What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
30 NOV 2009
Sharp LC40LE700E
A fine addition to the slowly crowding LED-backlit market, and a welcome return to form for Sharp
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Despite being one of the best-selling TV manufacturers in the world, Sharp has struggled to hit the performance heights the likes of Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and Philips have managed in recent memory.
The manufacturer is hoping all this will change with the release of its LED-backlit LCD TVs.
All Sharp full-array LED sets include an ‘eco’ mode to further reduce power consumption. Accessed via a dedicated button on the remote, Sharp hopes such a feature, which seems to lower brightness a touch, will mark this set out as a TV for the future.
One thing that isn’t so futuristic is the design of the ’LE700E.
First impressions are a bit uninspiring: at 9cm deep it’s a little chunky for an LED TV – full-array sets can’t be as slim as edge-lit models – while the remote and interface look tired. As for the speakers, they fire out a distinctly average sound.
Crisp and colourful with all sources
Much of this is forgotten, however, as soon as we spin Star Trek on DVD.
It’s an excellent transfer and, upscaled to fit the Sharp’s Full HD resolution, the ’LE700E gives it a superb platform. Those white LED backlights prove adept at delivering bright, exuberant, full-bodied colours, alongside smooth motion and polished images.
The 100Hz, 10-bit Sharp has an advanced motion mode, should you covet super-smooth motion processing. But if you can’t get along with the slightly unnatural feel, the ’LE700E is still pretty stable.
Step up to the Blu-ray of Blade Runner – pick from one of four HDMI inputs – and the set delivers in spades, again offering a very clean, colourful, crisp image.
Our TV Product of the Year, Philips’ 42PFL9664, is a staggeringly good set, and in terms of absolute detail there’s no shame in giving a little away, as the Sharp does.
It also can’t quite match the sense of depth that makes the Philips so special. But when it comes to a precise, noise-free image, this set is right up there with the best around – and it’s a few quid cheaper.
Clean and noise-free images
Watching off-air images via the digital tuner, again it’s clean and colourful, if a little over-egged at times.
Sky Sports News’ scrolling news bar runs fairly smoothly and Freeview channels avoid any blocking or noise.
It may not be a revolution, but for Sharp this set marks a big step in the right direction.
Only up against some serious and more expensive rivals is the LC40LE700E found wanting, and that means Sharp is back in contention.
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