Customer Reviews

Sharp Aquos LC46D65U 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Shazaaam! We went from a 15 year old, 28-inch Hitachi CRT to this puppy and couldn't be happier. Granted, the cheap thrill is less than a week old (Boxing Day special) but the screen speaks for itself. Why didn't we jump at the better rated Samsung or Sony 46 inchers? Price! I honestly can't see that big of a difference -- if any -- in picture quality over the others and they normally cost hundreds more. To calibrate your 46D65U, start with the online CNET review of the LC52D65U and use the recommended settings given in the blog link. Then fine tune the levels as you get better acquainted with the big screen. The banding issue of the older models? Gone. Or at least I haven't seen any bands so far and neither have recent reviewers. I find the remote control very easy to use once you know where everything is and can't believe the reviewers who whine about the remote's size etc. If you don't like the color in a particular show or movie, it's extremely easy to pull the menu down on the screen and quickly adjust things to improve the picture quality.

We set this black beauty up in less than an hour (getting it safely out of the box and onto the stand took most of that time) and have been watching our old DVDs and VHS tapes as a test before purchasing a newfangled Blu-ray player. Sure the old stuff isn't as sharp as a 1080p hi-def source but it was still more than acceptable to our old eyes -- surprisingly so. In fact, I've decided to go with the Toshiba DVR7 DVD/VCR combo player with the upconvert feature so I don't have to abandon my huge pile of old VHS tapes and DVDs. If the DVDs upconvert to a better quality image that's even half close to hi-def we'll be more than happy. The VHS tapes will have to play as they are since they can't be upconverted. Hopefully, Blu-ray players will be significantly improved in the coming year or two and tempt us out of our old ways. [UPDATE: See my review of the Sharp BDHP21U blu-ray player...we went that route instead and are happy we did.]

Bottom line: With this TV you get a nice big screen and full HD capability. If you're traditionalists like us, you may be delighted to find that the LC46D65U also brings new life to old technology!

UPDATE UPDATE (early February): New firmware available online for the companion BDHP21U Sharp blu-ray player which will fix any current play issues with the latest blu-ray DVDs. What I LOVE about the Aquos Advantage is that they phoned me and personally alerted me to that new update after I lodged a complaint about not being able to view my WALL-E blu-ray several weeks ago. Tip to Sharp: Keep those firmware updates rolling in on a weekly basis, not every few months!!

Also note that if you are wavering between the Sharp LC46D65U and the similar 85U (the more expensive 120Hz model), CNET noticed no discernible real life difference in blurring between the two. Verdict? Save your money and go with the 65U. I watched the Superbowl with it and saw no blur. My family is loving it! UPDATE on blur comparison late March: Went into Best Buy yesterday for the latest Bond DVD and had a critical look at the 65U and 85U which were conveniently wall-mounted side by side. Quite frankly, I couldn't see any difference between the two in terms of color, saturation or blur during sports sequences including twirling snowboarders midair (and the 85U has 10-bit color and 120Hz). I did think the top-end 800 series Samsung beat them both hands down, but then it's more than double the retail price (and three times what I paid for my 65U on sale). Does that Samsung provide triple the viewing pleasure? Not in my (pocket)book!

I also note a recent reviewer handing the 65U a pitiful 1-star rating because it was "Very contrasty, lots of digital noise". Huh?? I suggest learning how to properly calibrate your set before low-balling this beauty with a trash score. See above for info on CNET link.

Along the same whining "1 star" lines comes a reviewer who says the unit is contrasty and pumps out heat. Well, again, I'd use the CNET review to tweak your settings. If that didn't turn your crank then go spend double or triple on another make. Pumping heat? I live in a cold climate and if the unit actually did produce heat, I'd be more than happy to report it! Holding my hand a few inches from the set, I felt virtually nothing. I should point out that all recent Sharps are Energy Star compliant and are produced in a solar powered "green" factory to boot. That's one of the reasons I bought a Sharp. Although plasmas are known to have better darks and contrast, they're also bulky, suck energy and pump out heat. Last week, the 65U was going out the Amazon doors for under a thousand bucks with free shipping for cripes sake. It may not be perfect, but you can't beat that for value.

This TV outperforms all expectations! I had trouble finding reviews for this model and all I learned is that all issues with the previous model, the 4U have been resolved. The has a fantastic look, 5 HDMI connectors, 1080p over Component, the black levels are deep, the power saving modes (standard and Advanced) are amazing. This is one of the greenest TV's! The images are very detailed at 1080p. The 6ms response time feels like even less. Only one complaint I can even think of, but its minor...the remote control is big with tiny buttons...not the best...but you can always replace it. If you find a deal (I paid a thousand Canadian) then you will not regret it. This Tv has no banding issues and vivid color!

I absolutely LOVE this t.v. The picture is crystal clear and I have had no problems with it. If you are hesitant about making the move to HDTV and a high-end LCD - don't be! It is worth it and the price is the best out there right now. I am addicted to this TV!

the one con is that the t.v. takes a brief long second to up load...but that is it!!

this t.v. is super sleek, sexy and will be a eye grabber as soon as you walk into the room!!!!!!!

The LC-46D65U was fine until 6 weeks after purchase it decided to stop working. In the middle of watching my favorite team the Sharp's picture just shut off. The two green lights on the front indicating OPC and Power began blinking non-stop. I was unable to tell if the LCD was on or off. After pressing the power button I received a high pitched noise from the LCD and then back to nothing again. It is two months old so I contacted Sharp and Best Buy to see what the hell happened to my relatively new Sharp Aquos. Both replied by saying the problem could be a number of things and they had to send out a tech to inspect it. I have found online that this problem is prevalent. I am one among countless individuals who feel that spending $1500 on a non-functioning unit is ridiculous. Even if it can be fixed I am certain I will be in constant worry that this problem will happen again. Don't purchase this product. Buy Samsung or Sony. Sharp has a major quality control issue that has affected too many of its customers and that is unacceptable.

I purchased this tv from Amazon on a Sunday evening and it arrived on Wednesday afternoon by Ceva Logistics. The package was in perfect condition. The television has a very good picture with true colors and the sound quality is pretty respectable when compared to many other flat-panel t.v.'s. This same t.v. is sold at my local Wal-mart, but I was able to get a better price with Amazon, since there was no sales tax. Shipping was free. A signature is required upon delivery because of the value. I would recommend this t.v. for anyone wanting a quality picture on a budget.

What a beautiful set!!! Sharp has done it again. This is the second Sharp Aquos I've purchased and I'm again completely satisfied with this latest choice. Amazon offered a deal that couldn't be passed up; $999.98, no tax, free shipping with "White Glove," delivery at no extra charge. What a great deal!!!

PROS: The set was ordered on Thursday(1/22/09)and I was notified by Amazon Friday(1/23/09)that it would be shipped by Ceva Logistics and would arrive on Tuesday(2/3/09). Ceva Logistics notified me by phone Monday(1/26/09)to confirm a delivery date of Wednesday(1/28/09)between 1:00 and 4:00pm. Ceva Logistics delivery personnel informed me that they could not set the LC46D65U on its stand (liability issue?) but did remove the set from the carton, plug it in and verify that all worked before asking for the required signatures. Extremely quick shipping and I felt the Ceva Logistics personnel were mostly helpful and quite friendly.

The LC46D65U was easily set up. The manual is extensive but has Quick Reference sections reducing set-up time, adjustment time, etc. Set-up menus within the set are simple to navigate. I personally found factory defaults excellent and have left them in place thus far. Many more ultra-fine settings are available from further within the menus to satisfy even the most critical viewer I would think.

The LC46D65U is physically striking with its piano black outlined screen, piano black stand, and a small light grey speaker panel running below the screen. The sets corners are quite square but I don't find this a distraction as other reviewers have mentioned.

The picture quality is outstanding. My input feed is satellite (no HD package as yet) and DVD. The LC46D65U renders all input sources with radiant color, crisp detail, black blacks, and excellent contrast. Input connections are numerous and cover the field for external hookups. I won't be using the LC46D65U with a PC, but the connection is there for those that may.

CONS: The remote is functional but has very small buttons and even when illuminated are still hard to see. I'm familiar with the button layout as my other Aquos has a very similar remote, but do feel for those purchasing their first Sharp Aquos and having to use the remote for the first time. It takes practice!!

The only other area I feel the LC46D65U lacks in, is audio. It is adequate but not as full as I would like or have become accustomed to. My 32" Aquos has quite a bit better sound and is a full two years older. A surround sound system would be the answer for those seeking movie theater sound.

All-in-all, the Sharp Aquos LC46D65U is an outstanding set. With Amazon's great price, no tax, and free shipping with "White Glove" delivery, you definitely can't go wrong. I honestly feel it's without question, the best deal out for those wanting a 46" LCD TV.

I am very pleased with this TV. Like others, I found almost nothing in the way of reviews for this model, but was impressed with other SHARP models I have actually seen in use. Amazon had a GREAT price, so I took a chance...No regrets... Very nice picture, easy to use and I actually really like the simple streamlined style. I had some reluctance to order online as I had previously tried to order a TV from a site that also used CEVA for delivery.(I never did receive it as they never contacted me and sent it back to the company) I was extremely pleased with this delivery process, though. Amazon was on top of it and the TV was in my home 30 minutes after my delivery window began.

I researched LCDs for about 3-4 months and my research led me to the Sharp Aquos line. I have had this set for about a month. This is my first LCD/HDTV and so far I am very satisfied with the purchase. Setup was relatively easy - I had the TV attached to the entertainment center stand (purchased separately) and programmed within 20 minutes (I recommend having another person help with mounting the set). The set has a beautiful high-gloss finish, but more importantly, the HD picture is outstanding (standard digital also looks great, but HD has spoiled me). I initially had the set connected to my rooftop antenna and the free HD channels were just as sharp (if not sharper) than the cable service I now receive. One of my initial concerns was whether fast motion sporting events would be clear and without pixelation. Hasn't been a problem. Also, there is rich color and deep blacks (I read where that is a problem with some LCDs).

There are 5 HDMI connections, as well as the standard connections (coaxial, RGB, s-video). I have cable and blu-ray (PS3) attached via HDMI, and my old DVD (with surround sound) attached via RGB and RCA cables. I also connected my laptop via HDMI and the image quality was amazing (46" monitor!). One feature that is missing is picture-in-picture, but I can live without that (PIP is included with my cable pacakage). Built in speakers are ok for typical tv viewing (i.e., news primetime programs), but you will want a surround sytem for movies.

Let me start off by saying this is a very great product. There were no surprises concerning the body, screen or features. Sharp makes a very distinguished product. This was my first HD experience, and this TV delivers in terms of watching HD channels, Blu-Ray Movies, and playing PS3 games.

But...
2 Weeks after installation, I noticed 1 tiny blue pixel that only shows on dark images or when completely black in that area. It's located in the lower left middle of the screen, so if you know where to look, its noticeable. After persistent questioning and confirmation, Sharp drops the ball as a respectable company and claims that this is not under their warranty and refused to fix it. According to them, this is not a "dead" pixel, but an "inactive" one, and in order for them to take action, I would need 16 more of these to pop up on my screen. Unacceptable.

PROS:
+ Lightweight
+ Very uniform bright and dark screen
+ Great viewing night or day
+ Energy efficient features
+ Very PS3 friendly
+ Preset viewing settings per input
+ Remote has favorite channel buttons
+ Remote has a flashback channel feature
+ Great value for the price

CONS:
- No Picture in Picture
- Poor Customer Service

This was $999 delivered most of January 2008. Now they want $1189. You might want to wait.