Sharp Aquos LC-46A83M (46-inch LCD)

By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
Sep 21, 2007

Last year, we were awed by the Aquos G7's impressive tech specs and connectivity options. It's also one of the first to feature six 1080p-compatible ports for optimum external video interface. When combined with a matching 1080p LCD panel and solid HD performance, this earned the series a well-deserved Editors' Choice. Its successor, the A83, has now taken this one step further by embracing 100Hz-scanning technology, a highly sought-after feature relatively new in Asia. This comes at a price though, as you will find out soon enough.

Design

Call it a change of heart or a cost-cutting measure. Whatever it is, the latest 2007 Aquos, including the LC-46A83M, are deviating from the original Toshiyuki Kita design. Based on a variation of the P7-series, the A83 sports a full frontal glossy treatment which extends all the way to its fixed pedestal stand. To break the set's boxy outlines, its in-housed designers have smoothened out the hard edges with rounded corners. This is in addition to a contrasting shiny silver lining sandwiched between the screen and unobtrusive bottom-mounted speakers.

Another X factor of this classy beauty is its sleek 95mm-thick cabinet, easily one of the thinnest around. Furthermore, the layout of the onboard controls and side inputs are also just about right. These are stacked on top of one another by the right, within easy reach unlike the recently reviewed LGs. To minimize wall-mounting depth, the jacks on the rear are separately grouped and housed with two recessed panels. These have limited clearance which is a potential strain for thicker cords, though there is a wide detachable clip for cable management.

Bundled in the package is a no-frills remote controller featuring a matching black finish and integrated flip cover. Speaking of which, this conceals just a single button (duh!) with room for more. On the whole, we had little issue with the keys' responsiveness and tactile feedback. That said, it could have been a lot better if some of the ambiguous pictorial labels were avoided. Same for the input toggle button, clustered with the similarly colored numeric keypad. The latter has smart detection technology which filters out only connected ports for onscreen selection.

It’s yet another mixed bag of impressions when it comes to the colorful graphical user interface and software menu. Nested within its five submenus is a pretty healthy collection of settings. Here, you will find all the necessary basic video parameters plus a handful of advanced variants. Missing from the lineup, however, are enthusiast-oriented primary color and grayscale adjustments. Looking on the brighter side, first-time buyers will appreciate a generous offering of seven A/V presets. One of these is permanently locked out from customization.

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