Sharp Strengthens Flat-Panel TV Line With Wide Assortment And Advanced Networking Technologies At CES

13-Jan-05

Sharp is previewing a number of technology firsts and a broad line of flat-panel TVs at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show. A highlight of the booth is the 65-inch AQUOSÆ High-Definition Liquid Crystal Television (LC HDTV). In addition to the AQUOS Liquid Crystal TV (LC-TV) lineup, Sharp is previewing advanced, next-generation wireless home networking solutions and entering into the high-definition rear projection TV category. ìSharpís breakthrough 65-inch AQUOS HDTV represents the pinnacle of the industryís largest LC-TV line, which offers consumers unmatched screen size, color and style choices. Over the past year, our large-screen AQUOS LC-TVs have garnered substantial sales and attention because consumers recognize that LCD offers better-looking, longer-lasting technology,î said Bob Scaglione, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. ìOverall, our strong LC-TV product line and marketing investments in 2004 have resulted in significantly increased consumer demand for AQUOS, a trend weíre confident will continue in 2005.îSharp recently won an EmmyÆ award for the technology behind the AQUOS line. The company has its factory in Kameyama, Japan, where a second production line was added in August, nearly doubling the plantís output since opening in January 2004. This manufacturing helps Sharp offer a comprehensive flat-panel LC-TV selection, with more than 65 models in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 65-inches.In addition to LC-TV, Sharp is further broadening its television line with the debut of high-definition rear projection TVs that feature the Texas Instruments DLPô micro-display technology. ìSharpís technical expertise extends beyond the flat panel display category. As a result weíre pleased to be launching our new line of rear projection DLP televisions here at CES,î Scaglione continued. ìWeíre offering both 56- and 65-inch screen sizes, with the first models shipping in March of this year. Rear projection television represents a significant portion of the display category, and Sharp is committed to being a major player in this segment.î The four new widescreen models feature a unique ìVî shape design .Sharp is also previewing next-generation home networking concepts that will change the way consumers interact with their televisions. Based on PowerLine Communications and Ultra-Wide Band wireless technologies, Sharp is showing how new networks can display crystal-clear pictures without cable clutter. The demonstrations will include wireless, high-definition television (HDTV) and Web-based streaming video in living room, bedroom and den settings.Sharp also is showcasing new 1-Bitô home theater systems, youth-inspired audio systems, DVD recorders and high-definition DLP front projectors. - 65-inch AQUOS LC-HDTV: Sharp takes the LCD market to a new level with the introduction of the 65-inch HDTV AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television. The 65-inch Digital Cable Ready AQUOS will be shown in two stunning finishes, titanium and piano-black. The 65-inch AQUOS includes a CableCARDô slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings from their cable company without the necessity of a separate cable-TV set-top box. Pricing and availability are not yet determined.- AQUOS GA5U Series HDTV Monitors (LC-26GA5U, LC-32GA5U): The newly-designed 26-inch LC-26GA5U and 32-inch LC-32GA5U AQUOS LC-TVs expand the options of Sharpís line of HD-Ready LC-TVs. These models also include HDMI and DVI-I digital interfaces, two HD component terminals, and a high contrast ratio of 800:1. The LC-32GA5U is currently available for $3,299 and the LC-26GA5U is currently available for $2,299.AQUOS HDTV LC-TV (model LC-37GB5U): The new 37-inch LC-37GB5U AQUOS LC-TV includes a built-in ATSC terrestrial tuner for off-air DTV and HDTV signals. The LC-37GB5U incorporates fixed side speakers and a WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768, as well as Sharpís proprietary Advanced Super View LCD Panel. The LC-37GB5U will be available in March for $4,999.AQUOS D7U/D5U Series HDTV LC-TVs (models LC-37D7U/D5U, LC-32D7U/D5U and LC-26D7U/D5U): Expanding on its line of Digital Cable Ready HDTVs, Sharpís new widescreen models again raise the bar for LCD design, performance and technology. In addition to 1366 x 768 resolution and a CableCARD slot, the models also include the newly enhanced TV Guide On ScreenÆ interactive program guide and Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time. Both versions will be available in March. Prices range from $2,299.99 to 5,399.99.DLP Rear Projection TVs: Sharp is bringing two sizes of new DLP Rear Projection TVs, widescreen 56-inch and 65-inch HDTV sets. These models will incorporate built-in ATSC and NTSC tuners, wide viewing angles of 150 degrees and a high contrast ratio of 1200:1. The 56DR650 will be available in March for $3,299.95 and the 65DR650 will be available in May for $3,799.95. Audio Home Theater System (model HT-X1): Sharp maintains its flair for style with the new HT-X1, an all-in-one home theater system with a slim, flat-panel design that can fit on a narrow shelf or be mounted directly on a wall. This single-disc system has multiple format playback capabilities including DVD, DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW and MP3, and will be available in spring 2005 for $229.99.Vertical-Format 1-Bit Home Theater System (model SD-AS10): Sharpís 1-Bitô Audio Home Theater System is the worldís first complete vertical 1-Bit audio system designed to complement flat-panel TVs. The four-inch thin SD-AS10 offers multiple playback capabilities including DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3 and JPEG, and is available for $699.99.