LG's ultra-slim SL90-series LCD TVs have LED backlights, and are just over an inch thick. (Click to enlarge.) [ Photo courtesy of LG ]

At a press event this week, LG unveiled its newest LCD TVs, both bearing striking ultra-slim designs and edge-to-edge glass panels over a narrow bezel.

The SL80 series, available in August, will be offered in 42- ($1,600), 47-, ($1,900) and 55-inch ($2,800) screen sizes. SL80-series sets use slim fluorescent lamps (CCFL), and have LG's TruMotion 240Hz technology, which combines a 120Hz refresh rate with a scanning backlight to produce a 240Hz effect. These sets are about 1.8 inches deep at their thinnest areas.

Also at the event, the company showed a prototype of the SL90-series LCDs arriving later this year. These sets, just over an inch thick, will use LED backlights and 120Hz technology. Although I haven't been able to confirm it, my guess is that these sets use edge LEDs since they don't offer 240Hz technology. My understanding is that sets with edge LEDs can't use scanning backlights. (LG's LHX-series sets and Toshiba’s RV760 models both combine full-array LEDs with a scanning backlight to achieve a 240Hz effect). Prices for the new SL90-series models, offered in 42- and 47-inch screen sizes, will be finalized closer to their launch.

Both sets include LG's "invisible speaker" design, which streamlines the aesthetics of the TVs, plus access to online content, including streaming instant movies from Netflix and Vudu, via the company's NetCast Internet service. —James K. Willcox