New Sharp Aquos LCD TVs: Bigger, and thanks to LED backlights, brighter

Sharp's new line of Aquos LCD TVs is not only bigger, but brighter, thanks to LED backlight technology.

Sharp is adding a handful of new models to its Aquos LCD TV lineup for the back half of 2009. Among the highlights: Larger E77-series sets in 60- and 65-inch screen sizes, plus a new LE700 series, Sharp’s first line with LED backlights. The LED models arrive later this month, while the larger E77-series sets will hit in September. 

Sharp’s first foray into LED backlighting is a bit unusual. Unlike many of the newer LED models we’ve seen, which use “edge” LED lighting around the perimeter of the panel, the LE700 models have full-array backlights spread across the entire back of the set. Typically, full-array backlights can be locally dimmed—some segments of the screen can be kept dark while others are illuminated—a technique we’ve found can help improve black levels, a common LCD weakness. But to cut costs, LE700-series sets don’t offer local dimming. Instead, Sharp claims black-level and contrast improvements can be achieved using a new 10-bit “X-Gen” panel, which offers greater pixel control to minimize light leakage, plus a wider aperture that lets more light pass through the panel, bumping up peak brightness. LCDs TVs with local dimming are likely arrive sometime next year, executives told us.

Another advantage to LED backlights, Sharp said, is improved energy efficiency. By combining an LED backlights with an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the TVs brightness based on room light conditions, most LE700 models exceed Energy Star 3.0 guidelines by 60 percent or more, making them the most energy-efficient LCDs to date, Sharp claims. We look forward to checking both these claims once we get the sets in our labs.

LE700-series sets will be offered in 32-, 40-, 46- and 52-inch screen sizes. All are 120Hz models. The 46- and 52-inch models additionally include a special dejudder feature that can help smooth images from film-based content. And all except the 32-inch model include Sharp’s Aquos Net Internet service for access to online content from several providers, including NBC Universal, Navtek (traffic info), and NASDAQ. However, even these newer models don’t support full-motion video, so there is still no access to services such as Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, or even YouTube, as these types of services require different processors and browsers than those included in Sharp’s TVs to date. However, owners can use Aquos Net to receive customer support, and through a feature called Aquos Advantage Live they can allow an advisor to remotely connect to their TV to help them adjust the settings for optimal picture quality.

All the LE700 models arrive this month. Here are the model numbers and suggested prices:

• LC-52LE700UN, $2,800
• LC-46LE700UN, $2,200
• LC-40LE700UN, $1,700
• LC-32LE700UN, $1,100

The newest E77-series sets will be 60- and 65-inch models, priced at $3,500 and $4,500, respectively. The 60-inch set is a new LCD screen size for the industry, and will compete with 58- and 60-inch plasmas. The new models include Sharp’s 120Hz frame-rate conversion technology (called Fine Motion Enhanced), and have the ambient light sensor feature that automatically adjusts the set’s brightness to room lighting conditions. Both sets, which arrive in September, have black bezels with champagne-gold accents at the bottom of the frame.—James K. Willcox