Sharp Electronicsí New 1-Bit Audio Amplification Technology Delivers Crystal Clear Fidelity

Sharp Electronics Corporation, continuing its tradition of driving innovation in digital home entertainment, now offers 1-Bit Audio Amplification technology, an extraordinarily advanced system that uses sophisticated 7th order Delta-Sigma modulation with noise shaping effect, and an incredibly high speed switching circuit (2.8224 MHz) to recreate exceptional sound with high-efficiency digital techniques.In addition to numerous applications for the professional audio industry, Sharp also sees this as a major contribution to the consumer and home audio market. The company plans to incorporate this core technology into a wide range of audio products, beginning with the Sharp SM-SX100 amplifier, a 100 watt/channel stereo pre-main amplifier available in the United States fourth quarter of this year.""Ultimately, Sharp expects this new technology to cross all product lines and enhance every facet of the audio market and beyond. Eventually it will allow Sharp and the industry to incorporate state-of-the-art hi-fidelity sound even into extremely small products. For example, this would be ideal for high-quality portable units, minisystems, component systems and car stereos, in addition to A/V surround amplifiers and Public Address (PA) systems,"" said Robert Scaglione, associate vice president, marketing, Home Digital Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation.The Sharp 1-Bit Amplifier is extremely efficient, using only 50 percent of the electrical power compared to a conventional analog amplifier with same power output. Heat dissipation is also reduced 80 percent, allowing for a unit that is 1/4 the size of analog amplifiers.The exceptionally fast 7th order 1-Bit (Delta-Sigma) modulator and advanced noise shaping combine to process the analog signal at a rate much higher than that of traditional multi-bit Pulse Code modulation (PCM) systems. The result is that the sound reproduced by the new digital systems is the closest possible to the original sound. Because the Sharp 1-Bit Delta-Sigma modulator samples at a rate 64 times that of CD PCM/16-Bit, the digital standard that has emerged in the last decade, the 1-Bit Amplifier reproduces sound of a caliber well beyond that of traditional amplifiers.Until now, digital signals face potential degradation by the quantization and coding process. Because of the 1-Bit Amplifierís 2.8224 MHz resolution and 7th ñ order noise shaping, the original fidelity of the analog signal is better maintained, resulting in sound quality which is closer to the original analog sound. As a global technology innovator, Sharp Electronics leads in engineering and development that has resulted in a new product categories, advanced standards and transformation in home entertainment, including LCD, Viewcam, MiniDisc, DVD and DTV technologies. With the introduction of 1-Bit Audio Amplification, Sharp has taken its expertise into the high-end audio realm, establishing a new audio technology standard.Advantages of 1-Bit Amp-Excellent Transient Response (Ultra-high 2.8224 MHz Sampling Rate)-Frequency Response (Target 5Hz to 100 kHz)-Superior Dynamic Range (Target 110 dB at audible range)-Extraordinary Efficiency (half the power consumption of an analog amp at normal listening levels)-Cool Running (80 percent less heat dissipation than an analog amp of comparable rating)-Compact size (1/4 the size of traditionalPossible Applications For One-Bit Delta-Sigma modulatorSharp will incorporate 1-Bit Audio technology into the following product groups by utilizing these advantages; quality sound, efficiency, compact size and immunity against noise.DVD, Car Audio, Home Audio, Portable/Outdoor Audio, LCD Monitor TV, Personal Computer, PDA, Digital Home Appliance, Professional Audio, Home Theater, A/V Amplifier.

For online information on Sharpís Audio products and technology, visit Sharpís Web site at the below internet contact or phone 877-388-SHARP.