Official SHARP 37D90U thread! - Page 4

So now I'm torn between this and the Westinghouse LVM 37w3. As I understand it, the 37w3 isn't too hot with SD (standard definition?) material, which is what I've got coming through cable (too cheap for HIDEF) and presumably all my DVDs. There seems to be issues with blurring (ghosting) especially during action sequences (and I do loves me my action sequences!)

So how does this TV handle SD material? What are its black levels like? Looking at the pictures posted by DrizztD0Urden, they don't seem too hot.

Of course, you're probably wondering why I'd bother with a HDTV if I'm only watching SD material--the reason is I'd also like a nice big PC monitor. Hey, would putting the cable through my PC, and watching DVDs on my PC, get around the "bad SD handling" of the 37w3?

Wouldn't have anything to do with this...


...would it?

Sure, it could be because of the damage, but they are on different sides. Strange things happen with damage though ... good point.

I'm thinking the damage is to the right side of the BLU, as the damage is to the right side of the housing. Thus the right side appears dimmer, or, as you say, the left side appears brighter. Half-empty v half-full.

My wife and I are very interested in this set, and we were eagerly awaiting your review. Even her first remark was, "I bet it's because of the shipping damage." We were excited to see your only other complaints were the remote (we use multi-function anyway so as long as we can get the codes...) and the lack of analog inputs (I for one am sick of all these "next generation" sets having 1xHDMI and 100xComposite).

Our plan is to get this now, get a larger one next year when the 46-47" sets are more widely available and move the 37" into the bedroom at that time. I was going to wait until HDMI 1.3, but it seems this little guy does everything I want (at a good price and from a reputable mfg). Maybe the 46-47" set we get later on down the road will have HDMI 1.3.

I've had my Sharp Aquos 32D40U for a few weeks now and have just discovered that it produces a noticeable and annoying humming or buzzing sound when the backlight level is set to 10 or lower. There is no sound at 11 or above, and the sound becomes slightly louder as the settings are lowered further, especially at 4 and below.

Has anyone else experienced or heard of this problem? Any known causes or fixes? Thanks.

I have the 37D90U (received earlier this week) and have not experienced any buzzing noise related to the Backlight level. I also do not even notice when the fans are on (I was a little worried about that at first).

My00t8: Yeah, what you say makes sense, but I'm actually not seeing it anymore. Like I said, it was very faint, but it seems to have even itself out? Not sure what that is all about ... I read that LCDs generally suffer from uneven backlighting, but I assure you even when it wasn't perfect, it was pretty close. I wouldn't let that keep you from a purchase.

I have noticed something else though ... it doesn't want to sync on the DVI input when I connect my upconverting DVD player. I have a Sony unit, and since my old TV only had DVI, I purchased a HDMI-DVI adapter instead of an HDMI cable. When I switch to the DVI input on the set, the HDMI light on the sony will blink (it should be solid), but it is giving some signal, because it is really bright ... almost as if the backlight was adjusted. I have to switch to an different input and back again (usually several times) before it will sync.

But even when it does it is really bright, even when I put my backlight all the way down (-16 I think). I'm hoping it has something to do with the HDMI-DVI conversion ... I should be receiving my HDMI cable sometime early next week.

Anyone else connecting an HDMI device to the d90u's DVI input? I wonder if rjcarr's situation is isolated or an issue with the tv in general.

I have hooked up my powerbook via DVI and it connected fine and seems to look okay, but it was only brief, I should test it again. That's why I'm assuming there is a problem with the DVD player.

And since we're discussing it ... the (analog) audio HDMI in is a stereo mini-plug, so I converted the RCA audio out of the DVD to the mini-plug and works okay when the DVD is playing but hisses (loudly) when the DVD is stopped. Again, this is why I'm pretty sure it is the DVD player.

I should have my HDMI cable today or tomorrow to confirm that it makes a different. If it doesn't I'll be back on here with some more questions.

Is there any benefit to using an upscaling DVD player with any of Sharp's 1080p displays? Specifically, if using 720p or 1080i output? I'm thinking there are a few conversion steps with 1080i but 720p may not be too bad.

I managed to get through the Oppo 970HD thread and was disappointed to learn that there is an outstanding issue with cropping of 720p/1080i output, but I'm wondering if it is even worth trying on a 1080p panel. I'm happy with my el-cheapo Pioneer's component out but I'm willing to plunk down on something like the Oppo's price tag if there is a noticable difference in quality.


Better perhaps to wait for a *good* 1080p upconverting player. I've read that Yamaha is coming out with one soon. The NeuNeo/Helios is available now but it has some quality issues I understand.

I have the same question. I have been looking at the OPPO OPDV971H (not the 970HD) due to the price and picture quality I have been hearing about. Right now I have a Panasonic DVD-F85 and it's 480p output looks really nice. I too would pay for a Oppo "IF" it would make a difference but I'm not sure it would be that noticable. Can anyone that has one comment on the differences between 480p up converted and an oppo up converted?

Jdryyz - I'm just confused by one thing you said:

I figure 1080i would have fewer steps and look better than 720p. Is that what you meant to say?

Milo

P.S. So how is the set working out for you?

The only thing I can think of is the digital video output, but maybe some non-scaling players have digital output already?

I would assume the sharps have much better scalers than anything you'd get in an upscaling DVD, so like you said, you would be better letting the TV do the work. Unfortunately for my upscaler (a Sony model), it seems to put out a 4:3 signal for 480P ... not sure why, so I'm using 1080i.

For an update on my DVI problems ... using a HDMI cable seems to have fixed all the problems (except for the 480P issue I mention just before). The DVD player now recognizes the set immediately (no blinking HDMI light) and the brightness is back to normal. I guess my DVD player was confused.

My next test has to do with digital audio. I should be getting my (6 foot) toslink in the mail tomorrow ... I'm interested to know if the 90U will send the HDMI digital audio out the toslink line, or just some stereo downmix. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll post the results when I get the hardware.

According to info I read in the Oppo thread and other sources, there are more steps involved with taking the native 480p DVD source and upconverting to 1080i than there is with going to 720p. I guess if it does it efficiently and with good results, 1080i output would be preferrable with the Sharp 1080p. You should then be able to select the "Dot by Dot" viewing mode.

I'm mostly happy with the set, but was expecting better black levels (yes, I've done all the usual optimization tweaks) and viewing angle. Its not enough to warrant a return, though. The pros outweigh the cons.

Jeff

maybe this one ---> http://usa.denon.com/DVD-2930CILit.pdf

That now makes sense. I thought you were talking about the up converting of the Sharp and not the DVD player itself. I forgot to factor that part of it.

I have had mine for a couple of days now. The PQ is quite good....especialy for HD though that makes SD look bad (still among the better compared to other LCDs out there). Had a couple of Qs:

1. Why do I see side bars for some HD programming (it says 1080i)? It happens for some HD channels like NBC, CBS etc. even when the info says 1080i.

2. The limited viewing angle/wash problem is really there. Has anybody gotten any help from Sharp tech support given the manufacturer's warranty? Will they replace or suggest some solutions or it is what it is.

Many thanks...this forum has been extremely helpful in my purchase decision!

Not all content on HD channels are HD. What you are seeing are SD programs. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of all current programming on the major broadcast channels is actually HD. Check out TitanTV for a listing of HD programs in your area. Check the "HD Only" box and you'll see the limited HD programming.

Very, very true!

I haven't seen much chatter lately about the 37d90u viewing angle and backlight bleed. there was some indication that later production models were better than the first out the door. I'm looking for a 37" that the whole family can sit down and watch without fighting for the sweet spot. Nobody local carries this unit so I can't go out and see for myslef. Any new owners want to throw in their two cents?

-RC

I had the OPDV971 hooked up to the LC37D90U via HDMI using both 720p and 1080i. On 720p I noticed a slight sharper picture when I was standing 3 feet from it while watching a video dvd. I had to look realy hard. But sitting 8 feet away and watching film dvd, there was no diference vs. my cheap 480p dvd. So I returned the OPDV971. Too much to pay for something I will not notice 99% of the time.

Have my set about 8 days and love it!

4 on a sofa, 10 feet from screen - no problem.

You have to accept the fact that LCD is not as good as plasma when it comes to viewing at angles.

And no problem with backlight bleed.

Today there is a wonderful deal on this set. Check pricing bots. Well worth the price and more.

I've had my 37D90U for a week now and my observations pretty much mirror those of the Consumer Reports First Look article. I do have a narrower viewing angle than what was advertised. The backlight bleeding, while there, is hardly noticeable on my display, however. It helps to have the Backlight at its lowest setting and content covering the entire display (no borders). As for any correlation with build date, I did find out that I have an incrementally higher serial number than another user here but that's it so far. Your milage may vary.

What concerns me more is what isn't mentioned in the article and will likely not get much attention-- the "shakes" when using S-Video sources. Check here for more info: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...t=commodore+64

I may submit a report to Sharp's customer service but based on the posts here, complaints on this matter haven't been well received.

The good news is, everything else about this LCD display is fantastic! Although I've only used a handful of LCD's in my life, it probably does have better black levels than most and I'm only seeing one dead pixel so far. I did have have some stucks ones initially but they've worked themselves out.

And as a computer display, it rocks! DVI out from my Mac looks gorgeous and no tweaking of settings was necessary. I even think the default "PC" palette is a good match.

Thanks for the input! I really like the display from my "cheapo" panasonic 480p so it was really had to believe and upconverting play would look "a lot" better.

Sticking with what I have for now until the HD-DVD vs. Blueray battle is over.

I have had my set for a several weeks now. I have finally noticed some of the viewing angle issues (I think). What I mean is that I can now notice that when I am off angle from the TV, say 45+ degrees, there is a somewhat noticable "whitening" of the image. The thing is though, that I can only notice it when I move from center to off center. Once I've been at off center for a little bit, the picture looks fine. Basically my eyes get used to it.
As for backlight bleeding, well it's an LCD..... What I mean is that it will have some kind of backlight bleed but I think it is very minimal for an LCD. So far the sharp beats out both my laptop and my desktop's 19" Dell Ultrasharp LCD in terms of color and backlight bleeding. With view angle, the laptop & 19" LCD *might* beat the sharp but I think they are very close. Considering the Sharp is 18+" larger, I think it does pretty well. I'm happy with mine.

Hope this helps.

Well I have had my "second" set for almost a month and I can offer the following:

For viewing angle, there is some washout once you get past 45 degrees or so- I find it totally acceptable, and have also found that when viewing HD broadcast OTA that this is less noticeable- we have two sofas and a club chair spread about our family room and no one has yet to get a bad seat.

Backlight bleed- I do have my brightness and backlight turned down- you can notice this on a black screen but for my viewing I can't notice with SD satellite, HDTV, or DVD...

So at this point I would recommend this set to anyone looking for a 37" 1080p LCD display- the picture is stunning with HD content and I am really enjoying my DVDs w/ the Oppo 970 up converting DVD player- excellent picture quality... I hate to say it but it looks like Sony is going to screw up BD so I really have my eye on the new Toshiba HD-XA2 - when this unit comes down a bit I will probably buy.... real 1080p content will look incredible on this set. By the way, my SD content looks darn good on this unit- better than my 26g4 LCD- It was a nice surprise, I would rate the SD viewing on this unit better than the xbr1 Sony, and all of the Panny plasma displays- I have not seen SD on the new xbr2 but I doubt it will be better than the Sharp.

However- if I didn't need the form factor of the 37d90u I would be placing a pre-order for one of the new 46" or 52" units like yesterday, if you got the room wait a bit and the 46" unit will be street priced not far from the opening price of the 37...

Does anyone find the power and OPC "brite lites" along the bottom right-hand corner distracting?

Is there anyway to disable them?

I'm definitely limited to 37". It sounds like this is as good as it gets in 37. If all the manufacturers are moving to different sized glass, this will be the last of the Mohicans.

So whatever warts this comes with, it's the best I'll be able to get regardless of how long I wait, unless I want to shell out a bunch for new furniture. Custom furniture, unlike LCDs, isn't going down.

So what's the deal on the S-video screen jumping? I've got a Sega Dreamcast and GameCube? Has anyone had trouble with these? Anyone hook them up without trouble?

-RC

The S-Video juuder is real according to recent posters on the Sharp D90U thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&page=75&pp=30). As for videogames here are the experiences of a fellow gamer, bile, that was kind-enough to do a test for me:


bile got his new 37D90U TV and ran the same battery of tests for me. Same result.

Hey guys. I have my LC37D90U connected to my PC using DVI and I'm having a little problem. I'm not sure if its the TV or the PC but I'm wondering if anyone can help me.

In 1080p with the DOT by DOT the picture, is not aligned correctly. The picture is too far up and too much to the right. The left and bottom side of the screen have black bars. I tried moving the picture using the Fine Sync option but it does not correct the problem.