LG 42LB1R (42-inch LCD)

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By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
Oct 13, 2006

The Koreans are on a home run for their flat-panel TVs, pushing out seemingly endless new lineups in ever-shortening product cycles. LG is no exception. Launched only months after its LC-series, the latest LB models offer enhanced contrast performance and tweaked visual styling. Find out how well its new 42-incher stacks up against the competition in our indepth review.

Design
The 42LB1R is a wide flat panel by modern standards, measuring 1,175 x 670 x 143.8mm. Unassuming in appearance, a sizeable portion of the bulk is used to house an elaborate speaker system equipped with a pair of side speakers. On its left is a set of quick-access A/V sockets, while the bottom right lays out a bank of TV controls. The placement of the latter leaves much to be desired in terms of accessibility, particularly for those low table-top installations.

	An innovative display panel for a one-glance view of the active input. (click for larger image)

If you have a tendency to forget what's running onscreen, LG has included a display panel embedded with small lighted icons. This lights up in accordance to the active input and provides a convenient one-glance view of your current selection. To minimize distractions, the panel is integrated into a squarish swivel stand shaft a good couple of inches away from the generous 42-inch screen.

LG has shipped a matching all-black controller for the 42LB1R. While the chuncky stick has little to offer in aesthetics, this is offset by above-average ergonomics and multibrand/multifunction capability. In fact, programming the remote for our reference Pioneer DVD player was a simple affair of entering a three-digit manufacturer code. It worked flawlessly with the Pioneer although the controls were limited to basic playback functionality.

Calling up the responsive software user menu reveals a well-structured collection of settings. Here, you will find mainly basic A/V configurations plus a handful of advanced variants. For amateurs, there is a customizable color temperature setting and graphics equalizer for tailored audio reproduction. In case you are struggling with the interface, it is worth noting that selection is executed via the Right Arrow rather than the customary Enter key.

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