Sharp HT-DV 40 H Theater System
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Home Entertainment for the 21st Century
Pros
Excellent picture and sound quality. Price (while they last). Sharp reputation.
Cons
If your VCR is still flashing "12:00", you may want to go simpler.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Compact, feature rich home entertainment system is an impressive component.
Sharp SD-PX2 1-Bit Panel Theater
Sharp Electronics Corp., Mahwah, New Jersey
Disclaimer
I begin this review with a confession - I am not a whiz with technology. Two of my brothers are, so I haven't had the need to apply myself in this area. When my Dell XPS 200 computer software tried to do a melt-down upon installation, I called them. They, in turn, call me when they need advice on indolence and sloth - subjects worthy of my experience.
The reasons why
My decision to purchase the Sharp SD-PX2 started with the search for a dependable DVD player. Nothing fancy, just so it doesn't skip like my RCA, and hum like my Sanyo. A player I can work like a rented mule through the winter when the lawn and all the other warm-weather distractions aren't keeping me from my purpose in life. Last month I purchased a Sony DVP-NS75H DVD player with progressive scan - beautiful picture, great sound, but when I press "enter", or "stop" on the remote, it shuts off the TV. I'm told there's a one-in-a-thousand chance of this happening, which would make me feel better if they could also tell me the solution. I gave the Sony to my brother, who has a Sony TV that should be more compatible (one of the benefits of co-dependency).
I've owned several Sharp products over the years; TV's, calculators, and microwave ovens, none of which have ever needed repair. A general search initially identified this unit as a mini stereo system, which is half right. This unit incorporates a progressive-scan DVD player, and a whole lot of other features as well.
The big reason why
The Sharp SD-PX2 has a list price of $599.00. Always the bargain hunter, a trip to Overstock.com has it listed for $196.95 - and a dollar to ship. This I can live with. A short on-line chat with a very professional representative confirms that this is a new, factory-sealed item. I have seen reconditioned ones for sale, so be sure you know what you're buying.
The delivery
The unit comes well-packed from the factory. Items included are a remote control, Two AA batteries, a video cable (component video cables, s-video cable, audio cables, and speakers are not included), AM antenna, FM antenna, and an L shaped bracket that enables you to wall-mount your home theater next to your giant flat-screen TV.
What it is
A trip to the Sharp website shows the SD-PX2 to be their entry-level offering in a range of very impressive home theater components. The features include 5 - 35 watt 1 - Bit amplifiers offering 5.1 Channel Surround Sound, SACD/DVD-A playback, Dolby* Digital and DTS* Decoders, and Dolby Pro Logic II* technology. It also serves as an AM/FM tuner. The unit, which measures 14 1/2 inches wide x 9 1/2 inches tall x 4 1/2 inches deep, looks like a small billboard when set on its four cushioned rubber feet. When activated, a small front panel slides to the right, revealing the hub where the CD/DVD presses into place with a secure click. There is a vertical clear plastic panel on the right side with writing that identifies the various function buttons. The panel glows cobalt blue when the power is on, and dims when the DVD player is activated. A large silver knob that controls the volume is located between the display and the panel. There is also a clock and sleep timer.
The display is on the right front of the unit, and shows information typical of a standard DVD/CD player. In addition, it identifies the sound option of the installed DVD, and which of the five speakers are currently active. Setting it up is no more difficult than a standard DVD player.
What it does
The DVD player produces a clear picture of acceptable quality. However, there is an on-screen menu that controls a boatload of functions, including activating progressive-scan. Once this is accomplished, the picture is comparable to the Sony player previously mentioned - excellent quality, clear and flicker-free. This was my main concern - anything else it does is a bonus. There are also menu options to adjust picture clarity. The types of playable discs are (for NTSC system): DVD video disc, DVD audio disc, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. Playable audio: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, or CD-R and CD-RW recorded in MP3 format.
Until I find the right set of speakers, my Quart model 22 (4 Ohm, 80 watt) bookshelf pair is standing in. I installed my Holly Cole "Dark Dear Heart" CD, which I've heard enough to detect any differences this time around. And there is a big difference. There are things going on that I've never heard before - all of them good. This unit has a sampling speed of 5.6 MHz - 128 times faster than your standard CD player. A volume setting of 30 (0-40) produces as much volume as you need for an average room.
Among the standard assortment of connections are: Optical Digital audio input and output, S-Video, audio output, and component video output. A comprehensive list of technical specifications and details too numerous to mention here is readily available. Before you buy, go to Sharpusa.com and download the owner's manual - it explains the features and functions with precise text and illustrations - I've been able to figure it out without having to call anyone for help.
Conclusions and opinions
As a CD player, the Sharp SD-PX2 is much better than anything I have previously owned, and I've owned some pretty high-end equipment. Getting a set of quality surround sound speakers in place can only improve the quality. The vertical configuration of the player is easy to adjust to if you have somewhat nimble fingers. The DVD picture is excellent when progressive-scan is on. I have a high-definition television that supports progressive-scan, so this review is based upon described equipment and conditions - results may vary.
Most of the DVD's play with volume to spare, but a few (off-brands, mostly) are manufactured with inadequate volume settings, and don't project well through the home theater. When this occurs, I compensate by adjusting the TV volume. If your taste in movies consists of the latest releases from reputable companies, this should not be a concern.
Reviewer Update (8/01/06)
If you attach 2 (4 ohm) speakers rather than 5 (4 ohm) surround speakers to the home theater, any unused speakers must be deactivated for proper audio performance. The manual is vague about this procedure, but I have figured it out.
Make all connections between TV, speakers and theater unit (attach speaker connections to FRONT L/R). With TV and theater unit on, and the theater home page (Sharp logo and design) on screen, switch the MODE button (on remote) to 2, and press the AMP SETUP/RANDOM button. An on-screen menu will appear with instructions to disable the unused speakers. This will resolve the volume issues mentioned above.
All things considered, this is truly an amazing component.
*"DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
"Dolby" and "Pro Logic" are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Sharp Electronics Corp., Mahwah, New Jersey
Disclaimer
I begin this review with a confession - I am not a whiz with technology. Two of my brothers are, so I haven't had the need to apply myself in this area. When my Dell XPS 200 computer software tried to do a melt-down upon installation, I called them. They, in turn, call me when they need advice on indolence and sloth - subjects worthy of my experience.
The reasons why
My decision to purchase the Sharp SD-PX2 started with the search for a dependable DVD player. Nothing fancy, just so it doesn't skip like my RCA, and hum like my Sanyo. A player I can work like a rented mule through the winter when the lawn and all the other warm-weather distractions aren't keeping me from my purpose in life. Last month I purchased a Sony DVP-NS75H DVD player with progressive scan - beautiful picture, great sound, but when I press "enter", or "stop" on the remote, it shuts off the TV. I'm told there's a one-in-a-thousand chance of this happening, which would make me feel better if they could also tell me the solution. I gave the Sony to my brother, who has a Sony TV that should be more compatible (one of the benefits of co-dependency).
I've owned several Sharp products over the years; TV's, calculators, and microwave ovens, none of which have ever needed repair. A general search initially identified this unit as a mini stereo system, which is half right. This unit incorporates a progressive-scan DVD player, and a whole lot of other features as well.
The big reason why
The Sharp SD-PX2 has a list price of $599.00. Always the bargain hunter, a trip to Overstock.com has it listed for $196.95 - and a dollar to ship. This I can live with. A short on-line chat with a very professional representative confirms that this is a new, factory-sealed item. I have seen reconditioned ones for sale, so be sure you know what you're buying.
The delivery
The unit comes well-packed from the factory. Items included are a remote control, Two AA batteries, a video cable (component video cables, s-video cable, audio cables, and speakers are not included), AM antenna, FM antenna, and an L shaped bracket that enables you to wall-mount your home theater next to your giant flat-screen TV.
What it is
A trip to the Sharp website shows the SD-PX2 to be their entry-level offering in a range of very impressive home theater components. The features include 5 - 35 watt 1 - Bit amplifiers offering 5.1 Channel Surround Sound, SACD/DVD-A playback, Dolby* Digital and DTS* Decoders, and Dolby Pro Logic II* technology. It also serves as an AM/FM tuner. The unit, which measures 14 1/2 inches wide x 9 1/2 inches tall x 4 1/2 inches deep, looks like a small billboard when set on its four cushioned rubber feet. When activated, a small front panel slides to the right, revealing the hub where the CD/DVD presses into place with a secure click. There is a vertical clear plastic panel on the right side with writing that identifies the various function buttons. The panel glows cobalt blue when the power is on, and dims when the DVD player is activated. A large silver knob that controls the volume is located between the display and the panel. There is also a clock and sleep timer.
The display is on the right front of the unit, and shows information typical of a standard DVD/CD player. In addition, it identifies the sound option of the installed DVD, and which of the five speakers are currently active. Setting it up is no more difficult than a standard DVD player.
What it does
The DVD player produces a clear picture of acceptable quality. However, there is an on-screen menu that controls a boatload of functions, including activating progressive-scan. Once this is accomplished, the picture is comparable to the Sony player previously mentioned - excellent quality, clear and flicker-free. This was my main concern - anything else it does is a bonus. There are also menu options to adjust picture clarity. The types of playable discs are (for NTSC system): DVD video disc, DVD audio disc, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. Playable audio: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, or CD-R and CD-RW recorded in MP3 format.
Until I find the right set of speakers, my Quart model 22 (4 Ohm, 80 watt) bookshelf pair is standing in. I installed my Holly Cole "Dark Dear Heart" CD, which I've heard enough to detect any differences this time around. And there is a big difference. There are things going on that I've never heard before - all of them good. This unit has a sampling speed of 5.6 MHz - 128 times faster than your standard CD player. A volume setting of 30 (0-40) produces as much volume as you need for an average room.
Among the standard assortment of connections are: Optical Digital audio input and output, S-Video, audio output, and component video output. A comprehensive list of technical specifications and details too numerous to mention here is readily available. Before you buy, go to Sharpusa.com and download the owner's manual - it explains the features and functions with precise text and illustrations - I've been able to figure it out without having to call anyone for help.
Conclusions and opinions
As a CD player, the Sharp SD-PX2 is much better than anything I have previously owned, and I've owned some pretty high-end equipment. Getting a set of quality surround sound speakers in place can only improve the quality. The vertical configuration of the player is easy to adjust to if you have somewhat nimble fingers. The DVD picture is excellent when progressive-scan is on. I have a high-definition television that supports progressive-scan, so this review is based upon described equipment and conditions - results may vary.
Most of the DVD's play with volume to spare, but a few (off-brands, mostly) are manufactured with inadequate volume settings, and don't project well through the home theater. When this occurs, I compensate by adjusting the TV volume. If your taste in movies consists of the latest releases from reputable companies, this should not be a concern.
Reviewer Update (8/01/06)
If you attach 2 (4 ohm) speakers rather than 5 (4 ohm) surround speakers to the home theater, any unused speakers must be deactivated for proper audio performance. The manual is vague about this procedure, but I have figured it out.
Make all connections between TV, speakers and theater unit (attach speaker connections to FRONT L/R). With TV and theater unit on, and the theater home page (Sharp logo and design) on screen, switch the MODE button (on remote) to 2, and press the AMP SETUP/RANDOM button. An on-screen menu will appear with instructions to disable the unused speakers. This will resolve the volume issues mentioned above.
All things considered, this is truly an amazing component.
*"DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
"Dolby" and "Pro Logic" are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
