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LG 42PQ30 Review

Posted to Televisions 2009-07-18

The LG 42PQ30 is a 42 inch 720p Plasma HDTV that brings high-quality viewing enjoyment. In addition to advanced Active Color management, this plasma TV has features like XD Engine, 600Hz sub-field (for fast refresh rate), Pure Black level, ISM (Image sticking minimization) and 3D Digital Comb Filter. For your convenience, it has several inputs and jacks that you can use to connect your other electronic devices (such as a digital camera or a Blu-ray player).

The 42PQ30 is characterized by crisp images and the Mega Contrast Ratio . This TV has a built-in ATSC Digital tuner and NTSC analog tuner (although if you are in the USA, the NTSC tuner has limited uses now). However, if you do receive digital signals from a digital set-top box or other digital external device (DirecTV or Dishlink satellite), you must connect the set-top box to this TV. When you connect your PC to this TV, the PC can adjust the settings automatically to the TVs setting; thanks to the Plug and Play capability of LG 42PQ30. It also has Simplink to play and control other AV devices connected with HDMI cable without additional cables and settings.

Rating:

out of 5

Features

This LG plasma TV has a number of features for your enjoyment. It provides parental control to block specific channels, Image Sticking Minimization, Invisible Speaker System, SRS TruSurround XT and Clear Voice II. In addition, the 42PQ30 has a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder. The plasma is also rated as ENERGY STAR 3.0 for improved energy efficiency. While it has a number of features, it isn't fully loaded.

Performance

LG 42PQ30 delivers high-performance when it comes to images. It can adjust the contrast to keep it at the best level according to the brightness of the screen. It can also adjust the screen colors so that they look livelier, richer and clearer. Other performance enhancements techniques include: Black Level, Gamma, Color Gamut Edge enhancer and White balance. The Film mode (3: 2 Pull Down) makes video clips recorded in film look more natural by eliminating the judder effect. You use film modes for DVD and Blu-ray movies that are filmed at 24 frames per second. Add to this the fact that the panel lifespan is rated at 100,000 hours. Think about that... 8 hours a day of watching an amazing picture for 34 years!

Summary

The 42PQ30 is a 42 inch Plasma High Definition television that delivers 720 lines (progressive) and a great picture; thanks to advanced Active Color management, XD Engine, 600Hz sub-field, Pure Black level, ISM (Image sticking minimization) and 3D Digital Comb Filter. In addition, the 10 watts (X 2) audio speakers and built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder will provide great stand-alone sound. Input/output jacks include 3 HDMI (with Deep Color), 2 Component, S-Video, USB, PC and an Optical Digital Audio output.

Pros

XD Engine, 600Hz sub-field, Pure Black level and ISM (Image sticking minimization)
Plug and Play for PC connection
3:2 Pull Down (Film Mode)
3 HDMI Inputs with Deep Color

Cons

Not overly loaded with features