LG 42LH55 — A Clear, Fast-Action Choice
Posted by hdtv buying guide on July 20, 2009 under HDTV Reviews, LCD HDTV, LG | 
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One of the basic facts of technology is as follows: Things get cheaper over time. The technology of yesterday’s high-end devices is available to the masses. Five years ago, how many mobile phones could record and send high-quality video? Can you find many phones today that don’t do that?
Similarly, the best and brightest technology in high-definition television is becoming more affordable with each model-year rollout. Like other high-end offerings, LG’s 42LH55 has a few wow-worthy features. It retails for $1,699.95. Web-savvy shoppers can often find it for around $1,500.
The 1080p LCD flat panel of the 42LH55 refreshes at a rate of 240 times per second, or 240Hz. That means action sequences in movies or fast-paced sports are displayed blur-free. Many LCD makers are transitioning to the 240Hz panel, but many others are still using 60Hz or 120Hz panels.
The 42LH55 panel also has a few conveniences for those interested in the best picture at all times. The first is what LG calls the Intelligent Sensor. It adjusts the screen’s brightness according to the light detected in the room.
A darker room will dim the screen, since the television won’t have to compete with other light sources. Conversely, a bright room will tell the television to crank up the brightness.
The Picture Wizard is another feature designed to help users get the most from their television. Unlike many on-screen menus, which are a maze of complex technical jargon and codes, the 42LH55 has an easy-to-use menu. It allows the adjustment of black levels, color, tint, sharpness and backlighting.
The key to the system is an on-screen reference point, which makes seeing the changes easy. The 42LH55 is also able to be professionally calibrated as well.
Like most higher-end televisions, the 42LH55 has a wealth of inputs available for a wide array of peripherals. Four HDMI slots are available, along with a USB 2.0 slot. The latter enables direct viewing of content from digital cameras, camcorders or personal music players.
A PC input is also available, so if you have HD content stored on a laptop or PC, you could watch it on the 42LH55.
The 42LH55 is a new model that came out earlier in the summer, but reviews have been favorable so far. LG has earned praise for the Picture Wizard, as well as the connectivity options.
The “sweet spot” of HDTV choices is around the $1,500 mark that the LG42LH55 occupies in its online sale price. That’s the point where the technology benefits of more expensive models trickle down into something that’s affordable for the masses.
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