The concept of TV has been transformed from being an idiot box to an all purpose integral part of our life. So is the technology, the boring and irregular colour contrast has undergone unbelievable modifications since the age it has been invented. Likewise, the 21st century break through technical advances promises a viewing experience that can transport the viewer to a real life platform. It doesn’t stop with that; televisions are equally competing with the big screen to provide on par 3D gimmicks. The party continues, even in matching the most enviable screen size of the big cinemas, as today’s screen size is nothing short of 40 inches. All these composed together finally renders a pleasant viewing that need not involve haphazard channel & brightness tuning or rummage around for getting better picture quality. This is because, everything happens like a cake walk. Sure Sharp, has been a bit ahead in sprucing up the competition between the legends such as Panasonic and Samsung. With it launch of 60 inch 3D television LC-60LE925E, the market has taken an upbeat turn to catch up with the wide screen technology. Besides 3D, the product is engineered to resonate with the extra fittings such as the media player and internet.
Overview:
Sharp LC-60LE925E 3D TV has definitely created a buzz amongst the consumers in either ways. Considering the key feature which is the enlarged screen size, Sharp has toppled down many of the best selling ones. But at the same time, 60 inch wide feature with a heavy mass has endured a few tough critics too. The package does not stop with the screen size or the 3D feature, but is well contrived with edge LED backlight and scanning backlight comprising the film dejudder technology. Not to mention, the Aquos net+ adds value for every penny pooled in buying LC 60LE925E.
Design:
Elegancy and precision can be the right words to describe the design part of LC-60LE925E 3D LCD TV. With a negligible width of 39.7 inches, it rocks a monolithic design. It can also be mounted on a wall and can be even spaced in the living room. All it takes is careful positioning and handling. The TV is seated on the stand cover and the same is to be unfastened from the stand base in order to mount it on the wall. On the downside, the stand cover is made up of tempered glass, thus restricting the casual handling and as it is sensitive it can reflect the sunlight. The design looks splendid with soft metallic curvature decorating the sides. Even if it wins accolade for the graceful appearance, it is quite massive and hence becomes a hurdle if it needs to be shifted from one place to another. The other remaining option is to mount it on a wall, which seems to be pretty good and adds a good mileage to the wide screen viewing.
3D Glass:
Sharp’s 3D glass is a precision instrument, which means that it must be handled with extreme care. In contrast to 3D glass like Samsung, there are several accompaniments that come as part and parcel of the 3D glass. Besides the glass case and cleaning cloth, additional items like glass band and nose pad are provided. The battery case should be dismantled for change of battery using the precision screw driver that is packed with the 3D glass set. The glass lens is made up of high quality liquid crystal shutter. An immediate conversion of 2D images to 3D is not possible, as the user must activate it in the remote access control and press a dedicated button in the 3D glass at the same time. This is somewhat a lag when compared to many of its competitors, wherein they have given the complete control in the remote control and the user just needs to slide the 3D glass. LED light embedded in the glass indicates when the battery is low and several functions such as the power on and off and 3D to 2D conversion is notified with different blink signals. The glass can operate at a decent pull of 75 hours and the user must replace the batteries. Understanding the difference in the facial structure, it is a nice thought to offer nose pad and glass band, as it gives a good grip in case if it sits loosely on the nose. As with many 3D TV, the idea of watching the 3D effect sans the glass is still in the nascent stage. The user ought to wear the 3D glass so as to feel the effect. In this case the 3D glasses are bit sensitive and is readily prone to damage due to careless handling.
Slots and Connectivity in LC-60LE925E:
The slots and connectivity does not differ much from the well established sleek models. There are four HDMI slots that are constructed with v1.4 spec and offer compatibility with 3D technology. USB, antenna, satellite antenna terminal, SCART, RS 232C terminal and output to headphones slots are also available. The digital and the sound files are transmitted through the standard HDMI connection and are sent without compressing the same. The TV automatically sets to the best acceptable format while playing the HDMI image. At the same time an ARC friendly audio receiver should be connected to HDMI 1 terminal using an ARC cable. The RS-232C terminal can assist the user to control the TV from the PC using the connection and feeding in several commands. It is highly beneficial for someone who is accustomed to using the port and the commands. The set stops responds one command at a time and sends a reply response to the PC. The user needs to wait till that notification arrives, thus not giving a complete multiple command platform. The USB files such as progressive format jpeg files are not supported and USB 1.1 might not run properly. One hindsight thought is the extent of flexibility to use the slots are restricted depending on the location it is placed. Due to the bulkiness of the set, the user cannot move it frequently and in case if it is wall mounted the connection part becomes extremely impossible. The user cannot take a good advantage of the features in that case.
Remote Access Control:
The remote control in LC-60LE925E is not the first impressionist, since the user might feel that it is too much crowded with numerous buttons. The plastic surface is bit sticky at first, but later on continuous usage we would definitely appreciate the user friendliness it offers. The good point is that the TV is embedded with good chunk of goodies which the user might not explore, if it is tucked within the menu. Hence, it was a nice idea to allocate a dedicated single button access from the remote control. Take for an example, there are straightforward entry to the ATV, DTV, SAT, 3D and radio mode. A straight live recording is also possible by just a press in the “Time Shift” button of the remote control. It is quite beneficial if the program viewing is interrupted for some time. The characteristic feature of LC-60LE925E 3D is the Aquos Net and Sharp has aptly provided a direct one stop access from the remote control. Miscellaneous features such as displaying information with respect to the program could have been integrated in to the menu item and instead could have be replaced with something like grouping the favourite channels under a single button, as this feature is seen missing in this remote. Nevertheless, some new feature like “Teletext” finds its place in the remote. To paraphrase, the remote control can be used to the fullest extent only if all the remarkable features are well acknowledged by the user; otherwise it is like operating a simple remote control of any other common television set used for tuning the channel and volume adjustments.
User Interface and Set-up in Sharp LC-60LE925E:
The initial setup is less time consuming and it must be done only by trained professional. As mentioned earlier, the stand cover is receptive to scratch and therefore must not be toyed around with.
Once the setup is done, the initialisation part is breezy, it immediately reckons the connection type (SAT or external device) and permits easy customisation. The highlight part of the user interface is the catergorisation of channels in a unique way using the EPG functionality. The EPG is nothing but the ability to see the schedule of programs displayed on the screen in any of the connections (DTV/SAT/Radio) and the user can tune as per requirement. Possibilities in EPG includes, display range setup and generic icon set-up. In the display range setup, we can choose three kinds of time span for the screen display. Starting from a time span of six hours to three hours, Sharp LC-60LE925E 60″ 3D TV provides details about the programs available in that particular time span. This is similar to having a pamphlet of program list available within six hours. Whereas the generic icon set-up helps in marking out programs that the user frequently watch in allotted genre category such as movie, arts, game show, children program, sports and so on. This is the most appreciated feature in this product, because rather than pooling the favourite channels under one button, that is still seen in higher end television models, Sharp has altered the direction of pooling the channels, and preferred to group the user’s favourite programs as per the respective genre’s. This saves a great deal of time and the genre selection options are quite good in number and any program fits in to their genre.
Various picture adjustments aspects can be done, in addition to its capability to sense the surrounding light settings and can adjust the backlight. However, this is possible only if there is no obstruction in the way of the OPC senso r. It is analogous to a sophisticated digital camera’s ability to fine tune the picture quality as per the surrounding lights. Channel searching and sorting is catered in simple manner, as it automatically detects the services in the nearby area. Manual search is also possible. Subtitles function is also available and comes handy for hearing impaired individuals. The user can fully experience interactive program information which is usually coded by the TV network. It is rapidly decoded to graphic format and items such as news, weather and sports details are many other services that the user can benefit from.
Features:
Screen:
In contrast to the developing plasma technology, Sharp has boldly placed its bet on the LCD technology for its LC 60LE925E 3D television. The conventional concept of integrating LCD in small screen size has also been challenged by incorporating an unbelievable 60 inch screen size. The picture flow is scintillating and the wider screen size accentuates the 3D effects. The LCD TV has an upper hand in consuming less power, as opposed to the plasma technology. The frame transition is smooth and is sure a bundle of visual treat.
Aquos Link:
The Aquos link technology permits the user to control the HDMI devices using one remote control. Up to a limit of three HDMI recording devices, three players and one AV amplifier can be controlled using a universal remote control. Sharp has promised to release for sale an Aquous link compatible audio speaker and recorder. Sometimes inevitable video noise occurs; the same can be controlled using a certified HDMI cable.
Net+:
Designed with Opera browser, Sharp 3D Quattron LC-60LE925E TV boosts the internet TV feature. The operation and exploring parameters are maintained simple and readily accessible. Sharp offers a tailor-made internet service with respect to each country and it is even possible to explore the services provided at different countries. The online functionalities are restricted to a list of content providers as it adopts ‘ring fenced’ content approach. The Net access is neatly placed as a direct button on the remote control and the web page address needs to be fed through the remote control and that aspect turns out to be bit annoying.
Miscellaneous Features:
A CI+ slot is available at the rear side of the TV and on inserting a CA card, the user can watch high definition picture without the need of the set-top box. Time Shift function once activated records a particular program and can be re-played again. This eliminates the nuisance of missing the favourite program to attend a call or so on. The recording time varies depending on the programmes and on an average its memory can record 150 minutes for SD and 60 minutes in HD. It is even customised to be used in the screen instead of remote control, and it can be called up by using the control button in the remote control. In addition, the files from USB or home network are neatly sorted out. The videos, music and photo modes can be viewed along with the descriptions such as file name, date and the pixel size. Computer’s can be either wired to the TV or a wireless connection is also possible. The picture size can be tailor-made using the available options such as normal, cinema, full and dot by dot and appearing better in the television than on the computer. Sharp has also enabled the RS-232C option so as to control the TV from the PC. Parameters such as the selection of input signal, volume adjustment and settings change can be done. Each time a command is performed, the television sends a notification to the PC. However, the major shortcoming is the procedure is not so user-friendly and needs quite a good competence level in using the RS-232C. Furthermore, multiple commands cannot be sent via this route. Options available in connecting internet to the TV are improved and are on-par with giants such as Panasonic. The connection can be either through a router with internet, or it can be connected to the home network through the router. Both the wired and wireless is supported. Features like Eco picture control truly decreases the power intake without even affecting the image brightness. While listening to music the TV can be set to off and only the audio part is heard, thereby saving energy. The above said miscellaneous features are just a bird-view of what the product is capable and it definitely has in store several other parameters within each feature. On seeing such features in Sharp LC 60LE925E, it is not an understatement to tag it as the future TV.
3D:
3D mode is operated using the remote control and simultaneously using the button in the glass. The images look surreal with intense colour combinations that can quench your 3D taste. The performance part even surpasses the latest technology used in any 3D TV. Thanks to the Quattron technology and the images are made vivid and looks natural at ease and sometimes we unknowingly extend our hand to touch the image. Sharp has also bet the shortcoming of motion blur especially with the 3D technology. Reduction in resolution as a result of moving objects, which is considered inherent to that of the LCD screen, is highly reduced in this model. The 3D mode can be altered accordingly to the TV content such as standard, movie or game. Converting the 2D effect to 3D is possible to tune of +1 to +16 range. The 3D mode cuts off if any changes in the settings are done. This is quite a norm in many of the 3D based television. 3D technology is not strong enough to withstand the interruptions done while viewing.
Performance:
Picture:
Sharp has made a profound presence in the entertainment industry by launching products such as Sharp LC-46LE821E Full HD 3D TV which was largely applauded for the Quattron technology. It is amazing that it has been interwoven in this 3D model too. Quattron technology includes yellow pixel in addition to the RGB colours. It enhances the colour precision and perception. Subsequent Scanning backlight 200Hz has significantly reduced the image noise and improves the progressive film scanning. Many options are available to fine tune the picture quality. The colours are clear and sharper and the availability of wide screen is immensely capitalised to display a magnetic colour palette. The default dynamic picture mode can be fine-tuned as it is does brings out the best picture quality and the images are over-saturated and flimsy. The advance picture setting has a plenty of optimisation factors such as the CMS hue, saturation value, gamma adjustment, quad pixel mode and active contrast. Arriving at the desirable picture quality is important and we have observed unclear tuning can create juddering effects.
Standard Definition:
The standard definition mode’s performance can be placed near the above average box and not in the excellent category. Surprisingly the 2D images, even with in the presence of image processing options struggles with respect to delivering a quality content. We can live with it, but at the same time it surely does have a room for improvement. The images look slightly noisy and are on the softer side rather than producing crisp output. Besides, Sharp Aquous LC 60LE925E Quattron technology 3D TV have some good options in the picture selection mode even in the standard definition signal. Normal, Zoom 14:9, Panorama, Full cinema (16:9) are some of the picture selection options. The final output varies in each mode as in some mode the pixel count can appear distorted.
High Definition:
There is no regret in the high definition mode and it excels the normal norms. The film is extremely pristine, well defined and crisp. The frame transition and the motion is evenly balanced and one would be dumb-founded as the details are so clear. To be very particular, the dark scenes are handled well without compromising the shadow aspect. The picture selection mode has three varieties in the high-definition viz full, under-scan and dot-by-dot. However they must be adjusted wisely, as in some cases such as the underscan noise could appear at the screen edges; this could be only minimised because it tries to irons out the 720p signal to HD mode.
3D:
The contrast ratio in the 3D is the ultimate super scorer. The black and the bright level exhibit an unbiased contrast. Especially the dark areas are detailed, breaking the myths of LCD’s contrast ratio. Occasionally the 3D pictures are subjective to vague appearance around objects in the 3D frame, but since it is based on LCD technology, this can be only marginally controlled as of now. Otherwise, by rightly fine tuning the picture settings one can enjoy the absolute 3D experience.
Crosstalk:
Cheers for designing the model with least crosstalk effect when compared against the Samsung 3DTV’s. At a very few instances, if at all crosstalk occurs it seems to be pretty obvious.
Sound:
The audio performance compliments the video and application such as auto volume equalises the volume level from high, middle and low. The clear voice feature distinctly separates the speech from the disturbing background noise and thereby enhances voice clarity. The treble peps up well and overall the sound effect is bouncy and accompanies well with the video either if it is 2D or 3D.
Warranty:
Sharp LC 60LE925E comes with one year warranty of parts and labour.
Verdict:
Sharp LC 60LE925E has established a style statement with its unique 60 inch screen that is etched as the outstanding feature. The fun of watching movies in a big theatre with Dolby surround cannot be directly reproduced in small screens, but Sharp has made an attempt and to some extent has also accomplished to pose LC 60LE925E as a rival against the big-screen with its wide viewing angle and unmatched colour reproduction and picture quality. However, if it is liked for its big screen the same feature brings a hesitation in purchasing as it is bit heavy and offers restricted portability. Hence no further arguments, as a coin has both sides. The 3D factor is phenomenal and tides over a clean performance especially with respect to games and 3D movies. Finally to conclude, Sharp LC 60LE925E brings fresh air in to the market and sure it is a commodity that makes the owner proud and happy.
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Sharp LC-60LE925E 60-inch 3D LED LCD TV – Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Sharp |
| Model Name | Sharp LC-60LE925E |
| Model Number | LC-60LE925E |
| Colour | Black |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 144 cm x 36.8 cm x 97.5 cm – with stand |
| Stand Type | Quad |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Slim type | Normal |
| Technology | LCD |
| Resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Picture | Quattron Technology |
| Picture Enhancement Technology | 200 Hz Motion Plus |
| User interface | HDMI,Scart, RC232C |
| Technology | TFT matrix |
| Digital and Analog TV Tuner | Yes |
| Sound Output and Speaker Type | Stereo |
| 3D | Available |
| Net+ | Available |
| Auto Channel Search | Available |
| Auto Power Off | Available |
| Other Features | Aquous Link, on Screen Menu, Wired and wireless internet, Eco Settings |
| Audio System | Two Woofers |
| Eco Sensor | Yes |
| Eco Mark | Planet First |
| Accesories | 3D glass, Power Cable, Remote Control, 3D Glass set |
| Warranty | One year |
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
