Sharp Aquos 42" LCD - a sharp tv!

We purchased this television in November 2006 at a price well above what they are selling for today - roughly 2,500. There were less expensive TVs and less known brands available for lower prices (as well as cheaper plasmas) but this television still has the best picture quality of any LCD HDTV we have seen. The piano black finish is an especially nice contrast to the matte screen. To this date we have had no 'dead pixels' or discoloration of any kind, and the picture is super sharp. I would recommend a different type of television if you plan to use this for daytime viewing in a room with many windows since even the best LCDs can appear dark in this circumstance. This tv has many inputs and outputs compared to most (lightpipe, etc.) and should provide excellent viewing for many years even with the constantly changing technology.

For your reference, we are using this TV with an HDTV satellite provider, standard DVD player, xbox and Pioneer 5.1 surround sound system. (Additional note, the TV sound itself is quite good when used; some of the less expensive brands have a hum or vibration in the audio.) The TV itself sits on the mantle of our fireplace in the living room and is very impressive looking. Unlike the traditional CRT televisions, when this TV is off it is not an ugly focal point taking up a large footprint in the room. We have a less expensive 'off brand' LCD HDTV in our bedroom which is good enough for occasional viewing, but the Sharp Aquos is the real deal for serious family time entertainment.