Digital Switchover Review

Digital Switchover Review

LG 50PC55

The LG 50’ PC55 is an excellent choice for people who want a high quality TV at an affordable price. With about £150 more than the smaller version we did not expect much of a difference in performance. It came with all the standard features such as auto tuning and Freeview support. The TV has a built in HDTV receiver for the local channels that can be received by antenna; however, you still need an external HDTV receiver for the cable channels. We were very pleased to see that the TV was supplied with two HDI connectors in the back, making it easier for us and the consumer to manage two receivers at the same time.

An entertaining feature this TV has is (Picture in Picture viewing), which allowed us to watch more than one channel at the same time. With (PiP), one channel will be displayed on the entire TV screen, and another channel or channels will be displayed in smaller squares on the screen. The picture quality was absolutely astonishing, which was exactly what we expected from a resolution of 1368×768 pixels and a refresh time of 1 ms. High pixel rates and low refresh time makes it perfect for a nice soccer game or a good movie. Another feature is the (adjustable color temperature), which allowed us to adjust the TV colors according to room lighting conditions (artificial light or natural light). It is also equipped with surround sound and audio leveler which add depth and quality to the show you are watching.

The TV screen has a maximum viewing angle of 160, which was rather disappointing since most of the plasma TV’s on the market nowadays come with an extra 18 degrees, making them viewable from almost any angle in the room. This is a small sacrifice to pay for all the new fun features the LG team had incorporated to insure the quality of our entertainment.

LG 42LC55

We found that the new generation LG 42” LC55 is slimmer than its predecessors, but offers more unique and intuitive interface with great video and audio quality. We were very pleased to see that it was fitted with two HDMI, two Scart and PC input connectors in the back. We found the channel tuning process incredibly easy as it came equipped with an integrated digital auto tuner.

This TV came with a variety of features such as Freeview support and the new XD Engine Image processor, which transforms the normal analog signal into near HD quality video. The picture quality is incredible thanks to its 1366×768 WXGA display resolution. However, the LG team could have added some more features that were included in the previous models. We were satisfied with the contrast ratio and brightness and rated it average.

The sound quality turned out to be quite good; it is fitted with surround MAX, which offers quality and more depth to its audio output. The sound can be adjusted according to taste which we found to be an excellent feature.

We rated the LG 42 LC55 (3.5 out of 5) because we felt that the LG team had concentrated on aspect and making the unit more user-friendly, but they have failed to incorporate more features as they did its predecessors. However, being in its price range we did not expect much more than we have already seen.

LG 37LC55

We were expecting a standard TV unit equipped with nothing more than what is available on the market. We did however keep in mind that LG always has a trick up its sleeve. The 37LC55 is a stunning 37″ HD Ready with an integrated Freeview receiver and LG´s new XD Engine Image processor.

The TV is very light and quite maneuverable, being around the 20 Kg range. Just as we suspected, LG exceeded our expectations. Testing the new innovative feature LG incorporated in its latest model was a real treat. We felt that the new XD Engine Image processor is a true revolution in picture quality and color. This new feature turns your boring analog channels into exciting pure quality HD channels, rich in color and full of detail. The LC55 range delivers an incredible 178 degree viewing angle, so you can see the stunning picture from almost anywhere in the room.

We were satisfied but not pleased with its refresh rate feature of 6 (ms), which makes playing games and watching sports an above average experience. We were also not too thrilled with the fact there was only one Scart connector in the back.

This TV is Digital TV ready that comes with Freeview support, an excellent new feature that allows the consumer to receive up to 40 channels more with the same aerial at no extra cost. We are very pleased to see that the LG team is keeping up with the current market.

LG 32LB9D

We have decided to test LG’s latest stylish edition to the LCD market, just to see if this TV lives up to its reputation. We were truly impressed at first glance. The elegant ultra slim LCD with its glossy black finish is a true eye grabber.The first feature we noticed was the Intelligent Eye, which adjusts screen brightness and color according to room lighting; thereby enhancing the owner’s viewing experience. Another great feature is LG’s exclusive XD Engine that contributes to picture improvement. This engine took the low resolution of analogue signals to near HD levels by improving brightness, contrast and detail. We were quite pleased with the outcome quality of this engine; we felt that it resulted in cinema-like, high-resolution images.

The 32LB9D is fitted with LG’s SimpleLink technology that allows for “convenient control” of other LG products and is compatible with digital visual interfaces. We were quite happy to find that it was also equipped with three high-definition multimedia interface connections that can carry both uncompressed HD video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats.

The TV comes with Super IPS technology that reduces the distortion which sometimes occurs during fast-motion action scenes; however, despite the IPS technology we rated this TV above average because of its refresh time of 6 (ms). Most of LG’s previous models had a refresh time of 3 (ms), thus, it seemed only logical to carryout this tradition as the gaming industry is always coming up with new technology that require TV’s to have a lower refresh time to reduce trails. However, we were pleased that it provided one of the market’s widest flat-panel angles, which meant viewers will be seeing theatre-level picture quality from anywhere in their living room.

 

LG 26PC55

After the first few minutes of testing the LG 26“ LC55 we were thrilled to see that LG had still preserved its name in the growing market of LCD TVs. The LG26LC55 is incredibly user friendly. Thanks to its auto tuning function it took us about two minutes to setup both receivers.

We were very happy to see that LG has met all of its high standards in picture quality. This TV is equipped with LG’s new XD Engine image processor and comes with a digital tuner resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels as well as dynamic contrast ratio of 5000:1. The LG 26” LC55 delivered a nearly HD quality image from a basic analog receiver, which we considered to be a big plus. We were very pleased with its refresh rate of 3 ms which meant almost no trails, even in fast action sequences; it brought sports and games to a new level of play.

The TV comes with two HDMI, two Scart and one PC input connectors in the back. It is also fitted with Freeview. However, what truly impressed us were its sound capabilities. It is equipped with Surround MAX SSM (6 Sound Status Mode) 10W + 10W and dimple speaker for clear and powerful sound quality; moreover, the TV is compatible with Dolbly digital out (5.1 Home Cinema System) just incase you want to connect it to another sound system for that extra edge.

We were not too pleased with its viewing angle of 160 degrees, but it was to our expectations at its current market price.

  

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