TEST BENCH

The LG 47LH55 performed admirably in the lab, showing strong results on virtually all measurements and test patterns we use to assess picture quality and video processing. With its Expert 1 preset selected, the 47LH55 displayed excellent grayscale tracking, at its worst running +592 K above the industry standard 6,500 K - average out-of-box performance. Adjustments to the set's white balance controls brought this to within ±49 K. Primary colors also measured near perfect: Blue and red were virtually dead on, and green came in only slightly undersaturated. Color decoding was also accurate for red and blue with 0% errors, and I was able to correct an initial -5% green error with the LG's color saturation controls.

Gray full-field test patterns showed excellent uniformity across the TV's full 0 to 100 IRE brightness range, with no objectionable hotspots. The set perfectly rendered 1080i, 1080p, and 720p static resolution patterns via the HDMI inputs. The same patterns were also fully rendered through the component-video inputs.

Overscan measured 0% in the Just Scan mode with HD content, and approximately 2.5% in the 16:9 aspect mode. The TruMotion 240-Hz feature was tested with a combination of video test clips from the FPD (Flat Panel Display) Blu-ray and Silicon Optix DVD test discs. Moving resolution of 1080-line patterns measured approximately 950 lines with TruMotion off and close to full resolution in either the Low or High settings. On this and every other test of this feature, the circuit made obvious improvements in the clarity of moving objects, but I could detect no difference between the Low and High modes. TruMotion vastly smoothed the stadium pan film test clip on the Silicon Optix HQV Blu-ray test disc and the long, sweeping aerial camera shot that opens the movie 21 (viewed on regular DVD), though in both cases it added a slight video-like sheen to the image that was uncharacteristic of film. I also noted some instability on the HQV disc's Film Resolution Loss Test when TruMotion was switched off, though the LG passed the Video Resolution Loss Test with flying colors.

The 47LH55 scored well on the Silicon Optix Blu-ray and DVD tests for deinterlacing, acing all the jaggies tests. The noise tests on both discs revealed HD and standard-def image reproduction to be very clean and stable. But activating the noise-reduction circuitry in the menu rarely seemed to have a noticeable effect.

The 47LH55's viewing angle was about average for an LCD: The image started to lose some brightness beyond about 30º off-axis from center position and became objectionable beyond about 80º. On the other hand, the LG's matte screen finish was excellent at rejecting ambient light and minimizing screen glare.

Color temperature, before/after calibration:

Brightness, before/after (Expert 1 Mode), 100 IRE: 37.0 ftL/41.9 ftL Primary Color Point Accuracy vs. SMPTE HD Standard