Hitachi may not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of plasma HDTVs. However, the company has long produced many of the components used by other manufacturers, so it only makes sense to check out Hitachi. Perhaps more importantly Hitachi has been a leader in pushing the development of plasma technology, so it is no surprise that the P50S601 50-inch plasma HDTV performs at a high level.

The P50S601 features true 1,080p resolution, and it supports 480p/720p/1,080i/1,080p content as well. The picture is exceptional, with the lifelike colors and rich, deep blacks you'd expect from a top-of-the-line plasma set. Unfortunately, the P50S601's presentation of standard-definition (480i) content is underwhelming. There are multiple aspect modes that allow you to stretch the picture accordingly to fit the screen, but regardless of which one you choose, SD images appear much grainier than we'd like. This is a common problem with HD sets, especially with larger screen sizes, but it is much more noticeable on the P50S601 than on other plasma TVs we've tested.

One area that is not an issue with the P50S601 is in regard to ambient light. Plasma sets generally look better at night, while LCD televisions perform better during the day. However, Hitachi has tackled the issue successfully with an anti-reflective screen that absorbs most ambient light. Coupled with a very bright display, the P50S601 produces its vibrant colors and deep blacks even in daytime. There is also a Day/Dynamic/Night Memory mode by input, which can be set with a timer. So as the sun sets, the picture can adjust automatically to the changing room light.

Additional picture adjustment options include brightness and contrast, as well as various color temperatures. A number of quick presets make rough adjustments a simple task, and you can also fine-tune the picture to your exact tastes with more specific picture options. This has always been a nice feature with Hitachi televisions, and the P50S601 makes customizing the picture easy for casual and serious viewers alike.

The P50S601 sports some nifty standout features, such as a remotely operated power swivel stand that lets you turn the set without getting out of your chair. The fully illuminated remote boasts IR passthrough, allowing you to command devices such as a DVD player, cable box and DVR through the TV, even if the individual components are tucked out of a direct line of sight.

Connecting these and other components to the P50S601 is snap. This set features three HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel. This is great for HD camcorders and video game consoles, but if you need the third HDMI input for a permanently connected component, you'll have to deal with an unsightly cord or be forced to buy an HDMI switcher. In our opinion, HDMI connections should be located on the rear panel or on the side. Hitachi has also reduced the number of component video inputs from three to two compared to last year's comparable model. The P50S601 does have one S-video input, one s-video monitor output, and four a/v inputs with one in the front. It also includes a rear-panel optical digital audio output and an RS-232C control interface.

The P50S601 has an improved, sleeker design compared to last year's model, thanks in large part to single speaker bar under the screen. The speakers provide 20 watts of total system power and do an adequate job with movies and TV, and simulated surround sound is an option.

Hitachi typically provides a good set at a good price, but this year the company really delivers. With its piano-black bezel, host of features and fine HD performance, the P50S601 is a good-looking and affordable plasma HDTV.


Pros: Three HDMI inputs, great HD performance, Day/Dynamic/Night Memory mode adjusts setting depending on light conditions
Cons: Standard-definition content doesn't look all that good, third HDMI input on front panel can lead to unsightly cable clutter, only two component inputs compared to last year's three

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor; in-home service