On August 31 Sharp announced two new widescreen, high definition (1080p), AQUOS LCD televisions in new screen sizes, 46 inch (LC-46D62U and 52 inch (LC-52D62U). The new design lines and the high-gloss “Piano Black” finish promise they will be stand outs when released in October.

The Sharp AQUOS line has really set the standard for LCD panel performance, producing some of the best flat panel LCD TVs on the market for a few years now. Not content to rest at the top, the 2006 Sharp AQUOS LCD TV lineup boasts even more improvements that are sure to impress. We’ll take a look at the standout features of these new LCD TVs before they hit the market.

Sharp have consistently pushed new technology barriers with each new LCD TV release and the new D62U models are no exception with the following notable features:

• Sharp’s new Four Wavelength Backlight System that adds a vivid crimson red to the traditional three-wavelength Red, Green and Blue LCD backlight. Sharp advertise that the result is a vast improvement in natural color reproduction minus any oversaturation that can occur with LCD TV panels. To quote Sharp, “This added color wavelength reproduces red scale colors that were once difficult to reproduce (see diagram below), such as those found in the deep red of wine, or a stunning red dress…” It is a development that brings these LCDs closer to the performance of the best plasma televisions for color performance.
• Improved viewing angles (up to 60%) have been delivered by Sharp’s proprietary Multi-Pixel Technology. Multi-Pixel Technology divides each pixel into two sections and adds an advanced driving system for improved color reproduction at wide viewing angles. Sharp note that the technology gives better color saturation and brightness in the horizontal viewing plane up to 176 degrees.
• The next generation of Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) / Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology for decreased colorshift.
• Built-in ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuners for access to DTV and analog TV channels.
• Low reflection black TFT panel to reduce the ambient light glare
• An impressive native contrast ratio of 2000:1 and 10000:1 dynamic contrast ratio supported by Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology.
• Further improved response times with Sharp’s Enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry delivering a blisteringly fast pixel response time of 4 ms that promises excellent picture quality in fast-moving action video. This figure is sure to be noted by gamers.
• Enhanced black levels
• Dual HDMI inputs

Other Specification Details:

• Brightness 450 cd/m2
• Lamp Life 60,000 hours
• Audio System 2 x 15 W speakers
• Aspect Ratio16:9
• HD Component Input x 2
• S-Video Input x 1
• Composite Video Input x 3
• Audio Inputs x 4

Warranty

Sharp provide a one year limited warranty on parts and labor

Resources

LC-52D62U and LC-46D62U Operation Manual (PDF 2.4MB)

Other Sharp AQUOS Models

Moving to a D64U Sharp AQUOS models drops off one HDMI port but gains a PC Input and a RS232 connection for custom installations.

A further upgrade to the Sharp AQUOS D92U models brings a step up from a 4 to a 5 Wavelength Backlighting system which delivers an even wider color gamut for more true-to-life images. There is a jump in dynamic contrast ratio from 10,000 to 15,000:1 and static contrast ratio from 2,000 to 3,000:1 which delivers deeper blacks and more detail in darker scenes. The number of composite video inputs drops by one.

The latest release, premium AQUOS LCD HDTV models are the Special Edition SE94U models which have the latest display panel technology from Sharp. Among other improvements the latest display panels boost the dynamic contrast ratio from 15,000:1 to 27,000:1. The headline feature of the SE94U models is the delivery of customized Internet content and live customer support via Ethernet, viewable in full-screen, split screen or sidebar format. Distinguished by an attractive new Cornerstone design these models also have an extra composite video connection.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Amazon has competitive prices and customer reviews and ratings to consider.
Sharp Aquos LC46D62U 46-inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Sharp Aquos LC52D62U 52-inch 1080p LCD HDTV

TheNerds.net also has user reviews and ratings to go with competitive prices.
46 AQUOS PIANO BLACK 16:9 HDTV (1920X1080) 4MS W/FINE MOTION 10,000:1 RATIO 1
52 AQUOS PIANO BLACK 16:9 HDTV (1920X1080) 4MS W/FINE MOTION 10,000:1 RATIO 10