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Sharp AQUOS LC-52D64U Review
52" 1080p LCD HDTV, $2999
RedLine

Sharp AQUOS LC-52D64U

Dick De Jong
April 21, 2008
HDTV Solutions


Introduction

I'll admit it. I'm getting spoiled. Before I started this job, I thought a 23" TV was huge. Nowadays, I consider that size just about right for a computer monitor / desktop TV. But until a couple of weeks ago I still had not decided on my ideal measurement for a home theater HDTV - one that can recreate that cinema in your living room experience.

Then the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D64U arrived. It took a couple of days for me to realize it, but after sampling some of my favorite movies, I thought, "Where's the popcorn?"

This 52" TV fits my movie watching viewing angle. But size only matters if the picture quality is up to snuff and this AQUOS delivers a rich, bright beautiful image that engages my senses.

(Editor's note: If your eyes or budget are more moderate, Sharp does make a 42" and 46" version of their D64 line, the LC-42D64U and the LC-46D64U. Of course, if you are really, really spoiled, then consider the 65" LC-65D64U. Since the specs are the same for all four models, this review can be applied to all of them. Sharp has recently released the 32" LC-32D64U and the 37" LC-37D64U. They also can fall under this review even though they have slightly different specs.)

Our Star Ratings
Performance: 4.5 4.5 Star Rating
The LC-52D64U renders the full palette of colors marvelously, better than almost every TV that I have reviewed. The blacks could be deeper and the audio system is nothing to shout about. Though if I rated on color rendition alone, I would give it 5 stars.
Features: 4.0 4.0 Star Rating
Three HDMI inputs should be adequate for most users. But the USB port does not accept JPEGs or MP3 files. And with no Ethernet port, you cannot connect to your home computer network. Of course, if you just want to watch TV and DVDs, then add up to a whole point.
Ease of Use: 4.5 4.5 Star Rating
The advantage of having a TV with less features is that it is less complicated to use. Since the default picture settings are very good (though please take it off Dynamic), this AQUOS is almost a plug and play TV. The biggest task will be attaching the stand.
Value: 4.5 4.5 Star Rating
In the current marketplace, 40" displays hit the sweet price point. Stepping up to a 46" often brings a major increase in cost. And moving to 52" can be even more severe. But if your pocketbook allows you to shop for 52" HDTVs, then the stellar home theater performance of the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D64U makes it a good value proposition.
Star Ratings Description
Ratings are relative to when the review was written. The obvious example is Value, what you could purchase for $2000 two years ago or even two months ago would seem like a bad value for that price now. We have given only a precious few 5 Star ratings, which we reserve for truly outstanding accomplishment.

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Reader Comments

Posted Jan 9, 2009 4:05:33 PM

By David B Fox
I never thought that I would be THIS much impressed with my Sharp Electronics AQUOS LC-52D64U 52" LCD TV. The colors are rich, contrast ratio is near perfect, and it has the best viewing angles than any other LCD TV of this size. Needless to say, my Blu-Ray discs look incredibly lifelike. I love this television!

Posted Nov 18, 2008 1:09:53 PM

By Raye Farrar
I have been playing HD games on my PC for a long time and didn't realize what I had been missing in my TV viewing. This is my first HD TV and I was blown away! Watching football or Nascar in 1080p, the picture feels like I am at the event. Setup was fairly easy, though I did mess with the picture controls for a few days to get it exactly where I wanted it. I am purchasing a second one for the bonus room, aka entertainment room.

Posted Nov 16, 2008 2:27:09 PM

By Robert Fetter
Just bought this set this week end and am still getting used to it, so I'll defray and negitive comments for now except for one: I couldn't get my set to hook up from the set top HD digital cable box. My box only had DVI and octopus outputs, so I had been using DVI and the audio output to the TV HDMI and audio inputs. This worked fine with my old LCD TV, but not with this one. I had to change my cable box to one that had HDMI output so I could get the audio to work. Bummer!!! Other than that the rest of the setup was straight forward, and this review has also added some additional benefits. BTW, my set is a 46", but other than that it is the same.
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