SHARP LC-30HV6U 30-Inch 16:9 HD-Ready LCD TV

SHARP LC-30HV6U 30-Inch 16:9 HD-Ready LCD TV Review

NOTE: At present (Oct. 2004) the LC-30HV6U LCD TV should cost under 00. Amazon was selling it for 00 but now there seems to be a pricing error. I have notified Amazon.

Review:

The Sharp Aquos LC-30HV6U 30" LCD TV is an outstanding LCD TV. Like the other widescreen LCD TVs from Sharp, it represents the state-of-the-art in LCD television today.

Compared to the more popular (and more affordable at 0 less) LC-30HV4U model -- who the heck was the genius that came up with these silly model designations? -- the present 30HV6U model sports better technology. But for the most part, I feel the cheaper 30HV4U is a better bang for the buck, unless you absolutely want the best, in which case the extra 0 for this 30HV6U is well worth it.

- Better contrast ratio. 30HV6U's is 700 vs. 4U's 500.
- Faster response time. 6U is about 16ms realized vs. 4U's 25ms.
- 1-bit digital audio amplifier, which is absent in the 4U model. This technology recalls Kenwood's successful 1-bit DAC that revolutionized how CD music was processed a decade ago.
- Better speakers. Regardless, you should get your own hi-fi.
- Speakers are placed beneath the LCD panel, vs. the 4U's side-placed speakers, which I find more stylish and convenient. Both models' speakers can be detached.

Both models are HDTV-ready (native 720p), have DVI, and can be used as a PC or Mac monitor.

In short, the 6U model has a (slightly) better LCD panel. I say "slightly" because in real-world performance terms, the 4U is already very outstanding. If one had to rank LCD TVs on the market today, in each size segment, the 6U models are definitely #1, with the 4U coming in at a very close second. (Of course, if you work for another LCD TV maker, you may disagree. But me, Gadgester, is an everyday consumer and a relatively unbiased observer and follower of technology.)

Hope this quick review helps you somewhat. E-mail me with questions and I'll try to answer them.

SHARP LC-30HV6U 30-Inch 16:9 HD-Ready LCD TV Feature

• 30-inch, high-definition widescreen TFT LCD monitor with 2 built-in cable TV tuners; 30.2 x 23.9 x 3 inches (W x H x D, without stand)
• Wide XGA (1,280 x 768) resolution and high-definition compatibility (720p); Sharp's Quick Shoot technology improves response time
• XGA PC input, 1 DVI digital-video input, 2 HD component-video inputs; front-panel inputs allow easy hookup with camcorders or game consoles
• High 700:1 contrast radio, wide viewing angles (170 degrees h/v), high brightness (430 cd/m2) for vivid, detailed images
• Detachable speakers, 10 watts per channel stereo sound

SHARP LC-30HV6U 30-Inch 16:9 HD-Ready LCD TV Overview

The LC-30HV6U AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television combines a glossy, clear-coat finish with a widescreen 30" Advanced Super View panel that is HDTV-compatible (720p) and PC-compatible. The AVC System, a separate box that houses all terminal connections, minimizes clutter around the panel itself, preserving the clean look which is ideal for wall-mounting. The LC-30HV6U also includes a 1-Bit digital audio amplifier for superb sound.

SHARP LC-30HV6U 30-Inch 16:9 HD-Ready LCD TV Specifications

LCD screens have never been better--or more affordable. Make the move to widescreen, flat-panel elegance with Sharp's 30-inch, widescreen, HDTV- and PC-compatible LC-30HV6U Advanced Super View LCD television. Part of Sharp's stylish AQUOS line, the 1,280 x 768-resolution LC-30HV6U offers a 16:9 aspect ratio to match your favorite movies, as well as high-definition resolution (progressive-scan 720p). At a mere 3 inches deep, the set is perfect for wall mounting, though it comes with a table stand for desktop positioning. The set also includes detachable speakers with 10 watts per channel audio power from a 1-bit digital amplifier.

The Advanced Super View screen offers exceptionally wide (170- by 170-degree) viewing angles and an exceptionally high contrast ratio of 700:1 for super-black blacks. Its high brightness (430 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. A built-in 181-channel tuner lets you plug your cable TV right into the LC-30HV6U and start watching.

Two-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) includes a pair of independent cable TV tuners so you can watch two programs side-by-side, or record one program while watching another. Sharp's proprietary Quick Shoot video technology optimizes the set's response time on fast-moving images.

Being too thin to house its many connections (13 inputs total, including a direct-digital DVI input, 2 high-definition component-video inputs, 4 each S-video and composite-video, and an XGA-resolution PC input), the LC-30HV6U comes with a stand-alone AVC System--a set-top box that houses all terminals, minimizes clutter, and preserves the panel's austere look. Choose from composite- or S-video outputs and an accompanying stereo analog audio output (left/right RCA) with selectable fixed/variable output levels, depending on your designs.

What's in the Box
LCD TV, detachable speakers, AVC system (set-top box with all terminals), AVC stand, 1 system cable, 2 AC power cords, 2 cable clamps, an RF video cable, a table stand, user's manual.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 21, 2010 11:39:04