LG's Netflix-friendly 47LH50 and 50PS80 NetCast HDTVs now shipping in America

Without a doubt, the next big thing in the world of HDTVs is internet capabilities. With Toshiba just shipping its own web-enabled sets this week, LG Electronics is making sure it doesn't fall too far behind by floating a few of its own NetCast models out to the open market. Originally unveiled at CES, these HDTVs are the first from the company with built-in Netflix streaming support, and if you're curious about model numbers, it's the 47-inch 47LH50 LCD HDTV and the 50-inch 50PS80 plasma that are available today. LG tells us that the 42-inch 42LH50 LCD and 60-inch 60PS80 plasma should hit later this summer, but if you're looking to buy now, you'll have to pony up $1,999 for the 47LH50 or 50PS80.

[Brian @ Jun 11th 2009 1:49PM]

I'm trying to decide on a new TV. Would you get this, the sammy un55b7000, or a pioneer 111fd?

[Evan @ Jun 11th 2009 2:11PM]

go panasonic

[Tony @ Jun 11th 2009 1:58PM]

Netflix-ready... Would Netflix's stream look good on a tv like this? Netflix broadcasts on HD? Smoothly?

[Jimi @ Jun 11th 2009 2:11PM]

Sorry Tony, my reply didn't get threaded under your post. See my reply below.

[malexandria @ Jun 11th 2009 2:11PM]

That's actually a pretty good price for this TV.

[Jimi @ Jun 11th 2009 2:10PM]

I have a 42" LG that I stream Netflix to (via the XBox 360). Looks great. Most shows look close to DVD quality (notice I said close). So far I've only been able to watch one HD show and it looked awesome.

[Tony @ Jun 11th 2009 2:34PM]

Good to know! Thanks!

[Scott @ Jun 11th 2009 3:30PM]

$2k? That's getting dangerously close to LED prices for the same size screen and you have to either run a network cable to this TV or buy a $50 wireless bridge. Another downside is all Netflix queuing has to be done on a computer--The TV apparently only shows your Instant queue. Is the firmware/software upgradable?

Why not just buy a similar TV + Roku STB? That would give you much better functionality for much less money. Or get an LED TV + Roku for slightly more.

[Kile @ Jun 11th 2009 3:56PM]

I actually already have a 42LH50 in my living room. In Virginia. In the United States. So, I'm not sure why they are saying they wont be available until later this summer.

Of course mine came directly from LG in order to address a warranty issue on a previous TV. LG has been absolutely fantastic to deal with.

[Rick C. @ Jun 11th 2009 4:01PM]

TVs with imbedded support for specific services or external set-top boxes for specific media services make me nervous. What if they're not around in 5 years? You're stuck with dead hardware. I'll take the safe and simple route. Hook up the computer to the TV, either wired or wireless. Everything I see on my monitor, I see on my TV. Once internet services ramp up their speed and bandwidth, you'll have your HD content from any web-resident services (Hulu, YouTube, USANetwork, whatever) , 24/7. Done..and keep them free.

[dandmcd @ Jun 11th 2009 4:10PM]

42LH50 is available now, at Best Buy.

[Abdon @ Jun 11th 2009 5:42PM]

I will not buy one of these internet friendly TVs until the manufacturers approach Boxee and integrate them into their sets. They'll do it if they know what's good for them.

[Shawn @ Jun 11th 2009 6:10PM]

Sweet TV, I see
One day I'll finish college
But still can't afford

[Ed Guzman @ Jun 11th 2009 8:35PM]

I just bought a Panasonic TC-P50G10 with VieraCast. VieraCast is their name for internet streaming service.
So far its only a gimmick since all you that is worthwhile on there is grainy youtube videos, the weather with graphics, and Amazon on Demand. The amazon on Demand is okay but at $4 a pop, no thanks. I'll head over to my redbox and rent $1 movie if I want. There is hope because there are some place holder graphics that say coming soon. Perhaps Netflix will be next. If so, then the TV will rock. Until then I envy LG.