RSS Feeds
Screens
Sharp Releasing Solid, Budget 1080p LCDs with SB Series
Posted by Mark Wilson at 6:01 AM on August 6, 2008
Depending on your definition of "cheap," Sharp may or may not be releasing inexpensive SB Series LCDs, but their prices aren't so bad relative to the market. Their new line of 52, 46 and 42-inch 1080p televisions will feature a decent 6ms response time and run US$2,300, US$1,700 and US$1,400, respectively. But since these figures are retail prices, don't be surprised to see the displays around for plenty less. All televisions are available now save for the 42-inch, which will be around next month. Here are the full details:
SHARPÒ INTRODUCES ENTRY-LEVEL LINES OF FULL HD 1080P WIDESCREEN LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY TELEVISIONS
New Models Provide Stunning High-definition Viewing & Stylish Slim-Line Designs at Competitive Prices
MAHWAH, N.J., August 5, 2008 - Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Televisions, is expanding its large-screen SB series of LCD HDTVs, making the sought-after high-definition (HD) experience available to more consumers. The SB series (LC-52SB55U, LC-46SB54U and LC-42SB45U) provides consumers with affordably-priced Full HD, big-screen options, available in 52- 46-, and 42-inch screen size class units (diagonal 52 1/32", 45 63/64 and 42 1/64" respectively), some of the most popular screen sizes today. All three feature Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution), and are cased in a glossy piano-black bezel.
"As the demand for high-definition home entertainment continues to rise, we are creating a wide range of reasonably-priced HDTVs that incorporate Sharp's esteemed picture quality and renowned features," said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, marketing, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp. "The large-screen SB series of LCD TVs opens up the high-definition viewing experience to a wider audience, providing an affordable, yet high-quality option for consumers."
Helping more consumers create a true high-definition home theatre, the large-screen 1080p SB models feature Sharp's Spectral Contrast Engine for deep blacks and crisp images. All three models also feature an impressive pixel response time of 6ms (6.5ms on the LC-42SB45U), providing excellent picture quality on fast-moving action scenes, and wide viewing angles so the TV can be viewed from virtually any seat in the room.
Additionally, these sets come fully equipped with built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners and an array of inputs, including four HDMITM on the LC-52SB55U, two on the LC-46SB54U and three on the LC-42SB45U, as well as two HD component terminals on each. All models feature a dedicated PC input so the TV can also act as a PC monitor. An OPC Power Save function automatically adjusts luminance to room brightness and lighting conditions.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
nflsonic
Posted 6:57 AM 6/8/08
I have a 26" Sharp Aquos, but I'm not so satisfied with it anymore. Shortly after the year warranty expired, a vertical blue (cyan?) line appeared on the left hand side of the screen. It disappears after about 10 minutes, but it's still annoying.
Other than that, the quality is pretty good. But I'm a little hesitate on purchasing another Sharp.
nflsonic
CajunGuy
Posted 6:35 AM 6/8/08
@FritzLaurel: You're right, but I highly suspect that price to drop dramatically over the coming months. I've been looking into getting a Visio, but it's very difficult to find decent reviews on them. I love their price point, but I'd hate to buy one and end up dissatisfied with the picture.
CajunGuy
FritzLaurel
Posted 6:27 AM 6/8/08
$1400 for a 42" 1080p? That's not budget. Vizio's 42" 1080p for $999 at Costco, now that's budget!
FritzLaurel
BostonPimpDaddy2
Posted 6:18 AM 6/8/08
I've always liked Sharp LCDs, I have a 32" Aquos over a year old and it has a great picture quality.
BostonPimpDaddy2
jayway
Posted 7:21 AM 6/8/08
I waited waited and waited. 3 weeks ago I bought 47 in Vizio LCD at cosctco for 1299. WOW! i love it. I went to costco yesterday and it is down to 1199. I thought about returning it for the 100. but the one they sell now has a chrome strip at the bottom I dont like.
for 100 Ill hold.
now if the price drops again in my 90 day return ill have to see.
jayway
BostonPimpDaddy2
Posted 7:19 AM 6/8/08
@F_munk: First I heard of Sharp LCD power issues.
BostonPimpDaddy2
F_munk
Posted 7:16 AM 6/8/08
Do not buy a Sharp TV, ever. Reglardless of what Consumer Reports says. I had one and it died just after a year. Since it was out of warranty and prices on new TVs were still high, I had to pay $700 to have it fixed. 2 years later, it died again. A quick search on Google revealed all sorts of power related issues covering just about every model made. Stay away from this brand.
F_munk
dirtybacon
Posted 7:10 AM 6/8/08
@nflsonic: Is that the banding issue people always talk about? If it is, Sharp might help replace the set.
I have an Aquos and I LOVE it. I couldn't decide between that or a Toshiba when I bought it, stood at a BB for half an hour (they were mounted one above the other) finally decided to go with the Aquos as it was the one I wanted.
I have been completely satisfied with this purchase and recommend the set to everyone.
If the price is right on the small on of these in the coming months, I might get a set for my bedroom.
dirtybacon
blm
Posted 7:46 AM 6/8/08
I've been looking for my first HDTV. The Samsung A550's look nice and have good reviews on amazon and elsewhere, and the Aquos' are popular, now these seem attractive too. So many choices...
blm
FritzLaurel
Posted 7:43 AM 6/8/08
@CajunGuy: That's why you buy it at Costco. Their return policy is the best I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. If you don't like it, you have 90 days to return it no questions asked. If something breaks on it, they extend the mf. warranty to 2 yrs.
Combine that w/ the price and you can't go wrong, IMHO. Of course, YMMV.
FritzLaurel
FullyShadow
Posted 7:37 AM 6/8/08
oooh this is great! i'll finally be able to upgrade from my 27 inch tv to a 42 inch or maybe a 46. but those are great prices! can't wait!
FullyShadow
JDisnidiet
Posted 9:18 AM 6/8/08
Go look at the sets in person. Reading about them and basing one's choice on price is not a good way to select a set.
JDisnidiet
willyolio
Posted 4:07 PM 6/8/08
$1400 for 42" is pretty much normal since last year...
willyolio
Quatre707
Posted 9:01 PM 6/8/08
Those prices better be the normal MSRP (a.k.a. nobody actually pays those prices @ retail)
I bought my 46" 1080P Sharp LCD 46D64U for $1,300 new, before a 10% off coupon, and it is higher quality than these new "budget 1080p LCDs"
So I'd expect this new 42" budget model to be on sale at a Best Buy for $899-$1099
Quatre707