Hitachi 37LD8800TA (37-inch LCD)

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Reviewing the Hitachi 37LD8800TA brought back sweet memories of its capable Alis8 plasma counterpart. Though both sets are based on competing technologies, they represent the pinnacle of the company's flat-panel TVs endowed with just about every desirable feature adored by reviewers and technophiles. The duo are also one of the trendsetters for dual HDMI sockets when the one-cable digital A/V connectivity is increasing its presence in home entertainment products.

Design
The 37LD8800TA is an eye teaser out of the box. Being a member of the elite 8800 series, it ranks high in styling with a skillful blend of curves and coloration. A thin frame draped in lustrous black piano finish borders the LCD panel which, in turn, sits on a warped gun-metal speaker grille perforated with thousands of tiny holes. The complete 657mm tall shell is held upright by a powered swivel stand that draws power from the TV rather than an unsightly power brick.

	Built-in cable management to keep the cords and cables tidy. (Click for larger image)

Facing its user is a clean-cut facade with a strong minimalist appeal. Other than the shimmering Hitachi logo and a pair of power LEDs, all buttons and jacks are hauled to the flanks. Away from prying eyes, on the left of the chassis is a set of quick-connect A/V sockets, a headphone minijack and a USB port. Symmetrically level on the opposite end is an assortment of TV controls plus an SD/MM-compatible memory card reader. For users looking for a picturesque installation, the company is also offering a wall-mounting kit in place of the motorized stand at no extra cost.

The similar two-tone remote controller of the Alis8 fame is bundled with the 37LD8800TA. Besides its fine aesthetics, the remote is well-decked with a set of tactile buttons supplemented by a large roundish five-way navigation control. The inclusion of dedicated video input keys and built-in multibrand DVD player/settop box support also earned nods of approval from our panel of reviewers. Our only gripe here is the disappointing omission of backlighting which is a bad call for a product of such caliber.

Hitachi has everything sorted out in the 37LD8800TA's comprehensive and intuitive user menu, from customizing the picture quality and tailored sound field right down to the environmentally-friendly power management setting. There is also a set of advanced A/V adjustments, such as color management and a 15-step bass/treble control, which put full control of the TV at your finger tips. Not forgetting the thick and well-illustrated manual which is a helpful guide for the less technically inclined.

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