Just a brief review of the new 2013 LG LN5300 LED HDTV.
The LN5300 set comes in a 32", 39" and a 42" size. There might be larger models but I'm unsure.
I'm reviewing the 39" Model ( 38.5 Diagonal ) The set weights 19lbs or so without a stand attached or 22lbs with stand attached. This set is VESA compliant, 200 x 200.
I currently own the LD, LK and SC models going back each calender year starting in 2010. So I do have somewhat of a PC oriented history with this line of sets.
My primary use is for a PC display. Of course 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling was important. And this set does support 4:4:4. It was as simple as selecting which port you were connected to, HDMI 1 in my case and selecting just scan from the menu. There was no renaming required or other trickery like past sets. I own 2 x AMD 7970 Radeons in Xfire.
The screen is semi-gloss and looks great. The LD and LK had somewhat matte finishes. The SC had a semi-gloss but I think the new LN has a bit more of a gloss over that model. It does not have the reflective properties of glass but I would estimate on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being glass, this set has a very strong 7.
The stand is a bit smaller and gone is that square look from past models. It is however a bit more bulky / reinforced with a raised lip going around the outside edge of the stand. Checking for excess wobble and sway, none was present. Very robust and firm. The base is glossy. As far as the bezel goes, they've improved this greatly asthe bezel is now at least 55% to 65% smaller than past models. Not Samsung razor thin but still very thin and much welcomed. The over-all fit and finish is excellent and it does take on a new modern look that's fitting of 2013. The overall size of the set is also much smaller than past models. While the back is not super thin and compact like some of the Samsung's, it's a huge improvement over past models. I would guess 25% smaller over my much larger and heavier 42" LD model from 2010. Considering the 39" has nearly the same viewable area as the 42", personally, I find this amazing.
unfortunately I cannot speak in-depth to the sets panel or performance other than to state the obvious. We need other experts who are better qualified to pass that information on to us. Over-all, I am very pleased. In fact, this is my favorite new set and it has met all my expectations for 2013. The blacks are deep, the colors bright, the sharpness is there and 1080p content looks fantastic. I've checked for jitter / judder and none is present. Very pleased about that. I've done some basic testing with consoles, an Xbox 360, Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii and even the new Ouya console and there is no noticeable latency. Everything played smoothly and reacted as you would expect. So no lag
Back are expert settings. Here is a list of those settings that may or may not be complete. Dynamic Contrast, Color Gamut, Edge Enhancer on/off, Color Filter on/off, Gamma, Color Temperature, Method settings, Pattern settings, Red Blue Green Settings, Color Management System with saturation, tint and luminance, etc. And of course, Back-light, Contrast, Brightness, Color, Tint, H Sharpness, V Sharpness, etc. There probably is a few other settings present that I missed.
There is a USB port which will allow you to display photo's or to play MP3's. I've not used this feature yet so I will not comment on it's usability or performance.
After several hours with set, a few movies, tons of games, I cannot find or see any red-flags, this set is a keeper and I am sure others will be very impressed with this new LG LN model for 2013. This is the new Westy 37" as far as I'm concerned for those of you who knows what that means.
PC monitor, A+
HDTV, A+
Tom
The LN5300 set comes in a 32", 39" and a 42" size. There might be larger models but I'm unsure.
I'm reviewing the 39" Model ( 38.5 Diagonal ) The set weights 19lbs or so without a stand attached or 22lbs with stand attached. This set is VESA compliant, 200 x 200.
I currently own the LD, LK and SC models going back each calender year starting in 2010. So I do have somewhat of a PC oriented history with this line of sets.
My primary use is for a PC display. Of course 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling was important. And this set does support 4:4:4. It was as simple as selecting which port you were connected to, HDMI 1 in my case and selecting just scan from the menu. There was no renaming required or other trickery like past sets. I own 2 x AMD 7970 Radeons in Xfire.
The screen is semi-gloss and looks great. The LD and LK had somewhat matte finishes. The SC had a semi-gloss but I think the new LN has a bit more of a gloss over that model. It does not have the reflective properties of glass but I would estimate on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being glass, this set has a very strong 7.
The stand is a bit smaller and gone is that square look from past models. It is however a bit more bulky / reinforced with a raised lip going around the outside edge of the stand. Checking for excess wobble and sway, none was present. Very robust and firm. The base is glossy. As far as the bezel goes, they've improved this greatly asthe bezel is now at least 55% to 65% smaller than past models. Not Samsung razor thin but still very thin and much welcomed. The over-all fit and finish is excellent and it does take on a new modern look that's fitting of 2013. The overall size of the set is also much smaller than past models. While the back is not super thin and compact like some of the Samsung's, it's a huge improvement over past models. I would guess 25% smaller over my much larger and heavier 42" LD model from 2010. Considering the 39" has nearly the same viewable area as the 42", personally, I find this amazing.
unfortunately I cannot speak in-depth to the sets panel or performance other than to state the obvious. We need other experts who are better qualified to pass that information on to us. Over-all, I am very pleased. In fact, this is my favorite new set and it has met all my expectations for 2013. The blacks are deep, the colors bright, the sharpness is there and 1080p content looks fantastic. I've checked for jitter / judder and none is present. Very pleased about that. I've done some basic testing with consoles, an Xbox 360, Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii and even the new Ouya console and there is no noticeable latency. Everything played smoothly and reacted as you would expect. So no lag
Back are expert settings. Here is a list of those settings that may or may not be complete. Dynamic Contrast, Color Gamut, Edge Enhancer on/off, Color Filter on/off, Gamma, Color Temperature, Method settings, Pattern settings, Red Blue Green Settings, Color Management System with saturation, tint and luminance, etc. And of course, Back-light, Contrast, Brightness, Color, Tint, H Sharpness, V Sharpness, etc. There probably is a few other settings present that I missed.
There is a USB port which will allow you to display photo's or to play MP3's. I've not used this feature yet so I will not comment on it's usability or performance.
After several hours with set, a few movies, tons of games, I cannot find or see any red-flags, this set is a keeper and I am sure others will be very impressed with this new LG LN model for 2013. This is the new Westy 37" as far as I'm concerned for those of you who knows what that means.
PC monitor, A+
HDTV, A+
Tom