PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. Overall image quality was marred by visible noise reduction processing which reduced fine texture and wiped any trace of natural film grain from movies. We also detected some edge enhancement processing that boosted the edge outlines around image content. We hope LG will correct this issue with a future firmware update. Color accuracy was very good, with images looking quite natural. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images had depth and dimension, typical of most models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. There was slight banding (unnatural contours) on scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, rather than a smooth transition in the shaded areas. Image texture, especially on skin, was visibly lacking in detail. 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 video content, such as from cable.
VIEWING ANGLE This LG has a moderate viewing angle overall, decent, but not quite as good as the better-performing LCD sets we've tested. The optimal seating position for best picture quality is directly in front of the TV. If your family is seated in chairs off to the side of the TV, they'll see decent but compromised image quality.
When we moved off to the sides the horizontal viewing angle was good; the picture showed a strong loss of color so flesh tones looked very washed out, along with a slight color shift. Black levels brightened significantly, making dark scenes look hazy. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was good. The picture showed some change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE This LG delivers full Ultra HD picture detail from 4K content, and offers decent, but compromised HD-to-UHD upconversion with HD content. All native 4K content we played on this LG, including movies and videos, were presented in full detail with excellent image fidelity when played back via the TV's HDMI input. There was no sign of the problematic noise reduction processing we saw when playing HD content. We were able to stream 4K content from Netflix, confirming the set does include an HEVC decoder. 4K streaming of the TV show "House of Cards" from Netflix showed better detail and texture over the 1080p version of the same program. The TV is also able to play back 4K videos and photos from a flash drive input via its USB port, including; our test HEVC video file, an "MP4" file from the Sony 4K camcorder, and 4K resolution test patterns and photos all of which were reproduced accurately, with detail extending to the limits of UHD's resolution. When playing 1080p movie content from a Blu-ray disc, we found the TV's HD-to-UHD upconversion processing was compromised by excessive noise reduction processing (See HD picture quality description for further comments). This model provides a full complement of picture settings with any of these viewing modes so you can tweak the image to your preference. For more on how we test UHD see "ABOUT ULTRA HD TESTING" below.
MOTION BLUR This LG TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. Though this model includes TruMotion, a feature designed to reduce motion blur, we found it was ineffective. On typical program content, the blurring effect is often fleeting and may not bother most people. However, keen-eyed viewers may detect the loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement, especially in high-quality video such as a Blu-ray movie.
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.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound is good, fine for typical TV programming, but won't reproduce the full range of movie soundtracks and music. It has a good volume range so the TV can play sufficiently loud in most room environments, though quality degraded at the highest settings. At more typical listening levels the TV's sound has good bass and impact, though on the bright side. Most will find this sound quality acceptable.
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 very easy to navigate.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features. The remote's major function buttons were sufficiently large and have high-contrast labeling, making them easier to see and navigate.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the TV to the included support stand is easy, though the stand requires the assembly of two parts before mounting. The TV rests on four legs with each pair located at the extreme ends of the display. This means the table top you'll be setting the TV on will need to be at least as wide as the display itself.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. Features include a full Web browser and access to a library of applications via "LG SMART WORLD." Movie streaming services include: Amazon Instant Video, CinemaNow, Hulu Plus, M-GO, Netflix, Red Box Instant, Target Ticket, 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 Wi-Fi. Wireless connectivity includes: DLNA network file sharing. Analog connections are made via special breakout cable adapters (included) that attach to the TV as single plugs. That means you plug your component, composite, or stereo cables into a dangling "pigtail" rather than the back of the TV itself. This is actually a more convenient way to make the connections on slim-profile models, but if you lose that adapter you'll have no way to connect your cables directly to the TV. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's 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, breakout cables (One component, and one composite with stereo audio ). 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.
