Screen Tests
Big HDTVs are big news--so we lined up eight plasma and DLP models in our lab to separate the flat-out fabulous from the flops. Plus: A guide to getting high-definition programming.
Sean Captain
LG Electronics DU-50PZ60
Price when reviewed: $6499; Current prices (if available)
The LG has a smart, clean-looking design, great adjustment options, and a pleasing sound system--but our Test Center rated its image quality as simply mediocre.
Our judges scored this model second to last (though substantially ahead of the Gateway 50-inch HD-Ready Plasma TV) in three of our four image quality tests. And it ranked last on detail, due for the most part to excessive image sharpening that we could not completely turn off.
Oversaturated color was another persistent problem--a shirt that looked pale green on other TVs was a deep green when viewed on the LG set.
But while the DU-50PZ60 fumbles in its handling of color, it does offer some handy anti-burn-in tools--and shows considerable nuance with sound. The side-mounted speakers produce clean tones and convey complex subtleties of sound, such as the faint, ominous strings that surface when the cursed Black Pearl is first mentioned in the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD. Action films benefit from the LG TV's 3D Echo Sound option.
Also, choosing this model's Theater equalizer preset further enhances movie soundtracks. LG Electronics offers this preset and others for sports and music under the manufacturer's EZ Sound menu option.
