The segment of the really big 3D smart TVs is attractive especially for casual stargazers who want to just invest no high three- or four-figure sums into a TV. When excessive television consumption of consumption of around 75 watts hardly matters compared to a LED TV; the price difference of at least 200-300 euros for a similar sized LED device to play through electricity savings at an average of 1-2 hours of use per day at the earliest after ten to twenty years again.
A downer for the price-conscious buyers, the shutter technique that is applied for this device. Thanks to the compatible and quite useful Samsung glasses that are to have a double in WHD already for scarcely more than fifteen euros, the problem of "expensive" shutter glasses into perspective now, however, very. Some may even evaluate the benefits of a "real" FullHD 3D image more than the cost of three to four glasses.
** Features **
Commandments so some is the LG 50PM670S for money. The connector range includes 4 HDMI ports all major formats (DVI / VGA / Composite / SCART / TOSLink etc); hardly a device is likely to remain without a matching port here. In addition to the plasma typically very high-contrast image, you get a full-fledged streaming TV with receiving parts for all common types of broadcasters (cable, DTT, satellite), slot for encryption modules (CI +), browser and a fairly complete range with more than a dozen Internet services , of max cathedrals on Youtube to Zattoo. There is also a DLNA client of the middle class, which allows you to play media files from your own server or smart phone directly via the home network and a 3D HD streaming portal of LG, which offers kindly from the start a few movies and concerts for free. So you have immediately after the first time you turn suitable "3D test material" available. About a "AppStore" LG can provide additional services and programs, and games - be installed separately in addition to the TV - but many, many charge for free.
To receive encrypted cable TV or pay-TV programs is an additional, so-called "CI + module" is required, which can be laterally push the back of the TV. This module is not included and costs around seventy new euros extra. However, it is offered free of charge contractors or very favorable for borrowing in many (Cable), so that a purchase is not always worth it!
A USB port for external hard drives (not included) turns the device into a digital video recorder that lets you "stop" and the current program and can later continue watching (TimeShift). Unfortunately, the recordings of the TV can not be used on the PC on, because LG stores the data in a proprietary format.
** CONSTRUCTION AND PACKAGE **
The structure is quite easy as long as you unpack the bulky piece with at least two adults. To install the supplied, stable and reasonably decorative stand should hold a Phillips screwdriver ready which is not in the package. To install a wall mount (sold separately) are M60 thread in the distance 400x400 on the back of the TV. A stable, adjustable model with two holding arms is advisable in this size category and have now also inexpensive.
I would like to commend the half-dozen supplied, massive ferrite cores for interference-free connection often deficient shielded analog cable. The power cord is angled on the device and as always - unfortunately - black. So who plastered black, can look forward to the inconspicuous cable. If you want to mount the TV as close to the wall that the angle plug plays a role, then you should also equal the HDMI cable for Port 3 and 4 and get all the necessary analog, DVI, TOSLink and network cables each with right angle plug.
After connecting all the cables, turn on and any possible, first channel scan, it is recommended to first turn on the "3D World". This leads to the TV as long as the Internet is available, once an update to its built-in software by. The software makes several references to a particularly cool remote control called "Magic Remote", which unfortunately has to be purchased separately. The supplied remote control, however, has the usual buttons desert and unfortunately - as opposed to most other TV models from LG - not even a light.
** IMAGE PANEL AND SOUND **
Most LCD TVs LG puts the loose in the bag. The subjective image impression is by plasma standards pretty good (2+), but not outstanding. At this price level should then probably not expect too much. The black level seems a little less black than I would have expected in a plasma - compared to an LCD but still very good. The much-discussed, supposedly typical plasma "burn-in effects" so far I could not recognize - but probably a kind of shadow, the left and short to very short note, bright picture areas when the screen suddenly goes black then. However, this shadow effect lasts only a few seconds and is visible by no means permanent or even when power is off. He is said by many devices after some time by themselves are weaker or disappear altogether. I have the effect but not so clearly seen in any device, like this.
The colors are a bit too strong for me by default, but can be set course. We sit just eight feet away from the device; somewhat less than generally recommended distance. Subjectively I could but even like a few centimeters closer; the picture is still sharp and crisp is still completely visible through the eyes.
The reflective surface I find a bit annoying, but not as bad as some other reviewer apparently. When you buy a plasma TV, you should think about before. The front should be aligned when installing the TV set so that one unit switched off in the normal seating position no windows and no lights "in the mirror" sees. Windows at a 90 ° angle to the TV should also during the day make no major problems unless just throwing direct sunlight on the TV. In the latter case the watching does well with less reflective devices no longer fun.
Volume-related - - not from a stool The tone skin. However, the sound of a flat unit compared is quite above average. Nevertheless, even the last penny pincher should better yet dranflanschen a small plant for the right home theater sound. An optical digital output for the sound, with adjustable delay is, in any case available.
** 3D and glasses **
To test the 3D glasses a BluRay of Avatar and various demo videos and concerts from the "3D World" portal of the television was used. Here you can then already see very well how highly dependent the impression of a 3D video on the quality of production. Clean-produced material as Avatar is from 50PM670S very sharp, vivid, brilliant and without ghosting effects reproduced; in the dark is absolutely no difference to the "Cinema 3D" recognizable. Strong pop-out effects affect me though quite strenuous; but that is no different in the cinema. Although the somewhat luminous plasma panel breaks no Lumen records, can compensate for the loss of light through the glasses largely effortlessly, so that dark image parts are not "bogged down". Even with the "cheap glasses" of the Samsung image impression is flawless; these sit somewhat uncomfortable on the nose as the expensive model of LG, which also an extra attachment for eyeglass wearers brings, which can be used instead of the normal (comfortable) nose saddle.
Advice / Tip: For children / head sizes below 10 years appropriate shutter glasses are so far very rare and expensive. However, there is also the question of the pedagogical implications of consuming 3D movies at this age. The children should deal with something more meaningful might prefer. But that's just my opinion. The manual of LG prohibits the use of 3D for children under 5 years completely, especially without constant supervision, since the effects of this age still substantially stronger in the brain act as in the elderly!
Those who want to necessarily see with young children 3D, should look rather for a passive 3D TV. For passive devices can remove the jars from the usual 1-cinema glasses and trim to fit a child's sunglasses.
** Software and operation **
Software is abundant. To mention every program in this TV, beyond the scope of a normal review. I confine myself to the observation that there are many programs, some of them even with utility, as well as (simple) games and go otherwise only on the Media Player and DLNA. The DLNA client recognizes all my devices and media servers, however, come with very large amounts of files and directories does not always along well. At times he has dropouts, then you have to restart the software. To look at holiday videos and photos from your mobile phone it is always okay, but I miss a "slideshow" feature! Most video formats including MKV will also play without any problems.
Music and sound tracks in relatively popular "OGG Vorbis" format not like the built-in Media Player, however.
Recommended for owners of Android smartphones is the free app "LG TV Remote" in the Google Market. It connects to your TV via Wi-Fi and displayed on the touch screen of the phone, a keyboard or a mouse pad a, facilitate control of the television tremendously, making the purchase of an additional "Magic Remote" which practically superfluous.
The latter is otherwise sadly almost a must as most Internet functionality of 50PM670S that came with the remote controller are hardly useful usable. Entering login information or even multiple words (eg search function in the browser or movie search in max cathedrals) unit for arduous clicking orgy. The lack of lighting, the poor pressure point of the directional pad and the lack of correction button do it again super heavyweight.
** Conclusion **
I think for the price paid by me (options see Introduction) that offered very convincing and would buy this TV for the same price at once.
The aforementioned shadow effects I find unexpected and disturbing. In combination with small defects in the software and the included remote control, which is suitable enough not for all functions of the device, I admit still a star deduction. In addition, no glasses in the offer of Amazon here. Full five stars were there with Magic Remote and glasses.
