LG 60 PG60 and 50 PG60 Owner's Thread

[rwr1776]

Let me start by stating that I'm far from an expert and will likely be looking for lots of help on how to get the most from this unit. That said, hopefully my impressions will help others with their decisions as well.

I was originally considering a Panny 800u, but that's not due out til early fall and after reading about the CES award LG took and its stunning design elements, I decided to include it on my list.

My final decision came yesterday when a local sales manager called me to let me know he had gotten is 60PG60 shipment and was hanging his display unit. I asked him what he thought and he said, "OMG...you gotta come see this. I'm hanging next to the Panny 750u for comparison"

So, I headed on over and his explanation was well founded. With an identical source, the LG was far crisper, brighter, and had deeper blacks. Still not as bright as the Sammy 650 LCD nearby, but that Sammy was more $$, only 50", had far less features, and less dark blacks.

I said... "Wrap it up!"

Purchase Experience

• I purchased my 60-PG60 at Brandsmart; if you are located in Georgia or Florida, I highly recommend them.
• I opted for the 5 year warranty, which was deeply discounted as well. PM me for specifics if you are interested. But as a ball park it was < $250, which I found surprising

Set Up and Use

• This sucker is heavy; part of that weight is a very nice and sturdy stand that allows 20 degree movement in either direction; I am using the stand.
• Beneath the stand are several rubber feat that make it darn near impossible to slide into place, so be sure you have someone to help you position it.
• Out of the box, the color settings were fine for me, but I might opt for one of those calibration disks since the LG includes two custom expert settings. I'll need some advice on that from you guys.
• The THX mode is kind of a mixed bag, it looks cool on some movies but not so good on others. Specifically, it looked great on Blu-ray "Night in the Museum," but kind of crappy on DVD The Matrix. I'm not sure if its been calibrated for HD or if the dark greenish nature of The Matrix made it a poor fit for this setting. The standard setting looked great.
• The invisible speakers worked fine, but I find myself listening to things at a setting around 50 rather than about 15 on my Samsung, which means just about nothing, but I figured I'd include it for reference. UPDATE: The sound is definitely interesting. After a couple days use in a live environment, I've found myself really using a range of volume from about 25 to 75. My initial, and a bit stupid, reaction was, "Why do I have to turn it up so much to be able to hear well?" The reality is two fold. First, at the low volume range all was quiet, 2am everyone asleep kind of thing. At the 75 end, dishwasher going, kids yelling upstairs, a vacuum running, and a teenager mucking around with iMovie within earshot. Every other set I've owned get's very loud and somewhat distorted after about 40% of its max volume. I've taken the PG60 all the way up to 75 (or 75% of max) without any distortion. It has evidently been designed to use the full range of its volume capabilities. The main downside I see is that you will likely be adjusting this set's volume more frequently than others due to environment and it would be nice to have some presets to save a bit of time as the volume increments or decrements. A minor quibble since it really doesn't take much time.

Aesthetics
Obviously this is personal, so take it with a grain of salt, but I think the PG60 is one of the nicest looking sets ever.

• It reminds me a lot of my iMac in that the glass is flush with a recessed matte. Unlike the 700/750 Panny, there are no doors to fold down and, for whatever reason, I just don't like fold down doors.
• Everything is black except for the pivot point on the stand which a sort of brushed aluminum, thus creating even more iMac comparison.

Issues

• The included manual is woeful. There is a better one available online, but it pretty much sucks too. I really wish manufacturers would create one manual per model and explain each feature...oh well.
• The remote is a bit crappy too, mainly because it does not allow rapid access to some features by way of advanced buttons hidden behind a secondary door or some such. This is little more than a nuisance for me because I use a Harmony and can program many of those features directly from Logitech's site, however if the LG will be your primary remote, you might be a bit disappointed. For example, by remote alone, there is no way to go directly to a specific aspect ratio without cycling through them. One caveat, Logitech does not yet have the PG60s in their Harmony database so you'll need to go with last years 60" flagship. It works fine, but you lose access to new features like Just Scan until they get it updated, which should be soon. Of course, given the crappy nature of the documentation, I'm still not exactly sure what Just Scan does, so if anyone know...please educate me
• For TiVo HD users out there, I noticed that when changing from one HD channel to another, the LG's speakers would crackle a bit. This could be user error, but I suspect it's something on TiVo's end. This only occurred when the TiVo was connected via HDMI and I tried multiple cables connected to multiple different inputs on the LG with no resolution. It was a minor annoyance, but I've opted to connect the TiVo with component for the time being. I'll probably have an LG tech come out to test it, but since I cannot reproduce the effect with any other device connected via HDMI, my thoughts are TiVo. Anyone have an opinion here?

[theroys88]

I purchased the 42pg20 and have been pleased so far. Blacks are great and the user interface is very good. The expert menu has so many adjustments. Would love to see the set properly calibrated.

[Chhuong]

great review, could you please post pics?

[Coggs]

Thanks for the review rwr1776. I've been considering this display, but haven't been able to find much info on it, so it's nice to finally start hearing from some owners. Keep us updated on your thoughts/impressions!

-Coggs

[rwr1776]

Originally Posted by Chhuong

great review, could you please post pics?

@Chhuong

I'd be happy to post pictures, but often see folks complain about the quality when folks do. What kind of pics would be helpful...as in on or off...straight view or angle?

pax,
rwr

[avssa]

rwr1776,

Don't worry about the comments, we know pics seldom do justice to the display. Personally I like to see the set off when lighting is on (with different angles to look at the design ...) and the set on when lighting is off with no flash (straight in front). Waiting for your pics.

Thanks.

[kagolu]

What's the consensus so far about the sound quality? I can't get my wife to go for "all of those speakers)

[rwr1776]

Hmmm...Not exactly sure what you mean, but there really aren't that many speakers and none that are visible.

The basic premise is that the internal speakers which I think are two bass and two tweeters, use the display frame to direct and project the sound waves.

Unless your wife takes the thing apart I'd explain it like that little kid did for Neo in the Matrix...."There is no spoon..."

pax,
rwr

[kagolu]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

Hmmm...Not exactly sure what you mean, but there really aren't that many speakers and none that are visible.

The basic premise is that the internal speakers which I think are two bass and two tweeters, use the display frame to direct and project the sound waves.

Unless your wife takes the thing apart I'd explain it like that little kid did for Neo in the Matrix...."There is no spoon..."

pax,
rwr

Sorry, let me explain, I will have to rely the tv's sound since my wife won't let me have a 7.1 system for a while. Had a 700u and the sound was very good and I'm curious and hope it better base on the specs I've seen.

[rwr1776]

Originally Posted by kagolu

Sorry, let me explain, I will have to rely the tv's sound since my wife won't let me have a 7.1 system for a while. Had a 700u and the sound was very good and I'm curious and hope it better base on the specs I've seen.

Got it..

I used to have a 7.1 system as well, and its definitely better than the sound produced by the PG60. That said, I'm at a point where I favor simplicity over optimal, hence no more speakers everywhere or requisite Receiver.

I cannot speak to the 700u/750u sound because the noise level when I observed them in the showroom would make any comparisons pointless.

I can say the the PG60 produces very distinct and crisp sound with no distortion up to 75/100 on the volume meter. Not saying it starts to distort after that, I just haven't had it up any louder and can't really envision needing to.

The Pseudo Surround mode is about as good as every other Pseudo Surround mode, i.e., not very. There really is no way, IMHO, to reproduce a 360 degree sound bubble with only forward facing speakers, be they dedicated Bose or embedded in an LG.

pax,
rwr

[mtp78]

Just curious does the factory speakers on the set have any real bass? Or just all highs?

[rwr1776]

Better base than a Sammy DLP, not as good as a Klipsch SubWoofer

[mtp78]

Thanks,
I wished lg would have put a subwoofer output on the set like pioneer does, I had a powered sub on my pioneer and it made a huge difference if you don't have a surround system.

[AlexInvision]

This is a great review. How would you rate this unit on a 1-10 scale for both total quality and black level. I have seen it and I agree the design is simply one of the best looking on the market.

[kagolu]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

Got it..

I used to have a 7.1 system as well, and its definitely better than the sound produced by the PG60. That said, I'm at a point where I favor simplicity over optimal, hence no more speakers everywhere or requisite Receiver.

I cannot speak to the 700u/750u sound because the noise level when I observed them in the showroom would make any comparisons pointless.

I can say the the PG60 produces very distinct and crisp sound with no distortion up to 75/100 on the volume meter. Not saying it starts to distort after that, I just haven't had it up any louder and can't really envision needing to.

The Pseudo Surround mode is about as good as every other Pseudo Surround mode, i.e., not very. There really is no way, IMHO, to reproduce a 360 degree sound bubble with only forward facing speakers, be they dedicated Bose or embedded in an LG.

pax,
rwr

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by mtp78

Thanks,
I wished lg would have put a subwoofer output on the set like pioneer does, I had a powered sub on my pioneer and it made a huge difference if you don't have a surround system.

I agree completley, I could probably the swing a sub since I could hide it.

[rwr1776]

This is a great review. How would you rate this unit on a 1-10 scale for both total quality and black level. I have seen it and I agree the design is simply one of the best looking on the market.

Thanks, Alex. That's a great question. Hopefully this response does it justice.

Here are my personal baselines for your 1-10 scale:

1) Insignia NS-PDP42
5) Samsung PN58A550
7) Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ750U
9) LG 60PG60
10) Pioneer Kuro PRO-150FD

My ratings do take into account aesthetics, features, and picture quality. The Pioneer's amazing inky blacks and uncompromising build quality/component selection pegs it as the best of the best IMHO. That said, my eyes are not as good as the instruments used by Elite engineers and my wallet is not as fat as those who might purchase that unit.

Picture quality aside, I think the LGs aesthetics and feature set surpasses that of the Kuro. Sacrilege, I know, but there you have it.

The Panny's glare reduction is a bit better than the LGs, but its feature set and picture quality are inferior. The new 850u might be a better comparison, but I haven't seen one in the wild. That said, pricing on the 850u looks to be significantly higher than for the PG60 in that I paid for the 60" what some major folks are charging for the 50" Panny.

Finally, I may be repeating myself a bit, but I cannot overstate the Aesthetics of this set. It really is "iMac-ish" in its form factor. I really like the frameless design and invisible speakers. That is completely subjective and personal though...

Hope this help...

pax,
rwr

p.s.
If you own the Insignia, Samsung, or Panny, please don't flame...just my opinion :-)

[cgreenlee]

can you post a couple pics of the one sheet design i want to compare it to my pz800

[AlexInvision]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

Thanks, Alex. That's a great question. Hopefully this response does it justice.

Here are my personal baselines for you 1-10 scale:

1) Insignia NS-PDP42
5) Samsung PN58A550
7) Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ750U
9) LG 60PG60
10) Pioneer Kuro PRO-150FD

My ratings do take into account aesthetics, features, and picture quality. The Pioneer's amazing inky blacks and uncompromising build quality/component selection pegs it as the best of the best IMHO. That said, my eyes are not as good as the instruments used by Elite engineers and my wallet is not as fat as those who might purchase that unit.

Picture quality aside, I think the LGs aesthetics and feature set surpasses that of the Kuro. Sacrilege, I know, but there you have it.

The Panny's glare reduction is a bit better than the LGs, but its feature set and picture quality are inferior. The new 800u might be a better comparison, but I haven't seen one in the wild. That said, pricing on the 800u looks to be significantly higher than for the PG60 in that I paid for the 60" what some major folks are charging for the 50" Panny.

Finally, I may be repeating myself a bit, but I cannot overstate the Aesthetics of this set. It really is "iMac-ish" in its form factor. I really like the frameless design and invisible speakers. That is completely subjective and personal though...

Hope this help...

pax,
rwr

p.s.
If you own the Insignia, Samsung, or Panny, please don't flame...just my opinion :-)

This does help and I am right there with you on the ratings, same order I would have put them in. And for those who own an Insignia they should be burned.

[Cleveland Plasma]

About time, we have been waiting forever for these to show up. Nice that they have finally hit the net. These units do have a nice price too

[cgreenlee]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

Thanks, Alex. That's a great question. Hopefully this response does it justice.

Here are my personal baselines for you 1-10 scale:

1) Insignia NS-PDP42
5) Samsung PN58A550
7) Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ750U
9) LG 60PG60
10) Pioneer Kuro PRO-150FD

My ratings do take into account aesthetics, features, and picture quality. The Pioneer's amazing inky blacks and uncompromising build quality/component selection pegs it as the best of the best IMHO. That said, my eyes are not as good as the instruments used by Elite engineers and my wallet is not as fat as those who might purchase that unit.

Picture quality aside, I think the LGs aesthetics and feature set surpasses that of the Kuro. Sacrilege, I know, but there you have it.

The Panny's glare reduction is a bit better than the LGs, but its feature set and picture quality are inferior. The new 800u might be a better comparison, but I haven't seen one in the wild. That said, pricing on the 800u looks to be significantly higher than for the PG60 in that I paid for the 60" what some major folks are charging for the 50" Panny.

Finally, I may be repeating myself a bit, but I cannot overstate the Aesthetics of this set. It really is "iMac-ish" in its form factor. I really like the frameless design and invisible speakers. That is completely subjective and personal though...

Hope this help...

pax,
rwr

p.s.
If you own the Insignia, Samsung, or Panny, please don't flame...just my opinion :-)

if the lg is 9 where do you put the panasonic 800?

[rwr1776]

Originally Posted by cgreenlee

if the lg is 9 where do you put the panasonic 800?

I haven't seen an 800 in the wild, but my guess is that an 850 would be more comparable given that it and the PG60s both have "expert adjustment" modes.

For me it loses points because of the fold down door that provides access to additional controls. I must have been frighted by a fold down door as a child, because I really hate them.

Beyond that, I reserve judgement since, as I said, I haven't seen one up close and personal.

[AlexInvision]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

I haven't seen an 800 in the wild, but my guess is that an 850 would be more comparable given that it and the PG60s both have "expert adjustment" modes.

For me it loses points because of the fold down door that provides access to additional controls. I must have been frighted by a fold down door as a child, because I really hate them.

Beyond that, I reserve judgement since, as I said, I haven't seen one up close and personal.

Being that the 50PG60 has no bezel, how is the glare for the whole unit.

[rwr1776]

Ok...here are the pictures.

I warn you, they are not great. One of my kids lost our point and shoot so I had to use my iPhone. I'll probably find it in a fishbowl or the freezer.

Glare1: I took this at the worst time from the worst angle...this is as bad as it can possibly get.

Seated: Same time of day, but from a real viewing angle

Onefoot: HD signal taken from about a foot away

threefoot: HD signal of an ariel view...the wispy things are clouds

fourfoot: HD signal of the folks who are farming the land seen from ariel view

Settings were set to Standard.

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the glare from the non-glass covered portion (area where the logo resides) is about the same as from that covered with glass. The plastic is piano gloss black so is about as reflective as the rest.

I'll try and take some shots in the evening, but there's no telling if my phone will be able to pick up a reasonable image.

[rwr1776]

Originally Posted by AlexInvision

Being that the 50PG60 has no bezel, how is the glare for the whole unit.

Just for the sake of clarity and comparisons.

I'm discussing the 60PG60 not the 50PG60. I point this out mainly for folks who may be trying to decide between the 58" Pannys and the 60" LGs.

[rwr1776]

Here are the night pics I promised.

I'm back in the office tomorrow so won't be nearly as timely in responses.

If anyone else has experience with the PG60s regardless of size, I'd be interested in hearing it. I'm still not clear on how all the picture adjustments work so haven't messed with them.

I'd be interested in hearing some settings that worked well for others.

pax,
rwr

[avssa]

Thank you rwr, it's very nice from you to take the time, nice pics. BTW, you have a very beautiful house.

[Heinrich4]

rwr1776 thanx a lot for beatifull photos.

(wow! As Trekker i loved see a pic of this universe)

[heebs77]

Thanks for the pics and the detailed review....one of the best reviews I've read.

As someone who was suggested to by a salesman to wait to see this plasma set, it's nice to hear some great things...I've been waiting for the 9g Pio price ( Canadian)or waiting for my local box store to move on their 8g prices ( they have both 6010, and the Pro 110 and 150-but IMO, they are asking a bit much, especially with them being demos).
I just wish, there was more competition in Canada for buying sets-the pricing seems to be a bit skewed-never mind-they would not locally price match a vendor in another province-how does that work?

[chrisherbert]

Originally Posted by rwr1776

Thanks, Alex. That's a great question. Hopefully this response does it justice.

Here are my personal baselines for your 1-10 scale:

1) Insignia NS-PDP42
5) Samsung PN58A550
7) Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ750U
9) LG 60PG60
10) Pioneer Kuro PRO-150FD

Just curious, but what puts the LG so far above the Samsung? Mostly aesthetics? What PQ elements were better?

[creemail]

Originally Posted by chrisherbert

Just curious, but what puts the LG so far above the Samsung? Mostly aesthetics? What PQ elements were better?

I am beginning to think LG is reproducing great displays. However, I am curious to see what the reviews say on the 60's.

Chris