LG 55LE5500 Review - 55" LCD LED TV

Model: LG 55LE5500
Description: 55" LCD TV with 240Hz Processing
Resolution: 1980 X 1080
Includes: Swivel table top stand

This shot from the standard definition DVD of Braveheart shows the LE5500's back light and contrast capabilities

The LE5500 has LG's new LED backlight with local dimming option. There is a control to enable on/off functionality of this option. The unit has the Clear Voice II feature for voice/dialog enhancement and LG's full Internet options. While we were not a fan of the TruMotion 240Hz feature in most circumstances, it will certainly standout for sports programming. The LE5500 does not have the thick single sheet of glass overlay extending from edge to edge that the higher end LED offerings have.

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 12 feet

Calibration: Follow the following picture settings to calibrate the LE5500 to very near perfect D6500K. For standard definition programming we recommend using the same settings except bump Contrast to 95 and Sharpness to 40.

Post Calibration Settings: Gamut / Color Management System
Energy Saving OFF Picture Mode ISF Expert 1 Backlight 38 Contrast 85 Brightness 58 H Sharpness 49 V Sharpness 48 Color 56 Tint G7	Black Level LOW Color Gamut STANDARD Color Temp WARM GAMMA 2.2 Method 10 Point IRE Pattern OUTER
See full LG 55LE5500 Picture Settings and Calibration Results

See our HQV testing results for notes on judder, moire' patterns, and artifacts.

This shot from the Blu Ray of Wyatt Earp shows excellent contrast and good flesh tones

HD Picture Quality: First and foremost with the LE5500 is adjust the TruMotion 240Hz feature or turn it off. We recommend the User setting with Judder reduction at 0 and Motion Blur Reduction at 9. This is one of the only and major drawbacks to the picture (though a big one). Color rendition from HD signals is superb and black levels excellent. Although the picture did not display as much depth as the LE8500, we enjoyed the realism of the images on screen.

Another standard definition shot from Braveheart shows good detail and depth

Standard Definition Picture Quality: First off, we recommend turning off the TruMotion 240Hz feature completely with standard definition signals. This will of course result in judder and lag being introduced in scenes with side to side panning, but it's a better result. We were impressed by the range of color and light that the LE5500 will product with standard definition signals. Black levels are not the highest we've tested but are very strong, even beating some recent plasma TVs. The color rendition was realistic and vibrant. We measured the viewing angle without contrast degradation at around 40 degrees off center – a good result.