LG PS80 Series Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV Review

The PS80 series (60 inch 60PS80 and 50 inch 50PS80) Full HD 1080p plasma HDTV offers the sharp detail of Full HD along with the assurance of quality provided by THX Certification. It’s prime distinguishing features however, focus around multimedia and Ethernet (Internet) access. Using an connection, NetCast allows consumers to access even more content and video on their HDTV without the need for a computer. NetCast offers access to Netflix Instant Streaming, Yahoo! Widgets, YouTube and can also access music and photos stored on a home PC. Also notable is the convenience provided by Picture Wizard for simple user calibration. Outwardly, the single-layer design gives a stylish single pane of glass appearance and is highlighted by a variety of colored bezel choices.

LG PS80 Series Full HD 1080p Plasma HDTV

Distinguishing features of the PS80 models in comparison to other LG 1080p series plasma HDTVs can be sumarized as below. For a side-by-side comparison see our LG plasma HDTV comparison.

LG NetCast Entertainment Access (Netflix, YouTube, Vudu, Yahoo! Widgets, My Media Access CIFS)
1 Ethernet (rear)
2 Digital Audio Out (1 Digital/1 Optical) (rear)
USB 2.0 (JPEG/MP3/Divx HD) (side)
Full HD 1080p Resolution
THX Certified Display
Single Layer Design
Picture Wizard
4 HDMI V.1.3 (2 rear/2 side)

NetCast Entertainment Access – Ethernet Connectivity

NetCast, utilizing a built-in Ethernet port and Internet connection enables viewers to stream movies, TV shows and videos with Netflix, YouTube, Vudu. Information updates such as news, weather and stock prices can also be accessed without a PC connection.

600Hz Smooth Motion

LG, Panasonic and Samsung all have a 600Hz plasma panel technology. It should be noted that plasma displays inherently have a response time in order of thousands of times faster than LCD HDTVs delivering much sharper fast onscreen motion common to sports and action movies. LG and the other manufacturers have made something already good even better with their faster pixel response 600Hz Subfield Motion technology.

THX Display Certification and THX Cinema Mode

Gaining THX Certification is a rigorous process and a significant accomplishment for any manufacturer. THX certification should give a consumer confidence that the display product they are purchasing has achieved a high performance benchmark.

USB 2.0

Convenient access to digital photos, music and videos (JPEG/MP3/Divx HD)

Smart Energy Saving

To achieve energy savings a tuning loop including a light sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting conditions in the viewing environment.

AV Mode II

Three AV modes are available to optimize picture and sound settings based on video content genre; cinema, sports and game. For the 2009 LG range, the Cinema Mode has been calibrated using ISFccc standards for a more natural, film-like appearance.

ISFccc Ready

ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Configuration) calibration options allows professional calibration technicians to calibrate a HDTV to deliver the best picture quality for the home theater environment and ambient lighting conditions. Technicians can store their calibration settings as ISF Day and ISF Night modes, for best image quality in different lighting conditions.

Clear Voice II

Clear Voice technology automatically enhances dialogue when rising background sounds (eg. action films) threatens to overwhelm clarity. New enhancements now allow viewers to customize their personal preferences based on their home environment through a 12-step adjustment process.

Picture Wizard

Picture Wizard in and interesting new LG technology enabling easier owner calibration using on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels. It’s a technique common to calibration DVDs available.