A quality LCD TV in and of itself, the Sharp Aquos LE700 Series LCD TV incorporates a powerful LED back light array to boost brightness and, more importantly, contrast. Net result: superior visuals at conventional costs (read: not cheap, but not lousy, either).

Several HDTVs are using this LED soaked lighting trick these days, but it was Sharp that pioneered it, so while you can find better TV technologies boasting better black levels in other LCD TVs, you won't find them at Sharp's gracious, economies-of-scale price point.

The LED technology also helps to make the LE700 Series more energy efficient than anything in its class, if environmental and energy bill savings are your thing (and why wouldn't it be?).

As for operation, the Aquos LE700s sport an intuitive onscreen interface accessed through an overly long but thumb-friendly remote control, which is also a universal remote that can control up to three other devices.

With four HDMI inputs plus one PC-in (as well as SD inputs for ye olde VCR, kiddie consoles, etc.), Aquos LE700s are ready to accommodate just about every high def device you could possibly own without being redundant.

Importantly, the LC-40LE700UN tested here (a 40" model, though there's also 32", 46" and 52" models) saw a great deal of gaming and full 1080p handled remarkably well, crisp and blur-free thanks to the TV's 120Hz refresh rate, which is crucial for fast action games (and movies).

And while the LE Series is not currently "3D enabled," you probably won't notice it wanting for another few years, when 3D movies and broadcasts might become more commonplace... or might not.