Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Received this 1080p LCD TV two days ago...this is an initial hands-on review. This is the first line of LCD TVs to contain a built-in Blu-ray DVD player. I needed this because of space limitations and for convenience. This TV extracts the highest resolution from Blu-ray DVDs for an exceptional picture. Conventional DVDs also produce an excellent picture and are upconverted from 480p. So far, I'm pleased. This TV will accept virtually all current video signals up to 1080p + PC input, making it as future proof as any current LCD TV. But there are some caveats.
1. TV Setup: TV is well packaged and protected. The Owners Manual is detailed and understandable. You must attach the base stand to the TV unless you intend to wall hang it. The black lacquer stand attaches easily using phillips screws and a screwdriver provided. All plastic protective coverings stayed on the TV and stand until final placement because black lacquer surfaces and LCD screens attract fingerprints and scratches. The base doesn't swivel or tilt. It is hefty and supports the TV very well.
2. Inputs abound: Seven inputs can handle most sources. They include three HDMI HDCP inputs, an Analog PC input, and various component/S-video/composite combos. Additionally, a USB input (called a Service Terminal) is provided for future firmware updates. I have an HD TiVo with HD Digital Cable service connected via HDMI. The TV and TiVo synched perfectly and the TV automatically labeled this input as TiVo...cool feature. Picture controls are adjustable for each input and maintain their settings.
3. Blu-ray Player (Profile 1.1, upgradeable): The DVD player forms a slight bulge on the rear right of the TV and is not obvious. It has a USB port for memory expansion and an ethernet port for future BD-Live capability. When a DVD is inserted into the loading slot, the TV switches to DVD input, reads the type disc and begins playing. Very easy to use! I tested two Blu-ray DVDs and two conventional DVDs without a hitch. Blu-ray DVDs took just under two minutes to load their data and play. Conventional DVDs took less than a minute. Commercial or homemade music CDs also work, however homemade MP-3 music disks will not play. The DVD player initially makes slight noises as the disk is loading. Once play starts it is silent. If there is a fan, it is very quiet. DVD functionality seems very well integrated into the electronics, remote control, and overall operation of this TV.
4. Limitations of the Blu-ray player: First, audio output to A/V receivers is bitstream via optical output in Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2-channel PCM. Analog 2-channel rca outputs are also provided. None of the next generation audio formats found on Blu-ray DVDs, i.e., Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, can be output. Second, if the player fails I must return the entire TV for service. Third, this is a profile 1.1 player. The owners manual indicates it will be upgradeable to profile 2.0 at a future date. If you can live with these limitations (which I can), then convenience, space savings, and ease of use make this a valuable addition.
5. Performance: Overall excellent picture with Standard and High Definition sources, after some adjustment. Sound is about average for this size TV. Bass and Treble, along with a Surround mode are adjustable. Blu-ray DVDs display exceptional video quality. HD Cable programs are pristine. Normal DVDs look very good. Sound is boosted slightly when playing DVDs and I perceived a very slight improvement in overall dynamics. Out of the box, after some adjustments, this TV exhibits a very slight red push...not a deal breaker. This means reds were somewhat over emphasized in all picture modes. Luckily, the Color Management System allows very detailed adjustment of each of six colors in Hue, Saturation, and Value (brightness). This is in addition to the normal contrast, tint, brightness, and color controls. Additionally, backlight is adjustable (from off to full on) as are video noise reduction controls. I'm sure with the help of my Avia test DVD and some experimenting, I'll be able to tweak the picture to my liking.
6. Summary: I'm very satisfied at this point. Factoring the price of a separate Blu-ray player into the price of a quality 1080p 32inch LCD TV makes this combo a reasonable alternative to separate components in my view. Limitations aside, the convenience of having a well integrated DVD player attached to a TV makes sense for many folks.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp AQUOS LC32BD60U 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Built-In Blu-ray Player
Once again, Sharp demonstrates its LCD technology leadership by successfully creating a new LCD-TV category. By leveraging their expertise in Blu-ray Disc Player technology, Sharp's AQUOS engineers have developed Full HD 1080p LCD-TVs with built-in Blu-ray Disc slots, enabling customers to take easy and full advantage of 1080p Blu-ray Disc titles. The slot is also backward-compatible with DVD and CD titles. The LC32BD60U feature Sharp's proprietary new Superlucent Advanced Super View LCD panel for the brightest, most vivid colors with reduced reflection. Sharp's proprietary Spectral Contrast Engine UD (Ultra Dark) provides high contrast ratio and deep black levels. The LC32BD60U is fully featured with three HDMI terminals, two HD component inputs, a PC input and RS-232C for control.
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