LG has released two new series of plasma TVs in the UK market: the PG3000 and PG6000. Both come in 42″ and 50″ versions, and feature LG’s Dual XD video processing engine and 100Hz technology, though neither boasts a true HD 1920 x 1080 native screen resolution.
The LG PG6000 range probably offer better value-for-money than the PG3000: for only between £50 and £100 extra at this time of writing, you get a higher contrast ratio (30,000:1 vs 20,000:1), an extra HDMI 1.3 port (four vs three), an eye-catching “frameless” design, and better USB port functionality (the one on PG3000 can only be used for software upgrades and not JPEG photo viewing).
Of particular interest would be the LG 42PG6000, which will go head-to-head with the new Panasonic TH42PX80 in terms of specifications and price:
Those looking for a larger screen can buy the LG 50PG6000 for just a smidgen over £1000, although be aware that the screen resolution is only 1366 x 768.
In Korea these plasma televisions proved to be a hit… more than 50,000 units have been sold in the first 3 months of 2008. The Xcanvas Topaz (PG3000) released in mid-January racked up sales of 40,000 units as of late March, while more than 10,000 units of the Xcanvas Bobos (PG6000) have been sold since its early March launch.
Among the units sold, 42″ plasmas accounted for 24,000 units whereas 50″ for 26,000 units, indicating a shift towards larger screens as they become more and more affordable. Whether this trend will be mirrored in the UK remains to be seen.
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