Tag Archives: LG TV
LG 42LM660T LED TV U.K Review
User interface and EPG
LG has once again given its user interface an overhaul. Its previous incarnation was one of the better ones out there, but this update puts it to shame with even slicker graphics with some impressive 3D effects. For example, the main home screen now shows three large panels across the top. These are populated with icons for the premium apps, videos from LG’s online 3D Zone streaming service and thumbnails of videos that you’ve shared to the TV across a network from your computer, using DLNA or the Plex software. As you switch between them they swoop by with a nice 3D-style panning effect.
Similarly, when you go to switch inputs, the TV shows you a banner across the bottom of the screen, with large and detailed icons so you can see exactly which one you’re choosing. The input list also now includes network devices, so you can select your networked PC as a source and then browse the videos contained on it, which is neat.
There are a couple of downsides, however. Although the electronic programme guide (EPG) has been upgraded to make the layout clearer, it lacks a video thumbnail window. When you call it up, you lose all video and sound from the channel you were watching.
Also, the menu system has so many options it can be daunting for the first-time user, especially as there are sometimes multiple ways of performing the same function. For example, apps can be accessed by pressing the Apps button on the remote, by selecting them on a banner at the bottom of the home screen, by entering the Premium menu from the home screen or through the app store. Phew.
On the whole though, once you get used to some of the quirks of navigating around the various menus, it’s quite quick and pleasant to use.
Digital media and Internet features
This TV is nothing if not packed with online and networking features. It has LG’s Smart TV platform onboard, so you get access to services like BBC iPlayer, Facebook and the Acetrax movie rental service. LG told me that Netflix and Lovefilm apps will be available by the end of the month. The apps are split into what LG terms ‘Premium services’, including iPlayer and Twitter, and the more general app store. In the latter, you’ll find less essential offerings, such as apps for Star Magazine and movie reviews from The Daily Express, along with a host of simple games.
There really is boatloads of content here and although not all of it is worth downloading, there are enough quality services to place LG’s platform near the front of the smart TV pack.
The TV does an excellent job streaming your own content from a desktop PC, laptop or NAS drive. On last year’s TVs, you were forced to use the buggy Plex media streaming software on your PC. This model has both a Plex client built in and a standard DLNA mode, so if your NAS drive only has DLNA support, you can still stream videos, photos and music from it without needing to have a PC turned on. Format support was excellent too, especially on the video side. It played a whole host of files flawlessly, including HD MKV videos.
Design and connections
I’ve seen pretty much all the new TV designs for 2012 at various events. LG stood out during those previews. Seeing the 42LM660T at home for this review, nothing has changed. The set is an absolute stunner.
It’s gobsmacking to see how LG has slimmed down the bezel. When the TV’s turned off there’s just a minuscule silver band visible, which runs around the outer edge of the display and is less than a millimetre thick. Switch the set on and you can see that there’s actually a 1cm black bezel, but it’s seamlessly integrated with the panel so it hardly spoils the overall effect. Also, because the set doesn’t have a built-in camera, as some of the Samsung models do, there’s no bulge at the top breaking up the clean lines.
I also really love the stand. It is very similar to the one Samsung has used on the UE55ES8000, which makes me think that both of these companies do the corporate equivalent of peering over the garden fence. But it’s black rather than silver and I prefer its slightly more angular styling. As the main support struts are hidden behind the TV’s chassis, at times it makes the panel look like it’s floating on air.
If there is a fault in the design it’s that the four side-mounted HDMI ports are a little too close to the left-hand edge of the set. If you don’t bend your HDMI cables slightly, you’ll see them overhanging the side of the TV. Aside from this gripe, connectivity options are spot on. There are three USB ports on the side-mounted panel. The rear panel offers a VGA input, as well as mini-jack plugs for component and composite ports that use short break-out cables. Naturally, as this set is a Smart TV, there’s an Ethernet slot too, and LG has sensibly built in Wi-Fi.
The TV comes with two remote controls. The standard one is similar to those LG has been using over the past two years. It’s long and reasonably narrow with large, chunky buttons that have a nice amount of travel. It’s easy to feel when you’ve properly hit a button or when you’ve skimmed the edge of it and need to press it again. One minor annoyance is that it doesn’t have a backlight.
LG tried out its motion controller remote with its high-end TVs last year and it must have liked the results because it’s included here as standard. The motion controller takes some getting used to. It’s like controlling your TV with a mouse. A cursor appears on the screen when you pick it up. You move the cursor around by waving the remote in the air, and when you’re hovering over a menu, you press a button in the middle of the remote to select it. It also has a scroll wheel for zipping through menus.
Once you get used to it it’s actually quite handy, especially for typing in web addresses in the browser or selecting apps in the Smart TV menu.
Audio quality
In the past I’ve sent some of LG’s TVs to stand on the naughty step for having poor audio quality. Thankfully, there’s no need to wag the finger at this model as LG has learned from past mistakes. Although this TV has a supremely thin chassis that measures just 32mm deep at the top and middle, it bulges out by an extra 20mm at the bottom to accommodate larger down-firing speakers.
It’s just the tonic for this set’s sonics, as the TV has noticeably more bass-end kick than last year’s models. This, combined with tight mid-range performance, makes the audio much meatier and better balanced.
2D picture quality
It’s clear from the moment you switch this set on that it’s a very accomplished performer in the picture department. Flick to one of the quite accurate picture preset modes and it’s obvious that it’s capable of delivering the sort of deep and inky black levels we’d usually associate with the best plasma screens. As long as you keep the backlight setting turned down slightly, very little of the backlight bleeding that affected many of last year’s LG models is visible.
There’s a warmth and naturalness to the colours that’s really quite surprising too, and this helps to make movies on Blu-ray look exceptionally rich and engaging. Furthermore, HD images have exemplary levels of sharpness, with every skin pore or blade of grass reproduced with shocking crispness.
It’s not perfect, however. Standard-definition channels on Freeview aren’t as sympathetically dealt with as they are on some other manufacturers’ TVs. As a result, you have to be quite careful with the picture settings for standard-definition material or pictures can look overly noisy. To get the very best black levels, you have to turn down the backlight quite a lot, and this does lead to a slight loss of detail in darker sections of a picture, stealing the subtlety from scenes in noir-ish thrillers.
3D picture quality
Like all of LG’s LED TVs, this one uses passive rather than active 3D technology. Passive 3D employs a polarising filter in front of the screen to send every second line of the display to a different eye when you’re wearing the passive 3D specs. Each eye only receives half the resolution that you’d get from a Full HD active 3D TV, but due to the way our brains process image information, it looks more like three-quarters of a Full HD frame. The difference in resolution can be seen if you sit very close to the screen, but from a normal viewing distance, it’s much more difficult to tell. Most people will still find that HD movies on 3D Blu-ray look very crisp on this model.
The passive technology has other benefits. Glasses are as cheap as chips. You get four in the box, but extra pairs only cost around £2 each. Even the specs you get at the cinema will work with this screen. There’s no flicker either, and the glasses don’t dim the image as much as active specs do. Crosstalk — or ghosting — is almost non-existent, although if you view the set from a vertical angle of more than 15 degrees or so, the 3D image does start to break up. It’s best to mount this TV at a height where its centre is roughly in the middle of your line of sight.
Overall, the combination of the cheap 3D specs, bright pictures and excellent sense of depth makes this a top-notch 3D option, especially for those who want to watch 3D movies or TV shows with the family or a big group of mates.
Conclusion
I’m hugely impressed by the LG 42LM660T. Its no-bezel design makes it one of the best-looking TVs around and it also sports a lavish assortment of Internet and multimedia features. Let’s not forgot its pristine HD images and excellent passive 3D support either.
Only its slightly noisy standard-definition performance and a tinchy loss of detail in darker scenes hold it back from achieving top marks.
This review courtesy of CNet Reviews
Topic:-
LG 42LM660T LED TV Review
LG LED TV
Article source: http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/tvs/lg-42lm660t-review-50007644/
LG 55LM6700 Cinema 3D Smart LED TV Review
Remember that term “xxx is the ‘new’ black?” Well, 55-inch is the new “standard” size for a flat-panel, at least if you want a big screen image that has enough real-estate to show 3D effects well. LG has more than their share of large displays, but the Cinema Screen On the LG 55LM6700 Cinema 3D Smart LED TV provides not only a high-definition Full HD (1080p) image in both 2D and 3D, but contains all the bells and whistles that a manufacturer’s ad could print.
The easiest way to start looking at the LG is by noting that you get six (!) pairs of 3D glasses with your purchase. Keep in mind that these polarized glasses don’t have batteries or any electronics because they work on the “passive” principle of a polarized screen being part of the display. But also keep in ind that using this technology for 3D means the 3D glasses are lightweight, inexpensive and also keeps the price of the display you use them with down too.
Now you can wear pretty much any pair of polarized glasses you want, but I’ll be using one of the pair made by EX3D because I trust their lenses more than a cheap pair pulled off the discount rack. Plus they’re clip-ons that I can wear over my prescription glasses.
When you’ve a large display — pretty much anything over 27 inches — expect a certain amount of weight when pulling it out of the box. A 55-inch model, like 55LM6700, will work best if two people work together to lift it up. But you do have to attach the base to locking plate that then connects to the back of the LG first; this requires a few screws placed in position and takes under 10 minutes to do. The base allows the LG to swivel and has a screw hole for securing it into the surface it’s been placed on for added security (something us SoCAL folks should take heed of). The LG can also be mounted to a wall as is commonly done by many to flat-panel displays.
And, as noted earlier, the use of polarization for 3D means there’s no emitter on the LG that must be lined up with those wearing the 3D glasses. That’s not to say that the screen’s placement relative to those viewing shouldn’t be taken into consideration, but certainly there’s not the urgency that an emitter requires.
The back panel sockets are conventional enough: there’s an input for a standalone antenna and 4 HDMI inputs (the first supports ARC – audio return channel – that lets audio pass through into the LG from an ARC-supported model, such as an amplifier). There’s also a HDMI input for computer use (requiring an adaptor if the computer only supports DVI) and an audio input for this use as well. A Component and a Composite input (with dual RCA audio inputs) and optical audio output completes the panel.
Next to the panel are 3 USB ports for use with a storage device, media server or for storing apps stored on a thumb drive or equivalent flash storage. This use has become commonplace enough that discussing it is ho-hum.
I should add that I don’t expect artifact and other 3D-type visual problems to occur because “passive” 3D doesn’t have these issues which are found in “active” 3D, and so the 120 Hz graphic engine should operate the onscreen response time nicely. By using an LED backlight, the LCD panel should also display blacks with more intensity and colors, in general, more vibrantly. Another important factor about LED backlighting is that it enables stronger contrast without “smudging” detail. We’ll see if all of this is true in both the 2D and 3D “worlds” shortly.
I guess I should add that the LG 55LM6700 has a 2D to 3D conversion technology built in for use with 2D content. While you can’t “get” 3D when it’s not there, the algorithm driven software built into the electronics can provide a simulation that many will find 3D-like, at times. It’s important to note the factors that affect whether a 3D like effect is seen or not: being the type of content being altered and the perception of the viewer.
LG Smart TV – Easy Customisation
First turning on the LG 55LM6700, you’ll go through a series of startup screens to prepare the TV for use: these allow for customization but can be reconfigured later on as well. About the only one taking some effort is that for your wireless network — as in locating the name/password –should you not be using the Ethernet port on the back for a wired connection. Accessing the built-in user’s guide, by the way, negates the need to go through a manual, should you be one of those who disdain doing that, while still getting a heads-up on the vital features.
A series of controls are locating at the back of the right side — the bezel and thinness of the LG 55LM6700 is pretty astounding for all that’s being contained inside. Forget about them and use the “Magic Remote” instead. This pointer-like device mimics a wireless mouse, only you point it around the set to move the onscreen pointer. Controls on it turn the set on and include functions that most will find familiar: a “Home” button, clickable scroll wheel, an “Apps” button and 3D-activation button among others. The remote links to the LG 55LM6700 through radio-frequency, so distance is not an issue as it could be with an infrared signal.
LG Smart TV – Outstanding Features and Functionality
The menus for this “Smart TV” are straightforward and don’t merit time to talk about them, with the exception of “My Apps.” This is where the Internet access comes into play; LG provides access to a series of “apps” to download and use with the display. This is also where you can access online content from such sites as Netflix and Pandora (the speakers built into the display, by the way, are more than adequate for general use but do lack the bass that adds to a more immersive audio experience — but you can use the optical audio out to go to a more powerful amplifier and speakers).
Access to all of the commands of the LG 55LM6700 can be done through the remote and browsing the menu pages of content available should keep you busy, even as the main image plays in the top left corner of the screen while you’re doing so. “3D” world has many Internet-loaded titles to view that display the 3D effect well (auto 3D enacted) — the magician showing off a floating dollar bill is impressive and lets you see the wider viewing angle for 3D of the screen.
As expected, you should modify the settings differently when playing a compressed video from a broadcast network through a cable box or satellite receiver, versus that of the uncompressed video off a Blu-ray disc. I couldn’t find anything to complain about when doing either: broadcast television off my Dish Network satellite, be it “live” mode or from the DVR, was sharp and clean with only a hint of “noise” that you could barely catch if looking for it — more a function of the video signal than the display. And in all cases when playing 2D Blu-ray discs, the image never faltered. I particularly was impressed with the LG’s display when playing the BD of Madonna’s Truth or Dare, as the concert had scenes where I expected to see some image “smearing.” But no. And if you really want to enjoy the blacks that this display can output, dim the lights so that there are NO reflections on its glossy front and put in Tron: Legacy. Even in 2D, this movie rocks on the LG 55LM6700.
3D I approached with 3D discs – although there are choices you can access through the Internet in “3D World.” I went with my collection of IMAX sea titles and the truly wild Drive Crazy, because it handles 3D like visiting a demented funhouse. As expected, the 3D effect wasn’t as limited as it would be with an “active” 3D system, and in general the 3D effects were spot on. Neither contrast nor brightness issues came up, although in general you should tinker with the settings for a 3D “setting” to use, instead of just leaving the LG set at “2D” because wearing glasses does introduce another element between your eyes and the light. And the video resolution looked fine to me — my eyes not being an electronic measuring device, I can only go with what I can see. Additionally, neither my eyes nor the bridge of my nose were fatigued by the 3D glasses LG provided. Plus my nephew, seated next to me, didn’t once try and push me away to take my place at the “center” of the screen. He’s gotten a lot bigger so that’s real good.
Topic:-
LG Cinema Smart TV
LG Cinema TV
LG Smart TV
LG 3D TV
LG55LM6700 Cinema 3D Smart TV
Mirroring a PC on the LG 55LM6700 Cinema 3D LED TV brought up an important lesson — to get the best image you have to make the adjustments at the PC side. Don’t blame the LG, as I did, initially, because it can only display what it’s been given from a computer’s graphic card. Making the PC’s output match that of the LG’s innate abilities will result in an image that you’ll have nothing to complain about (and if you’ve one of those wireless computer video transmitters, like the Warpia StreamHD VE, you can exert even more control over the image being seen). The LG is Windows 7 compatible and so can also use the PC as a media server.
Editor’s Rating:
Excellent
Bottom line: When you take into account the LG 55LM6700’s screen size and all that it can do, the $2299 list price doesn’t seem off-putting. Especially since the “street” price is a good couple of hundred dollars less. And the slimness of the unit will astound you — even in these days where every panel alludes to being svelte. Those looking for a solid performer, with few issues when playing 3D, can get this LG with no buyer’s remorse.
Pros
- Full 1080p HD with passive 3D
- Wide assortment of Internet/related content
- Built-in WiFi
Cons
- Display can’t tilt
- Magic Remote takes time to get used to
- Remote’s battery compartment tab easily breaks
Article source: http://www.gadgetreview.com/2012/03/lg-55lm7600-cinema-3d-smart-tv-review.html
LG TV – LG65LW6500 3D LED TV Cinema Smart
The LG65LW6500 is a Smart TV
At the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show LG TV announced the latest in their impressive Infinia range of LED TV televisions. The LG TV LG65LW6500 3D LED Cinema Smart TV promises a range of advanced technological features which should make it highly sought after when it is released. In short, this set has everything, and it’s big!
We like BIG TV sets here at Planet LED TV as you’ll know if you’ve read our review of the likes of the Samsung UN65C8000. But, back to this LG TV beauty. LG has stated that this LED TV is the first 3D television in the world to be awarded a Flicker Free certification from Intertek and TUV for its 3D technology.
LG TV – Cinema 3D
LG’s revolutionary CINEMA 3D technology ensures that the pictures projected by the LG65LW6500 LED TV are free from the flickering which blights so many other 3D televisions. Shutter glasses are not required, but instead the LG 3D Polarized glasses are light, inexpensive, and allow the screen to be viewed from any angle (and you can now get clip ons if you already wear spectacles – YEESSS!). The LG 65LW6500 has full 2D to 3D conversion, and it also features 3D Light Boost. This is a thin film which covers the screen with the purpose of enhancing brightness, and therefore picture quality.
Other features to enhance the picture quality on this LED 3D Smart TV include TruMotion technology running at 120Hz to reduce any blurring in fast moving images. LG’s LED Plus technology combines with local dimming to precisely control contrast and levels of brightness in specific areas of the 65 inch screen. This leads to extremely clear images, with very dark blacks and vibrant colors. Finally, as would be expected in an LED HDTV of this calibre, it shows pictures in full high definition at 1080p.
LG TV – Amazing Viewing Experience
The LG65LW6500 is a Smart TV
The picture quality of the LG TV 65LW6500 is therefore exceptional, both in 2D and 3D. Its wide range of viewing angles adds to the impressiveness of its viewing experience. However, it is also a SmartTV, meaning that it has a lot more to offer than just watching films and programmes. It is Wi-Fi ready for wireless access to the Internet without needing any costly add-ons. LG’s easy to use Home Dashboard and Magic Motion remote control mean that the internet can be quickly browsed for content and the menu system is easy and intuitive to use, as it set up. Users can interact with friends on Facebook, or watch videos on YouTube. The Home Dashboard is completely customizable with apps which can be downloaded from the LG App Store.
Once content has been found and downloaded it can easily be transferred between devices using LG’s Smart Share feature. This 3D LED HDTV is DLNA certified, allowing for simple wireless transferring of files with other DLNA certified devices. Alternatively, data can by transferred using a memory stick inserted into the television’s USB connection. There is also an HDMI 1.4 connection as an additional connectivity option.
The LG65LW6500 3D LED Cinema Smart TV(which is a bit of a mouthful, but describes the TV perfectly) features a wealth of impressive features to rival the top of the range televisions from the market leaders like Sony and Samsung. The biggest advantage of an LG Smart TV over the models by those brands, however, is that it will be comparatively much less expensive. This 3D LED TV therefore not only provides a stunning and cinematic viewing experience, but it is also excellent value for money.
Topic:-
LG TV – LG55LX6500 3D LED Cinema TV
We have already reviewed the LG TV LG55LW6500, but we wanted to do a special review on it’s sister LG TV the LG55LX6500. It’s certainly true the LG line of televisions are coming of age in the 3D LED TV market. They now provide serious options to those who want to fully experience entertainment and not just watch television. The LG 55LX6500 55 3D LED TV 1080p 240Hz is a “full cinema” TV and features include the following:
LED Plus Technology provides the viewer greater control of picture brightness and deliver clarity. Enjoy 8,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast
-
- the LG55LX6500 Stunning Contrast
Ratio that provides deeper color, especially in comparison to other 3D LED HDTVs that provide only 1,000,000:1 ratios.
- Full HD 1080p resolution delivers the type of picture and color detail that you come to expect with an HDTV. Enjoy your favorite action-packed movies as they were meant to be experienced.
- TruMotion 240 Hz provides a fluid picture without blur, even in fast moving action scenes.
- 24P Real Cinema technology provides a theater-like experience in entertainment by displaying 24 source frames on the screen. Other 3D LED HDTV options provide a much more limited picture display. Become the envy of others as you show them what Real Cinema can do for entertainment, even in 3D.
- Dolby Digital lets you experience 5.1-channel surround sound, providing unsurpassed audio quality no matter what you’re watching. Enrich and enhance your audio experience with Infinite Sound and Clear Voice technology, which work to deliver rich bass and increased dialogue clarity to your entertainment experience.
LG TV – Get Connected
- The LG55LX6500 Amazing Picture Technology
With USB 2.0, you can connect external USB devices to view or listen to a wide range of media – MP3 files, photos and more. With the AV mode option, choose from three different picture modes to enjoy an enhanced entertainment experience. The Netcast Entertainment Access feature provides the opportunity to bring Internet services to your television for instant media access to movies, television shows, Youtube, Netflix, Vudu and other sources (Internet and subscription service required).
Go Green with LG TV LED Lighting
With LG TV Smart Energy Saving features and an Energy Star 4.0 rating, you can go green while enjoying an amazing entertainment experience. In fact, televisions that earn the Energy Star rating use about 30% less energy than other units and work to save energy in both standby and active modes. In addition, the Intelligent Sensor option provides automatic picture optimization depending on the light available in a room, saving energy while enhancing the viewing experience.
Amazing “Cinema” Entertainment
The LG 55LX6500 55 3D LED HDTV 1080p 240 Hz provides a wide range of options to connect and view media for an enhanced entertainment experience. Functionality, Real Cinema technology, Dolby sound quality and energy efficiency are just some of the qualities LG includes in their line of 3D LED HDTVs. This television from LG is definitely a major ontender for 3D LED TV of the year 2011.
Topic:-
