LG 60PK550

Yale: Is 120Hz refresh rate the only thing required for 3D capability? I don't believe so. I know that the display needs to refresh at at least that speed (60Hz refresh for each eye), but I think there might be more to it? Nov 18, 10

Omar: There's three things that are needed for a TV to be 3D compatible: 1) output 120hz 2) input 120hz 3) sync with a pair of glasses.

Lots of modern TVs can do the first thing: output 120hz

"3D" tvs are the ones that do all three.

However if this tv can do the first two - I know it can OUTPUT 120hz, need to know if it can take 120hz INPUT - then you can use something like nvidias 3d solution to get around the third feature (since this tv for sure doesn't have a glasses syncing mechanism).

Nvidias 3d solution uses it's own glasses syncing tech that works with any monitor/tv that can Take 120hz as INPUT. Nov 18, 10

Omar: I should add. Pretty much no tvs take in 120hz input as far as I know. Just a limited set of pc monitors do. Nov 18, 10

Erik: If you were to go for the Nvidia setup, then you'd run your 3D content through a PC running the Nvidia hardware/software?

http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_3D_VisionKit_us.html

For $199, it seems pretty steep, especially when you have to throw in a compatible HTPC. How much of a premium are you paying for a 3D TV/ Nov 18, 10

Omar: Compared to a 60 " 3DTV there are still significant cost savings. And regardless I'm going to need to buy something as a source for 3d content. With the nvidia solution I'm limited to a pc - a great one can be built for $600- whereas a traditional 3dtv I can use a Ps3 for $300. The cost of the kit itself isn't a big deal since 3d glasses cost about $200 anyway.

I mean really this just goes to show you how ridiculous the premium is for 3D right now. That's why I'd prefer to not pay that premium and instead be future proofed so next year I can "go 3D" with just a couple hundred dollar upgrade and a new gaming computer - which is sweet in itself. Nov 18, 10

Yale: Sounds like a sound idea if you can find a TV that takes 120Hz. Should make sure the Nvidia system works with a display size that large from a distance that far too, you never know - it was created for desktop displays. Nov 18, 10

Omar: Ok went through the manual and confirmed that the maximum input refresh rate this tv can handle is 75hz. So obviously not 120hz. It really would have been too good to be true. Nov 19, 10

Anonymous: Omar, you mentioned:
"The one thing is that all the video processing does introduce noticeable lag. This can be overcome in 2 ways: 1) have the audio run through the TV to your receiver, and 2) put the TV in game mode.

What if you ran the audio through you receiver (only) and just the video to the tv, would this eliminate the lag issue?

Also, how does this sharp_aquos_lc_60e88un compare to the Samsung, LG, and Sony LED backlighting tvs? Especially the new Samsung 6800 series with localized dimming? Does the sharp LCD picture quality compare (when it comes to the Blacks being Black), is there a noticeable difference?

Thanks Nov 30, 10

Omar: When running the audio through the receiver and video through the TV that's when I noticed the most lag. Or rather that's when the video processing was the biggest issue because the audio and video were out of sync. When I ran the audio/video both through the receiver and then to the TV the audio and video were in sync, but there was "control lag" when I moved my mouse around. Both issues were eliminated in game mode, and both were eliminated by running the HDMI through the TV first.

I actually prefer running the audio and video through the TV first since I don't have a very good receiver anyway. Dec 1, 10

Omar: Now comparing the #sharp_aquos_lc_60e88un to the LED local dimming solutions I have to admit I have only seen those TVs in store, which everyone knows is a poor way to judge. What I can say is that I would put this TV's picture quality up there with anything on the market. I'm not super anal about black levels but I am sensitive to them (my previous TV had horrible blacks and very bad shadow detail) and the blacks on this set are great, absolutely no complaints. I watched Inception on the weekend which is a pretty dark movie, and the blacks were really nice, and I could still see details in the darker areas.

I haven't been able to find how many bits the panel is on the Samsung, but the Sharp has a 10-bit panel, which in my experience is one of the most important things for picture quality. It's a spec that many people don't talk about, but I honestly feel makes a huge difference. Dec 1, 10

Anonymous: Thanks Omar. I really appreciate your time and quick response. All my friends suggested Samsung and I was originally looking at a 55" Samsung LED but saw too many negative reviews regarding LED edge-lit issues.

I ordered the Sharp aquos Lc 60e88un over the weekend based on all the positive reviews from the owners . I really didn't find too many expert reviews, not sure why since all the owners rave about it.

It should show up next week so I will have a chance to check it out.

Thanks again. Dec 1, 10

Omar: Nice! Definitely interested to hear your impressions!

And ya, for whatever reason this TV isn't super popular. I think the availability of it was quite low, so it's a bit of a black swan in the TV market. I kind of like that though as it's nice knowing not many other people have the exact same thing as you. Dec 2, 10

Anonymous: Ordered my LC60E88Un from Amazon yesterday. Agree that the reviews are very positive. I almost bought the Samsung 55" LED until I saw this flat Tv with an absolutely beautiful picture that was so realistic you would think the people on the screen are in the room with you. Plus, being able to get a 60" for less than a Samsung 55"...a no brainer. Some reviewers have said it produces an almost 3D effect with the 4ms/240hz response. I can't wait to find out. If it looks half as good as it did in that brightly lit Best Buy, I will be thrilled. I'll visit again and give you an update as soon as possible. Dec 9, 10

Anonymous: Hi Omar,

I wrote you about 3 weeks ago regarding the #sharp LC60E88Un "purchased it based on all the positive reviews".

After getting it and hooking everything up I can now sit back and enjoy it. Out the box with no adjustments the picture looks great. I do however notice the lag even with the audio going through my receiver but like the other post mentioned, the game mode will take care of that.

The HD channels and the bluray movies looks great and I have no regrets on going with this LCD tv over other LEDs out there. Thanks for all of your reviews and insight into this product.

WGI Dec 20, 10

Omar: Congrats on the purchase!! And great to hear that your experience is matching mine.

What I did to remove the audio sync issue and not be forced to use game mode is to run both the audio and video through the TV first, and then use the TV's optical out into my receiver.

The TV has some nice video processing in it, so it'd be a shame to miss out on it when you don't have to.

And I definitely agree with the great picture out of the box. I've tried calibrating it with settings online, but most of the online settings just use the defaults! Dec 20, 10

Anonymous: hey just thought i'd let you guys know visions will be selling this set on boxing day for 1488. it's also being advertised with unlimited quantities. so you don't need to stand out over night. just go there before they close. one day only. i'm poor at the moment but i'm considering getting this set and selling my old tv to help cover some of it lol Dec 23, 10

Omar: Wow!! This is an amazing price for this TV!! Unfortunately it's in-store only, and Visions is on the West Coast so 1) my parents can't get it, and 2) I don't feel so bad for the priice that I paid

But if you're in the area, this TV is the best deal out of all the TVs in the Visions boxing day flyer. Dec 24, 10