PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. Picture detail was only decent due to the display's limited native resolution, so images didn't look as crisp and sharp as with TVs capable of full 1080p. Color accuracy was very good, with images looking quite natural. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images showed some depth and dimension. In this respect, the TV was similar to most of the models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. There was slight banding (unnatural contours) on scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, rather than a smooth transition in the shaded areas. Image texture, especially on skin, was slightly lacking in detail. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was excellent, with no visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes. Deinterlacing on the other hand was only good, with some jaggies visible when converting 1080i content to the display's native resolution.
VIEWING ANGLE The overall viewing angle on this display is unlimited, as with all plasma TVs we've tested. Color accuracy, contrast, and depth of black level did not vary regardless of viewing position, unlike what we've seen with LCD TVs.
MOTION BLUR This LG TV has very good motion performance, like most plasmas, with minimal blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The shiny screen surface on this plasma TV is very reflective, among the more mirror-like we've seen. This display does not use the darker screen technology we've seen on better plasmas to reduce glare, so the image will lose contrast or wash out if any light falls upon the screen. It's not the best choice for bright, sunny rooms.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound was good, fine for typical TV programming, but won't reproduce the full range of movie soundtracks and music. It has a good volume range, though at higher volume settings audible dynamic compression keeps the sound from distorting but also limits clarity in audio content when there are peaks in loudness. At more typical listening volume levels the TV's sound had decent bass with impact, though overall was bright sounding. Most will find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set very easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was very easy, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is very easy to navigate.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV does not have access to the Internet.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes two HDMI inputs, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, and one USB port. This TV has no type of wireless connectivity. HDMI and analog cable connections made to the rear-facing panel will protrude beyond the panel's slim depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, a digital user manual on CDROM, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, and a remote with batteries. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
