Thoughts on this Sharp HDTV?

[oilers_fan]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010093647&catid=23524

If you are good with TVs, any chance I can get some pro's and con's of this TV? This is the size I am looking for, and I definitely wanted a 1080p unit...

[Old Yeller]

Before any pros/cons, what are you using it for? Movies? HD Sports? Console gaming? PC monitor?

And where are you planning to put it?

[oilers_fan]

It will be used for Shaw HD, and my Xbox 360. And it will be in the living room of my condo, I don't know the distance from where I'll be sitting though. But it won't be a dark room if that helps.

Edited to add: Also, my Xbox HD-DVD player.

[underGRADFlame]

I own that model, I love it.... haven't had one problem, no banding either which i'm happy with. I have run my MBP through it at full 1080 res it looks amazing. Shaw HD looks great too.

[oilers_fan]

I own that model, I love it.... haven't had one problem, no banding either which i'm happy with. I have run my MBP through it at full 1080 res it looks amazing. Shaw HD looks great too.Thanks, I appreciate the first hand information.

[burn_this_city]

The sharp is the best right now.. My buddies' blows my bravia out of the water..

[Russic]

I also have this model and I will agree with the above post . . . it rocks. I have my shaw hd and ps3 hooked up to it. Absolutely amazing, you're going to love video games on it.

My one comment is this: pay attention to the minimum distance specs. This isn't going to make or break it, but I actually am shocked at how much it can matter.

There is currently 10.5 feet between my couch and my screen. According to the guidelines I read, at that distance the max screen size you should get is 46". I went with the 42" purely because of financial restrictions. Anyways, I set up my system and everything is beautiful. However, when i stand up and take a step towards the tv I notice some artifacts so the picture doesn't look as "clean" as it does when i'm literally 2 feet further back. I had no idea the difference could be that dramatic and I'm very happy I didn't go with a bigger screen.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Good advice about viewing distances and screen size. You're going to be right on the border about benefitting from a 1080p display at that screen size.

Sharps make great LCDs.

[kermitology]

I've got a 37 inch Sharp and love it.. Not that model I think but still.. great television.

[Draug]

Here is a Panasonic plasma at the same price, at Best Buy. Interestingly, its $100 more at FS. You can price match to save an extra whopping $10!

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010094373&catid=23249

Personally, I prefer a good plasma to a good LCD. LCD's look opaque and merky to me, whereas a plasma looks sharp and vivid. But, Sharp does have the best LCD.

The newest Pioneer's are widely considered the best plasma, with Panasonic second best but having better value for your dollar. Pioneer's are stupid expensive.

The plasma wont have problem in a bright room. But, if there is direct light on it, they do glare a little more than an LCD. But, the new panels have come a ways in that department also.

I would definately look at this plasma before buying the LCD. They are the same price. Go with what your eyes like better.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Sharp Aquos is the king. You can't go wrong buying one.

[sclitheroe]

I've got a 37 inch Sharp and love it.. Not that model I think but still.. great television.


I have the 37" as well, and it's a fantastic TV.

[oilers_fan]

I also have this model and I will agree with the above post . . . it rocks. I have my shaw hd and ps3 hooked up to it. Absolutely amazing, you're going to love video games on it.

My one comment is this: pay attention to the minimum distance specs. This isn't going to make or break it, but I actually am shocked at how much it can matter.

There is currently 10.5 feet between my couch and my screen. According to the guidelines I read, at that distance the max screen size you should get is 46". I went with the 42" purely because of financial restrictions. Anyways, I set up my system and everything is beautiful. However, when i stand up and take a step towards the tv I notice some artifacts so the picture doesn't look as "clean" as it does when i'm literally 2 feet further back. I had no idea the difference could be that dramatic and I'm very happy I didn't go with a bigger screen. I actually didn't know much of anything about minimum distance specs until I read this. So how far, for this TV, is it recommended that you sit? I looked at the Futureshop link and can't see anything there about that.

Good advice about viewing distances and screen size. You're going to be right on the border about benefitting from a 1080p display at that screen size.

Sharps make great LCDs. Do you mean that 1080p TVs are better, the bigger you go? The only reason I am actually asking about this particular model of TV is a co-worker of mine knows a manager at a store in which we can get a very good deal.

Another general question I have is about extended warranties. My current TV is a 47 inch Toshiba DLP. It was a floor model that I got about a year and a half ago for 1300 with the 3-year warranty included. It already virtually paid for itself anyways, as the bulb went on it and I had to replace it. It is a good idea to pay the extra 300 or whatever it is for an extended warranty with this TV?

Thanks for all the help by the way guys, I appreciate it.

[Vulcan]

From what I understand is that if you have a 1080p set, you can sit closer than a 720p set, when watching HD material. If you are watching SD content, you should sit further back so you don't see all the imperfections.
From this poll it seems the most popular distance is twice the diameter of the screen. So on a 42" screen the viewing distance would be 7'. I've seen recommendations of 2 to 21/2 times the screen size.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=46708

There is a link to a calculator on post #10 but the best idea is to pace off a distance at a store to find what's comfortable for you and what content display you'll be watching. My feeling is bigger is better but I don't want to be so close that the angles are too large.

Maybe having a chair that can move forwards and backwards depending on the content would be ideal.:D

[Russic]

I actually didn't know much of anything about minimum distance specs until I read this. So how far, for this TV, is it recommended that you sit? I looked at the Futureshop link and can't see anything there about that.



When I tried to research it I found conflicting info (i imagine because "good quality" would be opinion based). From my personal experience with that particular model I'd aim for at least 10.5 feet from the screen. That being said, you could probably be closer depending on what you're watching. When I'm watching Planet Earth on bluray it seems like you can be inches from the screen and it still looks amazing. Video games are the same kind of thing.

[Tyler]

I've got the 46" version of that TV.

Easily the best on the market right now for the price. Great TV!

[Antithesis]

I love my 37" Sharp Aquos. It's terrific, and was hands-down the nicest-looking LCD at Best Buy when I went to get it.

[Incinerator]

No point getting a 1080p if you're gonna be in the 42" range, save your $$ and get the 720p unit or get the 52" for a few hundred more

[Draug]

I've got the 46" version of that TV.

Easily the best on the market right now for the price. Great TV!

You totally discount the Panasonic PZ77 Plasma, for the same price?

Why?

There are pros and cons to both LCD and plasma ... but it is hardly an "easy" win for either.

[Vulcan]

No point getting a 1080p if you're gonna be in the 42" range, save your $$ and get the 720p unit or get the 52" for a few hundred more

I hear people throwing out this idea from time to time but usually have nothing to back it up. From my personal experience this isn't true but I guess different people have different visual acuity.
According to this chart from Sound and Vision Magazine, a 42" TV at 720p should be viewed at just over 8' whereas a 42" TV at 1080i or p should be viewed at just over 5'.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/hitech/1137/maxing-out-resolution.html

Another aspect to take into consideration is that a 1080p set is usually top of the line or close to it so it has better processors and better response times and better viewing angles and better contrast and better brightness and better sound and more inputs.
I'll add that these other aspects can maybe be more important than the resolution but the higher resolution and the higher end product seem to go together in LCDs.

[Draug]

Agreed with Vulcan entirely. Less than 7-8ft, you'll benefit from a 1080p. For me, I think its about 8.5 feet where I can start to see an improvement in visual quality.

But, keep in mind that all HDTV is currently broadcast at 720p. Only the Blu-ray, Hd-Dvd, PS3/Xbox, and a computer benefit from the 1080p. But, even though a broadcast is 720p, if you are close enough to the screen, it will look better on a 1080p screen simply because there are more pixels.

But . . .

All that being said, I am close to pulling the trigger on the TH-58PH10UKA Panasonic. Its only 720p, but is only $3150 including Shipping/GST to my door. In comparison, the best I can do on a 65", is the 1080p TH-65PZ750U from Montana, which will cost me $6000 Cdn total, including driving down there to pick it up. The TH-65PF10UK, which I like better, and has 24p processing is about $7600 when to get it home. Too much.

Given what I really want is $7600, I am thinking the 1 year stop gap solution would be the 58". Am I crazy?

[nik-]

yes you're crazy, the 65" isn't going to reduce in price by $3200 in one year so you're definitely going to be wasting money.

There's nothing worse than regretting a major electronics purchase, I would buy the TV you want.

[oilers_fan]

Thanks for all the help guys, it turns out I can't buy this TV as planned now. But if it's still around when I am able to, I'll probably pick it up. Everything just looks right about it.

[NuclearFart]

Not sure if it matters anymore, but I have this exact TV, and I have no complaints. Back when I was researching it, I also bought the comparable Sony Bravia and this one, and set them both up in my living room to see if the Sony was worth the extra few hundred more. The sharp was pretty much identical to the sony Bravia for HD, but the Sony looked slightly better for SD (but not enough to justify the extra cost, plus I prefered the look of the Sharp). The Sharp also had the widest viewing angle for this bracket, which is a bonus when you've got lots of friends over.
________
Leather live (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/fetish/leather/)

[oilers_fan]

No, I appreciate the comments NF. Thanks.

[oilers_fan]

I'm going to buy this TV tonight. What is the consensus on extended warranties?

[Dion]

I also have this model and I will agree with the above post . . . it rocks. I have my shaw hd and ps3 hooked up to it. Absolutely amazing, you're going to love video games on it.

My one comment is this: pay attention to the minimum distance specs. This isn't going to make or break it, but I actually am shocked at how much it can matter.

There is currently 10.5 feet between my couch and my screen. According to the guidelines I read, at that distance the max screen size you should get is 46". I went with the 42" purely because of financial restrictions. Anyways, I set up my system and everything is beautiful. However, when i stand up and take a step towards the tv I notice some artifacts so the picture doesn't look as "clean" as it does when i'm literally 2 feet further back. I had no idea the difference could be that dramatic and I'm very happy I didn't go with a bigger screen.

The distances was something i was going to ask. Thinking about upgrading to HD TV. Just not sure if i should get LCD or Plasma.

[Vulcan]

I'm going to buy this TV tonight. What is the consensus on extended warranties?

The consensus is, don't buy them as 'everybody knows' if things are going to go wrong, they'll go wrong in the first year, but it's a personal decision and YMMV.

Another thing, some credit cards double warranty period so check on that.

[Vulcan]

The distances was something i was going to ask. Thinking about upgrading to HD TV. Just not sure if i should get LCD or Plasma.

Personally, I've revised my views on sitting distances and think that as close as possibe is best. I'm planning on getting a 46" or 50" 1080p TV and I'll be sitting 6' to 7' away. I'll probably be only watching HD on this TV so I think it will work well for giving more of a cinema experience.

I currently have a 32" 1366x768 [720p] in my computer room and it is only 4' away [1 1/2 distance of screen size] and it is fine as a TV at that distance and is good enough to be used as a computer screen.

The pixel pitch of a 32" at 1366x768 is .511
The pixel pitch of a 42" at 1920x 1080 is .4845
The pixel pitch of a 46" at 1920x 1080 is .531
so at 1 1/2 distance the picture on the 46" TV will be slightly worse than my 32" TV.
For reference a 19" widescreen computer monitor has a pixel pitch of.285 and lower is better.

We've all grown up with watching CRTs at a far distance and expect a certain size of image at that distance. I think it's time to change our viewing ideas to get more of that cinema experience.

Check out this viewing distance calculator and note the THX [4.7'] and SMPTE [5.7'] distance recommendations for a 42" TV. The maximum viewing distance for a fully resolved 1080 picture is 5.5'

[Dion]

Personally, I've revised my views on sitting distances and think that as close as possibe is best. I'm planning on getting a 46" or 50" 1080p TV and I'll be sitting 6' to 7' away. I'll probably be only watching HD on this TV so I think it will work well for giving more of a cinema experience.

I currently have a 32" 1366x768 [720p] in my computer room and it is only 4' away [1 1/2 distance of screen size] and it is fine as a TV at that distance and is good enough to be used as a computer screen.

The pixel pitch of a 32" at 1366x768 is .511
The pixel pitch of a 42" at 1920x 1080 is .4845
The pixel pitch of a 46" at 1920x 1080 is .531
so at 1 1/2 distance the picture on the 46" TV will be slightly worse than my 32" TV.
For reference a 19" widescreen computer monitor has a pixel pitch of.285 and lower is better.

We've all grown up with watching CRTs at a far distance and expect a certain size of image at that distance. I think it's time to change our viewing ideas to get more of that cinema experience.

Check out this viewing distance calculator and note the THX [4.7'] and SMPTE [5.7'] distance recommendations for a 42" TV. The maximum viewing distance for a fully resolved 1080 picture is 5.5'

Some excellent points Vulcan. I should have added that the TV will not be used for gamming but more so for watch DVD and and TV. Mosty like a 42" for the den upstairs. Gotta raise some funds first though.

I did get a chance to watch my brothers 42" HD TV while at his place while on vacation. The bigger screen and HD progaramming got me quite interested. Watching the Deadliest Catch on HD was an eye opener. Coming back home to CRT really sucks!

[Vulcan]

Some excellent points Vulcan. I should have added that the TV will not be used for gamming but more so for watch DVD and and TV. Mosty like a 42" for the den upstairs. Gotta raise some funds first though.

I did get a chance to watch my brothers 42" HD TV while at his place while on vacation. The bigger screen and HD progaramming got me quite interested. Watching the Deadliest Catch on HD was an eye opener. Coming back home to CRT really sucks!

As Ken has said make sure you get a HD STB with your HDTV and yeah, HD is like going to a stronger drug. SD just doesn't cut it anymore. Wait till you watch HD hockey and football.

[Dion]

As Ken has said make sure you get a HD STB with your HDTV and yeah, HD is like going to a stronger drug. SD just doesn't cut it anymore. Wait till you watch HD hockey and football.

Forgive my ignorance but what is an HD STB?

Blonde moment - got it!

[oilers_fan]

I am so sick and ing tired of Futureshop and their moronic commissioned salesmen. I have 500 dollars in Futureshop gift cards to spend, so I want to buy my TV there. Futureshop #1 tonight...salesman with the worst sales tactics EVER. I told him specifically what I wanted, and he proceeded to act like an idiot while parading me all around the store telling me flat out why I was making the wrong purchase.

Store #2 had two employees chit chatting away while I stood around and looked at the TVs for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I had any questions, and I told him that I didn't anymore, and told him why.

Store #3 was fine, but the TV I settled on (a Samsung, not the Sharp) was out of stock.

I swear to God I could make a killing selling TVs. These people don't know how to deal with people.

[Dion]

I am so sick and ing tired of Futureshop and their moronic commissioned salesmen. I have 500 dollars in Futureshop gift cards to spend, so I want to buy my TV there. Futureshop #1 tonight...salesman with the worst sales tactics EVER. I told him specifically what I wanted, and he proceeded to act like an idiot while parading me all around the store telling me flat out why I was making the wrong purchase.

Store #2 had two employees chit chatting away while I stood around and looked at the TVs for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I had any questions, and I told him that I didn't anymore, and told him why.

Store #3 was fine, but the TV I settled on (a Samsung, not the Sharp) was out of stock.

I swear to God I could make a killing selling TVs. These people don't know how to deal with people.

You just listed the main reasons why i will never buy any electronics from Futureshop. Worst customer service i have ever experienced.

[Russic]

sorry to hear your experience didn't go well. Do keep us updated.

[Jiggy]

I have this model as well. Shaw HD looks beautiful, so does my PS3. I haven't had any problems with it, it's a great choice! Hopefully you will get your hands on one soon!!

[oilers_fan]

Anyone here by chance want to compare these two TVs for me? One is the Sharp I have been looking at, and the other is a Samsung.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010099947&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010093647&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

The Sharp TV is at Best Buy today for 1199, if that makes the decision any easier. I like the Samsung more, but the price difference is quite a bit.

[Vulcan]

Myself, I'd go for the bigger 46" Samsung. I like the Samsung's high contrast but the Sharp is good too.

[CaptainCrunch]

Anyone here by chance want to compare these two TVs for me? One is the Sharp I have been looking at, and the other is a Samsung.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010099947&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010093647&catid=23524&logon=&langid=EN

The Sharp TV is at Best Buy today for 1199, if that makes the decision any easier. I like the Samsung more, but the price difference is quite a bit.

Believe it or not, I just bought that Samsung T.V. and its a pretty awesome rig, I added the blue ray and the HD box. The picture is great, the lighting in the living room doesn't affect it and the picture is crystal.

I actually had really good service at the Deerfoot FutureShop, the sales person was very professional, I gave him my budget figure and he did some minor math to make sure that I fit into my budget while getting everything that I wanted. Stand, T.V. DVD HD box with PVR and kit.

Samsung T.V.'s have a very good market reputation in the LCD market.

[oilers_fan]

Yeah, I think I've decided on the Samsung. The Sharp is at an amazing price right now, but I just like the bigger TV a little better.

[LockedOut]

The Sharp is on sale at BB as part of their doorcrasher sale for $1199.99. You can try and PM at FS which has it for $400 more and save $40 more ending up at $1159.99.

[Old Yeller]

Futureshop #1 tonight...salesman with the worst sales tactics EVER. I told him specifically what I wanted, and he proceeded to act like an idiot while parading me all around the store telling me flat out why I was making the wrong purchase.


You have more patience than me. I would have instantly asked for a manager... christ I hate futureshop, you've done your research obviously, you just want to give them money for a TV, it shouldn't be that hard.

[csnarpy]

Get the 43U instead of the 64U - they are virtually the same and $500 cheaper. I have it in the 46" and it completely kicks ass!

http://www2.visions.ca/catalogue/category/Details.aspx?categoryId=14&productId=1161&menuId=2&parentId1=5&parentId2=%27%27&parentId3=%27%27&menuLevel=2

Also, get it at Visions if your getting the warranty. If you don't use the warranty by the time it ends, then you get whatever you paid as a store credit. (ie: i got the 4yr for $400. ill get that for in credit when the warranty is up)

[Got Miikka?]

Need to bump this thread for a couple questions related to the Aquos.

So here's the story: bought an LG 32" model a couple of weeks back. Personally quite satisfied with it, but some of the folks around here complained its sound production was insufficient (we don't have a home theatre setup or anything - these complaints were related to the TV speakers). Argued about it a bit and the decision was made to take advantage of Future Shop's return policy and give a different TV a try. Researched things a bit and we discovered we could get this Sharp Aquos 37" (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10099086&catid=) one for essentially the same price (this just meant modifying the extended warranty we were also having some buyer's remorse on. Seems we jumped the gun a bit on the original purchase - partly a product of a rather exasperating experience with the FS sales clerk, as some others in this thread can attest... but I digress).

So we now have the Aquos all hooked up and it seems pretty solid overall, as advertised in this thread, but I have a couple of concerns I was hoping I could get some feedback on:

1. While playing DVDs and games on the auxillary input channels I have noticed that the far sides of the screen are brighter than the center - this is when the screen is black - almost giving the flat screen the appearance that it is curved.

2. In doing the same things I have also detected that the image itself lightens and darkens a bit on occasion.

Cable TV images seem fine and my PC hooks up no problem. This is a highly-regarded line of televisions and I am wondering - is this a symptom of the line itself? Do I have a faulty set? Am I doing something wrong?

I am hoping not to turn this Future Shop return policy thing into a nasty habit, so any help/advice I can get here would be greatly appreciated! Cheers and thanks in advance!

[SportsJunky]

2. In doing the same things I have also detected that the image itself lightens and darkens a bit on occasion.

This isn't just a case of you having the OPC switched to "on" is it? I have an Aquos. It lightens and darkens the picture through sensing the light in the room. I always keep mine off and adjust manually when needed.

[Bobblehead]

Some models of the Aquos have been known to have banding issues. That sounds similar to what you are describing - some areas of the screen brighter than others. Not all screens are like it, but the last time I looked there was a massive thread about it in the AVS forums. Although it is strange that you only notice it on Games and DVDs, and not on regular TV.

[Eddie Bronze]

Believe it or not, I just bought that Samsung T.V. and its a pretty awesome rig, I added the blue ray and the HD box.

I have purchased a Samsung as well, although mine is a 32". Wondering what blu-ray you have and how it looks? I actually read that one of the best on the market is the Sony Playstation 3. I'm not really into the video gaming world but could be convinced if it really is that good.

As far as Sharp vs. Samsung goes, I really don't think you can go wrong with either.

[Got Miikka?]

thanks for the avsforum reference, I have looked into all this over the weekend and it's pretty obvious the issue is one of banding. Unfortunate flaw, because the set is pretty decent otherwise. Also checked the OPC setting and made sure mine was off as well - can't be that either.

[Bobblehead]

thanks for the avsforum reference, I have looked into all this over the weekend and it's pretty obvious the issue is one of banding. Unfortunate flaw, because the set is pretty decent otherwise. Also checked the OPC setting and made sure mine was off as well - can't be that either.

That is too bad because, from what I have read, the colour is outstanding on the Aquos.

On a forum like AVS, everyone with a problem posts but people with no issues never even look at the thread, so you can't tell if the issue is on 10% of the sets of .01% of the sets.

[Vulcan]

This banding issue has made me leery of buying a Sharp, but that said it has mainly been an issue with their larger sets, 46" and up. I don't mentioned it around here because probably lots would never notice the problem unless it was pointed out to them. I'd take it back since it's bothering you.

[jammies]

I bought the 32" version of the 1080p Aquos last night (biggest size I can fit in my entertainment unit and I only sit 6' away anyway) and I have to say it is a fantastic looking TV. I had an old CRT flat HD TV (Toshiba) that was pretty decent, but this thing makes it look like an etch-a-sketch.

I managed to go into Future Shop, find the TV, and then get out of there before a sales guy could find and annoy me. Then the girl at the till asks me "Would you like the extended warranty?" :bag: NO!