LG invited the  press to the public debut of its new 2011 Cinema 3D TVs. To help our readers decide if they should pick a deeply discounted 2010 closeout or one of the new 2011 models, we spoke with LG management to learn which models  incorporate major changes and not just a cosmetic refresh. You can save big bucks without sacrificing image quality by following our list, because 2010 model prices have been radically reduced to clear out the remaining inventories. The 2011s are beginning to arrive at dealers’ warehouses. We include pricing on the 2010 and 2011 models with Amazon links (when available) to both years’ series. All models sold by Amazon direct have free shipping.

Major New Features for 2011

Smart TV-LGs connected TV feature that permits new services and new apps as well as Internet browsing. “Net TV” feature is a carry over from last year’s models, LG’s Net TV is a fixed set of streaming services without TV apps or Internet browser.

Magic Motion Remote– combines a new graphic user interface with a motion control remote (like the Wii remote) to move the on screen cursor for more control of a sets features and Internet services.

Cinema 3D- permits the use of cheap (as low as $10 pair) passive 3D glasses in place of  shutter type active 3D glasses. LG claims more comfort, less or no eye fatigue, and no flicker with their passive Film Patterned Retarder 3D solution.

We plan examine each claim once we get our hands on a review sample. One known downside, the passive film combined with passive 3D glasses reduces vertical resolution from 1080 lines per eye to 540 lines per eye as compared with active shutter systems which provides all 1080 lines of vertical resolution per eye.

LCD
All LG LCDs use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamps) and come in sizes from 22-inches to 55-inches depending on sizes.

2010 LD350 vs. 2011 LK330 Series

2010LG 32LD350 32-Inch 720p 60 Hz LCD HDTV Was $500 Now $299.99 FS
2011 32LK330 32-Inch 720p 60 Hz LCD TV-$399.99

No major changes with 2011 LK330 series compared to LD 350 HD Guru recommends buying the 2010 closeout 32LD350 model while supplies last

2010 LD450 Series vs. LK450 Series

2010LG 32LD450 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV Was $600 Now $377.98
2011LG 32LK450 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV$499.99
2011LG 32LK450 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTVWas $700 Now 499.00
2011 LG 37LK450 37-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV$599.99 retail/$539.00
2010LG 42LD450 42-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTVWas $750 Now $610.67
2011LG 42LK450 42-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV$699.99 retail

2010 LD450 series vs. 2011 LK450 No major changes, same features. HD Guru recommends buying a closeout 2010 LD450 model while supplies last.

2010LG 42LD520 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTVWas $900 Now $629.98
2010LG 47LD520 47-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTVWas $1200 Now $747.98
2010 LG 55LD520 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTVWas $1800 Now $1268.98
2011 LG 42LK520 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV$799.99
2011LG 47LK520 47-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV$999.99
2011 LG 55LK520 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV$1499.99

LD520 versus LK520-No major changes for 2011, HD Guru recommends buying the 2010 closeout LD series models

2010LG 32LD550 32-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Apps Was $799.99 Now $597.99
2010LG 42LD550 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Apps Was $999.99 Now $629.98
2010LG 46LD550 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Apps Was $1299.99 Now $1068.31
2010LG 52LD550 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV  with Internet Apps Was $1599.99 Now $1399.95
2010LG 55LD520 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTVWas $1799.99 Now $1268.98
2010LG 60LD550 60 Was $2799.99 Now $1699.99
2011 LG 42LK530 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV Smart TV $799.99
2011LG 47LK530 LK530 Series 47$999.99
2011 LG 55LK530 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV Smart TV $1499.99

2010 LD550 series (120 Hz LCD with CCFL backlight)  is the LK530 series for 2011. The 530 adds Smart TV with apps (in place of Netcast), Wi-Fi with included dongle and the ability to add (extra cost optional) LG Magic Motion Wii  type wand remote. Picture quality is the same as 2010 LD520 series. If you are only interested image reproduction, buy the 2010 leftovers. If you want TV apps and Internet browser and ability to use the wand remote go for the 2011 LK530 series. Price and availability of the LK530 series to be announced.

LED LCD Models

2011 LV2500 Series is the all new entry level LED edge lit LG line for 2011. It features 60 Hz refresh rate with 720p resolution.
22LE2500 22-inch $349.99 ships this month (March)
26LE2500 26-inch $449.99 ships this month (March)
32LE2500 32-inch $599.99 ships this month (March)

HD Guru recommends considering the closeout all 2010 LE5300 models (except the 42″ version due to its price) instead of the LV2500 and LV3500 series. This series is LED back lit too.

Available in the 19″ , 22″ and 26″ sizes with 60Hz refresh and 720p resolution or in the 32″, 37″ and 42″ screen sizes with 120Hz refresh and 1080p resolution, closeout priced below the 2011 LV2500 and LV3500 models. See  LD5300 model listings below the 3500 series models.

LV3500 series is all new for 2011 and features 60 Hz refresh, LED edge lit design with 1080p resolution. There is no equivalent 2010 series
2011LG 37LV3500 37-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LED HDTV$799.99
2011LG 42LV3500 42-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LED HDTV$899.99
2010 LG 19LE5300 19-Inch 720p 60Hz LED LCD HDTV$228.23
2010 LG 22LE5300 22-Inch 720p 60 Hz LED LCD HDTV$304.12
2010 LG 26LE5300 26-Inch 720p 60Hz LED LCD HDTV$339.00
2010LG 32LE5300 32-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED LCD VA Panel HDTV $469.98
2010 LG 37LE5300 37-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED LCD HDTV$697.98
2010 LG 42LE5300 42$1279.00

LV3700 series is all new for 2011 and features LED edge it lighting, 60Hz refresh, Smart TV, Magic Motion remote capable (optional extra cost) and included Wi-Fi dongle. Available in the 42″,47″ and 55″ screen sizes and shipping now.

2011 37LV3700 37-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED HDTV $799.99 retail
2011LG 42LV3700 42-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV retail $999.99/$899.00 Beach Camera via Amazon
2011 47LV3700 47-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED HDTV $1299.99 retail
2011 LG 55LV3700 55-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV$1999.99 retail

LV5500 2011 series replaces the 2010 LV5400s. The LV5500 models feature LED edge lit lighting, 120Hz refresh rate, Smart TV, Magic Motion remote control and Wi-Fi with included dongle. Screen sizes include 42″, 47″ and 55″ and are shipping now.

2011 LG Infinia 42LV5500 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV$1199.99 retail
2011LG Infinia 47LV5500 47-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV$1499.99 retail
2011 LG Infinia 55LV5500 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV$1999.99 retail

2010 LV5400 series features LED edge lighting, 120 Hz refresh rate, 1080p resolution, wireless Wi-Fi with included dongle and Net Cast Internet connectivity and streaming. They are still available in the 42″ and 55″ screen sizes.

2010 LG 42LE5400 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Internet Applications$889.00
LG 55LE5400 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Internet Applications$1269.69 (49% off of retail)

HD Guru recommends you consider the leftover 55″ model if you do not have an interest in Smart TV or the Magic Remote.  You will be able to purchase LG’s Smart TV box add-on  for under $150.

2011 LW5600 represents the lowest cost LG 3D series. It uses its new Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) screen coating, enabling viewing of 3D content with passive 3D glasses (like the ones you get in your local movie theater). LG calls it “Cinema 3D”. All W5600 models feature LG’s “LED Plus” local dimming technology , 120 Hz refresh rate, Smart TV Internet connectivity with apps and streaming services, Magic Motion remote control and Wi-Fi with included dongle. Screen sises are 47″ and 55″ and are shipping now. There are no equivalent 2010 passive 3D models.

2011 47LW5600 47-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED with Smart TV $1699.99 retail

LG 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV$2399.99 retail

2011 LW6500 series also uses FPR screen film for passive 3D viewing and has all features of LW5600 models. This step up series uses 240 Hz refresh rate with screen sizes of 47″, 55″ and 65″ screen sizes and are shipping now.
2011 47LW6500 47-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED with Smart TV $1899.99 retail
2011 55LW6500 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED with Smart TV $2699.99 retail
2011 65LW9500 65-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED with Smart TV $4499.99 retail

2011 LW9500 is LG top of the line LED series featuring its exclusive Nano technology LED backlighting for local dimming, with excellent, uniform screen brightness, local dimming, very thin form factor, 1080p, 480 Hz (using 240 Hz refresh with scanning backlight) Full HD 3D with active shutter glasses, built-in Wi-Fi (no dongle required), Magic Motion remote control and Smart TV Internet TV apps and services. Available in the 55-Inch and 65-Inch screen sizes shipping in April. Prices to be announced.
The 2011 LW9500 replaces the 2010 LX9500 series models. There are still closeout deals offered for the 55″ 55LX9500.

2010 LG 55LX9500 55$3999.99 retail; $2198.77 One Call via Amazon free shipping.

2011 LZ9700 is the largest announced LED LCD consumer TV available at 72″ . Features include Full LED backlight, 480 Hz, Active 3D, Smart TV, Magic Motion remote control, and Wi-Fi with included dongle. This 6 foot beauty ships in June with a price to be announced.

We will follow this article with pricing and features of LG’s 2011 plasma models,  stay tuned.

Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email
Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.