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Sound quality
Considering how slim its bezel is, the LG 42LV550T isn't actually a bad audio performer. It's certainly capable of going surprisingly loud without distortions setting in, and has an uncanny knack for picking up subtle treble details in a mix. Its mid-range is also just about open enough to handle dialogue convincingly at loud volumes.
Its weakness, predictably, is bass, which isn't powerful or deep enough to provide a convincing balance to the effective trebles, leaving the soundstage sounding rather unbalanced, and occasionally harsh, during action scenes.
Value
The 42LV550T's price feels about right - maybe a touch better than right - for what's on offer. Especially if you're attracted by its now rather excellent PLEX multimedia support.
Ease of use
For the most part, the LG 42LV550T's operating system is excellent. Leading the way is LG's mostly superb Smart Hub menu screen, which joins a similarly presented system on Samsung's TVs in offering direct access to a huge amount of sources and apps without looking overcrowded – despite also keeping a reduced version of the TV picture playing on the left-hand side.
The set's remote control is very likable, too. Its slim shape feels good in your hand, and its button layout is unusually coherent.
Picture calibration novices will appreciate the LG 42LV550T's Picture Wizard system, which guides you through a basic but effective picture calibration process.
Our only operational gripes are a) that the sheer volume of apps now available on LG's Smart TV platform makes navigating them rather daunting, and b) that the decision to place the access to the main set-up menus on the Smart Hub screen unnecessarily over-complicates things. It would have been much easier to provide direct access to the set-up menus via a dedicated remote button.
