LG 47LM6700

Experts say that the LM6700 is a solid, though not class-leading, LED TV with lots of useful and well-executed features. Before taking the plunge, however, there are some caveats to consider. Two screen sizes are available: the 55-inch 55LM6700 (*Est. $1,500) and the 47-inch 47LM6700 (*Est. $980).

Performance

Things aren't quite picture-perfect, but many will really like what they see. Lots of reviewers have been disappointed by the black levels in LG's 2012 LED TVs, and that's in evidence here. While some reviewers say blacks are fine, most say that they are merely average -- and a step back from what even LG offered last year. Screen uniformity is another problem. As with all edge-lit LED designs, some edge and corner brightness can be seen, though some reviewers say that it isn't too bad -- indicating that the issue can vary greatly between individual sets. Colors, on the other hand, are first-rate, especially if you take the trouble to adjust them. This TV is advertised as having a 120 Hz refresh rate. It technically doesn't, and that's shown up in testing as poorer control over motion blurring than other 120 Hz sets. More on that right below as we discuss features.

Features

The claim of a 120 Hz refresh rate is misleading. In the race to bigger and better specs, many makers -- including LG -- have taken to quoting a set's apparent refresh rate (in LG's case, that's called TruMotion), which is derived from the screen's actual refresh rate plus the scanning rate of its backlight. When a set's native refresh rate is 120 Hz, that really doesn't affect much in most viewers' eyes since the jump from 120 Hz to 240 Hz is rarely visible in most program material, experts say.

But things are dicier in the case of the LG LM6700, as it uses a standard 60 Hz refresh panel but is offered as a 120 Hz set based on its TruMotion technology. However, several reviewers note that despite the technology, motion blur is more pronounced than on other 120 Hz TVs, and more typical of 60 Hz sets. HDGuru.com's Gary Merson is perhaps the most vociferous about this marketing practice: "We find these claims incorrect and unsupportable," he says.

That aside, however, there's lots to like about the LM6700s feature lineup. Refresh rate aside, it's identical to what's found in the company's step-up LM7600 series, and not far removed from what's seen in the flagship LM9600. You get passive 3D that most say works very, very well -- and is preferred by many (though perhaps not videophiles) for its simple approach to casual 3D viewing. You also get six pairs of glasses in the box; extras are inexpensive (around $10 each).

The built-in Internet streaming works well, and access is aided by the standard Magic Motion remote that brings Wii-like control to the act of scrolling through TV menus. Not everyone is a fan of the remote, and it might take a little time to get the hang of it, but it's mostly considered a positive. In terms of content, sets from other makers offer more, but there's enough here to cover just about all the major content types and all of the top-tier content providers -- with a few notable omissions such as Amazon Instant and Pandora. The TV is DLNA-compliant for streaming your own movies, music and photos from a computer on the same network, and Wi-Fi is built in. There's also a web browser that works better than most found in other TVs (though that's setting a pretty low bar), and an app store that few find to be very worthwhile.

Design

The LM6700 is one of the more striking TVs in its price range. When it comes to design, most have nothing but praise for the looks of the LG LM6700. It actually shares the same design as the step-up LM7600, including a barely-there bezel around three sides and very thin form factor that makes the TV as attractive off as it is on. The swiveling base is also more highly styled than the traditional pedestal. Connectivity is ample and includes four HDMI inputs.

Value

For the extra scratch, a step up might be in order. We saw different opinions regarding the value of the LM6700. At current street prices, however, the price premium compared to the LM7600 is small enough that the step-up set is most likely a better buy.

Bottom line

The LM6700 is the exact same set as the step-up LM7600, except for the latter's enhanced refresh rate. Unless you are squeezed right against your budget, that makes the LM7600 almost a no-brainer for its better motion performance -- albeit in limited situations (like watching fast-moving sports). Otherwise, like the LM7600, the LM6700 enjoys solid though not spectacular picture quality and a well-executed set of features with a few unique twists -- such as the innovative though quirky motion controller.