I am stunned at negative reviews from people who have not purchased this tv?Picture clarity in HD and HD Upconverted DVD is astounding. Like looking through a window. Color, including black, is extra sharp. The banding issues have not been a problem for me. I have 2 dead pixels, but I only discovered them while cleaning the screen from 8 inches away. Even on a blacked out screen, you can't see them from 3 feet away. Not a problem. The only area for improvement is in the remote control. Although it claims to be, let me tell you this is NOT a quality universal remote. It operates very few other brands and is difficult to program.

I just spent the extra $50 and bought a Logitech high end universal remote. If you love TV, you will NEVER be dissapointed with this model. Sharp at 1080p is simply unbeatable. I would encourage readers to look at it side by side vs. Sony etc... in a store and you will see there is none better. One caveat. If you don't intend to spend the extra money for a quality HDMI cable from you HD DVD, and your HD Satallite or cable then you have totally missed the purpose of this great TV and should be happy starring at an old black and white through a coke bottle.