Hitachi 42PD5200

This TV has a know fault with the PSU, like other Hitachi's of this vintage. One of the resistors is under spec and dies after 2-4 years. Having said that it is easy fix, costs about 50p from Maplins! Otherwise it is a good looking TV. If you use sky, but not HD then the picture is not good closer than 8ft, but this is down to the signal quality, not the TV. Put HD or a DVD and it still compares very well to the latest gear.

I purchased the Hitachi 42PD5200 Plasma TV in August 2006. I use Sky+ via a QED scart, and a Panasonic DVD using component video leads, which utilises the progressive scan capability. DVD picture is fantastic. Sky picture is good; better on the movie channels, and I think this is more down to Sky than the screen. It handles movement well, and colours and contrast are excellent. If you just use scart it has only one (RGB), but it has DVI, plenty of component connections, and it will even connect to your PC. I do not use the speakers as I have a surround sound system, so I cannot comment on the sound, but bearing in mind the discounts available; I paid £1600 including extra warranty, I would recommend this screen, but use component leads and a good quality scart to ensure you get the best from it.

When I initially purchased the Hitachi plasma I was a bit disappointed with the picture quality but as time has moved on, I have not come across one of comparable cost which can compete. A cable source can be a bit pixilated on occassion but this is more to do with a poor signal than the screen itself. DVD images via componant leads, using progressive scan are a blast and I have found myself watching old movies again purely because of the improved image. The key to getting the best out of this unit is to use a quality source with quality cables i.e. what you save on the TV, spend on the peripherals.

Forget the picture quality and sound, nothing wrong here, but with the Hitachi 42PD5200 Plasma T.V. you get a terrible remote control for switching to various inputs. The AV1 is composite, which requires one press on the remote. To get past this to AV2 and AV3 (RGB inputs from your satellite decoder and DVD player), is a pain in the butt, with constant press press press (then you miss it and have to start again). Lovely TV, but glass smashing frustration to get at the input you want to watch.

Hitachi 42PD5200 - This Plasma is a real winner. Hook up your DVD with good quality component cable, such as QED and the picture quality is outstanding. Yes there is only one Scart socket, however this at least is RGB and again providing a good quality scart lead is used the picture quality shines.

The Plasma is HD ready via DVI connection which makes this plasma even better value for money.

This Plasma is a real cracker, a true bargin

The Hitachi 42PD5200 is great if all you want to watch is DVD's, don't bother if you watch via Sky.