Sharp’s LC-32GA5U AQUOS™ is a state-of-the-art 32" widescreen1 LC-TV that can easily enhance the decor of any family room, living room or den. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, HDTV-compatible resolution of 1366 x 768 and breathtaking color purity, it is a next-generation TV to carry you into the high-definition future. The LC-32GA5U utilizes Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel, which provides levels of high brightness (450 cd/m2), an 800:1 contrast ratio, and wide viewing angles (170º H x 170º V). Additionally, the LC-32GA5U is an HDTV Monitor, which means it is compatible with 720p signals from HDTV sources (separate DTV decoder required). The LC-32GA5U features an elegant new design. In addition, the included table stand can be easily removed for wall mounting applications.
Inject some liquid-crystal excitement into your personal computing and home theater viewing with Sharp's AQUOS LC-32GA5U Advanced Super View high-definition television. The 32-inch flat-panel set is picture-frame thin yet broad enough and vivid enough to transform your family room into a palace of world-class entertainment. With 1,366 x 768 native pixel resolution, the widescreen LC-32GA5U offers compatibility with high-definition video sources up to 720p. Two built-in speakers powered by 10 watts per channel render full-bodied stereo sound, and the set's table stand detaches for wall mounting (wall-mount brackets optional).
LCD screens offer a number of benefits over CRT monitors and televisions, including general ease of use, freedom from eye strain (no screen flickering or radiation emissions), quiet operation (no high-pitch "flyback" noise, an issue with CRT TVs), accurate image geometry (no curvature distortion or susceptibility to magnetic interference from, say, speakers), long screen life (no risk of image burn-in), space savings, and light weight/easy positioning. They also tend to be more affordable than their flat-panel plasma counterparts, which often (though not always) offer faster response times and higher contrast ratios.
Sharp's proprietary Quick Shoot video circuit ensures a lightning-quick response time of less than 16 ms for smooth-as-silk video and gaming graphics. The LC-32GA5U's Advanced Super View/black TFT (thin-film-transistor) screen offers exceptionally wide (170- by 170-degree) viewing angles and an extraordinary contrast ratio of 800:1 for super-black blacks.
Its high brightness (450 cd/m2) ensures wide dynamic range for vivid colors, great depth, and realism. You can place it anywhere--near windows, doors, or other light sources--and its picture will remain vivid. And, with its 60,000-hour lamp life, the backlight life is long enough to give you viewing pleasure for many years.
Connections consist of 2 high-definition component-video inputs, 1 DVI-I (Digital Visual Interface-Integrated) input for your PC, 1 HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) input, 3 composite-video inputs, 1 S-video input, and 1 RF input (HDTV reception may require an antenna). An audio/video output (composite- and S-video with stereo analog audio) facilitates hookup with a surround receiver, DVR, VCR, or other destination.
DVI-I is a direct-digital DVI terminal capable of transmitting both analog and digital video data. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV or monitor. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multi-channel digital audio--all using a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.
What's in the Box
LCD TV, remote control, remote batteries, a detachable table stand, an AC power cord (designed for 110 to 125V), a cable clamp, a cable tie, and a user's manual.
1 ..Warranty is not too sharp.
After purchase though the net, the unit arrived safely and without damage. It was carefully and properly set up and wouldn't work. The image disappeared, audio remained. This is quite frustrating and I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a 3000$ purchase from a well-known manufacturer to work out of the box.
Warranty requirements state that the defective unit must be sent to Sharp not the retailer. This would have cost me another
200$. I was able to take the whole unit to a Sharp-authorized repair shop who diagnosed the problem as a "bad" board that needed replacing. However, I was told I would be responsable for payment for the new board and their time - about 900$ total - and I could take up the warranty with Sharp myself.That was two months ago and I am still waiting. I am told that it is back ordered by Sharp Japan.
All in all, the warranty policies are clumsey, expensive to the consumer and there are no parts in the event of a failure. Who wants that?
If I ever get it going, I'll report again.
2 Defective Sound
The LC-32GA5U is a stripped down version of the Sharp 32" line of LCDs with non-swiveling base, non-detachable speakers and non-digitally processed sound (more expensive AQUOS models have these features). SDTV display is very average and doesn't seem to be deinterlaced/up-converted. DVD 480p displays were very good though; I didn't get a chance to hook up to HDTV 720p. My biggest problem was the constant background noise on every input source when sound was turned up to 50% as this is required to get adequate output for most DVDs due to the meager 10 watts/speaker amplifier. The noise went away if Virtual Surround was used, however I didn't like the Virtual Surround effects. I returned this TV. It may be just an odd lemon, but other LCDs maybe a better bang for the buck, or you may want to pay up for the higher models of the AQUOS line.
3 Great Picture with HD or Progressive Scan DVD Content
First, keep in mind that when ordering a TV from Amazon, once you sign the shipping paperwork, you own the TV and have to depend on the Sharp warranty. Amazon does not accept returns on TV's larger than 27" (the only items that have this policy). I decided that it was worth the risk for me, but others may not.
A few details regarding this particular model:
This is the same screen as the other Sharp 32" LCD TV's, such as the LC-32GD4U and LC-32G4U, with the following exceptions. For those of you wishing to hang this on the wall, the speakers on this unit are not detachable, no HD tuner as in the GD4U, and the unit is thicker than the others by about 1.25" because the other sets have an external box for all of the A/V connections (component, DVI, HDMI, etc.). Sharp seems to be catering toward those of us planning to use this more as a traditional TV, with the stand attached. However, the exception which I cared most about was the price, which was significantly lower than the other 32" Sharp or Sony LCD models, especially with the rebate currently offered by Sharp.
As with most of the new HDTVs, this set delivers an amazing picture with either HD or DVD content, mediocre to poor with SD pictures. Fortunely, HD ownership is increasing rapidly (expected to double this year) and with it HD content. The main reasons to select LCD technologies are the lower power usage (1/2 of plasma), longevity (2x the life of plasma), and improved color/brightness. Also, if you live at high elevation (I'm moving to Fort Collins, CO and property at 8000') then plasma has an irritating buzzing that will not only wear out your nerves but your set as well.
The knocks against LCD are that the blacks are not as black, decreased viewing angle, dead pixels, and the various size/cost complaints. Since I was not looking for any bigger than 32", LCD or CRT were the only choices, and I perferred the LCD picture quality due to the reduced eye strain (no flicker or scanning as with CRT). If comparing at Best Buy, Ciruit City, or the other retailers, yes, the black level on the LCD is not as good, but distinguishing dark detail at home has not been a problem, and is much better than my 10 year old Sony CRT. As for viewing angle, I cannot tell any difference between plasma and LCD even at 85 degrees, though I don't know anyone who really enjoys watching TV at such extreme angles. The dead pixel issue was a major concern at first, but with as small as the pixel size is for HD TV's, I can't even see the two on my TV from more than 2 or 3 feet away; besides, plasma displays can have similar problems. All in all, an excellent TV, especially for movie and sports lovers such as myself.
