LG 50PQ30 Plasma HDTV Review

Overall Design

We thought the 50PQ30 was decently attractive, but very plain looking. There really isn't a lot about the TV to grab your aesthetic sensibilities and wring out approval. It's a glossy black TV with a slightly odd shape to its stand. The power indicator pulses when it turns on. Otherwise, the 50PQ30 is any old TV set.

Front

The LG 50PQ30 is a basic-looking television. It has a glossy black bezel with an embellishment along the bottom. Towards the bottom right corner of the screen is the sensor and power LED, and you'll also find labels for the controls. These controls are located on the underside of the TV.

Back

There are two features on the back of the 50PQ30: the spot where you plug in the power cord and a cluster of ports.

Sides

The left side of the TV has a handful of ports. The right is featureless. Typically you'd find the controls on the right side, but as mentioned above, they're actually located on the underside of the TV.

Stand/Mount

The stand features a convex front and a concave back. The stand allows the TV to swivel. Although it seems sturdy enough, it allows the TV to jiggle around more than we'd like.

Controls

The controls are actually located on the underside of the display, on the right. This keeps them out of the way, we guess, but we're not 100% sure why LG didn't just place them on the side of the bezel, like every other TV ever.

Remote Control

The LG 50PQ30's remote is a standard remote for an entry-level TV. It has an intuitive button layout and sports large fonts.

In the Box

The 50PQ30 doesn't come with much inside its box. You'll fine the manual, the remote, and a couple of batteries.

The TV is pretty easy to assemble. All you have to do is place the TV on its stand and screw it into place. A single person would be able to manage the job if it weren't a gigantic plasma: it's a bit too heavy for just one person.