Joseph Palenchar On Jan 28 2013 - 1:00am

Sharp Adds New Audio Products

LAS VEGAS – Sharp’s audio group came to International CES with four new active soundbars, its first portable audio system in years and its first Apple-docking microsystem with the eight-pin Lightning connector.

A quartet of new soundbars tops out with the $599-suggested HTSB-60 and opens with the $149-suggested HTSB-20.

The HTSB-60, designed for use exclusively with 60-inch and larger TVs, incorporates builtin HDMI switching, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 decoders, proprietary virtual 5.1 surround sound technology, 2.4GHz wireless subwoofer, 2x80-watt plus 1x150-watt amplification, and black textured finish that that complements the finish of Sharp’s 2013 TV line. The wall- and table-mountable enclosure measures 54.5 inches by 2.88 inches by 2.69-inch.

The 2.1-channel sound bar features two exposed woofers and an exposed tweeter for each left-right channel. The bar also incorporates dual HDMI 1.4a 3D-capable HDMI inputs, HDMI 1.4a output with audio return channel, optical digital-audio input, and 3.5mm analog audio input. It also features auto on/off circuit.

The HTSB-60 shipped in December.

At a suggested $349, the HTSB-40 ships in February with the same specs and technologies as the HTSB-60, but the HTSB-40 is sized for TVs with screen sizes of 40 to 52 inches, said Tony Favia, senior product marketing manager for audio.

Two value-oriented soundbars, due in the spring, are 2.0 models without subwoofer, Dolby Digital/DTS decoding, or HDMI connections. They’re designed for TVs with screens of 40 inches and feature 2x20-watt amplification. Audio inputs are analog.

The two are the $149 suggested HTSB-20 and $179 HTSB-30, which adds Bluetooth.

The company is also unveiling a hefty boombox-style iPod/iPhone/iPad-docking portable-audio system with CD and microphone and guitar inputs.

The AC/DC-powered GX-M10 portableaudio system, priced at a suggested $249, features 30-pin Apple connector to play and charge iPods, iPhones and iPads. In microsystems, the company is showing its first with Apple’s eight-pin Lightning connector. The DKKP82P, expected to ship in March at an unannounced price, is similar to its predecessor, the DK-KP80P, but replaces a 30-pin iPod/iPhone dock on top with an eight-pin iPod/iPhone dock.

The one-piece vertical–oriented model also features a vertical CD mechanism that hides a CD behind motorized sliding doors, and a Made For iPod/iPhone/iPad USB port.