LG 47LH40 LCD HDTV Reviewed
- By: Adrienne Maxwell
- Category:
- Equipment Reviews, LCD HDTV Reviews, Video Reviews
- April 6, 2009

The LH40 Series is one of LG's new mid-level LCD lines. This line lacks some of the high-end features that will be offered in more expensive models - features like LED backlighting, wireless video transmission, 240Hz technology, NetCast Web connectivity, and a super-slim design - but it still offers a nice assortment of features and technologies for a good price. The LH40 Series includes five models ranging from 32 to 55 inches.
We have not performed a hands-on review of the 47LH40, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 47-inch, 1080p LCD includes TruMotion 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur with fast-moving content, as well as judder in film sources. The TruMotion technology uses motion interpolation to render smoother movement with film sources. LG has also incorporated a feature called Real Cinema that reduces film judder in a more natural way, adding 5:5 pulldown to 24p film sources. The 47LH40 uses LG's S-IPS panel, which further reduces motion blur and can improve the display's side-to-side viewing angle. The TV has a Smart Energy Saving mode and is Energy Star-certified. The connection panel includes four HDMI, two component video, and one PC input, as well as one RF input to access to internal NTSC, ATSC, and Clear-QAM tuners. The HDMI inputs accept 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals, and one is located on the side panel for easy access. Also on the side panel is a USB port that allows for JPEG and MP3 playback. The back panel sports an RS-232 port for integration into an advanced control system, a feature not usually found on mid- to entry-level TV models.
LG has included a generous amount of picture controls, beginning with three A/V modes labeled Cinema, Game, and Sport; select a mode, and the TV automatically switches to preset video and audio settings to suit that type of content. If you'd rather handle the video-setup specifics on your own, you can begin by selecting one of nine picture modes. The 47LH40 offers a nice feature called Picture Wizard that helps the end user set basic controls like black/white level, color, tint, and sharpness using easy-to-understand test patterns. Other basic video settings include an adjustable backlight, two color-temperature choices, gamma selection, noise reduction, and two color spaces (standard and wide). The Intelligent Sensor picture mode automatically adjusts the image quality based on room's ambient light conditions, and there are also two Expert picture modes through which you can precisely adjust white balance and each of the six color points, among other things. The TruMotion 120Hz menu includes off, low, and high settings, while the Real Cinema mode can be turned on or off. The TV has six aspect-ratio options, including a Just Scan mode to view 1080i/1080p sources with no overscan.
The 47LH40 doesn't have quite as striking a design as other LG models, but it has a clean look, with a gloss-black frame and rounded base. The Invisible Speaker System places actuators around the perimeter of the bezel to create a wider sweet spot. The audio setup menu offers five preset sound modes, plus basic treble, bass, and balance controls. SRS TruSurround XT is onboard, and you also get a volume leveler and Clear Voice II technology to improve dialogue reproduction.
Highs Points
• The use of 120Hz technology and an S-IPS panel help reduce motion blur with faster-moving content. Plus, you can choose how you'd like the TV to reduce judder in film sources - via motion interpolation through TruMotion or via 5:5 pulldown with Real Cinema.
• The 47LH40 has a 1080p resolution and accepts 1080p/24 signals through its HDMI inputs.
• This TV has lots of connection options and picture adjustments.
• The USB port allows for easy music and photo playback.
• LCDs are generally capable of great light output and are a good choice for a brightly lit room.
• An RS-232 port is included.
Low Points
• This model lacks the LED backlighting that will be offered in higher-end LG models. Its black level is likely not as deep as that found in the best LCD and plasma models, so the picture won't look as rich and inviting, especially in a dark room.
• S-IPS panels usually provide better side-to-side viewing angles, but they still aren't as good as you get with a plasma panel.
• This model lacks Web connectivity.
Conclusion
For a mid-priced LCD, the 47LH40 offers a nice array of features and connections, as well as desirable video technologies like 120Hz and a de-judder film mode. This is a strong contender.
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Comment on this article
1We just received an LG 47LH40 as a replacement for a 47" Toshiba which failed after 2 years use. We bought the Toshiba in Dec of 2007. A line showed up down the middle of the screen in March of 2009. Repair guy said it was toast and said we should get a replacement through our warranty. We continued to use the Toshiba until Aug and then got an in store credit toward a new tv. American recommended the LG 47LH40 and the store credit covered the price and taxes.
When we first installed with a new HDMI cable the lip sync was way off and the picture quality sucked. I reinstalled with the high end component cables we had used for our Toshiba and those two problems were resolved. I purchased another set of high end component cables to hook up the Bose 123 system and picture quality on the DVD player was excellent. Sound through the Bose was excellent. Our only disappointment is the "glare" reflected off lights and windows which we did not experience with the Toshiba. We resolved the glare problem by turning the set (mounted on a table) slightly off perpendicular to the viewer so as to reflect the glare another direction. Another disappointment is that the set went on sale two days after we purchased it with our in store credit and American would not reimburse us for the difference or give us another in store credit. The long and short of the matter is that we paid $2900 for the Toshiba, another $400 for 5 year warranty and received 2.5 years use of the Toshiba and a new LG 47LH40 worth about $1100. We did not elect to buy further extended warranty. We will see how this works out.
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