Official LG XXLE5400 Owners Thread - Page 10

Basically, I'm posting in the incorrect thread. I was a very frustrated person with the 42LE5400. I posted a general opinion on the TC-L42D2 in it's "official" thread, which is too small to even find in a search.

I really dislike when "Big Box" has an LG TV with an IPS display on it's showroom wall and a warehouse full of VA panels to go out the door. It also rubs me wrong that a reputable company like LG uses different displays on the same model without any kind of disclosure.

Basically, I wanted the best picture in the 40-42" range without crossing the $1K mark. For the money, I really liked what the plasma sets offered. However, my living room is narrow and quite wide with bay windows on each end. So I really needed something with brighter lighting because I enjoy the view.

If you page back, a few I first purchased a 37LE5300, which was good but I wanted to go larger. I swapped it for a 42LE5400 unknowing of the VA panel and wanted to be rid of it as soon as I turned it on. I tried many of the settings posted here, and elsewhere.

With myself loading, un-boxing and setting up too many TV's increases the risk of myself dropping, damaging or doing something stupid and expensive, so I decided to really take some time before dragging another set home.

I ruled out everything over $1500, but spent enough time to see what that price tag buys. Because of my LR, I concentrated on LED's. I liked the Panny plasmas, but they just would not be bright enough.

I purchased a TC-L42D2 after spending a considerable amount of time with it. The only other contender was the Samsung UN40C6300SF, but it was above my $1K price point. (I feel that anything above a grand is undeserving for a TV, as Networks, Cable/Satellite companies aren't giving us anything wonderful to watch anyway.)

I ended up spending less than the either of the two LG's from a reputable NY Photo store. It was delivered by a Professional Moving and Storage company and they did everything but set it up for me. Big Box would not do a price match as it was already on sale for $260. more.

The 42" Panasonic LED dithers in a fine grain pattern, (not large patches) similar to a plasma, only much brighter. I know it's a true IPS panel, but probably not an Alpha. Nonetheless, it's staying and I'm happy. Slide shows via./Adobe Lightroom look wonderful too.

Thanks for the thorough comments Justeve...

I got this set last night and I'm afraid to say, I'm 90% sure its going back. The only thing that would be holding me back from returning it is the hassle of repacking it and deciding on another set, but I have a month to get around to it.

What this made me realize, is that, when I do return it, I'm not leaving the store without another set in my hand. It's like night and day, compared to the 2006 Viewsonic LCD I was using. The difference is so extreme-- I'd say it's almost like when I upgraded from CRT to LCD.

I actually like the set, love it really. I'd recommend it to anyone who has $1100 (CDN) to drop on a TV and doesn't want to do a lot of comparison shopping. I also think that this set will keep you well-equipped for a good few years to come (vs. a CCFL set).

I am mostly a fan of TruMotion-- it's different than what we're all used to, but I think its definitely the future so we'd better get used to it, eventually this effect will be standard on TVs and it won't be disableable. Watching HD movies with this, they have a totally different feel. It felt like I was watching a movie shot as a reality TV show. Kind of funny, but also kind of neat.

Also, another note on picture: I have the IPS panel. I do see minor bleed on a totally dark screen on the left half of the screen. I notice it because I looked for it, most people wouldn't. I expected this, so it's not a deal breaker for me. I expect this on any consumer-grade equipment right now. If I was spending $2500, then I would not expect it. Viewing angles - superb. Contrast in general, was also phenomenal.

But why would I return it? The price/features just don't add up for me. I definitely needed an upgrade from what I have. But I can get a 120 Hz CCFL set that has pretty awesome picture for $700. There are even 42" LED LCDs out there for around $700-$800 now.

Also, in terms of features, the Wi-Fi and Internet access on this TV is nothing to speak of. It still feels a little too experimental. I'd rather just plug in a USB drive when I want to watch downloaded movies, I'm not a big downloaded movie fan anyway. The built-in media player is poor, slow, and not a good user experience. Canadian users, despite having Netflix access in our country now, don't have it activated on this TV yet.

If it's time for an upgrade and you're not too picky about $900 vs. $1000 vs. $1100, I'd recommend this set to anyone. The way I see it, the approximate $300 I'll be saving is something I would rather put into a new receiver or laptop. Then I could sell my next set in a year or two and THEN buy an LCD LED, when they are cheaper and the extra features like Internet are more "polished". I wouldn't call myself a total videophile, but I am discerning.

I am going to take a look at the LG 42LD520 and some other sets soon and decide what I'll do based on what I see.

So I'm considering the LG to replace a Samsung un55c6300 which replaced a Sony ex700.

So far, the Sony had terrible off-angle viewing and horrible artifacting. Sent it back.

The Samsung overcame the artifacting, has much better off-angle viewing (albeit not fantastic, but totally livable), but has introduced a new issue - color streaking on high contrast edges.

So, I'm reading here that the issues with LG are:
Possible lip-sync problem while watching DVD/BD/STB due to lag of the TV (which seems worse than others at ~90ms). Video drop-out of BD/DVD content. Terrible input lag that makes video games difficult. Any others?

So, it's a trade off. One issue for a different one. I guess I'm trying to decide if the input lag and possible lip sync issues are more severe or acceptable than the color streaking on my current Samsung. Unfortunately, I worry about both of the LG issues (input lag and lip sync) since the tv would be used for DVD/BD content and Wii playing as well.

Any thoughts? Am I just better off with the Samsung or are people generally pretty happy with their LG sets? I know this is all subjective, but I never dreamed that getting a new TV would be such a PITA...

Returned my original 42" with a VA panel today. This is a TV for the bedroom, and that particular set had the "flashlight" effect going in a couple corners. No good for a dark room!

The IPS panel out of the box looks better than the VA did. Even using Kinkling's settings (which did make me question exchanging the first set). Best of all, no "flashlighting"!

My first set was obviously newer; I wasn't required to upgrade the firmware, like I was on the IPS. Hopefully LG isn't only releasing VA panels from now on.

Thanks for all the info in this thread, all.

Ordered a 32LE5400 after reading a thread on this forum about how the LE5400s only used IPS Panels.. I guess they were wrong.

I know Newegg was out of stock on these screens on the 22nd... I ordered it on the 30th, What do you think my chances of getting an IPS panel are?

Considering its coming from a massive warehouse and their Live Chat is currently closed (or not working for me) I don't really think I have a choice.. Now I'm just worried.

EDIT: Just emailed them as thats the only service I can contact them on as they're closed with everything else.. Lets hope someone at customer service sees it and is feeling helpful

Is there a way to use the picture wizard for Expert 2? Every time I use it, it just calibrates for Expert 1.

Finally got a chance to see a LE5400 model at Sears. They had the 55" version on display and sale. It was a great opportunity to see it next the Samsung 55C650 which is a model I've considered. Both tvs looked great even through the Sears feed. Loved how thin the LG looked though the stand looks a little cheap. Tried looking at both tvs at an off angle and the LG does look very good, but Samsung didn't look too bad but the LG had the better picture. The C650 was $300 cheaper and the picture looked so good, it could be mistaken for a led model. I hadn't considered a tv in this size range, but with prices dropping it's very tempting. Anyone else compared these two models? What did you think?

How come there's no option to adjust the picture when using Netflix or Vudu?

So what is the general concensus on this series? I am looking to get a new LCD and the Samsungs seem to be the same old story with panel versions.

This set seems to not be plagued with any serious issues. Just looking for a tv for watch Blu Ray and HDTV on. No gaming at all. Thanks

I cannot comment on the audio lag, I have not experienced it.

The video dropout only seemed to happen in 1080p60 mode and that was only on 2 of the TVs I tested. My current one does not experience it. If you have it I would trade it.

the Input lag I can tell you is very VERY bad for a Wii on COMPOSITE cables. the LE5400 is horrible slow for 480i input. I bought the Wii COMPONENT cable (thank you monoprice.com) and the lag is very playable unless you are hardcore. The only place I really feel it is in Dance Dance Revolution but even then if I nail the step I get a perfect, I just have less margin of error.
Also make sure you are in game mode and label the input as PC to minimize lag but the component cable is required for the Wii on this TV.

-DO

Nevermind. I found out how to adjust the pic. Click Q Menu only it doesnt have as many options to adjust as in being in HDMI mode.

Got this today, absolutely loving it..

32LE5400

Colors are amazing, no bleeding or messed up backlight.. AUSWLNR (So I am assuming IPS)

I watched a few BluRays earlier and the color / quality was great.. No Lipsyncing issue from what people have said earlier.

Really the only thing I dislike right now is the delay.. Its noticeable (though I can't put a number on it) but it seems like its more of the type of delay I just have to get used to after using a monitor for console / pc gaming for so long.. It isn't anything that ruins the gameplay by any means, I just notice it a little when I'm playing FPS games on PC.

Also no one has talked about the sweet edge :P, I have this sitting on my desk and (from the newegg pictures) you wouldn't see it but it has a clear edge.

WOW- great thread- especially the bit about the IPS panel information - that will help me most certainly when I go to BB to pick mine up tomorrow.

I'm an LG fan. My first (and current) hdtv set is an lg 42LB1DR - a 2006-era LG lcd panel, with a built-in DVR. Sadly, the DVR has required so many repairs by the big box boys, my set qualifies for a replacement of some sort. I'm chipping in a few bucks and upgrading to this set. (and uh, getting a Tivo, since my old set had the dvr inside...).

Based on what I've seen the difference between what I have now (42" old-style lcd panel) going to the 47" led-lcd panel will be almost like when I went from my 27" crt TV to hdtv. The old set only went to 720p. BUT-- despite my particular set's service woes, I really like LG's technology, display quality, and feature set.

Will the big box boys get upset, when they bring the new box out to the front of the store-- if I don't see the "W" in the 4th position of the product code? Will they think I'm NUTS?

I'll report back with my experience.

Picked it up today. I am quite excited. I was also relieved when, as the big box was hauled to the door for me, I read "AUSW..." on the box.

Will give my own detailed report about the TV tonight, perhaps.

I'm still getting lip sync issues when playing DVDs with my 55LE5400 set. Some DVDs will have this problem consistently throughout the movie, whereas with other DVDs it'll only happen in one or two scenes total. Any suggestions for getting this problem fixed?

Is there any information the 47LES5400 are only an IPS sets or can the 47" be both. Any 47" non IPS owners out there?

If it helps--- my 47LE5400, picked up today and is an AUSW (IPS) - has a manufactured date sticker of "September 2010".

There are a few posts in this thread about people having trouble with DD 5.1 over the Digital Audio Out optical connection. For DivX video files encoded with 5.1 audio, does the set output the DD 5.1 stream over the optical connection to an AV receiver for:

1. Video played from a USB flash drive plugged into the set?

2. Video streamed from a DLNA PC?

Or does it just send 2 channel stereo to the reciever?

Any experiences with this would be appreciated. Thanks!

That genius Phase700B has recently updated the settings I stole for the 5400; I had tried to split the difference between his warm and cool numbers, but he did it scientifically

So these aren't terribly different from what I posted before, but they do warm it up a bit and make it less green, to my eyes.

For HDMI 1 Input
ISF Expert 1

Backlight 32 (28-38)
Contrast 80 (76-84)
Brightness 52 (48-54)
H. Sharpness 62
V. Sharpness 58
Color 44
Tint R1

Expert Control
Dynamic Contrast Off
Noise Reduction Off
Dig Noise Reduct. Off
Black Level Low
Color Gamut BT709
Color Temperature Warm
Gamma 2.2
Method 10 Point IRE

Luminance 125 @ IRE 100
IRE Adj. Points R, G, B
100 0, 2, -3
90 3, 1, -14
80 2, 1, -10
70 3, -1, -16
60 -1, -3, -16
50 3, -2, -14
40 2, -4, -14
30 0, -4, -10
20 2, 0, -11
10 0, -1, -6
0 0, -1, -4

Color Man. System:
Red Color -19
Red Tint -3
Green Color -5
Green Tint -6
Blue Color -7
Blue Tint -2
Yellow Color 6
Yellow Tint -11
Cyan Color -3
Cyan Tint -1
Magenta Color -10
Magenta Tint 6

Love the set - I've been playing for a day. Tried some of the color suggestions throughout the thread- made some minor tweaks of my own but for the most part, it's awesome. The tweakability of the display is impressive. I could spend a week fiddling with it.

Compared to me 42 LCD from 4 years ago, it's a fantastic upgrade.

Is the screen on the LG 47LE5400 mattte or glossy? I can't seem to find that information.

Matte

Is the internet access (i.e.e, netflix) worth it on this set? Or should I just stick with the tivo-based netflix I have there?

I haven't found a better way to access Netfix. Very nice, use it all the time.

I thought instant watch on netflix would work the same regardless of device, but I find my samsung blu ray provides a noticeably more stable connection to netflix and vudu versus my lg TV w/ netcast. Not sure if its just coincidence or what but thats my experience so doesn't hurt to give it a try and see if u notice a difference for better or worse.

Does anyone know if lg plans to do a netcast update and add more then 4 apps?My Roku on my other tv has a 100?
What about a search function on netflix?Kinda weird there is no search funtion?Isn't it as simple as writing some code and doing an update?thanks...
ps this is for a 32le5400...which I love

If the LE5400 has the same screen treatment as a LE5300, reflections are still noticeable in dark scenes. It's nowhere near as bad as a glossy screen, but something to be aware of before buying.

Yesterday my girl and I bought the 42LE5400 and so far we love it. Just using a standard cable box and Netflix. Movies look great, cannot wait to get HD hooked up this Friday and a Blu Ray player connected. Off axis viewing is good. Have not tweaked it yet but will. Love the input selection and the overall design of the tv. Thanks for all the settings guys.

Anybody compare this tv to the 7300 sold by Sams? The 7300 has a glossy screen and no internet apps I believe in comparison to the 5400.