Preview: Sharp AQUOS 4K UD27 Line
Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 1:45PM 
Updated on January 16, 2015: clarified HDCP 2.2 support
Sharp was once the only option for premium 1080p LCD televisions, and now its latest line of 4K screens is promising finely tuned imagery and quality design features at equally attractive prices. The Sharp AQUOS 4K Ultra HD TVs feature THX 4K certification that involves more than 400 lab tests to help ensure an accurate and pleasing picture. Framed in aluminum trim, these new 4K TVs are part of Sharp's UD27 line and are currently available in screen sizes of 60-inches and 70-inches.
The UD27's screen features the latest 4K display technology, and the TVs incorporate features that should please anyone looking to futureproof a 4K display investment:
- 120Hz refresh rate with backlight scanning/blinking for improved motion resolution performance
- Four HDMI 2.0 ports that accept 4K video signals at up to 60 frames per second (4K60)
- One 4K HDMI input (port #3) accepts Y'CbCr 4:4:4 and the other three accept Y'CbCr 4:2:0 (chroma subsampling)
- Only HDMI port #4 is HDCP 2.2-enabled (also MHL-enabled) for use with copy protected 4K sources like the Sony FMP-X10 (read my review)
- H.265/HEVC-enabled for 4K video streaming (Netflix)
- Simplified single screen and mobile app (Android and iOS) for control, content discovery, and search
I'm curious to see if the UD27 will delivery good motion resolution with video originated from 24fps material (most feature movies) without overly smoothing the look of on-screen action. And for supersized PC gaming, I'm interested in testing its HDMI ports for compatibility with 1080p input at 120Hz. A review sample has been requested - stay tuned!
Read my full review of the Sharp AQUOS 4K Ultra HD LED TV.
Reader Comments (3)
Hey Robert,
If you get the review sample will you be able to test the inputs with an Nvidia GTX 970 or 980 to see if it will produce 4K @ 60 with 4:4:4 RBG ? Above you said all the hdmi ports are HDCP 2.2 enabled and no TV has been able to produce 4K @ 60 with 4:4:4 RGB they can only do 4:2:0.
Thanks
Hi Techhead33, according to Sharp's documentation on this TV, it has one HDMI port with Y'CbCr 4:4:4 input (HDMI 3) and the others are Y'CbCr 4:2:0 compatible.
--Robert
Any quick thoughts on this over the Vizio P-Series?
Both are on sale right now and i'm thinking about getting one for a bright lit room.
Hi Mark, I'm telling people to hold off on the P-Series until Vizio fixes the stuck sharpness enhancement that makes everything look like it had a Photoshop filter applied to it. More info here...
--Robert
I'm getting one of these installed on Tuesday, I'll see how it goes, was recommended by my Audio/Video person, may need to calibrate it at some point (I'll try the THX Movie Mode first).
Hi Duncan! I'm finishing up my review of this TV early this week. Calibration made a world of difference for my overall impression of the UD27 - it went from 'meh' to 'wow'.
--Robert