LG has recently come out with a massive looking television set, the 52 inch LG5000 LCD. The nice thing about the unit is that it is packaged quite smartly and is also reasonably cheap for the wide array of high-end features it offers. The price factor clearly hovers above all others as it is a common phenomenon to find the price of TV sets going through the roof once you cross the 46- and 47-inch LCD TVs barrier.

An adorable aspect about the unit is that going by its appearance you can hardly conceive its actual price. Instead with swift bodywork, it is a picture of elegance. Moreover the deck has no unnecessary excesses to trouble you, apparently believing in a minimalist stance.

Then, as a customer it comes as a welcome relief that the aggressive pricing has not dented the overall performance and utility of the LG 52LG5000. You should especially love the connectivity of the unit as it provides you an extensive range of features starting from three v1.3 HDMIs, a digital audio output, a PC port to an RS-232C port which gives you the option to integrate the TV into a wider AV system.

The screen resolution capability of the unit stands at a contemporary ‘full HD’ 1920×1080 pixels, which is well complemented by a very high contrast ratio of 50,000:1, which can be effectively achieved by dimming the backlight output during dark scenes.

Moreover, despite having only 100Hz processing system, there was very little motion blur that was observed, especially when all the TV’s OTT noise reduction routines are deactivated. The audio part is also a major plus of the unit as the sound reproduction is pretty true to the source, while at the same time delivering that scintillating experience.

Whilst the LCD television format continues to be the most dominate, plasma TVs are not giving up. Spurred on Pioneer and Panasonic, plasma TVs have made a comeback of sorts, and many of the format’s drawbacks have been addressed and corrected. Of course, other companies can also make quality plasma TVs, and LG has proven this with the launch of the LG 50PG6900. It won’t take you long to find out the strategy adopted by the makers as they have kept the price of the model pretty low, and if you take into account the presence of the Freeview+ PVR it is clear that LG is determined to cash in on the market resurrected by Panasonic and Pioneer.

Design wise the deck is adorable enough, with the only distractions being the power button and LG logo. Most other connections and flaps are well hidden from the public gaze. You also don’t get to see any speakers as well. The remote of the deck has an innovative design and is also easy to operate.

The deck depressingly doesn’t have a 1080p panel resolution which will prevent you from enjoying movies and programmes at the HD levels. The 720p resolution is however good enough to deliver a competent picture. The device makes up for the not so impressive resolution by incorporating the built-in Freeview+ recorder, which has 160GB of storage, making it the LG 50PG6900’s main attraction. The amazing storage capability ensures that you can record an unlimited number of your favourite TV programmes. The feature is not without its disadvantage though, as you are most likely to find yourself in a difficult position if the feature happens to break. On the brighter side, the feature helps you to save ower, reduces clutter, and renders recording of programmes ridiculously easy.

The LG LDA-731 Upconverting HDMI DVD Player is one particular model that I believe you should not regret buying. The player brings to the table a range of high-end features that are skilfully coordinated to give you an amazing movie experience. The one particular feature that will immediately attract your attention is the Up-Conversion feature, The Up-Conversion ability comprehensively upscales average DVD content to a Progressive source at the selected resolution of 480p, 720p or all the way back to an interlaced signal at 1080i. You can get the benefits of upconversion both via the Component cables as well as the HDMI connector.

The DVD player has been incorporated with the much in-demand Zoran’s Vaddis 8 chipset technology which plays a huge role in improving its performance. The technology, which in essence is a multimedia processor, is integrated with a state-of-the-art 8 channel Class D modulator that facilitates connectivity to HDTVs, like the LG 47LG6000, via HDMI and analog component HD-video with six 14-bit 165Mhz video DACs. The feature assists in the upconversion of SD-to-HD as well so that you can experience HD content from standard DVD discs. The display of high definition is further complemented by the HD-JPEG.

The Vaddis 8 apart from the above specialities offers support to DVD-Audio including decryption, decoding, and audio post processing functions. Moreover, playback of HD-JPEG content, backward compatibility with SACD1.3 or lower is possible only because of this feature.

The player also has on-board the Single Pixel Processing (SPP) Progressive Scan feature which ensures unparallel video quality for viewing on a progressive scan television. The SPP feature carries out pixel-by-pixel processing of the video, while the intuitive Vaddis 8 supplies it with superior quality deinterlacing to all areas of the scene, including areas with limited or fast motion.

LG’s latest offer to the TV world is the 1080p resolution plasma, LG50PG30 and it’s also one of the least expensive TVs to have come out of its ranks. The unit fares well on the feature count when compared to models like Samsung PN50A550 and the Panasonic TH-50PZ85U, and in addition to many imaginative picture control options, it possesses other impressive traits that uphold its desirability. Nevertheless, it misses on the more important picture quality points, subsequently delivering lighter black levels and less accurate colours as compared to its contemporaries. As far as handling standard-definition sources are concerned, the unit proves its mettle, and in case you like styling, it will better serve your purpose if you insist on 1080p resolution.

The design of the deck is rather subdued, but that doesn’t mean that it looks immodest or something like that. In fact, there are many amongst you who will appreciate its appearance and build quality that closely resembles other LG models like the LG 32LG5700. The frame has sleekly rounded corners and the bottom angles back to facilitate mild visual accent, while the speakers and safely tucked away from public view.

The best part of the deck lies in its 1080p native resolution that ensures that you get to view the most comprehensive high-definition images available today. The screen size however is an issue here as you will at times find it difficult to comprehend the difference between 1080p and lower-resolution displays, just like the company’s own 50PG20.

Picture control options are also an advantage with the deck, despite lacking the 10-point grayscale calibration feature. You will especially drool over the unit’s Expert menu option as it will guide you in adjusting the deck’s color temperature beyond the typical three presets. Then, also included in the deck are a number of other advanced features like gamma, black level and a complete colour management system to play with primary and secondary color points as well as colour decoding.

The LG 60PG60 is a gigantic beast measuring an awesome 60-inches and has precisely the same specifications as its 50-inch cousin, the 50PG60. The 60-inch plasma is the largest flat-panel HDTV released this yea to feature the advanced THX display certification, an important feather in its cap. The certification is basically an acknowledgement of the model’s excellent primary colour accuracy. Moreover, THX is also responsible for the control of a host of other features as well. Picture quality, however, turns out to be a weak link of the LG device, and plays a spoilsport to the fortunes of this otherwise solid performer.

The design of the deck is done quite aesthetically, with its front covered by a single pane of glass. By contrast, the remote appears to be out of sync, and have a cluster of unimaginative buttons surrounding. You will especially find it difficult to differentiate the buttons without giving them a deep long look!

The deck also has plenty of picture modes, with the THX one of them, which allows you to customise the image quality according to your liking or requirements. Then, to help your cause there are oodles of picture adjustments functions as well, and additional you will also feel blessed that the settings are independent per input. Even further adjustment can be done via the two Expert modes including the intuitive colour temperature control feature.

There are five manual aspect ratio modes, apart from an additional one which detects incoming contents and adjusts accordingly. The HD TV’s connectivity is another one of the unit’s strong aspects and boasts all the popular options including four HDMI inputs, two component video jacks, a VGA-style PC input, et al.

Flat-panel TVs are the norm these days, i.e. if you go by popular perception, but have you ever thought that these stunning looking devices have their own innate disadvantages. For one, most of these decks don’t have in-built DVD player, and therefore you are required to place a DVD player and a cable box next to the TV. The combination definitely looks odd with a maze of unkempt cables adding to the awkwardness of the situation. The LG 32LG40 therefore comes as a breath of fresh air as it has a built-in, slot-loading DVD player nicely hidden in the side of the TV. That’s not the only memorable part of this 32-inch LCD, as it also features an extensive range of picture control options that accentuate the colour accuracy and realistic feel of the image.

The LG 32LG40 is precisely for someone who likes to have swanky sets adorning their rooms. The screen of the device is surrounded by a glossy black bezel, while the bottom is filled with a thick strip of deep red plastic, which may remind you of Samsung’s “Touch of Color” design.

The DVD featured in the unit is designed to provide you a no-nonsense access to its various functionalities, though the addition of small DVD-centric buttons seems a bit of an afterthought. The native resolution of the unit stands at an impressive 1,366×768, especially considering its image size.

You are also provided with a multitude of picture adjustment functions as well, available in seven different picture modes, and each of which are independent per input. Further adjustment on this LG LCD TV is possible via two expert modes that include the colour temperature control and three presets. The latter feature facilitates calibrators really hone in on the D65 standard and create a more linear grayscale than would otherwise be possible.

LG has recently unveiled not one, not two, but three different models in what could be described as an open display of aggression and to an extent a deliberate attempt to make its hold on the receiver market even more firm. The models in question are the broadcast HDTV receiver, LST-4200A, the LST-3410A HDTV receiver HD-DVR (digital video recorder), and the LST-3510A. The models are distinguished by the fact that they represent a combination of a DVD player and digital HDTV set-top box.

The niche section that the company is targeting with the models is actually quite mainstream, as there has been a long standing demand from consumers for HDTV digital recording. You can use the unit’s innate abilities and ideal combination as an HDTV receiver with DVR, to record digital HDTV delivered over the air. Another feature that should go down well with its discerning customers is that it has a large 120-gigabyte hard drive, which gives you the leverage of recording more than 12 hours of HDTV programming, and 62 hours of standard-definition digital programming. Of course, there are always recorders, like the Sony RDRHXD1070 500GB, with more hard disk space, but they also cost substantially more as well. High-end features like IEEE-1394 and DVI+HDCP digital interfaces included in the LST-3410A are some of the best in the business and the impact it has on the overall performance is awesome. Moreover, the unit provides you a host of less prominent features such as the time shift record, live pause, high-speed fast-forward and rewind, among others that keep the brat in you alive.

The LST-3510A, on the other hand, has an all-format ATSC receiver on-board for over-the-air HD reception, a QAM tuner for unscrambled HDTV cable reception, in addition to a built-in DVD player with 1080i output. The unit’s connectivity is also pretty solid, as it is bestowed with connections like an Enhanced Scaler, Dolby Digital sound, a DVI+HDCP connector, a PSIP-based Electronic Programme Guide and an RS-232 serial port.

Your home cinema system needs, among other things, a receiver that is capable of matching its high-definition requirements. Otherwise, there is every possibility that your desire to enjoy movies or other programmes in a cinema like setting might suffer. Another consideration is whether to go for the bulky one or the portable one, or if it is more judicious to go for the middle one. It may ultimately boil down to a multitude of factors and you have to decide on a particular one based on all these considerations.

There is, however, there is no such dilemma with the LG LST-4100P despite its miniature size as it does quite a wonderful job. Moreover, it has managed to convert its diminutive size to its advantage and the ease with which it mingles with most entertainment systems, even giant ones like the LG HT-503TH, has to be seen to be believed. This aspect alone gives it a head start, as most bulky systems are notorious for the mess they create.

Continuing with its impressive march, it is compatible with all contemporary digital modes including 1080i, 720p, 576p and 576i, which consequently depends on the capability of your TV. The output options available are another major attractive part of the unit as it supports composite, component and S-Video. The real treat, however, is that the unit is compatible with DVI out connections, which connotes that the video-quality is virtually flawless.

Another experience that you will really treasure is the roughly pixellated Teletext page on a high definition panel. The unit’s software, which supports closed captioning, is the one chiefly responsible for that, as it efficiently recreates that real retro 80’s feel via the Teletext transmissions.

One thing that has been a hallmark of LG is its persistent use of progressive technology in the various models coming out of its ranks. LG has also managed to stay in front as far as technological expertise and innovation are concerned. Its latest offering, the LST-3510A HDTV receiver, recreates all the magic associated with LG and delivers a stunning performance. It’s also impressive how the unit has kept up with changing times and accordingly incorporated a number of modern technologies that customers will find irresistible.

One of the unit’s vital differences from other similar high-end models is that, despite having the ability to upgrade the video quality to high-definition levels, it is remarkably easy to operate. Moreover, it efficiently merges your DTV reception and your DVD viewing with one compact box that plays an important role in improving the image quality of your DVDs.

The ability of the unit to literally accept all ATSC signals, irrespective of their format, is another of its versatile aspects and it allows you to enjoy over-the-air HD viewing. There is a QAM tuner for unscrambled HDTV cable reception, and a built-in DVD player with an enhanced scaler as well; apart from a 1080i DVD output which optimises the image quality received from the DVD and DTV on an HD-ready TV like the Sony KDL-52W4500. That is not all though, as it is endowed with the ability to handle other digital media, too, particularly homemade MP3 and WMA music CDs to discs full of digital JPEG photos.

A gracious connectivity option means that you have little difficulty in indulging with this amazing gadget. All the popular connections including one output each for RF, composite-video, component-video (HD, SD), S-video, RGB (HD), and DVI that are a craze of the moment are delightfully present.

It is common for use to assume that a wireless home cinema set is bereft of any wires whatsoever. This is, however, not always the case, as even a so-called wireless home cinema system usually involves some amount of meddlesome wires. The same holds true for the LG LH-W5100 home cinema, which is connected to its rear speakers via radio frequency, but otherwise has plenty of wires connecting the unit together. The advantage of this arrangement is that you are now provided with the most unrestricted access to its different parts as the most obtrusive wire connection(between the rears and main unit) is eliminated.

The unit consists of a combined DVD/amp unit, two front speakers, a centre, two rears and a large sub. The system’s total output stands at 350W RMS, which is quite low considering its price tag.

The unit’s input and output features are mostly found on the DVD unit. These include one component out, one S-Video out, two composite outs and one composite input, along with the speaker connectors. Ports are also there for an FM and AM antenna, as well for in and out connectors. It is, however, something of a dampener that the unit doesn’t have any of the advanced digital video connectors, like as DVI or HDMI. An HDMI or DVI port usually comes standard are more high-end models like the LG HT-903TA. Nevertheless, the LG LH-W5100 can decode Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro-logic II, and plays disc formats including CD, DVD Video, DVD Audio, VCD, SVCD, CD-R, RW and MP3.

Another noteworthy aspect is that it has an easy setup process, and in case you have difficulty, the easy to follow instruction manual is always there to guide you through.