Sharp LC-32GA5U 32" AQUOS Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD TV

Rating:
Summary: Great Picture with HD or Progressive Scan DVD Content
Review: First, keep in mind that when ordering a TV from Amazon, once you sign the shipping paperwork, you own the TV and have to depend on the Sharp warranty. Amazon does not accept returns on TV's larger than 27" (the only items that have this policy). I decided that it was worth the risk for me, but others may not.

A few details regarding this particular model:
This is the same screen as the other Sharp 32" LCD TV's, such as the LC-32GD4U and LC-32G4U, with the following exceptions. For those of you wishing to hang this on the wall, the speakers on this unit are not detachable, no HD tuner as in the GD4U, and the unit is thicker than the others by about 1.25" because the other sets have an external box for all of the A/V connections (component, DVI, HDMI, etc.). Sharp seems to be catering toward those of us planning to use this more as a traditional TV, with the stand attached. However, the exception which I cared most about was the price, which was significantly lower than the other 32" Sharp or Sony LCD models, especially with the rebate currently offered by Sharp.

As with most of the new HDTVs, this set delivers an amazing picture with either HD or DVD content, mediocre to poor with SD pictures. Fortunely, HD ownership is increasing rapidly (expected to double this year) and with it HD content. The main reasons to select LCD technologies are the lower power usage (1/2 of plasma), longevity (2x the life of plasma), and improved color/brightness. Also, if you live at high elevation (I'm moving to Fort Collins, CO and property at 8000') then plasma has an irritating buzzing that will not only wear out your nerves but your set as well.

The knocks against LCD are that the blacks are not as black, decreased viewing angle, dead pixels, and the various size/cost complaints. Since I was not looking for any bigger than 32", LCD or CRT were the only choices, and I perferred the LCD picture quality due to the reduced eye strain (no flicker or scanning as with CRT). If comparing at Best Buy, Ciruit City, or the other retailers, yes, the black level on the LCD is not as good, but distinguishing dark detail at home has not been a problem, and is much better than my 10 year old Sony CRT. As for viewing angle, I cannot tell any difference between plasma and LCD even at 85 degrees, though I don't know anyone who really enjoys watching TV at such extreme angles. The dead pixel issue was a major concern at first, but with as small as the pixel size is for HD TV's, I can't even see the two on my TV from more than 2 or 3 feet away; besides, plasma displays can have similar problems. All in all, an excellent TV, especially for movie and sports lovers such as myself.