Sharp Aquos LC42XD1E review

The 1080p standard supposedly creates the finest detail and smoothest movement that LCD can offer. True 1080p content is still relatively thin on the ground, but this is expected to change and this specification offers the ultimate in future proofing.

The screen's high resolution means you can watch high-definition images from even short distances without suffering visual acuity (where you can see the individual pixels) -- so even small rooms can accommodate a large screen. Flexible positioning is enhanced by an Advanced Super View Black TFT panel, which offers wider viewing angles.

Advanced picture processing is provided by Sharp's HD Anti-Judder technology, which improves image contrast and detail while creating more cohesive movement from external sources. There's also a proprietary 4-Wavelength Backlight System, which adds crimson to the standard RGB spectrum to enhance natural red reproduction and skin tones.

The main menu is intelligently displayed using a scrolling bar at the top of the screen, which means it doesn't obscure the screen while you're making adjustments. You can customise settings, choose various preset modes via shortcut keys from the remote or use the OPC sensor to automatically adjust picture settings according to your room's brightness.

The integrated digital Freeview tuner sports a seven-day electronic programme guide, although the digital menu system isn't very attractive and only displays a few listings at a time. There's a small window that allows you to carry on watching programmes with sound while you search the schedules. The picture changes as you scroll through channels, however, which creates a delay and means you can't carry on watching one programme while you search for others.

Sound options include an ineffectual surround mode and a more useful Clear Voice function that enhances speech if you're watching dialogue-heavy programmes such as the news or chat shows.

Performance
Although image quality is impressive across all sources, unsurprisingly it's high-definition performance that really excels. Whether you're playing true hi-def content or even upscaled standard-definition images, picture performance is outstanding.

The slightest intricacies of detail are shown with exceptional clarity, while high black levels create contrast and realistic perspective. Colours are well balanced between natural and superficial shades, especially with difficult-to-render reds and skin tones. Images are immaculately clean as well, without any background noise or blurred movement.

Digital broadcasts from the Freeview tuner are sharply defined and offer fluid movement, although there is some occasional instability with complex backgrounds, and gradations can appear inconsistent. But these are small flaws that shouldn't detract from a great picture overall.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide