Introduction
Tour & Design
The LG 55LE5500 is an attractive television. The bezel is relatively thin, and the 55-inch screen is simply too big to not impress. In the lower right side, you'll find a serious of touch-sensitive buttons for basic TV control. These are fingerprint magnets, and we recommend you stick with the remote control.
The back of the TV is a large metal grill. The ports are gathered in a corner for easier access. For information about the ports on the back of the LG 55LE5500 see our Connectivity section.
The LG 55LE5500 is incredible thin. When you're setting it up, the idea that you're holding a 55-inch cell phone is hilariously apt. From this angle, you can see some of the ports on that face the side, but they're really located several inches from the edge.
The stand for the LG 55LE5500 is heavy and separated into three parts. It's kind of a pain to assemble, but the TV panel is so heavy, you can feel reasonably comfortable that it's in a secure base. The stand has a purple tinge, as you can see in the photo below. Purple is a pretty bold color, and not for everyone. Consider it before you click "buy."
We like that the stand allows the TV panel to swivel, especially because the viewing angle is so narrow.
The LG 55LE5500 has a series of touch-sensitive buttons on the lower-right portion of the bezel for basic TV control: power, menu, volume, channel up/down, etc. Using the buttons create fingerprints too easily, and you'll probably want to use the remote control to keep your TV looking clean.
The remote control has a lot of buttons, but it's fairly intuitive. We love the backlight feature that helps you control the TV in a dark room.
The LG 55LE5500 ships with the stand, remote control, batteries, and a starter manual. There is no full manual in print form. Instead the full manual is only available in digital form. It comes included in a disc, and you can download it from LG's website. The LG 55LE5500 is very unusual in that it also include Nero MediaHome 4 Essentials, a Windows-only software that helps get you started in creating a home network.
Be aware that this TV is extremely heavy and awkward to set up. You'll want another person to help you set it up.
The LG 55LE5500 is an impressive TV solely on its screen size. But the designers did a good job with creating a cool, thin aesthetic from top to bottom. The TV and stand have a slight purple tinge which is probably not to everyone's taste.
Blacks & Whites
The LG 55LE5500 did not perform fantastically in our black level test, which is pretty standard for the LGs we've reviewed so far. (Their strength tends to be in color performance.) As you can see in the chart below, it was far less effective than the similarly priced Samsung and Sony. It did, however, do a whole lot better than the Vizio. (More on how we test Black Level.)
The LG 55LE5500 had no problems with producing a bright enough white. In fact, it was brighter than any of the TVs in comparison pool. (More on how we test Peak Brightness.)
The LG 55LE5500 has a contrast ratio of 1410:1, which is pretty good, but not as strong as what we tested on the the average Sony and Samsung LCD TVs. (More on how we test Contrast.)
We'd like to make an important note here. The LG 55LE5500, like many TVs, features local dimming, which breaks the TV panel up into a series of zones. The backlighting for these zones can be turned on and off depending on the content being displayed, which is supposed to increase contrast. We are skeptical about these claims, and have had frank conversations with industry experts that share our skepticism. We make it a point to calibrate and test TVs with this feature disabled. However, we've heard complaints from both readers and manufacturers.
We're reasonable people, and curious by nature. So we tested the LG 55LE5500 with the local dimming on and off. The results were clear. The black level got brighter, the peak brightness got dimmer, and the contrast ratio narrowed to 1077:1. Also, the TV showed serious problems with white falloff.
Below are the results we actually used, with local dimming off.
The LG 55LE5500 had no trouble maintaining a consistent black level. (More on how we test Tunnel Contrast.)
The LG 55LE5500 can maintain a perfectly consistent brightness level, no matter how much or how little white is on the screen. (More on how we test White Falloff.)
The LG 55LE5500 does not offer the best screen uniformity, which is a problem we've seen with a lot of very large-screened, LED-lit TVs. On an all-white screen, you'll notice that the corners are much dimmer and more yellow. There's a general unevenness to it. On an all-black screen, you don't notice it as much, but the corners are brighter. (More on how we test Uniformity.)
The greyscale gamma measures how a TV transitions from black to white. Look at the chart below. First notice the general smoothness of the curve. That's good. But the lower-left portion, representing the shadows, flattens. That means the TV has a little trouble showing details in this area. There's also the slope of the curve to consider. It's slopes up too quickly. An ideal slope is because 2.1 and 2.2. A slope of 2.6, like the LG 55LE5500 produced, is going to miss some of the fine gradations in the greyscale. (More on how we test Greyscale Gamma.)
Color Accuracy
The LG 55LE5500 is great at maintaining a consistent color temperature. As you can see from the chart below, the color temperature warms and cools slightly over the run of the signal range, but it rarely strays outside the limits of the imperceptibility. (More on how we test Color Temperature.)
The LG 55LE5500's color performance, like most of the LG's we've reviewed, was very, very strong. The red, green, and blue channels are quite smooth. The shadow details are a little flat, but that smooth, gradual slope you see in the chart below is exactly what you want to see. We did notice a slight loss of detail in the extreme highlights, indicated by that flat bit in the upper-right edge of the lines. (More on how we test RGB Curves.)
Below are digital recreations of the LG 55LE5500's color curve performance, compared with three similar TVs and an ideal response curve.
The LG 55LE5500 matched up fairly well with the rec. 709 color curve, except for the white point (those circles in the middle of the triangle). The white point is generally much bluer than ideal, which cost it a better score in this test. The green point is also undersaturated, but the red and blue points are spot-on. (More on how we test Color Gamut.)
The chart below contains all the hard details about the LG 55LE5500's performance compared to rec. 709.
Motion
The LG 55LE5500 produced a very smooth motion in most of our test patterns and normal TV viewing. We did notice, however, that there was a big performance gap between 1080p and 1080i video. The latter was much more prone to produce flickering in high-frequency, high-contrast patterns like black and white stripes. ( More on how we test Motion.)
The LG 55LE5500 was prone to create a lot the same motion artifacts that we see in any LCD TV. There's always going to be some flickering around high contrast areas and the edges of objects. Fine detail can be lost, and smooth color gradients become blockier and subject to color banding. Overall, it wasn't egregious, but we've definitely see better LCDs.
It's worth noting that the LG 55LE5500 offers no motion smoothing or any other features that tinker with how motion is rendered. It's unusual in a TV of this size or price range, but we don't lament the omission. Most often, these features create more problems than they solve.
The LG 55LE5500 can handle native 24fps content, like most Blu-Ray movies, without any problem. You'll notice a slight stutter during horizontal camera pans, but it's not too bad. (More on how we test 3:2 Pulldown and 24fps.)
The LG 55LE5500 has a native resolution of 1080p, but most of the signals you'll encounter will likely be of a lower resolution. It's up to the TV's internal processing to take those signals and rescale them to fit the screen. Overall, the TV is decent at this task, but not fantastic. (More on how we test Resolution Scaling.)
480p
With 480p content, the LG 55LE5500 lost 1% of the top and bottom and 2% of each side to overscan. There were also slight problems with high-frequency, high-contrast patterns.
720p
The LG 55LE5500 did the best job rescaling 720p content. We didn't see any significant problems.
1080i
The 1080i content we looked at caused the biggest problem with high-frequency patterns, resulting in a lot of Moires.
Viewing Effects
The LG 55LE5500 has a native 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, but can adequately handle all NTSC formats.
The LG 55LE5500 is no champ in viewing angle, but it's about what we expect from an LCD TV. Our tests showed that after 52 degrees (26 degrees from center on either side), the TV lost a lot of contrast. As you can see in the chart below, this is about the same as the Sony KDL-52EX700. The Vizio XVT5533SV, another LCD, was much better. The Samsung PN50C6500 is a plasma TV, and easily trumped then all. (More on how we test Viewing Angle.)
The LG 55LE5500 has a reflective screen, and you'll lose a lot of contrast if you don't take steps to either move the TV or the light source. When light hits the screen directly, it reflects back as a diffuse glow. If the light is on you, or another object in the room, you might see it mirrored back at you in the screen. (More on how we test Reflectance.)
The LG 55LE5500 has several video processing features, but we don't recommend them, or at least encourage you to use them in moderation.
Calibration
[
](http://www.displaymate.com/)The LG 55LE5500 will produce the best color performance if you use the calibration settings below. Note that we turned off the LED Local Dimming feature. We've heard from both readers and manufacturers that Local Dimming should be enabled during testing. We disagreed, but for the sake of argument, ran the tests again with the feature enabled. The result: contrast actually got worse.
If you don't see a processing feature listed above, assume it was disabled. In Cinema mode, most of them are disabled by default.
There are several video modes on the LG 55LE5500. We recommend Cinema mode, then a manual boost to the backlight and a few other changes we detailed above.
Remote Control
Ergonomics & Durability*(8.75)*
The LG 55LE5500 ships with a remote that we've seen with several other LGs. It's long and thin, with a shiny black surface that is easily marred with fingerprints. It's lightweight and well-balanced, for the most part. The most used buttons – the volume and channel up/down buttons – could have been placed lower, because the remote is bottom heavy where the batteries sit.
Nearly all the buttons on the remote control are made of a soft rubber, and the shapes are generally easy enough to distinguish without looking down at them. For whatever reason, the d-pad in the center is made of hard plastic. There are a number of buttons placed in a circle, precariously close the d-pad, and we found ourselves hitting them by mistake sometimes. It takes a little getting used to.
Programming & Flexibility*(1.0)*
The LG 55LE5500's remote can be used with select other LG products that use Simplink, but it's not a programmable, universal remote.
Connectivity
The LG 55LE5500 has plenty of AV connections, making it a good choice for home theater hubs. Notable inclusions are 4 HDMIs, 3 component AVs, 2 composite AVs, and a LAN and optional WiFi for streaming content and home networking.
All the ports are located on the back, but as you can see from the photo below, some of them face out to the side. The profile is barely raised above the surface behind it, so it's tough to fit certain kinds of cables in here. It's so thin, in fact, that LG includes adapters for the composite and component AV ports located on the side.
The complete run-down of ports is listed below.
The LG 55LE5500 has three output ports, a digital audio out, an analog audio out, and a headphone jack. That's more that you find on most TVs. Thanks, LG!
The LG 55LE5500 has a LAN port and the option for WiFi (with a separately purchased USB dongle), both of which allow you to connect to a DLNA home theater network or to LG's selection of streaming content services (more details later in the review). The TV also offers an RS-232C port for professional display tools.
The LG 55LE5500 has two USB ports. Both can be used for USB mass storage devices or the separately purchased WiFi dongle.
The ports on the LG 55LE5500 are all located on the back. Even though the TV panel can swivel a little on its base, it might be hard to reach all the ports. The TV is incredibly heavy, so you'll want to get all your wires plugged in when you have a friend to help you spin it around. There are ports more conveniently placed that the side, but they require either adapters or especially thin cables.
Audio & Menus
The LG 55LE5500 does not offer very good audio quality. Dialogue could cut through the middle well enough, which is the arguable most important quality for TV watching, but there was an overall muffled, tinny sound, like listening through a long cardboard tube. The bass response was terrible, and music listening was pointedly unpleasant. If you're serious about home theater, you'll definitely want a dedicated audio system.
The menu system on the 2010 batch of LGs is pretty good, but not the most efficient. When you hit the Menu button on the remote, you're presented with the screen you see below, a 5 x 2 grid of option. Which one do you pick? Well, that's a good question, because you can't see what the options are in any of the submenus.
Once you choose any of the options, all those submenu headers are listed vertically along the left side, with all of the options in that submenu listed alongside. So why isn't this the first screen you see?
Overall, the navigation of the menu is fairly simple. If you get lost, you can always hit the Back and Exit buttons on the remote.
The LG 55LE5500 manual that actually ships with TV is kind of a catch-all for any LG TV. It only contains information about safety and how to connect your TV. For actual information on the 55LE5500, you need to read the digital version, which comes on an included disc. You can also find the LG 55LE5500's manual online here.
The digital manual is still far too broad, because it covers 26 different models across several series. As such, there are constant asterisks stating that a certain feature is just for model x, or is missing from series y. All the facts are there, in great detail, but you need to be careful that you're reading the information that actually pertains to your TV.
Multimedia & Internet
LG is a little behind the curve on streaming content, mostly due to poor interface rather than a lack of features. The problem, in a nutshell, is that the streaming content features are divided into two partitions: Yahoo and LG's own content partners.
Yahoo's "TV Widgets" suite of apps and content must be very easy or very cheap to license, because its found on several TV's manufacturer's products. Unfortunately, it's awful. It's too slow, glitchy, and offers no content that wouldn't be faster or more engaging on your laptop or phone. Honestly, why would anyone want to see the headlines from news articles without the ability to click and read the rest of the story? We found huge lag times with every implementation of Yahoo internet apps, and we can't wait until either Yahoo gets better or stop trying to ride on Yahoo's brand name reputation.
LG, like all the TV manufacturers, has penned their own content partnerships. These options are the ones that you probably care about a lot more, and it's annoying that you even have to look at the Yahoo task bar to get to this screen. Netflix, YouTube, Vudu... these are what people want when they're talking about streaming content.
Sony has run circles around the competition twice now: once by offering the largest suite of video streaming services, then by partnering with Google for the limited Sony Google TV series (read reviews of the 32-inch and 46-inch versions). While the latter is plagued by incomprehensible interface, at least it's a step in an interesting direction. All LG offers in addition to what you see above is some mediocre Flash gaming.
The LG 55LE5500 also offers DLNA home networking capabilities. In an unusual bonus, LG also include Nero MediaHome 4 Essentials, which allows you to connect your Windows PC to the TV to create a simple home network.
The LG 55LE5500 can play photos from USB mass storage devices like thumb drives. There are lots of options for how to view photos and create slideshows, including the option to create a background music playlist from files stored on the same drive.
The LG 55LE5500 can play several types of video and audio formats that are stored on USB mass storage devices. Be aware that not all content types are compatible, and you may want to give it a test drive or consult the instruction manual before trying to impress the neighbors with your shiny, new TV.
Both video and audio files can be chained together into playlists.
The LG 55LE5500 does not support any other type of media.
Power Consumption
The LG 55LE55000 is a modest power consumer, requiring only about $18.85 per year to operate. That's the performance with a lowered backlight. We recommend raising the backlight for the best video performance, but you can also lower the backlight for even more energy savings. (More on how we test Power Consumption.)
Below is a table that shows how the LG 55LE55000 compares with the competition. As you can see, a plasma TV like the Samsung burns far more power than an LCD.
Vs Vizio XVT553SV
Value Comparison Summary
The Vizio VXT5533SV is cheaper, offering equally good color performance and built-in WiFi, something the LG lacks. We weren't crazy about the contrast performance on the Vizio, and it lacks DLNA home networking support. The price tag itself will probably be enough to sway most people, and we think they'll be pleasantly surprised if they end up buying the Vizio VXT5533SV.
Blacks & Whites
The Vizio VXT5533SV had some problems in our tests that showed it to have a fairly bright black level. That didn't stop it from being one of the more impressive TV's we've reviewed in 2010, but there you have it's true performance, at least according to our calibrations. The peak brightness was pretty good, though, which resulted in a disappointing, but not terrible, contrast ratio.
Color Accuracy
The Vizio VXT5533SV and LG 55LE5500 were both very strong color performers. The color temperatures were rock solid and the RGB color curves were very, very smooth.
Motion
The Vizio VXT5533SV had fewer problems with motion artifacting than the LG 55LE5500. Not that the LG was particularly bad, but the Vizio was better.
Viewing Effects
The Vizio VXT5533SV managed a significantly wider viewing angle than the LG 55LE5500.
Connectivity
The Vizio VXT5533SV offers one additional HDMI, but far fewer component and composite AV ports, which means fewer older devices can be plugged in simultaneously. However, the Vizio has built-in WiFi, while the LG requires a separately purchased USB dongle.
Vs Sony KDL-52EX700
Value Comparison Summary
The Sony KDL-52EX700 is much cheaper and a little smaller than the LG 55LE5500. The Sony's black levels and contrast ratio are far superior, as are its streaming content options. Given the sheer price difference, it's difficult to make a case for the LG, unless you are ultra-serious about color performance.
Blacks & Whites
The Sony KDL-52EX700 produced a very deep black (for an LCD) and a bright white, resulting in a great contrast ratio. The LG did not have nearly such a deep black.
Color Accuracy
The Sony KDL-52EX700's color performance was not as strong as its black & white testing. The color temperature was somewhat erratic, and the RGB color curves were good, but not as uniform as the excellent performance of the LG 55LE5500.
Motion
The Sony KDL-52EX700 produced an outstanding motion performance that showed none of the minor artifacting problems we saw on the LG 55LE5500.
Viewing Effects
The Sony KDL-52EX700 and LG 55LE5500 have virtually identical – and narrow – viewing angles.
Connectivity
The Sony KDL-52EX700 has many of the same ports at the LG 55LE5500, minus one composite AV and one USB. Both are good choices for home theaters.
Vs Samsung PN50C6500
Value Comparison Summary
The Samsung PN50C6500 is a plasma TV, and as such it offers a far wider viewing angle and deeper black levels. The price is also much cheaper, although it's five inches smaller. If you can deal with the smaller screen, the price is enticing enough to make it worthwhile.
Blacks & Whites
The Samsung PN50C6500, as a plasma TV, offers a much deeper black level than almost any LCD, and definitely better than the LG 55LE5500. Even though the Samsung's peak brightness was nearly as good, the black level was so good than it created a great contrast ratio.
Color Accuracy
The Samsung PN50C6500's color performance was definitely not as strong as the LG 55LE5500. The Samsung had a less stable color temperature and the RGB curves, while good, were not as uniform or smooth. Expect more color banding in the Samsung.
Motion
Plasmas frequently offer smoother motion, but the LG 55LE5500 was a particularly smooth LCD TV, so we didn't see that much difference. In terms of overall "look," expect the Samsung to have a slightly more mosquito-like noise.
Viewing Effects
Plasmas always offer a wider viewing angle than LCDs. As you can see in the chart below, the 160-degree viewing angle of the Samsung PN50C6500 is much wider than the 52-degree angle of the LG 55LE5500.
Connectivity
The Samsung PN50C6500 has nearly the same offerings for connectivity as the LG 55LE5500. The Samsung lacks one of composite AV inputs and swaps the RS-232C for an EX-LINK.
Conclusion
Series Comparison
xxLE5500 Series
The xxLE5500 series has three models, ranging from 42 inches to 55 inches. All have the same basic features and connectivity options. You can't expect identical performance to the 55-inch we've reviewed here, but most will be similar.
Meet the tester
David Kender oversees content at Reviewed as the Editor in Chief. He served as managing editor and editor in chief of Reviewed's ancestor, CamcorderInfo.com, helping to grow the company from a tiny staff to one of the most influential online review resources. In his time at Reviewed, David has helped to launch over 100 product categories and written too many articles to count.
Checking our work.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
Shoot us an email