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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 LB5600 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed Sep 29, 2014 at 12:00 am
LG LB5600 Picture
7.0
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the LG LF5600

The LG LB5600 LED TV is not a good value. The picture quality in both a dark and a bright room is sub-par, even compared to TVs in its low price range.

Our Verdict

7.0 Mixed Usage

The picture quality of the LG LB5600 LED is inferior even to other entry level TVs. It reflects a lot of light and has a low contrast ratio. If you are looking for a budget TV, go for the Vizio E Series or the Sony W600B instead.

Pros
  • Great color accuracy at an angle.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio. In a dark room, the blacks are gray.
  • It reflects a lot of light. The picture in a bright room gets washed out by the reflections.
  • Very low input lag. However, it suffers from a little bit of inverse ghosting with fast-moving objects, so it isn't ideal for gaming.
  • 7.0 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated Sep 29, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated Sep 27, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Sep 22, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Video

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The LG LB5600 LED TV has the same design as all LG TVs in the 5 series. The borders are matte gray and the TV is slightly thicker than average.

Design
Stand

The stand is a big problem with the 2014 LG TVs. It is stable, but it is as wide as the TV itself. You will need a wide table, even for the 42".

Design
Borders

0.75" (1.9 cm)

Design
Thickness

2.1" (5.3 cm)

Picture Quality
6.0
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.125 cd/m²
White 100.5 cd/m²
Contrast 804 : 1

In a dark room, the LG LB5600 LED TV isn't great. The contrast ratio is low, which causes dark scenes to appear dull.

8.0
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

The black uniformity isn't bad, but because the blacks are gray, any small issue is more apparent.

5.0
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

All IPS panels in the low and mid level price range seem to suffer from a significant dirty screen effect. You won't see it under normal footage, but it could bother you with sports or panning shots.

7.3
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 32°

The viewing angle is excellent for an LED TV. When watching from the side, you won't suffer from a significant loss of picture quality the way you might with most other LED TVs.

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

The LG LB5600 reflects a lot of light. Even a normal room with a few lights causes issues with this TV. The semi-gloss screens of other brands perform a lot better.

7.4
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 237.8 cd/m²

Don't buy this TV for a room full of windows. You will see virtually nothing. It doesn't get very bright and the TV has a yellow tint under bright conditions.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D No
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
7.5
Motion
Motion Blur

This TV has effective backlight flickering, but the motion blur trail is longer than average. It has slight inverse ghosting; the trail appears brighter than the moving object. Is you watch sports or play video games, you will prefer another TV.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation N/A
Inputs
9.2
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 27.8 ms

The LG LB5600's input lag is great. It doesn't get much better than this. You won't notice any lag in fast video games.

Inputs
Side Inputs

1 HDMI
1 USB

Inputs
Rear Inputs

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

Smart Features
0
Smart Features
Smart TV
Smart Features
Remote