LG 42LD550 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Applications

LG LD550 vs Samsung C630

Picture quality on both is outstanding.

No noticeable imperfections in the display of either set.

The support base on the Samsung is superior and very rigid compared to the LG model (not applicable to a wall mount).

The remote controls are comparable but Samsung has a built-in light while LG does not.

The LG screen is 2 inches bigger with more features than the Samsung.

Issues.

Task: Watch MP4 video from a USB hard drive and from USB memory sticks.

The Samsung played part of the MP4 movies and stopped. Then, it skipped to the next movie when playing from either the stick or the hard drive.

It would play 1 hour 25 minutes and 43 seconds of two movies and only 24 minutes of a 3rd movie.

The hard drive and stick was a 30 Gb and 8 Gb formatted with NTFS and FAT32 respectively.

The latest software/firmware was installed on the TV via the Ethernet port.

Both USB ports were tried but the problem persisted.

Technical Service

Samsung.

Samsung customer service said “this TV model was not designed to play full MP4 movies, only short clips.”
To fix it, a service visit would be charged if no problem was found with the hardware.

After speaking with 2 more representatives and finally speaking with a technical service representative, they promised a call back within 24 hours.

After waiting a while, the Samsung was returned.

No one from Samsung ever called back (it has now been weeks).

LG.

The TV arrived without the Nero CD.
After calling LG customer service, they could not guarantee shipment of the missing CD. Instead, they recommended downloading the trial version from Nero.

So, I contacted Amazon Customer Service. They told LG to send the CD. LG confirmed it “is in the mail” but it still has not arrived. This leaves me stuck with the Nero trial version, which does not support MP4!!!

Setup.

The initial setup was equally easy for both brands. The Samsung software/firmware was up to date. It took a short while for the LG to update from version 06.01.05 to 08.02.16 which may be because LG issues updates when new Netcast services comes online.

The initial channel lineup was easier to manage on the Samsung.

LG 42LD550 42-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV with Internet Applications back inputs

The LG Choice

This LG played my MP4 videos without a problem. It plays from a 1 TB hard drive and any USB memory device (FAT32 or NTFS format).

It also plays M4V video, Apple’s MP4 file extension.

You also get…

• Netcast, direct access to Netflix, YouTube, Yahoo weather (and others).
• Free Nero MediaHome 4 CD for Digital Living (DLNA) connecting wired or wireless computers or other networked devices to the TV.

NETCAST

With Netcast, my laptop PC shows NETFLIX anywhere in the house. In fact, picture and sound quality seem better than connected to the PC. Select, start/stop, and pause movies with the LG remote.

The TV has the RGB and stereo mini-plug for a PC if you need it.

NETFLIX

NETFLIX was easy to set up. Just push the Netcast button on the LG remote. Click on the Netflix icon. Enter the code on the TV on your PC. Now, watch Netflix movies (you need a Netflix account).

DLNA (Digital Living Network Association)

Once you install Nero on the PC, the TV accesses any drive on the network. From the LG remote, browse all Music, Video and Family pictures stored anywhere on a home network (Nero requires access to the specific folders before the TV gets access).

The LG customer support said the TVersity software (free) works as an alternative to Nero.

Which is Better?

For the price, performance, size, and features, the LG 42LD550 is the clear choice.