Product Description

Your VX9400 is capable of delivering television programming from some of the most popular TV channels right to your phone. Catch many of your favorite shows by checking out the easy-to-use Program Guide. Plus, you can still take calls, messages, and when you hang up, go right back to enjoying your program. Get unlimited access to entertainment when you use V CAST Mobile TV.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3951 in Cell Phone Accessories
• Color: Black
• Brand: LG
• Model: LG-VX9400
• Released on: 2007-03-22

Features

• V CAST Mobile TV – watch real-time TV programs from popular TV channels and Receive Voice Calls & Text Messages While Watching TV
• download and play full-length songs then create & manage Playlists for your favorite MP3s and WMAs
• microSD Memory port to store pictures, videos, music and sounds
• Bluetooth Version 1.2 Profiles Support headset, hands-free, dial-up networking (SPP), advanced audio distribution, file transfer, basic printing, audio/video remote control
• 1.3 Megapixel Camera with Flash and and also stream and download video clips in WMV format

Amazon.com Product Description
With support for V Cast Mobile TV--Verizon's latest breakthrough in mobile entertainment technology--the LG VX9400 offers a slim and stylish swing bar design that seamlessly combines the best in mobile entertainment and mobile connectivity. With a large color LCD screen optimal for mobile TV viewing, the VX9400 is the perfect complement to Verizon Wireless' media, data, and mobile phone services. Other cutting-edge features include an advanced mobile Web browser, stereo Bluetooth, Verizon's VZ Navigator GPS technology, a one-touch speakerphone, a memory card slot, EVDO high-speed data, a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder, and more.

The LG VX9400 delivers television programming right in the palm of your hand. View larger - Front (Vertical Mode) - Back

As the first LG phone to support live TV broadcasts using MediaFLO technology, The LG VX9400 is capable of delivering full-length television programming from some of the most popular TV channels right to your phone. Catch many of your favorite full-length shows by checking out the easy to use onboard Media Program Guide. Plus, you can still take calls and messages while watching, and when you hang up, go right back to enjoying your program already in progress. And when you're done watching TV, check out the fully supported V Cast Music feature. It's not just a phone, it's an entertainment center.

Design
The VX9400's unique bar design form factor features a large 2.2-inch color LCD swiveling screen that can swing into landscape mode for widescreen TV viewing, and then back to vertical mode for easy storage. The design allows for an easy to view screen without taking up too much real estate in your pants pocket or purse. To ensure excellent media reception, there's a built-in telescoping antenna that can extend up to 5-inches long, and can entirely collapse back into the phone for safe, snag-free storage. A five-way directional button that controls most of the phone's functions and menus, resides just below the VX9400's impressive screen. For easy access during those moments when you need to take a break, the TV mode button is located just to the right of the five-way directional button. Swinging the phone's screen open reveals the VX9400's handsome backlit keypad.

The phone's display features over 260,000 colors and crystal clear 240 x 320 resolution, perfect for V Cast Web and Mobile TV content, while a unique toolbar at the top of the display can reveal essential information, such as time, battery and signal strength, V Cast Mobile TV status, and more. The phone's 1.3-megapixel camera lens and LED flash are housed on the backside of the phone. On the left side of the phone you'll find up/down volume keys, a voice command key for quick access to voice commands, and an ear jack port, while a speakerphone key, a camera key, and a microSD memory card slot can be found on the right side. The included TransFlash/microSD memory card allows you to supplement the phone's 34 MB of internal memory with cards up to 2 GB in size. Lastly, a USB data port is provided for easy data transfer, and your favorite handsfree device can be paired with the VX9400 via Bluetooth for total handsfree calling.

Calling Features
The VX9400 boasts powerful calling functions, such as an integrated one-touch speakerphone that makes it easy to converse without touching the handset--a big plus for car users. Meanwhile, speaker independent voice dialing makes it easy to call contacts by simply saying their names. No prior voice training is required and you can even speak individual digits to the phone for quick dialing of numbers you know by heart. Because the VX9400 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation. And because the device supports a 2.5mm headset jack, most wired headsets and headphones will pair perfectly with the VX9400. Lastly, for those times when keeping a low-profile is a must, the VX9400 comes complete with a discreet vibrating alert.

The VX9400's internal memory can hold up to 500 contacts for quick access to email addresses and phone numbers. The phone lets you easily assign pictures as well as ringtones to your most common callers. In addition to vibrating alerts, the phone supports polyphonic ringtones, as well as recorded ringtones you make yourself. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone and more ringtones can be downloaded from Verizon's Get It Now service. The phone also supports picture and ringer caller ID to help identify your most common callers before you pick up the phone. Lastly, the VX9400's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911.

If desired, the onboard GPS feature can do more than give your current location to emergency personnel. The VX9400 is fully compatible with Verizon's VZ Navigator service, a feature that provides all the bells and whistles of an advanced navigation system on your mobile phone at a fraction of the price of other GPS devices and systems. The VZ Navigator service provides heads-up, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions (with auto-rerouting if you miss a turn), local search of nearly fourteen million points of interest (POIs) in the United States, and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed. With VZ Navigator, you'll know where you are, know what's around you, and know how to get there fast (additional Verizon charges apply).

2.2-inch color LCD swiveling screen that can easily swing into landscape mode for widescreen TV viewing.

Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The phone's support for multimedia messaging means that text, photos, video, and audio can be sent with ease (Verizon messaging charges apply). When used in combination with the VX9400's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. There's also a built-in Web browser for downloads and mobile Web browsing. Verizon's optional Mobile Web 2.0 package allows you to read and send emails, exchange instant messages, and view your favorite Web content. You can check your email, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings, and find directions to the theater. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, the VX9400 is fully compatible with Verizon's V Cast service. With V Cast, you can download and stream high-quality video. Need news and weather? Get the latest AccuWeather forecast delivered right to your handset, or stream CNN news headlines. ESPN sports updates, entertainment news from E!, and even Sesame Street content for the kids, are all available. V Cast also serves as a portal for enhanced 3D games, making it possible to have more fun with a new breed of realistic games. Learn more about V Cast.

Verizon's music service is another EV-DO-powered service that makes the VX9400 all the more desirable. With V Cast music, your phone is a music player, letting you jam out wherever you are. It's also a music store, and you can download songs instantly to your phone. Save your songs to a memory card with a capacity that's right for you. You can even pause to take a call without missing a beat. View the V Cast Music demo.

One of the greatest and innovative things about the VX9400 is that it is fully compatible with Verizon's new V Cast Mobile TV service. With V CAST Mobile TV, you can experience the best of network and cable television programming in full motion video and sound right on your Verizon Wireless mobile device. Turn down time into showtime. Slide open the VX9400, and enjoy your favorite programming, whenever, wherever. View the V Cast Mobile TV demo.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the VX9400 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock.

If needed, the VX9400 can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs (additional Verizon data charges apply).

Watch Mobile TV or use this phone's 1.3 Megapixel camera with flash.

Imaging and Entertainment
The phone's 1.3-megapixel camera features a flash, zoom options, and a host of automatic and manual camera functions that you'd expect from an advanced digital camera, such as a self-timer, multi-shot functions, white balance controls, and more. You can even choose the shutter sound to truly customize your phone. With the VX9400, you'll never have to worry about forgetting your digital camera again. The VX9400 can capture video, too, up to one hour with a 2 GB memory card.

For times when you really want to jam out, and really want to conserve battery life, the phone comes with a music-only mode, a feature that allows you to turn off the phone functions of the VX9400, but still maintain access to the music player.

EV-DO Wireless Broadband Coverage
Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.

The phone also sports an airplane/flight mode feature, which allows the user to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight.

Vital Statistics
The LG VX9400 weighs 4.06 ounces and measures 4.04 x 1.93 x 0.73 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.50 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/1900 frequencies, as well as the EV-DO and 1xRTT data frequencies. The phone comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Note: The LG VX9400 supports the following profiles: headset, hands-free, dial-up networking (SPP), file transfer, object push for vCard, basic printing, audio/video remote control, and Bluetooth stereo headset support for listening to music. It does not support all Bluetooth object transfer (OBEX) profiles.

Customer Reviews

Another LG Hit
Reception
Excellent - one of the better phones for reception that I have had.

Speaker Phone
Good quality speaker phone and very simple to activate. Actually, have to be careful if holding the phone can accidentally activate the speaker phone very easily.

Texting
Texting is pretty simple but does take some getting used to. The clear button is on the bottom of the key pad area versus on top in most phones. Nothing a little practice can't overcome.

Battery Life
The standard battery is 2-3 days depending upon usage. I just received my extended battery and expect much better results.

Overall Design
I like it. I am a big fan of the flip phone. This design is a little nicer since you can just push the phone to the left. The only issue I could potentially see is if you are left handed. The way the phone is designed, it works best for right handers.

Update 4/25/07
One thing I just accidentally found out is that the phone has an antenna. Shows you how observant I was when I bought it!!

Overall still very pleased with the phone. My wife especially likes it because the font is larger.

Update 5/28/07
I would still rate this phone 5 stars however, last week I purchased the new Blackberry 8830. I am the type of person who likes a phone that can do pretty much everything and the 8830 fits my needs (push email, games, stable, nice form factor, etc. See my review whenever they decide to post a 8830 on amazon).

The 9400 is a good phone, excellent reception/talk time with extended battery and very good wow factor but the rotation is pretty much just a gimick. From a practicality standpoint it isn't the greatest form. Here is why. 1. The phone is really built for right handers. 2. To call someone you have to rotate the screen, dial and then flip it back. If you don't, you end up holding the phone at an awkward angle so that the speaker can be near your ear. Is this a big deal for me? No because I mainly use bluetooth headsets. That is why I left the rating at a 5.

Even if you don't want TV this may be the phone for you
I've had this phone for about a week now and so far I'm loving it. After some research online and at the Verizon store I decided to go with this phone and I'm glad I did. Because this is first and foremost a cell phone I'll start with the phone features.

VOICE QUALITY
This was key for me. I had a Nokia 2128i which was both analog and digital so it had crystal clear voice quality. Most people couldn't tell I was on a cell phone. This phone is all digital and as such your voice will sound slightly "tinny," however, that said, almost all cell phones are now digital so you may not be able to escape this. On the other hand, the voice you hear is crystal clear - other people (even on cell phones) sound really clear - I would have guessed they were on a landline. This is the primary reason I give this phone 5 stars because if it's not a good phone, what's the point of buying this gadget?

PHONE FEATURES
This phone's sleek, swivel design is eye-popping and head turning. Everyone who sees it is amazed by its design (though the swivel screen has already been popularized in Asia). The keys are backlit with a relatively dim blue light so I have to say they are a little hard to read, especially if you're a heavy texter. Also, the location of the keys takes some getting used to because they are at the bottom underneath the screen. There are external volume controls, voice command button, camera, and speaker phone controls. A small gripe I have is the speaker phone control - it's positioned on the side near the bottom and I often find myself on speakerphone because it's so easy to push this button by mistake. Also, other reviews on CNET complain of no external music controls. I don't care about this because I have an iPod for my music but if you want to use your phone as an MP3 player, maybe the lack of external controls for music may bug you. The 1.3 MP camera takes very good, clear photos for a cell phone camera. I was impressed with the quality. The phone also sports a video cam but I haven't tried that yet. There is also an external slot for SD memory in case you want to store music, videos, and pics - this seems to be pretty standard in most newer, higher end phones. One note about the phone's navigation - Verizon told me all Verizon phones now come with Verizon's interface (no escaping it now). However, on this phone and the VX 8700, you can choose the LG theme so at least you don't see the annoying red Verizon theme.

THE LCD SCREEN, ET AL
The screen is both the best and worst thing about this phone. The viewable screen is about 2" x 1.5" (give or take a bit) and the color and resolution are fabulous. The colors pop and the screen size allows the phone commands and any text to be larger, which of course is more readable. The screen swivels from vertical to horizontal (for TV viewing) and back again - it automatically changes text, pics, etc. from portrait to landscape. I think it's better for right handers than leftys but what else is new. The problem with it is that it is a finger print and smudge magnet. This phone should come with its own chamois cloth so you can keep it clean. I suppose this is a foible of all cell phones with screens but because this screen is so large and so much a part of the phone's appearance, it's very obvious you've got ear wax or who knows what on your screen. If you don't mind wiping a lot or don't care about ear debris and smudges, you'll be fine. It's a small gripe really in the larger scheme of things but one that I thought I'd mention.

Because of the swivel screen - you have to swivel it up to dial calls - it leaves the little "sweet spot" or the ear hole to listen, in kind of an awkward position for having an actual conversation (i.e. the sweet spot is at about a 90 degree angle) so to talk more comfortably you have to swivel it back to the vertical position. Not a huge deal but it is an extra step you'll have to take in the execution of a making a phone call. Of course receiving a call doesn't present this issue because most likely your screen is already in the vertical position.

THE TV
Verizon offers TV service broadcast from its UHF airwaves so it uses different airtime than your phone minutes. In other words, when you watch TV you will not be using your phone minutes for this. They have 3 plans right now: Select (for about $25 per month) offers unlimited TV - 8 channels right now but supposedly more will be added, V CAST (videos, music games, etc. and internet access). Basic is just the 8 channels (around $15 per month), and then there's another plan for around $13 that offers only 4 channels. Despite the fact that the TV operates over different airwaves, you do need to have decent phone reception (Verizon tech support said "at least 2 bars") to get TV reception. Some channels are live (and thus are subject to some pixelation and lag from buffering) while others are pre-recorded and stream flawlessly with no buffering issues. Verizon is offering one month free of the select service with TV and V CAST V Pack - just be sure to cancel the service within the 30 day period so you are not charged afterward if you don't want the TV service. Also, keep in mind the service is only offered in limited geographic areas right now. Verizon tech support told me that as UHF stations get converted to mobile TV more areas will be added. Apparently the FCC has ordered this change to happen soon. We'll see. Oh and BTW, if you get a call while watching TV, you simply answer it and then rejoin your show already in progress (if live) or where you left off (if pre-recorded).

SUMMARY
As my review title states, even if you don't want the TV service, this may be the phone for you. The voice quality is overall very good and sometimes excellent. The phone features like the camera are equally good (again have not tried video but assume it's at least as good as the camera, we'll see). The feel of the phone is good, quality components and not at all "plasticky" like some phones out there. It's a bit larger and heavier than some high end phones but probably on par or smaller than some smart phones. Plus, this phone just looks cool. Oddly enough my local Verizon store didn't have a case for it yet but you can order a holster at their on line store (or maybe in a store near you - just not in my store) that acts as a TV stand as well (about $20 bucks). One reviewer noted a cracked LCD screen - it's too bad about that; maybe it was just a lemon which is bound to happen from time to time. I've already dropped my phone twice (!) and so far so good still. This does bring up the point that because of the LCD screen size it is a bit slippery (though the back of the phone is thinly rubberized which helps a great deal).

So, to sum it up (finally!), because the phone itself is very good, I recommend it highly, even if you don't pay the $14-$25 for montly TV service. If you pony up for that, you will definitely be too sexy for your shirt, at least until the iPhone comes out which will no doubt blow this out of the water. Hmmm, maybe wait another month and the price of this baby will come down from its current $369.99 Verizon store retail price (without contract), $199.99 price with 2 yr contract. Have fun with your phone; I am.

Fad Or Phone?
Summary: If you are looking for mobile TV viewing with limited choices bundled with a substandard phone, this is phone you. Otherwise, run, don't walk, away.

Detailed Review:

This was an interesting idea from Verizon, but I think the best that can be said is hopefully the next generation LG TV phone will be better. It seems that they forgot that this was supposed to function in a comparable way to other modern day cell phones in addition to being able to receive TV broadcasts. Here's a look at how the phone performs in various aspects:

Call Quality - This is the primary reason to have a cell phone, right? Not with this model. Regular calls have OK quality, but do not expect much from the speakerphone. It is not full duplexed so you and the other person will continually cut each other off.

Text Messaging - The experience texting on this phone was pretty average. I found it awkward to use the keypad for texting due to the fact that it is underneath the screen that flips up. That is you have to reach down with your thumb or fingers below the primary outer controls. The "Word" mode was reasonable to use. However, the keys were flush with the surface, and it just doesn't seem very tactile.

Bluetooth - This was one of the major disappointments on the phone. I previously had a 9800 (see my review), and I had been happily using a Jabra BT350v with it. I paired this headset with the 9400, and my wife reported that the noise was absolutely awful. I tried a Motorola H700, and the static was terrible on both ends. Only with the LG HBM-730 did I get reasonable performance. I suspect that the problems here are related in someway to the poor speakerphone performance. Again, it seems that they forgot that this is still primarily a phone.

Mobile Web 2.0 - This worked pretty well, but only in landscape mode. I found this somewhat annoying if I was simply trying to look something up. Otherwise, the display was great, and it performed comparable to other LG phones that Verizon offers.

V-Cast - This phone has a newer interface for V-Cast from the 9800 and 8100 phones. There are more high level menus that help organize things. However, there is one "feature" that I do not like. When viewing the clips in full screen mode, the picture quality drops considerably. It seems that it is optimized for the smaller picture that you get when sharing the screen with the controls. Why have a full screen option if the picture quality is horrible?

TV - So this is the big draw of this phone, right? As you can see, you have to concede a lot to get to this point. Is it worth it? I would say no. You have eight channels to choose from, but they rarely are showing the same programming that you would find on your cable or satellite TV at home. There is also a fair amount of repetition on the programming within a single channel during the day - especially ESPN. I used the phone for 2 months, and I found that for at least half the time, the picture was very choppy and/or blurry. I did have the antenna raised, and I tried it in a variety of locations - office, home, outside, car, etc. It just wasn't that good.

So, I put this phone in the definite fad category. As I said before, perhaps the next generation TV phone will prove better, but they have a lot of work to do to get there.