- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
LG LW9800
- 55" 1080p LED-backlit
- 3D
- Internet enabled
Released September, 2011
Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)Backlight uniformity across the screen was solid, if not quite as good as on the other full-array LEDs.
Conclusion Check out the LG LW9800
First reviewed December, 2011
Features Key features of the LG LW9800
55”
LED-backlit
Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)As expected, the THX Cinema mode came closest to our ideal picture settings out of the box.
size
55"
42"
47"
LW9800 by Blackhorseguy (Nov, 2011)To me passive 3D gives a better viewing experience and getting extra 3D glasses is very cheap.
LW9800 by c|net (Oct, 2011)Both types of 3D TV can handle any of the new 3D formats used by Blu-ray, TV broadcasts, and video games, and both require viewers to don 3D glasses, but each has its advantages and disadvantages.
thickness
LW9800 by c|net (Oct, 2011)Although graced with a single-pane face-meaning the bezel and the screen are fronted by one sheet of plastic-a transparent-edged frame, and a relatively thin bezel, the LG LW9800 ultimately isn't as stylish as competing TVs like Sony's monolithic XBR-HX929 or Samsung's stunning, all-picture UND8000.
LW9800 by c|net (Oct, 2011)It's still plenty sleek, however, from the glass-topped stand to the top of its thin, jewel-like panel.
Performance Real world tests of LG LW9800
black levels
LW9800 by c|net (Oct, 2011)While solid in Low mode, the black levels of the LG LW9800 were visibly brighter than on the other high-end TVs in our lineup.
LW9800 by c|net (Oct, 2011)Under lights the image appeared washed out-meaning the LG did a bad job of preserving black levels-and showed the brightest reflections of any TV in our lineup.
contrast ratio
LW9800 by Blackhorseguy (Nov, 2011)Out of the box, it performed well - bright sharp picture with rich color and deep blacks.
LW9800 by Blackhorseguy (Nov, 2011)After watching the set for several weeks now, I have to say that it has the best picture quality that I've ever seen.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
Full-array LED -
Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, VUDU, YouTube -
Picasa -
MOG, Napster -
Facebook, Twitter -
MP3 -
JPEG -
5:5 Pulldown @ 120Hz -
video chat with friends from the comfort of your living room -
supports professional calibration to achieve the most accurate color reproduction -
SimpLink -
2.21 -
backlight zones are selectively turned off to enhance the picture's contrast -
enjoy realistic 3D videos at home -
access streaming content over the Internet -
FPR 3D Glasses, 15 dollars -
2 -
easier to share and enjoy your digital photos, music and video -
built-in, 802.11n -
4 -
2 -
25.4 mm -
1 -
1080i content is smoothly rendered at the TV's native resolution -
1 -
1,200 lines -
400 mm x 400 mm -
1 -
1 -
25 mm -
25.4 mm
cons
-
270 Watts -
only proprietary remote controls can control the TV -
240
Reviews Word on the street
 |  
|
|---|---|
 |  Rated by 3 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Blackhorseguy (Nov, 2011) Rated 100% by by Blackhorseguy (Nov, 2011) |
Panel
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)Color and shadow detail were both very good on the LW9800 in THX 3D mode, and black levels were comparable to 3D on the other sets.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)On one hand it was plagued by the line structure and jagged edges we've come to associate with the current generation of passive 3D TVs, but on the other it did have a brighter picture and less crosstalk than the active 3D models.
Picture quality
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 100% by by Monnie (Mar, 2012)The "Clear Voice" feature is PERFECT for viewing moviews where the dialog is really low but the background music is loud.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)It was about the same as most of the other LEDs in this regard, although the washout was subjectively less noticeable since its black levels were lighter to begin with.
3d
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)As with 2D there are no adjustments available to the LG's THX 3D mode, although the two Expert modes do make all controls available in case you want to calibrate for 3D.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)Less expensive compatible circular polarized glasses are available from online merchants, and if you happen to own a pair of the type of passive 3D glasses used in your local theater, they should work too.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)If you want passive 3D and have money to burn, this 55-inch model (it's not available in any other size) seems appealing on paper.
Video
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)It's worth noting that the default setting for THX Cinema is Low mode.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)As usual we didn't calibrate any of the TVs, instead relying on the default Cinema/Theater-or THX, if available-modes for each.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)We used the Expert settings to make improvements during calibration and, as long as we kept the Local Dimming setting to Low, they worked well, delivering a smooth gamma and excellent color.
Cinema mode
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)For LW9800 owners who want to see how High and Medium look, we'd recommend choosing those settings from within the THX Cinema preset-that's how we performed the evaluation described below.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)Unfortunately, unlike THX on Panasonic TVs, you can't adjust these modes on the LG beyond local dimming and dejudder.
LG LW9800 55" | Rated 76% by by c|net (Oct, 2011)Two THX modes are available for 2D and a third for 3D.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 2 | LG LW6500 Highest contrast ratio LW6500 55" vs LW9800 55" |
 | 3 | Vizio E3D Series Most accurate blues Vizio E3D Series vs LG LW9800 |
 | 4 | LG LM7600 Thinnest LM7600 47" vs LW9800 55" |
 | 5 | Samsung UN55ES7100F 4-way tie: Fastest refresh rate Samsung UN55ES7100F vs LG LW9800 |
 | 6 | Samsung F-UN55EH6070 5-way tie: Biggest screen Samsung F-UN55EH6070 vs LG LW9800 |
 | 7 | LG LM8600 2-way tie: Thinnest LM8600 47" vs LW9800 55" |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Popular Questions
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