LG 47G2 LED Google TV Review

Introduction

Design

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LG continues its tradition of sleek, stylish TVs.

The G2 boasts the same curved platform stand and motion-based functionality as other high-end LGs from 2012. The thin, edge-lit LED has a brushed metal bezel, touch-response controls and only weighs about 30lbs. It hints at futurism without appearing too outlandish and makes for a handsome product once fully assembled.

On the left side of the LG 47G2, you’ll find a cluster of horizontally-oriented inputs of the USB and HDMI variety. There are three USB inputs and four HDMI inputs, providing ample options for flash/external hard drives and HDMI-connected devices. Their side placement makes them easy to access, though I imagine a cluster of four HDMI connections trailing from the side of the TV might look a little ugly.

{{photo_gallery "Design Landing Page Photo", "Front Tour Image", "Back Tour Image", "Sides Tour Image", "Connectivity Tour Image 1", "Connectivity Tour Image 2", "Connectivity Extra Photo", "Stand Photo", "Controls Photo", "Remote Control Photo"}}

Smart TV Features

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The G2 features a unique menu system and has combined LG's Home Menu with a smattering of Google-based content.

The G2 series is entirely unique in LG’s line-up. Most LG TVs share a similar menu interface. However the G2’s interface—meant to be streamlined for the hybrid Magic/QWERTY remote—is a standalone setup that was initially confusing to work with. Basic menus for adjusting picture and sound settings are tucked away inside larger menus. These menus are laid out with lots of text in the center of the screen. It’s not a bad thing, but is very different from anything else LG has done this year.

The internet half of LG and Google’s TV partnership is where the G2 shines. The remote’s scroll wheel, wand-like motion properties, and full QWERTY keyboard eliminate many of the web-browsing problems I often find so frustrating on traditional smart TVs. The remote may not have the ease-of-use of a PC, but it might just be on par with tablet and smartphone use after some practice. LG’s smart platform was already impressive, but the addition of Google content makes it that much better.

{{photo_gallery "Software and Internet Landing Page Photo", "Internet Features 1 Photo", "Internet Features 2 Photo", "Internet Features 3 Photo", "Browser 1 Photo", "Browser 2 Photo", "Browser 3 Photo", "Apps 1 Photo", "Apps 2 Photo", "Apps 3 Photo", "Local Media Playback 1 Photo", "Local Media Playback 2 Photo", "Menu Main Photo", "Menu 2 Photo"}}

Picture Quality

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The LG 47G2 is a solid performer, with no major flaws or drawbacks.

Color tests revealed it to be very accurate by international standards, covering the full spectrum of red, green, and blue with effortless ease. Perhaps the one anomaly we saw during testing was how narrow the G2’s contrast ratio is. It is neither very dark nor very bright, suffering from a middling of extremes that gave it a below average contrast ratio.

It excelled in color, motion, and power usage, however, and even its speakers were above average. It’s good to see that, despite the Google partnership being such a big part of this TV, it’s still a solid product at its core.

3D

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LG's passive 3D is some of the best tech in the industry, and the G2 is a sound example of that.

Towards the beginning of the year, we reviewed LG’s LM6700 series and were blown away by the quality of its 3D. Since then, we’ve approached each LG 3D TV with Christmas-morning anticipation, hoping to see the same quality repeated for each series. The G2 did not disappoint.

On top of subtle, convincing 3D, the G2 comes packed with a usable, albeit somewhat mild, 2D-to-3D converter. These 3D experiences are light and crisp, a feeling cemented by LG’s passive, lightweight 3D glasses that fit any cranium comfortably. The best part? The G2 comes with six pairs of passive 3D glasses, free of charge.

Conclusion

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Still not sure if the G2 is priced fairly? I’d recommend waiting on a price drop.

The LG 47G2 is a fine TV, but it’s only mildly different than the other 3D, smart TVs in LG’s 2012 line-up. You’re investing in the cross-integrated Google apps, but it doesn’t feel as fleshed out or as rewarding as it could.

For the same price, you can get LG’s 47LM6700, which has everything the G2 has, plus a wider array of connectivity options, but doesn’t have the additional Google content. Consider that LG's 32-inch LM6200 retails for over a thousand dollars less than either the G2 or the LM6700, and still gives you good color, 3D, and access to LG’s smart platform.

Science Introduction

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For the most part, the LG 47G2 is an excellent performer. It tested with consistently accurate colors that covered a wide spectrum of shades and hues, ensuring even and uniform transition. In other words, almost everything you watch on it is going to look pretty good. The only real drawback we found during testing was that the G2's contrast ratio was narrower than average.

Contrast

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The 47G2 is neither very dark nor very bright.

A peak brightness of 165 cd/m² isn't egregiously bright, but it's bright enough to compete with most well-lit rooms, and would look pretty ideal in dim, "twilight" style lighting. The G2's peak brightness isn't what's harming its contrast ratio (which, at 825:1, is notably lower than the average LCD).

A black level of 0.20 cd/m² is quite poor, even for an LCD. The G2's thin design may be marring the integrity of its shadow tones by allowing an excess of backlight bleed-in. More on how we test contrast.

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Color & Greyscale Curves

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The 47G2 tested with excellent color curves.

The red, green, and blue lines represent those corresponding colors, and their gradual ramping illustrates how well the G2 represents the full spectrum of colors it can produce (hint: it does a good job). The black line is indicative of the greyscale curve. This curve represents the G2's ability to produce blacks, greys, and whites which in this case is equally uniform and smooth.

These curves are better than average, and ensure ideal color integrity or, in simpler terms, a very good picture. More on how we test color performance.

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Other Tests

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