CES 2009: Sharp Unveils Aquos BD Combo Series

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, January 8, 2009

Las Vegas — Sharp used its pre-International CES press conference to add further details on the rollout of a five-model Blu-ray Disc series of Aquos LCD TV/BD combo players.

Bob Scaglione, Sharp Consumer Electronics marketing senior VP, called the series “an all-in-one home-theater solution for the ultimate in convenience.”

All feature slim-frame designs with slot-loading Blu-ray Disc players that accept DVDs and CDs in addition to high-definition Blu-ray discs.

The sets also feature a new styling design featuring a subtle blue accent along the bottom of cabinet, and swivel stands.

Three models in the line — in the 32-inch, 37-inch and 42-inch screen sizes — will ship this month at suggested retail prices of $1,099, 1,299 and 1,899, respectively.

The 52- and 46-inch models will ship in February at suggested retails of $2,599 and $2,299, respectively.

Most sets, except of the 32-inch, offer FullHD 1080p resolution, and the three largest screen size models add 120Hz Fine Motion technology, 10-bit panels and a de-judder feature that eliminates background motion noise.

The combo models also feature a new Aquos Pure Mode technology that automatically senses the Blu-ray Disc content and intelligently adjusts display settings, such as the aspect ratio, to optimize the movie image. The sets also include a new Super Lucent Advanced Super View panel, which improves image clarity by applying an ultra smooth panel that minimizes gloss while intensifying panel brightness and contrast.

The sets also incorporate Sharp’s Optical Picture Controller that automatically adjusts luminance to room lighting conditions.

Sharp is also showcasing here its new Aquos E77 and E67 series TVs. The E77 series is billed as “an affordable entry into the 120Hz 1080p LCD market.” Screen sizes include 65, 52, 46 and a new 40-inch size for Sharp.

The E67 line will include the 32- and 40-inch screen sizes. The sets are said to be optimized for video gaming enthusiasts through the inclusion of a Viper Drive that virtually eliminates any lag time between the display and the gaming console.

Models in the E77 series and the 40-inch E67 unit offer a new cabinet design using a black cabinet with a champagne gold hue accenting the bottom of the frame. The 32-inch model in the E67 line offers a copper hue along the bottom of the cabinet.

E77 models offer five HDMI inputs, while E67 units feature four HDMI ports. Sets in both series use the new Super Lucent ASV panel.

Scaglione said models in both series will be rolling out of the next couple of months with prices ranging from $899 for the 32 inch to $4,499 for the 65-inch.

Meanwhile, Sharp, like most TV manufacturers at CES this year, is expanding on sets offering IPTV connectivity. Sharp announced three new content partners for its AquosNet TVs, including the Navteq traffic-monitoring service, Rally Point Internet services ranging from fantasy sports to social networking, and still image and screen saver content and services from Screen Dreams.

Similar to the former GalleryPlayer still image service, Screen Dreams is offering still image art in full 1080p for flat-panel TVs.

The new content partners will join Sharp’s previously announced AquosNet partners including: NBC Universal, Weatherbug, NASDQ and UClip.