LCD and Plasma Bargains and Discussions thread

[wily me]

I meant your friend's model. Is that right?

Yes I had good 3D experience on my friends model, a excellent product the same as Mr_Bee experienced. I set it up for him and gave him many 3D videos and documentaries to watch.

From 4 months ago:

Around and round and round we go.

Yes you never learn! Your TV's must only be good for the pawn shop by now

You've probably noticed it's mostly the LGs with the poor black levels. Combined with the fact of non uniform blacks/light bleed/white spots which affects most LCDs esp. entry.

What utter garbage and lies again

Sure read this:

Review User ReviewsSpecsCompareShop
Connectivity
HDMI inputs 4 Component video inputs
Composite video input(s) 2 VGA-style PC input(s) 1
USB port 2 Ethernet (LAN) port Yes
Unlike Samsung and Panasonic LG blesses its slim TVs with a set of honest-to-goodness multicolored RCA jacks that don't require breakout cables (although the second component/composite input does). Users of the USB Wi-Fi dongle might want a third USB port, but we doubt it.


No extra breakout cables are required for one component and composite input.
Performance
The LG LW5600 is a very good overall performer for an edge-lit LED, matching its Samsung competitor the Samsung UN46D6400 with a "7" in this subcategory--although each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. We were most impressed by the LG's color, and while local dimming causes blooming and artifacts, the deep black levels and better uniformity were worth the tradeoff. 3D picture quality was, as we saw on the other passive TV we reviewed, inferior to active in key ways, but should still be appealing to less discerning eyes (and people who want to save money on a family's worth of glasses).


Picture settings:
LG 47LW5600
The LW5600 series' best picture mode prior to calibration was Expert, but it measured worse, (specifically, bluer and with inaccurate secondary colors) than the best default modes on most TVs we've tested recently. Our calibration resulted in nearly perfect color in all but the darkest areas, thanks to LG's excellent grayscale and solid color management controls.

We calibrated both Off and High local dimming settings, but ended up using High in our evaluation because of its black level advantages (in Off we measured 0 percent at an unimpressive 0.0327 fL). We've included the picture settings for Off as well, if you'd like to compare.

For our image quality testing we watched "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1" on Blu-ray and compared the LG to the lineup below.

Comparison models (details)
Samsung UN46D6400 46-inch LED-based LCD
Sony KDL-46EX720 46-inch LED-based LCD
Panasonic TC-P50ST30 50-inch plasma
Sharp LC-60LE830U 60 inch LED-based LED
Vizio XVT553SV 55-inch LED-based LCD
Samsung PN59D8000 (reference) 59-inch plasma

Black level: The LW5600 performed well in this area, outdoing the blackness of the Sharp and Sony, running neck-and-neck with the Samsung UND6400 and falling a bit short of the plasmas and the Vizio. Its 0 percent black measurement was superb comparatively speaking, but doesn't tell the whole story. In dark scenes with some bright content, like the banquet in Chapter 2, areas like the letterbox bars, the black of the extinguished fireplace and Snape's cape (4:22) was a bit brighter than the three best in our lineup.

Despite the deep blacks the LG's contrast or "pop" was also a bit worse than most of the other displays (aside from the Sharp and Sony). The bright areas of dark scenes, like the ice, shiny sword and Harry's skin in Chapter 22, or the snow in Chapter 20, were dimmer on the LG, robbing them of some impact. In brighter scenes the difference was nonexistent.

In most scenes blooming caused by the edge-lit local dimming LEDs wasn't an issue. That said we did notice excessive blooming, which manifests as brightness in areas that should be dark, when viewing bright objects amidst dark backgrounds in some scenes. The "black" areas to either side of the rectangles we measure during calibration, for example, were much brighter than the "black" areas above and below. We noticed similar effects occasionally during program material--the white text of the PS3's information overlay, and the text of the credits, caused the surrounding black areas to brighten. We also occasionally saw strange artifacts like a sort of floating area of brightness along the edge of the letterbox bar in Chapter 22 (1:39:04). They were also relatively rare, however.

Disabling local dimming completely removed blooming and those artifacts, but also caused black levels to worsen significantly and wash out the entire image. The Low and Medium settings also lessened the levels of blooming, but black levels suffered somewhat as well. Of course the UND6400 managed to deliver basically the same black levels as the LG without local dimming or blooming.

The LW5600's shadow detail fell slightly short of the UND6400, with just a bit less detail in areas like the dark jackets of Harry and the old woman (1:29:00), but matched or exceeded the other displays in our lineup. We also appreciated that the screen didn't turn off during brief fades to black, like the UND6400 and the Vizio did.

Color accuracy: As usual for an LG the LW5600 excelled in this category. In both bright and dark scenes it beat all of the other displays except for the reference Samsung D8000 plasma. Skin tones, like the faces of Harry and Hermione in the day lit forest of Chapter 14, looked natural, while the green of the shrubs and the colors in their clothing looked just right.

Colors near black were also more accurate than the rest of the LCDs, although the Vizio was close. We really appreciated that the letterbox bars and shadows didn't look tinges with blue, as they did on the Samsung, Sony and Sharp LEDs.

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-infinia-55lw5600/4505-6482_7-34468442-2.html

Nowhere a huge train-smash as you try and tell everyone, it's all in your mind. As I said the differences are minuscule. Thus I rather read reviews than take advice from the resident plasma biased LED/LCD bash'er.

 

[PostmanPot]

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-infinia-55lw5600/4505-6482_7-34468442-2.html

Nowhere a huge train-smash as you try and tell everyone, it's all in your mind. As I said the differences are minuscule. Thus I rather read reviews than take advice from the resident plasma biased LED/LCD bash'er.

A revealing review.

Current reference display: As of September 2008, CNET uses the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD as the primary reference display for black level performance. As of early 2012 it still produces the best overall 2D picture quality we've tested. In 2012 we will also use the Samsung PN59D8000 and Sharp Elite PRO-60X5FD for color and black-level reference, respectively, as well as the Samsung UN55D8000 for 3D reference.

Black-level: We comment on the depth of black a TV is capable of producing. Since deeper, "blacker" blacks lead to more-realistic pictures, higher contrast, and more "pop" and color saturation, we consider black level the most important single performance characteristic of a TV. We also talk about shadow detail and gamma in this section. Subjective observations are supported by the "Black luminance (0%)" and "Avg. gamma" measurements in the Geek Box (see below).

The bad: This LG LED TV is relatively expensive. Its edge-lit local dimming LED scheme produces some artifacts and blooming; highlights were somewhat muted in dark scenes; and even from off-angle the picture loses contrast worse than most such TVs. The LW5600's Smart TV lacks Pandora and its search is next to useless. Passive 3D shows a softer image with more artifacts and worse overall quality than active.

Black level: The LW5600 performed well in this area, outdoing the blackness of the Sharp and Sony, running neck-and-neck with the Samsung UND6400 and falling a bit short of the plasmas and the Vizio. Its 0 percent black measurement was superb comparatively speaking, but doesn't tell the whole story. In dark scenes with some bright content, like the banquet in Chapter 2, areas like the letterbox bars, the black of the extinguished fireplace and Snape's cape (4:22) was a bit brighter than the three best in our lineup.

Despite the deep blacks the LG's contrast or "pop" was also a bit worse than most of the other displays (aside from the Sharp and Sony). The bright areas of dark scenes, like the ice, shiny sword and Harry's skin in Chapter 22, or the snow in Chapter 20, were dimmer on the LG, robbing them of some impact. In brighter scenes the difference was nonexistent.

"0% black measurement" and "a bit worse" are helluva scientific. One wonders who they're targeting this review at, I'd certainly be interested in the facts to put against the facts from TelevisionInfo.

In most scenes blooming caused by the edge-lit local dimming LEDs wasn't an issue. That said we did notice excessive blooming, which manifests as brightness in areas that should be dark, when viewing bright objects amidst dark backgrounds in some scenes. The "black" areas to either side of the rectangles we measure during calibration, for example, were much brighter than the "black" areas above and below. We noticed similar effects occasionally during program material--the white text of the PS3's information overlay, and the text of the credits, caused the surrounding black areas to brighten. We also occasionally saw strange artifacts like a sort of floating area of brightness along the edge of the letterbox bar in Chapter 22 (1:39:04). They were also relatively rare, however.

Disabling local dimming completely removed blooming and those artifacts, but also caused black levels to worsen significantly and wash out the entire image. The Low and Medium settings also lessened the levels of blooming, but black levels suffered somewhat as well. Of course the UND6400 managed to deliver basically the same black levels as the LG without local dimming or blooming.

The LW5600's shadow detail fell slightly short of the UND6400, with just a bit less detail in areas like the dark jackets of Harry and the old woman (1:29:00), but matched or exceeded the other displays in our lineup. We also appreciated that the screen didn't turn off during brief fades to black, like the UND6400 and the Vizio did.

Very, revealing.

Their expert opinions are very inconsistent with yours.

 

[wily me]

A revealing review.

"0% black measurement" and "a bit worse" are helluva scientific. One wonders who they're targeting this review at, I'd certainly be interested in the facts to put against the facts from TelevisionInfo.

Very, revealing.

Their expert opinions are very inconsistent with yours.

Where did I disagree or dispute with anything in that review. Comprehend friend, comprehend. I said that the black level differences in modern day LCD/LED's compared to your Plasma's are insignificant and minuscule. Practically every review like the one I linked to agree on this thus again the only one here with over exaggeration of the black levels are you with your out of date overly biased view based on your out of date experience on your old and out of date Tv's. Thus it's only inconstant in your overly biased mind. There are many more factors to look at in modern day Tv's than only the black levels, maybe you must listen to Dolby, he is a wise guy with all the experience about LED's and Plasmas, he owned them all and trade the plasma for a decent LED. and he never complained and boy, can he complain when he is unhappy. The there is Mr_Bee, Roman, me and many others you had the exact same arguments with the exact same links with the exact same pre-conceived biases. It's really getting tiring, boring and pretty old now.

PS: Read my signature again!

 

[PostmanPot]

Where did I disagree or dispute with anything in that review.

Black levels aren't important to you, and you feel they should not be important to consumers unaware.

Comprehend friend, comprehend. I said that the black level differences in modern day LCD/LED's compared to your Plasma's are insignificant and minuscule. Practically every review like the one I linked to agree on this thus again the only one here with over exaggeration of the black levels are you with your out of date overly biased view based on your out of date experience on your old and out of date Tv's.

Black consistency is more important than black levels these days, most modern LCDs give favourable black levels at the center where they're often measured. Pity about the edges (and sometimes random spots on the screen) which are affected by the nature of back-lighting.

Thus it's only inconstant in your overly biased mind. There are many more factors to look at in modern day Tv's than only the black levels, maybe you must listen to Dolby, he is a wise guy with all the experience about LED's and Plasmas, he owned them all and trade the plasma for a decent LED. and he never complained and boy, can he complain when he is unhappy.

Dolby owns a 'CFFL' which has a higher contrast and more consistent black levels than the 2-3 years more modern LED backlit replacement.

The there is Mr_Bee, Roman, me and many others you had the exact same arguments with the exact same links with the exact same pre-conceived biases. It's really getting tiring, boring and pretty old now.

Roman and I agree on black levels, which rings true with CNET.

PS: Read my signature again!

Life's good.

 

[wily me]

Black levels aren't important to you, and you feel they should not be important to consumers unaware.



Black consistency is more important than black levels these days, most modern LCDs give favourable black levels at the center where they're often measured. Pity about the edges (and sometimes random spots on the screen) which are affected by the nature of back-lighting.

My views aren't only based on mine and my friends' TVs.



Dolby owns a 'CFFL' which has a higher contrast and more consistent black levels than the 2-3 years more modern LED backlit replacement.



Roman and I agree on black levels, which rings true with CNET.



Life's good.

I never disputed the importance of black levels but as the differences are so small on modern TV's that is not the only thing to consider today before you purchase. You are the one continually try to over exaggerate the black level because it suits your agenda drumming Plasma's down everyone's throat, there is also brightness, color, modern features, and many more things to consider. You are like a stuck record refusing to comprehend what other members say and when they relate their experiences you throw them down the gauntlet like you now has done today with Marine1, as with me, Mr_Bee, Dolby, at one time with Roman etc.

You are a very peculiar individual and i think they must give you a special sub forum where only you are allowed to comment or discuss anything about TV's, that's how stupid it is. I from now on I will report ALL your altercations with anyone on this forum. Starting with your comment about Marine1. The mods will eventually catch on to your drift.

 

[PostmanPot]

I never disputed the importance of black levels but as the differences are so small on modern TV's that is not the only thing to consider today before you purchase.

You just did.

You are the one continually try to over exaggerate the black level because it suits your agenda drumming Plasma's down everyone's throat, there is also brightness, color, modern features, and many more things to consider. You are like a stuck record refusing to comprehend what other members say and when they relate their experiences you throw them down the gauntlet like you now has done today with Marine1, as with me, Mr_Bee, Dolby, at one time with Roman etc.

Black-level: We comment on the depth of black a TV is capable of producing. Since deeper, "blacker" blacks lead to more-realistic pictures, higher contrast, and more "pop" and color saturation, we consider black level the most important single performance characteristic of a TV. We also talk about shadow detail and gamma in this section. Subjective observations are supported by the "Black luminance (0%)" and "Avg. gamma" measurements in the Geek Box (see below).

Most consumers are shopping at the entry level. Plasma offers the best value especially wrt black levels/consistency at this level. Many high end LCDs, which cost a lot more, outperform entry plasma wrt black levels. Consistency is debatable.

You are a very peculiar individual and i think they must give you a special sub forum where only you are allowed to comment or discuss anything about TV's, that's how stupid it is. I from now on I will report ALL your altercations with anyone on this forum. Starting with your comment about Marine1. The mods will eventually catch on to your drift.

Flattery will only result in the mods catching your drift.

 

[wily me]

Is it normal for 3D TVs to have ghosting even with the glasses on? I looked at a Samsung & LG Cinema 3D at Dion Wired in Dbn and both TVs showed double vision with the glasses on? You look at the set without glasses and you see the double vision, put on glasses and the image doesn't improve all that much. I have only ever seen 3D in the movie theater before then.

No, something must be wrong with the settings, position or glasses. The LG's Cinema range have no blurr neither cross talk or double vision.

Maybe read here for very good insight about 3D issues and technologies.

http://www.displaymate.com/3D_TV_ShootOut_1.htm

 

[igeorge]

Meanwhile, back in 'Bargains' land.....

 

[FNfal]

Well thanks for the entertainment chaps ...I look forward to seeing more enlightening discourse in the opposing views

 

[PostmanPot]

Well thanks for the entertainment chaps ...I look forward to seeing more enlightening discourse in the opposing views

Pleasure.

 

[Spizz]

I'm looking at this Samsung UA40EH5000 from Game for R5899.

Looks like a decent spec for the price to me but I'm not really up on TV's. So does anyone have this tv or any comments? We're not really big tv watchers, just really sport and the odd movie, SD PVR, possibly get HD one in a few months and 40" is perfect size. I also need at a minimum some support for playing 720p mp4 type rips directly through USB.

Other suggestions around this price most welcome.

Ta muchly...

EDIT: Will probably pick up an HD PVR in a few months so good HD PQ important.

 

[BlackWasp]

Just bought the LG 47LK530 for R5999 from Makro. It's LCD not LED LCD like the Samsung, but I was in the market for 46/47. LCD might not be the best for SD.

 

[PostmanPot]

I'm looking at this Samsung UA40EH5000 from Game for R5899.

Looks like a decent spec for the price to me but I'm not really up on TV's. So does anyone have this tv or any comments? We're not really big tv watchers, just really sport and the odd movie, SD PVR, possibly get HD one in a few months and 40" is perfect size. I also need at a minimum some support for playing 720p mp4 type rips directly through USB.

Other suggestions around this price most welcome.

Ta muchly...

EDIT: Will probably pick up an HD PVR in a few months so good HD PQ important.

Could you tell us your viewing distance and room lighting conditions at your times of viewing? E.g. does direct sunlight fall on the TV, do you watch with lights off, do you have curtains?

Your options should be the 40" LED backlit LCD you've mentioned and 43" plasma.

Plasma because it suits SD sources (best of both worlds). Better motion handling at the entry level compared to LCDs, which suits sport. More consistent black levels and higher contrast ratio. The down side would be that it would not render the full 1080i HD PVR HD channel resolution (1920x540*2) because the plasma is 720p/HD Ready (1024x768). If your viewing distance exceeds 2m then the resolution factor is usually less of a concern.

LED-LCD because it's 1080p so will render more detail in HD channels which is important if you sit closer than 2m. It's brighter and suits bright rooms better (on the converse, its brightness washes out colours, meaning they lose detail). Lower power consumption which could take R10 off your electricity bill for average viewing.

I would strongly suggest testing the UA40EH5000 and PS43E450 at a professional audio/visual shop with a darkened viewing area (or a test room if you can). Take a flash drive with your media. Try to replicate your home viewing conditions when deciding what you think is better - this includes lighting and viewing distace.

 

[Spizz]

Could you tell us your viewing distance and room lighting conditions at your times of viewing? E.g. does direct sunlight fall on the TV, do you watch with lights off, do you have curtains?

Your options should be the 40" LED backlit LCD you've mentioned and 43" plasma.

Plasma because it suits SD sources (best of both worlds). Better motion handling at the entry level compared to LCDs, which suits sport. More consistent black levels and higher contrast ratio. The down side would be that it would not render the full 1080i HD PVR HD channel resolution (1920x540*2) because the plasma is 720p/HD Ready (1024x768). If your viewing distance exceeds 2m then the resolution factor is usually less of a concern.

LED-LCD because it's 1080p so will render more detail in HD channels which is important if you sit closer than 2m. It's brighter and suits bright rooms better (on the converse, its brightness washes out colours, meaning they lose detail). Lower power consumption which could take R10 off your electricity bill for average viewing.

I would strongly suggest testing the UA40EH5000 and PS43E450 at a professional audio/visual shop with a darkened viewing area (or a test room if you can). Take a flash drive with your media. Try to replicate your home viewing conditions when deciding what you think is better - this includes lighting and viewing distace.

From reading your advice before, I was already thinking about a 43" plasma. My viewing distance about 2.5m - 3m, no sunlight on the tv at all, curtain closed in the evening, quite a dim room all round really and even when the lights are on in the evening, they sit at a low level.

But even though I have an SD PVR, I will get the HD sometime this year I reckon, so the PQ at 1080 must be a consideration.

The BIGGEST problem is, I'm in Senegal until August and my TV at home has just conked out. So I'm shopping by looking at the flyers on the internet and telling my wife which one to go and buy

 

[PostmanPot]

From reading your advice before, I was already thinking about a 43" plasma. My viewing distance about 2.5m - 3m, no sunlight on the tv at all, curtain closed in the evening, quite a dim room all round really and even when the lights are on in the evening, they sit at a low level.

But even though I have an SD PVR, I will get the HD sometime this year I reckon, so the PQ at 1080 must be a consideration.

The BIGGEST problem is, I'm in Senegal until August and my TV at home has just conked out. So I'm shopping by looking at the flyers on the internet and telling my wife which one to go and buy

Your wife will much prefer the plasma. Chicks watch a lot of DSTV SD. My advice is to arrange a test of the 40" LED-LCD and 43" plasma that your wife could go and view. The TVs must be taken out of store mode AKA Torch Mode (high brightness/contrast to fool people about picture quality under bright shop lighting).

My own 2c, I have 4 Series plasma and 5 Series LCD. Bought my 42" 1024x768 plasma for HD PVR (sport, SD, HD) and have never looked back. My 32" FHD LCD doesn't compare in the slightest and I notice the same negatives on friend's LCDs (who in turn admit my plasma gives much better PQ). I am very pedantic about resolution etc. and it isn't a problem for me when sitting 2.5m+. The HD picture is glorious, especially in my dimmer room, punchy colours full of detail from any angle, and deep consistent blacks.

Edit: Watching HD Game of Thrones last night with a friend on my LCD left me craving for better PQ. Dark scenes are bright because of the LCD backlight which in turn means lack of black consistency, leading to lower contrast and less detail within colours. Quite simply my plasma blows it out the water. And on top of it 4 Series 43" is cheaper than 5 Series 40" LCD. Resolution is the only downer and it doesn't bother me because I sit 2.5m+.

 

[Spizz]

Your wife will much prefer the plasma. Chicks watch a lot of DSTV SD. My advice is to arrange a test of the 40" LED-LCD and 43" plasma that your wife could go and view. The TVs must be taken out of store mode AKA Torch Mode (high brightness/contrast to fool people about picture quality under bright shop lighting).

My own 2c, I have 4 Series plasma and 5 Series LCD. Bought my 42" 1024x768 plasma for HD PVR (sport, SD, HD) and have never looked back. My 32" FHD LCD doesn't compare in the slightest and I notice the same negatives on friend's LCDs (who in turn admit my plasma gives much better PQ). I am very pedantic about resolution etc. and it isn't a problem for me when sitting 2.5m+. The HD picture is glorious, especially in my dimmer room, punchy colours full of detail from any angle, and deep consistent blacks.

Edit: Watching HD Game of Thrones last night with a friend on my LCD left me craving for better PQ. Dark scenes are bright because of the LCD backlight which in turn means lack of black consistency, leading to lower contrast and less detail within colours. Quite simply my plasma blows it out the water. And on top of it 4 Series 43" is cheaper than 5 Series 40" LCD. Resolution is the only downer and it doesn't bother me because I sit 2.5m+.

Ok, so do you think the PS43E490 shown on the same page is a goody? The 3D isn't a real consideration, maybe good for the kids but I can't stand it, but the USB port playing m4v etc at 720p is important to me. The price is good as well. Or is there a similar one without 3D for about the same price with better spec?

But thanks for the advice Pot, I appreciate it. Not so easy from where I'm sitting to make a good choice but having read your posts for long enough, I know I can trust your advice. We just want a half decent tv that shows a nice picture and I know that a lot of folks think of the 1080p against 768p in the same way they think more megapixels makes a better camera.

 

[PostmanPot]

Ok, so do you think the PS43E490 shown on the same page is a goody? The 3D isn't a real consideration, maybe good for the kids but I can't stand it, but the USB port playing m4v etc at 720p is important to me. The price is good as well. Or is there a similar one without 3D for about the same price with better spec?

But thanks for the advice Pot, I appreciate it. Not so easy from where I'm sitting to make a good choice but having read your posts for long enough, I know I can trust your advice. We just want a half decent tv that shows a nice picture and I know that a lot of folks think of the 1080p against 768p in the same way they think more megapixels makes a better camera.

Xx490 is the 3D version, and xx450 the 2D version which usually goes for R4,999. Personally I've not seen the E range yet, but the D range was excellent, and so is my C450. You can't go wrong, unless you're sitting close with a lot of 1080p media. If you're not happy I'll pay (EFT) for your petrol and inconvenience returning.

 

[Spizz]

Xx490 is the 3D version, and xx450 the 2D version which usually goes for R4,999. Personally I've not seen the E range yet, but the D range was excellent, and so is my C450. You can't go wrong, unless you're sitting close with a lot of 1080p media. If you're not happy I'll pay (EFT) for your petrol and inconvenience returning.

Lol, no need for that. You might be talking to a tv luddite here but I also know you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

But would the 450 have the same specs as the 490 is the preceding letters are the same? i.e, in this case ps43e? I mean the wifi and connectivity, movie share and audio etc???

I just looked up the spec on the ps43e490 and I'm quite impressed, but if I can save R1000 on 3D but get the same tv without 3D then I probably would.

 

[PostmanPot]

Lol, no need for that. You might be talking to a tv luddite here but I also know you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

But would the 450 have the same specs as the 490 is the preceding letters are the same? i.e, in this case ps43e? I mean the wifi and connectivity, movie share and audio etc???

I just looked up the spec on the ps43e490 and I'm quite impressed, but if I can save R1000 on 3D but get the same tv without 3D then I probably would.

Can't say for sure, E series is still quite new to me. But the E490 may have some other features over the E450, like the D range did, such as swivelling cosmetically-superior stand. As far I know there is little or no difference between the 2D quality of these TVs. Even my C450, which was the higher model to the C430, seems on par with it. Perhaps it's worth the pay-in for the D490. Both will play mkv's.

I'm just going to put this here, where the guy compares these 4 Series plasmas to his 6 Series plasma. It should seal the deal for you (and serve as food for thought for many others...), and it's a good way to reinforce my views. http://www.avforums.co.za/index.php?topic=9901.0

 

[Mr_Bee]

Lol, no need for that. You might be talking to a tv luddite here but I also know you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

But would the 450 have the same specs as the 490 is the preceding letters are the same? i.e, in this case ps43e? I mean the wifi and connectivity, movie share and audio etc???

I just looked up the spec on the ps43e490 and I'm quite impressed, but if I can save R1000 on 3D but get the same tv without 3D then I probably would.

Have a look at this before you spend your bucks and then decide, get the full picture and nothing less:

http://www.lg.com/us/tv-audio-video/picture-quality/index.jsp#/led