nothing less than a cinema screen, September 28, 2010

When I first saw this TV on internet, I wondered why was a TV with a retail price of ,900 being sold at such a price. I took the risk believed in Sharp and bought it. It has been a year now and I have enjoyed every moment I have watched it, even switched off. Aesthetically made, with a sound bar for uncompromising sound, this TV has more than anything produces amazing picture. There are only few available as this was a limited edition and I’m pretty sure that small number of people who bought this have been very happy, like ME.

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Stunning Display both On and Off, December 13, 2010

By 

S. Feng (Irvine, CA) – See all my reviews

  

I’m very happy with my purchase. I wanted something truly unique and didn’t want to buy a run of the mill Samsung or LG panels most commonly found today. The metal bezel and external soundbar give this piece a striking look in my living room which is mostly of steel and American walnut wood. Once setup and calibrated, I really enjoy movies with vivid color and impressive blacks. Besides the Sony XBR8 series, this is the only other RGB LED backlit LCD panel available. I wanted the Sony; however, I didn’t like how thick the cabinet was. I would buy the 65″ next when I move into a larger home (if I can still find them by that time).

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Sharp LC-52XS1U-S – 52″ Aquos Limited Edition LCD, December 10, 2010

I bought this set on more of a compulsion than anything. I rarely do that, but for some reason did w/ this set. Biggest reason being is I have a 37″ SHARP Aquos LCDHD that I love and an older model 26″ SHARP LCDHD that is still running and has a great picture for a 720p. I can say this Limited Edition 52″ is easy on the eyes, meaning pretty to look at. Nevertheless, right out of the starter gate, right after opening the box, I came to the realization I’m an idiot because it did not have an onboard stand (I guess everyone was hanging them on a wall?). Just a warning about what you are going to do with this set when it arrives. I just never gave it a moments thought that there was not going to be a stand in the box for this set. My fault. Stupid move. Glitch in the research. Whatever. Felt like buying a car without a transmission. So, you are going to spend a couple hundred more if you want this set to sit on the bolt-on stand made specifically for it, BUT sold separately. Might want to purchase the bolt-on stand/base and have it before the set arrives… maybe, ya think?

And a table capable of holding 115 pounds, or so. I went and bought a 0 stand with a swivel back plate to bolt it to. Did not want to hang it on the wall because I am in my rental. And this set is heavy – two man operation. The speaker below is in a delicate position and one false move (drop) or someone picking the set up by the speaker (snap) would not be a good day. The Pioneer speaker on bottom of set… nothing special in sound quality that I can observe… nevertheless, sound is not a problem and very good. Picture quality is a bit better than okay, but nothing to write home about. My SHARP 1080p 37″ LCDHD has as good, if not more clear, of a picture. I use the 37″ for my computer monitor.

The “box” that is separate from the main body allows for a much thinner set, but gives you a 17″W x 13″deep x 3″H box to deal with. Nine inputs, plus TV and rss.

You still need to be aware of the math of the optimum viewing distance from set to eyeballs… a.k.a. the 33 1/3 degree rule – this isn’t science and only means that . I would give yourself at the very minimum 10 feet from eyeballs to screen. 11-14 feet from screen would IMHO be the optimum viewing pleasure. I sit 12 feet from mine and with HD channels and/or Blu-Ray DVD… and regular DVD’s on the most part, the machine is clean, bright and livid. I spent a good amount of time dialing it in, but that is the fun part… and easy enough. I am not really sold on this set, but I am enjoying it a lot. I don’t feel stuck with the set, or therefore, I have to like it. I can walk out the door and throw it in the garbage and buy another tomorrow, so, it isn’t about that. In hindsight, I shoulda, woulda coulda bought the Sharp LC52LE810 52″ AQUOS 1080p LED LCD HDTV QUAD +yellow instead. More practical. Price is right. Has an onboard stand out of the box. No equipment on the sideline to try and figure out if it is the separate box or screen/monitor having the problem. You can buy one anywhere in town. etc. etc.

In addition: The reason I like SHARP Aquos is mostly because of the way the screen diffuses lighting in the room you are in i.e., a lamp reflecting off the screen from the angle you or company is sitting. Simple little thing, but important to me.

Also, I purchased a SHARP Blu-Ray DVD with Netflix capability to go with this set. One idiot stick can run the whole show. By the way, the idiot stick that comes with this set is a bit cumbersome in pushing buttons and whatnot, particularly in dimly lit room. Keep the older model SHARP channel changer… better IMO and still runs the most important parts of this 52″. All in all… once you get the set placed and all fired up, it does make for a nice quality evening of vegging out in front of the ‘tube’ with the movie theatre feel.

If you do buy this set without all the drama I had, believe me, it won’t be the worst purchase you ever made. Although I was wishy-washy buying this one, I have no regrets. I love this television. Now, how long will this silver elephant keep running is now the question?

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