Compare the P50S601 to these 52" LCD HDTVs:
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Hitachi P50S601 50" Full HD 1080i Plasma HDTV
Okay, so if you're researching the P50S601, you probably want to know "If it's such a cheap price, it must be too good to be true, right?"
The answer: Well, yes, and no. Hitachi's marketing of the model P50S601 and other similar plasma HDTVs in its line-up is misleading to say the least. It touts these sets as "Full HD," but to many people that means 1080p (progressive scan). However, the P50S601 is 1080i (interlaced) which, simply put, is a step down from 1080p resolution.
On the other hand, there are some amazing prices for the P50S601 (see Amazon.com), considering it gives you 50" diagonal inches of glorious plasma, something you could easily pay twice or three times as much for in a leading model from Pioneer, Panasonic or Samsung. To help you understand its pros and cons, here's a quick features review...
Hitachi's ClearWindow technology is billed as "enhanced picture quality that will dazzle your eyes."
As most things in life, this claim is relative. Compared to a standard definition television, the P50S601 will be a huge step up, but don't compare it too closely vs. the top KURO sets from Pioneer, or it will be clear why the P50S601 is close to $1000 in price while a similarly sized KURO model would be at least three times as expensive.
One of the most important measurements of a good HDTV, black reproduction, is an area where the P50S601 simply doesn't excel, but again, consider its price range and don't penalize it in comparison vs. Panasonics or Pioneers. If you're in the market for a plasma and don't have several thousand dollars to spend, the P50S601 could be just the entry model set you're looking for.
One area where the P50S601 does shine is connection options... 3 HDMI SimplayHD inputs (two rear, one front), which is the highest quality connection for HD video. Plus, it features 2 component video inputs, 1 S-Video input, 4 A/V inputs, and 1 RF/Antenna input. Compare this list to plasmas twice as expensive, and you'll see the P50S601 holds its own quite well.
Hitachi also plays up its PictureMaster HD IV processor, which automatically scales up all video inputs to take advantage of the P50S601's 1080i resolution display. Plus, the PictureMaster handles noise reduction and performs other picture enhancements to work toward an optimal viewing experience.
But it all boils down to this: will you be satisfied with how it meets your needs in your viewing environment. Perhaps the best way to answer this is to direct you to the comments of other buyers who have unboxed the P50S601 and put it to the test in their own homes. Check out user reviews on sites like Amazon.com.
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Amazon Prices on Top Plasmas: - Panasonic TH-58PZ750U
- Samsung FPT5084
- Samsung FPT6374
- Pioneer PDP-6070HD
