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LG's decision to buy the old Palm WebOS operating system to power its Smart TV UI continues to pay off. Using the OLED's Wiimote-like remote, navigating between apps is both simple, and responsive.
There's a solid selection of local apps on offer. While Netflix will probably remain front and centre thanks to its 4K content selection, there's also apps for Stan, ABC iview, SBS On Demand, YouTube and BigPond Movies. Google users can also enjoy Google Play Movies and music lovers will appreciate Spotify and Deezer apps.
In fact, a quick count shows 128 apps and games available for download, including apps like GoPro, WWE and UFC channels.
The remote control is a fairly versatile little device. With a tracking cursor that works just like the Nintendo Wii's controller, you can easily point to the content option you want to select and navigate that way, rather than a traditional cross cursor.
There's also an integrated microphone for voice controlling the television. By pressing a button and talking to remote, you can switch between apps and control the TV - within reason.
The problem with voice control is that it seems to revert to YouTube for results. If you voice search for "Watch Daredevil on Netflix," the results are a heap of Daredevil trailers on YouTube. And once you've watched those, you'll remember that that isn't actually what you searched for.
Still, while the voice control doesn't seem as robust as it is on the new Apple TV, it certainly doesn't hurt the LG's performance.
Sound
LG has worked with Harman/Kardon for its integrated speakers, and the results are perfectly decent.
To be honest, if you're dropping almost $9K on a 65-inch panel, you probably want to invest in a proper surround sound solution (or at the very least a soundbar), but if that's not a possibility, the integrated speakers do a pretty solid job.
At high volumes, you'll notice the low end missing from your explosions and fist impacts, but it's not awful - the sound is actually very well balanced, and doesn't distort even at maximum volume.
Value
When it comes down to it, the biggest challenge this television has is the same challenge the last few OLED panels have had – they're expensive.
At $8,999 for 65 inches, it's definitely resting at the top end of the spectrum in terms of cost. Arguably, it does produce the best picture you can currently buy, but the tradeoff between much, much cheaper LCD screens and quality doesn't necessarily add up in OLED's favour.
Is the price tag worth it? Well, if you want the best, then this is the best – and ultimately it's only going to get better as your access to 4K and HDR content gets better.
But if budget is a concern, then you can get a similarly specced 4K LCD set for less than half the price, and that difference is probably going to be too big to ignore for many people.
