Hi all. Long time reader but second time poster (more to follow). Just giving my thoughts on the new/used 55lm8600 I recently got thru Amazon.
First, let me say, I've had nothing but great success thru Amazon Warehouse used items. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend. I ordered this TV as "used-good" for $1104.00. Couldn't pass this deal up. I wanted the 9600 but it never came down below $2000 and this price was well below the new 7600. The TV was delivered on time and, by no surprise to me, the TV looked brand new. A little nick on the back of the stand, the screen had been wiped, and the remote/instructions had been removed from packaging. That's it! Perfect! Basically brand new. I've also ordered in the past the Pioneer VSX-1121 "used-good" for $249, Samsung 32" Led "used-good", an Acer monitor "used-good", and Infinity speakers "used-like new". All have looked to be in new condition with no usage at all. These are not refurbished which clearly has to be stated.
Note**The Warehouse deals change almost hourly so you really need to check back often for price changes. The 8600 was $1469.00 the day before. Then two came up at $1104.00 the next morning. Now, the price is $1699.00 used. Also, I've never bought "used" from any of the other dealers, only Warehouse deals.
Review:
This TV is amazing!!! Sleek, modern look with a slight avant guard feel. I like the 8600's black metal frame/bezel around the glass. I figured the silver would be fine on the 7600/9600 but let me tell you, after seeing all three, the black is awesome! The gun metal/silver strip across the lower frame along with the plastic/glass replica looks very nice. Truly one of the nicest looking TVs I've ever seen.
The stand is a nice design feature, and works well, but this TV shines once mounted to the wall. I've had it for about two weeks and the compliments keep coming. I used a very simple wall mount which keeps the TV about 2 1/2" off the wall and routed the chords thru the wall down the the receiver. Looks extremely clean.
The glass is reflective, but seems to be a semi-gloss leaning towards more gloss. Not full on reflective like plasma, but not matte like older LCDs. I think the 7600 screen is more matte if that's what you're looking for. I do see things in the screen, but it doesn't bother me. Seems as if all the higher end TVs are going with glossy screens. It does make the colors/pictures pop more.
The quality of the picture is amazing!!! My buddy has the Samsung 8000 and I actually like the LG more. They are both great sets so you can't go wrong with either. I wanted the passive 3D so LG it was. After getting some calibration settings off of this forum I was truly amazed, again! I like how you can adjust the screen presets to user, ie: standard user, gaming user, etc along with having your own expert settings. With the calibrations the set was more on the warm side so I've taken some of those settings and applied them to standard. Now I have a cooler or warmer choice if needed. Blue-ray videos pop off the screen! Animations look to good to be true. My wife can't get over how nice it is.
I was worried about the flashlighting and edge bleed after reading about it on here but I have no flashlighting at all (August build and lucky I guess). There is some minor edge bleed on the upper right corner and across the top but thru my experience and reading, all edge lit LEDs will have this some where. Totally acceptable to me. It's kinda weird though, certain situations its there, and others its not. When my PS3 is on the main screen (black), no edge bleed at all. Some TV shows yes, others no. Certain times in a movie with letter blocking it's there. Other times it's gone. I have noticed if I press on the screen it goes away completely. Still no problem for me.
The 3D is awesome(specifically designed 3D content)!!! Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is out of this world! Just like Avatar in the movie theatre. Floating way points and displays, major depth while looking down the gun, debri particles floating around, etc. Truly another gaming level. I first tried a 2D game with the 2D to 3D converted and was less than impressed. It worked, just not that well. It was more of a let down. Then BO2. I was blown away. That's how it's supposed to be. I get no headaches or stress from the TV like I do on my buddy's Samsung 8000. Now, I do notice my eyes get dry during and after usage, and I do need to take small breaks, but I can easily watch a complete movie or game for an hour straight before needing a break (I feel gaming is more of a stress on the eyes and brain than movies). Looking forward to other 3D content in the future.
Last but not least, the remote. The Magic mouse remote was a good idea but sucks! The pointer gets lost all the time so you have to shake the remote to center it again. I can deal with that, but what I can't deal with is the poor placement of buttons! Whatever tech thought it was a good idea the put the menu button at the very bottom right hand corner should be fired. You have to use that button all the time to access input choices, apps, etc. There is a ton of room at the top of the remote where your thumb lies for multiple buttons. There's also tons of room on the bottom where your fingers are for more buttons. I like the vertical track ball in the middle for scrolling but that's about it. They failed here. Good thing you can order other LG remotes.
In conclusion, buy this TV!!! You will be amazed. And with the 2013s coming out soon, there should be some great deals to be had. Sorry for the long winded review, there was a lot to be said. Cheers!
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