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LG Shows Off LED-lit LCD TVs: 42SL90 and 47SL90

By Chris Boylan

For LG, apparently high performance isn't enough.  This year they're getting serious about features and style, to stand out from the crowd.  Case in point, their announcements of support for VUDU in select HDTV models and in their BD390 Blu-ray player.  LG was first to announce the inclusion of this internet-based content service in its products.  And now, with their SL90 and SL80 series of LCD televisions they're offering a sleek single pane of glass front panel style to set themselves apart in the looks department as well.

Introduced for the U.S. market last week at CEDIA Expo in Atlanta, the new 47- and 42-inch SL90 series HDTVs feature LED lighting and other display technologies developed by LG Electronics.   Unlike conventional LCD TVs, where the panel is recessed within a thick plastic frame, LG's SL90 models use a single-layer design and narrow bezel, designed to maximize the viewable area and to look good whether they're on or off.

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LG's SL90 line of LCD TVs features LED backlighting for enhanced brightness and contrast.
The SL90 also sits close to the wall with a depth of just 1.15 inches and offers a claimed dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 courtesy of its LED light source.  The SL90 series does not offer local dimming, however for true top of the line contrast performance.  For this, you'll need to step up to the LH90 or LHX series.  The SL90 series does incorporate advanced display and calibration options however -- including ISFccc controls -- so that home theater enthusiasts and custom installers can squeeze every last drop of performance out of the image. The LS90's TruMotion 120Hz technology helps to reduce motion blur - a bane of LCD technology. 

An SL80 line is also being launched with similar cosmetics and features but with CCFL backlighting instead of LED and with 240 Hz motion processing.  The claimed dynamic contrast ratio of the SL80 models is a still respectable 150,000:1. 

Both the SL80 and SL90 series of sets all meet the newest Energy Star 3.0 ratings and come equipped with Intelligent Sensor, which senses the ambient light in the room and adjusts color and brightness accordingly and can also save energy. Additionally, a mechanical on/off switch eliminates standby power consumption completely, if desired. 

Full model and list pricing breakdown follows:

SL80 models are available now while SL90 models are expected to begin shipping later this fall. 

More Information:

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