SHARP LC-52SB55U

Sharp's Big-Screen LCD Deal



As more LCD manufacturers aim to improve picture clarity with 120-Hz frame refresh rates, the larger 60-11z panels are bargain priced. The 52-inch Sharp LC-52SB55U is a prime example of one such big-screen value HDTV, delivering a superb, detailed HD picture. But given the falling prices of HDTVs, the competition is growing.

This LCD features a thin-and-glossy black bezel (about 1.8 inches wide) surrounding its dark, antireflective screen and a 2-by-10-inch stereo speaker bar that provides anemic bass response. This model has the best selection of video inputs of the sets in Sharp's SB series (see the port chart on this page). In terms of picture quality, the LC-52SB55U's average contrast ratio of 1,105:1 indicates that its ability to produce video black isn't as good as that of the Samsung LN52A550 (2,782:1), so it will be less impressive in dimly lit environments.


For most movies and TV shows, this LCD's default picture preset needs a quick tweak. Selecting the TV's "movie" preset enables film detection and activates the LCD's integrated room-light sensor. This setting adjusts the panel's backlight system in response to ambient light conditions—the darker the room, the lower the backlight output—and provides a substantial reduction in energy consumption.


With the LC-52SB55U's film-detection feature enabled, the set's ability to process 1080i video (prime-time TV) into a progressive picture (1080p) was superb, producing as detailed a picture as any LCD HDTV on the market. As energy consumption goes, this LCD is on a par with most 52-inch LCD TVs: good out of the box, but even better with a few adjustments. The set's estimated monthly operating cost at default picture settings is $4.27 (5 hours a day at $0.13/kWh).



This HDTV is a good value for a big-screen 1080p LCD. Although its picture sharpness and number of HDMI ports is superior to the Samsung LN52A550's, the Samsung HDTV can play digital music and display pictures via USB for about the same price.—Robert Heron

PC Magazine February 2009