LG Shows LED Backlighting, Wireless TVs, Super-Slim LCDs, THX Plasma

LG Electronics isn't doing anything too crazy in the TV department.

While its competitors are touting OLED, laser, 3D and other relatively futuristic designs, "We're still focused on the mainstream," says product development director Tim Alessi.

"We're always looking at new, next-generation displays, but there's nothing new for 2008.

Perhaps there's nothing radical in LG's CES lineup, but there's plenty of new. Here are some of the highlights:

• The 47-inch LG75 LCD features LED backlighting and boasts a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.


• Two new LCDs and two plasmas feature wireless 802.11n connectivity. The WiFi is built into the LCD products, and available in a standalone hub for the plasmas.


• The LG60 LCD Series, available in five sizes from 32 inches to 52 inches, is so skinny you might not notice it if it weren't for its bright red highlights. The 42-incher (also known as the LGX Super Slim) is a mere 1.7 inches thick. "I believe people are more interested in design," Alessi says. Not everybody will love it, but it certainly will get attention for LG."


• On the plasma front, LG's flagship PG60 is the "first mass-distributed brand to be THX certified," Alessi says. Previously, he says, only high-end displays have been anointed by THX, which only launched display certifications last year.

Notable Features

Beyond the specific products highlighted, LG will be touting some new features, available in some or all of its new TV models:

• LG says its new plasma panels have a 100,000-hour life – about 30 years.


• The LCD products feature LG's proprietary "intelligent sensors" that apparently do more than just adjust for ambient light. "Normally, it [lighting sensing technology] looks at the brightness of the light," Alessi says. "This takes it a step further, looking at color characteristics of the lighting."


• Certain LG products feature "content-specific AV modes" that tailor settings for movies, sports or games. "We've always had preset modes," Alessi says, "but it's always been a menu item, not readily accessible." In the new models, the modes can be accessed from buttons on the remote control.


• Built-in USB 2.0 ports allow users to access photos and music through the TVs


• LG's "invisible speakers" refer to sound actuators that use the front of the cabinet for sound. "There's no speaker grille," Alessi says. "It gives it a nice polished look." He adds that the actuators are placed around the perimeter of the screens for a "wider sweet spot."


• New "Clear Voice" technology automatically enhances the sound frequency range of the dialog even as background noise swells.


• LG's implementation of HDMI Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) is called SimpLink, and "it will be continued throughout the line," Alessi says. CEC enables two way communications and control through an HDMI cable. Theoretically, all CEC compliant products should be able to interact with each other, but currently it is implemented differently by participating manufacturers.

Mark Levinson Partnership

For the past year, LG has been working with Mark Levinson, famed audiophile and sound guru.

Levinson has partnered with LG as its "chief audio advisor," and has been working in Seoul with the company on improving its audio products.

More Info

Press release on new LG LCD products
Press release on new LG Plasma products