Sharp Aquos LC42D65U — Updated And Outstanding
Posted by hdtv buying guide on May 29, 2009 under HDTV Reviews, LCD HDTV, Sharp | 
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Much like an auto manufacturer’s product line, television makers have to have a wide range of products to be able to cater to the largest audience.
That means building something to slot into every price point, as well as every possible use. And when every television manufacturer has to do it, the number of products available at any given time is staggering.
Oh, and they change from year to year — sometimes in the middle of the year. Barring radical redesigns, they’re nearly impossible to tell apart. Often, it’s an upgrade behind the screen; one only noticeable by the model number.
The Sharp Aquos LC42D65U is that kind of television. Updated in late 2008 from the popular 64U model, the LC42D65U is a 42-inch, 1080p resolution flat-screen that retails for $1,199.99. It can often be found on Amazon.com — or through Amazon-affiliated retailers — for less than $1,000.
For the money, it’s a great television. Sharp’s top-of-the-line 42-inch LCD television — the 85U series — typically retails for a few hundred more. So if the $1,000 range is ideal, the LC42D65U is a good choice.
The LC42D65U has five HDMI inputs and a pair of component video inputs, but doesn’t take advantage of Sharp’s most advanced flat-panel technology. The only 42-inch Sharp model with the Advanced Super View/Black TFT panel is the 85U version, namely the LC42D85U.
Even without the most advanced panel, the LC42D65U is a solid choice. Sharp LCD TVs are known for their brightness, which enables a high contrast between light and dark areas on the screen.
Additionally, the LC42D65U has a pair of useful features. The Aquos Link function enables Sharp Blu-ray players to interact seamlessly with Aquos televisions. That means one remote for two devices.
Also, the LC42D65U has an auto-dimming feature. If the room is dark, the television dims itself automatically. Conversely, in a bright room the television cranks up the power to cut through the ambient light.
If there is one area of complaint among the hundreds of consumer reviews available online, it’s the built-in speakers. They’ve been described as “very bad” and “unlistenable.” Many flat-screen televisions have similar speaker setups, so the knocks on the LC42D65U speakers shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
After all, are you shopping for a high-end television or a stereo system? Go for picture first, then add an appropriate surround system for a couple hundred more. The Aquos LC42D65U is a good place to start.
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