Hitachi 26HDL52

Hitachi 26HDL52 LCD TV Review

The 26-inch Hitachi 26HDL52 LCD TV, offers a wealth of advanced technological features that will ensure superior picture and audio performance for years to come. It offers a lightweight, slim profile with a bottom speaker design that can be easily wall-mounted with optional hardware, or sit comfortably in any home entertainment set-up with its included swivel tabletop stand. It also features an integrated ATSC tuner that can capture over-the-air digital broadcasts from local network affiliates (the set will still require a set-top tuner for receiving non-terrestrial HD broadcasts from channels like HBO or Discovery).

When content from film is sent to your home it requires processing that can cause picture noise or distortion. Hitachi's VirtualHD technology analyzes the incoming signal to improve subtle transitions and sharp edges--thus reducing this noise to a minimum and helping to recreate the smooth curves and high fidelity image of the original film source. Hitachi's Super In-Plane Switching (S-IPS) technology allows for crisp, sharp images during rapid motion scenes and a wider viewing angle. Unlike conventional flat panel LCD displays, Hitachi Super-IPS elements twist quickly on a horizontal plane to let light pass through for the fastest response possible.

The Hitachi 26HDL52 offers a 768p display (1366 x 768), which scales 720p HDTV signals to fit the display. (More than 94 percent of the 720 HD signal is scaled to the display; due to variances in program productions and transmissions not all of the 720 signal is suitable for display.) It also features a stunning 3000:1 contrast ratio (the higher the ratio, the better the color details even in ambient room light), 170-degree viewing angle, and a super-fast 8ms (millisecond) response time, which minimizes blurring of moving images and is especially helpful for sports and action movies.

The 4 MB 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail. The anti-reflective, high-contrast screen effectively absorbs ambient room light, reducing reflections and producing richer blacks, vibrant color and increased detail in shadows and highlights. Other features include:

� Picture memory by input: Enables individual settings to be saved for different inputs and allows greater connectivity.

� Six aspect modes: An exclusive technique of linear expansion is employed to fill the widescreen with conventional programming and to minimize perceptible distortion.

� Two color temperatures

� Mute and soft mute

� V-Chip parental controls

� Closed caption decoder

� Sleep timer

� ATSC (HD) and NTSC (standard broadcast) tuners

This Hitachi 26HDL52 set is equipped with SRS Surround Sound and BBE Sound enhancement for a more immersive home theater experience, and the integrated speakers produce a total of 20 watts of power (10 watts per left/right channel). It includes a DVI input for uncompressed digital RGB connection from source to screen.

By eliminating the conversion of the digital signal to analog, it delivers an unblemished image. Thanks to the non-degraded signal, you get less flicker and a clearer picture. The DVI input is compatible with the digital RGB video portion of an HDMI connection (adapter not included). It offers the following connection options:

� Composite AV (RCA): 2 in (1 side)

� S-Video: 2 in (1 side)

� Component Video: 2 in

� DVI: 1 in

� Monitor: 1 S-Video and 1 composite out

� PC RGB: 1 in

� Analog RGB/DVI audio: 1 in

� Subwoofer: 1 out

� Headphone: 1 (side)

Tech Talk

Component video (also called Y/Pb/Pr) features a three-jack video input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. You will need a separate RCA left/right audio cable for sound.

What's in the Box?

Hitachi 26HDL52 LCD TV, remote control (with batteries), tabletop stand, printed operating instructions

So what Features Does the Hitachi 26HDL52 have?

� Screen size: 26 inches

� TV type: LCD

� HDTV capable: Yes, with internal over-air tuner or via optional set-top box

� Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels

� Aspect ratio: 16:9

� Speaker wattage per channel: 10 watts

� Number of speakers: 2

� Response time: 8 ms

� Brightness: Information unavailable

� Contrast ratio: 3000:1

� Viewing angle: 170 degrees

� Comb filter: 4 MB 3D Y/C

� 3:2 pulldown correction: Yes

� Scan velocity modulation: No

� Line doubling: No

� Color temperature control: Yes

� Includes DVD player: No

� Includes VCR: No

� Signal type: NTSC, ATSC

� Auto channel setup: Yes

� Closed captioning: Yes

� Last-channel recall: Yes

� Multilingual menu: Yes

� Parental control: Yes

� Picture-in-picture (PIP): Information unavailable

� Remote control: Yes

� SAP: Yes

� Sleep timer: Yes

� Composite A/V: 2

� S-Video: 2

� Component video: 2

� DVI: 1

� HDMI: 0

� RF: 0

� PC VGA: 1

� USB: 0

� Firewire: 0

� Headphone jack: 1

� Front/Side AV jacks: Side

� Surround sound: Yes, virtual (SRS)

� Sound leveler system: Information unavailable

� Item width: 26.1 inches

� Item height: 20.6 inches with stand

� Item depth: 4.1 inches

� Item weight: 40 pounds

� Stand included: Yes

� Wall mount type: Information unavailable

� Power consumption: 140 watts; less than 3 watts on standby

� Warranty: 1 year parts and labor, with in-home service

Conclusion

Hitachi's 26" UltraVision Flat-Panel Hitachi 26HDL52 LCD TV is a flat-panel television that complements any home viewing experience. The Super In-Plane Switching (S-IPS) LCD technology delivers superior viewing angles, faster response times, and exceptional colour purity.

The VirtualHD video processor recreates the smooth image quality of cinematic content, and an anti-reflective screen ensures the best picture performance possible in any lighting. Its' motorized swivel stands operate with a simple push of a remote control button. Built-in HDTV and NTSC tuners give you a wider range of broadcast viewing options. With its superior picture quality, exclusive Hitachi features and superior connectivity make this LCD TV a must-have for any elegantly-decorated home.

The Hitachi 26HDL52 includes both NTSC and HDTV tuners Motorized swivel stands can be moved with the remote control Slim bottom speaker with titanium/black bezel finish.

The Hitachi 26HDL52 is a great entry level LCD TV. It performs well in every aspect especially sound. Current many retailers are offering great prices for this model.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

9/10

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Hitachi 26HDL52 LCD TV Review
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