Hitachi P50S601 50 Inch Full HD1080 Plasma HDTV

Editorial Review
The Hitachi P50S601 is a 50-inch plasma HDTV that offers 1080i resolution and Hitachi's ClearWindow technology for an enhanced picture quality that will dazzle your eyes.

Outstanding Picture Quality
As a 1080i HDTV, the P50S601 provides a 1920 x 1080 resolution that is razor sharp with more than two million pixels. Picture quality is further enhanced, thanks to ClearWindow technology that reduces the visibility of a grid structure and maximizes brightness and clarity.

ClearWindow technology reduces the visibility of a pixel grid structure for a better picture. View larger. View back panel.

Timed swtiching allows picture settings to automatically adjust for changing ambient light conditions.

With the PictureMaster HD IV processor, all video inputs are scaled up to match the full 1080i resolution of the unit to ensure an optimized picture no matter the source. For a better picture, the processor also performs noise reduction and other picture enhancements, such as dynamic contrast and histogram processing, automatic 3:2 film enhancement, and the capability for 16-bit color. Users can select between four HD and six SD aspect modes, and three preset color temperatures.

Well Connected
The P50S601 has three HDMI SimplayHD inputs (two rear, one front), the highest quality connection available that has both high definition video and audio in one cable. It also has two component video inputs, one S-Video input, four A/V inputs, and one RF/Antenna input. Outputs include one AV monitor output (fixed audio), one S-Video monitor output, and one optical digital audio output. You can connect the optical digital audio output with your home theater system to obtain surround sound when the built-in 20-watt speaker system isn't quite enough. The TV speaker can then be used as a center speaker.

The HDTV has built-in ATSC/NTSC tuners, both of which are combined into one tuning memory for seamless selection of channels, regardless of format. The unit is also QAM-digital-cable compatible.

Day and Night Differences
The P50S601 allows for three custom settings that match the picture settings with accompanying ambient light conditions so that you get the optimal picture and contrast settings no matter the hour. Additionally, the anti-reflective screen has a unique black stripe screen filter that ensures a quality picture by blocking ambient room light for added brightness and deeper blacks. The television also features multiple screen saver and power saving modes for efficiency when not in use. A power swivel stand is included that rotates the screen up to 30 degrees in either direction, so an optimal viewing experience is available for every seat in the room.

The P50S601 is backed by a 1-year parts and labor warranty.

Full HD1080

2.07 million pixel array perfectly matches the 1080i HDTV resolution standard (1920 x 1080 panel resolution).

PictureMaster HD IV

Proprietary digital video processor optimizes picture performance of all incoming source material.

3 HDMI SimplayHD 1080i Compatible Inputs

Multiple high-end digital interfaces for optimal connectivity of home theater components.

ClearWindow Plasma Technology

Smoother image reproduction with higher brightness output and less visible grid structure.

Day/Dynamic/Night Memory by Input with Timer

Three customized settings for each input that match the picture settings to the ambient light conditions of the viewing environment.

What's in the Box
P50S601 plasma HDTV, remote control, two AA batteries, 6-foot AC power cord cable, power swivel table top stand, power swivel cable, and wire clamp.

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Customer Reviews

Beautiful, but not 1080p

2007-11-07
I just upgraded to this from a sub-par 32" LCD, and I am floored. The quality is astounding. Games on my xbox 360 are gorgeous, and comcast HD cable looks great too (although comcast's compression is a bit more noticable on such a huge screen). I plan to get the HD-DVD upgrade for the 360 so I can get HD movies from Netflix. It wasn't worth it on a 32" screen but on this one it will be.

With 3 HDMI and 2 component inputs, most people should be set. Although it does suck that one of the HDMI's is on the front, but at least it's there if you need it. The power swivel may seem like a silly feature but it's actually handy sometimes.

One last thing. This is not a 1080p set, even though the marketing makes it sound like it is. It is in fact 1080i. The question is, will you be able to tell the difference? No. I promise you, you will not. The "p" in 1080p is overhyped. 1080i and 1080p have the same amount of pixels, the difference is just "interlaced" vs "progressive". Only the most insane video evangelist with severe OCD would be able to notice the difference. Besides, almost all HD content is in 1080i format anyways. You can only get 1080p content from HD-DVD and Blu-ray, which doesn't apply to a whole lot of people at the moment. Don't get fooled into the 1080p hype and waste $500-$1000 on something you will never be able to notice.

Outstanding... (well for the price at least)

2008-06-26
I got this TV a couple of months ago, but didn 't want to write the review before I make a truly run on it. I am watching it on daily base of course, and I am amazed. Sure... if you go to retail stores and look at a Samsung or a Sonny you will find that the image quality is better, but have a look at the price tags... You will see what I mean. For the $1500 this was far the best choice and I don 't regret it.

You can get a samsung or a sony or a panasonic for the same amount at 1080p but it will be 42". To truly see the image difference at 1080p you really need the above 42". There are some features that amaze me:
1. Swiveling base, controlled by the remote!!!
2. Different settings for different time of the day!!! Superb! I have a lot of light in the afternoon and very little in the morning. That feature makes the brightness adjustment a button away!
3. 3 HDMI's and 3 Component. Too many, but I am glad!
4. Excellent sound quality. From the TV or by using the optical audio out.
5. Connector to popcorn machine to pop corn right when the movie starts... Nah... Just kidding. I do however connect it to my laptop for gaming, and the color quality is unbelievable.

One little bug a few reviews noticed, is the speakers, that can be used as central speakers in a 5.1 surround, but there is a delay which is annoying. There is an option to change the timing but it only goes forward. But it is a minor minor bug...

Great TV!!!!!

2008-05-27
This is my first High-Definition TV and I'm glad I bought it. The picture is beautiful and I didn't upgrade my satellite box yet. I could only imagine what the picture will be like when I do. The sound is great too. The power swivel is cool and easy to install. I highly recommend this plasma to everyone!!

Awesome Plasma HDTV!

2008-03-30
Hitachi P50S601 50-inch Full HD1080 Plasma HDTV
I am very impressed with this unit! The pricing for this unit was also found to be "exceptional" via Amazon, compared to local Retailers.
Picture quality is A+, Ease of setup A+, Antiglare A-, Sound is also impressive B. I'd recommend you get yourself one of these!
THANKS AMAZON!

Hitachi P50S601 50" Full HD1080 Plasma HDTV

2008-01-18
I got this TV , very good condition , cheaper than Bestbuy or Circuitcity , delivery very fast , no shipping, no tax and I can injoy Christmas . TV very good picture and good shape . Thank you amazon.com . I will be back soon .

Happy Purchaser

2008-01-06
First, contrary to what another reviewer has said, this is a full 1080p set. This is our first flat panel television and we are happy with it so far (but have only had it two days). Set up was easy. The picure is great (and we have looked at 1080p Blue Ray picture on the set using Playstion). Reflection is not bad at all. Very well designed remote, except that it has no lighting and no glow. This set is in our bedroom, and the power swivel was just what we needed so we can see the set from the sitting area or from bed. A word about the "white glove" shipping. This left something to be desired. There is no tracking info available. Amazon was telling me to expect delivery by 11 January but it showed up without a call or anything on January 5th. Lucky we were home. The delivery men at first balked at bringing the set up to our second floor, though they eventually did it. Still -- a lot less hassle than trying to bring a behemoth like this home from a store myself!

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Newnes Guide to Digital TV

The second edition has been updated with all the key developments of the past three years, and includes new and expanded sections on digital video interfaces, DSP, DVD, video servers, automation systems, HDTV, 8-VSB modulation and the ATSC system.

* A uniquely concise and readable guide to the technology of digital television
* New edition includes more information on HDTV (high definition) and ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committe) - the body that drew up the standards for Digital Television in the U.S.
* Written by an engineer for engineers, technicians and technical staff