I love it when new TVs come out as the technology just keeps improving. The value for the dollar keeps getting better, even if the new TVs aren’t a big step up in features and technology. LG just introduced a new line of TVs for 2015, the LF Series, that I had a chance to get a closer look at even though I wasn’t able to test them out. Two of them were 32” models and the other comes in a 43” and 49” sizes. LG’s LF series, at least so far, are smaller sets than I am used to seeing being introduced.
I always think bigger is better when it comes to TVs. They are more immersive especially given how much clearer and realistic the picture has become on big screen TVs. However, there still is a place for smaller TVs like 32” or 43” models. They can be ideal for the kitchen, den, spare bedroom or kids room. The LG LF models that I was able to get a glimpse of were the LF500B and the LF5600, which were both 32” models. The other model was the LF5400, which is the one that comes in a 43” and 49” sizes.
LG 32” Models – LF500B and LF5600
Both of the 32” models in the new LF series are extremely similar. Even though both are fairly basic TVs, they are extremely well suited for where you would typically put a smaller TV like the kitchen or den. Although both are HD sets, the LF5600 is a Full HD 1080p set, and the LF 500B is a standard HD set with a 1366 X 768 resolution. Because they are smaller 32” screens, the resolution of both is excellent because the pixel density, even on the standard HD set is very high. For instance the pixel density of the Full HD 32” set is similar to that of a 60” 4K set.
The design of the LF500B is not quite as sleek as the LF5600 as the bezel is thicker black with a simple center stand.
Another difference between these two sets is the 5600B comes equipped with LG’s Triple XD Engine designed to enhance the picture quality by improving the clarity, contrast, and colour even more. The 5600 also comes with LG’s Clear Voice II, which enhances the sound quality of the TV. In addition the sound system on the 5600 has a bit more power at 20 Watts of audio output while the 500B is 10 Watts. The one place the 500B is better equipped than the 5600 is in connections. The 500B has 3 HDMI and 2 USB connections while the 5600 only has 2 HDMI and 1 USB port.
Neither are Smart TVs, but that is easy to change with a Roku, Apple TV, or variety of other media streamers if you want to. They are both LED backlit and are extremely energy efficient through using energy saving features like automatic standby mode and other energy saving modes.
LG 43’/49” Model – LF5400
The LF5400 is like a cross between the two 32” models just described, just bigger. Like the LF5600 it is a Full 1080p HDTV, with the same number of connections, and same Energy Saving features, and a metallic design. But like the LF500B it doesn’t have the Triple XD engine or the Clear Voice II sound system.
All three of these TVs would work well in those alternate rooms that aren’t your main entertainment area. They all have a very good picture because the pixel density is high, but the 32” LF5600 will have the best picture due to some additional technologies like Triple XD Engine. The LF5400 comes in bigger formats and will have the next best picture, while the LF500B is their economy standard HD model. Depending on what you need, these TVs give three good choices.
Check out all of LG’s excellent line of TVs, and soon to be added are the new LF5400 and LF5600.
