If energy consumption is a primary factor in your choice of an HDTV, the 52-inch Sharp Aquos LC-52D65 LCD ($1500) should be of some interest. CNET recently reviewed the set and gave it a 6.9 out of 10.

They liked the Sharp’s cheap price, energy efficiency, good color reproduction (after calibration), 5 HDMI inputs, and its smooth and subtle styling. They didn’t like the set’s poor black levels, average off-angle viewing, and “below average” standard-def picture.

The Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U complies with Energy Star’s new version 3.0 energy efficiency standard, which, for the first time ever, measures power consumption when devices are turned on.

Specs for the Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U:

• 52-inch LCD
• 1080p
• 60hz
• 5 HDMI inputs
• 2 component inputs
• 2 composite inputs
• 1 VGA input
• 63.9 lbs (Ed. That’s very light for an LCD this size)
• 2,000:1 image contrast ratio
• 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 450 cd/m2 brightness
• 1-year warranty

Link:

CNET’s review of the Sharp Aquos LC-52D65U

Costco has the Sharp Aquos LCC-5262U listed as a “hot buy” on their website at $1,699. To give you an idea on price drops over time, one year ago, this is the price I paid for my 47-inch Vizio 1080p LCD from Costco. The Aquos delivers an overall better picture than the comparable 52-inch Vizio.

Helpful Links:

Discussion of Aquos vs Vizio 52-inchers at AVS Forums.

720p plasmas have always been a smart bargain. So, the second best deal might be the 42″ Panasonic TH-42PX75U for $900 at Best Buy. CNET hasn’t reviewed this set, but they did review its close cousin, the TH-42PX77U, which got a great review. Panasonic plasmas review very well in general.