PICTURE QUALITY This model had excellent high-definition picture quality. It did a top-notch job displaying the finest detail. 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. 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. 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 The overall viewing angle on this display is unlimited, as with all plasma TVs we've tested. Color accuracy, contrast, and depth of black level did not vary regardless of viewing position, unlike what we've seen with LCD TVs.
MOTION BLUR This LG TV has very good motion performance, like most plasmas, with minimal blurring on our motion tests.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY The glossy screen surface on this plasma TV is susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. The display is not quite as dark as we've seen on the best plasma screens, which makes it prone to glare. All in all, the TV does a decent job maintaining image contrast in a bright room environment.
3D PERFORMANCE The overall 3D effect was very good, on par with the better 3D displays. 3D images showed effective depth, with minimal levels of ghosting (left eye/right eye crosstalk) on our 3D test patterns and on a wide variety of 3D program content. We didn't see any increase in ghosting when viewing at off angles. 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. Image brightness was on the dim side, less than we expect for normal 2D viewing.
SOUND QUALITY This TV's sound was good, fine for typical TV programming, but won't reproduce the full range of movie soundtracks and music. 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's sound had decent bass with OK impact, and was thin sounding. 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 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. 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, and a remote with batteries. 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.
