The LG Electronics 30FZ4D is a 30-inch HDTV that is stylish and capable, and it comes at an attractive price. The glossy black cabinet is an eye-catching addition to any living room, with a silver band surrounding the wide-format screen and easy-access inputs tucked out of view along the side.

LG touts the 30FZ4D as a "slim-CRT" that employs a flat picture tube with significantly less depth than a standard tube. The 30FZ4D delivers a highly detailed picture, with high-definition content presented at 1,080i. The 2-D Y/C digital comb filter combines with other technologies including white-level compression and velocity scan modulation to ensure that images are rich, clear, and sharp.

Color temperature can be adjusted to warm, cool, or medium according to user preferences, and seven video presets make quick work of adjusting the picture settings when switching from night to day or movies to video games. Film is subject to 3:2 reverse pulldown conversion, which reduces uneven motion in action scenes. Six aspect ratio modes are available to adapt standard-format content to the widescreen.

Built-in stereo speakers produce a total of 14 watts of audio output, which can be quickly adjusted using six presets for normal programming, stadium, news, music, theater, and a user-customized configuration. Bass tones can be boosted, and the two speakers can simulate surround sound. Volume can be set to remain within a stable range, eliminating the louder bursts from commercials. The 30FZ4D is equipped with the usual convenience features for a mid-size TV, including sleep and on/off timers, parental V-chip controls, and channel labeling.

The input suite is designed for use with a DVD player and other digital or analog components, and it includes an HDMI input, an optical digital audio input, two component video inputs, two S-video inputs (one on the side panel), three composite video inputs (one side), and two RF inputs. A composite video output, a variable audio output, and an optical digital audio output are also available for sending audio and video to other components, such as a home theater receiver.

The LG Electronics 30FZ4D uses standard technology that delivers first-rate results in picture, sound, and adaptability, and it does so at a great price.

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts, 2 years picture tube