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If you are shopping for a full-featured plasma HDTV, give LG Electronics' 50PX1D-H strong consideration. This 50-inch set has internal ATSC, NTSC, and QAM tuners and a CableCARD slot, eliminating the need for extra set-top boxes. A handy PC input even lets the 50PX1D-H operate as a computer monitor. The wide-format screen is framed in black and set into a silver cabinet, with a removable stand for use on a table or counter. Control buttons are lined along the lower-right edge, while quick-access composite video/S-video inputs are easy to reach from the side.

The 50PX1D-H has a native resolution of 1,366X768, and standard NTSC signals are up-converted to progressive scan. Images jump off the screen, with lifelike colors, deep blacks, and very crisp edges. Movies are processed using 3:2 pulldown conversion to smooth action scenes, and a 3-D Y/C comb filter eliminates dot crawl and other interference. The 50PX1D-H limits the inherent plasma-screen hazard of burn-in with an innovative image-sticking prevention function, and the set has an estimated lifetime of 60,000 viewing hours.

Four speakers produce a total of 30 watts of audio output, which can be set to simulate surround sound and automatically maintain the volume at a steady level. Six audio presets make quick work of adjusting the sound. A high-end plasma like this should have lots of bells and whistles, and the 50PX1D-H comes through with custom channel and input labeling, memory for favorite channels, a digital signal strength meter, on/off and sleep timers, seven picture format modes and seven video presets. Surprisingly, the 50PX1D-H lacks PIP functions.

The rear inputs are extensive, although they are not as numerous as on some competing models. The 50PX1D-H offers two RF inputs, a composite video/S-video input, a set of component video inputs, an RGB (PC) input with audio, an HDMI input, two optical digital audio inputs, an optical digital audio output and a remote control input, along with the CableCARD slot. The included universal remote control has silver buttons and a slide panel hiding less frequently used controls. The 50PX1D-H's warranty is generous compared to other plasma TVs, offering two years of coverage for labor and parts and in-home service.

Warranty
2 years parts and labor, in-home service