LG Electronics 42LH30 42" LCD TV

Decent bang for the buck

Strengths: picture controls, crisp 1080p, $630 for a 42" 1080p

Weaknesses: processing SD signals, sound quality, no EPG, light leakage at corners

Summary: The TV is good at the price point I paid - $629+tax (Sears). LG is a respected brand in Asia and a 42" LCD 1080p at that price is a good deal. The picture when viewing true HD signals, just comes to life and is breath-taking. Fairly basic connectivity with 1 composite, 2 AV, 1PC and 3 HDMI ports. Would have been nice to have one more composite and HDMI ports and looks like the newer models have them. The speakers are well hidden and makes for a smooth clean finish on the outside. There are also numerous (more than you ever want) amount of controls to fine-tune the picture. Fairly easy hack available to turn on USB port to view pictures or play movies - great bonus.

That said, the sound quality seems a bit sub-par compared to other TVs in the market. I also noticed some light leakage on the far corners of the TV - other than for Sony or Samsung this seems a problem for all other big TVs. Also, for those of you watching TV with over the air signals, please note that this TV does not pick up the OTA Electronic Program Guide (EPG), which was a big surprise to me, since those dirt cheap TVs you buy at Walmart or during BF sales too have them. Big goof-up at LG design, I should say. Lastly do not expect a Samsung or Sony style processing of low-fidelity signals (SD, ED). Standard-Def signals look rather grainy and poor - I guess the processing chip is where LG cheaped out. Invest in a good quality up-converting player for your DVDs and change the channel if you run-into non-HD programming as a work-around.

Lastly the customer service is no-worser than that of Samsung or Sony. A bunch of air-heads, quite a bit of wait-time and frustrating responses. But do not discount the TV for that - like I said - this is how all TV manufacturers support their TVs (I have a Sony and Samsung), so no big deal. Wish the industry was overall better, thatz all.

Overall, a reasonable purchase if you dont pay too much. I am sure you will learn to like your purchase - if you are considering it, go on pull the trigger.

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Amazing Picture and Decent Sound

Strengths: Nice things about this TV are that its picture quality is vivid, exceptionally clear. The remote controls are intuitive and easy to negotiate through each menu. Sound quality is very good.

Weaknesses: No RCA audio outputs for conventional home amplifier. These have been replaced with a Toslink (digital-audio cable). One can purchase a converter, but be careful which you get.

Summary: Gefen makes these converters to go from digital-optical to analog audio. Make sure the one you purchase will handle 5.1 surround sound or you will not be able to hear TV broadcasts. You will be able to hear composite inputs, or your component DVD player, and your HDMI inputs,such as a computer with an HDMI output card.

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