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Sharp Aquos LC-32G4U 32 inch LCD TV [25] - {replaced by LC-32GA5U}
After much research, I decided I was ready to purcahse an LCD TV from a local electronics chain. The model I decided on was a Sharp Aquos LC-32G4U 32” LCD. This TV and its larger 37" sibling, the LC-37G4U, are alike for all practical purposes except for diagonal size.
Why the LC32G4U?
A bigger DLP would be cheaper, but I really wanted the LCD. I had to act quickly since its [big box chain electronics store] replacement, the LC32GA5U, did not have removable speakers (they are molded to the set) and it was 38” wide. The LC-32G4U is 33 inches wide without the speaker mounted on the side and will fit in my cabinet. This version of the Aquos also came with a separate Audio/Video box with all the necessary DVI, Cable, and component input connections. It was HD ready, and I was assured that the cable company would be able to supply me an HDTV tuner when the time came. The LC-32G4U does not come with a built in digital tuner. That feature is only on the "D" models like the LC-32GD4U. It adds about $500 to the list price. The big deal about the LC32G4U and LC32GA5U is that they weigh in now under $3,000.00 at retail outlets for a 32 inch LCD screen.
I ended up buying the display model at a local chain store.
(See the associated Group29 article about the fiasco!)
HDTV
Note that the LC-32GA5U is also analog only, and also only has 1 analog tuner, where the LC-32G4U has 2. This means that neither TV can receive over the air HDTV broadcasts, an ATSC/QAM tuner is required as an extra external component. Neither TV can accept a CableCard(tm). So you will have to pay $10 monthly rental for a set-top box vs. $2 per month CableCard rental if you want to get cable HDTV. Dish Satellite subscribers would require an HD receiver from their provider. If you have cable and want digital, I recommend looking at one of the "D" Aquos models. Satellite customers would be just fine with either of these models.
First look
Even though the screen received a 1 inch gouge upon delivery, I was able to test the TV out. The picture is outstanding. I can see why most reviewers have compared the Sharp Aquos and found all other LCD and plasma TVs wanting. I tried my DVD player (without progressive scan) and the picture looked great! I connected it through component video with no trouble. I watched A Bug's Life, a very detailed computer animated movie. A VCR was also hooked up with component video. I watched Rio Bravo. You can really see how the quality of the VHS tape has deteriorated.
I also tested the TV with basic analog cable hooked up to the input. The shows so much better and brighter on LCD. It is the same difference as going between a CRT monitor and an LCD monitor on your PC. The scan lines are gone and it seems to reduce the amount of eyestrain from flickering.
Myth: HDTV required for LCD
The sales folks will tell you that you MUST subscribe to digital cable with HDTV and also get a progressive scan DVD player to really appreciate the LCD experience. I would agree with that. However, they will also tell you that regular analog cable looks very bad and a non progressive scan DVD player will not work. That is simply untrue. They are what they are. If you have been using basic analog cable and a regular DVD player or VCR up to now, you will note a huge improvement in the picture no matter what. The dish/digital cable is just the next step up.
Proper Remote Required
I could not test the aspect ratio adjustment. So all my TV programs and 4:3 VCR movies were cut accross the top. All the DVD movies were squished letterbox on the screen. This was because they gave me the wrong remote controller. I found an owner’s manual on the web and found that the GA174WJSA controller I got was for a 17” Sharp Aquos and not the 32”. I could turn the TV on and off and change channels. There is supposed to be a view mode button on the controller that adjusts screen width. The GA263WJSA is the proper controller for the 32" LC32G4U Aquos. It has the ability to select between two tuners and show a twin picture (Very cool!). Also there is an ability to press the freeze button to get a freeze frame.
Impressions
This is a beautiful and bright TV which makes everything look great. It is hard to beat 3,147,264 (1366 x 768 x 3) thin film transistors in one tiny package. You can skip the extended service warranty since this baby has a backlight life of 60,000 hours. That is a lot of TV watching. In addition since I got the display model, I could see that no pixels were dark or bright. I would recommend that if you hang it on the wall, use a STURDY bracket as this unit weighs 39 pounds with the speakers and without the stand. Unfortunatly, the purchasing and delivery left something to be desired. I rate the TV itself very highly. The experience of obtaining the TV would be rated quite low.
In the end, I returned this TV and purchased a Sharp Aquos LC-32GD6U from a local TV store. At only $200 more when all was said and done, this appears to have been a very wise purchase. In hindsight, I consider myself lucky that I was not stuck needing an HDTV tuner, when a built in one works quite well. The Group29 Review of the Sharp Aquos LC-32HD6U can be found here. {BB}
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LC-32G4U Features
LCD Screen
Technology: Liquid Crystal Television works by trapping a liquid
crystal solution between two sheets of polarized glass. When an electric current
is passed through the liquid crystals, each crystal either blocks or allows
light to pass through it based on the broadcast information. For clear, crisp
color that rivals traditional CRT displays, a thin film transistor, known as a
TFT is employed. This LCD TV features Sharp's own Advanced Super View (ASV)
panel with anti-glare Black TFT LCD technology. Even in harsh light conditions,
such as fluorescent light or direct sunlight, this low reflection coating
ensures an optimal contrast ratio for a crisp, vivid picture. The LCD panel is
backlit by Sharp's advanced Directly-Light system to increase contrast and image
clarity. This design also allows the TV to be much lighter and much more shallow
than conventional CRT TVs. Unlike a standard CRT tube, the
LCD does not use an electron beam, so the LCD screen is not susceptible to
distortion from a nearby magnet (ex: speaker).
Flat Screen/Viewing Angles:
The flat screen delivers images that are virtually distortion free and helps
eliminate screen glare. Its extra-wide viewing angles (170 degrees horizontal
and vertical) allow you to see a clear picture from most anywhere in the room.
Picture Resolution: The screen
measures 31-1/2" diagonally with a resolution of 1366 x 768.
HDTV Ready: The TV is
compatible with High-Definition TV (HDTV) and Standard Definition TV signals (SDTV).
An external HDTV receiver is required.
3-D Digital Y/C Comb Filter:
The 3-D Digital Y/C Comb Filter gives you maximum picture detail and resolution.
Lamp Life: The expected life of
the backlight lamp is 60,000 hours (at standard backlight position), which
equates to ten hours use a day for more than sixteen years.
AVC System: The Aquos
LC-32G4U LCD TV comes with a separate, component-sized AVC System (TU-GA1U-S)
which includes the dual tuners and all of the inputs and outputs for the TV. The
AVC System and the LCD TV are connected together via a 3-way system cable. If
desired, the AVC System can be installed vertically using the supplied stand.
(See below for the dimensions of the AVC System.)
Dual 181-Channel PLL Tuners:
This TV has two built-in, 181-channel Electronic PLL Synthesizer tuners, capable of
receiving both over-the-air and cable TV channels.
1-Bit Digital
Amplifier: The LC-32G4U features a 1-bit digital amplifier for high
resolution sound reproduction. With a sampling rate of nearly 2.8 million times
per second (64 times the rate of CDs), the amp provides dynamic, accurate audio
without signal loss or distortion.
Picture Flip: To accommodate
the wide variety of mounting angles and positions, you can change the
orientation of the picture for proper viewing. The Picture Flip feature offers a
Normal image, Mirror image, Rotated image or an Upside Down image.
AV Mode: This mode gives you 6
options to choose from to best match the environment, which can vary due to room
brightness, type of program, or type of image input:
- Standard: highly defined
image in a normally bright room
- Movie: for viewing movies
- Game: lowers image
brightness for easier viewing
- User: allows you to
customize settings for each input source
- Dynamic (Fixed): changes
image and sound settings to factory preset values and allows no adjustments
- Dynamic: for clear-cut
image, emphasizing high contrast for sports viewing
View Modes: When viewing
programs with a 4:3 aspect ratio, you can view the program in one of four modes:
- Side Bar: viewing the
program in 4:3 with black bars on either side of the image
- Smart Stretch: stretches
the program more horizontally than vertically to fill the screen
- Zoom: enlarges the picture
equally until the screen is filled. (Also suitable for viewing widescreen
2.35:1 anamorphic DVDs in full screen)
- Stretch: suitable for
viewing 1.78:1 DVDs. When viewing 1.85:1 DVDs, this mode will show thin
black bands at top and bottom of the screen.
Note: When in the PC Input
mode, you can select Normal (similar to Side Bar), Zoom, Stretch, or
Dot-by-Dot (displays the image with the same resolution as the input).
PC Compatible: In addition to
the audio/video inputs, you can connect a PC to this TV for use as a computer
monitor. The DVI-I input (Input 5) on the rear panel of the AVC System can
accommodate the video signal from most PCs. In some cases, a RGB/DVI conversion
cable is required if the PC does not have a DVI-I output. A 3.5mm (1/8")
mini-jack input is provided for PC audio.
Memory Card Slot: The AVC
System has a slot for a PC Card adapter (commercially available), allowing you
to use most types of memory cards for recording and playing back still and
moving pictures. This unit can record JPEG still images at 640 x 480 and moving
pictures at 320 x 240 in SP, LP, or EP at 30fps or 15 fps.
Quick Shoot: Sharp's
proprietary Quick Shoot video circuit has a fast response time (less than 16
ms), allowing you to view action video more clearly. You can turn Quick Shoot
on/off in the menu.
Twin Picture: The
video from two sources can be displayed at the same time. The two pictures are
side by side and are the same size. This feature cannot be used with the HDMI,
DVI-I, or Card. You can also freeze the picture, and display the still image
side-by-side with the moving image. If desired, you can save the still image on
an inserted memory card.
Favorite Channels:
The Favorite Channels setting allows you to program 4 favorite channels in 4
different categories. The categories are easily accessible as "A", "B", "C" and
"D" buttons on the remote.
Basic Picture
Adjustments: You can make the following adjustments in the picture quality
menu:
- Optical Picture Control (OPC):
Using the OPC Sensor on the front panel of the LCD screen, the OPC, when
set to "on", automatically adjusts the backlight brightness according to the
surrounding light.
- Backlight: brightens or
dims the screen (-8 to +8)
- Contrast: adjusts the
contrast (-30 to +40)
- Brightness: for more or
less brightness (-30 to +30)
- AV Input Mode Settings:
- Color: adjusts the
color intensity (-30 to +30)
- Tint: adjusts skin
tones from purplish to greenish (-30 to +30)
- Sharpness: adjusts
sharpness of image edges (-10 to +10)
- PC Input Mode Settings:
- Red: adjusts amount of
red (-30 to +30)
- Green: adjusts amount
of green (-30 to +30)
- Blue: adjusts amount
of blue (-30 to +30)
Advanced Picture Adjustments:
In addition to the above picture adjustments, you can make further fine picture
adjustments:
- C.M.S. (Color Management
System): Color tone is managed using this six-color adjustment setting.
You can set the C.M.S. Hue, C.M.S. Saturation, and C.M.S. Value for each
color. (Values between -30 and +30)
- Color Temperature: For
better white balance, you can set the color temperature to High, Middle
High, Middle, Middle Low or Low.
- Black Level: Switch "on"
for high detail in dark portions of the image
- 3D-Y/C: Setting provides
high quality images with minimal dot crawl and cross color noise. Select
"Fast" for movie images, "Slow" for still images, or "Normal" for normal
viewing.
- Monochrome: For viewing a
video in black & white, you can switch the monochrome setting to "On."
- Film Mode: When set to
"On," the film mode automatically detects, analyzes, and converts a film
source (24 fps) to video (30 fps) using 3-2 Pulldown.
- I/P Setting: Select
"Interlaced" or "Progressive". When a 480i input signal is detected, the TV
adjusts the image and input signal to "Progressive" for a better picture.
Sound Adjustments: You can
adjust the amount of bass and treble (-15 to +15) and set the balance between
left and right speakers. In addition, you can turn on/off the Virtual Dolby.
Virtual Dolby Surround uses Dolby Pro Logic II technology to retain all of the
original multichannel audio information, letting you enjoy a simulated surround
sensation with only 2 speakers.
Audio Only Mode: When you only
want to listen to the audio portion of a program, such as a music program, you
can turn off the LCD screen by using the Audio Only mode.
Power Control: You
can set power control settings to save energy. When set to "Enabled" in the AV
Input mode, you can set the unit to automatically turn off if no signal is
received for 15 minutes, or if no operation is performed for 3 hours. Five
minutes before the power shuts down, the remaining time displays every minute.
When enabled in the PC Input mode, you can select one of two modes: Mode 1 shuts
off power if no signal is input for 8 minutes, and the power remains off until
you turn it on again using the remote or the power button on the unit. Mode 2
also shuts off power after 8 minutes of no signal, but will turn back on if you
start using the PC again. The system's default setting is "Disable".
V-Chip Parental
Control: This feature allows you to limit the shows that can be viewed
based on the TV Parental Guidelines and a movie's MPAA rating. After setting
Parental Control "On", you must enter the 4-digit password to view
blocked programs.
Closed Captioning:
The system's closed captioning feature can be customized with several options.
You can choose the caption size, font style, foreground and background color,
foreground and background opacity, and character edge.
Sleep Timer: This TV can be set
to turn itself off in 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
Speakers: The TV
is equipped with 2 removable speakers, mounted to the sides of the LCD screen.
These 4-ohm speakers each have a 3" woofer, a 1" tweeter and two 3" passive
radiators. If you don't wish to use the supplied speakers, you can connect
external speakers to the AVC System, which has an output of 10 watts per channel
at 4 ohms. In the menu, you can select Speaker A (those connected to the TV) or
Speaker B (those connected to the AVC System). The speakers have threaded M5 inserts and can be wall mounted separately with most optional speaker brackets.
Removable Stand:
The Sharp LC-32G4U comes with an adjustable stand, allowing you to swivel and
tilt the display for the best viewing angle. For wall mounting, the stand can be removed by loosening 4 screws.
Wall Mounting: The
LCD screen can be wall mounted using the optional AN-37AG2 wall-mount bracket,
available from the manufacturer. When using the optional bracket, the display
can be mounted vertically or angled up to 15°
forward when the speakers are attached and up to 20° forward without
speakers.
Remote Control (GA263WJSA): The
supplied remote controls the TV's functions, plus controls basic functions for
multiple brands of DVD players, VCRs, Cable boxes and Sharp audio systems. The
remote features full button illumination, plus a number of buttons under a
flip-up panel.
Inputs
and Outputs Notes
Display Inputs: The LCD
monitor's inputs are only for connecting to the AVC System and should not be
used for connecting components directly. All components and signal cables should
be connected to the AVC System. The system cable that comes with the unit is
approximately 10 feet in length. An optional 23-foot system cable (AN-07SC2) is
available from the manufacturer.
Antenna Inputs/Outputs: The AVC
System features two RF inputs with female "F" connectors for Antenna A and
Antenna B, allowing you to make one or two antenna connections. The RF output
allows you to feed the antenna signal to a cable TV converter box if needed. You
can also use the supplied RF coaxial jumper cable to duplicate the input to the
Antenna A jack to feed the Antenna B input.
DVI-I Input: The AVC System has
a DVI-I input for connecting an HDTV set-top box, DVD player, or PC. A 3.5mm
(1/8") mini-jack stereo audio input is provided for the DVI-I input.
HDMI Input: This unit has an
HDMI input for connecting components such as HDTV set-top boxes, or other HDMI
equipment. In the menu, you will need to specify the HDMI signal type, color
matrix, dynamic range, and choose to enable/disable the Auto View mode.
RS-232C: The provided RS-232C
connection allows you to control the unit from a PC. The input signal can be
selected, the volume can be adjusted, and various other adjustments and settings
can be made, enabling programmed playing. Note: This operation system
should be used by a person who is accustomed to controlling other devices via
computer.
Center Channel Input: When the
TV is used with a multi-channel surround sound system, you can connect an
available center channel preamp output on the receiver/pre-amplifier to the AVC
System. This allows you to use the display speakers as the center channel
speaker. You will need to enable this input in the setup menu.
Speaker Terminals: All speaker
terminals on the display and the AVC System are spring clip terminals.
Front Panel: The AVC System
features front panel inputs that allow you to conveniently connect A/V devices
such as a video game, VCR, or camcorder. The front panel inputs include stereo
RCA audio, composite and S-Video jacks. In addition, a 3.5mm (1/8") mini-jack is
provided for plugging in headphones. When headphones are connected, the
connected speakers are muted.
DC Output: A small 9-volt DC
power output is provided on the rear panel of the AVC System. It is designated
for "expanded functionality in the near future."
Dimensions
Dimensions:
- TV With Stand and Speakers:
Width=38-9/16", Height=22-7/16", Depth=12-1/8"
-
TV With Speakers Without Stand:
Width=38-9/16", Height=18-13/16", Depth=3-7/16"
- TV With Stand Without
Speakers: Width=31-1/4", Height=22-7/16", Depth=12-1/8"
- TV Without Stand or Speakers:
Width=31-1/4",
Height=18-13/16", Depth=2-3/4"
- Stand Footprint:
Width=26-3/8", Depth=12-1/8"
- TV Screen:
Width=27-9/16", Height=15-9/16",
Diagonal=31-1/2"
- AVC System (Horizontal Mount):
Width=16-7/8",
Height=3-11/16", Depth=13-1/2"
- AVC System (Vertical Mount):
Width=7-1/2",
Height=17-7/8", Depth=13-1/2"
Weight:
- TV With Stand and Speakers:
48.5 pounds
- TV With Stand Without
Speakers: 38.6 pounds
- TV With Speakers Without
Stand: 38.6 pounds
- TV Without Stand or Speakers:
28.7 pounds
- AVC System: 14.8 pounds
(15.2 pounds with stand)
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Helpful Review:
Plasma TV Buying Guide
Added: January 27th 2005
Reviewer: BB
Score:  [25]
Related Link: Sharp USA
Hits: 23719
Language: english
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