Are Sharp Televisions Any Good?

Sharp holds a significant legacy in the TV industry, pioneering Japan’s first TV sets in the 1950s and repeatedly breaking records for the largest LCD TVs. While not as dominant as they once were, Sharp televisions remain available in the US and UK, often at enticing prices compared to giants like Samsung, LG, and Sony. If screen size for your budget is a priority, Sharp TVs are worth considering.

Sharp’s History and Current Market Position

Sharp’s innovative past includes developing the first commercially available 8K TV. However, financial difficulties led to the sale of its TV manufacturing and sales rights in the Americas (excluding Brazil) to Hisense in 2015. This means Sharp TVs sold in the US were rebranded Hisense models for several years. In 2019, Sharp regained these rights under new ownership and has since reintroduced Sharp-manufactured TVs to the US market.

Sharp TV Models and Features

Sharp offers a variety of models in both the US and UK markets.

US Market:

• Roku TVs: The US market primarily features Sharp Roku TVs, ranging from 24 to 58 inches and priced between $99 and $550. These TVs offer built-in access to numerous streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube through the Roku platform. Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon carry these models.
• Q-Series: While less prevalent, some older Q-Series models (Q8000U, Q7500U, Q7000U, Q600U) might still be available. These 4K TVs support HDR10 and, in some cases, Dolby Vision, along with smart TV features and Google Assistant.

UK Market:

• Budget-Friendly 4K TVs: Currys primarily stocks budget-friendly 4K models like the BJ3, BJ4, and BJ5 series. Currently, mainly the BJ4 series is readily available.
• HD Ready and Full HD TVs: Currys also offers HD Ready (BC5, BC2, BE0) and Full HD (BG2) sets for those seeking smaller screens or lower resolutions.
• Costco Models: Costco UK members have access to specific Sharp TV models, including a 70-inch option.

The Benefits of Roku TV

Sharp’s integration of the Roku platform into its US models is a significant selling point. Roku TV provides a user-friendly interface and access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and streaming channels. While subscriptions to individual services are still required, free content options like YouTube and Crackle are available.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

While Sharp TVs offer attractive features and price points, consider these factors:

• Limited Reviews: In-depth reviews of recent Sharp models are scarce, making it challenging to assess their performance compared to competitors.
• Hisense Manufacturing: Be aware that some Sharp TVs, particularly older models in the US, are manufactured by Hisense. Hisense’s customer support and product consistency have been questioned.
• Alternatives: Compare Sharp’s pricing and features with similarly sized TVs from established brands like Samsung and LG. Their track record for performance and reliability might justify a slightly higher price.
• Return Policy: Purchase from a retailer with a solid return policy to ensure you can exchange or return the TV if unsatisfied.

Conclusion

Sharp TVs offer compelling value, especially for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing screen size and the Roku TV experience. However, the lack of recent reviews, the Hisense connection, and the strong competition from established brands require careful consideration. Weighing these factors against your individual needs and budget will help you determine if a Sharp television is the right choice.