Hitachi P50X901

Hitachi's P50X901 plasma HDTV comes with an impressively complete selection of audio and video controls, but this stylishly modern flat panel television has some major picture quality issues. Its 50 inch, 1,920 by 1,080 pixels screen updates every other horizontal line per cycle, effectively making it an interlaced display.

In addition, relatively high black levels result in poor average picture contrast. With an ever increasing selection of true 1080p sets offering better contrast with fewer artifacts associated with interlacing.

The glass topped face and inch thin side trim give the set a sleek appearance, and it's durable and easy to clean.

Beneath its flat glass surface are standard size bezels that, with the parameter trim, add a 2.8 inches black border around the active portion of the screen.

The P50X901 also features a remote controlled power swivel stand that can rotate the screen up to 40 degrees both to the left and right 80 degrees of total swivel motion. I've yet to meet anyone who wasn't impressed upon learning that the remote control actually swivels the set.

With its stand attached, the P50X901 measures 34.9 by 49.3 by 16.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 111.9 pounds. Without its stand, the P50X901's height shrinks to 32.2 inches, and the panel depth is an even 5 inches.