Sharp Cuts LCD TV Prices, Adds New Line

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 6/2/2004

Mahwah, N.J. — Sharp Electronics has cut pricing on AQUOS LCD TV models and will market its first line of non-AQUOS Sharp-branded LCD TVs for select distribution channels.

The new Sharp LCD TV line, which is due to arrive in the fall with reduced feature packages from similarly sized AQUOS models, will position the company to better compete with new Far East LCD competitors bringing products to market this year, according to a company spokesperson.

The new models "meet the needs of selected distribution channels whose customers want to enhance their TV viewing experience and are seeking flat-panel LCD-TVs," said a Sharp statement announcing the line.

The line will include three 4:3 screen sizes — 13-inches ($499), 15-inches ($599) and 20-inches ($899).

The company did not disclose exactly which distribution channels it will target with the new Sharp-only models.

At the same time, Sharp is slashing prices on AQUOS sub-branded LCD TVs from $50 on a 15-inch LC-15S1U (now $649.99) to$1,000 on the 37W-inch LC-37G4U (now $5,999.99). New pricing on other AQUOS models are as follows: 15-inch LC-15S2U and LC-15B4U ($699 each); 20-inch LC-20S1US/UB ($1,099.99), LC-20S2U ($1,199.99); 22W-inch LC-22SV6 ($1,799.99); 26W-inch LC-26GA4U ($2,999.99); 30W-inch LC-30HV4U and LC-30HV6U ($3,499.99 each); and the 32W-inch LC-32G4U ($4,499.99).