LG continues to commit itself to plasma TV technology. This year it’s introducing 12 models in six series with screen sizes of 42″, 50″ and 60″. New features for 2011 included Smart TV Internet connectivity with apps, DLNA connectivity for movies/music/photos, and new series with 3D capability.
PT350
The 2011 PT 350 series comes in the 42″ and 50″ screen sizes with 720p screen resolution. These entry level models are virtually unchanged from the 2010 PJ350 series. Specifications include 3 HDMI inputs, 3 Million:1 dynamic contrast ratio, ISFccc calibration controls, 24 Hz mode with 3:3 pulldown
2011LG 42PT350 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
2011LG 50PT350 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
2010 LG 42PJ350 42-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
2010 LG 50PJ350 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV
HD Guru Recommends– The series are almost identical, for the mere $15.04 premium you can opt for the 2011 50PT350 model over the 2010.
PW350
2011LG 42PW350 42-Inch 720p Active 3D Plasma HDTV
2011LG 50PW350 50-Inch 720p Active 3D Plasma HDTV
HD Guru Recommends-This is an all new 720p model series with 3D capability making it ideal for 3D 720p Playstation 3 gaming and 720p (2D) sports on ESPN, Fox and ABC.
PV450
2011LG 50PV450 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
2011LG 60PV450 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
2010LG 50PK550 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
2010LG 60PK550 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
The 2010 PK550 series has the same major specifications and feature sets of the 2011 PV450 including 3 HDMI inputs, 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 24 Hz film mode with 3:3 pulldown and ISFccc calibration controls. The only differences we could spot are slightly different dimensions ( i.e .2″ thinner depth on the PV450). HD Guru recommends saving money and opting for the 2010 closeout on the PK550 models.
PZ550
2011 LG 50PZ550 50-Inch 1080p Active 3D Plasma HDTV with Internet Applications
2011LG 60PZ550 60-Inch 1080p Active 3D Plasma HDTV with Internet Applications
The PZ550 series retains all the features of the PV450 series and adds one more HDMI input (4 total), 3D capability and LG’s Netcast Internet connectivity. Netcast includes movie streaming from VUDU, Cinema Now and Netflix along with Yahoo widgets , Pandora music and YouTube. Wi-Fi is available too, with an optional extra cost LG dongle. With a price premium of only $90 over the 2011 50-inch 2D 50PV450, if you want a 1080p 3D capable plasma, HD Guru recommends you go for it. What a difference a year makes when it comes to the cost of 3D.
PZ750
2011 LG 50PZ750 50-Inch 1080p Active 3D HDTV with Smart TV and THX retail $1599.99
2011 LG 60PZ750 60-Inch 1080p Active 3D HDTV with Smart TV and THX retail $2199.99
2010 LG INFINIA 50PK750 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
2010 LG INFINIA 60PK750 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV with Internet Applications
The 2011 PZ750 adds the Magic Motion remote control, Smart TV- LG’s open system of TV apps and streaming content, along with THX certification to all the features including 3D of the 2011 PZ 550. All other specifications and features are the same as for the PZ550. For those of you unfamiliar with THX, it provides a picture setting factory calibrated to industry TV standards providing one button push for a very accurate picture. The retail cost for adding THX and Smart TV is a $300 jump. Last year’s 2010 model the PK750 series, lacks 3D capability and Smart TV but does include NetCast streaming services.
HD Guru recommends THX mode (link) and we feel open platform Internet connectivity will soon provide consumers a wide range of content. The 2010 PK750 series lacks 3D, Smart TV (it does have LG NetCast), Magic Motion remote, but retains all the performance specs and THX certification of the 2011 PZ750 series. Its closeout price is very reasonable making the 2010 series a consideration for those with no interest in 3D or Internet content.
PZ950
2011LG Infinia 50PZ950 50-Inch 1080p Active 3D THX Certified Plasma HDTV with TruBlack Filter and Smart TV
2011LG Infinia 60PZ950 60-Inch 1080p Active 3D THX Certified Plasma HDTV with TruBlack Filter and Smart TV
2010 LG Infinia 50PK950 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Retail $1699.99
2010 LG Infinia 60PK950 60-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
2010 LG 50PX950 50-Inch 1080p Active 3D THX Certified Plasma HDTV with TruBlack Filter and NetCast Retail 1799.99 Now $1345.55 One Call via Amazon free shipping
60PX950 60-Inch 1080p Active 3D THX Certified Plasma HD with TruBlack Filter and NetCast Retail $2599.99
The PZ950 is the LG’s top of the line 2011 plasma series. It contains all of the features of the PZ750 series and adds a higher contrast panel with a 5,000,000:1 rated dynamic contrast ratio (as opposed to the 3M:1 rating of all other LG plasmas), a TruBlack anti-reflection filter (providing superior ambient light rejection when compared to the filters used in all other LG plasmas) and an included Wi-Fi dongle. The 2010 PK950 series models supplies appear to be at or near depletion. The 2010 PX950 models add adds 3D with THX certification for both 2D and 3D modes. Like the PK950 models the supplies of the PX950 3D series are near depletion. At $1345.55 for the 50-Inch, the only major differences with it and the 2011 PZ950 model are NetCast instead of Smart TV Internet connectivity and the Wi-Fi dongle is an extra cost option on the 2010 PX950, It’s a good deal at $1345.55.  The 2011 PZ950 models are now shipping along with all other 2011 plasma models.
Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email
Copyright ©2011 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.
Comments are closed.
Stay connected