This flat screen television, the Hitachi Plasma Half Life 55-HDM71, performs sharply and smoothly. With its high resolution of 1366 x 768, this plasma flat TV can't be beat. There is 20% more picture on this 55" screen than there is on a standard 50" screen. The 10 bit image processing on Hitachi Plasma Half Life 55-HDM71 brings a vibrant picture with 1.07-billion color capability and great contrast, which makes it perform like a smaller television.

Aside from the screen capabilities, this Hitachi plasma flat TV also includes extension modes, full serial control, and a 20-watt audio amplifier. On top of this, there is picture-in-picture and split-screen image control for home theater and commercial use. Additionally, there is the option of including a swivel table top stand, wall mount bracket, and black or silver side mount speakers. Along with the Hitachi plasma monitors' normal technology and seamless integration, it makes for a great flat tv.

The single drawback to the Hitachi Plasma Half Life 55-HDM71 is that it ships with "black enhancement on." This means when you are watching the TV, there will be no detail in the dark scenes, but it is resolved easily enough. If you turn off the back enhance, and change the colors settings a bit, it will solve the problem. There are several things that can be done to extend the life of the display. Along with screen savers that employ orbiting, inverting and wiping to refresh the screen, there are also many other options to maximize the life on this plasma TV.