Over the last 4 or so years, LG has really stepped up its game in the LED-LCD space.  Their TruMotion technology virtually eliminates motion blur and endgadget.com said it beats Sony’s “largely unimpressive 240Hz Motionflow technology”.  The great thing about LG TV’s (especially their LED-LCD models) is what a fantastic value they are.  While the other manufacturers (Sony in particular) have been spending boatloads on marketing campaigns, LG has quietly been churning out great TVs at great prices.

The LG Infinia 47LW5600 is the most popular TV in the LG family, but even with discount pricing, it comes in at just over $1k (eventhough a comparable Sony would set you back $1,700).  This is where the 47″ LG Infinia LW5600 shines…with the lowest price I’ve seen coming in less than $900, this 47″ TV is a seriously good value.

Technical Details

“Smart TV” is LG’s answer to providing “internet-ready” TV.  This has been a big trend in recent years and I opted out early by simply hooking my PS3 up to the TV and running everything through the game console.  That said, LG’s Smart TV is actually simple to use (which is definitely NOT the case with the other brands) and for users that don’t have (or don’t want to use) a game console, this is an easy way to get much of the same functionality.

Pros:  Has Netflix, Hulu & Vudu (which is all I care about).  Wireless network is really easy to setup (just plug it in and wifi detects your network – then enter your network settings and you’re done).  Also the app page is customizable which is nice.  It’s simple and intuitive – I actually prefer it to the PS3 menu page.  The TV’s wireless network adapter can also act as a router (and is included in the price – Sony makes you pony up $100 for it)

Cons:  The “LG apps” are pretty weak (and only number about 15 or so) and sometimes take a while to load… don’t be expecting anything cool here.  For example, the Facebook app is much simpler than you might expect which makes is basically not worth using – which is a shame because it would be cool to be able to show people your photos, wall, etc on an awesome 47″ display.  Same thing with the Youtube app…basically un-usable.

“Immediately I was blown away by the video and audio quality I was watching. Trust me. It was outstanding ! ! “

Picture- The picture quality with the LG Infinia 47LV5500 is hands-down amazing and really what sets this TV apart.  This TV is “Full Array with local dimming” which means the entire LCD panel is backlit with LEDs.  This is the best LED technology available but is typically more expensive…except in this model (note:  the 55″ version is “edge-lit” which means the LEDs just run around the edge of the screen).  The blacks really are black (you can actually distinguish among various levels and the colors are crisp and clear.  The Matte finish of the screen makes it very easy to watch in bright rooms and the viewing angle does actually seem to be superior to other LCD TVs out there.

The picture alone makes this price absurd.

Pros:  The quality of the picture is fantastic and the TV has as a ton of calibration settings (which is great but does require some time learn).  Power consumption is very low (even without “Energy-saving” mode on).  The display is as good as it gets and LG’s TruMotion technology is the best out there.

Cons:  “Energy-saving” mode seems to result in a darker picture and the TruMotion seems to have a hard time with video games.  The numerous picture settings can take some time to get used to and the “Magic Motion remote” needs to be “reset” all the time (or so it feels).

The LW5600 series (47″ & 55″) is the most popular TV in the LG family…and for good reason.  It has a ton of features and sports an amazing picture quality (including 3D) for what it’s priced.

TruMotion 120Hz technology lets you see sports, video games and high-speed action with virtually no motion blur.

Passive 3D:   I wasn’t a fan of 3D TVs until I tried this.  LG does it better than anyone – hands down.   Don’t fall for “Active vs Passive”…passive is better (less eye strain, higher quality) and worth getting.  LG does it brilliantly.

2D-3D Conversion:   I didn’t even know this existed and it is LEGIT.

The LG Infinia has a ton more features but it really excelled in each of these categories above so if any one of those is a higher priority, then keep reading.  Features like their SMART TV which allows for streaming movies, custom apps, games, and web browsing are cool to have (and work well) but not really where these models shine…

Firstly, as far as LED TVs go, the LG’s are amazing in their own right.  The original LED tv’s use a technology in which the entire screen is backlit using LEDs that can be individually brightened or dimmed (within zones) – this is known as “Full-lit with local dimming” technology and, while considered the absolute best method by purists…it’s very expensive.

The LW5600 employs what’s known as “Edge-lit with local dimming” which allows for the LEDs to be locally dimmed along the edge of the LCD panel instead of having to place a “full array” behind the entire LCD panel.  Not only is the “Edge-lit” method much cheaper but the latest “edge-lit” technology (at which LG has been at the forefront) can illuminate the center of the LCD panel (and all other areas of the screen) using so-called “light guides.”   The result:  virtually no impact to picture quality vs. a Full-lit array AND about 50% cheaper.

“Don’t let the price fool you”

TrueMotion

The picture quality alone is enough to justify buying this TV over any others (especially at this price).  The picture is sharp and clear with excellent colors across bright and dark areas (with deep blacks) and the matte screen works very well in bright rooms.  The “TruMotion” technology is excellent – there is no blurring whatsoever (read why LG TruMotion is better than Sony’s Motionflow technology).

 ”I was expecting to be amazed, but I was absolutely blown away!  The HD channels absolutely POP out of the screen”

3D TV

The 3D quality of this TV absolutely blew me away and I’m not alone.  Everyone is amazed at the quality of the 3D (Read more Reviews Here).  LG uses what’s known as “Passive 3D” technology which doesn’t require the battery-operated glasses and results in basically no eye fatigue from viewing.  Unlike alot of the other 3D TVs out there, the picture looked great even when I stood at wide angles which is especially important for bigger screens:

“By far, the best 3D experience I’ve seen. Standing about six feet from the screen, there was a scene from an IMAX documentary where a fish seriously looked like it came out about halfway between where I was standing, and where the TV was.  It was incredible, clear, and I knew it had to be pretty expensive. Much to my surprise, it was in the same league as the Panasonic models. I had to have it. “

How much?

The price on this model is what makes this TV a no-brainer.

The LG Infinia 55LW5600 retails for as high as $2,400 but the discounts at Amazon are amazing.

You can find the slightly smaller 47″  LG Infinia 47LW5600 retailing for between $1,600- $1,700 but the prices at Amazon are unbelievably low (and that including 4 pairs of glasses).

anyway this was my review, as an owner of LG I’ll see with this model if I ever buy another.

The LW5600 series (47″ & 55″) is the most popular TV in the LG family…and for good reason.  It has a ton of features and sports an amazing picture quality (including 3D) for what it’s priced.

TruMotion 120Hz technology lets you see sports, video games and high-speed action with virtually no motion blur.

Passive 3D:   I wasn’t a fan of 3D TVs until I tried this.  LG does it better than anyone – hands down.   Don’t fall for “Active vs Passive”…passive is better (less eye strain, higher quality) and worth getting.  LG does it brilliantly.

2D-3D Conversion:   I didn’t even know this existed and it is LEGIT.

The LG Infinia has a ton more features but it really excelled in each of these categories above so if any one of those is a higher priority, then keep reading.  Features like their SMART TV which allows for streaming movies, custom apps, games, and web browsing are cool to have (and work well) but not really where these models shine…

Firstly, as far as LED TVs go, the LG’s are amazing in their own right.  The original LED tv’s use a technology in which the entire screen is backlit using LEDs that can be individually brightened or dimmed (within zones) – this is known as “Full-lit with local dimming” technology and, while considered the absolute best method by purists…it’s very expensive.

The LW5600 employs what’s known as “Edge-lit with local dimming” which allows for the LEDs to be locally dimmed along the edge of the LCD panel instead of having to place a “full array” behind the entire LCD panel.  Not only is the “Edge-lit” method much cheaper but the latest “edge-lit” technology (at which LG has been at the forefront) can illuminate the center of the LCD panel (and all other areas of the screen) using so-called “light guides.”   The result:  virtually no impact to picture quality vs. a Full-lit array AND about 50% cheaper.

“Don’t let the price fool you”

TrueMotion

The picture quality alone is enough to justify buying this TV over any others (especially at this price).  The picture is sharp and clear with excellent colors across bright and dark areas (with deep blacks) and the matte screen works very well in bright rooms.  The “TruMotion” technology is excellent – there is no blurring whatsoever (read why LG TruMotion is better than Sony’s Motionflow technology).

 ”I was expecting to be amazed, but I was absolutely blown away!  The HD channels absolutely POP out of the screen”

3D TV

The 3D quality of this TV absolutely blew me away and I’m not alone.  Everyone is amazed at the quality of the 3D (Read more Reviews Here).  LG uses what’s known as “Passive 3D” technology which doesn’t require the battery-operated glasses and results in basically no eye fatigue from viewing.  Unlike alot of the other 3D TVs out there, the picture looked great even when I stood at wide angles. 

“By far, the best 3D experience I’ve seen. Standing about six feet from the screen, there was a scene from an IMAX documentary where a fish seriously looked like it came out about halfway between where I was standing, and where the TV was.  It was incredible, clear, and I knew it had to be pretty expensive. Much to my surprise, it was in the same league as the Panasonic models. I had to have it. “

How much?

The price on this model is what makes this TV a no-brainer.

You can find a 47″ LG Infinia LW5600 retailing for between $1,600- $1,700 but the prices at Amazon are unbelievably low (and that including 4 pairs of glasses).

The 55″ model retails for as high as $2,400 but the discounts at Amazon are amazing.