Sharp LC-LE700UN series--photos
The Sharp LC-LE700UN's LED backlighting doesn't elevate its picture quality beyond the LCD norm, but does help make it the most efficient TV we've ever tested.
Sharp LC-LE700UN series--overview
This Sharp uses different LED backlight technology from any of the other "LED TVs" available today, and perhaps as a result its picture quality has no major advantage over non-LED-based LCDs. On the other hand, it sips power more sparingly than any other TV we've reviewed, and its solid feature set is highlighted by a unique selection of widgets and superb built-in support features. The Sharp LC-LE700UN series will appeal to people on a moderate budget who still want the energy efficiency of an LED-backlit LCD.
Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 46-inch Sharp LC-46LE700UN, but this information also applies to the 52-inch LC-52LE700UN and the 40-inch LC-40LE700UN. The three sets share identical specs (aside from the 40-inch model's omission of dejudder processing) and so should exhibit very similar picture quality. This information does not apply to the 32-inch member of the series, model LC-32LE700UN, because that model has a different LCD panel, among other differences.
Sharp LC-LE700UN series--corner detail
Sharp LC-LE700UN series--remote control
Sharp's menu system design is also basically the same as in previous years, and its blocky look seems dated compared with the slick menus available from Sony and Samsung, for example. The pertinent information is all there, however, and we liked the text explanations that accompany various selections.