Slightly more disappointing is the shared Component-video and VGA port - you can only use it for one or the other, with a supplied adapter for Component-video input. The audio input is also a 3.5mm headphone connector, rather than phono, which is more common on A/V kit. There are two Scarts for your SD sources, but only one supports RGB, and there's also an S-Video connector.
Despite its 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, it's limited to just 1,280 x 1,024 when using the VGA port, which seems a fairly needless restriction.
The LC37XD1E includes a feature called Optical Picture Control that allows it to adjust the backlight to best suit its surroundings. There's a sensor on the front and when the light level in the room changes it will adjust the display to suit. It's a nice option that works well, saving you from having to constantly tweak the backlight settings.
Audio reproduction was decent, if a little lacking in bass. There is also a clear voice option for boosting dialogue, so you can lower the volume overall and still make out what people are saying.
The design is pleasant enough to look at finished in sleek shiny black plastic and with hidden speakers. The stand is inconspicuous and attaches to the display body via four bolts. It's not too large for a 37in model, measuring 92 x 66 x 12cm. The remote control feels nice and substantial with a sensible button layout that doesn't leave you hunting for commonly used items.
The recommended of price of £1,249 is quite high, but hunt around online and you should be able to pick one up for around £1,000, which is reasonable for a Full HD set of this quality.
Verdict
If you're a fan of HD DVD or Blu-ray, then it makes sense to opt for a TV that can display the material at its best - and the LC37XD1E is more than capable in this regard. The lack of dedicated Component-video input and hobbled VGA resolution are annoying though. It'll do its best to make the most of SD material, but unfortunately it can only do so much and it'll soon having you wishing there was more HD content out there.
Sharp Aquos LC37XD1E 37in HD TV
COMMENTS
Looking Great...
My parents bought one of these a few months ago and I can confirm that it is indeed a beautiful set not only to look at but to watch both tv/sky/freeview and dvd's on.
High def/standard + artefacts
Fair enough, you can complain about the different versions of "high def" TVs(720/1080 - not including the progressive/interlaced varieties!) but it was inevitable when they created two resolutions. I understand the rationale behind it too - some production companies won't want to added expense of upgrading their kit to accommodate that. So 720 is a reasonable happy-medium - similar to bandwidth restrictions on broadcasting.
As for the artefacts, they were already there! I've been seeing artefacts from the digital era since before I had an HD box - they were just harder to spot. It's very similar to the way in which DAB radio promised us better quality than analogue but failed dramatically, DTV is exactly the same. From what I recall, it's a very compressed MPEG2 stream - the broadcasting companies chose quantity of quality. Next time you see an artefact, blame one of the "quiz" channels for wasting part of the spectrum (and oxygen!). Bring back analogue, all is forgiven.
This is proper 1080p
I have this TV and can confirm that it is a real Full HD set - I spent a long time waiting for these to appear in smaller screen sizes. The manual specifies assorted limitations that appear to be fictional, and just trying them out should confirm that 1920x1080 is fully available.
Standard-def Sky still looks great on this TV. I think the reviewer is just saying it looks second rate after you've been watching 1080p sources. I've got a PC hooked up with HDMI, and a PS3 through the other HDMI, both of which look fantastic. The Sky-box through SCART looks poor by comparison, but still looks a lot better than on my old TV.
so....its still Samsung territory then
Reg hardware reviews really should have a small 'better than' or 'same as' boxout - or even a mini league for kit thats on the same page as the conclusion. but from this review, it looks like the only real 37" FullHD player is the Samsung LE37M87 (part of the new 'tulip' range)
When is the TV industry going to realize ...
... that I want to listen to my television on my A/V receiver, and not some $10 stereo speakers on the TV? One would think that someone like Sony (who's receiver we have) would figure that out.
