The Hitachi P60X901 is a high-end TV. When it comes to high-end consumer electronics, there is often the feeling that you can't easily put a price on quality. And for those where price is no object, the sticker price on this model might not seem high for a TV set. Of course, the Hitachi P60X901 plasma HDTV is much more than just another TV--for those who want a fantastic picture with deep, rich blacks and vibrant colors, it is hard to match.

The Hitachi P60X901 features full true HD 1080p resolution, and supports content from 480p/720p/1080i/1080p content very well. It easily handles the latest HD content from Blu-ray and HD-DVD, and does an excellent job of upconverting 720p HD content. Because of the size of the screen, most standard definition content, even 480p content from DVD, is going to be a little underwhelming. But the P60X901 actually does a better job than other 60-inch (and larger) panels with standard definition content. The set can't make a sitcom from the 1980s look as good as a current film, but it still handles most content reasonably well.

The Director's Series line features a special Hitachi technology called "Reel60," which the company claims is better than the 3:2 pulldown for showing movie content on a TV (films run at 24 frames a second, while TV displays 60 frames per second). This Reel60 interpolates between frames, and can thus create 60 frames from the film's original 24 frames, and thus makes for a smoother viewing experience. Additionally, the set features digital color management and custom white balance, all making for extremely vibrant colors with realistic flesh tones.

Yet despite the Director's Series branding, the P60X901 does not require that you turn the living room into a completely darkened home theater just to watch the morning news or an afternoon ball game. While plasma sets often tend to look better at night, Hitachi has tackled the issue successfully with their anti-reflective screen to absorb most of the ambient room light. This model further features a Day/Dynamic/Night Memory mode by input, which can be set with a timer. As the sun sets, you can have the picture automatically adjust to the changing room light.

There are additional options for setting the various picture adjustments, including brightness and contrast, as well as various color temperatures. All this is made very simple with the P60X901 thanks to easy-to-use presets, while also offering more specific adjustments for those who want to calibrate everything to their exact tastes. This has always been a nice feature with Hitachi, and with this set it is truly the best of both worlds.

The fully illuminated multi-function remote can really take control thanks to the IR pass through, allowing you to command devices such as a DVD player, cable box or DVR, even if the devices are tucked out of direct line of sight. Thus all you need to see is the large and bright 60-inch plasma display. But even with the other components neatly tucked away, it would be hard to call this 60-inch set sleek or slender. From the front, there's actually very little to see thanks, to the set's clean lines and thin flat black bezel. This year Hitachi has opted to place the speakers in a single bar under the screen, and this makes for a smaller width than comparable 60-inch sets. The P60X901 is a mere six inches deep, but at 162 pounds it isn't exactly a lightweight. For that reason, you should really look at custom install help if you're considering wall-mounting this behemoth.

Connecting your various audio/video components to the Hitachi P60X901 is fairly easy. The set features three HDMI inputs, including one in front (though considering the price tag, Hitachi could have opted for three rear HDMI and still included an additional one on the front). Fortunately, this model features three component inputs in the rear, along with one in the front, and an S-video input, not to mention rear panel with digital optical audio output and a single RS-232C control interface.

The P60X901 is far from the most affordable set on the block this season, but if you take HDTV watching seriously, and are a movie buff with a larger than average budget, this is certainly the set for you. This Director's Series set will have you feeling like you're in the director's chair.

Pros: Day Dynamic/Day and Night Memory modes, three component inputs, three HDMI inputs
Cons: One front HDMI input instead of side, very heavy at 162 pounds, very expensive

Warranty
2 years, limited