We have covered a handful of 4K screens so far this year and you can plan to see many more articles on this category through the end of the year as 4K slowly makes its major move onto the market. At the moment though, we still don’t have much 4K formatted media to enjoy outside of demo reels from various manufacturers. However, by the end of next year, we predict that 4K will be the standard TV format being promoted in stores; while still having access to all the 1080p solutions for low budget minds. At this moment, it is time to shift our focus to Sharp with their new 70-inch 4K Aquos Ultra HDTV (LC-70UD1U) as they entire the 4K market with a highly anticipated candidate.
For those looking for a 4K TV who cannot afford the price tags of $6k-$10k+, this TV really makes an impact. the price is low (compared to the competition), the picture is served so well, and it is THX 4K certified.
The picture quality of this TV deserves a high five from those around you, as it delivers a crisp image with a wide range of beautiful colors and clarity. It isn’t as bright and sharp (pun not intended) as say…the Samsung’s UN78HU9000, but at half the price, it delivers far more than half the quality.
It’s 4K upscaling made regular Blu-rays really stand out compared to a 1080p TV, and actual 4K content was delivered with all the great 4K-ness that we our eyes like to see.
It sits at a better introduction price than most of the other 4K TVs, and reminds us a lot of the 1080p introduction prices when they first started making a major run on the market about 7-8 years ago.
The sound quality is slightly above standard for built-in sound which is nice, although most people should be wise enough to accompany this TV with a surround sound system due to it’s size.
We have not been able to demo it’s 3D capabilities, but judging by Sharp’s history of 3D, we are more than confident that you will enjoy what it has to be offered in such category. The glasses are Bluetooth Active 3D type, and two are included. Personally, we are all still waiting on holographic type 3D solutions vs image trickery that requires glasses.
As usual, it is a Smart TV with apps, menus and all the wonderful toys you need these days in a TV. It offers built-in WiFi, web browser and a nice selection of your typical apps such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Vudu and much more.The remote is basic but offers everything you need (just nothing fancy like gesturing, voice command or mouse pad).
In the world of inputs, it offers 4 HDMI, 2 USB as well as your typical connections such as optical, PC-in, coaxial (for cable or antenna), component, composite, ethernet, and also has an SD card slot.
We would prefer to see a higher refresh rate among Sharp TVs, but the price point they shoot for explains why you don’t always get this. It does offer 120Hz refresh with 240 AquaMotion.
Also, it comes with a dual-core processor packed inside for it’s features and mobility within the SmartCentral menus and apps. By now, most TVs should have quad-cores packed inside to make them warm and fuzzy and so that you can bounce around Smart features quicker. Why they didn’t go that route with this model, we don’t know. We do know that SmartCentral isn’t lagged down or anything on this TV, but the price of a quad vs a dual isn’t that wide. We believe they could have snuck in a quad while maintaining the price point (maybe deviating by $50).
Our Conclusion
All-in-all, this is a very nice 4K TV. The quality is there, the features include exactly what you need, the screen is large and in charge and offers 3D for those eyes enjoy it. They should have went with a quad-core and the refresh rate could be higher, but the price is right for an introduction of it’s release and feel that many people will be jumping on this model between now and Christmas. We decided to go with an 8.5 out of 10 based on the price of the competition. If Samsung, LG and other major players begin to lower prices into the same range, you will find this rating may stagger, however the price of this set would most likely come down as well; possibly allowing it to keep it’s score or better.
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Specifications:
PANEL
| Quattron™ Technology: | — |
| Display Panel Type: | LCD |
| Backlight Type-Source: | LED-Edge Lit |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16×9 |
| Dynamic Contrast Ratio: | 10,000,000:1 |
| Refresh Panel Rate : | 120Hz |
| Refresh Scanning Rate: | AquoMotion 240 |
| Super Bright: | — |
| Maximum Resolution: | 3840×2160, UHD |
BROADCAST SYSTEM
| Analog: | NTSC |
| Digital: | ATSC/QAM |
BEZEL & TABLE STAND
| Narrow Bezel: | Yes |
| Slim Profile: | Yes |
| Bezel – Color/Material: | Aluminum (Black) |
| Stand – Color: | Dark silver hair line |
| Stand Shape: | Fixed |
SPECIAL FEATURES
| Wallpaper mode: | Yes (4K) |
| Gaming Mode: | Yes |
| Vintage Movie mode: | — |
VIDEO
| Optical Picture Control (OPC): | Yes |
| Enhanced Noise Reduction: | Yes |
AUDIO
| Speakers(channnel): | 2.1 |
| Speaker Location: | Bottom, Front Firing |
| Speaker Output Power: | 10W+10W+15W (w/Duo bass) |
| Auto Volume Control: | Yes |
| Clear Voice: | Yes |
| Simulated Surround: | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | — |
| Wall mount setting: | Yes |
SMART
| Smart Apps: | Yes |
| Dual Core Processor: | Yes |
| Remote Control APPS (iOS/Android): | Yes |
| Web Browser: | Yes |
| Web+TV Split Screen: | Yes |
| Skype (TV Camera sold separately): | Yes (sold separately) |
| DLNA Certified®: | Yes |
| MHL® Compatible: | Yes |
AV INPUTS/OUTPUTS
| RS-232C: | 1 |
| PC In (15 pin D-sub): | 1 |
| Total USB Input(s): | 2 |
| USB feature: | Photo/Music/Video/Software Update |
| Total HDMI Input(s): | 4 (4K support all inputs) |
| ARC (Audio Return Channel): | Yes (HDMI 1) |
| MHL®: | Yes (HDMI 4) |
| RF in (Antenna/Cable): | 1 |
| Component Video Input(s): | 1 |
| Composite Video Input(s): | 2 |
| Audio Input(s): | 4 |
| Audio Output(s): | 1 |
| Digital Audio Output: | Optical |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet: | Yes |
| Built-in Wireless: | Yes (802.11 a/b/g/n) |
| IP Control: | Yes |
| Bluetooth: | Wireless keyboard + mouse (sold separately) |
3D
| Type: | Bluetooth Active 3D |
| 3D Glasses: | AN-3DG40 (2 included) |
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
| Remote Type: | Universal |
| Child Lock: | Yes |
| Sleep Timer: | Yes |
| Closed Caption: | Yes |
| V-Chip: | Yes |
| Language (English/French/Spanish): | Yes |
POWER
| Power Source (Voltage, Hz): | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
| ENERGY STAR® Qualified: | No |
WALL MOUNT
| VESA Compliant: | Yes (400mm x 400mm) |
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT (INCHES/LBS.)
| Excluding stand (wxhxd): | 62-9/64″ x 37-13/32″ x 4-16/32″ |
| Including stand (wxhxd): | 62-9/64″ x 39-7/64″ x 16-15/32″ |
| Shipping (wxhxd): | 70 7/16″ x 11 3/32″ x 42 3/4″ |
| Product Weight (Excluding Stand/Including Stand): | 121.3 lbs. with stand/ 103.6 without |
| Shipping Weight: | 143.3 lbs. |
WARRANTY/UPC
| Parts: | 1 year limited |
| Labor: | 1 year limited |
| UPC: | 074000376212 |
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
