Sharp’s LC-65D90U LCD TV at 65 inches was the world’s largest LCD when announced in September 2005. However in January Sharp announced the development of a 108 inch monster a prototype of which was displayed at the recent CES in Las Vegas. However, the LC-65D90U still has a large price tag in comparison to competitors.

The LC-65D90U is capable of full 1080p (1920 x 1080) high definition and has a built in HDTV tuner. Along with its other 90U siblings, it has a titanium finish and twin detachable speakers. The television comes with a stand which can be removed for wall mounting.

The Sharp AQUOS line has been recognized by awards as setting a standard for LCD panel performance. However, a detraction with this model worth noting is that neither digital input type provided will accept 1080p signals removing the possibility of enjoying the latest high definition DVDs. Some of the standout features of the LC-65D90U Sharp AQUOS are:

• 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, 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.
• Excellent viewing angles 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. It should be noted that the viewing angle for the LC-65D90U while good at 170º H / 170º V is less than for its 90U siblings which have viewing planes up to 176 degrees.
• A CableCARD slot with an integrated TV Guide On Screen program guide allows viewing of digital cable programs, including premium channels, without the need for an external cable box.
• 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
• A suitably high contrast ratio of 1200:1
• Further improved response times with Sharp’s Enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry delivering a fast pixel response time of 6 ms that promises excellent picture quality in fast-moving action video.
• Enhanced black levels
• Long lamp life of 60,000 hours.

Differences Between 90U Series Models

The LC-65D90U has two sibling models in the 90U series – the LC-57D90U and the LC-37D90U.

• 170º H / 170º V viewing angles for LC-65D90U are about 6 degrees less than for other two models.
• LC-65D90U and LC-57D90U have CableCARD/NTSC
• LC-57D90U has Surround Sound Virtual Dolby
• The LC-57D90U has a higher contrast ratio of 1500 compared with its two siblings.
• The 57D has faster 4ms response time versus 6ms for its siblings
• The LC-37D90U has a RS-232C input (9-pin mini D-Subx1)
• The LC-37D90U has twin HDMI connections for 37D wich are 1080p compatible as opposed to single HDMI, 1080p incompatible for its siblings.
• There is no iLink input for the LC-37D90U

Differences between 62U models reviewed and 90U Models

Sharp have another 1080p capable LCD TV series – the 62U series. Following are some of the more notable differences between the series:

• ASV / Black TFT LCD for 62U vs Advanced Super View LCD for 90U
• 2 x 15 W speakers for 62U vs 2 x 10 W speakers for 90U models
• LC-65D90U and LC-57D90U have CableCARD
• LC-57D90U has Surround Sound Virtual Dolby
• Higher contrast ratio for 62U range 2000:1 Native / 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio with Enhanced
• 62U range doesn’t have View Modes – Stretch, Stretch, Zoom, Dot by Dot (for PC), Normal (for PC)
• 62U range has no DVI Input DV-I x1
• 62U range has no i Link Input
• 62U range has twin HDMI Inputs (1080p compatible) as does the LC-37D90U in the 90U range – others in 90U range have single HDMI (not 1080p compatible)
• 62U range has RS-232C inputs (9-pin mini D-Subx1) as does LC-37D90U of 90U models
• 4 Audio Inputs (L/R) for 82U range compared with 3 for 90U series
• Black cabinet color for 62U series vs titanium color for 90U series

Warranty

Sharp provide a one year limited warranty on parts and labor

Further Reading

Presentation Technology Reviews has previously reviewed Sharps LCD projectors the Sharp XG-C330X and XG-C430X.

A recent review covered an interesting offering from Hitachi the W37L-H9000 LCD HDTV which includes new technology, in-plane switching and an integrated digital video recorder with twin tuners.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Sharp LC-65D90U – 65″ Aquos LCD TV – widescreen – 1080p (FullHD) – HDTV – titanium

Specifications