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(More customer reviews)I purchased this tv to replace my Samsung Plasma (PN50A550) which I also reviewed.
Having 4 other Samsung TVs I was reluctant to try another brand. Especially a brand that did not start with an S (Samsung, Sony, Sharp).
So things to know before diving into my review.
"Stated" contrast ratios are as is. Meaning stated. there is no standard! Keep that in mind when you read specs. LG's 15,000:1 IS better than Samsungs 1,000,000:1. Yes you read that right.
With no standards established for contrast ratios the only way to determine this is to see it in person. Sorry but it is what it is. Thats why you can say that a Sony's Image is better than a comparable spec'd Sceptre's. Its all in the image itself NOT the specs.
I am a Samsung fanboy, even with the failure of my last Samsung TV. So this is as fair and impartial as it will get on a Non-Samsung product - feel free to read my other reviews.
The Review:
I went to a local Video Only and compared the Samsung LN52A650, LN52A630, Panasonic th-50pz800u. I really didn't bother looking at the LG until I realized it was wedged between the other aformetioned tvs. By far it had the sharpest images of all and its contracst ratio was better than that of all the Samsungs. The reds were richer and the blacks were blacker. Comparing to the higher end Panasonic Plasma the blacks weren't as black as the plasma (well I'm comparing an LCD to plasma) but it was pretty darn close and the image was still much sharper on the LG.
So I inquired and found the LG to be hundreds of dollars less than the Samsungs and the Panasonic. Yes Hundreds less. In fact I was able to score my 52LG70 for $1500. But even at $1800 as Amazon has -its definitely worth it. Compare this price to other 52" LCD's with 120hz processors - none come close.
Positives:
Sharp Image -By far the sharpest image of Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic. (see pics)
4 HDMI inputs -yeah it may be overkill now, but in the future you may need some etra HDMI ports (PS3, Xbox360, what else?)
Contrast ratio -Definitely comparable to Plasmas. Thats saying something as LCD's have never really competed with Plasma Blacks. This one comes close to the best (Pioneer and Panasonic) with respect to black levels. (see pics)
Anti-glare screen -Finally a true anti-glare screen. This bad boy has a matte screen. Meaning you could have your blinds open on a bright sunny day and stil enjoy the picture. (see pics)
Picture settings -7 fully customizeable settings allow for the most astute image expert/calibrator.
120Hz (with tru-motion) -This can take a bit of time to get used to, but once you adjust to it you really love it.
Sound -Even if you don't plan on using the units invisible speakers. You should know they were tuned by Mark Levinson (the guy who does the premium Lexus sound systems). By far way better than Samsungs.
52" -I compare this to the 50" plasmas due to the price range. The extra 2 inches definitely makes a HUGE difference.
Negatives:
120hz (with tru-motion on) -Yeah I said it was a positive, but some people never get used to it so I wanted to voice that. You can turn it off if you don't like it. They also allow you to demo it meaning you can see half the screen with it on and the other half off.
Remote- Not intuitive and somewhat difficult to navigate. Put it this way. The wife needs my help to change settings. So if you want an intuitive remote get a Universal one such as the Logitech Harmony 880.
Inputs and controls -The inputs and controls are in the back of the unit so you have to reach around if you want to change channels or volume without the remote. They do claim a set on the side - which is partially correct.
Lack of PIP -All my other Samsungs had it. So its hard to believe LG skimped on that feature. not a biggie as I never used it, but its nice to have.
Artifacts -Occasionally on non-hd material I see artifacts, which I never saw on my plasmas. What can I say I'm still in love with plasma but the few times I see artifacts I am able to let it go. This does happen occasionally in LCD's. (Don't Panic)
Bottom Line - Awesome TV which had me cheat on Samsung in no time.
This Samsung fanboy is definitely seeing the Light. Life is Good! =)
Really a 4.5 star review but there is no 4.5 stars and I would be remiss to call this a 4 star.
I'd take this tv over a Samsung LN52A650 any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Calibration settings based on THX calibrator using THX glasses
Use "Expert 2" to establish your settings
Backlight 26
Contrast 95
Brightness 57
Sharpness 78
Color 67
Tint G9
Added a video review
Click Here to see more reviews about: LG 52LG70 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV
52" LCD TV HD Montior, 1080p FULL HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 120HZ TruMotion, 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio, ATSC/NTSC/Clearn QAM - 1 Tuner, XD Engine, 178 True Wide Viewing Angle, SRS TruSurroundXT, 4 HDMI, USB 2.0, includes table stand
Click here for more information about LG 52LG70 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV
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