BIOS: Technology Means Business

Sharp Electronics recently added three new models to its P-Series range of LCD TVs, which have been specifically optimised for the UK PAL broadcast signal. Following in the footsteps of the Aquos P50 Series, and incorporating Sharp’s unique PAL Perfect Picture (PPP) technology, the Aquos LC-26P70E, LC-32P70E and LC-37P70E (26-, 32- and 37-inch respectively) can reproduce the UK PAL broadcast signal perfectly with their 960x540-pixel panel resolution.

Key features of the screens, including the Aquos LC-37P70E (Best Current Price: £915) reviewed here, include built-in Freeview Digital Terrestrial Tuner (DVB-T), PPP (PAL Perfect Picture) technology, support for 1080i and 720p HD signals, Advanced Super View and Black TFT LCD panel, HDMI interface, DCE (Dynamic Contrast Enhancement), Clear Voice Function, Auto Volume Control, and PC input (analogue RGB).

In addition to their suitability for the PAL signal, the P70 Series models are future-proofed for forthcoming High Definition (HDTV) broadcasts, featuring an HDMI interface with HDCP copy protection. HD performance is impressive (we tested Sky’s new HD service and DVD playback), with a straightforward half or three quarter downscale conversion from 1080i or 720p signal to 540 lines.

Connectivity options allow connection to a basic variety of sources, thanks to two SCART, AV/S-video in, audio out, HDMI In, CI Slot (Top Up TV) and VGA-in. An adapter cable for a VGA component input is also included, as there are no built-in component ports. Moreover, the screen can be controlled from a PC via the RS-232C interface or used as a monitor via the analogue PC input (RGB analogue). Two 10-Watt speakers are also integrated into the design, so unfortunately they can’t be separated and spaced for a more expansive sound. Nevertheless, sound quality is well above average.

The Aquos LC-37P70E incorporates Sharp’s unique Advanced Super View (ASV) technology to enhance picture quality further, with brightness at 450cd/m2. A viewing angle of 170 degrees, both horizontally and vertically, should help to ensure a good picture on screen - wherever you are sitting. In addition, Advanced Optical Picture Control (OPC) automatically adjusts the brightness of the picture to take account of the ambient light in the room. Other technical specifications include a response time of 12ms and contrast ratio of 800:1.

Sharp’s new models are also kinder to the environment, thanks to their low energy usage. The Aquos LC-26P70E, LC-32P70E and LC-37P70E have been awarded the Energy Saving Trust’s ‘energy saving recommended endorsement’ for their low energy consumption and contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). Sharp is one of the first LCD TV manufacturers to receive this certification in the UK. Finally, functions such as Clear Voice and Auto Volume Control (AVC) help to refine the sound quality, so that voices sound even clearer and any increase in volume, for example during advertisements, is reduced to the level of the programme being watched.

Thanks to the built-in TV tuner and Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) you can check the schedule of DTV and radio event, view detailed information about them, tune to an event currently on-air and set a timer for future events. There’s even an Electronic Service Guide (ESG), a simplified version of the EPG giving only essential information of current events for faster access. Other neat features include a Child Lock to PIN-protect certain settings from accidentally being changed, the ability to assign each input source a label you like (except TV and DTV), as well as freeze a motion picture on screen.

Picture settings allow you to select the picture size, depending on the type of signal being received. For instance, a standard signal allows you to select ‘Normal’ (for standard 4:3 pictures a sidebar appears on each side), ‘Zoom 14:9’ (a thin sidebar appears on each side), ‘Panorama’ (picture is progressively stretched towards the edge of the screen), Full (for 16:9 squeeze pictures), ‘Cinema 14:9’ (for letterbox pictures) and ‘Cinema 16:9’ (for letterbox pictures). For High-Definition signals you can select between ‘Full’ (crops all sides of the image), ‘Underscan 1’ (bars appear at top and bottom of image), and ‘Underscan 2’ (no bars appear on all sides of screen thanks to compression, but noise may appear).

Image-tweaking options allow you to configure Red, Green and Blue colour levels, as well as brightness and contrast levels. You can also dim the backlight, alter colour levels for more or less intensity, set Tint levels (skin tones become purplish) and alter Sharpness. Five picture modes (Standard, Soft, Eco, User and Dynamic) let you choose from to best pre-defined settings to match your system environment, which can vary due to factors like room brightness, type of programme watched or the type of image input from external equipment.

Sharp’s Aquos LC-37P70E’s is an ultra-slim and lightweight LCD TV which reproduces excellent colours, impressive picture detail and enhanced sound for an impressive audio visual experience. High Definition-ready and featuring HDMI connectivity, the set is also relatively future proof, although you should remember that it doesn’t support the Holy Grail of HD resolutions - 1080p. Other disappointments are that you can’t multitask by viewing images from different sources simultaneously - there’s no Picture-In-Picture (PIP), Picture-On-Picture (POP), or Picture-By-Picture (PbP) modes - and the remote control isn’t backlit. SD content looks grainy too, with garish colours, so you really do need a HD feed to get the best from this screen.

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