The LC-42D62U features 1200:1 Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176 degrees H x 176 degrees V). It also includes built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners, 2 HDMI, 2 HD component video inputs, and is compatible with 1080p signals. The Sharp LC-42D62U HDTV features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers, and the included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.
Overall after nearly 60 days of daily viewiing I am very pleased with my purchase of this Sharp LCD and woould highly recommend putting it on your list of considerations for 42 LCD TVs, especially if you have an eye toward 1080p capability. Below is my purchase and set-up history.
In mid October 2006 I went to buy my first wide screen HDTV with the intention of buying a Panasonic TH-42PX60U for about $1800. After talking with the sales person at BestBuy he convinced me that with the amount of ambient lighting I described I would be better off with an LCD. So he showed me the new Sharp 42", LC-42D62U. It looked nice in the store, had 1080P capability and the price seemed fair. Sharp LCDs, according to Consumer Reports, have a good reliability rating. Cost: $1999. There was also a new Sony 40" KDL40XBR2 that looked real good too but for over a $1000 more I couldn't justify buying it based on the quality of the picture and I took 45 minutes to compare them. And I did get 2 more inches with the Sharp.
So I brought the LC-42D62U Sharp home. I was able to set it up quickly, integrating it with my Kenwood VR4080B AV receiver, an up converting Toshiba SD-4990DVD, which converts 480i to 720i. It only cost $90. I no longer use a VCR, cassette deck or turntable so with only the AV Receiver and the DVD things went smoothly. I have a 5:1 surround system and with my room size that's seems to be enough.
The on-screen menus were helpful once I got to know them. I tried out the remote but I was already spoiled on using my Kenwood remote w/LCD so the Sharp remote seemed pretty modest in comparison. No button for back to previous channel was a big disppointment.
I don't use the Sharp speakers so no review help on that.
Strength
Very clear, undistorted picture. Vibrant, realistic colors. Blacks look decent to me. No noticeable reflections in moderate ambient lighting, including daylight. I have seen review that complained about details in dark scenes so examine for that yourself. A reasonable side angle viewing. Fairly lightweight at about 65 lbs. Video procesing seems fine with no lags in sports actions, for example.
Two HDMI inputs.
Weakness
Remote is just average. I actually use a universal so this is not a problem. No Optical (audio) or Coaxial (audio) connections. No PIP.
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