When LG unveiled the Signature OLED M3, they didn't just introduce another television. They fundamentally changed what we thought possible in home entertainment. At a breathtaking 97 inches with completely wireless video transmission, this $30,000 marvel represents the absolute pinnacle of TV technology in 2025. I've spent three months living with this behemoth, and I'm here to tell you whether it justifies its staggering price tag.
Zero Connect: The Wireless Revolution
Let me start with what makes this TV truly revolutionary—the Zero Connect Box. This is the technology that has the entire home theater industry paying attention. The M3's screen contains no external ports whatsoever. None. Everything—video, audio, power connections for external devices—runs through a separate box that wirelessly transmits 4K 120Hz content to the display.
I was skeptical at first. Wireless video transmission at this quality level seemed like marketing speak. But after countless hours of testing, I'm convinced. The Zero Connect Box maintains a rock-solid connection, delivering lossless 4K at 120Hz with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos without a single dropout. The proprietary wireless technology operates in the 60GHz spectrum, providing bandwidth that rivals or exceeds traditional HDMI connections.
Installation Freedom
The practical implications are enormous. Imagine mounting this 97-inch panel flush against your wall with absolutely no visible cables—because there aren't any running to it. The power cable connects to the Zero Connect Box, which can be placed up to 30 feet away, hidden in a cabinet or media room. Your AV receiver, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and Blu-ray player all connect to the box, not the TV.
This fundamentally changes room design. No more planning around cable runs. No more expensive in-wall cable installations. No more cable management systems trying to hide unsightly wires. The TV floats on your wall like a 97-inch piece of art.
Picture Quality: OLED Excellence at Massive Scale
Having reviewed hundreds of televisions over the years, I thought I knew what to expect from a high-end OLED. The M3 humbled me. Seeing OLED technology at 97 inches is a fundamentally different experience than even the excellent 77 or 83-inch panels I've tested.
The Self-Lit Pixel Advantage
LG's OLED evo technology with Brightness Booster Max drives each of the 8.3 million pixels independently. In a room with controlled lighting, the contrast is genuinely infinite—those pixels turn completely off for perfect blacks. HDR highlights punch with remarkable intensity, reaching approximately 1,300 nits on a 10% window.
The color accuracy out of the box impressed me. Using a calibrated colorimeter, the M3 hit Delta E values under 2 across the DCI-P3 color space, which means colors are essentially indistinguishable from perfect to the human eye. For Filmmaker Mode, the Rec. 709 and BT.2020 tracking were equally impressive.
Motion and Gaming Performance
Four HDMI 2.1 ports on the Zero Connect Box support 4K at 120Hz with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). Input lag measured at approximately 9.5ms in Game Mode, making this massive panel surprisingly viable for competitive gaming. The 0.1ms response time means motion blur is essentially non-existent.
LG's AI-powered α9 Gen6 processor handles motion smoothing with unusual grace. Unlike many implementations that introduce the dreaded "soap opera effect," the M3's motion processing can be tuned to add just enough smoothing for sports and nature content while leaving film content untouched.
Audio: When Size Matters
A 97-inch panel means room for serious speakers. The M3 includes a 5.1.2 channel, 80-watt sound system built directly into the panel and stand. For a TV without a separate soundbar, this is exceptional. Dialogue clarity is outstanding, and there's genuine bass presence—though anyone investing at this level will likely pair the M3 with dedicated audio equipment.
The built-in speakers support Dolby Atmos with height virtualization that's more convincing than I expected. For casual viewing without firing up the full home theater, the integrated audio is more than adequate.
Smart Features and webOS
LG's webOS platform runs smoothly on the M3, though at this price point, most buyers will be using external devices for streaming. The interface is responsive, and app selection covers all major services including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more.
The AI-powered features deserve mention. The M3 analyzes content in real-time and adjusts picture settings accordingly. It recognizes when you're watching sports, movies, or gaming and optimizes settings automatically. While purists may disable this, for everyday viewing it works remarkably well.
The Elephant in the Room: That Price
Let's address it directly—$30,000 is an extraordinary amount of money for a television. At this price, you could purchase a quality used car, make a significant down payment on a house, or buy ten really excellent 65-inch OLEDs. Is the M3 worth it?
The honest answer depends entirely on your circumstances and priorities. If the wireless installation capability solves a genuine problem in your home—perhaps you have a stunning wall where cable routing is impossible—the M3 offers a solution that simply doesn't exist elsewhere. If you're building a dedicated home theater and want the largest, most impressive OLED panel available, the M3 delivers an experience that smaller screens cannot match.
Who This TV Is Actually For
The LG Signature OLED M3 97-inch makes sense for:
- High-end home theater enthusiasts who want the ultimate display without compromise
- Interior design-conscious buyers where cable management is unacceptable
- Technology early adopters who want to experience the future today
- Luxury homeowners where budget is secondary to experience
- Commercial installations in executive offices, yachts, or vacation properties
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Samsung 98-inch Neo QLED at roughly $13,000, the M3 offers superior contrast (infinite vs. high but finite), better viewing angles, and the wireless installation advantage. The Samsung is brighter in absolute terms, which may matter in very bright rooms.
Sony's 98-inch BRAVIA XR offers excellent processing and acoustic surface technology, but can't match the M3's wireless capability or pure black levels.
For those who don't need wireless, LG's own G3 series at 77 or 83 inches offers much of the picture quality at a fraction of the price.
Living With the M3: Real-World Experience
After three months, the Zero Connect technology has proven completely reliable. I initially worried about interference or connection issues, but they never materialized. The system is so seamless that I often forget the TV is wireless—which is exactly the point.
The sheer scale of 97 inches does require planning. LG recommends a viewing distance of approximately 12 feet for 4K content, which means this TV demands a substantial room. My testing room accommodates it perfectly, but measure your space carefully before committing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Revolutionary wireless Zero Connect technology works flawlessly
- Breathtaking 97-inch OLED panel with perfect blacks
- Exceptional color accuracy and HDR performance
- 4K 120Hz gaming support with low input lag
- Complete installation flexibility without visible cables
- Impressive built-in audio system
- α9 Gen6 processor delivers excellent upscaling
- Comprehensive smart TV platform
- Premium build quality befitting the price
Cons:
- $30,000 price is prohibitive for most buyers
- Requires very large room for proper viewing distance
- Zero Connect Box adds complexity
- Risk of OLED burn-in with static content (minimized but not eliminated)
- Not as bright as top LED/Mini-LED alternatives
Final Verdict
The LG Signature OLED M3 97-inch is not a television you buy because it makes financial sense. You buy it because it represents the absolute best of what television technology can offer in 2025. The wireless Zero Connect technology genuinely delivers on its promise, the 97-inch OLED panel is magnificent, and the overall experience is unlike anything else available.
For the ultra-high-net-worth individual who demands the best and has the space to showcase it, the M3 is an unqualified triumph. For everyone else, it's an aspirational glimpse into where home entertainment is heading—and proof that when budget is no object, the results can be extraordinary.
Rating: 9.5/10 - A technological masterpiece limited only by its stratospheric price.