Overview:
The LC-37D7U is a 37" widescreen LCD HDTV. The panel is an active matrix TFT WXGA panel capable of displaying a maximum resolution of 1366x768 pixels. The panel's lamp life is listed by Sharp at 60,000 hours. The half life is 30,000, which is typically when flat panels begin to lose their brightness. Still, you should get more than 20 years of watching this TV with a good picture.
HDTV and The Panel:
The LC-37D7U is a high definition television - meaning it is capable of displaying high definition images in a resolution of 720p. Don't worry, it will also convert 1080i images to 720p. Inside the panel is a CableCARD slot and built-in digital tuner. This is good for those wanting to watch free HDTV from their local broadcast affiliates. The 16:9 panel has an 800:1 contrast ratio, which is good but not excellent. The LC-37D7U uses Sharp's Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel technology.
My Thoughts:
This looks like a pretty good television, although the specs don't set it apart from the competition within the 37" category. Other stuff to consider includes HDMI, DVI, two component and three composite connections. The response time is rated at 16ms, brightness is 450 cd/m2 and the panel has a 10W+10W audio system.
What I Like:
- The inclusion of two digital connections (HDMI and DVI) and two component inputs
- The CableCARD slot. While I am unsure CableCARD will ever replace the set-top box, this is a nice feature to have just in case it does.
Impact on Purchase: These are positive inclusions. I'm stoked about the HDMI and DVI connections as many televisions only have one or the other. The CableCARD slot is a nice option, but I wouldn't pay $500 more for this TV than a similar one without the CableCARD slot.
What I Don't Like:
- The response time (16ms) and contrast ratio (800:1) is average for a 37" TV. It would've been nice to see the response time at 8ms and the contrast ratio somewhere at 1200:1 or higher.
Impact on Purchase: Yes, you can get a TV with a better response time and contrast ratio, but you will likely pay for that upgrade. The 16ms response time and 800:1 contrast ratio have enough muscle to get you through a good DVD or fast-paced video game. This isn't a dealbreaker for me.
