Sharp Auquos LC52D62U worth it or not?

[randersen]

this TV fits my budget and size range. I have little control over light in the room. it will be primarily used for movies and video games, with the occassional sporting event. ( it has a 4ms refresh time), will I even see that? and what about the phantom streak? pros and cons please.

I noticed it does not have RGB calibration option in the main menu. can that be accessed by service tech codes, and if so how?

 

[MDS]

The only real issue that has come up in both user reviews on forums and professional reviews from places like CNet is 'banding' - thin horizontal and vertical lines that are sometimes visible during fast panning motion of the camera. It does seem that they are mostly visible on test screens of solid gray and how often are you going to be watching a solid background?

I was all set to buy the D62U then I decided to wait for the D82U and once again there is talk of the banding. A recent review of the very latest model from Sharp also appears to suffer from the same issue.

For what it's worth I have tried very hard to notice it in store models and I just don't see it. Everything else about the Sharps seems to be top notch - the best black level of any LCD, great off axis viewing angles, and no motion blur. It's a tough decision but if you buy from a store that allows returns for any reason you would at least be somewhat protected if you do happen to notice the banding and aren't satisified with the TV.

All LCD TVs have one problem or another so you have to pick your poison (ie which 'defect' is least objectionable to your eyes).

 

[randersen]

thanks. I couldn't notice anything in the store (not that that is the best place to see what it can do). I'm buying it from costco $2200. cheapest price and easy return, so I figured what the hell I could always return it.

do you know anything about possible RGB controls at a tech level?

 

[sleeper]

Hey Randersen,

For what it's worth, I have the Sharp 42D72U, very similar to the 62U series.

As MDS mentioned, many Sharp's have an issue with banding. It's not noticeable in the stores because the display screens are usually set to very vivid settings. When I got my unit home and set it up to a more natural setting, the banding did... and is... noticeable, especially when displaying darker material. On nice, bright, happy movies it's not an issue.

I've decided to keep my unit. MDS stated it very well when he said that all LCD tv's have some problem or other... it's just which one's are you likely to live with. The Sharp does have a beautiful, natural picture and decent black levels. However, the banding issue may or may not drive you nuts. On my unit, it appears as a slight shadow running horizontally across the lower third of the screen, a couple of inches thick. The question is... can you live with it? If Costco has a good return policy, fer sure... try it out. And don't be affraid to play around with the settings. It took some tweaking to get the picture right.

Hope it helps.

sleeper.

P.S. Oh.. and gaming on it rocks!!