Sharp's slashing prices on 1080p Aquos LCDs
By Richard Lawler 
posted Jun 21st 2007 12:37PM
posted Jun 21st 2007 12:37PM
Since the only thing we like more than HDTVs are cheap HDTVs, this latest news about Sharp's Aquos line can't help but make us smile. According to TWICE, MAP (minimum advertised pricing) on certain models the company's older D62 line has been removed entirely, and dropped prices on others, including its more recent D92U, D82U and D72U series LCDs. The 1080p, 46-inch LC-46D62U that launched to such fanfare last October with an MSRP of $3,499 is now available for as low as $1,824 on Amazon. Meanwhile, the newer D92U series with 120Hz at the same size will still cost you $2,549. If horror stories of uneven banding haven't scared you off yet, this is a great time to go 1080p while manufacturers and retailers make room for upcoming models.[Update: corrected Model #, thanks Dominic!]
technical, but... it's a 42" not a 46"
http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,1761,00.html
This would be a great deal if these sets were not plagued with various problems. Primarily the uneven backlighting and banding that Sharp has been unable to resolve.
Nice! But I'm still gunna go with the $1999 Samsung 46" 1080p 6000:1 panel.
Yes, good deals all around. However, the one to keep an eye on is the Toshiba 42LX177. Reportedly, all of their 2007 "Cinema Series" Regza LCDs will have three 1080p HDMI 1.3 inputs, deep color, 120/60/24 Hz processing, 8 ms or faster response time, and a host of other features that will make my new Toshiba HD-A20 rock even harder. I would go for Sharp's D72u model, which is a wicked 4 ms with a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and (supposedly) no banding/backlighting issues, but it only has two HDMI inputs.
Though I support HD DVD, I'm not above using that third input for a PS3 when the price inevitably drops. Since it has been updated to do 1080p/24 as well, there's no question that it would look sick on this TV.
I work for a company that is a sharp authorized dealer. The "removal of map" on certain models was a mistake and MAP has been reinstated for the few models where the mistake was made.
Great. Now when can the US get the Aquos R-Series?
http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/070220_2.html
Uh... "D72 series"?? Never heard of it.
Is this a typo? There is no "D72" series on the sharpusa.com website [D62, D82, and D92 are listed].
http://www.sharpusa.com/files/tel_dow_LCDTV_Full_Line_0107.pdf
@ Joseph R
The D72U most certainly exists, my friend. If you have trouble accessing the link above, just go to "sharpusa.com" and click "2007 Brochure" on the bottom left of the page. This model is Sharp's answer for omitting the 42" size in their D92 line, which many were looking forward to. The D72's specs are identical to the D82 line, except for the 120 Hz feature and a third HDMI slot, and this is the only size that carries the "D72" designation so far.
It's in stores, just not posted on the main site since it's relatively new.