The LG OLED97M39LA is a flagship model from LG, representing the pinnacle of TV technology. With a mammoth 97-inch display, 4K OLED panel, and a suite of advanced features, this television is designed to deliver an unmatched viewing experience. This comprehensive review will delve into every aspect of the TV, including its display technology, picture processing, gaming features, smart TV capabilities, audio performance, and connectivity options. (LG OLED97M39LA price: £27,999).
Display Technology
4K OLED Panel
The LG OLED97M39LA features a 97-inch 4K OLED panel, delivering a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. The OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is renowned for its ability to produce perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios. Each pixel in an OLED screen emits its light, allowing for precise control over color and brightness. This technology is especially advantageous in scenes with a mix of bright and dark elements, where traditional LED TVs might struggle with backlight bleed and blooming.
Wide Color Gamut and OLED Color
The TV supports a wide color gamut, which means it can display a broader range of colors than conventional displays. This capability ensures that the colors are vivid, accurate, and true to life. The combination of OLED’s inherent color reproduction strengths and LG’s processing algorithms means that the OLED97M39LA excels in delivering rich, saturated colors without appearing artificial.
100Hz Native Refresh Rate
With a native refresh rate of 100Hz, the LG OLED97M39LA provides smooth and fluid motion, making it ideal for watching sports, fast-paced action movies, and gaming. The high refresh rate reduces motion blur and enhances the clarity of fast-moving objects, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.
AI Brightness Control
AI Brightness Control automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness based on the ambient light in the room. This feature ensures that the TV delivers optimal picture quality regardless of the room’s lighting conditions. Whether you’re watching during the day or at night, the screen adapts to provide the best possible viewing experience.
Picture Processing
α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6
At the heart of the LG OLED97M39LA is the α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6. This powerful processor uses AI to enhance every aspect of the picture quality. The processor analyzes the content in real time, optimizing contrast, color, and sharpness to ensure that every scene is displayed at its best. The AI capabilities extend to upscaling, where the processor can take lower-resolution content and enhance it to near-4K quality, making all content look impressive on the 97-inch screen.
AI Genre Selection
AI Genre Selection is a feature that automatically adjusts the TV’s picture settings based on the type of content being viewed. Whether watching a movie, sports, or playing a game, the TV optimizes the picture to suit the genre. This feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments, allowing you to enjoy your content without any hassle.
AI Picture Pro and Dynamic Tone Mapping
The AI Picture Pro feature takes image processing to the next level by using deep learning algorithms to enhance the picture quality further. It recognizes the content on the screen and applies the best settings to ensure that the image is as close to the creator’s intent as possible.
Dynamic Tone Mapping is another crucial feature, particularly for HDR content. It adjusts the tone mapping on a scene-by-scene basis, ensuring that each scene is displayed with the appropriate brightness and contrast. This technology is especially useful in high dynamic range (HDR) content, where maintaining the right balance between the brightest and darkest parts of the image is crucial.
HDR Support
The LG OLED97M39LA supports multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Dolby Vision, in particular, is known for its superior dynamic range and color accuracy, making it the preferred HDR format for many filmmakers and content creators. With Dolby Vision, you can enjoy movies and TV shows with stunning detail and color fidelity.
Filmmaker Mode™
Filmmaker Mode™ is a picture setting designed to display movies and TV shows exactly as the director intended. It turns off motion smoothing and other post-processing effects that can alter the look of the content, preserving the original aspect ratio, colors, and frame rates. This mode is ideal for cinephiles who want to experience films as they were meant to be seen.
Pixel Dimming and OLED Motion
Pixel Dimming is a technology that controls the brightness of individual pixels, allowing for incredibly detailed and dynamic images. This technology is particularly effective in delivering deep blacks and bright whites simultaneously, which is essential for high-contrast scenes.
OLED Motion further enhances the viewing experience by reducing motion blur, making fast-moving scenes look smoother and more fluid. This feature is particularly beneficial for sports fans and gamers, where clear, sharp motion is crucial.
Gaming Features
FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility
The LG OLED97M39LA is a gamer’s dream come true, offering both FreeSync (AMD) and G-Sync (Nvidia) compatibility. These technologies reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay, providing a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Whether you’re using an AMD or Nvidia GPU, this TV ensures that your games run smoothly without any visual interruptions.
HGIG Mode
HGIG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) Mode optimizes HDR settings for gaming, ensuring that the HDR content looks its best when playing video games. This mode is especially useful for games designed with HDR in mind, as it prevents over-brightening or loss of detail in dark areas.
Game Optimizer and Game Dashboard
LG’s Game Optimizer is a centralized hub where gamers can easily adjust all the gaming-related settings. From VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), the Game Optimizer provides quick access to all the features that enhance gaming performance.
The Game Dashboard is an on-screen display that provides real-time information about the current gaming session, including frame rates, input lag, and HDR status. This feature allows gamers to monitor and adjust their settings on the fly, ensuring the best possible gaming experience.
ALLM and VRR
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches the TV to low-latency mode when it detects a gaming signal. This feature is crucial for competitive gaming, where even a slight delay can impact performance.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes the TV’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and providing a smoother gaming experience. With VRR, fast-paced games run more fluidly, making the gameplay more enjoyable and immersive.
Smart TV Capabilities
webOS 23
The LG OLED97M39LA runs on the latest version of LG’s webOS, webOS 23. This operating system is known for its user-friendly interface, quick navigation, and a vast selection of apps. From streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ to news apps and games, webOS 23 offers everything you need to make the most of your smart TV experience.
ThinQ AI and Voice Control
LG ThinQ AI is integrated into the OLED97M39LA, allowing for intelligent voice control and smart home integration. You can control the TV using your voice, search for content, adjust settings, and even control other smart home devices connected to the ThinQ ecosystem. The TV is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s Siri, providing flexibility in how you interact with it.
USB Camera Compatibility and Always Ready
The TV supports USB camera compatibility, allowing you to use it for video calls and conferencing. This feature is especially useful for those who work from home or need to stay connected with family and friends.
The “Always Ready” feature ensures that the TV is always ready to respond to voice commands or wake up instantly when needed. This feature also allows the TV to display useful information or artwork when not in use, adding an element of personalization to your living space.
Art Gallery and Multi View
The Art Gallery feature transforms your TV into a digital canvas, displaying beautiful artwork or photos when not in use. This feature is ideal for adding a touch of elegance to your living room or creating a more personalized ambiance.
Multi View allows you to split the screen and watch two different content streams simultaneously. Whether you’re following the game while keeping an eye on the news or watching a show while browsing the web, Multi View offers a versatile viewing experience.
LG Channels and Sports Alert
LG Channels provides access to a wide range of free TV channels, offering content across various genres. Whether you’re into movies, news, or documentaries, LG Channels ensures that you always have something to watch.
The Sports Alert feature keeps you updated on your favorite teams and sports events. You can set alerts for upcoming games, scores, and results, ensuring you never miss an important moment.
Family Settings and Full Web Browser
Family Settings is a feature that allows you to manage the TV’s usage, including screen time limits, content restrictions, and more. This feature is particularly useful for parents who want to ensure a safe and balanced viewing experience for their children.
The full web browser allows you to surf the internet directly from your TV. Whether you’re shopping online, checking the news, or browsing social media, the web browser offers a convenient way to access the internet without needing another device.
Audio Performance
60W Audio Output with 4.2 Channel Speaker System
The LG OLED97M39LA is equipped with a 60W audio system with a 4.2 channel configuration. This powerful setup ensures that the TV delivers robust and immersive sound, complementing the stunning visuals on screen. The down-firing speakers are strategically placed to deliver sound that fills the room, creating a cinema-like experience.
Dolby Atmos and AI Sound Pro
Dolby Atmos is a premium audio technology that provides a 3D sound experience, making it feel as though the sound is coming from all around you. This feature is particularly effective in action movies and games, where immersive audio can significantly enhance the overall experience.
AI Sound Pro uses deep learning algorithms to optimize the audio based on the content being played. Whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game, AI Sound Pro ensures that the audio is always at its best. The virtual 9.1.2 up-mix provides a surround sound experience, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
Clear Voice Pro and AI Acoustic Tuning
Clear Voice Pro enhances dialogue clarity, ensuring that you never miss a word, even in scenes with heavy background noise or action. This feature is particularly useful for watching movies or TV shows where understanding dialogue is crucial.
AI Acoustic Tuning uses the built-in microphone in the Magic Remote to analyze the room’s acoustics and adjust the sound settings accordingly. This feature ensures that the audio is perfectly tuned to your specific environment, providing the best possible sound experience.
Bluetooth Surround Ready and Sound Mode Share
The TV is Bluetooth Surround Ready, meaning you can connect wireless speakers to create a more immersive surround sound experience. Whether you’re using LG’s Bluetooth speakers or any other compatible device, this feature allows you to expand your audio setup without the need for additional wires.
Sound Mode Share allows the TV to share its sound settings with compatible LG soundbars, ensuring that the audio remains consistent across your entire entertainment setup. This feature ensures that you get the best sound experience, whether you’re using the TV’s built-in speakers or an external sound system.
Connectivity Options
HDMI 2.1 and eARC
The LG OLED97M39LA comes with three HDMI 2.1 ports, each of which supports 4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and QMS (Quick Media Switching). HDMI 2.1 is the latest standard in HDMI technology, offering higher bandwidth and support for advanced features that are crucial for gaming and high-quality video playback.
The eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support on one of the HDMI ports allows for high-quality audio transmission between the TV and an external audio system. With eARC, you can enjoy uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, ensuring that you get the best possible sound quality from your home theater system.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
The TV supports Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in environments with multiple connected devices. Whether you’re streaming 4K content or playing online games, Wi-Fi 6 ensures a smooth and stable connection.
Bluetooth 5.0 provides a reliable and efficient way to connect wireless devices to the TV. Whether you’re using wireless headphones, speakers, or game controllers, Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a fast and stable connection with minimal lag.
USB and Ethernet Inputs
The LG OLED97M39LA comes with two USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to connect external storage devices, cameras, and other peripherals. The TV also features an Ethernet port for those who prefer a wired internet connection, ensuring a stable and fast connection for streaming and online activities.
Optical Audio Out and RF Input
The TV includes an SPDIF (Optical Digital Audio Out) port for connecting to older audio systems that might not support HDMI ARC or eARC. This port ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment, making it easy to integrate the TV into your existing setup.
With two RF inputs, the TV can connect to both antenna and cable sources, providing flexibility in how you access live TV content. This feature is particularly useful for those who rely on over-the-air broadcasts or cable TV.
Accessibility Features
High Contrast and Gray Scale
The LG OLED97M39LA includes several accessibility features designed to make the TV more user-friendly for those with visual impairments. The High Contrast mode increases the contrast of on-screen elements, making it easier to read text and navigate the menu. Gray Scale mode adjusts the display to different shades of gray, which can be beneficial for viewers with color blindness.
Invert Colors and Premium Magic Remote
Invert Colors is another accessibility feature that switches the colors on the screen, making the text and interface easier to read for those with certain visual impairments. The Premium Magic Remote, with NFC, provides an intuitive way to control the TV, with voice commands and motion gestures offering additional convenience for users with mobility issues.
Conclusion
The LG OLED97M39LA is a powerhouse of a television, offering a perfect blend of cutting-edge display technology, advanced picture processing, gaming features, smart TV capabilities, and robust audio performance. The 97-inch OLED display is nothing short of breathtaking, providing a level of immersion that is hard to match. Whether you’re a cinephile, a gamer, or someone who simply wants the best possible viewing experience, the LG OLED97M39LA delivers on all fronts.
With its comprehensive suite of features and future-proof technology, this TV is a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment setup. Whether you’re watching movies in Dolby Vision, playing games in 4K at 120Hz, or simply enjoying your favorite TV shows, the LG OLED97M39LA offers a viewing experience that is truly second to none.
