Price Paid:  $3100.00 from sears

Summary:
Fantastic TV!! Shopped around and seen MANY different models and this one by far has the BEST overall picture quality that we had seen. After buying it, we had one minor problem with a "Dot" on the screen, the red lens had a spot that wasn't completely coated properly and we contacted sears, they sent someone over and ordered a new lens, and presto, 100% perfect picture! The service man had set up the TV to perfection and can't say enough good things about it! DVD's look incredible on it...and even though I don't use the dolby stereo part of the TV because we have a wonderful sound system with our Denon 4800....I truely believe it was worth the extra money for the extra lens (6 vs. 5 on other models). I say if you're gonna do it, do it right, do it ONCE! Anyone who owns this model will agree....Do yourself a favor and GET ONE! more then worth it!

Strengths:
6 lens system (vs. 5 in other models) PIP Dolby sound system built it 4 viewing modes user friendly on-screen menu's decent remote great looking unit Fantastic Picture

Weaknesses:
none found, though the out of box defect was fixed, and we got it tuned to perfection by a pro, so i'll take that as a plus!

Similar Products Used:
various 27" models and lower by radio shack, sylvania, and zenith

Price Paid:  $1900.00 from rex tv

Summary:
outstanding picture,color and geomerty.price included a great dvd player with componet color and hdcd outputs.

Strengths:
with a good dvd using componet outut picture looked 3d. picture looked like hdtv

Weaknesses:
reflections from screen protector. owners manual did not explain what a 3dy/c comb filter does

Similar Products Used:
rca 46in big screen tv

Price Paid:  $1899.00 from Sears

Summary:
I am absolutely thrilled with the performance of this TV so far. I did a great deal of research, testing, etc. and this Hitachi model blew the competition away!!! The picture is stunning, colors are right on and the sound is superb( especially the simulated surround). Cable TV is much better on this analog than any of the digital TVs I looked at. The artifacting was so distracting, I knew I couldn''t live with it! DVDs, with a component hook-up are also stunning!

Strengths:
Picture quality( especially with cable TV) Sound Ease of use Far greater viewing area than most Big Screens this size. Magic Focus feature.

Price Paid:  $1899.00 from sears

Summary:
Hitachi hit a home run with this TV. It really out performs all on the market to date. The picture is so clear it allows you to veiw it at a closer distance than the recommended distance for its size. I will say this make sure you spend the money and buy monster or compatible cables to connect all your extra''s, you won''t be sorry. Your picture will then be very close to HD. Don''t buy a cheap DVD player you really do get what u pay for. ex. I bought a consumer reports best buy Toshiba because this was for my kids but excuse me I could only watch it for 2 min boxed it up and back it went.

Strengths:
Being able to lock the front panel buttons. (to use remote only)

Weaknesses:
The child lock-out needs to be able to lock the on/off button also

Similar Products Used:
Mitsubishi 60in top of the line in 1994 and that has a beautiful picture but not without a lot of tweeking. Extensive research on all the top brands.

Price Paid:  $2550.00 from 2001 AUDIO VIDEO

Summary:
I RESEARCHED FOR A TV FOR 6 MONTHS.THEN I SEEN THE 53" SBXO1B NEXT TO 6 TV'S INCLUDING A HD TV..THE HITACHI SBX01B
WAS THE BEST PICTURE. EVEN BETTER THEN THE HD,THEY SAY IT RIVALS MANY HD TV'S AND I BELIEVE IT.IT HAS 6 LENS SYSTEM
WHICH YOU CAN REALLY TELL BY THE SHARPNESS...I LOVE IT....

Strengths:
PICTURE VERRY CLEAR

Weaknesses:
NONE