Sharp is using International CES to unveil several series of AQUOS LCD TVs, highlighted by a new 57W-inch screen size.
The 57W-inch LC-57D90U (shipping in March at a $15,999 suggested retail price) high-definition AQUOS model offers full 1,920 by 1,080p pixel resolution, built-in CableCARD capability and integrated ATSC digital tuning.
Features include a new four-wavelength backlight system that Sharp says will produce an enhanced color spectrum with more vivid and deeper reds than was previously possible. It also includes Sharp’s proprietary multi-pixel technology that produces a contrast ratio of up to 1,500:1, enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry yielding a 4ms response time and wider viewing angles (176 degrees). Inputs include dual HDMI, HD component, DVI-I and DTVLink. It will be available in a titanium finish with detachable bottom speakers.
Also slated for the show is the new widescreen PT90 AQUOS high-definition LCD TV series offering models in the 45W-inch (LC-45PT90U), 37W-inch (LC-37PT90U) and 32W-inch (LC-32PT50U) screen sizes.
PT90U models, which are slated to ship in May, include Sharp’s proprietary multi-pixel technology producing 1,200:1 contrast ratios, under 6ms response times and 176 degree viewing angles.
The 45W-inch ($5,499.99 suggested retail) and 37W-inch ($3,499.99) models are Digital Cable Ready, produce full 1,920 by 1,080p resolution and include the same four-wavelength backlight system offered in the 57W-inch model. The LC-32PT50U ($2,299.99) features 1,366 by 768 HD resolution. All models in the series include dual HDMI, HD component, DVI-I for PC compatibility and the DTVLink inputs.
Unit design features a titanium finish with detachable bottom speakers and detachable table stand in the LC-45PT90U and LC-37PT90U models and fixed bottom speakers in the LC-32PT50U.
Sharp will also unveil its AQUOS D40U Series including the 45W-inch LC-45D40U ($3,999.99 suggested retail), the 37W-inch LC-37D40U ($2,999.99), the 32W-inch LC-32D40U ($1,999.99) and the 26W-inch LC-26D40U ($1,299.99), all of which are slated to ship in March.
All D40U models offer widescreen aspect ratios Sharp’s 1,200:1 contrast ratio multi-pixel technology, sub-6ms Quick Shoot video circuitry, and 176 degree viewing angle. Styling includes a piano black finish with fixed bottom speakers and a detachable table stand for wall-mounting flexibility.
Resolution for all models is high-definition 1,366 by 768. All units include built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuning.
Also slated for the show is the AQUOS LC-20D30U 20-inch model, billed as Sharp’s first 20-inch model to offer true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and 1,366 by 768 resolution. The unit, which will ship in February at an $899.99 suggested retail, is being positioned as a “secondary television,” ideal for bedrooms and similar applications. Contrast ratio is listed as 800:1, and the viewing angle is said to be 170 degrees. Inputs include HDMI and HD component video. It is offered in a new black matte finish with black side accents, bottom speakers and a removable table stand.
In smaller screen sizes, Sharp will introduce new S5U models in the 20-inch 4:3 LC-20S5U (shipping in March at a $749.99 suggested retail) and the 15-inch 4:3 LC-15S5U-S (shipping in June at $549.99). Both model feature 480p enhanced-definition resolution, include fixed-bottom speakers and a silver-finish cabinet with black side trim.
Features include Sharp’s Optical Picture Control (OPC) for automatic brightness adjustment to accommodate a room’s lighting conditions; NTSC, PAL and SECAM video playback capability; HD compatible input; and a high brightness level.
Sharp will also present more affordably priced models in its Sharp-branded SH LCD TV lines.
Widescreen models in the SH20U LCD TV series will include the 42W-inch LC-42SH20U, 37W-inch LC-37SH20U, 32W-inch LC-32SH20U and 26W-inch LC-26SH20U.
All models offer 1,366 by 768; these next-generation LC-TVs are ready for the high-definition future. The SH20U series features 800:1 contrast ratio, 12ms response time and 170 degree viewing angles. All models will also include HDMI and HD component inputs, as well as built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuning.
The LC-42SH20U will be available in the second half of 2006 at an MSRP to be announced. The LC-37SH20U, LC-32SH20U and LC-26SH20U will be available in April/April/May for retail prices of $2,699.99, $1,799.99 and $1,099.99, respectively.
Sharp will present a pair of widescreen LCD/DVD combo models in the 26W-inch LC-26DV20U ($1,199.99) and the 20W-inch LC-20DV20U ($899.99), both of which are slated to ship in May. Both units feature HDMI and HD component inputs, a built-in progressive-scan DVD player, 800:1 contrast ratio and 12ms response time. The 26W-inch model includes built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuning.
For still more affordable prices, Sharp will offer in April a line of Sharp-branded 4:3 SH6U models in the 20-inch LC-20SH6U ($599.99), the 15-inch LC-15SH6U ($449.99) and the 13-inch LC-13SH6U ($399.99). All will offer 480p enhanced-definition resolution, and will produce 170 degree viewing angles and 500:1 contrast ratios.
In front projectors, Sharp will carry a five model DLP line including three portable models in the high-definition XV-Z3000 ($3,499 suggested retail), DT-500 ($2,999.99) and the enhanced-definition DT-100 ($1,299.99).
The XV-Z3000 will ship in April and features 720p resolution, a 6,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and 30 dBA low-fan noise.
The DT-500, which ships in April, offers 1,280 by 768 resolution, a 4000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness rating of 1,000 ANSI lumens. It weight 8.6 pounds and includes a powered optical iris system and a 6-segement 5x color wheel. Other features include I/P conversion, 3-2 pull down, color management system, three-step bright boost and an HDMI interface.
The DT-100, which is available now, offers 854 by 480 enhanced-definition resolution, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. Other qualities include a 30 dBA low-fan noise (in economy mode) and a six-segment 5x speed color wheel that minimizes “color breaking” and provides accurate color reproduction.
Sharp’s new flagship home theater projector model XV-Z20000 (shipping in the third quarter at a price to be determined) will produce full 1,920 by 1,080p resolution. The XV-Z20000 includes Sharp’s CV-IC III Video Scaling Circuitry, DVI/HDCP and HDMI inputs. The projector will join the currently shipping XV-Z12000 Mark II ($10,999.99) in the line.
