Sharp Aquos LC-40E67UN

Ergonomics & Durability (4.25)

The remote control that comes with the LC-40E67UN has a rather ungainly design that is not particularly easy to use. For one thing, the long, thin remote is wider at the top than bottom, so the weight is more towards the top, which means it has a tendency to tip forwards when you hold it by the bulge at the bottom in one hand. Several buttons are also concealed below a flip-out panel on the bottom of the remote, which is rather awkwardly placed. The remote also feels rather flimsy; the panel over the hidden buttons could easily break off if you dropped the remote with it open. The buttons themselves also don't have a very positive feel; they are soft and squidgy, so you can't tell by touch if you have pressed the button in properly.

Button Layout & Use (5.5)

The buttons on the remote are small compared to the size of the remote, but the layout is mostly logical. When holding it in the hand, the directional control falls under the thumb, but you can still reach the channel and volume controls easily with the thumb for one-handed use. The other controls are out of thumb breach, though; you'll have to use both hands to reach the channel number buttons or the buttons for controlling another device or turning the power on or off. The four colored buttons at the bottom can be programmed for specific channels. Several buttons are also located under a flip-out panel, including some that might be used more frequently, such as the buttons for controlling the surround sound mode and switching picture mode.

Programming & Flexibility (7.0)

Most remotes that come with HDTVs can only be used to control the HDTV itself, but this one can also control a number of other devices, such as DVD players, cable boxes, etc. The programming process is pretty simple; hold down the function and display key and enter the device code for the device to be controlled. A good number of these are listed in the manual, including most major manufacturers. However, using this is a little awkward, as you have to use the function key to switch between the 5 different devices that can be controlled. Say you want to change the volume of the audio device: you have to press the function key 4 times (to switch between TV, cable, VCR, DVD and audio), then hit the volume buttons to change the volume control. To control the TV again, you then have to hit the function key again to switch back to the TV control mode. It's a clumsy system that rather undermines the flexibility of the remote. Other Sharp devices can also be controlled using their proprietary Aquos Link system, but this only works with devices made by Sharp.

Compare the Sharp LC-40E67UN to other HDTVs
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