Official LG xxLK520 xxLK450 - Page 6

Err - except maybe for the yellow tint

Just to clear this up, I wasn't trying to be condescending or insult you or your testing methodology. Sorry if it came off that way. You did more than I was willing to in order to test the thing. I'm just still kind of pissed at the fact that I have yet to find a replacement, because apparently nobody around Winnipeg likes to carry higher end models like the new Panasonics.

Still, I was doing a fairly direct comparison of the two displays I had on hand. It might not be the most scientific or repeatable test since it's all based around my personal senses, but given the information I have about the input lag of the FP241W and how the 32LK450 compared in movement and general response on the same equipment, mine definitely didn't line up with the results you obtained with yours. Maybe I got the bad one of the batch, I don't know. But it was noticeably slower to me than the FP241W that's been tested as being ~30 ms for input lag.

yep. My excitement about a definitive S-IPS panel for a 2011 carried me away and I overlooked the yellow tint. Never heard of a yellow tint before on a new set. Could it be some sort of coating on the panel. Do the 2011s in that series still have a matte finish?

For anyone that may find this information useful, I quote myself:

"I just got a 42LK450 here in Mexico. I did the loupe test and can confirm that it has a S-IPS panel. The model number is 42LK450-UB.CWMYLH"

Perfect! That's good information, at least on this size. Now, if we can just confirm that the 47" and 55" in the LK series have a "Y" in the fourth position with a loupe confirmed S-IPS that should help the folks who want to purchase this series online. I'm assuming that the market in Mexico is the same as the US.

One from the UK, purchased last Wednesday. Loupe test confirmed.

Product Code - 42LK450U-ZB.BEKYLJG

Info found on sticker above serial number, rear RHS of casing.

Hope this is of use chaps.

Outstanding So, there doesn't seem to be a difference in models produced for various international markets (US, UK, Mexico at least) as long as the "Y" is in the fourth position for the S-IPS panel. Ok, now we need to check the 47" and 55" in the LK series. I think this will really help those who want to, or need to, buy online and want the coveted S-IPS panel.

What is so special about IPS panels, and the fact that its the W (or later) and the chevron pixels?

Lower input lag (if you're into games), better off-axis viewing, etc. There's lots of information here if you're willing to look for it.

Ah, ok. I play games on my PC and I don't own a console (my brother does, and he plays games with his PS3 connected to a Phillips 32" TV he bought last year)

Also, does this TV (the 42LK450) have Audio Return over HDMI so that you can output audio from the TV to a reciever (not that I would actually use the TV audio)? My setup is or would be HDMI from cable box, and bluray player connected to the reciever and HDMI out to the TV.

Look up the specs. I have the 47LD520 and it doesn't have the ARC so I use an optical cable out to my receiver for audio.

Good question. One would think that this would be a no-brainer enhancement for the 2011 line of TV's. However, I couldn't find any mention of it in either the online specs or the full user manual, so I'm betting that it's not there.

If this is important to you (and it should be if your receiver supports it), you should send an email to LG support inquiring about it.

I was curious enough that I made the inquiry myself. No ARC on the LK series.

Howdy all. I just decided to play the lottery and bought the 37" LG LK450 on Amazon, where it was selling for the lowest I had ever seen it at $439.... (it has since gone up to $499). However, it showed up today and the serial is 37LK450 UB.CUSDLH. So, I presume it's a VA panel.

My question is... at that price, should I keep it or send it back? This is my first TV purchase ever, and so I want to make an economical purchase that will last. I want quality sufficient to be able to use it as a second monitor for my laptop, but I'm not a huge gamer. (I may occasionally throw in Witcher or my friend's Starcraft for kicks.) I do like my movies to be high quality, and I am annoyed by poor black levels -- one thing it sounds like the VA panel is better at.

Thoughts? I can tell there's a lot of knowledgeable folks in this forum, and appreciate the resource.

It appears that LG is not offering the S-IPS in that series below 42". I think they did that with the LD series as well but I'm not sure (djams?).

I would seriously run it thru it's paces while you've still got the "decison window" with Amazon before sending it back. You may find that at that size, it will meet your needs and be a perfectly good tv for you. No matter what people tell you here or in other threads, it's your decision what's best, not theirs

The two stores I've seen with the 37LK450 both had the "Y" code. Every store I've seen with the 32LK450 had the "D" code, but many users on this forum have talked about getting a "Y" version.

I also saw that price and was really close to pulling the trigger on the 37 inch, but hesitated since it would be too big as a desk monitor. I figured that since every 37 inch I've seen had the "Y" code, chances were that Amazon would be shipping that one too. My theory is that the lottery is consistent through a region (i.e. if one local store has a "D" 32LK450, then all of the local stores will).

As for the person asking to whether to keep it, it still is a good set for that price. All panel techs have their pros and cons, so it really depends on how you plan on using it.

I'm guessing you asked LG support?

In that case, should I go with the LG 42LV3500 instead?

That's good to know then for those who are shopping for a budget LG with the S-IPS panel. I didn't realize that LG was putting a higher-end panel in sets less than 37".

Yup, it's great except I can't get one :P

Last year's "W" LG 32LD450 was popular as a PC monitor because for its low price, S-IPS panel, low input lag, and properly displaying 4:4:4 chroma.

Bummer. I wish I could help.........

There's a review of the 37LK450 at TelevisionInfo.com. It's highly favorable, highlighting the excellent color and also very good motion handling. From the black level measurements it appears the 37" they tested had some kind of IPS panel.

It's possible considering there are a couple of "types" of IPS panels. S-IPS seems to be the most coveted type of panel.

Yes, got a very quick response from LG support to an email I sent.

Actually, with the setup you described, ARC is not necessary. Since you are going to your receiver first, you won't have HDCP-related audio issues. I apologize for misleading you.

I was really liking that review (layout, completeness, etc) until I got to the "Calibration" section. It says that they used Cinema mode, with the backlight @ 100. Cinema mode can't be fully calibrated to rec709 (which they claim they did). And of course it scored poorly on uniformity and black level with the backlight at 100. Geez.

They did have an IPS panel, its mentioned a few times. So the black levels won't be as good as some other tv's. But with a reasonable backlight setting I get readings down in the .07 cd/m2 range (compared to their .31cd/m2)

Not sure I agree with their methodology.

This really depends on what's important to you, and how you will be using the tv. You can read Antipodes thoughts below. I'd say, just use it for awhile and see if you notice anything that bothers you. You've got 30 days to make up your mind, right?

I notice that in all their reviews they turn the backlight up all the way. For Samsung TVs they use Cinema mode with the backlight at 20. Is this a good way to calibrate the TV for use, or are they just using the method as a baseline? I would like them to calibrate for best use under typical home conditions. Most calibration results that are described here at AVS have the backlight down, on a Samsung in Cinema mode it's usually set below the default at 10. So I don't know what to make of their calibration technique.

Oh, no problem. I noticed the wattage on the 42" is rather high, around 125-150W. I think my 40" LN40A550 Samsung used less than that (around 100-120)

I'm with you. I don't see the point in evaluating a tv with settings that would not be used under normal home viewing conditions. I guess that if they do it consistently then perhaps they feel they are reporting the worst case scenario for each set they review. And backlight=100 is definitely worst case on my LD520.

Hi, i just got an 47LK520 here in canada... Best Buy One day special deal was 689$ (is it a great deal ?) CAN. Upgraded from a sammy LN32A450. Everything look fine but i can see barrely small backlight ghosting (seem to be common on all lcd tv) My panel is S-IPS.

I just need to calibrate it. I think it should do the trick to remove small backlight ghosting. Normal mode is too Bright ! Anyone know if i can achieve something good using the LG calibation wizard ?

I would suggest using the AVS HD709 disk. There is a learning curve using that but I think you'll get better and more satisfying results than the Calibration Wizard. I have the 47LD520.