If bigger is better, Sharp beats the competition over the head with the introduction of the first 80-inch consumer HDTV, the LC-80LE632U 
This huge HDTV also features streaming net services including Cinema Now, Netflix, and VUDU. In addition, there is live customer support accessible through the 80LE632’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. There is a large array of inputs including 4 HDMI, 1 component video, 1 composite video (with associated audio inputs), a 15-pin RGB PC input, and an RS-232 control port. There are also two USB inputs. The built in media player enables viewing of high resolution videos, digital photos and music listening from a USB flash drive. The 80LE632 has built-in ATSC/QAM and NTSC tuners.  Speakers are built into the bottom bezel and are driven with 10 watt per channel amplifiers.
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This eighty incher weighs in at 112.4 pounds and measures a whopping 73-5/16″ x 43-3/4″ x 3-29/32 (whd). Sharp returns to the industry standard three primary color sub-pixels (Red, Blue and Green) veering away from the four color Quattron (with additional yellow sub-pixel) Sharp pushed heavily last year. The panel is rated at a 4 ms response time and includes a Viper Drive mode for lag free video gaming. It is not 3D compatible.
The LC-80LE632U ships early next month with a suggested retail price of $5,499.99. Our guess is it will street price in the low $4K range. By comparison Panasonic’s commercial 85-inch monitor has a retail of $40,000 while the 103-inch version retails for $65,000.
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I’m looking for a led 80 inch 3d hd tv
I would love to see this Tv in a 4K and Local dimming.This year is the start of 4K.I can see everything supporting 4k by this time next year.Its a fact that we need this standard for 3D and big screens like the Sharp 70,80 inch displays.
the auto does not set the grey scale properly. real calibrations with light meters do
Michael Hamilton
I agree. They are upset as this automated calibration eliminates the expensive technician who has to unlock the ISF calibration controls. Why bother with an inferior five hour $500 calibration?
Over at AVS forum they got a sympathetic moderator to ban posts for suggesting consumers do their own automated calibration: image paying $250 once per lifetime for unlimited 10 minute calibrations for any number of displays!
The Sharp Elite glossy screens reflect too much light and reduce contrast. The dark screen on the 735 is better suited to day-lit rooms.
The Sharp 735 is set to Dynamic mode at the store, whereas the Elite is running in its best mode. Essentially it’s paying double to be fooled.
Consumer Reports says the Sharps 240Hz mode virtually eliminates motion blur. This is an outstanding achievement. Ironically the Elite owners are told to turn it off to reduce resolution to 330 lines.
The smart consumer pays half for the 735’s superior daytime performance and purchases the i1 Display Pro 3 meter/software for unlimited, lifetime calibrations for all displays and projectors, all for $250. Then enjoy postcard pictures on your HDTV as the Sharps color and contrast really pop off the screen.
Then add in the bright 3D for family fun.
@HiFiFun…
This computer based lookup table method offers superior correction compared to traditional technician based calibrations.
I think CalMan users might politely disagree with that opinion.
And, the Elite Sharps are dramatically superior to their standard fare.
Sharp is to be congratulated on pushing the size envelope, even if the price is $500 more than expected.
The competition has made no investment in large panels and would keep consumers stuck at 55 inches.
I purchased the 70†735 which has 3D and 240Hz backlight scanning. This 240Hz processing is desirable as it makes LCD comparable to plasma motion resolution, but without the dither noise.
Look for Sharp to release an 80†model with 240Hz processing and 3D at the 2012 CES next January.
For achieve the perfect picture calibration try out the retail version of the x-rite i1 Display Pro 3 with PC or mac software. This automated 10 minute calibration is $249 at Amazon. Works for all TVs connected to a laptop/pc/htpc. This computer based lookup table method offers superior correction compared to traditional technician based calibrations.
The major issue facing Sharp is these models compete against Sharp’s Elite models. They use the same panels – along with the same imperfections. The also use same full array LED backlighting. The coming 80†Elite model will be $10K. At these prices Sharp may face the same end-game as Pioneer.
Doesn’t sound appealing. I bet motion lag will be awful on one that large.
Mitsubishi sells an 82″ HDTV (WD-82738). I recently purchased a new 2010 model for less than $2000. It also has internet connectivity, wi-fi, VUDU, and 3D. And if you are a movie buff–they really look like movie film, not like video camera video. I believe Mits has also announced a 90″ + HDTV for sometime in 4th qrtr.
Did we forget the 85″ and 103″ Panasonic plasmas?
And now we will all wonder if and when Sharp and Pioneer will team up to incorporate all the Elite technology into an t 80″ PRO-80X5FD as they did for their 60″ PRO-60X5FD and 70″ PRO-70X5FD Elite models. And might it have a four figure MSRP.