A 32-incher for 30 grand? Nope, it's not a cheapo Sino brand. It's a sexy slab by none other than the pioneer of LCD TVs, Sharp.
We know you're thinking there has to be a catch here. Is the LC-32A33M missing the ever-important HDMI ports? Does it lack built-in speakers perhaps? Or maybe the panel falls short of HD resolution? The answers to all these are a resounding no. This TV is, in fact, a full-fledged, 720p-capable HDTV.
Encased in a smooth piano-black chassis, this gorgeous panel impresses. Connect any source through the HDMI port, and you're in for a visual treat. Images appear fluid and lifelike especially when connected to sources like an HD media player (Popcorn Hour) or a Blu-ray disc player (PlayStation 3). There are two HDMI ports at your disposal - the minimum number a home-theater newbie could possibly need.
The LC-32A33M performs well with ordinary DVD players (those that don't upscale), just as long as you use the HDMI or component port. Otherwise, you'll lose out on color, contrast, and detail, and believe us, you don't want that.
If you plan to use this for extensive cable-TV viewing, it's best that you get a set top box like SkyCable's DigiBox for better resolution and functionality - as you should with any HDTV. Directly connecting your analog coaxial cable will result in jumbled channels, and of course, inferior video quality.
The panel's brightness rating of 450cd/m2 is not the highest on record, but it's bright enough for a Pinoy-style living room.