I am a 65 year old non-techy who wanted to upgrade my sit-up-and-beg old tv +Sky Freeview/dish, but how very confusing it is with so much choice available and jargon. I was going for a Panasonic plasma but couldn't find a 37" to inspect, and I have heard mixed reports, so after much research I finally settled on this non-reviewed LG model. I'm glad I did.
I summarise my opinion as follows:
*First, an excellent service as usual from Amazon.
*I wanted an up-to-date model incorporating 37" screen, 100MH, LED, Freeview HD. Many that you see are `old' models; this one is May 2011. Always look for the date in Amazon's description.
* Taking it out the box, this is certainly the slimmest TV I have ever seen, and very smart. The solid base is easily attached by 6 small screws.
*I panicked that there was no scart socket but an adaptor is included. The sockets are upwards or sideways fitting so there is minimal affect on the slim profile. Panic no. 2 was when the screen brightness started to fade of its own accord as the outside light faded in the evening but I discovered this auto feature can be switched off (much better).
*The self-tuning started straightaway and soon brought in 80+ Freeview channels and 24 radio stations.
*The HD channels are fine but I really can't see a huge difference between this and SD. I gather that many so-called HD channels don't always broadcast in HD. The advantage varies slightly from channel to channel.
* Most importantly, I cannot fault the picture or sound quality. Awesome. I cannot see any indication of the ripple/blurring of outlines, especially in fast moving scenes, that was a problem with earlier models. I was also relieved that channel-changing is quite quick without that irritating 3-4 second wait. I have slight high frequency deafness but with this tv I don't seem to need the volume up in the way that I did with the old set.
* I was pleased to learn that I could separately plug in my Sky box via the scart adaptor so now, if I want, I can easily switch between Sky Freeview and the built in Freeview. This gives me as many channels as I want without monthly outlay.
* The manual is ultra thin too, and perhaps not very comprehensive, but there are 2 CDs which I have not yet played.
* The remote control is well set out and I have just about got the hang of it.
* A word of caution: have you noticed how the salerooms seem to be pushing larger and larger screens? I was going to go for a 42" but now I am glad I did not. I have an 18'x12' living room and even this 37" tends to dominate the corner and risks being too `in your face'. If in doubt, make a cardboard template and judge for yourself. I am also glad I did not mount over the fireplace since I think that viewing on eye-level is much preferable. Otherwise it would certainly be very slim for wall-mounting.
* As I say, I am not a techy and have not yet got to grips with all the additional SMART features etc of this incredible tv, but it looks as if I must now buy a dongle and experiment with the help of my much more technology-intuitive grandson !
* One phones to register the free 1 year guarantee and I got the hard sale to extend this for monthly payments totalling £120. I declined, but it's a gamble isn't it, and if anything goes wrong I doubt if there's anyone around who can cheaply repair these tvs.
Basically, I am very very satisfied and I can think of no negative aspects to report. Maybe the cost seems a little high but not really for this spec. and for an up-to-date model. I won't miss 3D, simply can't see this catching on because you feel detached from your surroundings and having to buy all those sets of spare glasses and buying batteries for them ...ugh....no thanks! I'll wait for projected hologram tv (if I live long enough!)
I hope this helps others who feel at risk of being lost in the maze of telly-choice!