Hitachi P50X902

This model is easy to set up: All of the connectors are conveniently placed, and the setup wizard asks the right questions. The remote is fully backlit and programmable, and the manual's intelligent use of illustrations help you find elusive buttons on the remote. You can also plug in an SD Card to look at your digital photos, too. But you don't get a quick-access menu of frequently used options; and the TV makes changing inputs needlessly difficult.

The P50X902 features the TV Guide On Screen System. Press the remote's Guide button, and up comes a full-screen menu bearing the TV Guide logo and looking nothing like Hitachi's own on-screen controls. Using this pleasant-looking, easy-to-navigate environment, you can browse local and cable channels and search for programs using various criteria. If you select a future show that you want to watch, the software will remind you when it's coming up (if you're watching TV at the time). Think of it as a DVR that doesn't record. Of course, if you have satellite or a cable box and don't use the TV's tuner, the TV Guide On Screen System won't do you any good.