The LG Electronics 42PB4DA is a great example of a major problem with today's rapidly advancing home electronics technology: what you buy today might be obsolete next year, if not next month. This is especially true when it comes to HDTVs, but if you buy a slightly older but not yet outdated set, you can get a very good price.

For starters, be aware that the 42PB4DA does not offer anywhere near the highest-resolution capabilities now available from plasma HDTVs. This set has a resolution of 1,024x768, so it won't even display every pixel from 720p content. However, LG's XD Engine processing adapts HD programming to the available pixels very well, scaling 720p, 1,080i and 1,080p content accordingly. The result can't compare to the latest and greatest that LG's 1,080p models provide, but the 42PB4DA does give you a very good picture with relatively lifelike colors.

More impressive is how the XD Engine displays standard-definition content. This is a common weakness with budget and even higher-end HDTVs, but the 42PB4DA handles lower-resolution programming with ease. The 42PB4DA is a smart choice if you plan to watch a lot of DVD movies. The set features 3:2 pulldown that helps smooth out motion-picture content and reduces the judder that can often occur when movies are viewed on a large screen.

The 42PB4DA also features a number of connectivity options, including two HDMI inputs, two component video inputs, an RGB input with audio for connecting a computer, an S-video input and a composite video input, all located at the back panel. There is also an additional combination S-video/composite video input on the side of the set. LG enthusiasts will appreciate the LG SimpLink built into the 42PB4DA, which coordinates with other LG products via HDMI to enable convenient control of all components. Furthermore, the 42PB4DA is equipped with a pair of digital audio outputs, along with an analog audio output.

This HDTV isn't short on adjustment options either. The 42PB4DA includes three image-sticking minimization modes to reduce burn-in, the phenomenon that causes static image elements like a video game status bar or news channel ticker to become permanently etched into the image. These burn-in reduction modes include a white wash that removes ghosting, as well as a pixel shift option. The 42PB4DA also has four color temperature modes, along with seven different aspect ratio options. The audio gets similar treatment, with six surround sound settings. The 42PB4DA's two 10-watt speakers are a bit underpowered considering the screen size, but they do an adequate job for basic TV viewing. We'd still recommend a full surround sound system to complement this set, but if you must make do with the internal speakers, the 42PB4DA includes a built-in Dolby digital decoder and supports SRS TruSurround XT, as well as an automatic volume leveler.

The 42PB4DA is a good-looking set, but it is far from the smallest or sleekest available. It is very thin at a mere 3-3/10 inches deep (without stand), but the design doesn't look so slim from the front, thanks in no small part to a rather wide bezel. However, this set still presents a nice appearance. As prices continue to fall, the LG Electronics 42PB4DA will only become more attractive, even if the resolution isn't cutting-edge.


Pros: 2-year warranty on parts and labor, two HDMI inputs
Cons: Not the most streamlined design, only 720p resolution

Warranty
2 years, parts and labor