If this screen were a catwalk model, it would probably be described as being of the anorexic variety – which is spot on for this roundup. Why is it so thin? One of the reasons is that there's no built-in tuner – something of a no-no in today's added-value obsessed buyer's market.

The UT prefix of Hitachi's UT42MX70 stands for Ultra Thin. And, unlike similar descriptive monikers from certain other brands (see the Sharp elsewhere in this grouptest), in this case Ultra Thin really means something – the UT42MX70 is a mere 35mm deep/thin.

The flatscreen gospel according to Hitachi has always been dominated by one idea: plasma. But the news that the manufacturer has finally abandoned gas technology at the key flatscreen size of 42in is indicative of how the market is going. And on the strength of the Hitachi L42VP01, we're not sure just how much the brand believes in LCD technology.

Plasma TVs with built-in hard disk drives for making recordings are a rare breed. To our mind there are only a few other flatscreens TVs in existence that offer the same capabilities – LG's Freeview Playback LT75 LCD TVs and Loewe's rather expensive Individual Compose 40.

The catchily-titled Hitachi UT32MH70 is remarkably slim. At only 35mm thick, this 32incher is in danger of gliding away on the faintest of breezes.I exaggerate, of course, but it's still as thin a production screen I've ever seen up close. It's impressive. Yet once the 'wow' factor has worn off, you have to wonder whether its girth, or lack of, is simply a gimmick. And is there a performance compromise to be paid?

Once one of plasma technology’s staunchest supporters, Hitachi is increasingly edging towards the LCD camp. So it comes as no real surprise to find ourselves faced with a new largescreen in the shape of the L37X01.

The Hitachi P50XR01 isn't what you'd call a bargain. At a cool £2,300 (although we spotted it for as little as £1,600 online), the P50XR01 builds-in a massive 250GB hard drive (around 100 hours) behind a panel that's pixel-packed, all atop a motorised swivel stand

TVs with built-in hard disk recorders are like buses: you wait an absolute eternity for one to arrive and then loads turn up at once. Hot on the heels of Loewe's Individual Compose 40 comes Hitachi's new giant, the P50-XR01, complete with 250GB hard-disk drive.

Hitachi has always been better known for its top-class plasma screens than for LCD TVs, but the Japanese company has put a great deal of effort into developing this 37in HD-ready model.

The bottom line of any HD-ready TV is how well it delivers high definition pictures – pure and simple. And in those terms, the Hitachi 32LD9700 is an unqualified success.

After seeing this TV in action, it seems that buying a TV with good green credentials also means making allowances for a slightly less impressive picture.

Hitachi has done some classic plasma TVs in its time, thanks to a combination of top quality images and aggressive prices. So we're excited by the brand's latest 50in model, especially as it's just £1,500

The P42T01 is the latest in a long line of Hitachi plasmas to offer a wealth of features for a low price, and at around £750 online it's the company's most affordable set to date.

The P42T01 is one of the most affordable plasma TVs on the market and, remarkably, Hitachi hasn't skimped on features to reach such an attractive price point.

Spotted selling online for about £750, this is one of the UK's most affordable plasmas. That's hardly a shock coming from Hitachi, a company that has made its name offering low prices and high quality

The 50-inch P50T01U from Hitachi is a deeply appealing looker. A matt black bezel gives it a slightly less flash, but more authoritative, look than most rivals, with a dash of panache coming from an artfully tapered silver outer trim

This TV may not have a mind of its own but it does have a stand that swivels so that's one step further towards our physical devolution. It makes for a pleasant distraction and hopefully not a terrible omission elsewhere

Hitachi has produced some classic plasma TVs in its time, thanks to a combination of top quality images and aggressive pricing. So we're seriously excited by the arrival of the brand's latest 50in model, the P50T01U

Costing a cool £1,000, the 32LD9700 is not exactly cheap for a 32-inch HD-ready LCD TV here, so what is Hitachi going to pull out of the bag to get you to whip out your chequebook? Really impressive hi-def pictures, that's what

Despite backing plasma technology for large-screen TVs, Hitachi has fully embraced LCD at the smaller end of the market. Twin HDMIs and a component video input get the HD ball rolling

The 55PD9700 wears its size well, as a glossy Japan Black screen frame contrasts dramatically with platinum speakers down each side. What's more, Hitachi has put the TV on a powered, swivelling stand you can move around using the remote control

You might think that a 50in plasma TV costing just £1,500 would be a seriously bare-bones affair. But apparently not. For fresh out of our test rooms today is Hitachi's P50T01U: a 50in gas flatscreen that's anything but basic

Hitachi's plasma reputation is an enviable one, forged on the back of consistently combining impressive performance with aggressive pricing. So we have high hopes indeed for its £1,500 50in plasma TV, the P50T01U

Hitachi has always been better known for its top-class plasma screens than for LCD TVs, but the Japanese company has put a great deal of effort into developing this 37in HD-ready model

It's all very well getting your friends round to demonstrate the virtues of your wonderful new LCD - if you can indeed offer them all the glories of the technology. But with some LCD TVs, viewers not plonked down in front of the screen miss a lot