CINEMATIC SENSATION
Technically, film is inferior to high-definition video. Look at any
high-definition program that is originally shot on film and transferred to
high-definition video, such as movies or some TV shows, and compare that with
something like Discovery HD Theater that shoots nearly all of its footage in a
progressively scanned, 1080 line high-definition video format, and the HD
video-originated material will look superior every time. But look at an actual
filmstrip versus videotape, and the magic is seen in the celluloid. Hitachi
hopes to capture some of the intrigue that film brings to our home entertainment
medium without losing the performance capability of high-definition in its
lineup of LCD televisions.
Hitachi’s 32HDL51 even looks like a frame of
movie film, with black speakers on either side replacing the perforation slots
of the filmstrip. Its native 1366 by 768 screen resolution qualifies as high
definition and suggests that the image may appear equally as cinematic. The
panel looks and feels solid, unlike many of the lightweight off-brand panels
I’ve been reviewing lately. The integrated stand contributes to the heft, and
the fact that you can rotate the motorized stand with the remote while sitting
on the couch wins major points.
 |
Hitachi’s 32HDL51 LCD TV offers a cinematic cosmetic that echoes the look of a
filmstrip. A nifty motorized stand will rotate the TV in nearly any direction on
command via the remote control. |
I’m an even bigger fan of the set’s separate
input box, or what Hitachi calls the “Audio Video Control Center,” particularly
if you plan to wall-mount the panel. Connect all your components to this box at
your equipment rack then route only one cable (plus power) to the display.
Unfortunately, Hitachi, like other manufacturers, insists on using a
“proprietary” dual-connector cable that transfers digital video and audio
signals from the external box to the display. Multiple lengths are available,
but the cable’s large connectors make it nearly impossible to pull through
anything smaller than a 2-inch conduit. If you leave the TV on the stand, or
don’t mind tearing up your walls, the included cable is fine.
Ironically,
though the control center lacks an HDMI output to the monitor, it does offer two
HDMI inputs. Both include HDCP copy-protection technology, which is necessary to
decode encrypted HDTV signals from tuners. In fact, the control center can
accommodate nearly any type of analog or video signal you can throw at it—a USB
port even accepts an external photo card viewer—but the CableCard slot and
FireWire ports are the major highlights. The former allows you to connect the TV
directly to your digital cable outlet without the need for a separate digital
cable box. This system only accepts one-way service from the cable company,
though, so things that require feedback, such as the program guide and
video-on-demand service, will keep you tethered to the cable company’s box. If
you opt to use CableCard, or connect the set’s internal HD tuner to an external,
off-air antenna, you can utilize the FireWire ports with an external recorder––a
D-VHS VCR, or a future format like HD-DVD or Blu-ray––which will allow you to
time-shift your favorite high-definition video programs.
