LG 42PC55 Review

42in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

There are better performing panels out there, but very few for the price.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1024 x 768

Rating:

83%

Reviewed: 14 June 2007

Design

LG have obviously taken a leaf out of Panasonic and Pioneer's book when they designed the 42PC55, although this panel is no clone of the aforementioned. In fact, LG has been making groundbreaking headway itself with its Italian design studio creating some distinctive head turning units of late.

With its piano black minimalist look complemented by a stand in the same style, the 42PC55 looks like it could actually claw back sales that were lost as a result of previous models rather 'clunky' style. The finishing slim silver strip which separates the screen frame from the full length horizontal speaker at the units base completes a rather chic piece of kit that won't look out of place even in the most fashion conscious of households.

Features

Connectivity on the LG 42PC55 is not outstanding, but we are glad to see at least 2 HDMI inputs along with 2 Scarts and the usual Composite video input, Component video input, S-video and PC input.

Screen: 42in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1024 x 768

Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1

Brightness: 1500cd/m2

Other Features: XD Image Processing Engine, MPEG Noise Reduction .

Sockets: 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input.

LG's XD Picture Processing technology is at the heart of this plasma, designed as it is to improve Contrast, Colour and to reduce the impact of video noise from incoming feeds.

The XD engine is complimented by MPEG Noise Reduction processing which has been designed to eliminate video noise once it hits the screen.

LG have given the operator a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the customisation of these technologies, and if they are not to your liking, they can be turned off completely.

Performance

We are immediately struck by the quality of black levels achieved by LG's 42PC55, which are the equal of any LCD TV. Turn the lights down and you will see just how good this performance is.

Disappointingly however some of the detailing on darker scenes lacked the subtlety possessed by more accomplished performers. Instead of a smooth colour transition, we were often faced with a 'graduated' transition.

It is the High Definition (HD) performance of the 42PC55 that makes it such a serious contender for best budget home cinema screen. Pictures posses all the detail and sharpness you will ever need, and the depth of colour on such a reasonably priced piece of kit is a revelation.

Surprisingly for a plasma, there was some blocking on faster action scenes, although this was to a degree that didn't significantly affect the enjoyment of the viewing experience.

Inevitably, there is a fair amount of grain and video noise with Standard Definition (SD) sources. To a degree this is a reflection of the 42PC55's size, but it is also a reflection of the budget status of the kit.

The acoustic ability of the LG 42PC55 is nothing more and nothing less than adequate. Lack of bass is the main problem, and as the majority of buyers will probably be upgrading the sound capability on this unit, it won't be a problem.

Conclusion

There are better LCD's and Plasma's out there, but the LG 42PC55 offers a level of performance that is hard to beat for the price. An excellent choice for a budget home cinema system.