LG’s LH50 1080p LCD HDTV models are essentially identical to the recently reviewed LG LH40 models with the addition of NetCast Entertainment Access via an include Ethernet port. The LG LH50 series includes the 55 inch 55LH50, 47 inch 47LH50 and the 42 inch 42LH50.

NetCast is LG’s first step towards the evolving trend of the family HDTV becoming an entertainment hub without a PC being required. This connectivity offers access to VUDU’s on-demand movie service, Netflix;s instant streaming for subscribers, Yahoo! Widgets content delivery and YouTube’s free streaming video. Importantly, NetCast delivers to consumers access to Internet sourced content and video on demand rather than when scheduled. It allows TV viewing for leisure to be slotted between other activities rather than dictating scheduled times. It should be noted that the LH50′s USB 2.0 connection allows access to digital music and photos (MP3, JPEG).

Other notable features of the LG LH50 series are TruMotion 120Hz for motion blur reduction and LG’s Intelligent Sensor for energy saving through backlight control. LG displays have be recognized recently for their excellent color performance and with the LH50 the very fast 2.7 ms response time (previously 4ms was the benchmark for best performance) for sharper on screen motion. Contrast ratio is one of the underlying foundations for picture quality and like the LH40 models, the LG LH50 has an excellent dynamic contrast ratio of 70,000:1.

Other key features of the LG LH40 LCD HDTV include:

• Three (3) HDMI
• 24p Real Cinema
• ISFccc Ready
• LG SimpLink
• Smart Energy Saving Plus
• LG Core Technologies (Picture Wizard, Invisible Speaker System, Clear Voice II and AV Mode II)

Another minor feature addition for the LH50 over the LH40 is the improved connectivity option of a side mounted composite input (there is of course the previously mentioned Ethernet port as well).

NetCast Entertainment Access

The Internet access required for NetCast is not included with the purchase of your LG HDTV. Available content sources include:

VUDU

VUDU’s on-demand movie service delivers instant streaming of movies in Full HD 1080p resolution and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound from all Hollywood studios and over 30 independent studios. With the world’s largest HD catalog, instantly buy or rent from An extensive library of movies and TV titles can be instantly bought or rented. There are no monthly fees.

YouTube

Watch everything from YouTube on your HDTV with unlimited direct access to the millions of Web videos available through YouTube.

Netflix

Netflix is a subscription based instant streaming providing access to a library of over 15,000 movie and TV episode titles. A lot of the content is standard definition and the Netflix subscription is not included with the LG HDTV.

Yahoo Widgets

Yahoo Widgets can provide information feeds such as weather forecasts, stock prices and news in a format similar to the Gadgets which can be placed on the desktop of Microsoft Windows.

Netcast Popup Video

Resources

Specification LH50 LCD HDTV Models (pdf)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

LG 55LH50 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV, Gloss Black

LG 47LH50 47-Inch 1080p 120Hz Broadband LCD HDTV, Gloss Black

LG 42LH50 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz Broadband LCD HDTV, Gloss Black

LG 55LH50 LCD TV – 55 – Active Matrix TFT – ATSC – NTSC – 178 / 178 – 16:9 – 1920 x 1080 – Dolby, Surround – HDTV – 1080p

LG 47LH50 47 LCD TV – 47 – ATSC – NTSC – 178 / 178 – 16:9 – 1920 x 1080 – Dolby, Surround – HDTV – 1080p

LG 42LH50 42 LCD TV – 42 – ATSC – NTSC – 178 / 178 – 16:9 – 1920 x 1080 – Surround, Dolby – HDTV – 1080p