The LG 55LA9700 is an Ultra HD television (also called UHD, or 4K) with 3840x2160 pixel resolution, four times that of a 1080p HDTV. It not only functions as a regular HDTV, but it can also display higher-than-HD resolution movies and videos that were shot in the Ultra HD format. Unfortunately, we have no commercially available UHD content to play on the LG at this time, so we could not evaluate this display's image quality with these videos. However, using an HD-to-UHD upconverting Blu-ray player, and our UHD resolution test we can offer a good prediction of how well this display will perform with native UHD content. To evaluate the LG's overall performance we ran the TV through all our standard HDTV tests, most of which remain valid regardless of the video type, unless otherwise noted. Comments about LG's UHD picture performance are provided.
PICTURE QUALITY This model had very good high-definition picture quality. It did a very good job displaying fine detail. Edges of objects in the image stood out too much because of over-enhancement. Color accuracy was very good, with images looking quite natural. 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. Thanks to LG's "LED Local Dimming," the TV had very good deep black levels, just shy of the best sets, without producing any obvious local dimming artifacts. We also noticed the local dimming feature could not be completely turned off, a negative, for those not interested using the feature. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the TV did a very good job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. Film mode operation for HD film-based content was excellent, with no visible jaggies along the edges of objects during motion scenes. Deinterlacing was very good, with minimal jaggies visible when converting 1080i video content, such as from cable, to the display's native resolution.
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.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE 1080p-to-Ultra HD upconversion was below average. When we played 1080p movies from the Oppo Blu-ray player, allowing the LG to upconvert to the display's 4K native resolution, processing effects were evident. Whether we watched a motion sequence or a freeze frame, the curved edges of small objects, and diagonals in the image were visibly jaggy, indicating a subpar upconversion process. Better performance would reveal smoother, less coarse edges. In addition, fine grainy texture such as on peoples faces, appeared to lag the motion in the scene. For example, a fixed camera position scene of a person's face with very subtle motion, showed that skin texture had movement that slightly trailed the overall motion of the face. When we changed the Oppo's output resolution from 1080p to 4K (essentially relieving the LG of upconverting duties) the same edges looked much smoother and natural, and the noted texture problems were gone. However, the image showed indications that edge enhancement and noise reduction were applied, which made the picture look over processed, and slightly less realistic than we've seen on better performing UHD TVs. We believe this same processed look will also be present when playing native UHD content. That said, we should note that these effects are more obvious when viewed from up close, less so from an average viewing distance. On the positive side, this is the first Ultra HD set we've tested that provides accurate, high fidelity, 8 megapixel resolution (4K) photos via its USB port. In this mode, LG offers the user full control of the picture settings (unlike other UHD's we've tested), allowing the image to be accurately adjusted.
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 only good, a notch below the better 3D displays. 3D images generally showed effective depth but with a noticeable level of 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. In 3D mode, the display presented full 1080p resolution to each eye, showing all the detail from the best 3D content from Blu-ray disc. 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 wide volume range, allowing the TV to play loud with no noticeable distortion. At more typical listening volume levels the TV has a full bodied sound and deep bass with good impact, though bass is on the boomy side. 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 straight forward, 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.
Remote has a dedicated button to access Internet features, and to access 3D. We found the set responds slowly to commands from the remote.
STAND ASSEMBLY Mounting the TV to the included one-piece support stand is easy.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capability. 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, MGO, Netflix, Vudu. It also includes a separate 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. 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, one Composite and Stereo Audio), four pairs of 3D glasses, and NFC Tag On 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.
