The LV5500 Series is a mid-level offering in LG's 2011 lineup of LED-based LCDs. It lacks higher-end features like 3D capability, local dimming, 240Hz (or higher) processing, and THX certification, but it's still a strong overall package. The LV5500 Series includes screen sizes of 42, 47, and 55 invhes. We have not performed a hands-on review of the 55-inch 55LV5500, but here is a more comprehensive look at its features. This 1080p LCD uses edge LED lighting, which allows for a slender depth (1.2 inches) and excellent energy efficiency. As I mentioned above, it lacks local dimming, which allows independent LED zones to dim or turn themselves off to improve black level. The TV includes ISFccc calibration options and TruMotion 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur and film judder.
Additional Resources
• Read more LED HDTV reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Look at alternatives if our Plasma HDTV Review section.
• Find a Blu-ray player in our Blu-ray Player Review section.
The 55LV5500 features LG's Smart TV media platform, which includes access to Netflix, VUDU, CinemaNow, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Picasa, and many more options that can be added via LG's Apps store. There's also a full Web browser on board, and you can stream media from a DLNA-compliant server. The 55LV5500 comes with a USB WiFi adapter and the Magic Motion motion-sensing remote. This model is compatible with LG's AN-WL100W Wireless Media Box, which lets you wirelessly transmit the A/V signal from your source(s) to the display.
The connection panel includes four HDMI and two component video inputs, as well as a PC input and an RF input to access the internal ATSC and Clear-QAM tuners. All four HDMI inputs are side-facing for easy access. Also side-facing are the dual USB ports, which support media playback and the addition of the AN-WF100 WiFi adapter. On the back panel, you'll find an Ethernet port for a wired network connection, as well as the wireless control port for the optional Wireless Media Box. The 55LV5500 also offers RS-232 for integration into an advanced control system.
The 55LV5500 has an excellent assortment of picture adjustments, beginning with three preset AV modes that automatically set both the picture and sound parameters to suit a specific type of source content (Cinema, Sport, and Game). In the video-only realm, you get numerous picture modes, including two Expert modes that provide access to advanced calibration controls. Adjustments include: 2-point and 10-point white-balance controls; individual color management of all six color points; skin color; noise reduction; Super Resolution; gamma; and more. The TruMotion control includes high, low, and off modes, as well as a User mode in which you can independently adjust the judder and blur functions. LG offers a great feature called Picture Wizard, an automatic setup tool that walks you through a basic picture calibration by showing a series of photos and letting you adjust brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness until they match the "recommended" picture. There are five aspect-ratio options, including a Just Scan mode to display 1080i/1080p images with no overscan.
The audio setup menu includes five sound modes, plus bass, treble, balance, and Infinite 3D Surround controls. A/V Sync is available. LG's Clear Voice II function brings up the level of vocals to make them more easily discernable, while the generic Auto Volume function helps to minimize volume discrepancies. This TV lacks SRS TruVolume or Dolby Volume audio-leveling technology. The Sound Optimizer adjusts the output based on the TV's placement on a wall or stand.
This TV offers an Energy Saving mode that limits the overall screen brightness, with options for auto (automatically adjusts the brightness based on room lighting), off, minimum, medium, and maximum. There's also a screen-off mode that allows you to turn off the video when listening to audio-only content.
Read about the high points and low points of the LG 55LV5500 LED HDTV on Page 2.
High Points
• The 55LV5500's edge-lit LED design allows for energy efficiency and a slim cabinet.
•
TruMotion 120Hz helps improve motion resolution and reduce film judder.
Plus, there's a Real Cinema mode that allows for 5:5 pulldown.
• LCDs can be very bright, which makes them a good choice for a well-lit viewing environment.
• The TV has plenty of connection options and picture adjustments.
•
The 55LV5500 supports a wired or wireless network connection. It can
receive streamed content from a DLNA server and includes the robust
Smart TV media platform.
• This model is compatible with LG's Wireless Media Box to wirelessly transmit the A/V signal from source to display.
• An RS-232 port is included.
Low Points
• This is not a 3D-capable display.
•
Edge-lit LED-based LCD TVs can suffer from brightness-uniformity
issues. Unlike some higher-end LG models, the LV5500 Series does not use
local dimming to more precisely adjust light output to produce deeper
blacks and better uniformity.
• LCD viewing angles are not as good you'll find with a plasma TV.
Competition and Comparison
Compare the LG 55LV5500 with its
competition by reading the reviews for the Sony KDL-40EX620,
Philips 46PFL7505D/F7,
and Sanyo DP55441.
Learn more about LED-based LCD TVs by visiting our LED HDTV section.
Conclusion
If
3DTV doesn't interest you but a strong Web platform with WiFi
connectivity does, then LG's 55LV5500 is worth a look. The lack of local
dimming means that this TV may not be the best choice for a
theater-oriented TV that will see a lot of movie-watching in a
completely dark room, but it's probably well suited for HDTV, sports,
and gaming. The 55LV5500 has a listed price of $2,099.99 on LG's
website, but its street price is significantly lower (Amazon is
currently selling it for under $1,300), which makes it a good value in
the realm of large-screen LED-based LCDs.
Additional Resources
• Read more LED HDTV reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's staff.
• Look at alternatives if our Plasma HDTV Review section.
• Find a Blu-ray player in our Blu-ray Player Review section.
