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"Everything I expected and more!" on by RicardoA05
Pros: Generous inputs, highly customizable picture, sleek look.
Cons: Not 1080p, glossy look shows dust.
Summary: After the LC37D90U model was discontinued, I was concerned that the newer models I could afford, the ones that are not 1080p, would not measure up in terms of picture quality and inputs. I was delightfully dissappointed. I got to see the smaller 32-inch model perform beautifully in a store and then at a local bar. I found the 37-inch model in another store and took the plunge. I could not be happier with my decision (save for the fact that it's not 1080p). At this screen size, however, and the distance from which I will watch the tv, it doesn't make that much of a difference. Standard definition looks normal but high def programming looks unbelievable in terms of detail and clarity. Sometimes it's too detailed and older programming that has been re-formatted to high def has a little too much noise. A previous complaint was that switching from high def to standard or vice-versa took 6 seconds or longer because of picture resizing. I can now confirm that this is an issue with the cable or satellite providers. I have a DVR/high def converter made by motorola connected via component video and the switch from high def to standard or vice versa takes at most 2 to 3 seconds, and usually only 2. I have an Oppo 981 upconverting DVD player and my DVD's look amazing and almost as good, although not quite as good, as high definition. The picture is highly customizable in terms of color temperature, black levels, contrast, etc., and you can save different settings for sports, movies, etc. The Smart Strech does a decent job but I prefer watching in pillar box format. My other main concern was black levels but the 37D43U does a great job and you can see clear details even in very dark scenes (try this with dark movies like Batman Begins to get a good callibration). The glossy look, although it looks amazing, does attract dust that can stand out but it's a minor concern and a weekly wipe does the trick. I haven't tried the 15-pin computer connection but I can't wait to try it. I'm very, very satisfied.
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"Great TV, great color, lots of inputs" on by dmix000
Pros: Strengths: Picture is very rich on HD channels, plays back DVDs with great color and sharpness, good amount of inputs including 2 HDMI, 1 PC, 2 Component and 2 Composite
Cons: Standard def TV is noisy and not as sharp, colors are washed out.
Summary: Got this TV today and put it through the paces. First scanned for channels and the auto setup was a snap. I correctly found all the channels over my cable plus many unencrypted QAM Digital channels. HDTV broadcasts are rich in color and very detailed on this set. Like all LCD it's one weakness is that contrast and blacks are not as deep as on plasma (but plasma does not have the detail this set has). While debating on plasma vs. LCD I settled on this set because I wanted detail and the black levels are good enough (not great just very good). I am not disappointed.
What I love: Great remote, program up to 16 favorite channels which is wonderful. Bright sharp screen, Vivid colors reproduction, lots of inputs - easily meets most needs. The 37" is the largest set I can get in my old entertainment center, it replaced a 32 inch HDTV tube set (maximum screen - minimum footprint). Great looking style. Almost unlimited video settings for brightness, contrast, sharpness, etc.
What I don't like: Does not seem to display channel info in my area (old HD set showed network/station/program/HD info when channel tuned in - this one only seems to show channel and if it's digital or analog). Can't program remote to work with my Panasonic Receiver, my Sony HD DVR, or my Xbox 360. Standard Definition channels look washed out and fuzzy (not so sharp).
Would I buy again? Yes, this set is worth it even with it's few problems. Who needs to buy this set? Anyone who wants a larger screen to fit in a small space (I had exactly 36" wide space and it "barely" fit and fit perfectly). -
"Take the plunge into Hi Def!" on by Philcokid
Pros: high picture quality, good inputs, nice screen size,
Cons: average standard tv reception, speakers a bit weak
Summary: I took the plunge and bought the Sharp. I was not diappointed! The picture was so sharp I could see every flaw in the faces of actors and anthletes. Colors were true and bright and dark scenes remained detailed, not murky. I bought a surround receiver and speakers and it was the best move; it truely is a home theater! My DVD's are bright and sharp and the sound really makes the story come alive. The 37" was just right for my dinning room. I love this flat panel and I love HD. You won't be sorry whit this unit. Make sure you buy decent HDMI cables and avoid the clutter.
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"Go Hi Def!" on by Philcokid
Pros: picture quality, inputs, nice size
Cons: average standard tv reception
Summary: I took the plunge and bought the Sharp. I was not diappointed! The picture was so sharp I could see every flaw in the faces of actors and anthletes. Colors were true and bright and dark scenes remained with details, not murky. I bought a surround receiver and speakers and it was the best move; it truely is a home theater! My DVD's are bright and sharp and the sound really makes the story come alive. The 37" was just right for my dinning room. I love this flat panel and I love HD. You won't be sorry with this unit.
Just an update: My Marantz SR4001 has a great deal of trouble playing nice with my Scientific Atlanta/Time Warner cable box when connected with HDMI; the audio kept dropping out and nothing I did short of changing to component solved the issue. Marantz said they have had other reports of problems with cables boxes and their receivers. Don't quite know what they says about their product but right now I'm very frustrated; I hate having my choices taken away. Make sure your cable/satellite box will play nice with your receiver if you use one.
By the way, C-Net, the picture you have of the Sharp LCD is not the LC 37D43U...please check that out; the stand on the 37D43U is one piece. -
"Dead on Arrival" on by ian_storrs
Pros: None, it does not work.
Cons: It does not work. Sharp is clueless.
Summary: I selected this television based on the reputation of Sharp as an LCD manufacturer and the quality of their televisions I saw in retail stores.
I made the mistake of purchasing this TV from Buy.com. I did so because they had a good price and I had some store credit to use. Buy.Com will not accept returns.
Anyway after a rather painful ordering and delivery process the TV arrived after 14 days.
Tuesday:
When I took it out of the box and turned it on, I was utterly amazed at what I saw. Absolutely nothing! No picture. No on screen menus. No sound. Just a back light.
I called the Sharp help number 1800-BE-SHARP. They were very sympathetic and said they would arrange a prompt in house service. They faxed my case to one of two local service centers and said I would be called next day.
Wednesday, no call! I called the service center. They claimed not to have received the fax. I called Sharp. After 15 minutes on hold, they said they would call the other center. They said they were on the other line and promised to call me immediately.
Thursday, no call. I called Sharp and let them know how unhappy I was. They called both service centers. Again both service centers said they would call. Both service centers claimed they had problems reaching me on all of the 3 phone numbers I provided.
Friday, both service centers call. Both say they are backed up and cannot come to my house for a week. Both say they cannot do in home service and must take the TV away. One states openly that they have never worked on a Sharp LCD TV before and must try to find some schematics and technical documents. Both say they have no spare parts on hand.
I call Sharp again. They say there is nothing I can do but wait. They refuse to consider replacing this DOA television. They say it would have to be at least 5 weeks waiting for repair, and then it would take the approval of two managers. They are very nice support staff, but they just want to stall you.
So much for the state of the art factory in Japan. So much for quality control. So much for caring about customers who have spent thousands of dollars on their products. I know that Sharp in Japan would never treat their customers like this. But the American management clearly does not care.
This service is such a contrast to Sony, who made my other LCD TV. That TV needed a firmware update and they sent a service technical to my house without me even making a request.
A minor issue with the physical build quality, the rear is all plastic, and the supplied stand is quite unstable. It does not attach to the TV at a high enough point to keep the TV from wobbling.
Recommended:
No
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