LG 42LK520 42-Inch 1080p LCD TV – Black

Excellent TV, April 18, 2011

I have had this TV for only a few days, but it appears to be exactly what I wanted. The LK520 LG model is very similar to the earlier model LD520 (highly rated), except that the dynamic contrast is apparently a bit better for the LK520(150K to 1 vs 100K), but I suspect that may not be that significant.

INPUT-OUTPUT
It has sufficient inputs (HDMI, component, etc), and outputs, although I still wish these new HDTVs had a regular stereo output (ie., 2 RF outputs) so I could use them with my old amplifier. The LK520 only has 1 optical digital audio output. However, the sound from the LK520 speakers is surprisingly robust, although most will probably want more to complete the home theater experience. The LK520 also has a USB port, but I have not used this yet. The specs say you can connect your external USB devices for JPEG photos or MP3 files. (Note, this model does NOT have any internet connection capabilities–however you could hook this up to a BluRay DVD player that has this capability, if you want it).

I hooked up my cable box via an HDMI cord, and the LK520 provides a clear HD picture and does well with regular SD channels also. I hooked up the TV with component inputs from my oldish DVD player, and it looked very good. (Some day I will get a BluRay, so I can see more pores, I guess, on close ups…).

FEATURES
The LK520 has 120 Hz, so if you watch a lot of sports, this might be important (I don’t). So maybe the 60 Hz LG LK450 might be OK for you, and save you 60-80$. However, note that the LK520 has a slightly higher dynamic contrast compared to the 60 Hz 42 inch LG LK450 (150K vs 100K).

The weight is only about 35 lbs, so it is relatively easy (if a bit awkward) to carry around. Also, the screen does not seem to have any serious reflection problems in stronger lighting situations.

The TV picture can be adjusted to your preferences, but I found the default settings good enough for me. It is Energy Star rated, which is good, but I found the “intelligent sensor” adjustments a bit too dark for me. However, you can adjust this as your wish.

SUMMARY: I don’t think you can go wrong with this excellent LG HDTV. I would rate it at 4.5 stars. Some minor limitations on audio output and the somewhat high price that I paid at a big box store (BB) made me give it a 4 instead of 5.

I may update this if I find any problems later….

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Entering the 21st century – finally, May 26, 2011

This LG 42LK520 is replacing my well-loved Toshiba CRT tv (which, to my dismay, refused to age or give any sign it was ready to quit and justify my purchase), so I can’t claim great sophistication when it comes to comparing modern, flat-panel TVs.

Having said that, I couldn’t be happier with this LG. The image is crisp and true. The color saturation on the default setting is perhaps a touch brighter than life – which I’m sure can be manipulated easily, but I rather like seeing the world with bright green grass and impossibly blue sky, so I haven’t bothered. The trumotion works well and so far I have seen no after-image or blur. The sound quality is good, but not great, but it matters little to me as I run it through my fairly old home theatre system which makes the whole experience quite wonderful. I even like the subtle light that glows on the lower right corner and turns from red to blue when you turn the tv on – totally unrelated to the tv’s performance, but it’s just cool and makes the tv look expensive. I am enjoying this TV tremendously, and sometimes will turn it on just to look at how nice the picture is.

For about $650 with free shipping, how could I not be happy? Shipping was impressively quick. Set up was relatively easy, though the installation manual is so simple as to be relatively useless. Incidentally, if you’re hooking it up to your satellite receiver, you have to press “input” on your remote and then select “HDMI” – the instruction manual doesn’t tell you this.

None of the minor weaknesses (like the sound – which isn’t bad, it just didn’t blow me away) are signficant enough to drop it out of five-star range. At this price point this TV provides incredible value. I really could not be happier with this purchase.

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Very satisfied, April 30, 2011

By 

J. R. Smith –

  

I had spent about 6 weeks researching the various LCD TVs on the market. Granted there are several high end units out there with high end prices. Having purchased the LG 37LD450 about 7 months ago, I wanted another LG. It was coincidence that the LG 42LK520 was a brand new model, just released in March/11. With no previous reviews, I took a chance that this unit would be equal to, or surpass the previous model. I am pleased to state that this LG model has surpassed all my expectations. Well done LG

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