LG 42LE7900 review

This solidly professional 42 incher from LG really delivers the goods - OK there are a few flaws, but all in all we really like what it can do Tested at £1200.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Capable and covetable, this is well worth considering

Pros

  • +

    Specification and looks allure

  • +

    detailed, smoothly rendered images from all sources

Cons

  • -

    Struggles to deliver true black

  • -

    iffy sound

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

For combining slim good looks with full-fat specification, LG's new Infinia range takes a bit of beating.

This 42-inch, LED-backlit LCD squeezes Freeview HD reception and wireless streaming from multiple sources into a frame just 34mm deep. It's as ergonomically competent as all recent LG offerings, too.

The 42LE7900 does solidly professional work – bar with sound. 1080p Blu-ray images are colourful and detailed, with motion smoothly delivered, once the 100Hz ‘TruMotion' processing is turned off. Edges are crisply defined, and even complex patterns remain solid and stable.

Good with Freeview HD
Any of the three high-definition channels the tuner can receive are enjoyable, and standard-definition reception is on a par with our favourite sets of this size.

The LG's a fine upscaler of DVDs, too – details levels are impressive, and it's particularly adept with skintones and textures. Whites stay clean and bright, and the colour palette is natural and extensive.

There's not quite the depth to black tones we'd like, though, and so not the extremes of contrast. The edge-lit LED backlighting is culpable, boil-washing blacks when it's disabled and rather spotlighting bright areas in otherwise-dark scenes when it's on.

And sound is textbook slim TV: diaphanous and toppy. But overall there's plenty to enjoy here, and the price is only heading one way…

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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