Sharp AQUOS 46" 1080p 120Hz Flat-Panel LCD HDTV

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component and HDMI inputs. I compared audio RCA cables instead of component cables on the component jack and was surprised by a slightly degraded picture, so slight it would not be noticed unless it was compared against HDMI.

HDMI offers some convenience features: it auto selects the HDMI input once signal is detected, and turns off the device automatically once the TV is turned off.

Tuner:

Includes NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuner. The QAM tuner allows access to 'open' digital channels, not advertised by the cable company.

Shipment:

Via Amazon ordering, deliverer carefully followed sign off instructions to the letter: allowed me to examine the condition of the box at delivery, open box, and examine contents before I signed off on the delivery.

Setup:

Quick and easy. Attach speakers then mount stand, all screws or bolts supplied with tools. Plug into AC and cable coax, and the SE94 automatically detects signal and begins EZSETUP process. Follow onscreen instructions and when done, the TV is ready to watch cable or air broadcasts.

For Input jacks, equally easy. Just snap on the cables as color coded or the HDMI, then select INPUT from the remote until you receive signal from the device. On HMDI devices, it auto detects signal and auto selects that input first.

Setup is unique per input. The SE94 remembers the volume and video setting of each input.

Packing:

Very durable and sturdy. The lower half of the box serves as a stand until you can assemble the enclosed stand. Importantly, the styrofoam pads never go farther than the metal frame of the LCD panel, and thus do not touch the glass panel anyway. It would be wise to save the box in case this TV needs to be returned, its very customized to the TV and difficult to provide the same protection for shipping as this box.

Instructions:

The Sharp manual is not as well written as a Sony manual. It seems to require more careful reading, whereas Sony's has always been user friendly.

Cables:

None supplied. I used or bought cables elsewhere.

Faux leather trim:

Is almost invisible, other TVs with shiny metallic borders often get dulled by fingerprints, the faux leather appears cleaner longer because it hides dirt better.


CONS

Remote layout poor but provides access to all the TV's functions: related or frequently used buttons are not grouped logically together and often small; it can't be operated without looking at the keys, e.g. the universal controller has a toggle that lights up LEDs when its set for DVD, VCR, TV etc., whereas on a Sony, these are all unique buttons, and easier to find and press.

Bands: Using the detailed [...] TV tests, slight bands were detected on my SE94 using 'grey scale' test, its otherwise most invisible. On some LCD TV forums, there are reports of sizable bands in the SE94 series that are annoying and can be seen in regular video. Just how common these are is unknown.

Volume is a tad weak: at 15Wx2 its rated stronger than many competitor LCD TVs yet it output is weaker compared to my old analog TV. The emulating 'Surround' algorithm of Sharp is not as 'surround' as the SRS algorithm.

CONCLUSION:

Given the audio issue, I'd rate it 4.5 Stars versus 5. The video is so stellar, it more than outweighs the audio drawbacks. Buyers should be cautious that reports of banding has been reported in the SE94 series, and it can be very troublesome.