Cheap 42 inch 720p plasma hdtv: Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV

Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV Review

Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV Feature

20" HDTV LCD-TV
Buitl-in ATSC / NTSC Tuners
HDMI Inputs
6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
8ms Response Time

Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV Overviews

Sharp's widescreen 20" LC-20D42U is an HDTV Liquid Crystal Television that provides a slim, versatile high definition TV solution with a distinctive design. It features a high-performance LCD panel for high brightness, a high contrast ratio, low-reflection glare protection and wide viewing angles. The LC-20D42U includes ATSC/NTSC tuners to receive off-air broadcasts. In addition, it is PC compatible as well as an HDTV monitor for greater versatility. As an HDTV monitor, it is compatible with all 1080i and 720p signals from HDTV sources.

Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV Customer Review

This is the first (smaller) LCD set I've seen that has a good off-angle view when looking up (first of a new generation of smaller sets with upgraded LCD as found on bigger sets)!
I once got burned by a Toshiba 23HLV87 (off-angle view when looking up was terrible) which I exchanged for a Toshiba 26LV47 (off-angle view is great up/down as well as from the sides). After my experience with the Toshibas, I found that many smaller LCD sets (`bout anything smaller than 26") that look good from the sides (and some looked good from above) have a terrible off-angle view when looking up.
I've wanted to replace my kitchen TV (mounted high) with an LCD, and after a call to Sharp to verify this screen does indeed look good (when looking up), I ordered (the owner manual says the viewing angles are 170 degrees horizontally and VERTICALLY)! This is the first (smaller?) set I've seen with specs that specifically state off-angle viewing angles both horizontally AND vertically, so I assume this is the first generation of smaller sets with an updated LCD screen as found on most 26" and above sets.
I have previous good experience with a well-used Sharp Aquos, so hopefully the quality/performance of this set is just as good.
BTW...if you want to download an owner manual (not listed on Sharp USA site for this model), you can either e-mail Sharp USA customer service and they'll e-mail you one or you can visit Sharp Canada's site. Since Amazon doesn't seem to want to allow me to post an external link, just Google "LC20D42U manual" and the first hit should carry you to a page full of Sharp Canada manuals-they seem to have a much more extensive list of downloadable manuals than Sharp USA.

PROS
First set under 26" I've found that has good off-angle viewing when looking up!
Built-in HDTV tuner: (I have Comcast, and can get about 10 over the air channels through my cable by bypassing the DVR). I have no cable box/DVR in the kitchen, so I should be able to receive channels 1 though 70+ as well as approximately 10 over the air HD channels (based on current experience/HDTVs).
Picture quality: Comparable, if not better, than my Toshiba Regza and old Sharp Aquos.
CONS
No channel labeling!!! (my 26" Toshiba Regza does!) It's much nicer to label each channel rather than remembering what station 105.1 etc is!
Base doesn't swivel (it does tilt)
Sound is a bit on the weak side
Remote not lighted
Remote cannot control other devices!

After living with this TV for a few days, I'm lowering my rating from 4 stars to 3 due to missing features available on my other sets (don't see any way to change the star rating at Amazon)!
If not for size restrictions, I think I'd just get another Toshiba Regza (26LV47, or maybe the model without the built-in DVD player) instead of this Sharp.
The 1 big thing the Toshiba has going for it is channel labeling! It's tough to remember channel 105.1 is ????-would be nice to be able to label each channel with station call letters!

Cheap Sharp Aquos LC20D42U 20-Inch LCD HDTV

Products By : Sharp

Model : LC20D42U

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Availability : N/A

List Price : $899.99

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