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To try to better understand how long a TV should last, we're running 100 TVs through an accelerated longevity test for the next two years. We've just posted our 1-year video update with our latest findings on temporary image retention, burn-in, and more!

LG LB5800 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed May 12, 2014 at 12:00 am
LG LB5800 Picture
7.3
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the LG LF5800

The LG LB5800 LED TV is far from perfect. It has low contrast and reflects a significant amount of light. On the upside, it has a good viewing angle for an LED and a low amount of motion blur.

Our Verdict

7.3 Mixed Usage

The LG LB5800 LED TV isn't a bad TV, but you will gain by spending a little bit more to get the Samsung H6350. When the lights are turned off, the LG has gray blacks and when the lights are turned on, it has reflection issues.

Pros
  • Great viewing angle. The colors stay consistent when you view it from the side.
  • Low input lag and a low amount of motion blur. This is a great gaming TV.
Cons
  • You need a wide table to accommodate the stand.
  • Poor contrast. The blacks are gray.
  • Significant amount light reflected. The screen also gets a yellow tint when the room is bright.
  • 7.3 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated May 12, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated May 10, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Apr 21, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Video

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The LG LB5800 LED TV has a matte gray frame. The TV is quite thick due to its direct lit LED backlight.

Design
Stand

The stand is separated into two pieces, on both sides of the TV. Even with the 42", we had to use our extension to put it on our table.

Design
Borders

0.7" (1.7 cm)

Design
Thickness

2.2" (5.6 cm)

Picture Quality
6.0
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.125 cd/m²
White 98.69 cd/m²
Contrast 790 : 1

The contrast ratio of the LG LB5800 is low. In a dark room, the blacks are gray and the shadow details aren't good.

8.0
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

The black uniformity is not perfect, but it isn't bad either. Small issues are more evident though, because of the poor black levels.

5.0
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

Our unit had gray uniformity issues. We couldn't see it in normal videos, but it was noticeable in panning shots.

7.4
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 33°

The viewing angle has always been the strong suit of LG LED TVs. The LB5800 is not an exception. The colors stay saturated even when viewed from the side. This is great for large families.

7.0
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 2.5%
Surface Type Semi-gloss

The LG LB5800 has a rainbow effect around lights and it gives the screen a yellow tint. It also reflects more than the average LED.

8.7
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 328 cd/m²

The reflection issues are even more pronounced in a bright room. The screen is washed out by a yellow tint. At least the screen can get very bright.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D No
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
8.5
Motion
Motion Blur

The LB5800 has a higher response time than average (the red between the letters of our logo is pink), but it does have nice backlight strobing, so the picture is still defined.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation Yes
Inputs
7.5
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 49.4 ms

In game mode, the input lag is average-good and you won't notice it in video games.

Inputs
Side Inputs

3 HDMI
3 USB

Inputs
Rear Inputs

1 Component In
1 Composite In
1 RF In
1 Digital Optical Audio Out
1 Ethernet

Smart Features
7.5
Smart Features
Smart TV

This LG TV does not come with the new WebOS platform. It still uses the old smart interface. It works fine, but it isn't as pretty or user friendly.

Smart Features
Remote

The included remote is very basic. Don't expect to use it to browse the web with any ease. You control the cursor with the arrows on the remote.