Product Review - Sharp Aquos 32" LCD TV LC-32RD2E
Derbyshire UK, June 2007
Summary
This 32" model is the jewel in the crown of the Aquos models reviewed to date. The 100Hz frame rate provides a judder-free picture, with very smooth action scenes. Colours are extremely realistic, retaining good definition across bright and dark scenes. The sound quality is superb. All in all the LC-32RD2E is a stunning television.
Features
- 32" Flat Panel LCD TV
- Model number LC-32RD2E
- Full 1080P High Definition picture format
- Integrated Freeview decoder
- Includes desktop stand, multiple AV connectors (HDMI, SCART, Composite etc.) and remote control
In Detail
Installation 9/10
To install the Aquos, you can either use the included stand, or purchase a separate wall mounting kit. As with other Aquos models, fitting the stand involves laying the TV face-down on soft cushions and simply fixing a few bolts with the enclosed Allen key. This is always a bit scary but seems to bring noi harm to the TV.
Setup 9/10 and Connectivity 7/10
As with other models in the Aquos range, the connection options are numerous and provide very quick and simple access to a variety of the regular audio visual equipment you will want to attach. A Sky digibox, rooftop aerial, DVD player and surround sound system were connected in seconds. There are also two HDMI connections for High Definition inputs like Blu-ray players etc. However, this TV loses marks for failing to provide a quick way to connect the XBox 360 in HD mode.
Once it was connected, the TV found the different attached components with no problem and it's very simple to switch between the different inputs. The factory presets provided a close match to the ideal settings so there was very little tinkering required to produce superb results.
Picture Quality 9/10
After the disappointment of the 37" LC-37XD1E model, this 32" LCD really stood out from the rest of the Aquos range, including the larger models previously reviewed. The clarity and definition of picture in slow-moving scenes is outstanding. Where this TV really comes into its own however is with fast-moving action shots. LCD panels and some plasma screens suffer from a judder effect when displaying fast motion. The moving object jerks across the screen rather than moving smoothly. 100Hz display technology works to reduce this motion judder and smooth out the motion. The Aquos LC-32RD2E does this admirably, leading to much clearer and realistic motion.
Even with standard definition input from Sky and DVD, motion blur wasn't noticeable at all. Colours were bright and vibrant without being overbearing. Detail was faithfully reproduced even in dark scenes, where other LCD screens tend to fall a bit flat.
This all adds up to a very realistic picture that is a pleasure to watch. The LC-32RD2E is therefore our preferred model in the Aquos range to date.
Sound Quality 9/10
Although it is far from the biggest TV in the Aquos range, the LC-32RD2E 32" TV produces a big sound. Bass notes are rich and deep, whilst mid-tones and treble are clear and crisp. The sound quality from the built-in speakers is excellent for a TV of its size and is comparable to much larger models.
In Conclusion
Although this is a smaller brother to other TVs in Sharp's Aquos range, the 32" LC-32RD2E packs a big punch. It produces excellent picture quality, in terms of handling both colours and movement. It handles both standard and high definition pictures superbly and the sound quality is excellent to boot. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this television, it's a cracker!
Tim Burston
HDTVExpert.co.uk
mail: tim@hdtvexpert.co.uk
web: www.HDTVexpert.co.uk
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