Sharp's LC-52XS1U-S reviewed: "a cool science experiment gone awry"

We already saw the UK version of Sharp's limited edition XS1 LCD HDTV hit the review bench, but for Americans wondering if their version (that's the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S) is any different, here's your sign. Reviewers at PC Mag were able to get the $11,999 (list price) set into the labs for testing, and while the contrast and HD detail were both lauded, the overall package just didn't warrant such a stratospheric sticker. In fact, critics asserted that the unit actually "required professional setup [read: calibration]" in order to achieve results that were even close to desirable, and while there are a lot of details behind it, we think this all-compassing quote pretty much settles things: the flagship LC-52XS1U-S is "like a cool science experiment gone awry." Steer clear, people.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 30th 2008 9:30AM]

WTF!?!?!?

"required professional setup"????

yea you can have that

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 30th 2008 9:53AM]

They almost certainly mean professional calibration - something that can really benefit TVs far under that price range.

[Byrdman Posted Dec 30th 2008 10:15AM]

regardless, If I am paying 12 grand for a tv, I dont want to have to pay someone to come calibrate my set. for 12K that thing better bring me breakfast in bed.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 30th 2008 10:43AM]

yea........$12k I believe at the very LEAST it should be simple enough for the average purchaser to calibrate himself........

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 30th 2008 10:26AM]

For 12 grand I better be getting a Plasma, and not an LCD. If I'm gonna spend that much on a TV, may as well get the best. Hell, may as well get 3 60" KUROs for that price.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 30th 2008 3:59PM]

wow, a $12k lcd can't even dethrone plasma. what's lcd gotta do to catch up? anywho, funny how this set was praised by soundandvisionmag whilst alongside a Kuro. Plus, PCmag's review gives me the impression that they don't calibrate all of their sets before they "review" them...