LG also brings 480Hz and THX visuals

LG today rolled out its main TV line for 2010 and promised some of the largest feature updates in its recent memory. Kicking off the INFINIA line is the LE9500, an extra thin (0.92 inches) LED-backlit line; it includes 55-inch and 47-inch 480Hz LCD panels that should be even more adept at handling moving scenes. They're also ready for 3D sources and carry Wi-Fi for not only the new 720p Skype feature but Netflix and VUDU movie streaming, Napster, VUDU and YouTube.

Also unique is the Magic Wand, a remote that provides a Wii-like pointer for navigating the interface visually and using gestures; it can even play basic games.

Either size has local LED dimming to boost their contrast ratios and are even THX certified to have picture settings ideally tuned to watching video in areas with a significant amount of ambient light, like the average living room. It can optionally use wireless HD to get their video without cables from a supporting movie player or receiver. USB ports on these can play video in addition to photos.

The LE8500 comes at the same physical sizes but is designed as a slight step down that uses a 240Hz panel, omits 3D and has a thicker bezel.

Much of LG's mainstream is aimed at the LE7500 and LE5500 series. These come in sizes between 42 and 55 inches (for the LE7500) and 22 to 55 inches (LE5500) and still have LED local dimming as well as Internet features on all but 22- and 26-inch models. They chiefly scale back to 120Hz panels.

Finishing the LED-lit range, the LE5400 and LE5300 range between 32-60 inches (LE5400) and 19-37 inches (LE5300) still have 120Hz panels, but only the LE5400 has Internet access through Ethernet (Wi-Fi is an option). Every LE5300 set 26 inches and smaller uses a 720p picture.

Below these, the conventionally-lit displays have only some of the features. The LD650 line (47- and 55-inch models) use 240Hz panels, Internet access, USB ports with video playback and optional wireless HD. The LD550 sits between 32 and 60 inches and runs a 120Hz panel while keeping other LD650 features. LD520 models (32 to 55 inches) lack USB video and Internet access, while the LD450 tops out at 47 inches and uses an original 60Hz panel. The LD350 is LG's smallest, least expensive line and hovers between 19 and 32 inches with a 720p resolution.

LG hasn't provided ship dates or prices but usually waits until shortly before the actual release to firm up these details.

LE9500



LE7500

By Electronista Staff