LG Electronics' 52SX4D is a high-performance DLP HDTV with a wide-format 52-inch screen, slim contours, and excellent features and connectivity.

The 52SX4D's tabletop cabinet is mostly black, with a narrow silver band outlining the top and side edges. Speakers are located on either side of the screen, and the requisite easy-access inputs are placed out of view on a side panel. A small indicator below the 52SX4D's screen shows progress through the warm-up period, which takes about half a minute.

The 52SX4D has an internal ATSC tuner that delivers high-definition content directly from an HD antenna or other source, and a CableCARD slot on the rear panel makes it possible to eliminate the cable box from the home theater setup. The 52SX4D can display computer content and even digital photos, as it has two memory card slots on the front panel that can accommodate nine different card formats. A 3-D Y/C digital comb filter limits dot crawl, and the native display resolution is 1,280X720. However, the viewing angle is only 130 degrees horizontally and 62 degrees vertically, so viewers may have to fight for the best seats.

Audio output is impressive at 40 total watts, and the 52SX4D has volume leveling and simulated surround sound available. Six speakers are built in, with a bass reflex system to enhance the lower tones. Twin tuners deliver full picture-in-picture features, with options for split-screen viewing. A host of other handy features are included on the 52SX4D, such as custom labeling of inputs and channels, memory for favorite channels, an on/off timer, a Gemstar on-screen program guide, and a previous channel return.

The 52SX4D's connection choices are numerous, with two RF inputs to accommodate cable and an antenna, two S-video inputs (one on the side panel), three audio/video inputs (one side), two component video inputs, one PC/DTV input with audio, two HDMI interfaces, two FireWire (IEEE 1394) inputs, digital audio inputs and outputs, and a variable audio output. The universal remote control can be wired in, and it manages to maintain a simple layout without too many buttons.

All in all, the LG Electronic's 52SX4D delivers excellent performance and value in an attractive package.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor