LG 42LV3700 Review

Model: LG 42LV3700
Description: 42" LED Edge Lit LCD TV with 60Hz Processing 1080p resolution
Includes: Swivel table top stand, Breakout cables for 2nd Component and Composite inputs
Reviewers: Robert Wiley
Date: Summer 2011

Strengths

  • Price for LED TV with Internet Compatibilty
  • Off Center, Side Viewing Angle is very good for LED TV
  • Calibration Contols Excellent
  • Menu System Features and ease of use

Weaknesses

  • Somewhat dim picture with Standard Definition sources
  • Slight Glare from Present Room Light/ Non-Clear Coat Screen
  • Judder, jerky motion in side to side panning images

Picture Quality Rating (HD): 8/10

Picture Quality Rating (Non-HD): 7.5/10

LG 55LV3700 Review
A shot from the 480i DVD of Tomb Raider in 4:3 shows pretty good picture quality clarity even from standard definition sources.

Since standard definition images can be somewhat dimmer than with HD, we recommend a different set of picture settings for lower resolution signals with this TV. Just use the Standard picture mode and change the color temperature to Warm 2. That should fix the Blue push. Edges are soft on this TV so leave the Sharpness settings reasonably high at a setting of 40 or more.

LG 55LV3700 Review
Despite just a little glare from room light this shot shows the excellent side angle viewing contrast on the LV3700 – one of the best LED edge lit LCD TVs in this difficult category.

Features Rating: 8/10

LG 55LV3700 Review
A shot of the Input selections on the LV3700 accessed through the remote control.

Aesthetic Considerations: The LV3700 is an attractive enough TV and has the same gloss black bezel framing that some of the higher end LG's contain. The frame is 1.5" wide and the depth of the TV is a scant 1". The table stand conveniently swivels side to side 20 degrees.

Audio Output: The LV3700 series LCD uses 10W X 10W speakers and LG's audio system from 2010 which eliminates traditional speaker drivers and contains speaker actuators around the perimeter of the entire bezel. Though the technical terminology sounds impressive we wish it translated into better practical performance as the sound quality is dim and shallow and sometimes lacks volume especially with film based programming. The Clear Voice feature usually helps and we recommend turning it on.

Value Rating: 8/10

Though the 42LV3700 LG does not have some of the upgrade features, 120Hz, 3D compatibility, or the Magic Wand remote, it does have the complete LG Internet Netcast suite, LED edge-lit lighting, and the benefits of solid side viewing angles. At a price of only $849, we think it will be on our hot deal list from time to time. Competition comes from the Samsung UN40D6000, the Sharp LC-40LE830U, and the Toshiba 42SL417U and a host of plasma TVs.

Overall Rating: 7.75/10

See the calibrated picture settings for the 42LV3700

Specifications

  • Screen size: 42" (42" diagonal) / 1920 x 1080p LCD panel
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Progressive features: 24p Real Cinema (5:5/2:2 pulldown) / 3:2 pulldown / TruMotion 60Hz / 2ms response time
  • Video inputs: 3 HDMI/HDCP (side) / 2 USB 2.0 (side) / 2 component video with audio / 2 composite video with audio (1 rear, 1 side) / 1 RF
  • Other inputs: 1 RGB PC / 1 PC audio / 1 LAN / 1 RS-232c (control/service)
  • Audio outputs: 1 optical / 1 headphone jack (side)
  • Built-in speakers: MTS, SAP / 10W x 2 / 2 way, 4 system / Bass, treble, balance controls / Infinite Surround system
  • Mounting options: VESA compliant (400mm x 400mm)
  • Remote control: Standard
  • 1080p source input: HDMI (1080p/1080i/720p) / Component (1080p/1080i/720p) / RGB (1080i/720pp)
  • Picture Wizard II
  • LG Smart TV
  • Broadband: NetCast Entertainment Access (Yahoo, Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa) / Wi-Fi ready / ISFccc ready / DLNA certified
  • Built-in tuner: ATSC / NTSC / Clear QAM
  • ENERGY STAR rated
  • LED backlighting
  • Intelligent Sensor
  • Smart Energy Saving
  • Color temperature control: 3 models (warm/medium/cool)
  • Wireless 1080p ready (WHDI) / Wi-Fi ready
  • Convenience features: Auto tuning / Auto programming / Channel add, delete / Favorites / Clock / Timer / Sleep Timer / Auto off / Auto sleep
  • Picture mode: 7 Modes (Intelligent Sensor / Vivid / Standard / Cinema/ Game / isf Expert 1 / isf Expert 2)
  • ISFccc ready
  • Dimensions: 39.3" W x 24.2" H x 1.6" D without stand, 39.3" W x 26.9" H x 10.1" D with stand
  • Weight: 29.3 lbs. without stand, 34.2 lbs. with stand

 



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