Sharp AQUOS LC40LE700UNThis TV replaced a 32″ VIZIO HDTV that I hung on the wall in the far corner of my bedroom last spring and subsequently discovered was too small for viewing at that distance (14′). This Sharp AQUOS is as advertised: sleek, glossy, and energy efficient (75 Watts!) with a beautiful picture.
My Ergotron pivot arm mounting system was sturdy enough to accommodate this under 30 lb. set with no problems. I was even able to install it by myself.
The set has no little lights glowing when it is off so it works well in the bedroom. Setup was very easy with my DirecTV HD receiver and with my off-air antenna cable distribution system for all the local stations. The favorite channel settings require some forethought before entering them, and I didn’t find a way to skip/delete unwanted channels except by using the favorites system. The set and picture are highly configurable, but I just use the ‘auto’ setting for the picture. The blacks are incredible–to my eyes I don’t know how they could be improved even though Sharp, wisely I think, avoided the fad of dynamic changes in LED backlight levels with their current LED offerings. This HDTV series is also relatively cheap compared to the competition.
I can’t comment on the sound because I use a ZVOX original 315 that I have had for years. I will say however that the audio circuitry is audibly superior to that of the VIZIO 32″ it replaced. It doesn’t ‘pop’ when you power the TV down and the AQUOS’ sound through the ZVOX seems to include the full audio spectrum of the broadcast program.