The 42-inch LC-42D62U is the smallest of the high-end Sharp AQUOS LC-D62U series of 1,080p flat-panel LCD TVs. Like the other units in the line, the LC-42D62U is a strikingly handsome HDTV with an elegant piano-black finish and sleek recessed speakers. Mount it on the wall or set it on the included tabletop stand, and the LC-42D62U makes a stylish addition to any viewing room.

As a true 1,080p HDTV, the LC-42D62U boasts a native resolution of 1,920x1,080, and all incoming signals can be upscaled to display at 1,080p. While larger models in the line can match the 1,200:1 contrast ratio and 6-millisecond response time, the LC-42D62U performs well and has much to recommend it. Set-up is straightforward enough, although you'll likely find that obtaining the optimum quality picture from the LC-42D62U requires some advanced customizing.

Sharp has fitted the LC-42D62U with plenty of high-tech features. The low-reflection Black TFT panel is designed to reduce glare from ambient light sources, and the relatively fast response time produces a minimum of residual screen images, even when watching high-motion content or playing video games. In addition, Sharp's multipixel technology extends the horizontal and vertical viewing angles of the LC-42D62U to approximately 176 degrees.

So what does all this mean to the average viewer? For starters, the picture quality for HD channels is impressive, and there are none of the banding issues that afflict some larger-screen Sharp LCD HDTVs. Colors appear accurate and well-saturated, with no artifacts visible even during fast-moving scenes. However, there are some issues that prevent us from recommending the LC-42D62U without reservation. Image quality while watching standard-definition channels is disappointing, although this is not sufficiently bad to prevent us from recommending the unit. More importantly, the black levels delivered by the Sharp LC-42D62U are disappointing. In many instances, detail is decidedly lacking in dark scenes, even after repeated adjustments.

Despite the LC-42D62U's reported improvement in viewing angles, the outer reaches of these angles still evidences a noticeable drop-off in brightness. Sharp's four-wavelength backlight system does a great job adjusting the picture according the amount of light in the room, and the LC-42D62U offers a solid array of connectivity options, including two HDMI ports. Unfortunately, there is no CableCARD slot, so you will still need a cable box for premium channels and interactive services. The unit also lacks a dedicated PC input. Nevertheless, for a 42-inch LCD HDTV at a suggested price of $2,100, we think the Sharp AQUOS LC-42D62U is a solid value for the money.


Pros: Very stylish design, true 1,080p resolution, good HD picture quality
Cons: Disappointing black levels, poor SD picture quality, no dedicated PC port or CableCARD slot, no PIP features

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor