The LG INFINIA LE8500 LED LCD Full HD (1080p) HDTV series is near identical in specification to the flagship LX9500 series which was a Cnet Best of CES 2010 nominees. The major difference is not being 3D capable. Delivery of the impressive 9 million: 1 dynamic contrast ratio is mostly attributable to the full array LED backlighting, which provides superior backlighting uniformity, and the associated local dimming capability. The THX certification provides confidence that the LE8500 models have achieved a high performance benchmark having passed independent testing to published criteria.

The LG LE8500 series includes only two models; the 47 inch 47LE8500 and the 55 inch 55LE8500.

The LE8500 models have LG’s Intelligent Light Sensor which automatically optimizes brightness, contrast, color, sharpness and white balance while achieving significant power consumption reductions. If you have a 24p output capable device, such as a Blu-ray Disc player, you can watch films at the 24 fps they were shot at (5:5/2:2 Pulldown).

Premium HDTVs are morphing into media hubs and the LE8500 series are no exception having a LAN port (Wi-Fi ready with optional LG AN-WF100 Wi-Fi USB Adaptor) for broadband access to network (DLNA) and Internet sourced entertainment. Broadband sourced entertainment options include Lg’s NetCast Entertainment Access, Yahoo! TV Widgets, Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Picasa.

For more detailed coverage of the LE8500 series features read our recent review of the LG LED LCD LX9500 series. Apart from the lack of 3D readiness, the only other difference is the 240 Hz refresh rate as compared to 480 Hz for motion blur reduction.

Resources

Specification for LG INFINIA LX8500 Series (pdf)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

LG 47LE8500 Infinia Full HD 47-Inch 1080p 240Hz LED LCD TV

LG INFINIA 55LE8500 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz Full LED Slim LCD HDTV

LG AN-WL100 Wireless Media Kit

LG AN-WF100 Wi-Fi USB Adaptor

LG INFINIA 47LE8500 – 47 Widescreen 1080p LED HDTV – 240Hz – 9,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 1ms Response Time

LG INFINIA 55LE8500 – 55 Widescreen 1080p LED HDTV – 240Hz – 9,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio – 1ms Response Time