Review: LG 55LM760S (LM760S series) 3D LCD TV

If a manufacturer has always been supportive of passive 3D has been then it is LG. Like last year, the manufacturer focuses mainly on passive 3D LCD TV and the complete line-up is also provided with this technique. Rather have already looked at the LM670S 3D LCD TV, this time we go a step higher and look at the 55 inch LM760S.

LG has for 2012 a fairly large LCD TV lineup launched, but despite the large amount of TVs is the difference between the models is not very large. As you complete the LG LCD TV overview can see there are many models that are pure in design or just a small feature models differ from above. The LM760S series is a “middle class” 3D model for 2012 and should LM960V LM860V series and above in size.

LG LM760S – Specifications

The LG LM760S series comes in a 42 inch, 47 inch and 55 inch size and has over other brands and models of LG last year a very sleek and innovative design, just like the models a step up to find. In this review, I look at the 55 inch version but the performance and features also apply to the 47-inch and 42-inch version.

As mentioned, while most models in the LG LCD TV line-up quite similar. The top model is the LM960V, an LCD TV with Nano Full LED backlighting and a 1.000Hz image technique. A step lower we find the LM860V series that should do it with Edge Lit LED backlighting and a 800 Hertz imaging technique.

The LM760S series seems rather to LM860V series but must do without the dual-core processor for multitasking without MHL for connection to a smartphone or tablet and voice control without using the Magic Remote. In design terms, the LM760S series unlike LM860V series feature a black frame and another foot.

A complete list of the 2012 LG LCD TV line-up you will find in this article.

LG LM760S – design

The models in the LM760S series have a very sleek design, but that design is actually in almost every series beautifully made. LG calls the design a ‘Borderless’ design and that is reflected in the fact that the edges around the display but one inch wide. This gives you the feeling that the TV is bigger and sort of floats in space.

Compared to the LM860V models the LM760S models on a different foot. The foot is a whole instead of two separate small feet and I think even a little nicer. The frame around the TV, especially below the display, has been given a black finish where the finish of the LM860V series silver. Furthermore, the model is very slim and overall minimalist.

Fortunately, LG has also this year again elected to the most important connections to the side to show. So you get four HDMI ports, an Ethernet port (WiFi is built), a SCART socket, digital optical output, a CI + module for digital TV and three USB ports. The wall-mount this model provides no problems.

LG LM760S – ease

The 55LM760S is a very user-TV, like the LM670S I have previously viewed. The menu structure is clear, the menus are graphically attractive and thereby LG has some simple setup programs added that setting your TV easy. For the novice user, the TV quickly and easily adjust and optimize for the advanced user there are a lot of extra options quickly accessible. Through the home screen (dashboard) you also get access to a digital manual if you do not come true.

One of the features that increase the ease of use, the Magic Remote control. With this remote control you can more quickly and easily navigate through menus or within the Smart TV platform. You can point the remote control in order to select functions and using the scroll wheel lets you quickly browse through content and settings. Mainly within the Smart TV platform and the browser has an added value. The Magic Remote is a different model than with the higher series comes. This model does not have a built-in microphone for voice control.

If this remote you also for some reason do not like you can also use normal remote, which feels pretty cheap, or download an application for your smartphone.

LG LM760S – features

Nowadays, not only the image quality more important, all the extra features get much attention. LG Smart TV platform this year and put in its appearance and structure adapted. In addition, it should be easier to share the content within your home network and you have the ability to dual-player games full screen play.

Smart TV 2.0

The Smart TV platform is the main feature and LG has named this year renamed Smart TV 2.0. The reason is that (obviously) completely renewed. The appearance is dealt but the manufacturer is the new platform faster, smarter and simpler. One of the additions that only LM960V and LM860V series have been the dual-core processor. This should include multitasking easier and faster. Unfortunately the LM760S this series dual-core processor is not but this is barely noticeable in the Smart TV platform. Applications open slightly slower and the browser seems to sacrifice some speed. Furthermore, the navigation is still very supple and smooth.

Unlike the smart TV platform eg Panasonic shows LG’s platform is very neat and has actually looked at the possibilities for a smooth and beautiful experience. The dashboard, where you direct access to key functions, is well organized and has several sections where you can place your favorite applications and where you can find the most important functions.

LG has a reasonable range of applications that will hopefully soon be expanded. Samsung is master and other manufacturers, including LG, Sony and Panasonic, they are still far behind. It is also important that LG have some interesting applications have focused on the Dutch user. So you can include apps RTL, Videoland, TVgids and Buienradar download. Something that did notice is that the quality of video content via applications is not always optimal by artifacts and glitches.

Media streaming

Through SmartShare is possible to stream content from other devices in your home network. The only thing on the other devices need is a software program that works as a DLNA server. Then the TV detects the device without problems and you can include music and videos to the TV stream. A new feature is WiDi. This is a small WiFi network set up between two devices without intervention of a router. Unfortunately, there are very few devices with WiDi feature, but the feature is there if the devices appear.

USB Functions

Besides the wireless media streaming media can also physically connect via a USB drive. Once connected, you can see the most popular file without any problems. You can also use the USB ports to drive to hang where material can be recorded. If you do not have digital TV decoder with built-in recorder then this is an interesting feature. Disadvantage is that the TV has a tuner and not something you can record and watch another channel can.

Dual Play

A feature that may be more in the 3D section of this review is (but again, not really), the Dual Play mode. This ensures that with the Dual Play glasses (included) fullscreen games you can play with two players. By making use of the 3D technology, it is possible that you both get a full screen image, which you previously had to work with a split screen. A disadvantage of this feature is that you suffer from a ghosting effect of the image that the other player on offer. Also, the resolution of the images full screen on the low side. This technique is not optimal but certainly offers advantages for those who like games with two people.

3D glasses

This year, LG four standard passive 3D glasses with its 3D LCD TVs, but in addition you also get a “free” clip-on glasses included. These can be on your own glasses. The models from the LM760S series and above also receive two “free” Dual Play glasses included.

LG LM760S – quality

Besides all the great features and functions is the main course still image quality. The LM760S includes Edge Lit LED backlight with local dimming, a 800Hz image technique (equates to around 200Hz) and passive 3D viewing. As said you can reasonably extended to the TV’s own personal preference but for the average user, the Cinema mode out of the box to give the best picture quality.

The 55LM760S in terms of SD display a reasonably good LCD TV. The display of SD material upscaled to HD resolution is reasonably sharp and the colors are natural and realisctisch about. Here and there, depending on the source, there noise and artifacts but you almost do not escape. The display of fast moving images or objects does sometimes motion blur on creating a kind of haze over the image is laid and the details disappear. Altogether performs LM760S at SD playback average or slightly above.

The display of native HD material is a lot better. Objects are displayed crisp, colors jump out of the picture and make the whole vivid, the blacks are fairly deep and shadows and dark scenes are full of contrasts. Unfortunately it is not as black as we for example the Samsung ES8000 series saw or plasma models from Panasonic and Samsung, but for an LCD TV is not bad. Still, here again in motion blur (the blurring of fast moving images and objects) occurs more frequently than comparable models. You can turn the TruMotion option but unfortunately this gives a fake effect reminiscent of a soap opera instead of a movie.

A point where I LCD TVs with LED backlighting which more attention is the uniformity of the image and possible clouding or backlight bleeding issues. This is in fact something that many manufacturers still struggling. LG also has not quite mastered. In the corners is what clouding and bleeding visible in dark scenes making the image just a bit lighter than in the middle. Yet this problem is a lot less than I for example the Samsung ES6800 saw.

3D rendering

As mentioned, the LM760S equipped with passive 3D technology, LG renamed the Cinema 3D technology, and I was in the review of the LM670S pretty excited about. The 55LM760S provides almost the same performance in terms of 3D rendering. The whole thing seems to have more contrast and black levels are perhaps slightly deeper but the 3D experience is just as comfortable.

The major advantage of passive 3D is the ‘softer’ 3D display that much finer for your eyes. You have no problems with flickering, objects that emerge have a really “pop” effect and clarity of 3D material is higher than with an active 3D TV. Of course, the passive 3D glasses important. These are much lighter than the current version, and costs only a few dollars.

The overall 3D experience is very positive and it is certainly a pleasure to watch, but not without drawbacks. Passive 3D still has the great disadvantage that the reduced resolution when displaying 3D content. Horizontal lines are visible which for me personally experience the weather will change. It’s something you need to take with pleasure, because you get is indeed a very impressive 3D experience. For those who very much appreciate the best picture quality with full resolution and superior reproduction of detail, this model can not meet my view. I must say that the loss in resolution though a lot less than the 2011 models.

Gaming

It is something that keeps coming back but when playing games is that rapid movements quickly create a loss of detail. Furthermore, the input lag around 38ms which the TV is not the best option for those who want advanced shooters or sports games where response time is important. However, passive 3D when playing games certainly has its advantages. The 3D view is impressive but most important is the fact that you by the passive 3D technology last long without love can suffer from tired eyes get. The Dual play features, described above, provides the ability to dual-player games full screen play, something that adds value to the gaming experience.

Viewing angles and reflections

In this area the LM760S the midsize segment. It is clear that a wide angle of view at which the image brightness and contrast loses, which is surely the fact should not be allowed with an IPS panel. Reflections are not a big problem but in brightly lit environments or with a window in the background reflections remain reasonably well visible.

LG LM760S – audio quality

The audio quality of the LM760S does not stop. Compared to other flat screen TVs know this model is good to keep going. To watch a TV series, news or a simple program you can display the TV or else use it. When you start playing games or watching movies is still missing a lot of dynamism, depth and color to this positive assessment. Therefore, a separate speaker system or home theater system is the best solution.

LG LM760S – conclusion

As we now know, the LG TV’s most lavishly equipped with features and functions and is happy here really attention. The Smart TV platform provides an attractive setting with convenient features and interesting applications. It is unfortunate that the video playback inside those apps is not optimal and the supply of apps may still bigger. The menus are clear and ease of use is definitely a positive point, including the Magic Remote. Additional features like streaming within the home network or connect a USB drive to work without problems.

In terms of image quality is the absolute hit LM760S not only an above average performing model has a great advantage over most comparable models, passive 3D. This technique provides a 3D view that is more comfortable than active 3D but also entails disadvantages which the loss in resolution is the largest. 2D display of SD material is probably just what is above average but with HD material knows the TV to really show what he can do. Movies in HD resolution dynamic, lively and very sharp. The black levels can still better, motion blur appears too often and this model has suffered from clouding / backlight issues at the edges of the display.

All in all the 55LM760S so a good TV that just between the high-end and middle models floats. The TV has a number of interesting and well-functioning features, a very attractive design, excellent HD viewing and comfortable 3D viewing. In addition, you get also a set of seven 3D glasses included for free.