the sharp lc-32d40u aquos isn't the least expensive 32-inch liquid crystal widescreen television out there, but it provided the most natural, realistic picture i've seen among similar displays. add to this a stylish design and plenty of quality video connections, and the lc-32d40u is an hdtv that earns our editors' choice.

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the lc-32d40u's table stand requires some minor assembly and attachment before use, but the lone wrench needed for the task is provided in the box. after placing the 43-pound hdtv on its new perch, i took a moment to admire the display's all-black styling, which features a gloss-finished bezel inset within a matte-finished frame. two integrated stereo speakers (10 watts each) are located below the screen, minimizing the display's width. with its stand attached, the lc-32d40u measures 25.6 by 32.3 by 10.8 inches (hwd), and the display panel is 4.6 inches deep. on-display controls are located on the top right edge of the tv, and the oversized power button would be easy to locate and operate with your eyes closed.

the lc-32d40u provides a near-ideal set of video inputs, including two hdmi ports, two component-video connections, and a single rf input that feeds the tv's analog (ntsc), digital (atsc), and clear qam (unencrypted digital cable) tuners. the lc-32d40u's native resolution is 1,366 by 768 pixels, which slightly exceeds the resolution of a 720p hd signal. the display lacks a dvi or vga input for pc use, but i found that pc resolutions up to 1,280-by-720 (720p) are supported via the hdmi inputs. even so, i'm mildly disappointed any time a tv fails to provide at least one video input that allows access to the display's full resolution.

the tv's remote control is a long, sleek design with a flat shape that is easy to hold and operate with one hand. a fully backlit keypad provides ample spacing between buttons, for good tactile feedback. universal controls located at the top of the remote can be programmed using codes provided in the manual to operate additional a/v components such as a dvd player, a vcr, or a cable/satellite set-top box. one feature missing from this otherwise premium remote is discrete input selection—a feature found on the westinghouse ltv-32w3 hd's remote.

after i connected an outdoor antenna, the lc-32d40u's auto-scan feature quickly found the digital (and analog) broadcast channels here in the san francisco bay area. the tv lacks an option to restrict the auto-scan to only digital channels (which offer better image quality than analog), but the resulting channel list can be edited quickly and easily via the setup menu. that menu also provides a signal meter for optimizing antenna placement for digital reception, but i found its readings were inconsistent, with many channels reporting very low or nonexistent signals despite excellent picture quality. my dish network vip622 receiver confirmed this, observing normal signal levels when using the same well-aimed antenna.

prior to any testing or viewing examinations, i always ensure that an hdtv's picture settings are adjusted for optimal image quality. (for more on how to do this yourself, check out our "how to calibrate your hdtv" guide.) the lc-32d40u provides a standard set of picture controls that include color-temperature presets and a backlight-level adjustment. unfortunately, the tv's standard menu screens don't provide advanced color settings, but professional calibrators and videophiles can access these controls in its hidden service menus. impressively, the lc-32d40u's picture was almost perfectly calibrated right out of the box. i selected the medium color-temperature preset and a slightly reduced color (saturation) setting to achieve the most realistic results. i perform my critical viewing examinations in a completely dark lab, so i set the tv's backlight to its lowest, and most eye-comfortable, level. — next: one word: wow.