LG lines up LED backlit LCD, thinner Scarlets

LG's new Scarlet models boast 1.8-inch thin panels, but otherwise they're the same as the older versions.

(Credit: LG)

Like most HDTV manufacturers, LG has chosen the fall to introduce the higher-end models in its HDTV lineup. Three models of more-expensive LG LCD TVs were announced Thursday, including two ultrathin screens and a model with an LED backlight.

LG LGX series LCDs

• LG 42LGX (42-inch; $2,699; Available now)
• LG 47LGX (47-inch; $2,999; September 2008)

Key features of the LG LGX series:

• Slim 1.8-inch thin cabinet
• Native 1080p resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate with dejudder processing
• 4 HDMI inputs (3 rear, 1 side)
• 2-point and 10-point user menu calibration controls
• Full specification sheet (pdf)

Despite the X-treme model name, LG's new LGX series of HDTVs is basically identical to the company's current LG60 line, marketed under the "Scarlet" name and including the 47-inch 47LG60 we reviewed in May. The only major difference comes in the form of thinner cabinet depth: the new 42LGX panel measures 1.8-inches deep, compared with 2.4-inches for the current 42LG60. For more info check out the full review of the 47LG60.

The 47LG90 features an LED backlit screen.

(Credit: LG)

LG 47LG90

Key step-up features of the LG 47LG90:

• LED backlit LCD screen
• Full specification sheet (pdf)

The 47-inch 47LG90, available in September for a cool $3,599, will come in just one screen size to represent the company's first attempt at LED backlighting for HDTVs (as opposed to the compact fluorescent backlights on standard LCD models). The only other LED backlit set we've reviewed was last year's LN-T4681F by Samsung, which a featured so-called local dimming technology that turns off the LED individually to deliver deeper black levels. LG uses local dimming too and claims the same 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio as Samsung, which does indicate similarly deep blacks.

The new LG will feature 1,536 individual light emitting-diodes arranged into 128 sectors, which may help reduce the blooming issue we noted on the Samsung, which had fewer such sectors. Of course, both Samsung (four models) and Sony (two models) have also announced new LED-backlit TVs coming this fall, although neither would disclose their respective new diode/sector counts at this time. We'll try to get review samples of all of the new LED backlit sets as soon as they become available to perform our own evaluations.

Sources: LG and TWICE.

[the_iceman]

LED technology is great and using them in TV's is very promising. Hopefully, they will make these even more energy efficient and increase lifespan hours. Increased contrast ratio, wider color spectrum, and even slimmer/lighter sets are an added bonus!

[C433Z]

soo, do these provide deeper blacks than the pioneer kuros even? because according to their numbers they do, yet they cost less. Plus if these provide 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio already, what's the point of OLEDs. Besides the fact that they (OLEDs) are thin and low energy, we could just improve LED-lit LCDs.