LG 32LX2R review

Elsewhere, the picture is supported by LG's proprietary XD Engine technology. The XD Engine incorporates a variety of picture-processing technologies to enhance individual elements such as colour, contrast, brightness and gradation to improve performance. There's a split-screen demo mode that allows you to see the difference it makes.

The XD feature is accompanied by an impressive array of advanced picture and sound settings. The menu system is graphically presented and user-friendly -- disappearing from the screen when making adjustments so you can determine the changes.

With the picture you can choose between several preset modes including an Artificial Eye option that uses a sensor to automatically adjust levels according to your room's ambience. Alternatively, you can manually customise picture adjustments with standard settings and more advanced controls for individual colour temperature and even fleshtones. Sound-wise, there's also a choice of presets as well an SRS WOW mode, which attempts to recreate surround effects from the stereo speakers. The Auto Volume Level will appeal to anyone who doesn't like being startled by extra-loud advert breaks.

There's also various Picture-in-Picture options that allow you to view images from two different inputs simultaneously -- either as a small inset or a double-window split screen. This means you can watch a film while keeping an eye on the football scores, for instance.

For a low-cost screen the feature count is impressive without being exceptional. And the simplicity of the menu system, with useful shortcut keys on the remote, makes it extremely easy to use.

Performance
Despite only being equipped with an analogue tuner, TV programmes look surprisingly good. Of course, you don't get the same choice of Freeview channels, interactive services or an electronic programme guide as you would with a digital tuner. But compared to the analogue performance in LCDs with dual tuners, the picture is significantly sharper and more stable. Backgrounds still fizz a little, but there's less overall noise. Colours are well balanced, with impressive detail.

With video sources, there's an obvious improvement in quality between the softly defined, speckled images from analogue inputs and the superior pictures that come courtesy of using the digital connection. HDMI-induced images, especially using 720p resolution, are noticeably cleaner with dense definition, revealing detail and rich, evenly gradated colours. Black levels could be deeper, though, to match the sort of three-dimensional contrast that separates class-leading screens. Movement, which occasionally stutters across the screen, could also be more cohesive when faced with action or sport.

There are several sound options to play with, but none really improve the audio quality above ordinary. At low levels it's fine, but raise the volume and the sound suffers from distortion and grating sibilance from the relatively lightweight 10W speakers.

The 32LX2R isn't the best performing screen available at this affordable price -- but it certainly isn't the worst either.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide