Sharp Aquos LC42XD1E 1080p HDTV Review

 For a TV that couldn’t be more HD if it tried, the Sharp Aquos LC42XD1E 42-inch LCD TV had no problem entering the tough HDTV market while managing to remain at a competitively low price. 

For such a reasonable price, the spec list is surprisingly first-rate.  All the mod cons have been included, like 2 HDMI connections, PC input, a Top-Up TV card slot provision, and an integrated IDTV Freeview DVB tuner.  Sharp has left us wanting for very little it seems.  Brandishing the 1080p logo, it comes with the guarantee of offering the best HD pictures available.  The only area of alarm is the slightly small contrast ratio of 1200:1.  Audio is taken care of by the pair of 15 watt speakers located internally at each end, which perform well due to reinforcements such as surround sound, clear voice system and a dynamic contrast enhancer.  All the usual suspects are present too, including bundles of teletext pages, picture-in-picture and a 7-day electronic programme guide.  Underneath a cover on the remote control is a Tru-D function button, this improves picture quality on Non-HD satellite TV.  Gaming should be fun using this 1080p HDTV as the progressive scan makes motion smoother, especially with the six millisecond response time.

It has to be said, our whole viewing experience from start to finish was ultimately pleasurable.  Colours were fantastic, providing bright and precise hues on every inch of the screen.  We plugged in the Wii and played for hours, without any evidence of faltered motion handling at any point.  Sky HD was fantastic, the realistic performance seemed to suck us in and take us to the action.  Sharp’s crystal clear dialogue and pleasantly loud audio levels impressed us overall.  We must mention the slight buzzing sound coming from the rear of the screen, which we eventually put our finger on.  It turned out it was the backlight, so we tunred down the control and it soon stopped.   

 What's In The Box?

• Table-top stand
• Remote control
• Cables
• Manual

Sharp’s LC42XD1E is a fine specimen overall.  Completely honourable to 1080p, the picture performance was pleasurable to watch without any motion or colour spills to ruin the whole entertainment experience.  Connectivity is just as contemporary as its design.  This great performance combined with a great price tag is enough to win us over.