Sharp Aquos LC37 GB5U Settings

Evan Hart

Some general observations on my new Sharp Aquos LC37 GB5U:

I did a fair amount of research and was leaning towards the Westinghouse 37" that runs 1080p native. Then I saw a floor display of this Sharp model for $1350 and jumped on it (I calculated roughly 1400 hours on the bulb, which was worth over 1K to me). HD channels are pretty good through a component connection (haven't used HDMI yet, as I've read plenty of feedback saying component is just as good/better), with some channels better than others. Some pixelation evident on some programs, but it's spotty. The program "Sunrise America" has a tendency to pixelate at times, but channels like RAVE, EQUTR and HDNET absolutely rule.

I have noticed no major trouble with black levels. They seem fine. I have not yet updated to a newer DVD player (current one is not even progressive scan), so I can't say much other than DVDs viewed on this unit (through a component video connection) are pretty good, but I'm sure will look better with a progressive scan (or better yet, HD) DVD player.

I run my sound through a mid-level Pioneer A/V tuner, so I can't comment on the quality of the Sharp speakers because I don't use them. All I have read on them is that they provide exceptional sound, though obviously not as good as a full 5.1+ HT setup. Not using the TV speakers also eliminates any lip-synch issues that have been reported coming from my Dish Network ViP 211 HD tuner (also new). I had no trouble at all with setting up, connecting and powering this system.

SD channels are, frankly, something of a disappointment, but something I was prepared for. They look a little better using "Normal" viewing mode (i.e. non-stretch, with either the gray or black sidebars). Again, some channels look better.

Now, for the settings. I'm a tweaker, and am somewhat finicky in regards to my display, but recognize that there may be system, signal and unit limitations. That said, I ended up with the following settings that I fine-tuned during a program called "Underwater Odyssey & Guayana" on the EQUTR channel. The show was mostly underwater HD footage, and some of the scenes were absolutely the most breathtaking, crisp HD I am sure have ever been seen. They were nothing short of awe-inspiring. These settings seem to hold pretty well for most other channels, with only minor tweaks necessary.

Connection: Monster THX component video cables through Input 1 (@1080i)

OPC: off
Backlight: -1
Contrast: +25
Brightness: +6
Color: +13
Tint: +3
Sharpness: +2

Advanced settings

Hue

R: +10
Y: +3
G: -1
C: -7
B: +7
M: -8

Saturation

R: +8
Y: -6
G: +5
C: -8
B: +7
M: -5

Value

R: -8
Y: +7
G: -4
C: -3
B: +3
M: 0

Hopefully, these settings will help give some Sharp Aquos-owning HD fans having some PQ issues a little better viewing experience. Let me know if they help.

s2mikey

Not bad Evan. Mine are fairly similar except for color settings which my Sharp does not have seperate controls for.

Here's my settings which are used through component hookup & TWC:

Backlight = 0
Contrast = +26
Brightness = +5
Color = -7 ( alls I have is this main color setting )
Hue = +4
Sharpness = 0

Color Temp = Mid-High

__________________
Pioneer KURO 5080HD
Sharp LCD 32"
Toshiba A30 & A2
PS3 80gb
Sony STRDG810/All Polk Speakers

miller20

I just recently purchased a 37D40U and they way I have setup now uses the OPC. Is that recommended by any of you guys who have sharps now. I am pretty pleased with the way it adjusts to the lighting in the room. This is sharp's newest model so it may be a little different. Thanks in advance.

kegobeer

I have the 37D4U and I noticed that with certain light levels the picture brightness would cycle slightly. I ended up turning off the OPC and setting the levels manually. OPC did a great job for all other levels however. Hopefully Sharp fixed that problem for your model. I recommend trying some manual settings and then comparing those to the OPC setting. If you like OPC, stick with it.

s2mikey

It's certainly fine to use it, we do like 99% of our TV watching at night though so our backlight can just stay at 0 all the time.

Of course, use it if it's making your viewing better!

__________________
Pioneer KURO 5080HD
Sharp LCD 32"
Toshiba A30 & A2
PS3 80gb
Sony STRDG810/All Polk Speakers