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Sharp's slashing prices on 1080p Aquos LCDs
Since the only thing we like more than HDTVs are cheap HDTVs, this latest news about Sharp's Aquos line can't help but make us smile. According to TWICE, MAP (minimum advertised pricing) on certain models the company's older D62 line has been removed entirely, and dropped prices on others, including its more recent D92U, D82U and D72U series LCDs. The 1080p, 46-inch LC-46D62U that launched to such fanfare last October with an MSRP of $3,499 is now available for as low as $1,824 on Amazon. Meanwhile, the newer D92U series with 120Hz at the same size will still cost you $2,549. If horror stories of uneven banding haven't scared you off yet, this is a great time to go 1080p while manufacturers and retailers make room for upcoming models.[Update: corrected Model #, thanks Dominic!]
Sharp Aquos LC-46D62U 1080p LCD reviewed
1080p LCDs are taking over this fall, and CNET quickly grabbed Sharp's new Aquos LC-46D62U to review. They had a lot of good to say, particularly when it came to the advertised 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, saying that the screen reproduced a deeper level of black than any non-CRT screen they have ever tested, plasma and RPTVs included. From the glossy black frame to off-angle viewing, praise is in abundance. The D62 series was also noted for its Dot-by-Dot mode to enable pixel perfect mapping of 1080-line sources without overscan. The only negatives came in the areas of color accuracy, as well as the lack of a dedicated PC-input and merely average scaling of 480i sources. CNET also mentioned the reports of banding issues with the D62 series, but had no problems with their review unit. Still, for the price, resolution and plasma-fighting black levels, it doesn't seem to get much better than this.
Sharp Aquos 1080p D62 LCDs now shipping
A reader dropped us a line that Sharp has sent out emails to prospective buyers informing them that its new 1080p 52-, 46- and 42-inch LCDs should be on store shelves near you, if not already, then very very soon. Best Buy, Crutchfield and Circuit City are among the stores listed as stocking the screens, and seem to be selling them at about a $200 discount off the MSRPs originally announced. The Aquos line has had a good reputation, and the 52-inch LC-52D62U was just pointed out by BusinessWeek as its favorite new HDTV. Still, you may want to take a long look at test patterns before laying down the cash as some early purchasers at AVSForum are complaining of banding and color washout issues. The complaints appear to be limited to some of the 52-inch and 46-inch LC-46D62U models rolling off the line at Sharp's newest 8G LCD plant, and may be isolated to screens manufactured in September. The 42-inch LC-42D62U is based on older technology and seems to be unaffected. Still, if 2-million+ pixels, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 4ms response times are what move you, it can't hurt to go down to the store and have a look...just a look.[Thanks, Karterius]Read - Sharp Aquos 42D62U/46D62U/52D62U Owner's ThreadRead - TV: It's A Flat World, After AllRead - Sharp D62 Product page
