LG PS80 series--photos
Despite image quality a notch or two below competing plasmas, the LG PS80 series will win over shoppers who prioritize built-in video streaming.
LG PS80 series -- overview
When it was announced at CES 2009, the LG PS80 series of plasma TVs earned one of our three nominations for Best of CES in the TV category. We've already reviewed the other two--Panasonic's G10 plasmas and Vizio's VF551XVT LED-based LCD--and both scored higher than the PS80. It's not that we're disappointed in the interactive features that originally caused us to nominate the LG. Those include built-in Netflix streaming, which is still an LG exclusive (at least until Sony turns its own version on, or Samsung or Vizio step up), Yahoo Widgets and YouTube capability. Since then LG has also added the high-def eye candy of Vudu's on-demand video rental service. Those interactive add-ons work great, and combined with LG's picture adjustment prowess they comprise the most impressive features list seen on any plasma this year.
Unfortunately for the PS80, its picture quality impressed us less. Its lighter black levels are the main culprit, abetted by below-par video processing and even minor image retention, all areas where other plasma TVs outperform the LG. On the other hand, its color accuracy is still very good, and, of course, it has the off-angle fidelity of plasma TVs that easily trounces any LCD. Armed with superb style and that stellar features list, the LG PS80 might still appeal to people willing to focus less on picture quality than on built-in content options.
LG PS80 series -- corner detail
Trailing only the ultrathin, premium-priced models available from other makers, namely the Panasonic Z1 and the Samsung PNB850/860, the LG PS80 series takes a respectable bronze medal in plasma styling this year. Its coolest exterior characteristic, a single pane of glass that covers the entire panel and extends a fraction of an inch beyond the top and sides, unifies the whole design in a way that easily out-sleeks the similarly single-paned Panasonic TC-PV10 series. It has an extremely subtle, transparent blue coloring and thin chrome colored strip along the bottom, hidden speakers, a glossy black frame, and a matching chrome-and-black stand (yes, it swivels) complete the LG's uncannily futuristic look.
LG PS80 series--remote control
LG's remote control is relatively disappointing. We found the cluster of similar buttons around the cursor control difficult to differentiate without constantly having to look at them.
LG PS80 series--Netcast main screen
The LG PS80 series is the only plasma available with Netflix streaming. It also boasts access to Vudu, YouTube, Yahoo Widgets, as well as your own movies, photos, and music.
LG PS80 series--Netflix queue
In our testing, the Netflix streaming worked as well as it has in other such devices, and it was exceedingly easy to use, interfacing flawlessly with our Watch Instantly queue on the Netflix Web site. When we selected new movies and TV shows for our queue, they would appear almost instantly for access on the TV.
LG PS80 series--Netflix detail
Netflix has thousands of on-demand titles available for free to subscribers.
LG PS80 series--Vudu
Aside from Netflix the LG offers added access to Vudu's library of video-on-demand titles. Vudu's claim to fame is high-definition, and in our tests, its picture quality was indeed superb--much better than anything on Netflix, for example.
LG PS80 series--Yahoo Widgets
We appreciated that Yahoo Widgets on the LG operated more quickly than they have on other sets we've tested.
LG PS80 series--Twitter widget
One of the LG's more-involved widgets, Twitter lets you follow feeds and even tweet from the TV screen.
LG PS80 series--YouTube
LG's built-in YouTube client is one of our favorites.
LG PS80 series--back panel inputs
Connectivity options are fairly extensive on the PS80, beginning with four total HDMI ports, three on the back and one on the side. The back panel also offers two component-video inputs, an AV input with composite video, a RF input for antenna or cable, an RGB-style analog PC input, an optical digital audio output and an RS-232 port for custom installations.
LG PS80 series--side panel inputs
In addition to the fourth HDMI port, the side panel has a second AV input with composite video and a USB port for display of digital photos and playback of MP3 music files. Our one connectivity complaint is the lack of any S-Video inputs.
LG PS80 series--THX mode
The main menu is the gateway to a garden of picture control delights, as long as you're not in the nonadjustable THX mode.
LG PS80 series--20 point IRE setting
The most remarkable picture control option, first introduced by LG last year and still exclusive to the company, is a 20-point white balance system (with twice as many adjustments as LG's other sets--although the word "overkill" seems appropriate in this case) designed to help get a more accurate grayscale. Unfortunately, in the case of the PS80 the system didn't work well enough to be useful, so we ended up using the standard two-point system instead.
LG PS80 series--red color filter
A color filter lets you better use the color management system.
LG PS80 series--picture quality
While its image quality has a few strengths, namely in the color category, overall the LG PS80 series fell short of the high bar set by other plasmas this year. It lacks the deep black levels and 1080p/24 compatibility seen on other plasmas, and exhibited the kind of image retention we rarely see anymore.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?