I just picked up the LG 42LD550 at BB.
Since there isn't really a thread I could find on this "middle of the road" LG series I thought it might help to start one. These several models in the LD series covers TVs in 32", 42" 47", 52", 55" and one 60" model. So menuing and settings should be similar, if not the same. At least, according to the LARGE and more complete manual that is available for download on the LG website.
There is/are threads for the LE series and LH series. This way, owners will have a common place to go to post opinions on settings, operation, internet connections, firmware updates, etc. Please limit comments and questions to OWNER related topics rather than comparison to other manufacturers and pricing as clutter will soon build up.
So far I've installed the stand, powered it up, connected to an OTA antenna and scanned the channels. Reception is excellent. I selected the "Standard" setting in the menu for an initial picture setting and have done a few user adjustments, and have set it up right next to my 3 yr. old Mitsubishi LT46231, which is calibrated and has an excellent color pallate still to this day. With the few adjustments I've done, the 42LD550 has excellent color balance with very good detail, even it the darker areas of the picture.
If anyone is interested in this series of models, this should now be a common place to go for actual owners comments and opinions, as well as help for new owners to assist in set up and best viewing options.
For now, it's back to some more run time on my new 42LD550 and trying out the internet options and checking for firmware updates! Cheers!
For first time owners, a very quick picture setup using Cinema picture mode is on P.3 post #65. It will get you familiar with the menu and help provide a little better picture than the factory setting in the Cinema mode.
Jan. 1, 2011
After taking into consideration the feedback from other users for the past several months, I've produced a modified list of settings based on what I hear people seem to want. The ISF values are still very similar to previous ones, but I've included a "range" of the basic settings, plus an increase in basic back light setting. This range of basic settings, may help owners by allowing for room lighting conditions and personal taste. I've also added comments in each list stating that the higher end of settings may cause undesirable effects.
I've provided both a "Warm" ISF calibration and a "Cool" calibration to allow owners to try both or settle on one they prefer. I've found in my exploits that there can be some variation in basic color temperature even in what a DVD or Blu-ray player may provide in it's video signal to the TV. So by choosing either Warm or Cool, it may also help account for this.
Also,these settings are based on updating my i1 Display 2 software (which now seems to track a bit better) and making use of the Energy Saving feature with higher back light settings for day time, and lower at night using the Energy Saving switch if an owner chooses to. I've increased the back light setting and also listed a range of basic brightness, contrast, color, etc to allow for users tastes. This range of basic setting levels, should allow for just about any taste within reason. As always, your mileage may vary, since no two TVs are exactly the same even in the same model.
Save your current settings before using any new ones!
Suggested Settings:
*EDIT* These settings were updated on 1-1-2011 and include new possible ranges of adjustment to allow for user taste and hopefully still provide a decent image. As always, these are baseline settings and your TV and lighting conditions may vary.Check post #314 for some Preset (User) picture mode settings.
LG 42LD550 HDMI 3 INPUT ISF EXPERT1 LG BD550 WARM 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.5048828125k . file
LG XXLD550 HDMI CINEMA (User) PICTURE 12-4-10 Usable Range.txt 0.8876953125k . file
LG 42LD550 OTA_Cable ISF EXPERT __Baseline__ Usable Range 4-5-11.txt 1.28125k . file
LG 42LD550 HDMI 3 Input ISF EXPERT2 LG BD550 COOL 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.578125k . file
LG 42LD550 HDMI Input ISF EXPERT __Baseline__ 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.521484375k . file
So far I've installed the stand, powered it up, connected to an OTA antenna and scanned the channels. Reception is excellent. I selected the "Standard" setting in the menu for an initial picture setting and have done a few user adjustments, and have set it up right next to my 3 yr. old Mitsubishi LT46231, which is calibrated and has an excellent color pallate still to this day. With the few adjustments I've done, the 42LD550 has excellent color balance with very good detail, even it the darker areas of the picture.
For first time owners, a very quick picture setup using Cinema picture mode is on P.3 post #65. It will get you familiar with the menu and help provide a little better picture than the factory setting in the Cinema mode.
Jan. 1, 2011
After taking into consideration the feedback from other users for the past several months, I've produced a modified list of settings based on what I hear people seem to want. The ISF values are still very similar to previous ones, but I've included a "range" of the basic settings, plus an increase in basic back light setting. This range of basic settings, may help owners by allowing for room lighting conditions and personal taste. I've also added comments in each list stating that the higher end of settings may cause undesirable effects.
I've provided both a "Warm" ISF calibration and a "Cool" calibration to allow owners to try both or settle on one they prefer. I've found in my exploits that there can be some variation in basic color temperature even in what a DVD or Blu-ray player may provide in it's video signal to the TV. So by choosing either Warm or Cool, it may also help account for this.
Also,these settings are based on updating my i1 Display 2 software (which now seems to track a bit better) and making use of the Energy Saving feature with higher back light settings for day time, and lower at night using the Energy Saving switch if an owner chooses to. I've increased the back light setting and also listed a range of basic brightness, contrast, color, etc to allow for users tastes. This range of basic setting levels, should allow for just about any taste within reason. As always, your mileage may vary, since no two TVs are exactly the same even in the same model.
Save your current settings before using any new ones!
Suggested Settings:
*EDIT* These settings were updated on 1-1-2011 and include new possible ranges of adjustment to allow for user taste and hopefully still provide a decent image. As always, these are baseline settings and your TV and lighting conditions may vary.Check post #314 for some Preset (User) picture mode settings.
LG 42LD550 HDMI 3 INPUT ISF EXPERT1 LG BD550 WARM 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.5048828125k . file
LG XXLD550 HDMI CINEMA (User) PICTURE 12-4-10 Usable Range.txt 0.8876953125k . file
LG 42LD550 OTA_Cable ISF EXPERT __Baseline__ Usable Range 4-5-11.txt 1.28125k . file
LG 42LD550 HDMI 3 Input ISF EXPERT2 LG BD550 COOL 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.578125k . file
LG 42LD550 HDMI Input ISF EXPERT __Baseline__ 4-5-11 Usable Range.txt 1.521484375k . file