HDTV Reviews and Digest
LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
- INFINIA Series
- THX Certified Display
- NetCast Entertainment Access (Wi-Fi Ready)
- Wireless 1080p Ready
- 600Hz Max Sub Field Driving
The INFINIA PK750 has taken expectations about plasma and redefined them. A slimmer profile. A seamless design that’s Wireless 1080p Ready. NetCast Entertainment Access, THX Certification and a vast array of other innovations. Simply, a TV that will blow you away.Setting a new standard in picture quality, the 50-inch LG INFINIA 50PK750 1080p Plasma HDTV features THX Display Certification, 600Hz Sub-Field Driving, a protective Skin Glass, Dual XD Engine, and a TruBlack Filter to provide superior picture quality in a bright room. It also comes with LG’s NetCast, enabling you to access to TV shows, movies and more, streamed directly from the Internet to your television screen.
The 600Hz Sub-Field Driving improves moving picture response time using a 10 sub-field per frame driving process for a clearer picture. The Protective Skin Glass system reduces the gap between the outer glass and filter by 70 percent, virtually eliminating double imaging and helping to reduce glare. And LG’s exclusive Dual XD Engine facilitates up-conversion of standard definition content to near high-definition quality, so you can enjoy improved image quality with everything you watch.
Passing more than 30 rigorous tests, this LG INFINIA Plasma TV achieved picture quality worthy of THX Display Certification–the industry standard for having the correct gamma, luminance, and color temperature. This certification demonstrates that this HDTV can recreate the cinema experience at home, making the picture resemble movie theatre quality.
Other features include an incredible 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more stunning colors and deeper blacks, two USB ports for connecting external drives for playing back MP3 audio, JPEG photo and DivX HD video files, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, and four HDMI inputs.
NetCast Entertainment Access
NetCast Entertainment Access brings the best Internet services direct to your TV–no computer required. Instantly access movies and TV shows, news and weather and the world’s largest library of HD movies in 1080p. (Note: Internet connection & subscriptions required and sold separately.)
 Get your HD film fixIf you like movies and want major studio releases in Full HD 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus sound, you’ll love Vudu, the on-demand movie service with more hi-def titles than anyone else. Over 3,000 and counting. Plus, there’s no subscription. So you only pay for what you watch. |
 It’s YouTube on your tubeNo more crowding around your PC to watch web videos. NetCast instantly streams videos and TV shows from YouTube for unlimited, direct access to the millions of Web videos whenever you want them. All you need is an active Internet connection. Watch that one fellow making a fool of himself over and over again. |
Access your queue from the couch
Stay up to speed
Your pictures on the big screen
Key Features
 Full HD 1080p resolutionThis stunning picture is the reason you wanted HDTV in the first place. With almost double the pixel resolution, Full HD 1080p gives it superior picture quality over standard HDTV. You’ll see details and colors like never before. |
 600Hz Sub Field DrivingTired of streaky action or unclear plays during the game? See sports, fast action and video games like never before. The 600Hz refresh rate virtually eliminates motion blur. |
 3,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio No more worrying about dark scenes or dull colors. The dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 delivers more stunning colors and deeper blacks than you can imagine.
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 Intelligent SensorDon’t strain your eyes. Let your TV do the adjustments for you. Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting and color conditions in the room for a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
 AV ModeSports, movies and video games are best enjoyed with customized settings. With AV Mode, you can easily select from one of three picture modes for “Cinema”, Sports” or “Games” to enjoy an optimized picture and sound experience. |
 Picture WizardGet easy self-calibration with on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels. Take the guesswork out of picture adjustments with this simple-to-use feature. It’s not actually magic, but it will sure seem that way. |
 Wireless 1080p ReadyThe best place for your TV isn’t always near the cable. Wireless 1080p Connectivity lets you cut loose from messy wires, hang your TV where you want and still get a stunning Full HD picture. All those cords and cables are completely out of sight. And the only thing attached to your TV is you. (Note: Wireless media kit required and sold separately.) |
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 Dual XD Engines for Superior video This Plasma HDTV combines two of LG’s exclusive XD Engines to maximize picture quality for any type of video content. By combining XD Engine processors, panel performance is optimized ensuring higher color accuracy and more realistic images.. |
 24P Real CinemaStay in for the theater. Enjoy a true cinema-like experience in your own home with movies the way they are meant to be seen. LG’s Real Cinema technology precisely displays 24p source frames on your screen, the same as on a movie screen. If you love movies, you’ll love Real Cinema. |
 Clear Voice IIGet audio the way it was meant to be heard. Clear Voice II enhances and amplifies the frequency range of the human voice to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells. |
 Dolby DigitalDolby Digital lets you experience compelling 5.1-channel surround sound. And you can trust that you’ll get the same great Dolby Digital audio quality no matter what you’re watching–a DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, TV programming or downloaded content. Best of all, you can be confident that you’ll hear the audio exactly as it was intended, because Dolby Digital is also used to create the soundtracks for movies and games. |
 USB 2.0Now reliving that fantastic family vacation can happen in the comfort of your living room. Easily connect your external USB devices to enjoy JPEG photos or listen to MP3 files. This HDTV is also compatible with playing back DivX HD video files from a USB drive. |
 HDMI V.1.3 with Deep ColorMake installation of any enabled device a snap. Get 10.2Gbps of bandwidth for deeper colors and more to take advantage of the best Full HD experience. HDMI V.1.3 connectivity lets you prepare yourself for tomorrow’s technology today. |
 SimpLinkHaving a hard time keeping track of your remotes? With SimpLink, all your LG devices can be controlled with just one remote. |
 Smart Energy Saving With LG’s Smart Energy Saving Features, you can conserve money and energy. |
Infinite SoundKey Specifications
Connections
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Dimensions
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LG 2010 HDTV Comparison
| Series: | LD350 | LD450 | LD520 | LD550 | LD650 | LE5300 | LE5400 | LE8500 | LX6500 | PJ350 | PK550 | PK750 |
| Models: | 22-inch 26-inch 32-inch |
32-inch 37-inch 42-inch 47-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 47-inch 55-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 46-inch 52-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
22-inch 26-inch 32-inch 37-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 47-inch 55-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
42-inch 50-inch |
50-inch 60-inch |
50-inch 60-inch |
| Panel type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LED LCD | LED LCD | LED LCD | 3D LED | Plasma | Plasma | Plasma |
| LED Local Dimming | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |  |
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| 3D Ready | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
– | – | – |
| Resolution | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Contrast ratio | 50k:1 dynamic |
100k:1 dynamic |
100k:1 dynamic |
150k:1 dynamic |
200k:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
4mil:1 dynamic |
9mil:1 dynamic |
8mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz | 600Hz | 600Hz | 600Hz |
| Response time | 5ms | 4ms | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2 | 2.4ms | 2.6ms | 1ms | 2ms | – | – | – |
| Netcast Entertainment | – | – | – | |
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| HDMI input | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Component input (Y, PB, PR) |
1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Composite input | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| PC input | |
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| USB port | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| MP3 and JPEG playback |
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| DivX video playback |
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| Ethernet | – | – | – | |
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| Wireless 1080p Ready | – | – | – | |
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| Energy Star | – | – | – | – | – | |
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| Series: | LD350 LCD | LD450 LCD | LD520 LCD | LD550 LCD | LD650 LCD | LE5300 LED | LE5400 LED | LE8500 LED | LX6500 3D LED |
PJ350 Plasma | PK550 Plasma | PK750 Plasma |
Learn More
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
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With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience.
If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
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List Price: $ 1,299.99
Price:
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Excellent choice if you are on a Budget AND if you are not a videophile,
This is one of the Best TVs available on the market, especially considering it’s price. I’ve had this TV for about a week now and have nothing major to complain. I was nervous getting a plasma TV due issues like glare, buzz, weight, form factor, ghosting, burn-in etc. But this TV proved to live out most of the disadvantages of plasmas.
Pros:
1. Color Accuracy – Color accuracy great without even tweaking any calibration settings. I like the THX cinema mode the best.
2. Slick – The TV has a slim form factor and the uniform glass top (Bezel does not pop out of the screen). We absolutely love it’s looks.
3. DLNA – This is the first TV I owned with DLNA capability. I installed the Nero Home media essentials that came with this TV, on my laptop and I was able to watch photos and videos that are on my laptop, in no time. The video quality also feels upscaled and close to HD.
4. Plug and Play USB – I connected my USB hard drive and instantly there is a prompt on the TV to play videos, music and photos.
5. Netcast and Widgets – The TV comes with Netflix, Youtube, Vudu, Picasa widgets and it also supports the Yahoo widget gallery. I haven’t yet tried Netflix or Vudu. But Youtube and Picasa were really good. The picture quality of the youtube videos was not great, but it really is a matter of the video itself, but not the TV. Yahoo widgets were good too. I especially use the Twitter widget a lot.
6. Games – The TV came with some games pre-installed. I haven’t explored this feature much. But I tried Sudoku and it was simple to use.
7. No Buzz – Since I read in one of the earlier reviews about the buzz sound, I tried hard to hear it from my typical viewing distance (about 10ft) and I heard nothing.
8. Ease of use – The menus and features are very easy to navigate and operate.
9. Remote – The remote is really slick and with big keys and very easy to operate. Also has decent short cuts to most of the frequently used features.
Cons:
1. Black Levels – Black levels are not as dark as I’d hoped for, in a Plasma. In fact in some cases I tend to think they are not even on par with some of the latest better performing Sony and Samsung LCDs. I was a little disappointed with this. But hey, you get what you pay for..!
2. Glare – Like any other plasma TV, this TV produces a bit of glare. But this is much better compared to a lot of other plasmas I’ve seen and in most cases you wouldn’t really notice it unless you are looking for it.
3. PIP/POP – I’d hoped that a 2010 TV comes with the basic PIP/POP features. But seems like this TV does not have it. It’s not a deal breaker for me though.
4. Zoom – The picture zoom feature is a little cumbersome.
5. Typing – Netcast widgets use the number pad for typing. But Yahoo widgets (twitter) rely on the visual keyboard and entering each alphabet takes a lot of strokes. I wish LG offered a remote with QWERTY keyboard, something similar to the one that comes with Vizio VF552XVT.
6. Video format compatibility – I tried playing several videos of different formats – divx, divx HD, mpeg, mp4, wmv, avi etc. It was able to handle all formats. But within a given format some videos were not recognized (videos that I have are, even though of the same format, are different in bit rate, compression, resolution etc). Sometimes it does not recognize the audio. I wish LG comes up with a firmware update to expand it’s support.
One feature I haven’t tried is the wireless connectivity. This TV is both WiFi ready and Wireless 1080p ready. But both of these optional accessories which I do not currently have.
I haven’t played around with a lot of picture settings yet (Mostly, because I didn’t need to). But as I explore more, I shall come back to update this post.
This may not be the best TV on market. But for a little over 1000 bucks, you can not go wrong with this TV, especially if you are not a videophile and picky about deep black levels.
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|Great TV for the price,
I really like this tv. I researched tv’s for a while before purchasing. It was between the Panasonic G25 and the LG PK750. Although the picture was an important factor the looks of the tv weighted in heavily as well.
The Pani G25 is an extraordinary tv, but it comes at a premium and it looks are a bit dated in comparison with the beautiful Infinia PK750.
I purchased the tv three months ago from Amazon. Excellent experience all around, even with the free shipping received. I did the prerequisited 100 hrs break in process, running only full screen programing for hours at a time. The BBC Life blu ray is excellent for this, as is has a 3hrs plus disc. The tv looks better now than when I purchased back in April. the colors pop and it renders a very good black, not as good as the PK950 model, but good.
Pros
1. Beautiful tv, it resists dust
2. Options – THX and various watching and color adjustments – Tweek them to obtain best
3. Internet able – Netcast, Netflix, etc.
4. Price
5. Multiple connections – 4 HDMI
6. Thin and very light
Cons
1. Screen glare from certain watching angles
2. Image retention for the first 200 or so hrs, this is different than burn in. It will go away, but it is a little annoying nonetheless.
3. Sound – speakers under perform – I have mine connected to an Onkyo receiver.
Overall I give this tv 4.5 stars.
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|The Buzz About a Great TV,
Great TV, with ever so slight a buzzing noise that is the function of the picture brightness.
I can only hear it when everything is absolutely quiet and I am fast forwarding the remote DVR. It sounds like a transformer or capacitor noise. I cannot hear it over the TV’s volume – only when the TV is on mute and it is displaying a very bright image (I sit 8′ away).
The LG Certified Tech verified everything and said that he believes that it is due to the 2010 panels being much thinner – less material to absorb and dampen out the vibrations (once a Mechanical Engineer, always a Mechanical Engineer).
The long story: Bought it a couple of weeks ago from another vendor. It arrived late Sunday night, so I did not have time to really enjoy it until the following weekend, by which time I had also completed the 100 hour Plasma TV burn in.
I gave my wife the option of this TV, the equivalent and equally priced Samsung 50″ (with 2 million contrast ration in place of the LG’s 3), versus the Panasonic G25 for an additional $300. I took her to a store that had all 3, and she picked this for its beautiful clean lines.
I had a concern about the Panasonic TV retaining its deep black levels, so I was relieved (if it was not for that, I would have just picked the Panasonic and not mentioned the other two). I was also concerned about the Samsung’s buzzing noise, which seems to afflict random sets (even in the 2010 models).
I sat to watch the TV over the following weekend. Everything was fine during the day, but at night, when the hose was perfectly quiet, I started to hear a very slight buzzing noise whenever I fast forwarded or paused the DVR’d programs – especially whenever the image was very bright. Upon further investigation, I realized that the noise was coming from the back of the TV, and that if I pushed in on the back of the TV (bottom right quarter, as you are looking at the TV from the front), I could cut the noise by 2/3rds.
Had the tech come out and he verified it. Had the store bring a replacement today, and it had the exact same issue (sitting on a different table), so I sent the new one back. FYI: The Tech said that the Samsung’s noise is more of a very loud (by comparison to my LG’s noise) rattle, caused by a vibrating coil. He also offered to replace the LG’s board, but said that he doubted very much if that would resolve anything.
I could still return this and get the Panasonic, but I will not: It looks much more impressive than the Panasonic and I can only hear the light buzz if it is mute, at night, on a torch bright screen.
I am loving it and keeping it.
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