Sharp LC-52D62U HDTV

Like we have reminded you before: D-Day is upon us and the broadcast transition is near. But none of this should be news because Benchmark Reviews gave you specific instructions on how to survive this digital transition and buy your first HDTV. We hope you paid close attention, because it won't be long before analog broadcasts are history. Now let's take a look at a hardware review for an HDTV that could turn this format transition into an event worthy of celebration.

This dramatic roller-coaster introduction is a probably better suited for daytime television than for a hardware product review, but the truth of the matter is that this is really a big event. You are probably saying "So now we know that the end of analog broadcast is near, but what does it have to do with an HDTV review?"

Well, I'm pleased you asked. Over the past two months, I personally researched the subject of HDTV to great lengths. At first it was for the simple purpose of improving my grasp of the technology so I could make an informed purchase, but it soon developed into a full fledged obsession to get the best product possible for my money. I found myself interjecting HDTV techno-quips at business lunches, if for nothing more than to take everyone else up from the level which I was recently a part of. But still, what does all this have to do with a HDTV review? Simply put, it's all relevant to the HDTV industry as a whole.

Just as it is with computers, it's the difference between buying obsolete from cutting edge. There are a few very basic items that should be considered a "given" in HDTV technology, and these are the basic rules I mentioned in our how-to guide. I learned these rules, and ultimately employed them to make my (overly) informed HDTV purchase of the Sharp AQUOS.

That guide was designed to teach you how to shop for the HDTV which best suites your needs. The Sharp AQUOS is currently one of the most popular native 1080p high-definition televisions available, and at well under $3000 it is among the most affordable. Both of these reasons are good enough to buy this HDTV, and so today we present a buyers review on the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U 52" LCD 1080P HDTV.

About the company: Sharp Electronics Corporation

Sharp has been around for ages (founded 1912 as a pencil company), and is among the first companies to enter into the high-definition television business. Since they have grown to become a world leader in technology, I was not surprised that they did not respond to my e-mail inquiry for marketing information on their product. After all, they have dozens of branch locations across the globe, so giant world-famous Benchmark Reviews may not be a priority to them. So while Sharp is an easily recognizable name in technology circles, very little could be discovered about them from their website. Here is the closest thing to usable information from the Sharp "About Us" web page:

At Sharp Electronics Corporation, our challenge is to create a balance between work time and personal time, with products that can benefit people's lives at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Sharp consumer electronics can enhance your enjoyment, add to your comfort and open new perspectives. Sharp business products can boost your productivity and reduce costs. Sharp products are designed to help individuals, families, and corporate teams connect effortlessly, communicate clearly, and unleash creativity like never before. Sharp is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value, and design.

For as far as I could tell, Sharp is really interested in teaching you how compliant they are with handicapped accessibility. Most of their website's company profile information is dedicated to the here and now, and not tell much about their company. Thankfully, Wikipedia helped shed some light on this particular subject, if you want to actually learn something about Sharp. It's an interesting company story, but it's too bad that Sharp is reluctant to share it on their website. Back to the subject...

Sharp AQUOS Features & Specifications

For most consumers, product specifications can be too much to understand. Techno-jargon that only a company engineer can comprehend. Well, nothing has changed when it comes to HDTV's. Shopping for and selecting an HDTV is almost as difficult as buying a car, or possibly even a home. There are so many things to factor in, especially knowing that this isn't just another TV. While it would be nice to know everything about the industry, there is simply just too much to learn. Our how-to guide really helps, but in all honesty it barely remains informative without being an overkill.

This review has been intentionally designed to refrain from becoming too technical. Even after you have read our guide, and made your best effort to understand the technical terminalogy used in the television industry, you will still only be able to make sense of the most common features and specifications. Benchmark Reviews has listed the major features and then gives a basic explaination beside them. So whether you are a first time HDTV shopper or a fairly versed videophile, there will be enough information to satisfy both.

LC-52D62U Major Features:

• Full HD Spec 1080p (1920 x 1080) Resolution for the sharpest picture possible.
• Next-Generation 16:9 ASV LCD Panel from Sharp’s brand-new state-of-the-art Kameyama II factory, producing a native Contrast Ratio of 2000:1 and a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 10,000:1 with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology and a 4ms1 response time.
• Multi-Pixel Technology divides each pixel into two sections and adds an advanced driving system to provide 60% improved color reproduction at wide viewing angles.
• Wide Viewing Angles (176º H x 176º W) Sharp's AQUOS viewing angles are so wide, you can view the TV clearly from practically anywhere in the room.
• Enhanced Black Level provides the deepest, most accurate black of any LCD TV.
• Four-wavelength Backlight System enables the display of very deep crimson reds, widening the available color spectrum.
• High Brightness (450 cd/m2) AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions are very bright. You can put them virtually anywhere – even near windows, doors or other light sources – and the picture is still vivid.
• Built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC Tuners provide access to DTV and analog TV channels.

AQUOS Feature Details

Built-in Tuners: The Sharp Aquos LC-52D62U is equipped with a built-in NTSC analog tuner, an ATSC HDTV Off-air tuner and a QAM digital cable tuner. No external tuner box is required in order to receive off-air or digital cable High Definition or Standard Definition programming.

Next Generation 16:9 Advanced SuperView TFT LCD Panel: The TV features Sharp's Next Generation Advanced SuperView/Black TFT LCD panel which delivers bright, high contrast images that are virtually distortion free and helps eliminate screen glare. Its extra-wide viewing angles (176 degrees horizontal and vertical) allow you to see a clear picture from most anywhere in the room.

Multi-Pixel Technology: The LC-52D62U uses Multi-Pixel technology which divides each pixel into two sections and adds an advanced driving system to provide 60% improved color reproduction at wide viewing angles.

Display Resolution: The display has a Full HD resolution of 1920 x1080. The unit will accept 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480i and 480p signals, and has a built-in image "scaler" to handle a variety of digital and analog audio/video sources. The scaler converts the signals from all video sources to match the LCD panel's native 1080p resolution.

Dual HDMI Inputs: The TV features dual HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1080p sources so you can directly input a 1080p source into the TV without any scaling providing the best picture quality possible.

Lamp Life: The expected life of the backlight lamp is 60,000 hours (at standard backlight position), which equates to ten hours use a day for more than sixteen years.

Contrast Ratio: The LC-52D62U features a native 2,000:1 contrast ratio and a Dynamic contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a 4ms pixel response time to produce spectacular picture quality.

High Brightness (450cd/m2): The Sharp AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television is extremely bright. You can put it almost anywhere; even near windows, doors or other light sources and the picture will still be vivid.

Four-Wavelength Backlight System: The Sharp LCD TV uses a 4-wavelength backlight system which enables the TV to display very deep crimson reds and widens the overall available color spectrum.

OPC Function: The OPC function of the TV automatically alters brightness to adjust to changing room conditions.

Favorite Channels: The Favorite Channels setting allows you to program 4 of your favorite channels in 4 different banks; giving you a total of 16 easy access channels. The categories are easily accessible as "A", "B", "C" and "D" buttons on the remote.

Freezing Images: If an image appears on the screen that you want to capture, you can press the "Freeze" button on the remote. The image will remain on the screen for up to 30 minutes, or until you press the "Freeze" button again to release the image.

Color System: The TV allows you to select the video signal system compatible with your equipment. The Color System feature is only available for inputs 1/2 Video and Input 3. You can select from Auto, NTSC, PAL-M or PAL-N.

Image Position: You can center the picture horizontally or vertically if necessary.

Sound Adjustments: You can adjust the amount of bass and treble (-15 to +15) and set the balance between left and right speakers. In addition, you can turn on/off the virtual surround.

Audio Only Mode: When you only want to listen to the audio portion of a program, such as a music program, you can turn off the LCD screen by using the Audio Only mode.

Digital Noise Reduction: Digital Noise Reduction produces a clearer video image and can be set to High, Low, or Off.

Input Label: The TV lets you give inputs 1 through 5 a preset name; for example TV, DVD, etc.

Power Control: You can set power control settings to save energy. When set to Enable in the AV Input mode, the unit automatically turns off if no signal is received for 15 minutes, or if no operation is performed for 3 hours. Five minutes before the power shuts down, the remaining time displays every minute.

Secret Number: This feature allows you to use a secret number to protect certain settings from being accidentally changed.

V-Chip Parental Control: This feature allows you to limit the shows that can be viewed based on the TV Parental Guidelines and a movie's MPAA rating. After setting Parental Control "On", you must enter the 4-digit password to view blocked programs.

Closed Captioning: The TV is compatible with standard closed captioning, and the new Digital Closed Captioning system. The more flexible Digital Closed Captioning is more flexible, and can be customized with several options. You can choose the caption size, font style, foreground and background color, foreground and background opacity, and character edge.

Sleep Timer: This TV can be set to turn itself off in 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Remote Control (GA535WJSA): The supplied remote controls the TV's functions, plus controls basic functions for multiple brands of DVD players, VCRs, Cable boxes and Sharp audio systems. The remote features full button illumination, plus a number of buttons under a flip-down panel.

AQUOS LC-52D62U Specifications

Basic Picture Adjustments: You can make the following adjustments in the picture quality menu:

• Optical Picture Control (OPC): when set to on the OPC Sensor on the front panel automatically adjusts the backlight brightness according to the surrounding light
• Backlight: brightens or dims the screen (-16 to +16)
• Contrast: adjusts the contrast (0 to +40)
• Brightness: for more or less brightness (-30 to +30)
• Color: adjusts the color intensity (-30 to +30)
• Tint: adjusts skin tones from purplish to greenish (-30 to +30)
• Sharpness: adjusts sharpness of image edges (-10 to +10)

Advanced Picture Adjustments: In addition to the above picture adjustments, you can make further fine picture adjustments:

• Color Temperature: for better white balance, you can set the color temperature to High, Middle High, Middle, Middle Low, or Low
• Black: changes the viewing depth by automatically adjusting the dark portion of an image
• 3D-Y/C: setting provides high quality images with minimal dot crawl and cross color noise, select Fast for moving images, Slow for still images, or Standard for normal viewing
• Monochrome: for viewing a video in black & white switch the monochrome setting to On
• Film Mode: when set to On the film mode automatically detects, analyzes, and converts a film source (24 fps) to video (30 fps) using 3-2 Pull-down
• Fine Motion: use Fine Motion to view fast-action video more clearly
• Range of OPC: you can limit the range of adjustment by the OPC

AV Mode: This mode gives you 7 options to choose from to best match the environment, which can vary due to room brightness, type of program, or type of image input:

• Standard: highly defined image in a normally bright room
• Movie: for viewing movies
• User: allows you to customize the following settings and store them for each input source: brightness, contrast, color, tint, sharpness, and color temperature
• Dynamic (Fixed): changes image and sound settings to factory preset values and allows no adjustments
• Dynamic: for clear-cut image, emphasizing high contrast for sports viewing
• Game: lowers image brightness for easier viewing
• PC: ideal for PC when using the TV as a monitor

Standard View Modes: When viewing programs with a 4:3 aspect ratio, you can view the program in one of four modes:

• Side Bar: viewing the program in 4:3 with black bars on either side of the image
• Smart Stretch: stretches the program more horizontally than vertically to fill the screen
• Zoom: enlarges the picture equally until the screen is filled. (Also suitable for viewing widescreen 2.35:1 anamorphic DVDs in full screen)
• Stretch: suitable for viewing 1.78:1 DVDs. When viewing 1.85:1 DVDs, this mode will show thin black bands at top and bottom of the screen.

HD View Modes: When viewing an HD program you can select the following 4 viewing modes.

• Stretch: suitable for viewing 1.78:1 DVDs. When viewing 1.85:1 DVDs, this mode will show thin black bands at top and bottom of the screen.
• Dot by Dot (1080i/p only): detects the resolution of the signal and displays an image with the same number of pixels on the screen. When a 720p signal is being input, the image will be delivered in full screen.
• Smart Stretch: suitable for stretching 4:3 programs to fill the screen.
• Zoom: suitable for viewing wide-screen 2.35:1 aspect-ratio programs in full screen.

PC View Modes: You can connect the TV to your PC through the HDMI inputs to use the TV as a monitor. The following view modes are available in PC mode.

• 4:3 Input Signal: You can select between Normal, Zoom, Stretch, or Dot by Dot.
• 16:9 Input Signal: You can select between Stretch or Dot by Dot.

Closer Look: Sharp AQUOS HDTV

So with a long list of features and specifications to satisfy the most analytical shopper, let's move on to the section devoted to everyone else without a degree in engineering. Benchmark Reviews offers an up close look at the LC-52D62U.

The Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U sets a new standard for large-screen flat-panel LCD TVs. With Full HD Spec 1080p resolution, dramatically enhanced black level and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U utilizes the 8th generation of Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology, providing a native 2000:1 Contrast Ratio and a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 10,000:1 with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology, 4ms response time and wide viewing angles (176º H x 176º V). The AQUOS LC-52D62U has built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and includes 2 HDMI inputs, is compatible with 1080p signals, and has 2 HD component video inputs. The AQUOS LC-52D62U features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers, and the included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

If you didn't already notice it, that last paragraph above is part of Sharps standard marketing pitch. In most reviews, you won't find the manufacturers own words, but in this rare case it's true. Realizing that I cannot offer you the same experience with these images as I have with the product up close, I must do my best to describe the details of this product for you. For once the marketing department isn't stretching the truth.

The piano black bezel of the AQUOS LC-52D62U is so polished that it practically creates a mirror finish. If you live in a relatively dust-free region, which I envy, then this finish will outclass most of the surrounding equipment; which is most often times painted in a flat black. However, Nevada is a dusty desert of a state, and it seems all too often that I find myself cleaning a very light layer of dust from the bezel. Sadly, even using the greatest care with soft cotton towels the gloss finish begins to show superfine scratches.

To my alarming surprise, the first time I used the power button to shut down the LC-52D62U, the heat escaping through the top vents was more then I had ever previously experienced and it really caught my attention. LCD televisions are known for producing heat as a byproduct, and this was certainly a noticeable difference from the relatively cool-running 36" CRT which the Sharp AQUOS replaced. Even with vents literally everywhere on the back of this television, there was never a moment that it wasn't putting out heat.

Comparing thick to thin: the component connections located at the back side of the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U are so plentiful, that nearly every technology from both past and future are compatible by design. Supporting two (2) HDMI v1.2 ports for input, you can offer the AQUOS two sources of uncompressed digital content. One Toslink optical digital audio output port enables loss-free signal to supported devices, such as more modern A/V receivers. The digital output can be set to pass Dolby Digital or two channel PCM. There are also two (2) analog RCA component (YPbPr) input connections, which will come in handy for folks with older equipment. The RCA audio outputs can be switched from fixed level to variable. When set to variable, the internal speakers are muted.

On the downside, HTPC's and computer workstations will have to connect to the AQUOS through an DVI-HDMI converter, since this connection is not supported. If you are connecting a DVI-equipped device, you must indicate the type of signal in the menu (HDMI or DVI) to activate the audio inputs. In all honesty, I am not upset by the lack of DVI or D-Sub connections because HDMI video cards are already available and yield better performance. Those who are satisfied with their current video card can simply purchase and adapter.

Sharp AQUOS HDTV Details

Conversely, Sharp kept it plain and simple with regards to the remote control. Simply put, it is very capable, but not terribly feature rich. Don't expect to do any more than the absolutely essential functions with this remote, which will only store four hassle free one-button favorite channels. There are a few minor features under the lift-up lid, but it doesn't broaden the scope of operation. What this remote really needs is a suitable replacement, which is why I ultimately decided on the Logitech Harmony 890 Pro Advanced Universal Remote to control this television and the rest of my home theater.

The two 15-watt speakers are craftfully hidden beneath the front bezel, and set back an inch from the front. While the televisions menu controls for audio functions allows tuning of both treble and bass, there is no avoiding the fact that these speakers will not demand respect in a true home theater environment. For general television broadcasts, such as the news or a talk show, they are fine. However, for premium channel content you will want to take full advantage of the optical digital outputs into a suitable A/V receiver.

There are only a few small features located at the lower right corner of the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U. Beside the remote receiver window, there is also a window for the OPC which captures the level of light (or lack of) in the room. The remaining features will illuminate when the power is on, the sleep timer is enabled, or the OPC function is engaged.

A standout feature of recent AQUOS LCD televisions is OPC, which automatically adjusts the LCD bulb's brightness level based on ambient light levels around the TV. This feature gives users an optimal picture while preserving the brilliance of their TV for years to come. In rooms with windows or bright open space, the benefits of Sharp's OPC cannot be understated.

The plastic housing the LC-52D62U is very sturdy and not too thin. I have seen many products in the past which had a large amount of plastic, and they all were considerably pliable. The AQUOS uses similar plastics, but due to mounting and fastening points, the casing was very solid; even despite the array of slotted ventilation holes throughout the back.

Unlike traditional televisions, the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U is designed so that the few buttons it has (four total) are relocated from the front of the television to the top. Hidden behind the bezel and out of clear view, this relocation offers a clean design for this piece of sculpted technology. Since most people will never get off their ass to actually press these buttons, it won't make much difference where they are located. The remote control has replaced our legs, so the four total interface buttons are there merely for dire emergency situations.

Supplied Stand: The TV comes with an detachable matching stand. The 2-piece stand includes the hardware to assemble the stand, and attaches the TV to the stand. The stand adds approximately 2-1/2" to the overall height of the TV.

VESA Mounting Bracket Standard: The TV also has 4 mounting holes on the back for an aftermarket wall-mount bracket. The spacing of the mounting holes is VESA 200 (200mm vertical x 200mm horizontal), in accordance with the industry standards set by the Video Electronics Standards Association. If a VESA standard mounting bracket is not available, a universal wall-mount bracket that can accommodate a screw spacing of 7.874" (W) x 7.874" (H) can be used. The mounting holes accommodate M6 screws.

Conclusion: Sharp LC-52D62U

After a week worth of Blu-ray Disk movies at full 1080p, I have been gifted with the best multimedia experience to date. Certainly, this experience doesn't come free, but the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U is one of the best buys available for a large 1080p LCD HDTV.

UPDATE 20 Novemeber 2008: THe Sharp AQUOS is still listed at a few major online retailers through our price comparison tool for as low as $1293.

There were many pleasant surprises which accompanied the AQUOS experience. For example, some of the marketing information is understated, such as the viewing angle. While I don't know just how much Sharp's Four-wavelength Backlight System and Multi-Pixel Technology played a part in this, I could stand perpendicular to the television and still clearly see the picture. Plainly put, if you can see the screen, you can see the images, because there is absolutely no blind spot with this LCD.

The component inputs and outputs allow a very broad range of device connections, so overcoming the integrated speaker system (which is not all that bad) is not difficult at all. Although a VESA compatible mounting bracket would allow for a few more inches of viewing distance, as well as lift the unit off of the stand, I feel as though 83lbs is a lot more than I want to see my wall supporting. Additionally, the heat generated from the AQUOS is also vented out from the back of the unit, so mounting it to the wall could possibly reduce the cooling ability.

In summary, the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U offers one of (if not the best) value in the present 1080p HDTV market. After shopping for a new television for months, and comparing features and specifications against other models, my final decision and purchase of the LC-52D62U can be recommended to everyone. There's plenty of performance, a long list of features, and it all comes at a bargain price. If you are shopping for the future of HDTV technology, but without a price tag that costs you all of your future income, it's clear that the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U should be a the very top of your list.

I have received e-mail requesting details on my purchase, to include price and experience. I am going to refrain from listing my purchase price, because even today the price of the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U is still dropping a few dollars each week. In regards to my online purchase experience, I detailed the pitfalls of saving money by shopping online is the first part of this series: How to shop for your first HDTV.

Follow up (08/29/07): With more than 90-days worth of "testing", I have been consistently pleased with my selection of the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D62U among the many other HDTV's available. Not once have we experienced "banding" or any other LCD-related problems, and I can't recall ever wanting PiP. The only thing worth noting is that the set uses slightly less energy than listed in the specifications, which may be attributed to my preference for a lowered brighness. Additionally, this set and all of the other home theater system components are directly connected to the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA 900W LCD UPS, which to my complete surprise was able to power the entire system for nearly ten minutes of operation without AC power.

Pros:

+ Best value in 1080p HDTV's
+ Extremely clear picture (especially 1080p content)
+ Excellent all-around performance
+ (2) HDMI Inputs & digital optical output
+ Convenient stand included
+ Superior viewing angle (176º H x 176º V)
+ Great response time (4ms)
+ Excellent contrast ratio (2000:1)
+ Attractive design and polished finish

Cons:

- Creates considerable heat (vents from top)
- Gloss black frame attracts dust and shows fine scratches
- No Picture-in-Picture
- Lacking fine calibration tools / DVD

Ratings:

• Presentation: N/A (Freight packaging)
• Appearance: 9.25
• Construction: 9.0
• Functionality: 8.75
• Value: 9.0

Final Score: 9.0 out of 10.

Achievments: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.

Note: Several external resources were used to obtain technical data and information. Online references: Sharp, Digital Television, HDTVexpert, eCoustics, and Crutchfield. Sharp did not supply this product, offer marketing material, or give any helping guidance in this review.

Questions? Comments? Please visit the Benchmark Reviews Discussion Forum.

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