PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. It did a top-notch job displaying the finest detail. Color accuracy was excellent, so colors looked very natural and life-like. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images showed some depth and dimension. In this respect, the TV was similar to most of the models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. Black levels were only fair -- black areas of the image were too bright, and darker scenes looked unnaturally illuminated. Dark scenes, in particular, were lacking in contrast. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. The deinterlacing and film mode operations were excellent on HD content; there was little or no trace of jaggies on the edges of objects for video and film-based 1080i content.
VIEWING ANGLE This LG has a wide viewing angle overall, better than that of most LCDs. It will provide the same picture quality, with fewer problems than most LCD sets, for typical viewing conditions--say, if your family is seated across a long sectional or in chairs off to the sides of the TV.
With brighter scenes, like sporting events, the display did a fine job maintaining accurate colors and decent contrast whether we moved off to the sides or were viewing from above or from below screen. The picture did show some dimming from the sides but not to any point we found distracting. With dark scenes the display didn't fare quite as well. When viewed from the sides, the depth of black levels varied depending on the vertical position of the viewer's head. As we moved closer to the screen this limitation became even more apparent, especially if seated on the floor looking upward where black levels brightened significantly. This display's wide viewing angle is best appreciated when viewed at eye level to the screen.
MOTION BLUR This LG TV has very good motion performance, with minimal blurring on our motion tests, thanks to LG's TruMotion. This feature is designed to reduce motion blur, a shortcoming of most LCD TVs. With the feature turned off, motion performance was only fair, with significant blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some LCDs, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The screen is dark so it does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast even in a bright room.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was very good, on par with the better 3D displays. 3D images showed very effective depth, with little or no ghosting (left eye/right eye crosstalk) on our 3D test patterns and on a wide variety of 3D program content. There was an increase in ghosting when we viewed 3D images from above or below eye level, which got worse as you move closer to the TV. Images conveyed half 1080p, or 540 lines of resolution to each eye; there was visible loss of vertical detail when compared to models capable of 3D at full 1080p. 3D image content showed visible jaggies and moiré on fine detail due to the absence of half of the lines. Images were satisfyingly bright which made 3D viewing more comfortable.
SOUND QUALITY This TV has very good sound, better than most models we've tested. It has a good volume range, though at higher volume settings audible dynamic compression keeps the sound from distorting but also limits clarity in audio content when there are peaks in loudness. At more typical listening volume levels the TV has a generally smooth sound with good bass and impact. All told, the overall sound quality is above average on this TV which should more than please the pickier TV listeners out there.
EASE OF USE Overall, we found the set easy to use. Setting up the TV for the first time was straightforward, as was access to features and controls you'll probably adjust only once. Ease of access to features you typically use more often was very good. Also, the remote is very good, and the on-screen menu is easy to navigate.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. LG's interface remains largely unchanged for 2013, except for a new recommendation feature. The default main screen presents live TV in a small window on the left side of the screen with apps for streaming video services (such as Netflix and Vudu), plus YouTube, and Facebook presented in a center-screen panel. Other, more niche-oriented apps are listed on a panel on the right, with a row of icons for everything from settings to search located on a strip at the bottom of the screen. LG's new "On Now" app can make program recommendations suited to your personal tastes. With LG's Magic Remote you can control your cable or satellite box using a virtual onscreen remote control, though the Magic Remote must be pointed at the device you are trying to control while you operate the onscreen remote. (This can be unwieldy if your cable box isn't located near the TV.) The Magic Remote can also be set up as a universal remote using a Universal Control app. While the Magic Remote itself has a limited a number of buttons, you can access all the traditional remote-control buttons using a virtual onscreen remote. With LG's NFC (Near Field Communication) capability, connecting your smart device to the TV is as easy as tapping it to the supplied "Tag On" sticker (assuming both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network) for mutual content sharing. Features include a full Web browser with support for Flash, which allows access to a wider selection of websites. Access to a library of applications is provided via "LG SMART World." Movie streaming services include: CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Vudu. It also supports an optional Web cam for access to video conferencing applications such as Skype.
CONNECTIONS This TV includes three HDMI inputs, one shared connection between the component and composite inputs (which means you can only use one type or the other at a time), optical digital audio out, three USB ports, an Ethernet port, and built-in Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing. HDMI and analog cable connections made to the rear-facing panel will protrude beyond the panel's slim depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX The TV comes with: a printed user manual, an electronic manual in the TV's menu, a quick start guide, a remote with batteries, four pairs of 3D glasses, and NFC Sticker. ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version of firmware. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), USB port, or memory card, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
