LG 37LY95 Review

37in LCD

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Outstanding HD picture quality and above average all-round performance tempered by average black levels

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

89%

Reviewed: 05 June 2007

Design

Here at HDTVorg we have always felt that LG's range of LCD TV's looked appealing, but were prone to looking a bit clunky. Not so the LG 37LY95 which looks fantastic with unique flush fitting speakers either side of the frame. An ultra thin profile with glossy black frame and matching pedestal elevate the 37LY95 into the forefront of distinctive LCD design.

We have to mention built quality too which is absolutely top notch and on par with any other LCD manufacturer.

Features

The most impressive feature of LG's 37LY95 is its new Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution which could potentially give a marked improvement in the display of sources such as Sky Tv (1080i) where the 1080 lines of resolution match the resolution of the screen negating the need for any picture scaling to fit (with LG's 1:1 pixel mapping through HDMI). In reality, the 37in screen may be too small to get the full benefits of the Full HD configuration, but we reserve judgement.

Screen: 37in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: 5,000:1

Brightness: 500cd/m2

Other Features: XD Full HD picture processing, Intelligent Eye, Simple Link, comb Filter.

Sockets: 2 HDMI, 2 Scart, S-video, component video, PC input.

LG's LY95 series of LCD TV's is a step up from the entry level LF66 TV's but disappointingly, the 37LY95 (unlike the 42in, 47in and 52in models) does not come equipped with 'Wide Colour Gamut' backlight system, and has an 8bit rather than a 10bit panel.

Picture processing technology on the 37LY95 comes in the shape of LG's proprietary XD engine which in its latest guise is dubbed XD Full HD, the Full HD a reference to the fact that it has been optimised for the 1920 x 1080 resolution panels. The 37LY95 also sports an enhanced noise reduction function and a Digital Comb Filter.

Designed to enhance the general quality of the viewing experience, LG's 'Intelligent Eye' has been designed to automatically adjust the picture depending upon current lighting conditions.

Simple Link technology (HDMI-CEC) technology allows you to control all LG-compatible equipment through a single remote control.

As we would expect, the LG 37LY95 has good connectivity with 2 HDMI inputs (1.3 spec), 2 Scarts, Component input and S-video input along with PC input. Additionally the 37LY95 sports an integrated digital Freeview tuner with 7-day Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).

Strangely, LG has dropped its Picture-in-Picture functionality on the LY95 range.

Performance

High Definition (HD) is where the LG 37LY95 excels. The picture performance in this respect is sensational, and the best we have seen on a 37in LCD. The picture detail and sharpness is a revelation, with the LG losing none of its composure with fast sporting action or movie scenes.

Colour performance is good, and skin tones never look anything less than wholly natural but we can't help thinking that we are being short changed with the 8bit rather than the 10bit panel and lack of 'Wide Colour Gamut', although we will have to compare alongside the higher 42in + screens in the LY95 series to judge.

With such a good HD showing we were slightly disappointed to see the familiar problems of digital noise and very slight blocking with Standard Definition Freeview pictures. To be fair, the problems are minimal, and we had just switched from the most pristine HD pictures we have seen on an LCD TV. Move up a notch to Sky TV (1080i) and there is a marked improvement. Pictures become sharper with much less (although not a total absence) of digital noise.

The only real negative aspect of the LG 37LY95's performance are its black levels. As you would expect, not so noticeable in daylight conditions, turn the lights down however and darker areas show a hint of greyness. Shadow detail to a degree is retained, but not to the level of the class leading best.

Acoustically, the LG 37LY95 is a solid performer with the twin 10w speakers delivering quite an impressive level of bass and a surround sound system (Surround MAX) that actually delivers a surround sound effect.

Conclusion

With some of the best HD pictures we have seen, the LG 37LY95 is close to greatness. Achilles heel in its black level performance however just knocks the shine off a little - still worth serious consideration.