Just bought new monitor - Sharp Aquos 32"

Radio_Shack

Retired Perv
Apr 3, 2007
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Well, what the title says, Just bought new monitor - Sharp Aquos 32" LC-32D64U from bestbuy for $999.

Have used it for 8 hours now and as a computer monitor it is the best I have ever used. I pumped it up to 1600x1200 and it is very easy on my eyes.

I do have a question for the techies out there however. It says it has an ATSC tuner, which I believe any tv in the last 3 or so years has had. How do I get it to pull off the HD programming over the AIR like City TV and like? I added a small antena on the back but doesn't seem to help bring in any signals. I see 3 or 4 weak channels come in. Do I need a power directional antena or something? Thanks

--Tech specs on the Aquos--
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10099085&catid=23244

Sharp Aquos 32" 1080p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV** (LC32D64U)

This 32" Sharp LCD HDTV makes every explosion brighter, every dunk bigger, and every race feel like you're in the driver's seat. With a Full HD 1080p resolution, super fast response time and a high contrast ratio, everything is clearer, brighter, and more realistic in every way.
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Product Features
With an image with up to 6 times the detail of standard definition TVs, the Sharp LC32D64U brings movies, sports and games to life. A super-fast 6ms response time ensures all fast-moving scenes are captured and displayed with the clarity of a still image, and the 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio enlivens all whites and deepens all blacks.

HD video is only half the equation. When connected to your surround sound home theatre system, your games, music and movies take on new life with the clearest digital audio possible, coming at you from 6 channels.

It's also home to a host of inputs and outputs including 2 HDMI ports, giving you access to all the latest high definition technology like Blu-ray disc players and next-generation game consoles. You can even connect your PC to play games or work on the big screen.

**Requires HDTV Source


Product Details

Web Code: 10099085
Mfr. Part Number: LC32D64U
Video Features
3:2 Pulldown detection No
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Brightness 450 cd/m2
Colour Gamut 92%
Comb Filter Digital
Display Capabilities 480i/480p/720p/960p/1080i/1080p
Display Technology LCD
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 10000:1
HD Compatible Yes
Input Capabilities 480i/480p 720p/ 960p/1080i/1080p
Native Resolution 1920 x 1080p
Picture-In-Picture No
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Response Time 6ms
Screen Size 32"
True Contrast Ratio 2000:1
TV Tuner NTSC/ATSC
Video Processor 8-Bit
Viewing Angle 176 Degrees
Audio Features
Audio Enhancement Dolby Digital
Audio Output Jacks 1 Digital
Auto Volume Correction No
Speaker Configuration Bottom
Speaker Output Power 15W x 2
Speakers Included
Convenience Features
Built-In Program Guide Yes
Cabinet Colour Black
Channel Labeling Yes
Closed Captioning Yes
Language Options English/French
Parental Control Yes
Pedestal Stand Yes
Remote Standard
Sleep/Alarm Timer No
Wall Mount Optional
Wall Mount Specification Vesa Compatible
Inputs/Outputs
A/V (Composite) Inputs 2 - Rear
Cable Card Slot No
Coaxial Cable Inputs 1 - Rear
Component Video Inputs 2 - Rear
DVI Inputs None
HDMI Inputs 1 - Rear, 1 - Side
Headphone Jack Yes
Media Card Slots None
Other Inputs/Outputs None
PC Audio Inputs 1 - Rear
PC VGA Inputs 1 - Rear
S-Video Inputs 1 - Rear
Product Details
Warranty Labour 1 Year
Warranty Parts 1 Year
Depth with stand 27.3 cm
Depth without stand 9.4 cm
Height with stand 57.4 cm
Height without stand 51.6 cm
Weight with stand 18.0 kg
Weight without stand 14.9 kg
Width with stand 77.6 cm
Width without stand 77.6 cm
 

cypherpunk

New member
Mar 10, 2004
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Not all ATSC tuners are the same. I would say that you need signal strength of at least 30%. I think most people use antennas. A directional antenna is an option but is unsuitable for most situations.
 

my2cents

Just Horny
Aug 22, 2001
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between the sheets
You have a NTSC/ATSC tuner built into your unit. Make certain your antenna is connected to the correct ATSC outlet. You may have your antenna connected to your cable in section. This may not be the case but good to double check.
You need a UHF antenna for HD signals. Also location is an issue and better reception if your antenna is outdoors. It is worth putting an antenna on your roof again for digital signals.
You shouldn't be getting weak signals such as a snowy picture or blurred images from ATSC. If the digital signal is weak you will get a video that freezes and becomes pixelated where motion appears to stop but small squares remain.
 

trouble321

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Jan 3, 2008
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The LCD/Plasma answer...

All the rage at the moment is LCD - all the quality is still in plasma. If you've never owned either...and went from traditional tv to lcd - yes, you'll love it. If you've owned plasma...decided to try lcd, you'll be lugging the lcd back to the store and buying another plasma. If there isn't much movement in what you're watching - yes, lcd is nice. Black's aren't true blacks - Panasonic and Pioneer are so far ahead it isn't even close. If you want several other reasons as to why you should go with plasma vs. lcd - pm me.
 

Radio_Shack

Retired Perv
Apr 3, 2007
1,526
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my2cents said:
You have a NTSC/ATSC tuner built into your unit. Make certain your antenna is connected to the correct ATSC outlet. You may have your antenna connected to your cable in section. This may not be the case but good to double check.
You need a UHF antenna for HD signals. Also location is an issue and better reception if your antenna is outdoors. It is worth putting an antenna on your roof again for digital signals.
You shouldn't be getting weak signals such as a snowy picture or blurred images from ATSC. If the digital signal is weak you will get a video that freezes and becomes pixelated where motion appears to stop but small squares remain.
Good info.. Where is the ATSC antena outlet. All I see is the old coaxial one that says ANT/Cable? Is there another connection someplace I can't see :)

thanks!
 

thewheelman

New member
Feb 3, 2004
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"I pumped it up to 1600x1200 and it is very easy on my eyes."

It will look best if you feed it 1920x1080...it's native resolution.
 

Radio_Shack

Retired Perv
Apr 3, 2007
1,526
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Yes, most likely but unfortunately my video card only has 64MB of memory and that resolution at 32 bits would need 66MB+ of memory (1920x1080x32)so it's not supported without an upgrade but thanks for that tid bit. My next computer will have that for sure. This one is now 4+ yrs old and due for an upgrade.

thewheelman said:
"I pumped it up to 1600x1200 and it is very easy on my eyes."

It will look best if you feed it 1920x1080...it's native resolution.
 

basketcase

Well-known member
Dec 29, 2005
62,644
7,076
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Radio_Shack said:
Yes, most likely but unfortunately my video card only has 64MB of memory and that resolution at 32 bits would need 66MB+ of memory (1920x1080x32)so it's not supported without an upgrade but thanks for that tid bit. My next computer will have that for sure. This one is now 4+ yrs old and due for an upgrade.
If you can spend a grand for the monitor, $100 for a new video card would be worth the investment.


Besides, I don't think a 32" monitor would fit on my desk and it would be weird to be typing on the coffee table while sitting on the couch.
 

simplyaguy

Member
Aug 27, 2006
389
3
18
trouble321 said:
All the rage at the moment is LCD - all the quality is still in plasma. If you've never owned either...and went from traditional tv to lcd - yes, you'll love it. If you've owned plasma...decided to try lcd, you'll be lugging the lcd back to the store and buying another plasma. If there isn't much movement in what you're watching - yes, lcd is nice. Black's aren't true blacks - Panasonic and Pioneer are so far ahead it isn't even close. If you want several other reasons as to why you should go with plasma vs. lcd - pm me.
Are the shadow details good with plasmas?
Well depends. Pioneer is good and Panasonic is above average.
All other plasmas are terrible with shadow detail because they pump up black levels as their main feature.
What good is black level when you are missing all the details in the black?
Trust me on this.. there is a lot of detail in the blacks that people miss.

Sony Bravia is a great LCD for black levels and shadow details.
Samsung doesn't do it as well.
Sharp Aquos does it well with good shadow details.
LG is ok but looks washed out.

A lot of plasma owners praise their black level, refresh rate and viewing angles.
But look at a Sony Bravia(or upper tier LCD) and you'll see that plasma owners paint a bad picture for LCDs.
Sony and Samsung both have 178 degree viewing angles.
I dare anyone to say that the upper tier LCDs have refresh rate issues.

I have done a lot of research and compared mainstream plasmas and lcds for over a year and a half.
I still haven't jumped on board (I have a LCD projection tv.. blah!)...

Here is my take..
Pioneer Kuro is probably the best overall.
Sony Bravia comes next
Panasonic plasmas
Sharp Aquos
Samsung LCDs
...
the rest
 
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