Ultimate AVs review of Hitachi 42HDT52 plasma
By Matt Burns 
posted Dec 12th 2005 11:47AM
posted Dec 12th 2005 11:47AM
Lucky ducks. Ultimate AV just released their reviews of a great plasma: the Hitachi 42HDT52 plasma. This is a gorgeous mid-high end plasma but what did they think of it? I'll cut to the chase; they like it a lot. This TV is impressive indeed but as the review states there is a downside to the set.Most plasmas have a hard time displaying deep blacks and bright whites at the same time. This one is no exception. The set does come with an impressive amount of features however: picture in picture, two HDMI ports, and a power swivel mount that can be controlled via the remote. *pimp*
If your holiday shopping includes a plasma, check out this TV and the review. It is a great set.
I just got this set last week. Currently, I only have an antenna and old Dish receiver running through the antenna input, plus DVD through component, and I gotta say - this set ROCKS!!! The picture is gorgeous, it does a remarkable job of upconverting SD. It pulls in all my local digital channels with no problem.
To me, the black levels are fantastic. I haven't yet calibrated the set, just got it to where it looks good to my eyes. Out of the box, it was too hot/bright/bleeding colors/etc. But it was easy to bring things down to a natural look. The HD stuff looks amazing. Plenty of detail, great color.
I think under the right viewing conditions, this set outperforms most others. The review may have been a bit harsh, but that's what reviewers are supposed to do.
Can't wait to add my Dish 942 to really give the set a workout.
You won't go wrong with this display. I love it!
Last years model received an excellent review from Randy Tomlinson over @ Perfect Vision. He has very high praise for the Hitachi plasma, and i'm sure this model is no different...If you cut through the chase of the review, you'll realize this t.v. is a winner. Also, i have the pioneer pro plasma (not the latest model) and it too, has received stellar reviews minus the same black level issue...To tell you the truth, only when watching very dark movies, does it remotely begin to make a difference...the picture on this set and the hitachi set is unbelievably sharp and unless your a full-fledged ocd videophile, the whole black level issue won't mean a thing in the real world! good luck..