X

LG LH20 series (photos)

We can't fault the LG LH20 series for trying. The company's least expensive lineup of LCDs for 2009 offers more features than the competition, including the only USB port for digital photos and by far the best selection of picture adjustments. All of those tweaks allow users to dial in superb color, but color accuracy only goes so far when black levels look gray instead. But as long as you don't expect deep blacks from your low-buck LCD (and why should you?), the LG LH20 series still has a lot to offer for a tempting price.

David Katzmaier
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
David Katzmaier
335616802440ANGL.jpg
1 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--overview

We can't fault the LG LH20 series for trying. The company's least expensive lineup of LCDs for 2009 offers more features than the competition, including the only USB port for digital photos and by far the best selection of picture adjustments. All of those tweaks allow users to dial in superb color, but color accuracy only goes so far when black levels look gray instead. But as long as you don't expect deep blacks from your low-buck LCD (and why should you?), the LG LH20 series still has a lot to offer for a tempting price.

Read the full review of the LG LH20 series

335616802440DT3.jpg
2 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--corner detail

The LG's straightforward exterior fronts the same kind of gloss-black frame seen on most of its competition, and the overall look is unobtrusive yet distinguished. The bottom edge curves slightly, and LG's characteristic subtly protruding, illuminated power indicator lives on the bottom right, serving as the sole accent. The stand swivels and matches the panel with its glossy black.
335616802440RMT.jpg
3 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--remote

Although the remote is better than many at this level, it could still stand improvement. Our biggest hang-up was lack of a dedicated aspect ratio button, and we couldn't get used to the placement of the menu key to the lower-left of the big cursor control. There is a prominent, appropriately-colored key toward the top labeled "Energy Saving" that calls up those settings. On the plus side, we liked the feel of the clicking, rubberized cursor control. A cluster of keys at the bottom of the remote can command other gear that's compatible with the HDMI-CEC control-over-HDMI scheme, but the remote can't control other devices via infrared.
335616802440DT1.jpg
4 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--back panel inputs

Connectivity is essentially standard with the exception of an RS-232 control port for custom installations, which isn't standard equipment on any TV. The back panel offers two HDMI ports, a component-video input, an AV input with composite video, a RF input for antenna or cable, an RGB-style analog PC input (1,360x768 maximum resolution), and an optical digital audio output.
335616802440DT2.jpg
5 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--side panel inputs

The side panel input bay includes a second AV input with composite video and a USB jack.
335616802440DT4.jpg
6 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--Quick menu

The rotary Quick Menu circumvents the main menu and offers a direct route to major functions.
335616802440DT5.jpg
7 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--main picture menu

The LG offers more picture settings than any other entry-level LCD by a long shot.
335616802440DT6.jpg
8 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--advanced picture menu

The Advanced picture controls available in most picture modes are just the tip of the iceberg.
335616802440DT7.jpg
9 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--10-point IRE

The Expert picture modes offer a 10-point white balance option, which has been improved from last year.
335616802440DT8.jpg
10 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--color filter (green)

Color filters for blue-only, green-only, and red-only help set and evaluate color balance.
11 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

LG LH20 series--picture quality

While all of those picture controls go a long way toward making the LG the most color-accurate small LCD we've ever tested, that can't address its fundamental flaw: light black levels. Unfortunately for LG, in the LH20's case the latter trumps the former at affecting the overall look of the picture.

Read the full review of the LG LH20 series

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos