Hitachi 43UWX10B 43 in. TV
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- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 4:3 Enhanced 14:9
- Weight: 153 lb.
- Screen Size: 43 inch
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43UWX10B
Pros
Superb picture, especially with DVD and component inputs. Overall size/weight. 16:9 aspect (widescreen).
Cons
Vertical viewing angle small (shame on pre-sales customer service!). Remote won't control my receiver (Sherwood).
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
The picture on this set is amazing, regardless of the signal source, but especially with DVD and component inputs.
Initially, I started shopping strictly for a standard console TV (36") due to limitations in the area (about 40"x40"x40" in-wall cutout almost 5 feet off the floor) I would be placing the set. After looking at the cost/benefit of the console TVs, I decided that I could get significantly more TV for the money by going projection. I really didn't need HDTV, since I just use standard cable, but wanted some future capabilities since I don't buy TVs often (this TV was replacing a 12 year old Toshiba 27" console).
Initially, I was eyeing the Sony 43HT20, but I decided to go to a 16:9 aspect for DVDs, and Sony had nothing in that range. I looked at a few manufacturers (Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung, Hitachi) to see what would fit. When I first saw the Hitachi, I was astounded by how good the picture quality was in comparison to any of the comparable models.
I purchased this set after considering several other models (primarily console TVs as mentioned above) due to it's ideal size for my specific location, as well as the impressive feature set. I also liked the Toshiba 42H81, but it was too tall for my purposes, so I went with the Hitachi.
I was able to get my local store to price match against the Toshiba, plus some other discounts/promotions. At that point, it was pretty much a no-brainer to get the set, even though I would not need the HD capabilities for a while.
When the set arrived, it fit perfectly into my area, which was the primary concern. The picture quality was amazing, even with my standard cable, but was stunning once I started a DVD with component signals. Sound was also very good; better than any console TV I looked at, but it's basic compared to some other (larger) projection models.
We soon discovered that the picture was significantly better standing in the room versus sitting. This is a result of the vertical viewing angle for the set, which in my case works out to be outside of the "recommended" range. This was unfortunate, although I don't blame the set at all since any projection TV would have this problem. I do blame Hitachi customer support for giving me bad information. Prior to purchase, they had informed me that the optimal viewing angle was within 20 degrees from the center of the screen. Sitting, I am almost exactly at that angle, but they neglected to add the fact that the angle is taken from a minimum viewing distance of 5 feet from the screen. Therefore, my viewing angle is off about 10 degrees from their "optimal". It is still tolerable, especially at night, but I will probably look to do some adjustments in the coming weeks/months to improve my specific viewing situation.
The controls were well-designed and relatively easy to learn. Unlike some, I like the way PiP is incorporated on this set. The MagicFocus feature worked great to deal with any convergence that resulted from the delivery and installation. We've only had the set a short time, so I can't speak to long-term reliability.
Overall, I can't complain a bit about the unit itself, only about the inaccurate pre-sales info from Hitachi. Had they been more clear, I would have worked the viewing angle prior to getting the set installed. It would not have affected my decision to buy, but it does make my life a little more painful to deal with it now.
Initially, I was eyeing the Sony 43HT20, but I decided to go to a 16:9 aspect for DVDs, and Sony had nothing in that range. I looked at a few manufacturers (Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung, Hitachi) to see what would fit. When I first saw the Hitachi, I was astounded by how good the picture quality was in comparison to any of the comparable models.
I purchased this set after considering several other models (primarily console TVs as mentioned above) due to it's ideal size for my specific location, as well as the impressive feature set. I also liked the Toshiba 42H81, but it was too tall for my purposes, so I went with the Hitachi.
I was able to get my local store to price match against the Toshiba, plus some other discounts/promotions. At that point, it was pretty much a no-brainer to get the set, even though I would not need the HD capabilities for a while.
When the set arrived, it fit perfectly into my area, which was the primary concern. The picture quality was amazing, even with my standard cable, but was stunning once I started a DVD with component signals. Sound was also very good; better than any console TV I looked at, but it's basic compared to some other (larger) projection models.
We soon discovered that the picture was significantly better standing in the room versus sitting. This is a result of the vertical viewing angle for the set, which in my case works out to be outside of the "recommended" range. This was unfortunate, although I don't blame the set at all since any projection TV would have this problem. I do blame Hitachi customer support for giving me bad information. Prior to purchase, they had informed me that the optimal viewing angle was within 20 degrees from the center of the screen. Sitting, I am almost exactly at that angle, but they neglected to add the fact that the angle is taken from a minimum viewing distance of 5 feet from the screen. Therefore, my viewing angle is off about 10 degrees from their "optimal". It is still tolerable, especially at night, but I will probably look to do some adjustments in the coming weeks/months to improve my specific viewing situation.
The controls were well-designed and relatively easy to learn. Unlike some, I like the way PiP is incorporated on this set. The MagicFocus feature worked great to deal with any convergence that resulted from the delivery and installation. We've only had the set a short time, so I can't speak to long-term reliability.
Overall, I can't complain a bit about the unit itself, only about the inaccurate pre-sales info from Hitachi. Had they been more clear, I would have worked the viewing angle prior to getting the set installed. It would not have affected my decision to buy, but it does make my life a little more painful to deal with it now.
