By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com

SHARP LCD TELEVISION STRENGTHENS FLAT-PANEL TV LEADERSHIP WITH WIDEST ASSORTMENT AND ADVANCED NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES AT CES

Sharp LCD television: World's largest high-definition LCD TV plus wireless, high-definition home networking and new rear-projection HDTVs lead Sharp's elegant home theater product line

Sharp is previewing a number of technology firsts and the broadest line of flat-panel TVs at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show. A highlight of the booth is the 65-inch AQUOS™, the world’s largest High-Definition Liquid Crystal Television (Sharp LCD HDTV), which is approximately 30 percent bigger than the previous record holder. In addition to the stellar AQUOS Liquid Crystal TV (LC-TV) lineup, Sharp is previewing advanced, next-generation wireless home networking solutions and entering into the high-definition rear projection TV category. These achievements once again demonstrate Sharp’s commitment to consumers and the industry by staying on the cutting-edge of display technology.

“Sharp’s breakthrough 65-inch AQUOS HDTV represents the pinnacle of the industry’s largest LC-TV line, which offers consumers unmatched screen size, color and style choices. Over the past year, our large-screen AQUOS LC-TVs have garnered substantial sales and attention because consumers recognize that LCD offers better-looking, longer-lasting technology,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president, Consumer Electronics Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “Overall, our strong Sharp LCD TV product line and marketing investments in 2004 have resulted in significantly increased consumer demand for AQUOS, a trend we’re confident will continue in 2005.”

Sharp is the worldwide leader in flat-panel LC-TV* and recently won an Emmy® award for the technology behind the AQUOS line.** The company has unsurpassed LCD screen manufacturing at its state-of-the-art factory in Kameyama, Japan, where a second production line was added in August, virtually doubling the plant’s output since opening in January 2004. This manufacturing superiority helps Sharp LCD television offer the most comprehensive flat-panel LC-TV selection, with more than 65 models in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 65-inches.

In addition to LCD televisions, Sharp is further broadening its television line with the debut of high-definition rear projection TVs that feature the award-winning Texas Instruments DLP™ micro-display technology. “Sharp’s technical expertise extends beyond the flat panel display category. As a result we’re pleased to be launching our new line of rear projection DLP televisions here at CES,” Scaglione continued. “We’re offering both 56- and 65-inch screen sizes, with the first models shipping in March of this year. Rear projection television represents a significant portion of the display category, and Sharp is committed to being a major player in this segment.” The four new widescreen models feature a unique “V” shape design that makes them the perfect centerpiece for sophisticated home theaters.

Cementing the company’s future presence in tech-savvy households, Sharp is previewing next-generation home networking concepts that will change the way consumers interact with their televisions. Based on PowerLine Communications and Ultra-Wide Band wireless technologies, Sharp is showing how new networks can display crystal-clear pictures without cable clutter. The demonstrations will include wireless, high-definition television (HDTV) and Web-based streaming video in living room, bedroom and den settings.

Sharp also is showcasing new 1-Bit™ home theater systems, youth-inspired audio systems, DVD recorders and high-definition DLP front projectors.

65-inch AQUOS Sharp LC-HDTV

Sharp takes the LCD television market to a new level with the introduction of the largest LC-TV in the industry, the incredible 65-inch HDTV AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television. The 65-inch Digital Cable Ready AQUOS will be shown in two stunning finishes, titanium and piano-black. The 65-inch AQUOS includes a CableCARD™ slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings from their cable company without the necessity of a separate cable-TV set-top box.*** Pricing and availability are not yet determined.

AQUOS GA5U Series HDTV Monitors (LC-26GA5U, LC-32GA5U)

The newly-designed 26-inch LC-26GA5U Sharp LCD television and 32-inch LC-32GA5U AQUOS LC-TVs expand the options offered by Sharp’s line of HD-Ready LC-TVs, featuring fixed side speakers for a seamless silhouette. These models also include HDMI and DVI-I digital interfaces, two HD component terminals, a high brightness level and an extremely high contrast ratio of 800:1. The LC-32GA5U is currently available for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3,299, and the LC-26GA5U is currently available for an MSRP of $2,299.

Sharp AQUOS HDTV LC-TV (model LC-37GB5U)

The new 37-inch LC-37GB5U AQUOS Sharp LCD television includes a built-in ATSC terrestrial tuner for off-air DTV and HDTV signals. The LC-37GB5U incorporates elegant fixed side speakers and features a WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768, as well as Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View LCD Panel and Black TFT low-reflection coating that dramatically reduces glare. The LC-37GB5U will be available in March for an MSRP of $4,999.

Sharp AQUOS D7U/D5U Series HDTV LC-TVs (models LC-37D7U/D5U, LC-32D7U/D5U and LC-26D7U/D5U)

Expanding on its line of Digital Cable Ready HDTVs, Sharp’s new widescreen LCD televisions again raise the bar for LCD design, performance and technology. In addition to 1366 x 768 resolution and a CableCARD slot, the models also include the newly enhanced TV Guide On Screen® interactive program guide and Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time. Both versions will be available in March. Prices range from $2,299.99 to 5,399.99.

AQUOS B9U/B8U Series (models LC-20B9U/B8U, LC-15B9U/B8U and LC-13B8U)

The newest 4:3 AQUOS LC-TVs lines, the B9U and B8U series, range in size from 13 to 20 inches and feature high brightness, so they can be placed near windows, doors or other light sources and consumers can still enjoy a clear and vivid picture. B9U models are available in an elegant titanium finish with side speakers and will be available in 20- and 15-inch LCD television screen sizes in the second quarter of 2005. B8U models are available in a silver finish with side speakers and will be available in 20-, 15- and 13-inch sizes in the third quarter of 2005. Pricing is not yet determined.

AQUOS S4U Series (models LC-20S4U and LC-15S4U)

This line of 4:3 Sharp AQUOS LC-Televisions feature an elegant design with bottom-mounted speakers and a black finish along the cabinet sides. The S4U series includes a function called Optical Picture Control (OPC), which automatically adjusts the brightness of the TV based on the room’s ambient light. The LC-20S4U will be available in February at an MSRP of $999.99; the LC-15S4U will be available in the third quarter of 2005, pricing to be determined.

DLP Rear Projection TVs

The Sharp LCD television company is a leader in DLP front-projection technology, is bringing that knowledge into the Rear Projection market at 2005 CES with two sizes of new DLP Rear Projection TVs, widescreen 56-inch and 65-inch HDTV sets. These models will incorporate built-in ATSC and NTSC tuners, wide viewing angles of 150 degrees and an exceptionally high contrast ratio of 1200:1. The 56DR650 will be available in March for an MSRP of $3,299.95, and the 65DR650 will be available in May for an MSRP of $3,799.95.

Audio Home Theater System (model HT-X1)

Sharp maintains its flair for style with the new HT-X1, an all-in-one home theater system with a slim, flat-panel design that can fit on a narrow shelf or be mounted directly on a wall. This single-disc system has multiple format playback capabilities including DVD, DVD-Video, CD, CD-R/RW and MP3, and will be available in spring 2005 for an MSRP of $229.99.

Vertical-Format 1-Bit Home Theater System (model SD-AS10)

Sharp’s 1-Bit™ Audio Home Theater System is the world’s first complete vertical 1-Bit audio system designed to complement flat-panel TVs. The four-inch thin SD-AS10 offers multiple playback capabilities including DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3 and JPEG, and is available for an MSRP of $699.99.

Micro Audio System (model XL-MP150)

A new audio shelf system from Sharp LCD tv's, the XL-MP150 is a 220-watt product with a multicolor fluorescent display. To help users find digital music files stored on CD, the unit’s NAVI (navigation) feature can display song and artist names saved on MP3 and WMA music files. The XL-MP150 will be available in February for an MSRP of $169.99.

Combination DVD Player/Recorder and VCR (model DV-RW650U)

This new progressive-scan DVD player and recorder from the Sharp LCD tv company also features a VCR in the same body, enabling consumers to record television programming straight to DVD or transfer treasured home videos from VHS to DVD for years of preservation. The DV-RW650U records in DVD-R/RW formats and has playback capability with DVD+R/RW/MP3/CD-R/RW, and will be available in February for an MSRP of $349.99.