The LG Electronics 50PX5D is a plasma HDTV that is fully featured, with picture-in-picture functions, PC display capability, and top performance.

The black wide-format monitor can be detached from the included swivel stand for wall mounting, although this requires separately available mounting hardware. Control buttons are located along the base of the monitor, while the memory card slots and audio/video/S-video inputs are placed along the sides.

Images are displayed at a resolution of 1,366X768 (progressive) with a contrast ratio of 5,000:1 for a crisp, highly detailed picture. The screen can be viewed from 160 degrees in any direction, and brightness is rated at 1,000 cd/m2. The aspect ratio can be set to one of seven modes for display of standard or widescreen content, and color temperature has three settings.

The built-in audio system has 30 total watts of stereo output, with five presets for quick adjustments. Volume can be automatically kept at a steady level, and simulated surround sound can be activated as desired. Convenience features on the 50PX5D are extensive, including custom channel and input labeling, picture-in-picture and split-screen viewing, image sticking (burn-in) prevention, and a Gemstar on-screen program guide.

The 50PX5D has a broad array of connectivity options, with the rear panel offering two RF inputs, one S-video input, one audio/video input, two component video inputs, one RGB input for a PC, a PC audio input, two HDMI interfaces, two IEEE 1394 (FireWire) inputs, an optical digital audio output, two coaxial digital audio inputs, and a remote control input.

The universal remote control is a slim silver model with backlighting and a slide panel to hide some of the picture-in-picture and other less frequently used functions. The 2-year warranty is an attractive upgrade above the coverage on many competing models.

The LG Electronics 50PX5D is digital cable-ready, with a CableCARD slot and QAM tuner along with ATSC and NTSC tuners. Two memory card slots can accommodate nine types of digital memory cards for the display of digital photos and movies, regardless of format.

Warranty
2 years parts and labor