Hitachi P42H401 42-Inch HD1080 Plasma HDTV

by Hitachi

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 42 x 31 inches ; 84 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 120 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B000MTAZFO
• Item model number: P42H401
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,581 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description The Hitachi P42H401 is a 42-inch plasma HDTV that brings extraordinary value with a unique HD1080 resolution standard.

Outstanding Picture Quality
With a unique 1280 x 1080 resolution, the P42H401 has over 1,000 lines of vertical resolution, allowing it to have a line-for-line match of incoming 1080i TV signals. While it is not the full 1080p resolution, it has a better resolution than 720p panels at a similar price. Picture quality is further enhanced, thanks to ClearWindow technology that reduces the visibility of a grid structure and maximizes brightness and clarity.

The P42H401 has 1080 lines of vertical resolution for a line-for-line match with 1080i TV signals. 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 to match the native resolution of the unit to ensure a detailed 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 P42H401 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.

There are 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 P42H401 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 ensures a quality picture by reducing glare and deepening blacks for more contrast and detail. The television also features multiple screen saver and power saving modes for efficiency when not in use.

The P42H401 is backed by a 1-year parts and labor warranty.

HD1080 Higher overall panel resolution than 720p televisions. 1080 lines of resolution, a line for line vertical match for incoming 1080i TV signal. 1280 x 1080 total panel resolution (1.3 Mega Pixel).

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

3 HDMI SimplayHD 1080p 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
P42H401 plasma HDTV, remote control, two AA batteries, 6-foot AC power cord cable, and table top stand.

Product Description

HDTV Compatible / NTSC and ATSC TV Tuners / 4 HD Aspect Modes / 6 SD Aspect Modes / 3 HDMI Connectors / 20 Watt Speaker System / 1-Year In Home Warranty

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hated it, now LOVE it!, October 7, 2007

By 

Mark "Queens, NY" (Queens, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi P42H401 42-Inch HD1080 Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

I had been searching for a new plasma TV and was all set on buying the ever popular Panasonic 42" 720 plasma from Best Buy. They had a sale for $1099.00 (actual just saw the Panasonic model on Amazon for $959.00 just now)

Anyway, while at Best Buy I noticed that the Hitachi here was on sale too but for $979.00! The sales guy said it was the best deal in the store. I asked "Why so cheap?" He said Hitachi is clearing out their line to introduce their new models with new techology. He said Hitachi ranked high and was a great buy at that price.

Being price conscious and knowing going to 1080 resolution meant having to upgrade my DVD and cable box, I thought, "Get it and save some dough."

Well, I got home, set it up and was disappointed at the picture quality and audio. I immediately came to Amazon to look over the reviews and saw the same concern by the one reviewer. Face tones were pasty. Audio was very weak and very flat. Man, was I bummed!

Then I saw another reviewer that said, "Read the Manual!" This was EXCELLENT advice. My Hitachi has many settings for the picture quality and audio. Well, come to find out, the first thing ya gotta do is find the command that asks if you want to "RESET to Factory settings". Choose "YES". Turn your TV Off then On. WOW! What a difference! Picture and audio is just AMAZING! I have no regrets and would recommend this Hitachi to anyone! I know 1080 is not suppose to make a difference in screens 50" or smaller, however, when you use the ZOOM feature to fill the screen the picture stays sharp which I really like!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best bang for your buck..excellent TV !!, July 28, 2007

By 

LD9000 (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi P42H401 42-Inch HD1080 Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

After extensive research, I decided on the Hitachi 42" Plasma. Hitachi is the leader in Plasma televisions, and they show why in this set. The set gives you a 1080i signal (won't get into that), and at the time, the set was on sale for less than the Panasonic and Samsung TVs that I was comparing to. You get far more features and inputs than those sets right out of the box for less price, not to mention the quality of the picture. I bought an Oppo upconverting DVD player to go along with this set, and the picture is nothing short of astounding. Someone else mentioned that the longer the set is used, the better the picture seems to be. There are two things I would like to point out. Ironically, the set has so many features and adjustments, it will take you a very long to tweak the set, and the amount of memory it retains for each input may drive you crazy. Plan on spending some time with this set. Also, the TV speakers are very tinny and almost take away from the overall beauty of the set, but I'm sure everyone will agree that if you are buying a TV of this quality, you are surely running it through your stereo system. That is open for debate, but that would be my only complaint. When watching cable TV, I don't normally run it through my system, but, I didn't buy this TV for its sound. The picture is fabulous, and please be sure to get yourself an upconverting DVD player to take advantage of the astounding picture this set gives you. Highest recommendation.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first HDTV, think I made a good decision, July 27, 2007

By 

D. Ross - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi P42H401 42-Inch HD1080 Plasma HDTV (Electronics)

Really nice TV, especially for the price. Lot's of configurable options and the picture looks amazing...I don't have surround sound speakers yet but the built in audio for this TV sounds nice as well.