LG LCD HDTV

LG has been competing with Sony and Samsung for the best high-end LCD HDTV for years, the battle being intensified with the recent advent of LED backlighting technology, which all three brands included in their 2009 lines. While the other companies offer a lot of extras, LG seems to be making interactivity a priority. While Sony already announced NetFlix streaming capability for a few of their models later in 2009, LG has already put out a set that is NetFlix-ready. LG has also ramped up its efforts by putting out ten different lines for 2009, each packed with its own features.

General Overview of LG’s 2009 Models

With an array of new lines, LG has entered 2009 with the desire to take a good amount of market share. New this year is are the LH90 Series, the LH85 Series, the LH55 Series, the LH50 Series, the LH40 Series, the LH30 Series, the LH20 Series, the LHX Series, the SL90 Series, and the SL80 Series.

The LH90 Series is equipped with LED backlighting with localized dimming and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. They also have 240Hz TruMotion processing and 1080p resolution. The LH90 Series has four HDMI inputs and a USB port for accessing photos and music. It also boasts an intelligent room lighting sensor for energy conservation. An Energy Star 3.0 rated series, the LH90 is comprised of 42, 47, and 55 inch screen sizes.

The LH85 Series has 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This line offers wireless capability with a separate media box. Its 24p Real Cinema processing and four HDMI inputs make this line quite versatile. Its invisible speaker gives the set a slim design. It also has a USB port, like it’s sibling the LH90 Series and is Energy Star 3.0 compliant. With an intelligent room lighting sensor, the series has 47 and 55 inch screen sizes.

LG’s LH55 series has 1080p resolution, LG’s TruMotion 240Hz processing, 5ms response times and a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Utilizing LG’s Intelligent Sensor room light sensing technology, its four HDMI inputs, and LG’s Super In-Plane Switching technology that eliminates motion blur, the LH55 is more advanced than its lower-end sibling, LG’s LH50 series. But unlike the LH50, it lacks ethernet connectivity. Energy Star 3.0 compliant, the series is comprised of screen sizes 37, 42, 47, and 55 inch.

The LH50 series stand apart from the rest of the 2009 line because they’re currently the only set on the market that has Netflix streaming movies without the need for outboard hardware. Its internet connectivity, which is a first for the company, gives viewers access to YouTube, Flickr, and Yahoo! widgets. It has full 1080p and LG’s invisible speaker system for a slim look. Featuring LG’s four core technologies, as well as S-ISP technology for reduced motion blur, the LH50 Series is a step up from the LH40 series. However, both series include a 120Hz refresh rate. The LH50 Series has four HDMI inputs and a USB port. The LH50 Series comes in 42 or 47 inch screen sizes.

LG’s LH40 series is comprised of a 1080p, 120Hz panel and LG’s 24p 5:5 pulldown film processing. With 32, 37, 42, 47, and 55 inch screen sizes, the LH40 also includes the same S-ISP technology for reduced motion blur as the LH50. An upgrade to the LH30 series, the LH40 features an intelligent sensor and a TruMotion 120 Hz panel. The set has great connectivity with USB port and four HDMI inputs. The set also is equipped with LG’s Smart Energy Saving Plus design for better conservation.

The LH30 series comes in four screen sizes, the 32, 37, 42, and 47 inch models. With a 1080p panel with 24p 2:2 pulldown film processing, an upgrade from the 720p LH20 Series. While the LH30 is a midrange model, it’s missing the 120Hz dejudder processing of its higher-end siblings. With three HDMI inputs and the Super IPS panel technology from the LH40 and LH50, it also includes a USB port for digital music and videos. The LH30 series includes Smart Energy Saving technology.

With a 720p resolution, the LH20 series is an entry-level line of LCDs. The LH20 series come in 19, 22, 26, 32, 37, and 42 inch models. They feature an 8ms response time and a 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. LG’s SimpLink technology allows compatible cameras and camcorders to be connected to the LH20 models. They support a 60Hz refresh rate and are ISFccc ready. The LH20 series has two HDMI inputs and more of LG’s Core technologies.

The LG LHX series is less than one inch deep based on an accompanying media box that houses its processing boards. The LHX bests LG’s second tier LH90 series because the LH90 lacks an uncompressed wireless system as well as an ultra-slim design. Much like its ultra thin sibling from 2008, the LG 47LGX, the LHX’s slim design allows for LG’s LED backlighting and local dimming. The 120Hz processing included on the 47LGX has been upgraded in the LHX with 240Hz TruMotion technology, which gives users an effective 240Hz, but not an actual 240Hz rate. With a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, its uncompressed wireless system allows 1080p transmission. With a variety of connectivity options, the LG LHX series has five HDMI inputs and a USB port. The LHX series’ only screen size is 55 inches.

The newest models in the LG’s 2009 line, the SL90 and its sibling the SL80 are ultra-slim. The SL90 uses LED display technology and comes in 42 and 47 inch screen sizes. The SL90’s 3,000,000:1 LED Mega Contrast Ratio is complemented with LG’s TruMotion 120Hz technology, which is designed to reduce motion blur and create more native looking images. The SL90 is only 1.15 inches thick and sports a glossy enclosure. It also features a film lamination process to provide anti-glare properties to the screen.

The SL80 stands as 1.8 inches thick, and has TruMotion 240Hz technology to improve motion picture response time. LG’s anti-glare filter on the SL80 reduces glare even in brightly-lit rooms. The SL80 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1 and utilizes slim CCFL technology to attain its severely thin profile. The SL80 series comes in 42, 47, and 55 inch screen sizes. Also, for easy, self-calibration, the SL80 and SL90 both include LG’s Picture Wizard technology, which provides users with on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements.

LG 2009 LCD HDTV Models

• LG LH90 Series – 1080p, 42, 47, & 55 inch, 240Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated
• LG LH85 Series – 1080p, 47 & 55 inch, 120Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated
• LG LH55 Series – 1080p, 37, 42, 47 & 55 inch, 240Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated
• LG LH40 Series – 1080p, 32, 37, 42, 47 & 55 inch, 120Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Saving Plus
• LG LH30 Series – 1080p, 32, 37, 42 & 47 inch, 60Hz refresh rate, Energy Saving Plus
• LG LH20 Series – 720p, 19, 22, 26, 32, 37 & 42 inch, 60Hz refresh rate, Energy Saving Plus
• LG LHX Series – 1080p, 55 inch, 240Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated
• LG SL90 Series – 1080p, 42 & 47 inch, 120Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated
• LG SL80 Series – 1080p, 42, 47 & 55 inch, 240Hz TruMotion processing, Energy Star rated

LG LH90 Series

With its LED backlighting and localized dimming, the LH90 Series is a high-end set. This sets it apart from the 6000, 7000, and 8000 series from Samsung, which use LED lights along the screen edge. Sporting a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 240Hz TruMotion processing, the LH90 is only second to the LHX in picture quality. The LH90 has a 1080p resolution and four HDMI inputs. Like many of the higher-end LG models, the LH90 has an intelligent room lighting sensor for energy conservation, helping it achieve an Energy Star 3.0 rating.

While the LH90 is missing the interactive capabilities of the LH50, its Picture Wizard helps users optimize their sets, using internal test patterns to assist with color, horizontal, and vertical sharpness, contrast, brightness, tint, and backlight.

LG LH90 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: LED backlighting, intelligent room lighting sensor, Energy Star rated

LG LH90 Models

• LG 42LH90 (42-inch)
• LG 47LH90 (47-inch)
• LG 55LH90 (55-inch)

LG LH85 Series

Like its sibling the LH90 Series, the LH85 is Energy Star 3.0 compliant and has an intelligent room lighting sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness based on the room lighting condition. With a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the LH85 uses separate media box that connects wirelessly. The LH85 also includes the same full color management controls and 10-point IRE from LG’s 2008 models.

Equipped with an invisible speaker and a USB port, the LH85 is rich with features. It includes four HDMI inputs and the Picture Wizard.

LG LH85 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 80000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: Wireless HDTV, intelligent room lighting sensor, Energy Star rated

LG LH85 Models

• LG 47LH85 (47-inch)
• LG 55LH85 (55-inch)

LG LH55 Series

LG’s TruMotion 240Hz processing and 5ms response times are installed in the LH55 series. It also boasts a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. With four HDMI inputs, LG’s Intelligent Sensor room light sensing technology, and LG’s Super In-Plane Switching technology that can cut motion blur, the LH55 is a step up from the LH50 series in many ways, except it lacks the LH50’s ethernet connectivity.

LG’s LH55 series has 1080p resolution, is Energy Star 3.0 compliant, and features a Real Cinema function to assist with 1080p/24 sources. USB port is also included for display of photos and MP3 music files.

LG LH55 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 80,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: TruMotion 240Hz processing, intelligent room lighting sensor, Energy Star rated

LG LH55 Models

• LG 37LH55 (37-inch)
• LG 42LH55 (42-inch)
• LG 47LH55 (47-inch)
• LG 55LH55 (55-inch)

LG LH50 Series

The LH50 series gives users internet connectivity, which is a first for LG. This allows viewers access to, Yahoo! Widgets, Flickr, and YouTube. With 1080p resolution and LG’s four core technologies, the LH50 Series is a big step up from the LH40 series. The LH50 uses S-ISP technology for reduced motion blur, but its 120Hz refresh rate is a step down from the LH55.

The LH50 series is the first in the industry to have Netflix streaming movies without the need for outboard hardware. The LH50 Series uses four HDMI inputs and a USB port as well.

LG LH50 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 70,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: YES
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: Internet connectivity, intelligent room lighting sensor, Energy Star rated

LG LH50 Models

• LG 42LH50 (42-inch)
• LG 47LH50 (47-inch)

LG LH40 Series

With a 120Hz panel and LG’s 24p 5:5 pulldown film processing, the LH40 also includes the same S-ISP technology for reduced motion blur as the LH50. The LH40 features a TruMotion 120 Hz panel and intelligent sensor. Like many of the 2009 line, it has a USB port and four HDMI inputs.

LG’s Smart Energy Saving Plus design is included in the LH40 for better conservation. The LH40 also includes the company’s invisible speakers.

LG LH40 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 70,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: TruMotion 120 Hz technology, intelligent room lighting sensor, Energy Star rated

LG LH40 Models

• LG 32LH40 (32-inch)
• LG 37LH40 (37-inch)
• LG 42LH40 (42-inch)
• LG 47LH40 (47-inch)
• LG 55LH40 (55-inch)

LG LH30 Series

An upgrade from the 720p LH20 Series, the LH30 has 1080p resolution, however it doesn’t have the 120Hz dejudder processing of its more expensive siblings. Using 24p 2:2 pulldown film processing and the Super IPS panel technology from the LH40 and LH50, the LH30 is well designed. It also has LG’s the Picture Wizard, which allows consumers that often don’t mess with picture controls to see the effects of the basic picture controls.

The LH30 has three HDMI inputs and it also is equipped with a USB port and Smart Energy Saving technology. It also has two modes that are adjustable zooms and a set by program mode that automatically chooses the correct aspect ratio setting based on the signal.

LG LH30 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 50000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: Super IPS panel technology, intelligent room lighting sensor, Smart Energy Saving technology

LG LH30 Models

• LG 32LH30 (32-inch)
• LG 37LH30 (37-inch)
• LG 42LH30 (42-inch)
• LG 47LH30 (47-inch)

LG LH20 Series

LH20 series is an entry-level line of LCDs that only has a resolution of 720p. With a 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and LG’s SimpLink technology, which allows compatible cameras and camcorders to be connected to the LH20 models, the LH20 is full of features. The LH20 also has the Clear Voice II feature that automatically enhances and amplifies the sound of the human voice frequency range to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells.

The LH20 has an 8ms response time, a 60Hz refresh rate, and are ISFccc ready. There are two HDMI inputs and more of LG’s Core technologies packed into the LH20, like its invisible speaker system.

LG LH20 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 720p (standard) / 1366 x 768 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 8000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: SimpLink technology, intelligent room lighting sensor, Clear Voice II technology

LG LH20 Models

• LG 19LH20 (19-inch)
• LG 22LH20 (22-inch)
• LG 26LH20 (26-inch)
• LG 32LH20 (32-inch)
• LG 37LH20 (37-inch)
• LG 42LH20 (42-inch)

LG LHX Series

Less than one inch deep, the LHX series uses an accompanying media box for its processing boards. Like its 2008 counterpart, the LG 47LGX, the LHX’s slim design allows sufficient space for its LED backlighting and localized dimming. The LHX uses 240Hz TruMotion technology. It also includes the company’s Picture Wizard employs a series of onscreen test patterns to ease user calibration.

The LHX has a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 1080p transmission from the wireless media box. The LG LHX series has five HDMI inputs and a USB port.

LG LHX Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: LED backlighting, Wireless media box, Energy Star rated

LG LHX Models

• LG 55LHX (55-inch)

LG SL90 Series

The SL90 and its sibling the SL80 are the newest slim offerings from LG . Using uses LED display technology, the SL90’s 3,000,000:1 LED Mega Contrast Ratio is complemented with LG’s TruMotion 120Hz technology. At only 1.15-inches thick and sporting a glossy enclosure, the SL90 also has a film lamination process on its the screen to help with glare.

The SL90 also employs LG’s Intelligent Sensor that optimizes the picture to the lighting conditions in the room. The Picture Wizard and Clear Voice II features are included in the SL90 as well.

LG SL90 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: LED backlighting, TruMotion 120Hz technology, Energy Star rated

LG SL90 Models

• LG 42SL90 (42-inch)
• LG 47SL90 (47-inch)

LG SL80 Series

The SL80 is 1.8 inches thick and its anti-glare filter reduces glare in brightly-lit rooms. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1 , and TruMotion 240Hz technology to improve motion picture response time., the SL80 is a sleek set. It uses CCFL backlighting technology and includes LG’s Picture Wizard technology.

Energy Star rated, the SL80 provides users with a low power consumption option in HDTVs. It also features LG’s Clear Voice II technology.

LG SL80 Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 150,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 in back)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• Picture Wizard: YES
• Other: CCFL LED backlighting, TruMotion 240Hz technology, Energy Star rated

LG SL80 Model

• LG 42SL80 (42-inch)
• LG 47SL80 (47-inch)
• LG 55SL80 (55-inch)