The Hitachi plasma TV, model 55HDM71 is a high end television for the serious movie watcher. Going in depth into the features and design specifications of this television reveals some very impressive numbers with real world applications.

Hitachi Plasma TV – Feature Overview

The 55HDM71 has a 55 inch display capable of doing 1366 by 768 pixels. It has highly efficient panel technology to conserve energy and comes with a sleek gloss black frame.

The Hitachi plasma TV is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors with dynamic false contour reduction for incredibly accurate and lifelike images. In addition to this you can fully adjust the color temperature.

The sound options are not overly impressive, a simple 20 watt stereo amplifier with SRS TruBass and Matix Surround, but most people will connect the television to a high end stereo system so this is of little importance. In addition to these features the television allows for different settings for nighttime and daytime viewing, compensating for the ambient light in the room based on the time of day. This television was designed with the serious high end home theater use in mind producing bright and dynamic images with an extremely low amount of power consumption.

This Hitachi plasma TV produces smooth images with a high “picture to non-picture ratio” with stunning depth in dark colors. One shortcoming is that it is not capable of 1080p, although it does have a virtual display mode that can emulate 1080p. This robust television also boasts an extensive feature set including screen saves, life extension modes, full serial control and the built in audio amplifier. You can run picture in picture and split screen for complex video conferencing applications as well as home use.

The overall design of this Hitachi plasma TV is to give you the viewer the optimum viewing experience by producing a finely tuned, crisp picture that holds its image regardless of where it is placed. Another great feature of this TV is the multitude of video inputs. With these you can hook up your home PC for full viewing of websites, movies, and even games.

In addition to the fun application that this offers, for serious business owners looking to do professional presentations and sales pitches this high end plasma monitor allows seamless connectivity to your laptop for the jaw dropping presentations that will leave your potential clients awed by the graphic display. Add a high end audio system and you can truly make a presentation a memorable experience.

Plasma Display Specifications

hSync 31 - 62 kHz
vSync 50 - 80 Hz
Video Standards NTSC, PAL, SECAM
Data Signals VGA, SVGA, XGA, WXGA, UXGA compressed
TV Scan Lines 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 1080i/50. 1080i/60, 720p
Screen Size 55″ diagonal
Screen Aspect 16:9
Contrast Ratio [not published]
Brightness [not published]
Pixel Pitch 0.90 mm x 0.90 mm

Input Terminals

DVI Digital Input 1
Stereo Audio In 3 (RCA L/R)
PC Audio In 2 (mini stereo plug)
Serial Control (RS232C) 1 (9-pin mini d-Sub)
Composite Video 3 (RCA)
S-Video 1 (4-pin mini DIN)
Component Video 2 (RCA x 3)
VGA RGB Signal 1 (15-pin mini d-Sub)

Output Terminals

Composite Video 1 (RCA)
Stereo Audio 1 (RCA L/R)

Dimensions and General Specs.

Power Supply 100-120V, 200-240V @ 50-60Hz
Power Consumption 530 Watts
Dimensions 54-3/8″ x 32-11/16″ x 3-15/16″
Weight 142.00 lbs.
FCC Class FCC Class B, Home Use

Plasma Monitor Accessories

Audio Amplifier 10W x 2
Speakers Optional
Mounting Options Optional Mount Required

Key Features of the Hitachi 55HDM71 55″ Plasma Monitor

• 55″, 1366 x 768 Progressive-Format Plasma Display
• High-Efficiency Panel Technology conserves energy
• High-Contrast Black Rib Structure with Dynamic Contrast
• Remote Control and 3-Language On-Screen Display
• Dynamic False Contour Reduction
• Adjustment Buttons for Menu, Input, and Sound
• Optional speakers and swivel table stand available
• Sleek gloss black frame with aluminum highlights
• 1.07-Billion Color Display
• Adjustable Color Temperature
• 20-Watt Stereo Amplifier with SRS TruBass and Matrix Surround
• Silent Operation with No Cooling Fans
• Day and Night Memory by Input
• Screen Savers and Life Extension Modes

Hitachi 55HDM71 Plasma TV

Designed for high definition home theater, as well as business presentation applications, the Hitachi 55HDM71 plasma display produces brighter and more dynamic images with lower power consumption than previous models, thanks to improved plasma panel technology from Hitachi. New innovations make the 55HDM71 the most advanced professional plasma monitor on the market today. New high-efficiency pixel-driving technology reduces power consumption by 15 percent without any reduction in light output. State-of-the-art new color reproduction formulations produce an exceptional 1.07 billion colors. To achieve the deepest blacks, the new plasma monitor utilizes a high contrast black rib structure rather than simple black striping to better absorb ambient light. The innovative new rib structure is designed to deliver a higher “picture to non-picture ratio” to produce smooth seamless images.
Hitachi Plasma Technology

VirtualHD™ 1080p Digital Video Processing
Displaying both conventional and HDTV programming on the same display system requires sophisticated digital technology. The Hitachi VirtualHD™ digital video processor uses proprietary signal processing algorithms and advanced circuit designs to upgrade the incoming conventional signal to match the high definition display. This technology takes full advantage of the high-performance ALiS plasma technology that sets Hitachi apart.

Digital Picture Enhancement
Original Hitachi picture technology is finely tuned to produce a smooth, crisp picture. Using innovations such as digital color management, an adjustable color decoder, black enhancement and revolutionary edge enhancement, it is possible to fine tune each unit for optimal performance with different quality source material.
Convenience Features

Amenities like life extension modes, screen savers, full serial control with RS232C and a built-in 20-watt audio amplifier, plus picture-in-picture and split-screen image control are all designed for optimum usability in both commercial and home theater applications. An optional swivel table top stand or wall mount bracket and optional black or silver side-mount speakers offer flexible installation options. With Hitachi original technology and seamless integration, the 55HDM71 is the ultimate plasma display for your multimedia experience.

High Efficiency Panel Technology
Longer life span and lower energy usage are benefits of the latest generation of Hitachi Plasma technology. Lower power consumption reduces energy cost, increases longevity and decreases heat output.

High Definition Capability
The 55HDM71 offers a high-resolution 1366 x 768 pixel panel to display sharp, highly detailed and colorful presentations with maximum impact. Using the DVI-D digital input with HCDP copy protection, you can enjoy HDTV video with brilliant, lifelike images and outstanding detail.

Life Extension Control
The display’s useful life is programmable to convert peak brightness into extended periods of use-able display time. Select from several options to maximize the return on your investment.

RS-232C Interface
Use this port for 2-way communication with the plasma. Ask the plasma panel for it’s current status and change the performance on-the-fly through RS-232C and a compatible control system. System compatibility includes all of the major control manufacturers.

Monitor ID Bit
Control up to 7 plasma panels independently with one remote. The “ID” Identification Bit technology provides an easy way to control, adjust and monitor individual plasma panels by assigning them a discrete code.

Screen Savers
Utilize orbiting, inverting and wiping technologies to refresh the screen after extended display sessions.