Advice on a Sharp

[JoePa2624]

Hey guys, I'm kind of new the world of LCD TVs so I'm having a little trouble deciding. My dad and I are in the market for a new TV in the living room and want a 52" 1080p LCD. I'm curious to know if the Sharp LC-52SB55 is a good choice. This is mainly for parents and they're not too concerned with having the best on the market and would rather get the better "deal". This TV being $1200, I think sounds like a good deal but I wanted the experts' opinions

Here's a quick link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....ba4a83ecacfe5f


Thanks guys

[UK_fan_05]

I'll let someone else answer your question, but IMO, it looks like a good television. I think it has a descent contrast ratio and has 4 HDMI inputs, so that is always a plus.

[BACsader]

If you want a really good tv, I would look elsewhere. I am sure this TV is good but Samsung IMO makes better LCD displays. What is your price range?

[JoePa2624]

Looking to spend right around $1500. But my dad likes this tv mainly b/c of the price. Samsung and Sony were at the top of the list and we found the Samsung ln-52a550, but at almost $400 more than the Sharp, he's not sure he'll notice the difference...This will be my parents' first true high definition tv.

[callas01]

Although I think sharps are nice TV's, this one is actually not that great. The contrast ratio(dynamic), which can mean nothing when compared to other MFG's is low even when compared to other sharps. This is important because this is what aids in creating better blacks and more depth to the picture. Honestly, you are better off getting a Samsung LN52A550, or Sony KDL-52V4100. The comparable Sharp to these two is going to be the Sharp LC52D65U. Yes these are all more expensive, but with LCD's you get what you pay for. Also, the one sharp aquos I did play with at BB I couldnt get rid of the GREYNESS of the blacks, which told me I will always buy a Sony or Samsung, BUT that is just ME.

The other alternative is to get a Plasma. Panasonic 50PZ80U or 85U. just be sure to break it in properly and then get the DVE (digital video essentials) DVD or blu-ray, (depending on you player) to calibrate it after the break-in period.

Otherwise I will tell you that, if you and your dad are happy with it, then be happy. and Congrats.

[callas01]

Amazon.com $1574 for a Samsung 52" LN52A550, take a few days to get there, but better price and better tv.

[E55 KEV]

This is a tv you buy based solely on price, imo. Go for it. The Sharp LC52SB55U for $1299.99 is probably the lowest priced 52" on the market right now. My buddy has that one and he likes it alot. It is also available at Circuit City (same price) and Walmart.com for $1898.00. Before Christmas it was $1199.99 at CC.

The reviews from owners on BB and CC rate it high.

[JoePa2624]

Originally Posted by callas01

The other alternative is to get a Plasma. Panasonic 50PZ80U or 85U. just be sure to break it in properly and then get the DVE (digital video essentials) DVD or blu-ray, (depending on you player) to calibrate it after the break-in period.

I've been kind of intrigued by plasma TVs b/c of how much less they cost than LCDs. However, my parents have a plasma and it developed a red vertical line on the screen b/c of a faulty circuit and now they swear to never buy a plasma again.

I think for my parents, they would rather keep the cost down than buy a better looking tv. But would dropping down to a 46" that looks better be worth it?

[BACsader]

Problems are just as likely with an LCD as they are with Plasma.

[callas01]

Yes, 46" would be worth it depending on if the seating distance. I'd say not more then 7-10 feet. Problems are just inherent to all tv's regardless of type. as a matter of fact, any electronic could potentially have problems.

[JoePa2624]

Originally Posted by BACsader

Problems are just as likely with an LCD as they are with Plasma.

And that's what I said. They have an LG 42" plasma and b/c of the problem claim all LGs are horrible TVs...yet I have an LG 32" LCD and have had no problems in over 2 years.

However, it looks like my dad has done a complete 180. He now wants the Philips 52PFL7403D and says he's willing to spend the extra money for the higher contrast ratio and 120hz. http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...233&pCatg=5883

Buying a TV is worse than buying a car these days

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

I love my Sharp. Its a 32" 1080p with 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The blacks have so much depth and IMO I can compare it to a Sony or Samsung of its size.

[Into_the_Blu]

In my research I read that the Sharp Aquos LCD's have banding issues on their 46" and above sizes. They also have glossy screens which produces a lot of reflection.

Just something to keep in mind, although those who own an Aquos might be better telling you from experience.

I settled on Sony's 52" XBR4.........I love it!! Pricey, but a great TV.

[Frag]

If he is going to spend that kind of money he would be way better off getting the Samsung LN52A630 than any Philips. Its on sale a Circuit City this week for $1899. He could also look at the Sony KDL-52W4100 which also comes with a free Sony BDP-S350 blu-ray player for $1899 also at Circuit City.

[ixlegitballinxl]

not a lot of sharp fans here

Sony/Samsung... or Samsung/Sony

Get the best tv you can afford!

[E55 KEV]

Originally Posted by JoePa2624

However, it looks like my dad has done a complete 180. He now wants the Philips 52PFL7403D and says he's willing to spend the extra money for the higher contrast ratio and 120hz. http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...233&pCatg=5883

you just missed all the Philips Bundles with free Blu-ray player, however the 52" 1080p 60hz for $1594 still has the free BD player.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=77297

[supersix4]

you wont get the contrast like say a pani plasma or pioneer ... but it does do a great job on contrast/ overall pq... the speakers Ive found with my sharp are a tad weak but fine for tv.

a great indicator if your worried about CR is AVp2 as it is an EXTREMELY dark movie. Our Pioneer did an amazing AMazing job showing the blacks, where my sharp did a much, much better job then our other tv's, it wasnt over the top the way our Elite was.


overall if your on a budget its an awsome choice, and you will get great quality for the money. But if you can spend a little more ($300) i'd go with the TH-50PZ85U/TH-50PZ80U(which is less), because after owning sharp,pani,sony,and pioneer I'd rank them 1.Pioneer, 1.aPani, 2.Sony, 3.sharp(from my owning xp).

hope that helps

[Mr. HiDef]

go with the sharp my buddy has the same model but the 42" and I have a 46" and 52" but deff model and absolutely love them

[JoePa2624]

well I appreciate all the input guys. We decided to go with the Philips b/c on paper it sounds like a great tv, 52" 1080p, 33000:1 CR, 120hz, 2 ms response time...I'm just kind of skeptical about Philips brand TVs, so we'll see I guess. So far it's a great looking tv and is 1000X better than the old LG plasma.

Thanks again guys, I think my dad caught a case of my blu-sickness

[emacs]

Originally Posted by JoePa2624

I'm just kind of skeptical about Philips brand TVs, ...

if you're concerned about the panel itself it's not necessary because there's only two or three companies that supply panels for the entire LCD industry.