Why You Can Trust CNET LG Scarlet 42LG61YD review: LG Scarlet 42LG61YD
The LG Scarlet 42LG61YD is an exceptional 1080p television with great design, features and a well implemented 100Hz mode. Considering the cost and the improvements over the previous Scarlet, this is definitely a good buy.
When we last looked at the LG Scarlet series, we were impressed by the televisions' image quality and design but disappointed by the sound quality. The 42LG61YD is an updated version of the 42LG60FD with a new chassis colour and added 100Hz TruMotion support. Looking at the specifications of both units, there isn't much to tell them apart, but in our tests we found that the sound quality has been vastly improved and the new 100Hz modes work surprisingly well.
LG Scarlet 42LG61YD
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Design
The "scarlet" finish that had adorned the rear of the previous unit is gone, replaced by an attractive midnight blue. The stand has a mirrored look and in the middle of the lower bezel there is a hollow cylindrical opening that extends to the rear of the television. When switched off, red neon glows inside the cavity which pulses white on start up and glows blue while the unit is in use. Apart from the new colour on the rear of the unit, the design is pretty much identical to previous Scarlet models. Another impressive design element is its 44.7mm depth, making it one of the most slender units on the market.
At the rear, there are three HDMI ports, two Component and single S-Video and Composite connections. Additional HDMI and composite connection is found on the left side of the panel as well as USB for MP3 and JPG playback. There is also an analogue 15pin D-Sub port at the rear for PC hookup. All connections are easy to access and the abundance of HDMI ports makes it perfect for those concerned with purchasing a "future proof" unit. Unfortunately, the handshake lag on the HDMI ports is still present, taking around six seconds to switch inputs. While not a massive problem, it can get a tad annoying.
Features
The most obvious change in this unit over previous models is the inclusion of 100hz TruMotion technology. Those not keen on the "fake" look that 100Hz modes tend to offer, will be pleased with this unit. The LG gives the choice of high and low settings on its 100Hz mode which offers a lot of flexibility. At "high", motion was smoothed out quite well but the images look like they were originally shot on digital video. At the "low" setting, however, any judder problems were greatly reduced while the image also retained a convincing film look with appropriate motion blur.
To allow users to take full advantage of Blu-Ray (and HD-DVD) films, the 42LG61YD is able to display content authored in 1080p24. This format is designed to replicate the traditional 24 frames per second in which movies are projected.
The unit also has an automatic image calibration system called the "Intelligent sensor" which adjusts the image based on the amount of light in the room. We found it tended to adjust the image in ways which weren't optimal, and left it off -- so its usefulness is really a matter of personal preference.
Performance
We ran the LG Scarlet though a battery of tests at the three main resolutions to determine if the TV suffered any image quality issues in native or interpolated resolutions. At 1080p and 720p there were none to speak of. Colours were rich and black levels were excellent. There was some minor over-sharpening, but this was corrected using the on-screen calibration options.
The unit has four preset picture modes, two expert modes and two specially calibrated ISF (Image Science Foundation) modes. The regular picture mode tended display a little background noise when viewing Blu-ray films but we found it could be removed using the expert modes. The wide variety of calibration options will be a welcomed feature for those that strive for the best image quality possible.
For many 1080p televisions, DVD playback is a challenge, especially achieving a good level of definition without too many aberrations. The upscaling of 576i/p content on this unit is quite impressive. There was very little noise or edge pixelation and the image was clear with no overt problems. Considering how well the interpolation was performed, this unit is sure to be a popular choice for the DVD enthusiast.
Our biggest complaint with previous Scarlet units was the appalling sound quality. It seems that the lackluster sound of the past has been addressed and this unit is actually not too bad. In the previous models, the effects and score overpowered the dialogue with subtle sounds being lost in the din. On the 42LG61YD, there is still a minor emphasis on effects over dialogue but it's a lot less problematic. The sound on this unit is on par with most televisions on the market and will be adequate for those without a home theatre setup.
Conclusion
The LG Scarlet 42LG61YD is an improvement on previous Scarlet models. The design and sound quality has been improved and the 100Hz mode is implemented well.