim on the lower edge. An antireflective glass shield helps the unit perform well in all light conditions. Speakers are available separately.

This wide-format HD-ready display uses less power than most other equivalent sets, yet it manages to achieve rich, bright color. It has 1.07 billion colors, with 1,366 by 768 pixels that bring the resolution to the VGA-WXGA level. The thin, light monitor may be used with a detachable swivel stand (available separately), or it can be wall-mounted using a separate mounting bracket.

The VirtualHD video processor that Hitachi includes in this and other high-end units up-converts all non-HD signals to 1,080p, resulting in a very smooth, intense picture. The 4MB 3-D Y/C digital comb filter reduces dot crawl and hanging dots, and color temperature can be adjusted quickly using any of four presets, one of which is optimized for black and white content. Twin tuners are included, so you can view two programs at once in a split-screen arrangement. This unit is designed to operate with a computer, DVD player, VCR, and various other optional inputs. Each input retains customized day and night settings, and they are automatically reactivated when you return to the input and select day or night.

The 55HDM71 is a very quiet plasma TV, with no annoying fan noises to distract from programming. Although no speakers are included, the set does feature a 20-watt amplifier, with SRS TruBass Matrix surround sound and a choice of four audio presets. The inputs will accommodate the types of components you are likely to add, with a DVI input, two sets of component video inputs, a D-sub 15 analog input, and two S-video/audio/video inputs. The remote control is well laid out, providing access to all of the 55HDM71's features and menus.

Warranty
1 years