HDTV Reviews and Digest
LG 60PK550 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
- 600Hz Max Sub Field Driving
- Full HD 1080p Resolution
- 3M:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
- TruSlim Frame
- Picture Wizard II
Whether you have an eye for design, a love of sports or all that and then some, the PK550 is a plasma that will impress. With its TruSlim Frame, it has looks to turn heads and its 600Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for fast action. Wrap that up with a load of other features, like its outstanding contrast ratio, and you have a TV that anyone would want in their living room.Whether have an eye for design or a love of fast-action sports, the 60-inch LG 60PK550 1080p Plasma HDTV handles both adeptly. With its Seamless Design and TruSlim Frame, it has looks to turn heads and its 600Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for fast action. Other features include a mega contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, three HDMI ports, and the capability to play MP3 audio files and JPEG photo slideshows from a USB drive.
Key Features
 Full HD 1080p resolutionThis stunning picture is the reason you wanted HDTV in the first place. With almost double the pixel resolution, Full HD 1080p gives it superior picture quality over standard HDTV. You’ll see details and colors like never before. |
 600Hz Sub Field DrivingTired of streaky action or unclear plays during the game? See sports, fast action and video games like never before. The 600Hz refresh rate virtually eliminates motion blur. |
 3,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio No more worrying about dark scenes or dull colors. The dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 delivers more stunning colors and deeper blacks than you can imagine.
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 Intelligent SensorDon’t strain your eyes. Let your TV do the adjustments for you. Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting and color conditions in the room for a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
 AV ModeSports, movies and video games are best enjoyed with customized settings. With AV Mode, you can easily select from one of three picture modes for “Cinema”, Sports” or “Games” to enjoy an optimized picture and sound experience. |
 Picture WizardGet easy self-calibration with on-screen reference points for key picture quality elements such as black level, color, tint, sharpness and backlight levels. Take the guesswork out of picture adjustments with this simple-to-use feature. It’s not actually magic, but it will sure seem that way. |
 Dual XD Engines for Superior video This Plasma HDTV combines two of LG’s exclusive XD Engines to maximize picture quality for any type of video content. By combining XD Engine processors, panel performance is optimized ensuring higher color accuracy and more realistic images.. |
 24P Real CinemaStay in for the theater. Enjoy a true cinema-like experience in your own home with movies the way they are meant to be seen. LG’s Real Cinema technology precisely displays 24p source frames on your screen, the same as on a movie screen. If you love movies, you’ll love Real Cinema. |
 Clear Voice IIGet audio the way it was meant to be heard. Clear Voice II enhances and amplifies the frequency range of the human voice to help keep dialogue audible when background noise swells. |
 Dolby DigitalDolby Digital lets you experience compelling 5.1-channel surround sound. And you can trust that you’ll get the same great Dolby Digital audio quality no matter what you’re watching–a DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, TV programming or downloaded content. Best of all, you can be confident that you’ll hear the audio exactly as it was intended, because Dolby Digital is also used to create the soundtracks for movies and games. |
 USB 2.0Now reliving that fantastic family vacation can happen in the comfort of your living room. Easily connect your external USB devices to enjoy JPEG photos or listen to MP3 files. |
 HDMI V.1.3 with Deep ColorMake installation of any enabled device a snap. Get 10.2Gbps of bandwidth for deeper colors and more to take advantage of the best Full HD experience. HDMI V.1.3 connectivity lets you prepare yourself for tomorrow’s technology today. |
 SimpLinkHaving a hard time keeping track of your remotes? With SimpLink, all your LG devices can be controlled with just one remote. |
 Smart Energy Saving With LG’s Smart Energy Saving Features, you can conserve money and energy. |
Infinite SoundKey Specifications
Connections
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Dimensions
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LG 2010 HDTV Comparison
| Series: | LD350 | LD450 | LD520 | LD550 | LD650 | LE5300 | LE5400 | LE8500 | LX6500 | PJ350 | PK550 | PK750 |
| Models: | 22-inch 26-inch 32-inch |
32-inch 37-inch 42-inch 47-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 47-inch 55-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 46-inch 52-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
22-inch 26-inch 32-inch 37-inch |
32-inch 42-inch 47-inch 55-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
47-inch 55-inch |
42-inch 50-inch |
50-inch 60-inch |
50-inch 60-inch |
| Panel type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LED LCD | LED LCD | LED LCD | 3D LED | Plasma | Plasma | Plasma |
| LED Local Dimming | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |  |
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– | – | – |
| 3D Ready | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
– | – | – |
| Resolution | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Contrast ratio | 50k:1 dynamic |
100k:1 dynamic |
100k:1 dynamic |
150k:1 dynamic |
200k:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
4mil:1 dynamic |
9mil:1 dynamic |
8mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
3mil:1 dynamic |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 240Hz | 600Hz | 600Hz | 600Hz |
| Response time | 5ms | 4ms | 2.4 | 2.4 | 2 | 2.4ms | 2.6ms | 1ms | 2ms | – | – | – |
| Netcast Entertainment | – | – | – | |
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| HDMI input | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Component input (Y, PB, PR) |
1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Composite input | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| PC input | |
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| USB port | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| MP3 and JPEG playback |
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| DivX video playback |
– | – | – | |
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– | – | |
| Ethernet | – | – | – | |
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| Wireless 1080p Ready | – | – | – | |
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| Energy Star | – | – | – | – | – | |
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| Series: | LD350 LCD | LD450 LCD | LD520 LCD | LD550 LCD | LD650 LCD | LE5300 LED | LE5400 LED | LE8500 LED | LX6500 3D LED |
PJ350 Plasma | PK550 Plasma | PK750 Plasma |
Learn More
Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?
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With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience.
If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
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List Price: $ 1,799.99
Price:
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Great picture good value…but!,
We needed to replace a 10 year old 55″ first generation rear projection Mitsubishi HDTV in our great room. After researching this purchase for months I was ready to purchase a new Panasonic 65″ TC-P65S1 plasma. Then I read Panasonic reviews and blogs regarding black level degradation in less than a thousand hours of use. The problem scared me enough I decided to purchase an LG Plasma instead. Also, since our primary TV is a 50″ Pioneer Kuro Elite we didn’t feel it necessary to buy another high end model.
I first chose the LG 60PK750…however, we don’t need wireless internet connectivity so I decided to save some money and buy the 60PK550. Mostly because of the reviews I read here on Amazon.
The TV was delivered by Amazons white glove delivery on the day they promised… as far as the time they originally promised…they were a little late. We give the delivery service Kudos, they did inform during the day that they would be delayed. Upon arrival I examined the TV closely found the display to be perfect and accept delivery of the TV. We’ve been watching the set for four days…here is the good the bad and the ugly!
The GOOD: My source is a DISH HD receiver, through an HDMI cable. When I first turned on the TV, like other reviews, the picture was just OK. However, after running the setup Wizard and then tweaking all the colors to taste for another 15 minutes the picture and the colors look very nice. Not as good as our Pioneer Elite…but close. When you factor in the price difference we paid for our Pioneer Elite…let me say you will boast about your picture on this LG Plasma. Once the TV is fully burned in, I’m sure the color rendition and picture clarity should satisfy all but the most discerning purists.
The BAD: I was surprised to find that this TV does not automatically detect the broadcast aspect ratio. My Pioneer plasma has this feature. I also have a 25″ Hannspree LCD TV that also adjusts the aspect automatically. A TV in this class should have this feature…especially a Plasma that can still have image retention issues if the black side bars aren’t adjusted off the screen to another ratio during viewing.
Another bummer is the remote control. It works well enough. Towards the bottom of the remote, there are four colored buttons. They are referenced in the owner’s manual as “Programmable”. However there isn’t any instruction or another mention of those buttons anywhere in the manual.
Now the UGLY: On day two of ownership I noticed two dead or stuck pixels at the top of the screen. They are violet so I don’t know what state they are in…except they are always violet. Today is day four and a third pixel died today… about six inches from the other two! I will be talking to Amazon tomorrow. I really like the TV and think with its picture quality it is a very good value for the money. However, my Pioneer plasma is two years old and doesn’t have a single dead pixel. This LG plasma TV is now four days old and already I have three dead pixels.
Amazon customer service handled my dead pixel problem in five minutes. Thank God for Amazon, what incredible service. A replacement LG-60PK550 is on the way.
7-18-2010 Replacement LG Plasma arrived two weeks ago, the screen is perfect. Now with over 100 hours on the set, I finally played with the adjustments… WOW I don’t think there is a better deal out there when you consider size and picture quality to dollar ratio. The best price I could find on Sony’s least expensive 60″ LCD TV was $800 more than this LG 60″ Plasma. If you need a big bright clear TV with stellar blacks, true bright colors and at all that at over 600Hz, for less than $1,600… look no further, LG has got that TV!
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|PK550 versus Panasonics G25,
Here are my unprofessional opinions and findings:
I wasn’t able to view the 60-inch PK550 next to the 54 G25, but I was able to view a 50 inch G25 next to a 50 inch Pk550, so it was a good comparison. Both sets were running the same demo blue-ray DVD (from Panasonic, interestingly enough).I don’t know all the techno-jargon, but here is my review:
Blacks (1)
No point dancing around it, the G25 was better. There were three scenes that showed this: 1) Black screen with two yellow flowers in the center 2) A night-time shot of London’s “Big Ben” where the only non-black on the screen was the clock face and 3) Some sort of 50′s style neon sign on a black background. In this case the G25 came out strong – the blacks were like a void of darkness. No hint of gray or anything. It also beat everything around it, not just the LG. In the flowers picture, it might have been too dark – or maybe the flowers were too vivid, not sure which, looked a little “stuck on”, or “not real” but hardly a serious complaint.
The 50PK550 did very well though and was at least as good or better than everything around it – except the G25. I walked over to the 60-inch PK550 (the one I eventually bought) and without the G25 sitting next door, the blacks looked awesome with the same demo DVD running.
I’d characterize the difference as certainly noticeable, but not terrible and more a testament to how good the G25 black level is, not really a negative on the LG. As I said, the LG was as good or better than everything else, only the G25 stood out and killed the whole row.
Blacks (2)
Interestingly, the difference in the black level was only noticeable when the scenes were mostly black with some bright picture in the middle. In scenes where there were blacks and shadows but not over the majority of the screen, I saw little difference. An example was a scene with a bunch of jet skis – all the black seats looked the same to me. Same with a scene with a classic car, shadows and blacks looked equal. My guess is under exact testing they wouldn’t be, but to my eye in these cases there was no difference.
Color
Both sets seems very good here. There were differences though and I’m not sure if they are good, bad or up to personal preference. First, a scene with a grassy field and a tree in the middle. It looked really good on both TVs but on the G25 it was like “Oh look, a really nice tree and grass” on the PK550 though it was more “Whoa, lovely lawn and where can I get that tree”. The basic difference was the LG’s image sort of grabbed you more than the G25. The G25 had a great picture, but less eye-catching and a little more muted. The PK550 colors (especially greens) seemed to have a little more self confidence than those on the G25 and the image was better (to me) as a result. Some could argue the G25 was more “correct” – all I can tell you is the LG picture looked more “fun to watch”. At this point I noted that the G25 had an edge with mostly black images, but if its a fairly well color mixed scene, the LG seemed to have an advantage, slight perhaps, but there.
Detail / accuracy
I found this the hardest to compare. In some cases I thought the G25 had the advantage, in others, the LG. In most cases I couldn’t really detect much difference. The upside of the demo DVD is that the images are the same and they repeat so you can examine the same thing over and over. The down side is that none of the images were images or movies I’d already seen and so it was hard to tell if the images were better, worse, correct, accurate, etc. About all I can say is that if the images were true to the live image, then both TVs were accurate. If they were woefully inaccurate, then both were equally bad . Sometimes I thought the LG was sharper, others the G25. All in all, I didn’t see anything to make me give either TV a definitive edge. I was using human eyes here, not fancy gadgets, so your results may vary
Glare
The G25 walked over and pummeled just about every other TV in the store. It took no prisoners, gave no reprieves and laughed at the very idea of mercy. If you ask me, there is no better anti glare set than the G25, at least out of the 40-odd TV’s they had in the store. That said, I think the glare issue on the LGPK550 has been over stated. Does it have more glare than the G25?…um…yes. Does it have more glare than other TV’s?……sometimes. Is it as bad as I expected?….no, not at all. The store was well lit and the LG was nearest the main bay windows and entry (not exactly the best place for a TV with some possible glare issues….but I don’t run the store). The first thing I did was to turn it off. The screen reflected….well It was a pretty good reflection and in a pinch, could be used as an emergency mirror. Turn it on though, and most of the reflections vanished. I could still…
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|Great TV!! Not just an unreal value!,
I researched TV’s A LONG TIME. I was between a 58/63 Samsung or Panasonic 65′s and then I came across this 60″ LG GEM. I really wanted the Panasonic TC-P65S1 but the black level problem did scare me a bit but I was still going to buy that TV until I came across this LG. I could not pass this up for $1500 and $700 (minimum) cheaper than the Panasonic or Samsungs. I found some other reviews on some AVS forums and I pulled the trigger. I was also disappointed that the price dropped 2 days later all the way down to something crazy like $1330 (which even at $1500 is a crazy, insane deal). Just a tip for all you wanting to save more money- I bought $500 Amazon gift cards on eBay using buy it now and bing/mr.rebates cashback (google this if you don’t know how it works, it’s awesome!) and saved an additional 13% which makes this even more of a steal! I am giving this TV an easy 5 stars but one thing I could see some giving it four. It does have some glare, if you absolutely need a TV without glare you may need to get another model or LED/LCD because this does show quite a bit of glare. I am lucky because I have mine in my basement with no glare issues but if a little light in the back comes on its a pretty intense glare, I could only imagine this in a bright room. But that is IT…. I will keep you updated as I have only had the TV a week and have been THOUROUGHLY impressed! (colors, black levels etc… I haven’t tested sound because I have it hooked up to a home theater as most should do anyways) If you are putting this in a basement or dark room, BUY NOW!!!
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