LG 50PB65 review

As with fellow Korean brand Samsung, LG is committed to supporting both LCD and plasma technologies for as long as there are viable markets for both.

LG's plasma support appears anything but half-baked. With the 50PB65, it's offering a 50-inch plasma TV that boasts impressive specs for a groundbreakingly low price under £1,200.

Strengths
Obviously we have to start by reiterating the 50PB65's price -- 'under £1,200 for a 50-inch screen' will be all some buyers need to hear.

But also quite appealing is the TV's design. It's supposedly based on LG's iconic Chocolate mobile phones and although its sheer bulk makes the connection to such diminutive gadgets a little hard to see, there's no denying the attractiveness of the polished dark finish offset by subtle red LED lighting.

Given its price, you've really no right to expect anything more from the 50PB65 in feature terms than basic contrast and brightness adjustments. But actually it offers way more than that.

For instance, its HD-friendly connections include two HDMIs able to take HD formats, including 1080p/24, which is now becoming important with the arrival of Blu-ray and HD DVD.

The 50PB65 is also stuffed to the rafters with picture processing. For instance, there's LG's proprietary XD Engine system, which works on enhancing colours, fine details, noise reduction and contrast. Plus you also get Faroudja's acclaimed 'DCDi' de-interlacing system for making contours look less jagged and even 100Hz scanning to make motion crisper.

So far there's really nothing about the 50PB65 to suggest how LG can sell it so cheaply. And first impressions of its pictures keep the good times rolling, as the 50PB65 produces arguably the most vibrant, full-on colours we've ever seen on a plasma TV.

It's also notable how there's no sign of common plasma technology problems like colour banding or dotting noise over faces during camera pans. And moving objects cross the screen with unusual clarity thanks to the 100Hz engine.