Sharp Announces 50-Inch HDTV Plasma Display Panel

Demonstrating its commitment to driving the future of sound and vision, Sharp Electronics Corporation introduced at CES 2000 its first HDTV Plasma Display Panel. The new LC-PD50U 50-inch ultra-thin plasma display panel utilizes the next generation of plasma technology to combine all the viewing excitement of a widescreen HDTV display (16:9 aspect ratio) with a sleek and stylish appearance, making it ideal for almost any room.Designed to deliver crystal clear images in multiple video formats, the LC-PD50U offers a full 720p high-definition native display as well as 1080i/480p/480i HDTV input compatibility in either RGB or Y PB PR color space. This makes the LC-PD50U perfect for viewing the increasing number of movies, concerts and sporting events that are broadcast in high definition.The LC-PD50U is designed to fit easily into any room by hanging on a wall. With a depth of less than 4 inches and a weight of less than 100 pounds, it is perfect for todayís contemporary viewing environments. In addition, its sleek black finish fits in nicely with virtually any decor.""The introduction of our 50-inch plasma display demonstrates that Sharp is committed to providing consumers with multiple DTV displays that fulfill all of their home entertainment needs, from high resolution front projectors to our high definition CG-Silicon rear projector,"" said Tony Favia, Senior Product Manager, Home Digital Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. ""This 50-inch plasma display panel delivers exceptional video quality in a sleek design. With its 720P native display, it is perfect for exciting home theater experiences, such as sporting events broadcast in high definition.""Superior Image QualityThe LC-PD50U offers higher brightness and contrast than earlier plasma displays. Using Sharpís new ""Waffle Structure Rib"" Panel Structure, the LC-PD50U reduces the ""false black"" effect found in bright rooms and provides an outstanding contrast ratio of 600:1 as well as a brightness of 225 cd/m2. Designed to provide exceptional picture quality, the LC-PD50U also offers several features to improve color fidelity, including Color Temperature settings of 5400K to 11000K, new Color Phosphors and a Lower Black Stripe Reflection feature.Using Digital High Density Progressive Technology, the LC-PD50U enhances the picture quality of conventional video sources such as DVD and Laser Disc. Even standard definition video benefits from this technology, which increases by up to 8 times the pixel density of the original signal.Additional Lifestyle FeaturesThe LC-PD50U comes with an RS-232C input for interface with custom audio/video control systems. Component video inputs allow state-of-the-art DVD players and digital VCRs to be connected, making the LC-PD50U great for home theater use. The LC-PD50U can also display PC signals, offering XGA (Original/ Full), SVGA (Original/4:3 Normal/Full) and VGA (Original/4:3 Normal/Full) viewing modes.Image Display Technology LeadershipThe introduction of the LC-PD50U continues Sharpís commitment to driving innovation in image display technology, providing consumers with multiple television viewing options, from its new LC-10A2U 10.4-inch LCD TV to the new LC-R60HDU CG-Silicon high definition rear projector. In addition, Sharp offers a full line of rear-projector television sets, including the 64LHP5000 HDTV rear projector, the 64LHP4000 HDTV-ready rear projector and the 34N-WF5H HDTV-ready Direct View CRT.The LC-PD50U will be available in the first quarter of 2000 at a suggested retail price of $20,995.For product information on Sharpís full line of LCD Rear Projection equipment, please visit Sharp's Web Site at www.sharp-usa.com or phone 877 388-SHARP.LC-PD50U HDTV Plasma Display PanelSpecifications:50"" Diagonal Glass Screen (16:9 Aspect Ratio)""Waffle Structure Rib"" Panel StructureNew Panel Drive TechnologyDigital High Density Progressive Technology720P Native Resolution DisplayDTV (1080i/720p/480p/480i) Compatible VideoResolution: 1280 x 768Brightness: 225 cd/m2600:1 Dark Contrast Ratio160 Degree Viewing AngleColor Temperature 5400K ñ 11000KNew Color PhosphorsLower Black Stripe ReflectionComponent (Y/Pb/Pr) Video Input (RCA)RGBHV Input (BNC)Composite Video Input (BNC)MDIN-4 InputPS-232C InputMini-D-Sub-15 InputXGA (Original/Full), SVGA (Original/4:3 Normal/Full) and VGA (Original/4:3 Normal/Full) PC Viewing Modes47 61/64-inch (W) x 28 7/64-inch (H) x 3 55/64-inch (D)93.7 PoundsEnglish/French Operations ManualAvailability: Q1 2000Suggested Retail Price: $20,995