Breaking down barriers

Home entertainment used to mean a box in the corner of a room - but even today’s slimmed-down flatpanel TVs can seem restrictive. Which is why LG has launched its stylish new range of flatscreen TVs - a stunning line-up of sets that use all-new LED tech not only to produce even better picture quality, but truly break down all the barriers and open up the TV to everyone in a room.

And breaking down barriers is something LG, as a brand, has always believed in. LG believes that to capture consumers’ imagination and emotions effectively, TV entertainment has to expand beyond the borders of the TV screen into the home.

It’s not just physical - though using the very latest technology, the SL8000 and SL9000 TVs, announced at Berlin’s IFA show during September, are constructed to be simple for consumers to use.

They also have environmental advantages on their side - an increasingly important selling point. It’s the 42 and 47-inch SL9000 TV series - pictured above - that is the leading light in LG’s brand new range. The SL9000 uses LG’s Edge LED TV tech, something that brings consumers higher picture performance as well as some aesthetic opportunities.

LED technology refers to the backlight system in some LCD televisions. LG LED edge technology uses LED lights around the perimeter of the TV frame to enable an ultra slim depth of under 3cm. This means the TV can be hung on the wall like a picture frame.

As well as its innate slimness and unique slim-frame design - a lot of so-called flat TVs have very bulky wraparound frames - the SL9000 has two other unique selling points.

Most importantly for AV fans after the best picture quality, the SL9000 can produce extraordinary contrast ratio figures of 3,000,000:1. That allows for the SL9000 sets to create sharp, crystal clear images to contain far deeper blacks compared to rival sets.

Another great selling point - especially in these times of recession, rising electricity bills and concern for the environmental impact of our digital lives - is the SL9000’s much lower power consumption. As well as improving picture performance, using LED tech inside the panel cuts power consumption by as much as 40 per cent (so it uses around 75 per cent less power than most similarly sized TVs). The SL9000 series is also certified by the Energy Saving Trust.

Elsewhere in LG’s new line-up is the 32, 37, 42 and 47-inch SL8000, a super-slim LCD TV range that also embraces the slim-frame concept. Just like the SL9000 Edge LED TV, this Energy Saving Trust-certified series features gently curved edges and a new high-gloss material that gives it a stunning finish. This is the set to sell to customers primarily concerned with the way a TV will look in their home.

That’s LG’s all-new approach to panel design, but what about the nitty gritty? Once again, LG has made things simple by fitting all of its new range of screens with series with almost exactly the same specs.

Each has four HDMI inputs to make interacting with the hi-def world as easy as possible.
Digital files are also encompassed, with each set able to play MP3 music files, DivX video files and display JPEG photos from a memory stick attached to the TVs’ USB 2.0 port.

That might meet the demand from consumers for future-proof TVs that are versatile enough to cope with digital files, but LG has gone one step further.

As well as enabling consumers to connect a digital camera, MP3 player or flash memory device via the USB port to show off their holiday snaps and music collection, the SL9000 and SL8000 are also compatible with DivX HD - so high definition DivX movies are also possible. It’s a true multimedia experience; by moving digital files around the home quickly and simply, LG’s new TVs do away with the need for a DivX-compatible DVD player.

Innovative connectivity doesn’t end there - each set is fitted with Bluetooth, primarily to enable users to listen to the TV wirelessly using Bluetooth headphones. Alternatively, it’s possible to send music and pictures to the big screen wirelessly from a mobile phone.

All models also feature the LG Intelligent Sensor II, which analyses the ambient light in the room and automatically optimises the TVs picture settings, something that also reduces energy consumption.

“We want LG to be the top name in home entertainment,” says George Mead, TV
marketing manager. “To make this happen, we have listened closely to our customers and invested heavily in product development. These TVs look better than any others on the market and the viewing experience is second to none.”

This combination of beautiful and practical aesthetics and top-notch tech makes LG’s LED and super-slim screens ones to watch.
www.lge.co.uk