Hitachi 57F710A 57-inch CRT rear-projection HDTV
Date Published: 10/26/07
Hitachi's 57F710A is a 57-inch HDTV that has a lot going for it. At just under 24 inches deep, the attractive silver cabinet is surprisingly slender for a wide-format CRT rear-projection HDTV, and it is delivered in two pieces to simplify the installation process. Control buttons and easy-access composite video and S-video inputs are placed behind a door directly below the screen, where they are easy to reach but out of sight.
In addition to ATSC and NTSC tuners, the 57F710A sports a CableCARD slot, so most types of programming can be presented without the need for additional set-top boxes. The picture is bright and sharp, with rich colors and deep blacks, and there is a choice of manual or automatic convergence. The 4MB 3-D Y/C digital comb filter eliminates interference, and the picture is made even sharper through four-step edge enhancement.
A 24-watt speaker system provides rich audio to accompany the 57F710A's visuals. Audio options include simulated surround sound, BBE sound enhancement, and MTS stereo with dbx. You have the option of sending the audio to external speakers or using the 57F710A's speakers as the center channel in a home theater speaker system.
HDTVs in this size range usually offer a broad choice of inputs and outputs, and the 57F710A does not disappoint. It has five composite video inputs (one on the front panel), three S-video inputs (one front), two RF inputs, two wideband component video inputs, and one HDMI input. Other connections include an optical digital audio output, a center channel input, and a fixed/variable audio output.
The 57F710A has a number of features common to big-screen HDTVs, including multiple timers, parental locks, and closed captions. Additionally, the 57F710A's PIP functions accommodate HD content as well as analog programming, and the set has a 12-image index screen to preview multiple channels at once. The 57F710A can switch automatically between day and night settings, customized for each input. The universal remote control is nicely laid out, with quick access to favorite channels and a freeze button to still the action. All in all, the 57F710A is an appealing HDTV that offers value, quality, and a host of features.Warranty
1 year parts and labor, 2 years picture tube, in-home service
