Okay, you’ve put it off long enough. Everyone talks about how good HDTV looks; how sharp is the image, how vivid are the colors. But you’re still looking at a ten year old CRT TV in standard definition. It’s time to jump into the 21st century and buy your first HDTV. But what brand? Which model? How much is this going to cost you? And what’s so good about the LG 32LH30? Well, that’s what we hope will help you answer.
Make no mistake about it, this LCD flat panel television is a basic piece of equipment. The price will tell you immediately. But don’t let the price fool you. Because what it won’t tell you is all the features packed into the LG 32LH30 that you don’t normally find at this price, and why we think it stands out as a steal among flat-panel LCD TVs. It is the reason why we decided to write a review of the 32LH30.
- For starters, you get a full 1080p high-definition picture. That won’t always matter with cable or broadcast channels, since most don’t broadcast in that format, but you’ll love how it will look when you watch your favorite BluRay DVD movie. The images are impressive.
- You get a full complement of the most important I/O ports. There are three HDMI ports that allow you to connect the highest quality components using a single cable for audio and video. HDMI is a godsend.
- You’ll also get HD component and composite video inputs, as well as an input for your PC and an RS-232 control port, not typical of a basic flat panel. The only thing missing here, and it’s a pretty minor quibble, is an S-video input.
- There are multiple analog AV inputs with composite video, so you don’t need to throw out all those old high definition audio/video components, plus an optical digital audio output to connect to your home theater amplifier. All in all, a very impressive set of “holes” for a TV at this price.
- LG has also packed some technologies into its exclusive models, including 24p Real Cinema, 20W Dolby Digital audio with SRS TruSurround XT, a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and an intelligent energy-saving option that complies with the new Energy Star 3.0 specification.
- LG’s patented Picture Wizard provides extensive picture controls to produce accurate color reproduction. Quick AV Mode II allows instant selection of three different AV modes: cinema, sports or games. Your personal computer or game console has never looked so good!
The “32” in LG32LH30 tells you that it is a 32-inch screen (measured diagonally). That’s the perfect size for a small to medium-sized living room or family room, and for any but the smallest bedroom. The glossy black slim design is clean and modern, and comes with a matching swivel tabletop stand. The speakers are invisible and present a very elegant appearance. This panel can also be wall or ceiling mounted using an optional bracket.
LG has put together a set of features and an exceptional level of quality that you would only expect from a more expensive HDTV. If your mission is to get into high definition, with a quality LCD flat screen TV, but without offering up your firstborn to buy it, then you owe it to yourself to take a look at the LG 32LH30. It offers exceptional picture and sound quality, rare connectivity, and a price that belies all of the above. LG has created a winner.