^No you don't, but it is completely tv dependent on it. My current 2 similar sized TVs I have here, both LEDs display the stuff either sharp or soft, but not RCA blurry soft with ghosting. The input lag is non-existent as I can deal with precise stuff like Tyson so that's a non-issue. The worst would be no light gun games. Funny you mention rhythm games, I didn't have an issue playing Gitaroo Man at all on PS2 or when I had the stuff on Wii Guitar Hero 3 either.