Sharp's LC-52XS1U-S reviewed: "a cool science experiment gone awry"

We already saw the UK version of Sharp's limited edition XS1 LCD HDTV hit the review bench, but for Americans wondering if their version (that's the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S) is any different, here's your sign. Reviewers at PC Mag were able to get the $11,999 (list price) set into the labs for testing, and while the contrast and HD detail were both lauded, the overall package just didn't warrant such a stratospheric sticker. In fact, critics asserted that the unit actually "required professional setup [read: calibration]" in order to achieve results that were even close to desirable, and while there are a lot of details behind it, we think this all-compassing quote pretty much settles things: the flagship LC-52XS1U-S is "like a cool science experiment gone awry." Steer clear, people.