LCD TV Reviews

Comparisons & Conclusion
The most direct comparison I can make is with the Toshiba 52XV545U, which carries the same list price as the Sharp. The Toshiba has better blacks, and its special upscaling technology really can improve the detail of standard-def material. On the other hand, its colors are not as good, especially green and cyan.

If you can spend a bit more, I would also consider the Samsung LN52A750 ($3200) and Sony KDL-52W4100 ($3000). Both are more expensive than the Sharp by several hundred dollars, but they have lower black levels and offer access to online and USB content, which may or may not be important to you.

There's much to like about the Sharp LC-52D85U and nothing glaringly wrong. Its colors are excellent, as is its video processing for the most part. The biggest drawback is its relatively high black level, which prevents the picture from "popping," and mediocre shadow detail. Also, the overall detail isn't quite as crisp as I've seen on other sets, perhaps due in part to the mild-mannered performance of its frame interpolation, which isn't even active on 1080p/24 material. Still, I'm glad to see high-end features such as 120Hz and a color-management system—albeit incomplete here—in less-expensive sets such as this.

Highs
Beautiful colors
Excellent video processing
Can be calibrated very well from service menu

Lows
High black level
Mediocre shadow detail
User menu remains on screen while adjusting picture controls