Originally posted by: SickBeastThe issue apparently exists/existed on the 42, 46, and larger models.
If you watch the video for the review of the screen I'm getting, you can actually see the pink banding during one of the scenes. It looks subtle enough, but I will definately return mine if it has the issue, and I'll probably exchange it for the Samsung just to avoid more hassle (unless they'll let me test a set in-store at BB prior to delivery).
Have you enjoyed your set? What are your thoughts on the picture quality? How are the features? Do you miss not having PIP? :beer:
Yes, I've seen the banding on 46" models. I was with my friend who purchased the 46". When we took delivery and brought it home, we were surprised to see banding on his HD STB, PS3, and also his DVD player. We did not try the PC as his computer was not yet hooked up as a HTPC, but I think after seeing the banding issue on three different devices, we concluded that there was something wrong with the set.
You will enjoy the Samsung, their new panels are beautiful. In terms of price to performance, I think the Sharp beats the Samsung and Sony series. The Samsung is slightly pricier than the Sharp, while the Sony XBR or KVR series are somewhat overpriced, imo.
I'm loving my Sharp LC-42D62U
It's very feature rich, with an advanced calibration options if you ever decide to have it professionally calibrated and tuned. The picture quality is very good, and the quality of 1080p can be felt with the right material. I find that Pirates of the Caribbean on Blu Ray is the "reference" title for demostrating Blu Ray's abilities at 1080p.
For me, good PQ requires three things:
1) Vibrant and Crisp Colours
No bleeding of colours onto other objects, very distinct transition of colours across objects.
The Sharp truly excels here, with very vibrant colours across the palette. Planet Earth: The Series is an excellent reference title to demonstrate the panel's colour representation.
2) Strong Black Levels
Again, how well the black levels are represented will give you a better feel of the overall picture. Strong/good black levels will add depth to objects, and will the picture different levels. This is especially important with HD material as you will really see and feel the difference compared to non-HD material such as a non-upscaled DVD.
The Sharp has pretty good black level representation, much better than a comparable Toshiba 1080p panel that I was looking at before. It fell short of the Sony XBR series, but the difference was very marginal.
Pirates of the Caribbean and 300 are good titles to demonstrate the panel's black levels.
3) Good Backlighting and Contrast
Good backlighting and contrast will improve colour and black levels. The Sharp's (true) contrast ratio was quite good at the time of its release (1200:1) and the backlight is OPC capable, meaning it can adjust to the lighting of the room. Enthusiasts tend to turn off the OPC function, as it gives you a stronger degree of tuning; you can hit the stated 450 cd/m2 if you are inclined to do so.
I use it primarily as a computer monitor, so I am not missing the PIP function. I've yet to purchase a HD STB and subscribe to HD programming because the current offerings from my cable company is lacking at the moment. But for PS3, Blu Ray, PC gaming, PC videos (H264/X264 encoded material), it is amazing. Sometimes I wish it had a few more HDMI ports, and perhaps a DVI input as well.
Overall, I am quite happy with it, and I don't hesitate to recommend Sharp Aquos line whenever someone is in the market for a new TV.