LG 32LH20

Value Comparison Summary

The LG 32LH20 and the Sony KDL-32L5000 are quite evenly matched. Both televisions retail for around $500, both features 720p resolution and 32-inch LCD displays. As such, with our previous comparison, the difference here comes down to performance. Here the difference really falls in the favor of the LG 32LH20 as it offers significantly better color performance and slightly better motion performance. Blacks, whites and contrast are comparable between the two. The Sony model does offer better connectivity options, with an extra HDMI input and an S-video input, but unless that connectivity really matters to you we'd lean towards the LG 32LH20 as the better overall value.

	Comparison Specifications
	LG 32LH20	Sony KDL-32L5000
Size	32'	32'
Price	$500	$500
Type	LCD	LCD
Format	720p	720p

Blacks & Whites

Performance here was well night identical between the two televisions. Both posted good, but not great, black levels, while the LG 32LH20 had a slight edge in peak brightness, and a similarly slight edge in contrast ratio. Both of these televisions do a solid job here, however, and neither's performance is a reason to favor one over the other.

Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart
LG 32LH20 Score: Black Level:7.27 Peak Brightness: 8.34 Contrast: 7.36	Sony KDL-32L5000 Score: Black Level: 7.27 Peak Brightness: 8.19 Contrast: 7.27

Color Accuracy

This is an area where the LG 32LH20 outperformed the Sony KDL-32L5000 across the board. We particularly note the problems we saw on the Sony model with color temperature, something that was absolutely not a problem on the 32LH20.

Color Temperature Comparison

LG 32LH20 Score: 9.50

Sony KDL-32L5000 Score: 6.89

RGB Comparison

LG 32LH20 Score: 8.49

Sony KDL-32L5000 Score: 7.57

Color Gamut Comparison

LG 32LH20 Score: 7.63

Sony KDL-32L5000 Score: 6.17

Motion

The LG 32LH20 is not a star performer in this area. The motion blur is obvious, but could be worse and we noticed significant problems with motion artifacting. The Sony KDL-32L500, however, performed worse in both areas.

Viewing Effects

This is an area where the Sony KDL-32L5000 performed significantly better than the LG 32LH20, with a significantly better viewing angle. This is more of a highlight of the 32LH20's poor performance in this area, however, rather than praise of the Sony's perormance as it remains below average.

Viewing Angle Comparison
LG 32LH20 Score: 2.86	Sony KDL-32L5000 Score: 5.44

Connectivity

Another area where the Sony KDL-32L5000 offers significantly better features than the LG 32LH20. You get an extra HDMI port, an S-Video port, an extra component input and an analog audio out compared to the 32LH20. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected to your television this is an area where the Sony model is the clear winner.

Other Comparisons

The LG 32LH20 offers significantly better audio performance from the built in speakers than the Sony model.