Sharp rear-projection TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$3,300 to $3,800
Initial release dates:
March through May 2005
Size range (inches):
56 to 65 (diagonal)
Models we've reviewed:
None
Highlights:
Dual HDMI inputs; PC input
Unlike its staggering, 17-set-strong LCD TV lineup, Sharp's rear-projection lineup for 2005 is limited to one product line consisting of 2 televisions: the 65-inch 65DR650 and the 56-inch 56DR650.
The TVs are attractively priced, but they lack a few of the knockout features of some of the other manufacturers' RPTV lines, 1080p resolution being the biggest omission. They are most comparable to other companies' entry-level sets, such as the
Samsung HL-R67W series or the
Mitsubishi WD-527 series. This lineup did not prove very popular in 2005, and the company did not announce any new rear-projection HDTVs for 2006.
The Sharp lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The DR650 series is Sharp's only RPTV line for 2005. These sets have a
native resolution of 720p thanks to Texas Instruments' DLP technology, but unlike some 720p DLPs sets, they achieve this resolution by using a
wobulated DLP chip. Wobulation is a technique that allows TI to achieve a 1,280x720 native resolution using only half that number of mirrors on the chip. What this means in practical terms is that a wobulated 720p chip may not have as good a picture as an unwobulated 720p chip. The TVs have an ATSC tuner but no CableCard slot, which means they can receive over-the-air HDTV but will need a set-top box to receive digital cable programming. Their
connectivity options are quite good, highlighted by an HDMI input, two component-video inputs, and a VGA-style PC input. The 65-inch 65DR650 has a list price of $3,800 and the 56-inch 56DR650 has a list price of $3,300.
- 1,280 x 720 resolution
- ATSC tuner
- HDMI input
- Two component-video inputs
- VGA-style PC input
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