Excellent picture, automatic captions when sound muted, front composite AV inputs, rear S-video and composite AV inputs

Poor sound, PIP is only one-tuner if that matters to you; automatic captions only work if you use the TV's internal sound system.

I was looking for a 36-inch direct-view TV to use as home theater monitor pending the HDTV situation shaking out and prices coming down. The Sharp was cheap compared to some others, and its picture quality compares favorably with other, similar units costing quite a bit more. Programs received via DirecTV DBS look stunning. People walking through the house with my wife have commented when they see the picture. The stereo sound is poor, but this is unimportant if you run the sound through an AV receiver and use the TV only as a video monitor. The remote on-screen menus allow the in-TV speakers to be switched off completely. Although I am anxiously waiting for the HDTV world to get its act together, I am enjoying this set tremendously. I recommend it, unless you just must have a more prestigous brand name.

Similar Products Used:

Zeinth 25 and 27

Great Picture Low Price

Sound

I paid $800 for this set to use as a home theatre display. I looked at the Sony and the JVC along side the Sharp and couldn't justify the extra money for the other two. The picture on the Sharp adjusted up real nice. The sound is poor but since I intended to run it through a DTS receiver, I was only interested in the picture. I also bought a Hughes Digital Direct TV receiver. This is a good combo for the money. Great picture and Dolby Digital sound is excellent. Hard to beat the Sharp for picture quality vs cost.