Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
When a USB device is connected, a screen pops up allowing the selection of photos, music and video – the first restricted to JPG and MP3 respectively – and then a file browser lets you choose what you want to open. Our test files worked fine, but it’s a great shame that there’s no Ethernet. DLNA or even SMB support would make this much more useful, and AVC HD is an annoying omission for camcorder owners.
Good visual performance, but needs companion gear to get the most out it
The other curious connectivity option is Bluetooth. The 42SL9000 can display photos that you send from your phone using Bluetooth, which is handy, and it can also connect to a Bluetooth headset, including A2DP, so you can use the same headphones you take on the tube to watch TV late at night without disturbing people. It can also receive music with A2DP, in theory allowing you to play music from your phone through the TV’s speakers. Alas, we were unable to make that work with the Nokia E72 we had to hand.
If you’re a home automation sort of person, you might also fancy tinkering with the serial port; LG’s manual provides a detailed description of the protocol and commands, though we can’t see many ordinary users venturing down that route; the device manual is only on CD, incidentally, though a basic guide is available on-screen.
All in all, this is a well performing set – as far as it goes. It would make a great pairing for a Sky HD box, or a FreeviewHD recorder when they arrive next year. But those who want a one box HD solution, or network access to their PC media, will be a little disappointed.
Verdict
The 42SL9000 is a great looking TV set – aside from that bright power light – the produces very good pictures. If you have HD sources, it’s well worth a look. But it’s a shame there are no HD tuners built in and that the otherwise capable media playback is limited to USB, rather than having a network link. ®
More HD TV Reviews...
Sharp Aquos LC40LE700E |
Samsung UE40B7000 |
Sony Bravia KDL-46W5810 |
Toshiba Regza 37AV615DB |
LG 42SL9000
COMMENTS
No HD tuner
There is really no point buying ANY new TV over the next 6 months or so, whatever the price and however good it is - none of them will have freeview HD tuners in them, meaning buying another set-top box and having the hassles of going through an aux input just to watch them!
Feel sorry for anyone thats splasing out on a new tv and doesnt fully appreciate this fact - you can be sure the salesman in currys wont be pointing it out to them (if any of them really understand it anyway).
Same issue with the HDD recorders. Wait a year, then both will have the necessary tuner in-built. Have to be a fool to buy one at the moment!
Given that this is a "borderless" tv...
...why not a single picture showing it in use? Or is it just too disappointing?
Power lights definitely no problem
...as LG provided a setting to turn them off, I know as I've just got the 47" and it's great.
@MarkOne. LCD or Plasma is a preference and you may love Plasmas but others like myself don't. I do agree with you on OLEDs but I'm not waiting.
IT infrastructure monitoring strategies
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Top 10 SIEM implementer’s checklist
Steps to Take Before Choosing a Business Continuity Partner
Enabling efficient data center monitoring
