Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
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 UH6500 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Review updated Mar 01, 2017 at 06:31 am
LG UH6500 Picture
7.0
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.3
Movies
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
7.3
TV Shows
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
7.2
Sports
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
7.4
Video Games
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
7.0
HDR Movies
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.6
HDR Gaming
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
6.8
PC Monitor
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the LG UJ6300

The LG UH6500 is a "4k" LCD TV . It uses an alternative pixel structure (RGBW), which results in less accurate display of fine details. Despite this, it has average picture quality. It handles motion well with little blur and has low input lag. The picture quality is also retained at an angle more than most other TVs.

Our Verdict

7.0 Mixed Usage

Slightly above average for mixed usage. Dark scene performance is below average, but better than most other IPS TVs. Picture quality is average, but is retained at a wide angle. Motion is great with little motion blur. SDR input lag is very good for video game and PC use.

Pros
  • Great motion handling
  • Colors remain accurate when viewed at an angle
Cons
  • Uses less accurate RGBW pixel structure
  • High input lag in HDR mode
6.3 Movies

Below average for watching movies in a dark room. Contrast ratio is slightly below average, and picture quality is average. Doesn't support features to improve performance such as local dimming.

7.3 TV Shows

Above average for watching TV in a bright room. Picture quality is average, but colors remain accurate when viewed at an angle. Quite good at dealing with reflections, however the screen only has an average brightness when watching SDR content. The smart platform works well for casual viewing.

7.2 Sports

Good for sports. Low motion blur for fast moving objects which is great. Picture quality is average but remains accurate at an angle. Uniformity is poor so some dirty screen effect is visible.

7.4 Video Games

Good for SDR video games. Picture quality is average. Fast motion is handled well with little blur. Input lag is also great.

7.0 HDR Movies

Slightly below average for HDR movies. Supports HDR10. Has a menu option for wide color gamut, but can not get as saturated as other TVs. Average whole screen brightness but small highlights don't get bright. Picture quality is average.

6.6 HDR Gaming

Below average for HDR gaming. Picture quality is average. Motion blur is very low, which is good. Unfortunately input lag is very high, as it is not possible to activate 'Game' picture mode with HDR content.

6.8 PC Monitor

Above average PC monitor. Picture quality is average. Feels very responsive due to low input lag. Fast motion is handled very well. Due to the alternative pixel structure, some straight lines appear jagged as can be seen here .

  • 7.0 Mixed Usage
  • 6.3 Movies
  • 7.3 TV Shows
  • 7.2 Sports
  • 7.4 Video Games
  • 7.0 HDR Movies
  • 6.6 HDR Gaming
  • 6.8 PC Monitor
  1. Updated Mar 01, 2017: Review published.
  2. Updated Oct 03, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Jul 12, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 43" (43UH6500). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 49" (49UH6500).

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their LG UH6500 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

Size Model
43" 43UH6500
49" 49UH6500

Compared To Other TVs

Comparison picture

Top left: Sony X800D (XBR43X800D). Bottom left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Middle: LG UH6500 (43UH6500). Top right: TCL UP130 (55UP130). Bottom right: LG UH6100 (43UH6100).  Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The LG UH6500 offers slightly above average performance for mixed usage, but is in quite a competitive market segment with many similar offerings from other brands. Although it may be a very good TV for some people, it is hard to recommend when there are other TVs with very similar performance for a lower price. Keep this in mind when viewing our recommendations below.

Test Results

Design
7.5
Design
Style
Curved No

The design of the UH6500 is a bit more streamlined than the slightly lower model UH6100. It is made of plastic but has a nice finish, and a glossy textured back. This does pick up a lot of fingerprints, but looks good. The biggest downside is the thicker than average border.

Design
Stand

The stand is almost as wide as the TV, but looks sleek. It supports the TV well with little movement.

Footprint of the 43" TV stand: 7.8" x 34.7"

Design
Back
Wall Mount VESA 200x200

The VESA mount is not on the thickest part of the TV and so it may be necessary to use some spacers (not included) depending on your mounting design. There is also a removeable panel in the centre of the back which doesn't appear to have any use.

Design
Borders
Borders 0.87" (2.2 cm)

The borders are quite thick compared to other TVs, even the lower end LG UH6100. This may result in a slightly less immersive experience.

Design
Thickness
Max Thickness 2.87" (7.3 cm)

The TV is thickest at the bottom, where it is about average. It will stick out a bit if wall mounted.

Picture Quality
6.5
Picture Quality
Contrast
Native Contrast
1,325 : 1

The native contrast ratio is average and is in line with other IPS TVs. Blacks are not very deep and will look more gray than really black when seen in a dark environment, but will look better in a well lit room. At 1325:1, it is in the upper range of IPS panel TVs.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Direct

There is no local dimming feature on this TV, and the video is only for reference.

6.8
Picture Quality
SDR Peak Brightness
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
237 cd/m²
SDR Peak 2% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Peak 10% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Peak 25% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Peak 50% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Peak 100% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 2% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 10% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 25% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 50% Window
218 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 100% Window
218 cd/m²

When sending an SDR signal or simply when watching normal TV or movies, the overall peak brightness is only of 218cd/m². This means that at this brightness, it would not be the best TV in a very bright environment where you can have a lot of light from a bright lamp or the sun since the maximum brightness won't be enough to overcome the glare and reflection.

7.5
Picture Quality
HDR Peak Brightness
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
341 cd/m²
HDR Peak 2% Window
360 cd/m²
HDR Peak 10% Window
358 cd/m²
HDR Peak 25% Window
358 cd/m²
HDR Peak 50% Window
359 cd/m²
HDR Peak 100% Window
357 cd/m²
HDR Sustained 2% Window
360 cd/m²
HDR Sustained 10% Window
358 cd/m²
HDR Sustained 25% Window
358 cd/m²
HDR Sustained 50% Window
359 cd/m²
HDR Sustained 100% Window
357 cd/m²

The peak brightness of the LG UH6500 is average when sending an HDR signal. At around 400 cd/m², this peak brightness won't be enough to render well any good HDR content, since this is just enough for SDR content.

6.2
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
5.534%
50% DSE
0.218%

The gray uniformity is below average. Some vertical and horizontal banding can be seen, resulting in dirty screen effect. The edges of the screen also have uniformity issues as they are much more dark than the center.

6.2
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
LCD Type
IPS
Color Shift
23°
Brightness
28°
Black Level
75°

When viewed at an angle, this TV retains the contrast and color accuracy better than average. This is a good result for those with wide seating.

Update: We have changed the methodology of testing. Since this is an old TV which we don't have anymore, we extrapolated the results.

7.1
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
2.029%

Black uniformity is average and once again it is well representative of LG IPS TVs. Clouding is omnipresent in our test picture with a bit of flashlighting in the upper left corner. Luckily, it is not really obvious when watching normal content like TV shows or movies.

9.0
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
10 Bit

The UH6500 can display a 10 bit gradient, which performs quite well. Some banding issues can be seen but the gradient appears quite smooth overall.

7.0
Picture Quality
Pre Calibration
White Balance dE
5.61
Color dE
5.27
Gamma
2.11

Prior to calibration the results are average. The white balance is a bit off, especially at higher IRE values. For most people this shouldn't be an issue, but when compared to another TV side-by-side it is more obvious.

9.6
Picture Quality
Post Calibration
White Balance dE
0.27
Color dE
1.36
Gamma
2.21

The 20 point calibration works very well to fix almost all of the minor issues. This is a very good result, and only minor issues remain in the colors with green remaining slightly under saturated.

You can see our recommended settings here.

8.0
Picture Quality
480p Input

Low quality content is upscaled well. Some halo artifacts can be seen along straight lines, but the image appears clear.

8.0
Picture Quality
720p Input

720p content looks good, and it sharper than most other TVs. Details are preserved well.

9.0
Picture Quality
1080p Input

Higher quality content such as blurays are clear and sharp.

8.0
Picture Quality
4k Input

At the native resolution of 4k and from close up it is possible to see the effects of the less accurate RGBW pixel structure. This is not an issue from further away. The text appears slightly less clear and this can be seen in the 'Supported Resolutions' section below.

7.1
Picture Quality
Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
No
DCI P3 xy
78.56%
DCI P3 uv
85.36%
Rec 2020 xy
56.92%
Rec 2020 uv
64.47%

Unlike the UH6100, the UH6500 does have a wide color gamut option in the menus. It does increase the saturation of primary colors, but not as much as other wide color gamut TVs. As such, we don't classify it as 'Wide Color Gamut' for our tests. Changing the color gamut to 'Wide' provides the most colors, 'Normal' is suitable for SDR content and 'Extended' is somewhere in between.

4.3
Picture Quality
Color Volume
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
44.95%
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
27.504%
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
33.662%
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
20.383%

The color volume coverage is poor, so the TV doesn't benefit from the wider color volumes of HDR content.

3.5
Picture Quality
Image Retention
IR after 0 min recovery
2.488%
IR after 2 min recovery
0.399%
IR after 4 min recovery
0.149%
IR after 6 min recovery
0%
IR after 8 min recovery
0%
IR after 10 min recovery
0%

The UH6500 have some image retention, unlike the UH6550, that also has a RGBW IPS panel, but has no image retention at all. The image retention does fade away before the end of the recovery time though, since after the 6 minutes of recovery, you can't make out any of the logos from the burn-in scene.

7.5
Picture Quality
Reflections
Reflection
1.9%
Screen Finish
Semi-gloss

The screen is semi-gloss, which helps to reduce the intensity of direct reflections. For a room with a couple of small windows this should not be a problem, but bright glare directly on the screen could be an issue.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D
No
3D Type
No
2D to 3D
No

The UH6500 doesn't support any 3D features.

Picture Quality
Pixels
Type LED
Motion
8.0
Motion
Motion Blur
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Response Time
16.9 ms
Overshoot
0 ms

The response time is great, and only results in a short trail following moving images. Some replications are seen following the moving logo due to the flickering backlight (PWM).

2.8
Motion
Image Flicker
PWM Dimming Frequency
120 Hz
BFI
No
BFI Frequency
120 Hz
BFI In Game Mode
No
7.1
Motion
24p Playback
Judder-free 24p
Yes
Judder-free 24p via 60p
No
Judder-free 24p via 60i
No

Movies played from a 24p source such as a bluray player or the built in apps appear smooth. Those that are sensitive to judder may notice it when playing movies over a 60Hz signal such as HTPC or cable box. Most people aren't sensitive to judder so this shouldn't be an issue.

5.0
Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
Yes
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
No

The UH6500 has a 60Hz panel, so cannot interpolate 60 fps content to any higher refresh rate. To enable motion interpolation for a 30 fps input, adjust the 'TruMotion' setting.

Inputs
7.9
Inputs
Input Lag
1080p @ 60Hz
20.4 ms
1080p With Interpolation
137.3 ms
1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
139.4 ms
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
35.3 ms
4k @ 60Hz
20.5 ms
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
37.4 ms
4k @ 60Hz + HDR
53.4 ms
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
N/A

Input lag is low for SDR content, which is great and feels responsive. When a HDR source is detected the TV switches into a HDR picture mode, which has very high input lag. For lowest input lag set the picture mode to 'Game'.

Update 12/08/2016: With the newest firmware update (04.30.70) there has been the addition of a HDR gaming mode. In this mode the HDR input lag is lower, and should be fine for HDR gaming. Note that although the TV accepts a 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + HDR signal, it can't accurately display the chroma subsampling in any HDR mode, even with the 'PC' icon selected.

8.0
Inputs
Supported Resolutions
Resolution "4k"
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
Yes
4k @ 60Hz
Yes
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
Yes

To enable the bandwidth for 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4, turn on 'HDMI ULTRA HD Deep Color' for your input in the 'General' settings menu. To display chroma subsampling correctly, it is necessary to change the input icon to 'PC'. Although this TV can display chroma 4:4:4, it is not as clear as some other TVs due to the less accurate pixel structure. This is penalized in the '4k Resolution' section of the review.

LG UH6500

Sony X700D

Inputs
Side Inputs
Inputs
Rear Inputs
Inputs
Total Inputs
HDMI 3
USB 2
Digital Optical Audio Out 1
Analog Audio Out 3.5mm 0
Analog Audio Out RCA 0
Component In 1 (shared)
Composite In 1 (shared)
Tuner (Cable/Ant) 1
Ethernet 1
DisplayPort 0
IR In 0
SD/SDHC 0
Inputs
Inputs Specifications
HDR10
Yes
5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
Yes
Dolby Vision
No
5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
Yes
5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
Yes
5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
Yes
HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth Yes
ARC Yes (HDMI 2)
USB 3 No
HDCP 2.2 Yes
CEC Yes
MHL No
Variable Analog Audio Out No
Sound Quality
6.3
Sound Quality
Frequency Response
Std. Dev. @ 70
5.74 dB SPL
Std. Dev. @ 80
5.67 dB SPL
Std. Dev. @ Max
6.86 dB SPL
Max
89.5 dB SPL
Low-end Cutoff
101 Hz

Average performance. Frequency response is about average, especially at higher volumes where slight pumping and compression is present. Additionally, maximum volume and low-end cutoff are above average, for a TV.

5.3
Sound Quality
Total Harmonic Distortion
Distortion @ 70
0.039
Distortion @ 80
0.123
Distortion @ Max
0.159

Poor harmonic distortion performance. The overall amount of harmonic distortion at 75dB SPL is good. At higher volumes however, the performance deteriorates and there is a significant rise in the harmonic distortion.

Smart Features
Smart Features
Apps

The LG Content Store makes it easy to download all of the most popular apps, including YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Video. It isn't as full-featured as the Roku or Android platforms but should have more than enough content for most people.

8.5
Smart Features
Interface
Smart OS WebOS 3.0

The UH6500 has the latest iteration of LG's smart OS, WebOS 3.0. It is very full featured with access to the LG Content Store to download a wide selection of apps including Netflix, Amazon Video and Hulu. It is also very stable, and feels smooth to use. Unlike the higher end models, this TV doesn't include a smart remote or pointer. Despite this, it is easy to navigate the menus and perform all of the functions. It is possible to play videos or photos from a USB drive plugged directly into the TV.

0
Smart Features
Ads
Ad-free
No
Opt-out
No
Smart Features
TV Controls

The controls are located below the logo at the center of the TV. They are easy to access, even if wall mounted. The buttons provides basic functionality but are easy to use.

Smart Features
Remote
Remote Basic

The included remote is basic, with a traditional style. It is intuitive and easy to use. This is the same remote found in other low-mid end LG TVs such as the UH6100.

Smart Features
In The Box

  • Manual
  • Cable management tabs
  • Batteries
  • Remote
  • Cable management strap

Smart Features
Misc
Power Consumption 32 W
Power Consumption (Max) 67 W
Firmware 04.30.06