LG 47LG60 Review

Overview Review Specifications Calibration

Model: LG 47LG60

Reviewer: Jack Burden

INTRODUCTION

The LG 47LG60 47" LCD was introduced in the fall of 2008 and runs until the fall of 2009. The LCD has some of the "scarlet" design accents – red trim visible on sides, top and around the stand of the TV. It is very thin at only 2.7" in depth and looks impressive and expensive on its accompanying table stand with the red accents giving a touch of modern class. Processing speed on this unit is up to 120Hz but see our comments below regarding this new feature. It has 1080p resolution and all of the new LG technologies including processing enhancements. It contains 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 4 HDMI inputs (3 in back, 1 on side).

PICTURE QUALITY RATING: 90.5/100

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 12 feet

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: Processing hardware contained in the LG60 did a magnificent job up converting from 480i to native resolution. Images from Seabiscuit and Dave Matthews in Concert DVD appeared crisp and background noise is eliminated. I'm going out on a limb here and stating that the viewer will scarcely will benefit from a Blu Ray player – the processor is that good at up converting standard def signals! There was, however motion lag present throughout the test material, more notably with the True Motion 120Hz turned off, however we felt it a necessary trade off to keep this feature off and preserve the realism of the films.

Note the exceptionally accurate post calibration blue tones in this scene with Dave Matthews.

Shadow and contrast are clearly shown off in this race track scene from Seabiscuit. Note the subtle coloration in the hats which contrasts with the pop of the red lips of the ladies.

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: One very important point about this TV is to turn the True Motion 120Hz processing OFF during film content (especially DVDs) to avert the soap opera, contrived appearance that results from this feature. "It looks like cardboard cutouts," was the way one of our viewers aptly described it. Enabling the 120Hz feature while viewing film content disables the directors tricks to make the scene look realistic and decreases depth perception while making unintended content viewable. See "Remote/Menu Functionality" section below for instructions on turning this feature on and off. See our article about 60Hz vs. 120Hz rate practical applications here.

The 47LG60 tested very well in conversion and background noise. Color rendition with HD material was crisp and we enjoyed pop this TV gives to newer content. More impressive was our Diagonal Filter Testing which showed no "jaggies" in horizontal moving bars even near the axis – a near perfect and best of class result (with True Motion feature On).

Watching Iron Man in HD showed off some of the 47LG60s strengths such as the TVs ability to display accurate flesh tones in difficult lighting conditions. However, it also displayed the a of detail in dark shadows such as in the clothing of the characters.

HQV Testing: The 47LG60 passed all tests with most results excellent. The processor got a little confused at intervals during the Film Res Loss Test, but corrected itself quickly.

Black Level: Black levels were sufficient despite being highly constrained by the anti glare screen. At times, the top and bottom bars looked a little washed out and I would not describe the blacks as deep.

Dark Shadow Detail: During scenes from Iron Man lack detail in suits or dark clothing when in a bright scene. Dark material sometimes becomes lumped together and produces losses in depth perception.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: While accuracy post calibration is good, colors information appears slightly muted due to the anti glare screen. There is too much softening.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: Off angle viewing was adversely affected by the anti glare screen on the LCD. Contrast and black levels start to degrade at just 35 degrees off center. There is also a significant amount of light bleed present at angles in dark material.

Motion Lag: There was certainly motion lag occurring with this LCD, much the same as other high end (or low end) LCDs. While it is evident with all programming, turning On the True Motion 120Hz processing reduces motion lag considerably. Images moving horizontally across the screen, were especially vulnerable.

False Contouring/ Mapping: There was no false contouring or mapping noted. The LCD processing in this area was excellent.

Exceptions: The anti glare screen plays a significant role with this LCD in reducing contrast and black level as well as decreasing dark matter detailing. The anti glare function itself works flawlessly as we did not note any background light disturbance. This TV will be excellent for high ambient light rooms.

FEATURES RATING: 91/100

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: Again, processing was spot on – sizing looks natural and undistorted on any viewed source.

Inputs: 4 HDMI Inputs, USB port (side entry), 2 Component, RGB 15 pin computer input.

Aesthetic Considerations: Well, there is a lot to say here! The 47LG60 has a gloss black cabinet with a large bottom portion at 6.75" from the bottom of the TV to the bottom of the picture element. A large pendant sized LG light centers this base which presumably houses the video boards and chip set engines of the TV. The LCD is only 2.7" in depth which is awesome! with red accents around the top, sides, and around the chrome colored base. The piece is distinctively art deco and will look great in a modern environment. One strange contradiction is the use of a gloss black cabinet with a stringent anti glare screen – not sure I get that one. It's an interesting piece.

Remote Control/Menu Functionality: The matte black non backlit remote control is easy to use and has an easy to find Input control button on the face. The semi transparent menu is wonderfully easy to use with its handy icons. There is no button on the remote for aspect ratio sizing control. To turn True Motion processing Off and On go to Picture setting in the Menu and scroll down to Expert Control. Once there, scroll down to True Motion option half way down and press right arrow key to change On and Off.

The matte black non backlit remote control is easy to use

Audio Output: With film content you will certainly want to turn on the SRX True Surround XT feature as it adds depth and needed warmth to the audio output on this LCD. The sound can be slightly thin and tinny at times. Increasing base and/or decreasing treble also helps.

Features: The touch sensor on/off button (in LG light) is cool. Anti glare screen is great for bright background light but not otherwise. True Motion processing best used only during sports and fast motion programming.

VALUE RATING: 87/100

Price Considerations: At $3300 this is a moderately pricey 47" LCD competing with the new Sony Sharp and Samsung models. It has some nice features – the 2.7" depth and lots of effort put into the design elements.

Quality Comparison: As we can see, so much depends on what features we are using. Our recommendation is to become very familiar with how to turn Off and On the True Motion 120Hz processing feature. In fact LG and others may consider placing a control for it right there on the remote control. Turn it Off for film content and On for sports playback. Processing quality is certainly excellent in this "art deco" LCD television. Black levels, contrast, and viewing angles are all negatively impacted by the anti glare screen technology. But if your viewing room has lots of background light, this could be the TV for you.

OVERALL RATING: 89.75/100

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Review Equipment Used: Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player (480i signals).