As someone who has sold, installed, and enjoyed LG televisions for over 5 years, I‘m excited to share my in-depth knowledge to help you choose the perfect 55-inch LG smart TV. I‘ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of LG‘s display technology alongside processing and smart platforms transforming the viewing experience. Today‘s LG TVs deliver unparalleled quality for movies, sports, gaming, and beyond. Let‘s explore why LG rules the 55-inch television market and how to pick the right model for your needs.
Brief History of LG TVs
LG produces televisions utilizing both OLED and LED/LCD display technologies. They introduced the first large-screen OLED TV way back in 2013 which kicked off a display revolution. While early OLED generations faced challenges around brightness and longevity, they always outshined LED/LCD televisions when it came to contrast and black levels. Incremental breakthroughs around LG‘s self-emitting pixel materials delivered today‘s class-leading OLED performance.
Processing also plays a pivotal role translating content optimally onscreen. LG develops its Alpha chipsets in-house to power essential upscaling and picture/sound quality enhancements. The latest α9 Gen 5 AI Processor leverages deep learning to analyze and adapt to individual scenes. This custom silicon works in conjunction with LG‘s OLED innovation to achieve true-to-life imaging.
On the smart platform front, LG purchased webOS in 2013 as well to serve as the operating system across its smart TV portfolio. Originally designed for mobile devices, webOS provided an intuitive foundation welcoming streaming services and apps to deploy support more easily. Regular OS updates keep expanding capabilities and connectivity further. As you‘ll see, stellar integration across hardware and software makes LG TVs major standouts.
OLED vs LED Comparison
| Specification | OLED | LED (QNED Mini LED) |
|---|---|---|
| Native Contrast Ratio | Infinite | 1,000,000:1 |
| Viewing Angle | 89° | 65° |
| Peak Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000+ nits |
While high-end LED displays continue pushing brightness higher through innovative local dimming implementations, they still can‘t match the pixel-precise black levels of OLED. Here‘s how the technologies compare across key areas:
Black Level – OLED pixels can turn completely off to reveal infinite blacks without light bleeding or gray overcast. LED TVs exhibit faint glow during dark scenes even with sophisticated local dimming.
Contrast – With this infinite black level, OLED televisions also deliver immeasurably high native contrast outperforming any LED alternative. Vivid colors against perfectly dark backgrounds create extra perceived depth and dimensionality.
Viewing Angle – OLED screens maintain color accuracy and contrast at wider angles than LED. So even off-axis seats get a great picture.
Motion Handling – Nearly instantaneous response time allows OLED displays to render fast motion smoothly without blurring or distortion.
While LED TV technology continues advancing each year, OLED still provides the pinnacle of image quality in my professional opinion. The self-illuminating pixels transform how richly colors and detail shine when paired with an elite LG processor.
Alpha Processors Power LG TV Performance
As an engineer by background, I‘m fascinated by the signal processing working behind the scenes to optimize displays. LG‘s latest α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K leverages deep neural networks to detect content types, environmental factors, and viewing trends. Powered by a vast database of labeled image and sound data, the chipset custom tailors over 5,000 parameters across every single scene based on machine learning logic.
The processor upscales HD/FHD resolution adeptly to 4K through an advanced technique called Deep Learning Super Resolution. Working in conjunction with the phenomenal OLED panel, the a9 Gen5 enhances color, contrast, and clarity to impeccable quality. LG fabricates these chipsets directly allowing tight integration between hardware and firmware. As future processors advance AI even further, existing TVs will receive firmware updates to improve over time.
Gaming Features Comparison
| Model | HDMI 2.1 | VRR | ALLM | G-Sync/FreeSync |
|-|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|
| LG G2| 4 | Yes | Yes | G-Sync Compatible |
| LG C2 | 4 | Yes | Yes | G-Sync Compatible |
| LG B2 | 4 | Yes | Yes | G-Sync/FreeSync Premium |
| LG UQ9000 | 2 | Yes | Yes | FreeSync Premium |
For gaming, LG OLED and premium LED televisions excel by virtually every metric. You want to prioritize displays with HDMI 2.1 enabling 4K 120Hz and VRR (variable refresh rate). Quick response time and low input lag also rank among the best-in-industry.
Features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and beefed up Game Optimizer settings toggle modes seamlessly when consoles fire up. Support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync premium adaptive sync reduces tearing and stuttering. Across dozens of comparisons, LG TVs dominate gaming performance throughοΈ benchmarks and real-world play.
I‘ll cover specific gaming recommendations more below. But you can confidently pick any 2022 or 2023 LG television from this guide and enjoy sublime next-generation console and PC experiences.
webOS Smart Platform Keeps Getting Smarter
- Over 80% market share across LG smart TVs
- Support for over 300 streaming service apps
- Intuitive navigation using Magic Remote pointer
- Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support
- Apple Airplay 2 and HomeKit integration
- AI-driven recommendations spotlight personalized content
- Easy connectivity linking gaming consoles, cable boxes, soundbars
While picture and sound capture the most attention typically, webOS provides one of the most polished smart TV solutions available. Launching apps feels swift thanks to a tuned interface taking advantage of LG‘s rapid chipsets. Voice assistance improves through LG ThinQ artificial intelligence to understand natural language requests better over time.
Ongoing partnerships bring new streaming options regularly with apps optimized for LG‘s premium displays. And you can cast a wide variety of sources fluidly from mobile devices thanks to technologies like AirPlay. With schnelle processors and solid connectivity, webOS offers a uniquely comprehensive hub for all entertainment.
Standout Models Worth Considering
Okay, with all the TV technology groundwork laid, let‘s examine LG‘s finest 55-inch models currently available across varied price points…
Overall Winner: LG C2 OLED
The C2 Series provides my top recommendation for performance and value in LG‘s 2022 OLED lineup. As a midrange model, you get nearly all the same cutting-edge specifications as pricier G2 and C1 predecessors. Self-illuminating pixels present perfectly black backgrounds against vibrant, accurate colors. The α9 Gen 5 AI Processor adapts this phenomenal contrast to every scene in real-time.
With dedicated Game Optimizer settings, four HDMI 2.1 inputs, sub-1ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, gaming feels extraordinarily responsive. The impressive 7.1.2 channel sound system and webOS platform also outclass competitors. For under $1300 at 55 inches, no television available offers better quality or smart integration. The LG C2 should satisfy even discerning videophiles across movies, sports, console gaming, and streaming.
Runner Up: LG G2 Evo Gallery Series
If you desire the pinnacle of OLED technology without any price ceiling, the Gallery Edition LG G2 will leave your jaw on the floor. This flagship display integrates LG‘s latest evo panel reaching 20% higher peak brightness alongside a flush wall-mounted design. Self-illuminating pixels reveal vivid details in bright regions that standard OLEDs can‘t quite match due to ABL limitations.
You also benefit from the phenomenal α9 Gen 5 processor, 4K/120Hz inputs, fantastic sound system, and gorgeous minimalist aesthetic. There‘s no better option for premium home theaters wanting to show off the best that cutting-edge OLED imaging offers. Just prepare to pay a justifiable premium for groundbreaking technological achievements.
Value Pick: LG B2 OLED
The brilliant B2 Series delivers near-flagship performance for a more digestible midrange price point. You still enjoy the same exceptional OLED imaging with an α7 Gen5 Processor that handles gaming and upscaling smoothly. This energy-efficient model actually outperforms several 2021 predecessors.
Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 capability, fast response times, and clever webOS integration check all the right boxes for big-screen entertainment. The LG B2 gives you sublime OLED quality on a budget under $1300. I recommend it frequently for buyers wanting excellent dark room performance without paying extra for unnecessary brightness headroom.
Best Budget LED: LG UQ9000
On the LED side, the UQ9000 Series delivers impressive 4K quality with great smart features at under $500. The α5 Gen 5 Processor adeptly upscales HD content while adapting the picture. You enjoy deep blacks with strong contrast across the edge-lit panel thanks to full array local dimming zones.
Quick access to all major streaming platforms supplemented by broad voice assistant and smart home support adds convenience. For shoppers wanting LED/LCD technology on strict budgets, I believe this LG UQ9000 offers the best value. Just be realistic about limited peak brightness and viewing angles compared to premium quantum dot and OLED competitors.
The Perfect LG TV Awaits!
I hope this guide gives you confidence picking your next television from LG‘s lauded lineup. While terminology and specs sheets might seem intimidating initially, their class-leading quality shines through immediately upon hitting the power button. Backlight technology continues advancing each year, but self-illuminating OLED pixels currently provide unrivaled realism with deep blacks across bright and dark room environments.
LG‘s rapid processors uniquely optimize imaging while delivering excellent integrated smart experiences filled with streaming shows, movies, sports, and music. Quick-responding webOS menus let you start playing high fidelity games faster as well. Having helped hundreds of people sort through television buying decisions over the years, I have personally witnessed the joy LG TVs instantly bring. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
