Opinions plz: Sharp Aquos LC42D64U

[Modeps]

I'm pretty sure this is the TV I'd like to get. Does anyone have any of the D64 series sets or this one in particular, and do you have any feelings regarding it?

 

[Wuzup101]

They are very nice sets with a good deal of features and good picture quality. However, it really depends on how much you are paying for it. There have been deals in the past where one was able to get these sets for around $1100 USD. However, big box stores tend to have them priced quite a bit higher. Right now on amazon, the sharp set will run you about the same as a 40" Samsung LN-T4065F (I personally own two of those). I do feel that the PQ on the samsung is a bit better than the sharp (hence my purchase). Also, ideally, I would only want to purchase the sharp set from a local store where I could return it. They have had problems with un-even back lighting that causes noticeable problems (banding). If you buy locally you can always just do a quick exchange. However, if you buy from an online shop, it might be more hassle than it's worth.

Again, I am slightly biased towards the Samsung at that price point (as I own the set). Additionally, I should add that you can get a LN-T4071F for about $125 more (they are $1450 on amazon) than the sharp set. That particular 40" set uses a 120hz back light and will be a bit more future proof. It's Samsung's top of the line LCD (other than the LED based 81F series) and competes directly with the Sony XBR4 and 5. Right now, it's the best deal going IMHO for a great quality set.

 

[alfa147x]

i have the LC32D64U and I love it would recommend it to every one...

 

[Captante]

Provided you don't run into the banding issue the LC32D64U is a very nice screen & has one of the better pictures available when viewing HD, plus its a very fast panel which reportedly works well as a gaming display.

The negatives from what I've read are a lack of advanced picture-tweaking features & a worse then average picture from SD sources.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Captante
Provided you don't run into the banding issue the LC32D64U is a very nice screen & has one of the better pictures available when viewing HD, plus its a very fast panel which reportedly works well as a gaming display.

The negatives from what I've read are a lack of advanced picture-tweaking features & a worse then average picture from SD sources.

From what I understand, the banding is mostly apparent on the larger TVs, this one is 42". Also, you are the first person that has mentioned that the SD signal looks worse than average. I've heard people say that they feel the SD is better than they expected, even stretched.

 

[Wuzup101]

The banding issue was apparent in 42, 46, and 52 inch models in the 64U series. However, it's not like 100% of the TVs had banding, and of course the problem varied in severity. I have seen plenty of perfectly fine 64U series sets, and several of my friends own them (although I don't know anyone with a 52). The smaller sharp sets didn't have the banding issue (IE: the 32"). Furthermore, banding was much less of a problem on the 64U series when compared to the 62U series. As for the SD picture, I personally don't think it looks worse than average. Other than the store models I have seen, the majority of them have been running Comcast digital cable, and the SD digital channels were quite fine. I don't think you can ever really trust what people say about SD lol... it almost seems like there are "worse than average" comments about every HD-TV set on the market when it comes to how they handle SD. People just don't realize how much better HD is until they try it.... then they say how much SD sucks on their TV. For the most part, everyone I know that owns one of the sharp TVs likes it (though it only amounts to half a dozen or so sets in the local area - many people got the CC black Friday deal on the 46).

I only say to consider the Samsung sets because of the current prices. The 4071F is currently being sold for $1450 on Amazon. You do future proof yourself with that 120hz set a bit more, as it's newer tech than the 64U series. It also has better PQ, better blacks, and a bit more adjustability. However, I'm not trying to suggest that the 64U is a bad set at all (it's still one of the better LCDs all things considered). But for the relative price difference, I would probably go towards the Samsung, unless you are getting the 64U for much less than Amazon is currently selling it for (I think it's about $1325 right now).

 

[DBL]

If picture quality is your primary concern, why not consider a Panasonic plasma like the TH-42PZ700U?

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: Captante
Provided you don't run into the banding issue the LC32D64U is a very nice screen & has one of the better pictures available when viewing HD, plus its a very fast panel which reportedly works well as a gaming display.

The negatives from what I've read are a lack of advanced picture-tweaking features & a worse then average picture from SD sources.

From what I understand, the banding is mostly apparent on the larger TVs, this one is 42". Also, you are the first person that has mentioned that the SD signal looks worse than average. I've heard people say that they feel the SD is better than they expected, even stretched.

I've only seen these screens personally running HD-DVD's & store demos which were also in HD ... this statement is based off comments from people who own them on AVS forums, not just my opinion.

 

[SlickSnake]

Please read my post HERE.

I have the LC46D62U and have no issues with mine, enjoy! :gift:

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Captante
Provided you don't run into the banding issue the LC32D64U is a very nice screen & has one of the better pictures available when viewing HD, plus its a very fast panel which reportedly works well as a gaming display.

The negatives from what I've read are a lack of advanced picture-tweaking features & a worse then average picture from SD sources.

It does have the advance setting iv seen on other TVs its just under 'advance settings'