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LG Infinia 55LX9500 LED LCD HDTV

An upgrade of the brand’s flagship LE8500 series, the LG Infinia 55LX9500 shares most of the awesome features of its highly regarded predecessor: great black levels and shadow details, exceptional color accuracy and impressive off-angle fidelity. This new version has with 3D-compatibility, though this new technology is relatively new and hence, still has kinks that LG needs to remedy in future releases.

Design

LG redefines sleekness in the 55LX9500 series, with its slim profile, single pane look and ultra-thin frame that would make people less aware of the TV and more immersed on the pictures on-screen. The head-turning display is complimented by an ice-cube-like transparent swivel stalk on a clear and black stand that together create an illusion of a floating TV screen.

The 55LX9500 comes with both the Wiimote-like Magic Wand motion controller and the standard clicker. The Magic Wand appears to be more useful than in previous models, with its own simplified menu system, a cursor that responds well to the wand’s motions, and buttons that are easy to use by feel. The real remote and menu system, on the other hand, are both functional and intuitive with easily differentiated keys and groupings, plenty of navigation choices and shortcuts, but the clicker lacks infrared control capability and the menu items need some explanations.

Screen/Picture Clarity

Sporting a full array LED backlight with local dimming and 480Hz refresh rates, the LG Infinia 55LX9500 definitely performs well beyond expectations. Images onscreen are punchy and realistic: this HDTV not only recreates the most accurate colors but also offers one of the deepest black levels ever seen in an LCD TV. There is some screen uniformity and blooming problems – but with an impressive off-angle picture quality and shadow rendering that resolved even the most subtle details – these issues are definitely minor.

Since 3D-compatibility distinguishes the Infinia 55LX9500 from its step-down siblings, it is quite expected that it would excel in this arena; unfortunately, the 3D performance is merely so-so, mainly due to the poor black levels which resulted in washed out images. Besides, the HDTV offers no 2D-to-3D conversion capability, resolves 1080p/24 sources incorrectly; and performs poorly under bright light conditions.

The above issues notwithstanding, rendering of high-def programs and 2D materials is exceedingly superb, while handling of standard def sources is also quite commendable. The solid output along with the 55LX9500‘s multiple calibration and motion settings would surely make even jaded HDTV enthusiasts envious.

Features

The Infinia 55LX9500 boasts of its reliable Netcast content providers that includes Netflix and Vudu; Twitter, Picasa, and an updated Yahoo widgets interface. The offering is quite sparse compared to other brands, especially as it lacks Facebook and online music providers like Pandora. One can get the optional 3D glasses for more immersive viewing, while the speakerphone accessory is needed for Skype.

The HDTV comes with four HDMI ports, composite/component/RF inputs, VGA-style inputs, digital audio output, two USB ports, Ethernet port and a proprietary RS-232 media box wireless control port.

The LG Infinia 55LX9500 is decidedly one of the finest HDTVs n the market in terms of design and performance. It might be a tad pricey for most people and its 3D output is less than ideal, but it certainly is perfect for buyers willing to splurge a bit for high picture quality.

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LG Infinia 55LX9500 LED LCD HDTV Review is a post from: HDTV Reviews Best HDTV LCD TVs Plasma TVs

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LG 60PK550 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

One of the mid-price-range HDTVs released by LG in 2010, the 60PK550 is the biggest sized plasma in the new PK550 series that offers full 1080p compatibility for truly vivid and eye-popping images. Combining sleek and seamless design, superb performance and nice features in a package that comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag, this HDTV is really worth considering when shopping for a new high-def television.

Design

As in other HDTVs in the LG line-up, the 60PK550’s head-turning design immediately draws people’s attention and it’s not difficult to see why. With the slim 2-inch space-saving profile, glossy all-black body with narrow bezel, and trendy swivel and stand all coming together in an exceptionally clean design, this HDTV is sure to attract not only casual glances but admiring looks as well.

The standard unified clicker that comes in the box is easy to use with its distinctive and logically positioned keys and ergonomic design. The backlit remote is CEC-compliant with its SimpLink keys that can be used to control other devices connected via the TV’s HDMI ports. Operation is quite intuitive and effortless with the easy-to-understand menu system that includes basic and advanced HDTV calibration options.

Screen/Picture Clarity

The LG 60PK550 boasts of a powerful video processor that can handle full 1080p sources accurately while doubling the pixel resolution; 600Hz Sub Field Drive for clearer and artifact-free fast action sequences; and a wide array of calibration choices to satisfy even discerning videophiles, The LG 60PK550 resolves standard-def sources quite well, but as it is geared more for HD content, handling of the latter is expectedly richer and more dynamic.

While it suffers slightly when compared to the flagship plasma models in its brood like the Infinia 50PX950, the deep blacks and shadow details of the LG 60PK550 are enough to show realistic images that seems to pop out from the screen, particularly with the awesome contrast ratio that the HDTV offers. Colors are a little subdued and the image a tad darker than others, but this may be due to the ambient light sensor that detects room illumination and adjusts screen brightness accordingly.

The proprietary Skin Glass of LG may reduce internal reflections and provides image depth, but the screen also yielded considerable glare that is quite distracting especially in well-lit rooms. Off-angle viewing is also good in low-light settings.

Features

LG capitalizes on the Intelligent Sensor as one of the selling points of the PK550 series, for good reason: not only does the sensor change the display according to the room brightness, but it lessens power consumption for smart energy efficiency. Another great feature is the excellent sound output from the built-in speakers, though this is not enough to compensate for the lack of Internet connectivity that is already standard offering in other HDTVs in its class.

The LG 60PK550 has also a very limited connectivity with its three HDMI inputs, one USB port for music playing and photo viewing, PC input, component/composite/RF ports, audio output and other standard slots

With superb design, excellent picture quality, decent features, and most importantly, easy-on-the-pocket price tag, the LG 60PK550 is a good choice for people wanting to shift to entry-level plasmas. Others already there may have to look elsewhere for more up-to-date and full-featured HDTVs.

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LG 60PK550 Plasma HDTV Review is a post from: HDTV Reviews Best HDTV LCD TVs Plasma TVs

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The 3d LG Infinia 50PX950

One of the stand-outs in the recent spate of 3D HDTV releases, the LG Infinia 50PX950 plasma promises great picture clarity with its deep blacks, accurate colours and excellent 3D rendering in an exceptionally sleek design that would surely make people notice.

Design

With a narrow and flushed blue bezel framing the single-pane display, the LG Infinia 50PX950 gives a stunningly clean and sleek look that never fails to attract attention. The moderate panel thickness, transparent revolving stalk and a glass-topped rectangular stand add elegant touches that make this HDTV superbly appealing and perfect for modern home interiors.

Like the other top-of-the-line releases from LG, the Infinia 50PX950 comes with the Magic Wand remote that mimics Nintendo’s Wiimote controller, in addition to the standard remote controller. The motion-sensitive wand fits easily in the hand and has a few buttons that allows users to control the HDTV on-screen menus by hand gestures. But if one finds the novel clicker no longer amusing, the standard multi-button remote with rubberized and friendly keys works just fine. The remote may lack the ability to control other infrared devices, but it sure has distinctive buttons that enable effortless navigation of the basic and advanced menus and functions.

Screen/Picture Clarity

The Infinia 50PX950 adds 3D and THX display capabilities to the former flagship PK950 series, but THX in both 3D and 2D modes are nonadjustable while the other four 3D modes and the rest of the 2D modes have various advanced picture adjustment options. The HDTV has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness on the non-THX modes, and LG’s Picture Wizard is handy for guiding the uninitiated into the intricacies of basic display adjustments.

With deep-enough blacks and accurate colour response out-of-the-box particularly for the THX mode, the Infinia 50PX950 certainly gives other plasmas a run for their money. Tweaking the brightness and gamma settings makes the picture even better, with uniform image quality and off-angle clarity that match the output of top competing brands. The HDTV processes standard and high definition (1080p/24) sources quite well, and most importantly, delivers on its three-dimensional promise as it renders 3D better than all other plasmas. Of course, the images do come alive with the help of the 3D glasses which, unfortunately, are optional and an added expense.

Features

The PX950 series comes with an array of features: streaming media from Netflix, Youtube and Vudu; Internet apps such as Twitter, Picasa and Flickr; and a host of useful Yahoo widgets and games, though it lacks Facebook and other major streaming-content providers like Amazon. Internet connection is via Ethernet or the optional WiFi USB dongle, while various devices can be connected through the four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and a host of standard connections and inputs. The optional LG Wireless Media Box offers a proprietary wireless HDMI access for even greater flexibility and convenience.

The Infinia 50PX950 offers white/colour washes and a pixel orbiter to combat image burn-in, on-screen manual, and energy saving modes, including a “screen off” option for listening only to sounds.

With an splendid design, impressive picture quality and a treasure-trove of cutting-edge features, the LG Infinia 50PX950 definitely deserves its place as the LG’s new flagship HDTV, replacing its equally impressive predecessors in the PK950 series.

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LG Infinia 50PX950 3D HDTV Review is a post from: HDTV Reviews Best HDTV LCD TVs Plasma TVs

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Best Plasma HDTV – The LG Infinia 60PK950

LCD HDTVs continue to improve each year, but to date, Plasma televisions deliver the best picture quality. The one offered by the LG Infinia 60PK950 is particularly exceptional and in our opinion, the best among non-3D Plasma HDTVs so far.

Design

The LG 60PK950 may not be the slimmest Plasma around but at a depth of 2.1 inches, it’s impressive enough. Combine that with the single sheet of glass design, the narrow transparent edges and a glass swiveling stalk (similar to Samsung models) and you have an HDTV which exudes elegance and sophistication.

The PK950 series comes with a thin, secondary clicker called a ‘Magic Wand’, which, though unable to make broomsticks fly, allows you to move the cursor around on a simple on-screen menu, just like you can do with the Wiimote. If you want more options, you can always access the standard menu with the main remote, that is also easy to use with rubberized keys.

Screen/Picture Clarity

One of the best features of the 60PK950 is the TrueBlack filter, which allows it to exhibit blacks richer than those of previous company models and preserve these even in well-lit environments. Color accuracy is also very good, especially in bright scenes, and the color saturation isn’t lacking, either.

The 60PK950 scored lower than some 240Hz LCDs and high-end 3D-compatible Plasmas on motion tests, but it still scored well enough and the difference is something viewers won’t notice. It can also handle 1080p and 24p sources correctly unlike the PK750.

Features

While lacking 3D capability and built-in WiFi, this HDTV is still rich in cool features. It offers video streaming from Netflix, Vudu and YouTube, DLNA compliance, and Yahoo widgets, along with Skype capability, ten built-in custom games, a world clock and a calendar.

Like other LG models, it offers no shortage of adjustable picture controls and picture modes, even including not just one but two THX modes – THX Bright Room and THX Cinema. There’s an ambient light sensor and power-saver mode, too, and four HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, a PC input and two USB ports for the bulk of the connectivity options.

For all these reasons, the LG Infinia 60PK950 is our “Editor’s Choice” for Best Plasma HDTV, among the 2D ranks, at least. For certain, it is LG’s best so far, and we recommend it for those who are after the stunning picture quality of Plasmas, something you don’t need glasses to see.

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LG Infinia 60PK950 Plasma HDTV Review is a post from: HDTV Reviews Best HDTV LCD TVs Plasma TVs

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