LG Simplink allows for convenient control of other LG SimpLink products using the existing HDMI connection. Six distinct processes contribute to picture improvement. LG’s XD Engine takes the lowresolution of analog signals to near HD levels by improving brightness, contrast, detail and enhancing color as well as reducing signal noise. This total solution results in cinema-like high resolution images. Built-in ATSC tuner allows this TV to receive over-the-air digital broadcast signa (more…)
I went to a couple of our local big box stores and took a look at all the flat-panels of around this size as a second TV.
Pros:
This model (and several other LGs of various sizes that we saw) definately had the most pleasing ‘out of the box’ picture quality. Several others had less vibrant images or narrower viewing angles or both. The Sony screens had very vibrant images that were pleasing from a distance, but suffered from jagged edges due to poor anti-aliasing. The image on this screen has great color, great contrast, and excellent anti-aliasing. That means the picture is not only great in HD, but also very pleasing in standard TV resolution.
Other factors favoring this HDTV are a great build quality and a screen that does an excellent job of maintaining brightness and clarity when viewed off-angle – even off-angle high/low.
Cons:
If I have one minor issue, it’s that there the aspect ratio control includes no 16:9, proportional (non-distorting) zoom. Programs are transmitted in dozens of different formats these days. It’s not that unusual to find a program that matches the full screen aspect ratio, but has a significant border on all sides. We have another HD set that allows me to zoom the whole picture up without any change in aspect ratio (because changing the aspect ratio would distort the picture). This set does not offer that adjustment.
My only other minor nit-pick with this product is that we have, through our local cable company (Cablevision), a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250 HD cable box. Although it’s a breeze to hook up to the LG, using a single HDMI cable, the remote on the cable box does not have a code to program it to control the LG brand. Although I’ve found alternate codes that give most of the functionality, I cannot use the mute button on the cable box remote for this set. Although this is certainly not LG’s fault, it is another minor inconvenience.
Conclusion:
All things considered, we’re very happy with this HD screen. The small negatives are certainly outweighed by the excellent image and build quality – the most important measures of performance.
Well, we picked the TV up at a special sale at BrandSmart a few days ago, and at first it seemed like a great bargain. But here are the few things we didn’t like about it: when I connected HDMI DVD/5.1 surround sound system to it, I found out that it loses the signal every time you have to pause the movie for whatever reason. Going back to unpausing it didn’t work always- it would lose the signal and just the sound would come on, then I would have to shut it down and start it again, and sometimes that didn’t help neither. Very disappointed! This happened with both HDMI connectors. The other major issue we had was the TV must have a very narrow viewing angle because when we put it a little above regular viewing position (we used it in the bedroom and when you lay down you can’t really position it straigh on level with your feet, it has to stay a bit higher) the clarity went out and the picture looked like an old film negative, where you see silhouettes in places where black color was involved and you’d have to stand up and have to watch it at a “straigh at your eyes” angle or the picture suffered. That was the final straw. TV went back, and for a couple of hundred dollars more, we got a Samsung, same dimentions, but the difference is just unbelievable. Same position of viewing, no picture problems at all… The price was right, but this LG leaves a lot to be desired.
Finally time to upgrade from the portable black & white. Had a little Christmas money & started shopping around. First was looking at the larger sized Olivia’s at Target & Kmart. They seemed like quite the realestate for the $. Checked around & after listening to some of the online horror stories on returns, I got a little spooked. After a lot more review reading online, everything seemed to point to Samsung & Toshiba. Started checking them out at Circuit City & they looked fine, but the picture of the LG seemed to really pop, compaired to the other two. Had not planned at all on LG, but was really taken by the side by side picture comparison. Didn’t seem like it mattered which size you were looking at, LG seemed a little better. Hemmed & hawed for a couple of days & thought I’d go see what Best Buy had to offer. Wasn’t all that up on Best Buy & really wanted to give C.C. the business, but Best Buy had a reboxed unit for a really great price. Again, tried to be very subjective on the picture quality as they had all three brands & darn-it, no matter what size you looked at, from the big 40somethings on down, LG seemed to have a picture that was more alive.
I really wanted to get a bigger screen, & after watching the Super Bowl on it, it’s not the best for watching sports on – size wise – but I felt quite good with myself for not having to put anything on the credit card. Paid off is a much better feeling.
So, it’s been several months now, have pretty well mastered the set & am still quite happy with the purchase. It’s a really great looking set, you can get some pretty impressive sound out of the stock speakers, you can see it from some extreem side angles – happy all around.
Lot’s of inputs, but have only used the DVD & VHS hookups so far. I’d definitatly recommend this little LG. – As a side note, just got back from a hotel in Colorado Springs that had LG 42″ers in the rooms. The maintenace guys told me that the ones they got had issues with high elevation. Might want to check into that, if applicable.