Sharp LC-52D92U

The Aquos LC-52D92U, a 52-inch LCD HDTV from Sharp's premium line, offers style in spades. But its performance fell short of that turned in by competing sets, and its lack of premium features may displease video aficionados.

The set consistently posted below-average scores in our PC World Test Center tests. Detail was noticeably pixelated, particularly in a scene showing fast-moving train and in the background of a George Lopez Show segment. Colors in a standard-definition baseball game broadcast looked good, but again we saw more pixelation on the turf than with other sets. The LC-52D92U scored a little better on Blu-ray and HD-DVD tests, but judges noted unsatisfying hues in a scene from Corpse Bride and brightness and contrast issues in a Mission Impossible III segment.

One unique feature of the Sharp Aquos LC-52D92U, called OPC, adjusts the backlight to compensate for changing room light conditions, dimming it as the room grows darker. However, the TV lacks features found in similar premium sets, such as picture-in-picture, a swiveling panel, and a USB port or memory card slots for displaying digital pictures.

The built-in speakers on the Aquos HDTV produced pleasing, room-filling sound. In an orchestral scene from Phantom of the Opera, I heard clearly defined highs and lows--and none of the brassiness that lesser speakers produced.

The remote accompanying the LC-52D92U matches the design of other well-organized Sharp remotes. It's important, too, because there's no other way to access the TV's on-screen menu. The TV itself has only volume, channel, and power buttons. Though the adjustment settings are many, they don't include RGB controls. Among the model's presets for picture quality are one that increases black levels and another that tries to minimize motion blur. To enhance the audio, you can activate surround sound. Most users should be able to find suitable preset combinations for viewing various programs.

The Aquos LC-52D92U has a lot going for it, including an alluring design and automatic brightness adjustment. But its color quality and detail reproduction weren't as good as those on competing sets. For the price ($3000), you'd be better off with a set such as the LG Electronics 50PY3D.