With its 50-inch 50PY3D, LG Electronics shows that a high-quality 1,080p plasma HDTV can also be affordable (relatively speaking, of course). Focus groups showed LG that consumers prefer the picture quality of plasma over LCD, but the ultimate 1,080p resolution has heretofore been available only in LCD sets or very expensive plasma models. The 50PY3D changes this dynamic.

The 50PY3D delivers a very detailed 1,080p picture and adds several picture enhancement features, all at a price that won't break the bank. LG's XD Engine employs six processes to improve the picture, such as upscaling low-resolution analog signals by improving brightness, contrast, detail, and enhancing color. It also reduces signal noise. LG's Black Stretcher acts as an enhancer for black levels. A high-contrast screen filter cuts glare, which is particularly annoying when watching TV in a well-lit room.

The 50PY3D sports a 14-bit color processor and offers a 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while an enhanced line doubler and 3:2 pulldown correction improve 480i and 1,080i content. A 3-D digital comb filter adds to the overall picture quality regardless of the source material, but the line doubler makes some images appear overly sharp and thus a bit unnatural.

Getting that content to the set is a snap, as the inputs on the 50PY3D are fairly accommodating. This unit has three HDMI inputs, two digital audio outputs (one optical, one coaxial), an RGB input for PC content and two HD component video inputs, among others, as well as side-panel composite and S-video inputs. There is also a handy USB connection on the side panel.

Additional features address common issues with plasma technologies. The 50PY3D has three image-sticking minimization options to reduce the risk of burn-in caused by stationary images such as video game status bars and news-channel scrolls.

While there are options for manually adjusting the colors, the 50PY3D includes four color temperature control modes, as well as six modes for aspect-ratio adjustment. There are also five picture selection modes to adjust for multiple aspect ratios in your digital content, such as DVD, Blu-ray or HD DVD, video games and recorded content from a video camera.

A welcome feature is the 50PY3D's intelligent fan control, which has two speeds to automatically adjust to the current room temperature to make sure the 50PY3D doesn't overheat. There are some interesting audio options as well, though the two 10-watt speakers don't measure up to the other features of the TV. The audio system does have two-way, four-system detail, and it includes a Dolby Digital decoder and SRS TruSurround XT. An EZ Sound feature has five modes.

LG enthusiasts will appreciate the SimpLink built into the 50PY3D. This feature coordinates with other LG products via the HDMI connection to allow for convenient control of all components. Overall, if you are in the market for a 1,080p plasma HDTV but don't have endlessly deep pockets, the LG Electronics 50PY3D is a good buy.


Pros: Upscaling makes HD and standard content look better, three HDMI inputs and one USB input, big 1,080p plasma display at a competitive price
Cons: Underpowered speaker system, bezel design isn't as streamlined and stylized as other plasma sets, line doubler can make images appear unnatural

Warranty
2 years, parts and labor