LG goes back to basics with new webOS user interface, marrying intuitive ease-of-use with good image quality. The LG 79UB980T has an RRP of S$14,999.
The LG 79UB980T uses a 3840 x 2160 resolution In-Plane Switching (IPS) 4K panel that reproduce vivid and accurate colors. Its wide viewing angle offers a good viewing from nearly any vantage point.
First launched in Singapore back in end May as part of LG’s 2014 ULTRA HD (4K) TV lineup, the 79UB980T offers stunning display and easy connectivity, yet keeps it simple for users to watch the content that they desire – be it live TV, Blu-ray movies, 4K or upscaled 4K content, YouTube videos, and game consoles.
LG’s 2014 ULTRA HD (4K) TV lineup includes premium models as well as affordable versions in screen sizes of 49, 55, 65, 79 and 84 inches.
Its 2014 LG FULL HD TV line-up, comes in sizes of 42, 47, 55 and 60 inches.
You can Skype using the 8-megapixel built-in camera.
The LG 79UB980T user interface uses the webOS platform that the Korean company bought from HP in March last year.
The webOS platform simplifies the TV experience, making it easy to search, navigate and view content, connect with other devices, and also makes the the initial setup process smoother for users unfamiliar with their new TV.
The first time the user turns on the webOS-enabled LG Smart+ TV, an animated character named BeanBird appears onscreen to help users get connected and walk them through the setup process.
You control and interact with the UI using the LG Magic Remote, which enables you to scroll, point, click, or activate voice control.
webOS introduces the new content Launcher is a left-to-right scrollable menu that runs along the lower portion of the screen.
Making smart simple
TVs nowadays are getting more and more sophisticated and are no longer the single-function appliances used to watch live TV and pre-recorded movies from VHS/CD/VCD/DVD/Blu-ray media.
The Internet and broadband connectivity has brought a wealth of content sources to the modern digital life – including videos shared on YouTube and social media, as well as movie websites.
The contemporary consumer also wants to use their TVs with games consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation, and even Skype and surf the Web from the comfort of the living room.
The latest lineup of TVs from the most manufacturers offer these, but usually involve a steep learning curve to wrap the head around user interfaces that tend to get overly complicated as there are so many content sources and options available.
It is therefore refreshing to see LG’s new webOS-based UI, which makes it simple and intuitive for the user to get the content they want on screen – conveniently and speedily.
Seems like LG has succeeded in making smart simple for the user, unlocking the wealth of content available without making it too complicated.
With the Launcher menu, users can easily browse through service or content options without having to navigate away from their current viewing choice.
It allows the viewer to simultaneously watch a show, play a game or browse the internet while searching or downloading other content.
The webOS-based UI reduces the number of steps needed to switch between content, making search, selection and the overall Smart+ TV experience simpler and more intuitive.
A Live Menu, which can be opened while viewing the TV, keeps the channel and recorded options within easy reach.
LG’s webOS offers access to the LG Store’s collection of apps.
webOS
webOS will replace the existing NetCast platform in 70 percent of LG’s 2014 Smart TV lineup, which is available in ULTRA HD and Full HD.
The new platform makes it extremely easy for developers to create applications and enhances the compatibility of LG’s Smart+ TVs with other devices.
The LG Store organises all content available on the webOS platform into category tabs, offering recommendations based on popularity.
Picture quality 79UB980T is good with SD, HD and Full HD content upscaled into 4K.
Its True 4K Engine Pro works with the enhanced Super Resolution Algorithm to eliminate visual errors.
The True 4K Engine Pro supports 4K Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC) which minimises motion blur.
With 4K HEVC 60p decoders already built-in, LG 79UB980T future-proof and is able to decode broadcast signals in H.264 and HEVC H.265 in either 30p or 60p.
webOS can instantly recognise when and what kind of external device has been plugged into the TV and brings up a pop-up menu listing all relevant options for the user to choose from.
It can display Ultra HD content from nearly any input source, including HDMI 2.0, USB and LAN.
There are four HDMI (three of these are HDMI 2.0) and three USB (one is USB 3.0) ports.
The LG 79UB980T offers 4K 3D+, which uses Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology to render convincing 3D images with virtually no flicker or crosstalk.
The large, high resolution display of provided a comfortable, flicker-free 3D viewing experience.
LG has included a unique control feature to easily adjust the intensity of the 3D effects. It also has a 3D conversion engine for those times when 2D just isn’t enough.
The LG 79UB980T boasts deep, rich audio from the ULTRA Surround sound system, which was developed in collaboration with Harman Kardon.
In terms of audio, the 79UB980T features the ULTRA Surround sound system, developed in collaboration with audio specialist Harman Kardon.
A forward-facing, 90W 5.2 multi-channel speaker configuration reproduces sound with clarity and precision, increasing the viewer’s sense of immersion.
Doesn’t Web OS belong to HP?
Used to. HP developed WebOS for its tablets but sold it to LG last March.
Does it play directly off a USB thumb drive?
Yes, it does Seow Wee. You just plug it in,the TV detects it like in a PC and you can then choose to play the content from the drive, be it a USB thumb drive or hard disk.