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LG 47LE8500

Discontinued
Reviewed
October 2010
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LG 47LE8500

Pros
  • Terrific picture quality
  • Great color
  • Lots of user controls
  • Internet connectivity
  • Off-axis viewing much better than average
Cons
  • Some screen uniformity issues
  • Glossy screen
  • Poor built-in audio
  • No 3D
  • Expensive
  • Wi-Fi not built-in
 
 
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Among current LCD TVs, critics say LG's LE8500 sets, including the 47-inch 47LE8500, offer the picture quality that ranks among the best of all LCD TVs. Blacks are the key reason why, with experts saying that the 47LE8500 sets a new standard in that regard among LCD TVs. Color performance is also very strong, and the set includes a robust set of picture controls and set-up aids to help owners get the picture dialed in to perfection -- or pretty darn close. Off-axis viewing -- a shortcoming for lots of LCD TVs -- is very good. There are some negatives, of course. Screen uniformity is less than perfect and the glossy screen treatment could cause problems in well-lit rooms.

The 47LE8500 is also feature-rich. Only 3D is missing from the must-have list of goodies, which includes a full-matrix LED backlight with local dimming, 240 Hz refresh rate and online connectivity. However, experts say that while usability is good, some other TV providers have passed LG in terms of content. In addition, Wi-Fi requires an extra-cost dongle (*Est. $80). If 3D is a must-have, Samsung's UNC8000 series, including the 55-inch Samsung UN55C8000 (Discontinued), deserves a look. The LG TV is also available in a 55-inch screen size as the LG 55LE8500

Though the 47-inch LG 47LE8500 has come in for a bit of scrutiny, and most of the experts that have looked at it have come away impressed. The most comprehensive review can be found in Home Theater Magazine. CNET and AVGuide.com deliver a worthwhile reviews that are only slightly less detailed. The technically oriented will want to see the report at Denmark's FlatpanelsHD.com. See HDVTByChadB.com for the take from a certified TV calibrator. TechTree.com, a site based in India, also has a report even though the TV is not available in that country. Unfortunately, there are still too few user reviews to be helpful.

     
 
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Samsung UN55C8000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
LG INFINIA 47LE8500 47-Inch 1080p 240 Hz Full LED Slim LCD HDTV with Internet Applications

 (55 reviews)
Buy new: $2,699.99 $2,099.99   2 New from $2,099.99

In Stock.

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Home Theater Magazine

Thomas J. Norton puts the LG 47LE8500 through its paces and comes away impressed enough to name the LCD TV a top pick. Great black levels and color are among the high points. Few negatives are found, though some blooming and "so-so" audio performance are noted.

Review: LG Infinia 47LE8500 LCD HDTV, Thomas J. Norton, June 2010

2. CNET

Though CNET isn't quite as unabashedly positive as Home Theater Magazine, it's still plenty impressed -- so much so that the LG 47LE8500 is among highest-rated LCD TVs thus far in 2010. It retains that ranking even though the site deducted a rating point for less than ideal screen uniformity. The glossy screen also comes in for some criticism for reflections in well-lit rooms. However, those complaints fade when compared to the great overall picture quality, including very strong black levels and accurate colors.

Review: LG Infinia 47LE8500, David Katzmaier, March 20, 2010

3. AVGuide.com

The 47-inch LG 47LE8500 leaves AVGuide.com's reviewer impressed enough to award the TV its Recommended designation. Superb picture quality, lead by great blacks and color performance and augmented by every bell and whistle save 3D, is why.

Review: LG Infinia 8500-Series THX/ISF-Certified LCD HDTV, David Birch-Jones, June 30, 2010

4. FlatpanelsHD.com

The LG LE8500 series, including the 47-inch LG 47LE8500, earns a Highly Recommended rating here -- a relative rarity among LCD TVs. Testing is extensive, and extensively documented, making this site most enjoyable for videophiles.

Review: LG LE8500, Rasmus Larsen, May 3, 2010

5. HDTVByChadB.com

An ISF- (Imaging Science Foundation) certified technician rates LCD TVs he's calibrated. Links lead to full reviews posted at AVSForum.com and elsewhere, though a few sets only get "quick glance" reports. The LE8500 series scores well.

Review: Reviews, Chad Billheimer

6. Techtree.com

Though not available for sale in that country as of the date of its review, India's TechTree.com tests the LG 47LE8500. Like others, picture quality comes in for raves. The reflective screen is a negative.

Review: LG INFINIA 47LE8500 LED Backlit TV, Roydon Cerejo, May 28, 2010

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