Extremely thin HDTVs are common with the newest technology in this market, the LED-backlit LCD TVs, but not really with the standard LCD displays. The new LG 42SL80, perhaps, is the thinnest thus far among all standard LCD TVs. This LG model does not only boast of this, but also of its overall design and picture quality.

Chic and Stylish Design

From afar, the LG 42SL80 looks virtually frameless. Upon careful inspection, the thin frame around the huge display panel becomes visible and the single thin sheet of glass covering them is more apparent. This gives the TV a neat, glass-overall exterior. The internal 10-watt speakers also did not bother to interfere with the sleek design as it is very well hidden behind the panel.

To maintain the streamlined design, the SL80 does not have any buttons sticking out of the frame. Instead, there are touch-sensitive controls that briefly illuminate on finger swipe. For those who are not quick enough to identify the briefly illuminated labels (only remains lit for 5 seconds), it will be much easier to use the remote control. The clicker for the LG 42SL80 matches the unit’s exterior having a glossy finish as well. There are 45 fairly-sized buttons which, however, lack illumination.

Features and Performance

One notable feature of most LG displays, which is also found in the 42SL80, is the Picture Wizard. The wizard is much useful for those who are not that keen in the different picture settings. It guides the user through basic configurations of common picture settings such as contrast, black and white levels, backlighting, color saturation, sharpness and color gain. The output can be saved and assigned to a particular input.

Color accuracy is excellent, except for the minor oversaturation of blue colors on some occasions. Images come out natural with the deep black levels and relatively high contrast ratio of this display, especially from HD sources. There are some haloing noticed, but can be eliminated by deactivating the TruMotion feature of the LG 42SL80. Watching standard definition TV, though, appears to be quite soft with some jagged edges.

The LG 42SL80 is also equipped with Super In-plane Switching (S-IPS) technology which allows for wider viewing angles. In terms of connectivity, this model has ample amount of ports with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 component audio and video inputs, 2 composite A/V ports, PC input, USB port, optical digital audio output and a PC audio input.

The LG 42SL80 is truly a good choice for those seeking an aesthetically elegant display coupled with great HD picture quality and a good price ($1,034.99 with Free Shipping at Amazon).