SHARP AQUOS LC-40LE831E Pro Reviews

The Sharp LC-40LE831E represents a step forward in terms of overall picture quality compared to last year’s LE821. Comparisons aside, it’s not a bad LCD-based HDTV, as it features reasonably deep blacks, good motion performance, and a decent amount of calibration controls which can result in fairly natural pictures. Its performance with video games is also good, with the “Game” picture mode providing a decent level of responsiveness. Unfortunately, it seems that Sharp still hasn’t been able to resist partaking in a little bit of revisionism. On the surface, it appeared that the company was catering to video enthusiasts by allowing the wide colour gamut to be turned off, but unfortunately, Sharp’s fondness for yellow can’t be entirely side-stepped, as we discovered during the viewing of real-world footage. For this reason, and for the judder-affected 3D performance, we feel the need to qualify our recommendation of the Sharp LC40LE831E. It’s unfortunate, because there are plenty of other flat-panel televisions on the market which can now produce very realistic and accurate colour, and we think it’s strange that Sharp still continues to sacrifice overall picture quality apparently just to fulfill a marketing objective. The fact that every other TV maker now produces accurate colour is presumably what has prompted Sharp to go down the route of abstracted colour reproduction in the first place – to stand out from the crowd. They’re certainly doing that, but until the company provides an “off” switch for all of these revisionist features – like every other manufacturer now does – they’ll leave the minority of us who are hardcore video enthusiasts left wanting more.

The 40LE831E is ultimately not quite as desirable as the 46LE831E, partly due to the way its smaller size decreases its 3D impact, and partly due to the 40LE831E’s marginally less sharp HD pictures. But it’s still a very fine TV for its money, especially if you fancy getting a little good quality active 3D in your life.

An extraordinary 3D performance makes this Edge LED TV seriously good value, although it lacks 3D glasses in the box. A Wi-Fi USB dongle, extensive digital file support and giddy 2D help it make the cut, though a fussy user interface might put some users off this otherwise exceptionally talented TV.

Given its calibrated 2D images and good quality 3D performance at prices well under the £800 mark we would feel inclined to recommend adding the LE831 to your demo list.