If anyone has experience with these or similar models, your input would be greatly appreciated! I have been looking for a 32" LCD for a few months, and I think I have it narrowed down to these two models. I've read lots of great reviews on the Samsung, and while I can't find any reviews on this specific Sharp model, we all know their reputation for their Aquos line.
I viewed both at Circuit City, and the picture looks great on both, of course that's with torch mode on and all. I looked at the specs, and I'm really torn between the two now:
The Samsung is brighter (500 cd/m2 vs. 450), has a better response time (8 ms vs. 6), is lighter (I move around a lot), and looks better to me (I love piano gloss black!). The Sharp, however, has a better contrast ratio (6000:1 vs. 4000:1) and can be had for almost $120 cheaper ($779.99 vs. $898.00).
I bought a Sharp LC-37D42U last winter. It is the larger cousin to both the LC-32D42U and D43U models. The D42U models are about half a year older than the D43U models, and according to Sharp customer service, they are electronically the same. The only difference is in some cosmetic details of the cabinet. So, reviews of the Sharp LC-32D42U should tell you about the performance of the D43U models.
I think both Sharp and Samsung LCD TVs are quite good - its a tossup. The differences in brightness 500 cd/m² vs 450 are too small to make a noticeable difference. My TV is in a bright room with lots of windows, and even on a sunny day, the screen is plenty bright. What's probably more important is the non-reflecting coating on the glass screen. Sharp has a feature where the back light automatically adjusts its brightness according to the ambient light in the room. I don't know for certain, but Samsung probably has that feature as well.
I think you may have the response time question (8 ms vs. 6) reversed. Shorter times are better. In either case, 8 and 6 ms are both short enough to not be a problem. Response times of slower than 15 ms on older LCD models were a problem.
The contrast ratios (6000:1 vs. 4000:1) are a matter of contention. Remember that the back lights can be adjusted in brightness and this will have an effect on the contrast. Sharp speaks of "native" and "dynamic" contrast. Native contrast is the smaller of the two contrast numbers, and refers to the inherent contrast of the screen. Dynamic takes into account the larger contrast ratio you can get from adjusting the back light from dim to bright. Its a bigger number and looks better in advertisements, but probably means less in practical terms.
Both TVs are quite light. If the Samsung looks better to you, so be it. Both are piano gloss black.
It may come down to price with the Sharp almost $120 cheaper ($779.99 vs. $898.00). Both TVs are good. I'd go for the best price.
