LG 26LC55 Review

26in LCD

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Another solid all round performer from LG.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1366 x 768

Rating:

87%

Reviewed: 18 November 2007

Design

LG now farms out the design of many of its screens to a studio in Milan, with even the base range of LCD TV's of which the 26LC55 forms a part coming in for the stylistic treatment. With sleek crisp lines and an ultra thin profile, the 26LC55 finds itself at the forefront of flat panel design.

We have to mention built quality too which is absolutely top notch and on par with any other LCD manufacturer.

Features

As part of their budget range of LCD TV's, the LG 26LC55 comes with a screen resolution of 1377 x 768 rather than the Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) on the higher spec LY/LF range. This comes as no surprise as there are currently no 26in screens with Full HD resolution. What is a little more disappointing however is the presence of a 6-bit panel (rather than the 8-bit panel on the 32in and 37in models). Contrast ratio has dropped to 800:1 from the 5000:1 of the larger models in the range.

Screen: 26in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1366 x 768

Contrast Ratio: 800:1

Brightness: 500cd/m2

Other Features: XD Full HD picture processing, Intelligent Eye, Simple Link, comb Filter.

Sockets: 2 HDMI, 2 Scart, S-video, component video, composite video, PC input.

In terms of connectivity, the 26LC55 boasts 2 HDMI inputs, 2 SCARTS (1 RGB) along with composite, component and s-video inputs.

Picture processing technology on the 26LC55 comes in the shape of LG's proprietary XD engine. The XD Engine brings together a range of picture processing enhancements under the XD umbrella, and amongst other things focuses on improving the input signal quality.

The 26LC55 is also equipped with an enhanced noise reduction function and a Digital Comb Filter. The Digital Comb Filter, by separating TV signals into Brightness and Colour components, aims to provide softer and cleaner images.

Designed to enhance the general quality of the viewing experience, LG's 'Intelligent Eye' has been designed to automatically adjust the picture depending upon current lighting conditions.

Simple Link technology (HDMI-CEC) technology allows you to control all LG-compatible equipment through a single remote control.

Performance

As one of the best value LCD TV's around, many consumers will be considering the LG 26LC55 as a potential second TV, maybe for the bedroom. However, if you are not too concerned with having a large screen, the 26LC55 is quite capable of fulfilling a primary role as your main TV.

The High Definition performance of the LG 26LC55 is surprisingly good, with images that are commendably sharp and well detailed. Motion handling does suffer with faster movie or sporting action, with some visible blurring, but this does not detract from the viewing experience to any great extent.

Colour performance from the 6-bit panel loses some depth and subtlety displayed by LG's 8-bit and 10-bit offerings, but colours are nevertheless strong and vibrant without displaying the over saturated look of LG's of the past. The 26LC55 displays an impressive realism with difficult areas such as skin tones that indicates that inconsistent colour tones are a thing of the past.

Again, black levels, while not class leading, offer graduated shadow detailing which convinces in all but the most demanding of situations.

LG makes some extravagant claims for its XD Engine, notably the conversion of standard definition input to near high definition quality. Although the XD engine performs well, producing some impressive SD pictures with the better quality input, we can't help thinking the marketing blurb is just a little over the top.

The picture does deteriorate with terrestrial Freeview with a disappointing amount of digital noise. The 26in screen compensates for these shortcomings to some degree, and switch to a higher quality SD source from Sky or Virgin and the pictures are more than acceptable.

Acoustically, the LG 26LC55 is a solid performer with the twin 7w speakers delivering a reasonable level of bass and a surround sound system (Surround MAX) that actually delivers a surround sound effect.

Conclusion

LG's are now displaying a subtlety of performance which has moved their LCD TV's into the role of serious contenders rather than cheap and cheerful budget buys.