Sharp AQUOS LC-42D85U

Summary: After 2 1/2 years, the LCD display died. Cost to replace $3700; Cost at time of purchase $ 1499. Bought from Circuit City after extensive literature review which mentioned among other attributes that Sharps were reliable and long lasting. Also mentioned since it was LCD technology, if there was anything wrong, it would show up most likely in the first year. When it was working, the set lived up to all the hype. Picture was clear and bright, and when we got HD TV from Verizon, it was remarkable. Viewing from the side was not a problem. Definitely not buying another Sharp. Seriously considering a Sansui 27" SDTV from Walmart for $188. Our Sharp replaced a 27" SDTV which my daughter now has and is still working. Big Screen TVs are way over priced especially if they don't last. BTW, the repair shop got the $3700 price for the replacement LCD from Sharp.

Summary: We have owned this TV for six months. We have two other Sharp LCD TVs. To our eyes they are superior to others in their picture clarity and their ability to reproduce life-like (not cartoonish) colors.
This TV reproduces a subtle color pallet and has all the controls you may want to adjust colors to your taste. Combined with the relatively inexpensive Sharp BluRay player (BD-HP21U) the picture is a close to being in a movie theater as you can get at this price point. The two pieces compliment each other to produce an extraordinary picture that is totally involving. You owe it to yourself to see this combination when they have been properly adjusted, the picture and sound they produce is wonderful.
The 120hz processing is unobtrusive and very effective. There is no discernible smear during fast motion images and the picture retains its sharpness and clarity. The simulated surround sound processing is very effective - especially with DTS Master Audio. Dolby True HD is also very effective, but not quite as remarkable.
All is not perfect, and at this price point you don't expect it to be. Brightness is a bit on the low side, unless the control is boosted quite high. This is due to the energy saving design of the chassis. The 10 Bit Panel is a true High Fidelity instrument capable of accurately reproducing the signal it is given. When the source signal is not very good, no matter the source, the reproduced image will not be very good.
With 5 HDMI 1.3 inputs (and lots of other connectors) you're not likely to run out of needed inputs. And if you want to emulate radio, you can listen to the sound by itself - thereby extending the useful life of the back light.
In short, the Sharp AQUOS LC-42D85U accurately reproduces the signal it's fed, with picture clarity, definition, depth resolution and color that is very natural, at a street price that is less than its competition. If you can get a better LCD 10 Bit Panel with 120hz processing for less money, don't hesitate - buy it. Would have rated the set 5 Stars if Brightness range was greater.