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LG 42LG50: Review

Posted to Televisions 2009-02-26

If you are in the market for a new flat-panel TV that can handle more than just your average TV watching, then you may want to check out the LG 42LG50. Building on the brands reputation for quality flat panels, the 42LG50 delivers the quality image that many have come to expect from LG. Although its bezel lacks the color, it's the picture performance that will make this TV stand out from the crowd.

The LG 42LG50 is a 42 inch Full HD 1080p LCD that offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It also offers users a dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and a 6.5ms grey to grey response time which is sure to deliver a decent picture every time you turn it on. The LG 42LG50 also comes with 3 HDMI ports, 2 composite video, 1 s-video, 1 pc input, 4 HD component video inputs and USB port that allows this TV to function as much more than your average TV. Ports are located on the back as well as the side, making it convenient for the various video game consoles that may pass through your home from time to time.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Features

The 42LG50 provides a wide array of features that make for a well rounded viewing experience. With LG's SimpLink Connectivity, this TV can easily communicate with and control any compatible device that is connected via one of its HDMI ports. It also comes with LG's Intelligent Sensor technology. This feature utilizes a specialized algorithm, along with 4,096 sensing steps that evaluate the TV's surroundings and optimizing the display accordingly. With this feature you are sure to experience a perfect picture every time, regardless of the surroundings. The 42LG50 also comes complete with detailed adjustments that are required for certification by the Imaging Science Foundation. After calibration has been completed an ISF day and night modes providing users with the best possible viewing experience that LG has to offer. This TV also provides users with a selection of AV modes that can optimize the viewing picture based on the type of audio and video being watched. The 42LG50 offers a selection from cinema, sports and game mode, which is sure to provide the best viewing experience regardless of the content. Lastly, the 42LG50 comes complete with Clear Voice technology which is geared towards amplifying and enhancing the human voice so dialogue is clear and easy to hear, even when background noise increases.

Performance

The 42LG50 performs quite well when compared to other LCD's on the market. It provides great color and a great picture, which seems to be a standard for other manufacturers to meet. Motion scenes are handled quite well on this TV, which is impressive since it does not come equipped with the 120Hz refresh rate. Sound performance on the other hand is not the best. Sound quality is quite good, but looses some effect when you need to turn up the volume nearly all the way just to be able to hear what's happening on your favorite movie or sitcom.

Summary

In conclusion, the 42LG50 performs quite well for a LCD in this size range. Although sound level may leave something to be desired, its picture performance makes up for this minor flaw. If you can tolerate the need to turn the volume up most of the way just to enjoy your favorite program then the 42LG50 may be the way to go.

Pros

1080p Full HD
AV Mode
Clear Voice Technology
SimpLink Connectivity
Good refresh rate

Cons

There are no cons for this product