Product Description

Sharp's LC-32GD4U AQUOS is a state-of-the-art 32" widescreen LC TV that can easily enhance the decor of any family room, living room or den. With a true 16: 9 aspect ratio, HDTV 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-32GD4U 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 (170? x 170?). The LC-32GD4U also includes a built-in HDTV tuner with full CableCARD "Plug and Play" capability and features an elegant new design with detachable speakers to ensure the sound is as outstanding as the picture. In addition, the included table stand can be easily removed for wall mounting applications.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86493 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sharp
• Model: LC32GD4U
• Display size: 32

Features

• Sharp TFT Advanced Super View widescreen flat-panel LCD TV with WXGA 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution; 38.6 x 18.9 x 4 inches (W x H x D) without stand
• Onboard ATSC HDTV tuner permits off-air high-definition reception; 2 digital-video inputs (1 DVI-I, 1 HDMI), 2 HD component-video inputs
• Ultra-high 800:1 contrast radio, ultra-fast response time (less than 16 ms)
• Wide viewing angles (170 degrees horizontal/vertical) and high brightness (450 cd/m2) allow placement near windows
• Detachable speakers and table stand, 10 watts per channel

Amazon.com Product Description
Perfect for either personal computing or home theater applications, the Sharp AQUOS LC-32GD4U Advanced Super View LCD high-definition television is picture-frame thin yet still houses both standard NTSC and digital ATSC (HDTV) tuners, as well as all necessary inputs and output jacks, so there's no need for supplementary connection or receiver boxes; the 1,366 x 768-resolution television is ready to go right out of its box.

The 32-inch LC-32GD4U offers a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio to match your favorite movies, and compatibility with high-definition video sources up to 1080i. The set includes 2 detachable, high-aperture aluminum speakers powered by 10 watts per channel. At just 4 inches deep without its detachable stand, the set is as unobtrusive as a big-screen TV can get, and it's versatile enough to handle wall or table placement.

A handy PC Card slot lets you record still images and video on a PC Card and view them on the TV, and 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 set's authorized CableCARD ability means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from the cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.

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 cheaper and, to some eyes, slightly more natural looking than their plasma flat-panel counterparts, which usually "spec" higher (higher brightness, higher contrast ratio).

The LC-32GD4U'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, 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, detachable speakers, table stand, and a user's manual.

Customer Reviews

Great panel, built-in HDTV tuner
This 32" Aquos model is more expensive than another 32" Aquos model because this one has a built-in HDTV tuner. If you don't want the hassle of another device on your desk, this may be worth the extra money. But I'd go with the cheaper model, esp. considering HDTV is still a maturing standard and HDTV services such as VOOM come with the right tuner.

Otherwise, both Aquos sport the same top-quality, 5th-generation LCD panel made by Sharp. This is the highest-rated panel in the industry. Not only great specs in terms of contrast and brightness, but in actual viewing you'll find the screen a high performer in areas such as black levels where most other LCDs fall short.

Aquos from Amazon
I purchased this LCD from Amazon in December, 2004. Over the past several years I have bought high quality electronics via the internet as a money saving option and it has worked big-time.

Of course, you must be careful in choosing internet dealers, but if you do your research it is certainly possible to save money and have a good experience. I did feel that Amazon had a competitive price on the Aquos and I had used them on previous occasions for smaller purchases. The purchase & delivery from them was first-rate. I will use them again.

If I had it to do over again I would probably purchase the LC-32G4U (without the built-in tuner). We now use Direct TV (switching from Dish in connection with this purchase)and purchased the HDTV receiver from Circuit City. . . If you use a cable provider and they can furnish you with an HDTV cable card, then the LC-32GD4U with the built-in tuner makes more sense.

We are highly pleased with this Aquos; relied heavily on the CNET quality rating and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The color, clarity, and HD picture are outstanding.The detachable speakers and the overall sound quality with this set was a pleasant surprise. Monster DVI cables are highly recommended.

You will not be sorry if you purchase this set!

You get the service that you pay for
I did not buy the TV from Amazon. I have bought many other items from Amazon. But their price for the Sharp Aquos is too high. However, in searching the Internet for good prices it is extremely important to keep in mind the principle "you get the service that you pay for". My recommendation is that you should always buy a high value item like this from a reputable outlet. Don't go for the many Internet shops that peddle the lowest price. Also, treat with great doubt the "in stock" displayed on these websites.

With regard to the Aquos itself. The white coming out of this screen is so bright as to hurt your eyes and the colors are extremely vibrant. I watched 2001 A Space Odyssey and was impressed with how black the Aquos black is. Resolution per square inch is higher than almost all other screens of equivalent size. This television is the perfect master bedroom flatscreen.

The low profile of the screen makes it particularly unobtrusive mounted on our bedroom wall, since alot of the electronics for the Aquos series is contained in a separate external box. The external box itself comes with some legs so that you can stand it up on its side if you wish to place it vertically (which we have done). Note that there a three cables that run from the screen to the box and they are eight feet long so that the box can be some distance from the screen.

I have had some experience with flatscreens over the years but never committed to buying one for my family. In the Sharp Aquos I finally found a flat screen I was willing to shell out the cash for.

Enjoy!