LG 42PC1D Review |
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Reviewed: 04 Feb 2007
Design
While it doesn't posses the chic minimalist attractiveness of some of its Plasma rivals, LG's 40PC1D nevertheless looks attractive in its black and silver livery. A gloss black frame is nicely offset by full length horizontal silver speaker strip just above the units matching pedestal.
Features
The 40PC1D's comes with surprisingly good connectivity. 2 HDMI inputs are joined by 3 Scarts, Component Video input, Composite Video input, S-Video and PC input. In addition, the 50PC1D sports a built-in digital Freeview tuner with 7-day Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). A CI slot lets you add additional subscription channels to Freeview's offering.
Screen size & shape: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Stereo Resolution: 1024 x 768 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 10000:1 Brightness: 1200cd/m2 OTHER FEATURES: XD picture processing, MPEG noise reduction, integrated digital tuner, SRS TruSurround, 7-day EPG support. SOCKETS: 2 HDMI, 3 Scart, S-video, Component input, Composite input, PC input.
The picture processing heart of the 40PC1D is LG's very own XD engine. Under the XD umbrella are a raft of technologies designed to boost the screens contrast, brightness, colour saturation, image clarity and gradation/grayscaling capabilities.
The LG 42PC1D also provides ample opportunity for your own tweaking with adjustments for flesh tones in the picture along with MPEG noise reduction options. These are joined by a black level booster for making dark picture areas look richer and picture in picture tools.
The 42PC1D sports LG's innovative 'Clear Panel' which replaces the two-layer glass screen filter with a single, film-based one. The technology has been designed primarily to reduce reflection and the 'secondary' image effect you sometimes experience when viewing plasma screens from an acute angle..
Performance
The LG 42PC1D's displays impressive black level performance with a picture which is full of realistic shadow detailing and a complete absence of any grey areas. While not up to the best that the likes of Panasonic or Pioneer can offer, the LG 42PC1D can nevertheless compete in this respect with more expensive rivals.
The good news continues with High Definition (HD) pictures which show impressive levels of picture sharpness and detail. Colours are vibrant and manage to retain realistic colour tones in the most demanding situations. Skin tones in particular show an impressive subtlety in this respect.
Even with fast action sporting action or movie scenes, the LG 42PC1D manages to maintain its composure. There is very little evidence of jaggedness or motion artefacts, and the 'Clear Panel' technology seems to be effective in that it minimises on-screen reflections.
Inevitable, Standard Definition doesn't fair as well. Video noise creeps into the picture quite noticeably, and there is a distinct grainy feel to SD material.
Acoustic performance of the 42PC1D doesn't inspire either. The sonic abilities won't detract too much from the overall viewing experience, and we were disappointed in that the SRS TXT virtual surround mode didn't bring any noticeable benefits.
Conclusion
The LG 42PC1D is not going create a buzz of excitement in any area of its performance, but its competent all-round ability along with a budget price tag makes it an interesting proposition.