If you know anything about LCD televisions, you’ll know that LED backlighting is all the rage at the moment. Although the RBG Dynamic method offers better contrast ratios and truer blacks, it seems that the Edge-LED method is just as popular, simply because the models carrying it are so mind-bogglingly thin. First impressions count for a lot, even in the markets of cutting-edge technology, and the sight of a giant screen that is only an inch thick certainly making an impact. Samsung have really taken a lead in this field, and have built up a great range of Edge-LED LCD televisions, carving themselves a nice little chunk of market share in the process. Not to be left behind, LG delivered their first Edge-LED model, the 42SL9000, in late 2009. Although it has taken them a while to enter the fray, it was certainly worth the wait.
Available at just under £1000, the LG 42SL9000 is not the most expensive proponent of Edge-LED technology on the market today. Most models of this size cost well over a grand, so it’s to their credit that LG have priced the 42SL9000 so competitively. However, if you’re thinking a competitive price tag means inferior quality, you’d be very wrong. LG certainly haven’t skimped on design – the unit is just over an inch thick, with a glassy finish and ifunny delete account a gloss black bezel that sits level with the screen. It looks like a sheet of polished obsidian, the sort of TV you want to look at even when it’s switched off! LG are known for making good looking LCD televisions, and the 42SL9000 won’t do that reputation any harm at all. The model also sports good connectivity, with four HDMI sockets, an RS232 port, a USB socket, and a wireless Bluetooth connection.
Power up the set and it’s pretty obvious that the 42SL9000 looks just as good when it’s turned on. Although Edge-LED LCD televisions typically don’t have the best dynamic contrast, the 42SL9000 still boasts an impressive ratio of 3,000,000:1, with better shadow detail than you’d find in a comparable RGB Dynamic model. The screen is also capable of Full HD resolution, 100Hz TruMotion video processing, and has an incredibly vibrant palette of colours. For those who like to customise their televisions, the 42SL9000 has an excellent sequence of menus that allow you to fine tune every aspect of the audio and visual output.
The sound quality of the 42SL9000 is also very good, and is certainly more powerful than the many Samsung Edge- currently on the market. The audio could do with a greater range, particularly the bass, but it’s more than capable of meeting the needs of most consumers. You could certainly live without a separate audio set-up, that’s for sure. Overall, this is another excellent package on offer from the Korean manufacturer, especially considering the low price. Top marks to LG once more.