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Hitachi L37X01
We love mechnical stands. There's just something so cool about being able to swivel your TV without leaving your seat. So this Hitachi's electronic pedestal immediately made us smile.
How often you actually need to swivel your TV is another matter, of course. Once it's in position you're unlikely to need to alter it often, particularly as this L37X01 boasts an impressively wide viewing angle. It's a nice party-trick nonetheless.
That's not the only thing that's impressive about this Hitachi. It's a nicely styled set, with a Full HD resolution and three HDMI inputs; all for a rather reasonable £700. We like.
We also like the performance. Freeview pictures are subtle, natural and detailed, and, as long as you turn off the horrible motion processing, action plays out in smooth, natural style. Little noise is evident and the EPG is straightforward and clear.
A punchy sound but muted colours
Sound from the speakers is clear, loud and surprisingly weighty. Okay, it's no hi-fi performance, but this is more balanced and weighty than most.
DVD movies benefit from a sharp, stable performance. In our favourite test DVD, Training Day, the pale morning scenes suit the Hitachi's understated approach to colour. However, as the day goes on and the outdoor scenes get brighter, the 'X01 lacks the colour vibrancy to deliver the punch on offer from the other sets. It's also true that the Hitachi doesn't have the dark-detail recovery of the best TVs here, so some of the creases in Alonso's leather jacket are missing from the performance.
Moving up to an HD movie confirms our feelings on the Hitachi's colour palette. Ratatouille lacks some of the colourful sparkle and punch that we've come to expect from it - colours are a touch muted. Edge definition and overall detail levels are respectable, though, and it can handle a 1080p/24fps signal.
Overall, this set isn't going to win any awards, but it is a solid performer, with a great spec, and at a competitive price. It's well worth auditioning.
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