LG 55LM9600 3D LED LCD HDTV Review

Browser

While we didn't have the time to check out each app in detail, we can tell that LG's 3D world and app store have received positive feedback since their initial 2012 showing; it's an all-inclusive, detailed system, and it works.

Of course, users still have the old standbys: an internet browser and streaming content from YouTube or Hulu are enough to satisfy most web surfing goals, but it's good to know that we have the option to customize and download a large array of apps--both 3D-based and otherwise--to further personalize and expand upon our viewing possibilities.

As far as TV browsers go, we usually avoid them. It's very difficult to navigate web sites and to type in strings of text with traditional remotes, and scrolling up or down through pages, despite the considerable real estate provided by a 55-inch screen, is still usually very difficult.

The reason we've been all about LG's browser and on-screen keyboard since we first gave them a go with the LM6700 is due entirely to the Magic Remote. The motion-based wand makes it easy to surf the web, type with the on-screen keyboard, and scroll up or down on web pages. While given the choice, we figure most people are still going to prefer a PC or laptop as their main browsing platform, but it's good that--should we have to go TV surfing--LG has made it easy to do. For a video of the Magic Remote and how it works within LG's internet browser, check out our article covering LG's Smart Platform.

Apps

By now we know that LG's got a pretty open market when it comes to apps and app availability. As much as we hate to rave about a feature that has traditionally served as a way for TV companies to nickel and dime their consumers to death, a lot of the apps that LG makes available are really quite useful, on an individual basis. Couple that with the customizable nature of the app bar (quick menu), and you've got some good ideas already. For video and more details on how this works, check out our article on LG's Smart TV Platform.

LG's 3D World app is a great way to invest in, or test out, various 3D content in a way that's quick and relatively easy. Most people don't have a huge collection of 3D Blu-ray movies sitting around at home, simply because they haven't been on the market all that long. But with 3D World, users have the option to get "the most" out of the fact that their TV allows them to view 3D content.

In other words, it's a slow but smart attempt at rescuing 3D capability from gimmick-level saturation.

Other Media

And of course, who can forget about USB playback? Naturally, the LM9600 allows for playback of images, music, and videos off of a USB device. Not only do we like to see this feature, we tend to expect it on any TV that's already allowing for related playback via an internet browser. Like we saw with the LM6700, LG delivers on media playback; their media hub is accessible right from the Home menu, alongside their internet and app content, and is easy to navigate and sort.