Customer Reviews

LG 42LD550 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Applications

5 star:		(108)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is my first HDTV, so keep that in mind - I was bound to be wowed by HD, no matter what the TV. But I really like this one. It has excellent specs (high contrast ratio, 2.7ms response time, 120 Hz) and a 'picture wizard' that seemed to do a great job in calibrating the picture settings. It supports the latest HDMI specs, and has some nice features like Real Cinema (which maintains film's 24 frames per second when watching a movie with a compatible source), and also the ability to tweak the settings of TruMotion, LG's image interpolation system.

Interpolation is what 'smooths out' video on HDTVs - it actually creates additional frames on the fly to fit between the existing frames of the source, and it's what can give HD material that documentary/soap opera quality. Sometimes that's desirable, but other times it just looks bad and cheesy. This TV has Low, High, and User settings for this feature. I was able to tweak the User setting to a good compromise, that smooths out some of the blur and 'judder' effect of normal video, but doesn't make it look artificial. There are lots of other settings to tweak, for audio (downmix preferences, dynamic range, etc.) and everything else. This brings up the user interface. The menu system on the TV is very user friendly, and graphically attractive. The remote control is one of the best I've used - it has just enough buttons, while being well-laid out and thin and light, and fits nicely in the hand. The 'arrow pad' to move left/right etc. has comfortable buttons and works well (remotes often screw that section up, for some reason, but not this one).

My favorite feature has to be the networking/Internet capability of this TV. When I bought this TV (at a store) it came with a free Wi-Fi USB stick, so it was a good deal, but be aware that on its own the wi-fi stick is an unreasonable $70-80, and you can't just use any old USB adapter, it has to be a special LG one - at least it seems to work very well and it's N or G capable. Or, you can also use the TV's wired ethernet port - even a 50' ethernet cable would be cheaper than the wi-fi stick. In either case I think it's well worth the cost to unlock the TV's networking capability. (***EDIT: I have recently seen the LG wi-fi sticks being sold at stores and on Amazon for around $35-45***) Built into the TV are the streaming Netflix interface, VuDu, YouTube access, and more, including Yahoo Widgets - this lets you access your Yahoo account and any associated widgets, like Twitter, weather info, stock feeds, whatever. I only really use Netflix and VuDu in this section, but it allowed me to eliminate my Roku box and remote. When you already have a computer or laptop in the room, the Yahoo Widgets thing seems a little superfluous - this TV is NOT a replacement for a computer with internet by any means, but for some people, being able to quickly check the local weather or movie showings, etc. on the TV could be valuable.

The best part about the networking feature is that it will let you stream media from any computer on the network. You just need to install some included Nero software - which, by the way, is actually small, un-bloated and simple, unlike any other Nero product - and voila, your PC is a media server. You designate a folder (or however many you want) to be your media folder, you put videos, music or photos in it, and you can access them on the TV. It really works well and it's very easy to do, literally just a few clicks of the remote. I found that even streaming a 1080p mkv file wirelessly from my PC worked fine and looked fantastic. There are a few caveats - for one, it only supports mp3 for music (why not FLAC, or iTunes format?). It supports a lot of video formats (mkv/mp4,avi, divx, and more), but not all of them, and even for supported formats it may be finicky with specific files. Usually, converting the file to another format will solve the issue and make it playable; this is annoying but it's only happened a few times out of dozens of videos, for me. Occasionally, fast-forwarding or reversing through a video streamed from your PC can be confusing and slow (you backtrack 15 seconds, hit play, and it plays about 2 seconds before where you started). This and the other issue could have everything to do with improper video encoding, and nothing to do with the TV, I don't know. But given that the TV will automatically update its firmware through the network, one might expect these bugs to be gradually worked out. Hopefully, they will even add support for more file formats with future updates; it's just a matter of adding more codecs to the firmware, which seems like it should be easy to achieve.

The styling of the TV is subtle and not cheap-looking, unlike some brands (*cough*Vizio*cough*). It's just a clean piano-black border around the picture, with a tasteful LED 'bar' light that stylishly fades from red to blue to indicate power. The stand is easy to assemble (just install some screws) and looks nice while supporting the TV adequately. The screen has a matte surface, so glare, while not totally eliminated, is not an issue. The typical buttons (power, channel, input) are on the right side, out of sight when viewing from the front. This TV has plenty of inputs - 4 HDMI, two component, two old A/V (the red, white and yellow kind), and normal cable input. It also has an optical audio output, which will let you consolidate all sources into one stream. This is great, because I no longer have to switch my AV Receiver between sources - cable, Blu Ray, VHS and Wii all go through the same input on my receiver.

There's only one feature I really miss - the ability to control my receiver volume from the TV remote. My old tube TV remote could do this, so why not this new juggernaut? Like all flat TVs, the built-in speakers on this one are adequate but not much more. You'll definitely want a home theater setup, or at least a simple receiver with a pair of speakers, to do the big, beautiful picture justice in the sound department. (BTW, Blu Ray looks stunning on this TV!)

I'm really quite delighted with the LG 42LD550. It's one of the few major products/appliances I've owned that met and exceeded my expectations, and I have to dig pretty deeply to criticize it. Even these criticisms are happily brushed aside, given how much I like everything else. My only regret is not splurging on the 46-inch version. :)

TV is great for the type (LCD) and price. The picture is bright, good contrast, and very smooth. The menu/remote are very comfortable...overall the picture is very nice. Aesthetically, the TV looks great as well...no cheesy features or decorations. This is my first LG product and I'm very pleased with this set. Also added the wireless adapter ($70). The entire setup and interface are very intuitive. This is a kids TV and they had Netflix down in no time (even the 5 year old). My only wish would be a backlit remote control.

Only complaint at all is with shipping. It did not ship on time and there was no communication from the shipping company. Ultimately, I had to contact the shipper to make an appointment (was stated that they would contact me). Once I called them, they drove it over the next day (Saturday). All in all, still very pleased.

I bought this TV a few weeks ago after reading many nice reviews about it, and while it's nice, I found its features disappointing.

To start with the good part, this TV indeed looks great both on and off: its no-frills design is very elegant and will make it look good in every living room, its picture quality is amazing. I can't really comment on the sound since I don't have good speakers, but I'm not even missing them with the built-in speakers. Its TV-related functionalities and interface is also nice, with zillions of options to set the picture and sound to your liking.

However, the selling point of this TV is supposed to be the built-in software for online applications (called Netcast), and Netcast on the 42LD550 is a major letdown. At the time of this review LG doesn't have model-specific information on the Netcast features available, only a generic all-promises page with the fine print "features vary by model and product category". Now, Netcast in principle has at least three different video-on-demand services built-in, as well as internet radio, and many other great features -- but this TV has almost none of these included! (I'm using the latest software version, as it updates itself automatically.)

Netflix is included (that's the one extra star), and there is a dumbed-down version of Vudu, which only includes the movie rental features, but nothing else. (For example, there is no Pandora, even though it is included in the "real" Vudu application, it's only left out of the LG version). The rest are useless "apps" and a few selected Yahoo Widgets (all the good ones are missing, the best is probably Weather), Flickr, Picasa, Youtube and Twitter (twitter on a TV??), and that's pretty much it. But there is no Amazon On-demand, no TV On-demand, no internet radios, and I am listing only missing features that are available in some TVs with Netcast or Yahoo Widgets, but are not on this one.

Another (minor) quirk is that this "wireless-ready" TV requires an extra USB wi-fi adapter (LG AN-WF100) to actually go wireless. This is also made pretty clear in the specifications; the only problem is that it's not easy to find this adapter anywhere! (At the time I bought the TV it was only available from a third-party vendor through Amazon marketplace, and it wasn't cheap.) So if you want wireless, check first if this adapter is available.

At the end I'm not sure why would most buyers get this model. If you just want a sleek TV with great picture and sound, then there's no use paying for the internet-related features, and you can get a better or larger TV for much less money. It's perfect if you are considering buying a great TV with no internet features and a Netflix box - it may or may not save you money, but you get everything in one package, saving you the set-up or cable issues. But you may have cheaper options using a Netflix box, or if you already have a video game console, or by connecting your PC to your TV and using some media center software. If you expect all the bells-and-whistles from your internet-connected TV, then you have to get another model, because this one is really just a beautiful TV with a built-in Netflix box.

I had been planning on buying a new tv for quite a while, and did as much reading and research as time would permit. I kept coming back to the LG 42LD550. What really sold me on it was the Netcast (powered by the WiFi USB dongle), super-high contrast ratio, wireless-ready, and the price. The price! Man, a tv like this would have cost several thousand dollars a few years ago.

At any rate, I've been working this set for about 2 weeks now, and I love it. The picture quality is amazing, it's very responsive, the remote is very good, and even the speakers are decent. If you spring for the wireless box, you have the option of mounting it straight on the wall with no unsightly cables hanging off of it (or being routed through the drywall). Now it makes for a beautiful centerpiece of my entertainment center, which the wife loves to show off (win-win).

The World Cup is going to look mighty nice in HD on this tv!

I am very pleased with the LG capability. It receives movies from Net Flix thru my DSL connection. It was easy to program. It also receives extra HD stations thru the basic cable service. I was previously viewing from a Sharp 32" LC-32D43U Aquos 2008 TV but was only able to receive Net Flix thru a graphics accelerator card connection from my Dell Computer by HDMI connection. I receive a lot better quality sound from this LG. Adjustments are easier to make for the picture and sound. The quality will be remembered long after the price that was paid will have been forgotton.

Excellent LCD TV. Setup is easy, aesthetics are good, picture quality is fantastic, and the menus are intuitive. I bought the WiFi adapter and it works flawlessly. Setting up the network connection was very easy (I am not techy at all and it was only a few simple steps).

A few specific points to make:

The base is wobbly side to side (which is better than being wobbly front to back I suppose). If you don't have small children running around who may knock the TV, it shouldn't be an issue. But it makes me nervous everytime I have to move the TV stand or the TV itself.

TruMotion: The standard picture rate is only 60 Hertz. This is the appropriate setting for most regular television shows. You have this setting as long as the TruMotion setting is "OFF" in the picture menu. If you turn the TruMotion setting "ON", whether it is low, medium, high, or custom, regular programs look different. The refresh rate of the picture is increased and gives the program a look of being rushed. Some have said it looks "soap-opera-like." The definition of the picture is not increased at all (still 1080p), but the refresh-rate makes action appear smoother, which distorts the image for regular shows. To enjoy normal programming, make sure the TruMotion setting is "OFF."

That said, if you are watching sporting events, the difference between full TruMotion and no TruMotion is striking. I always set it to its highest settings when watching sporting events. Because it's live and unstaged, you don't get the same weird feel that you get with regular shows. Edges are crisp, motion is clear, and the overall picture is almost breathtaking. It makes all the difference in the world. It means going into the picture menu manually to change back and forth, but it is absolutely worth it.

Netflix: The Netflix streaming feature is absolutely worth the price of the Wi-Fi adapter (that is sold separately). I watch Netflix on the TV almost as much as regular broadcasts. It is intuitive, clear, convenient, and the picture and sound quality are phenomenal. Absolutely one of the best features of the TV.

I would absolutely recommend this product. Others may have more "apps" or other bells and whistles, but in terms of pure picture quality, intuitiveness, and specific convenient features, you'd be hard pressed to find a better option than this one, especially at this low price.

Let me just say that if you are not getting a good picture on this TV then most probably it has a defective component inside, and you should call Amazon (not LG) customer service to get a replacement. When I got my TV, the picture wasn't so good, and then sometimes, when using Netcast, or connecting my PC, it would start shaking vertically after an hour or so of usage. I tried several adjustments (like turning off Tru motion etc.) but nothing worked.
I got a replacement TV soon, and like everyone has already talked about it, it is great!

I will just mention about some other things:

Amazon Customer Service:
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I just used the "call me" feature, and I got the call the instant I clicked on that button. The customer service agent (probably in India) was very friendly and just asked me what was wrong with the TV etc, and arranged for a replacement right away. Overall, Amazon's customer service for getting a replacement TV went swimmingly.

Netcast:
==========
There seems to be some confusion about what this feature has. Currently, this feature includes
1. Yahoo widets - weather, sports, finance etc.
2. Netflix - works great, even HD streaming. It can only access your instant queue.
3. Vudu - didn't try it, rentals seem expensive.
4. Youtube - don't use this much either.
5. Picasa - you can watch random public images or even sign in to your picasa account and play slideshows etc

There is no Pandora, Skype etc.

Connecting a PC through HDMI:
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I have my desktop connected to this via HDMI and use the TV sometimes as an extended display. The display is very good. I don't see any pixels etc, e.g., when a PDF file is open - it's good for couch reading. I even use to watch my Windows Media Center stuff, or Skype video through my PC on this TV.

Shipping- PILOT Vs CEVA:
==========================
My first (bum) TV was shipped by Pilot. There was only one delivery man who struggled to carry the whole box inside. While assembling the TV etc he acted as if he was doing a favor to me. Didn't even have tools for the job. Though, later I found that the carrier is supposed to setup the TV for you, and also power it up to see the menu screen and check for any visible cracks.

My replacement TV came via CEVA. And the service was awesome!! and very professional. Two people team lifted the TV and were very careful with its handling. Also, they told me upfront what they will do and what not (for e.g., they will not help you set up your cable connection etc). Overall, I was much impressed by CEVA's service.

Both the carriers did call me in advance to let me know of a delivery time, and also an hour before actual delivery.

Other features I like:
==========================
1. I like the "My Media" feature. It connects to your PC through the same LAN cable you have installed to use Netcast. You have to install the server software (included) on your PC. You can access your videos, music and pictures stored on your PC right on TV.
2. Intellisensor is good. I like its adjustments based on the ambient conditions.
3. Remote is easy to use.

This is my first LCD TV and I spent few days doing some research to choose a good TV. I did a specification comparison between several LCD TVs and finally had to decided between LG and Samsung. I choose LG TV as this one has 120HZ with 2.4 ms refresh rate.I am not sure how do these features affect the picture quality but this TV has excellent picture. I mostly watch movies over internet using netcast/DVD player and didn't watch fast sport action yet. Sound quality for this TV is regular and you need to buy speakers if you want something special.

The wining feature for this TV was the Netcast functionality. I watch a lot of Netflix streaming over internet and this works great for me. You need to have atlease 3 MbPS connections to watch HD movies. Currently you can only have Yahoo Widgets, Netflix, Vudu, Picasa web album and Youtube available (no web-surfing).

I am disappointed that I had to buy a LG wireless adaptor ($ Seventy) to access wifi. You can use a LAN wired connection as default without the adaptor. This TV also has some power save modes which I am using a lot to decrease the brighness when needed or switch off the display when not needed (listening to music). As this is not a heavy TV (around 40 lb), so it is relatively easy to hang this on wall.

If Netcast is not what you need then I would recomend to have a look at LG 42LD520 which is a chaper bet than this one. I bought this TV when there were no review in Amazon but I am happy with my purchase and price.

I don't have Cable or Dish at my home so I can't comment on that.

This was a great TV for the 35 days it worked, but it has been a hassle since the beginning. After haggling with Amazon's shipper for three weeks, my TV finally arrived. It worked great, then it stopped working, two days after my return eligibility for Amazon expired. Hoping for Amazon's customer service support was really the only reason I purchased this through them. Once the return window closed, I was not able to return to Amazon. No big deal, just call LG, right? Yeah, right. They scheduled me for an in-house appointment. The day before the local service center called to tell me they knew what was wrong and it would be 3-5 days before the part would arrive. Know what is wrong without looking at it? Seriously. Hmm, okay maybe if Thanksgiving wasn't in a couple of days. I called LG again, and they said I was pretty much stuck with the local service company and would provide no other solutions or compensation, and that the first customer service rep shouldn't have told me someone would be out on the first available appointment. So, I have a really good looking paperweight until they can show up...stuck with a TV that won't work and Amazon is no help at all. I guess we can listen to the games on satellite radio.

With a purchase of this magnitude, if I did it all over again, I'd go to the local big box store. I learned, you should learn from me.

This is a great TV. Works well with our AT&T U-Verse. The best feature of this tv is the NetCast. Netflix videos are beautiful. The ability to rent movies from Vudu is fantastic. You get one free rental with the tv. Nothing bad to say about it. Love it.