Sharp's Current Lineup

This is the press release from Sharp for CEDIA 2005 and outlines all new home theater product for the coming year. My attention was obviously on 65" LCD display although DT-100 low end projector may also be a gem at $1300



PRESS RELEASE: Sharp Showcases Cutting-Edge Consumer Electronics Products Designed to Enhance Every Aspect of Modern Life


INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2005-- Largest Available LC HDTV and High-Performance DLP Front Projectors Headline Roster of High-Tech Products That Reinforce Sharp's Role as a Leading Digital Innovator

Sharp, the worldwide leader in Liquid Crystal televisions (LC-TV)*, continues to extend its consumer electronics leadership at CEDIA Expo 2005 with a product line-up that reflects the combination of cutting-edge technology and contemporary styling that today's consumers demand. Headlining Sharp's CEDIA offerings are the 65-inch AQUOS(R), the world's largest available Liquid Crystal High Definition Television (LC HDTV), and the XV-Z12000 MARK II, an upgraded version of the award-winning SharpVision DLP(TM) high definition front projector.

"CEDIA is the perfect venue to exhibit Sharp's huge selection of impeccably-designed, superior-performing products that enhance the decor of any home," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president of marketing, Consumer Electronics Group, Sharp. "In addition to raising the bar in LCD TV, we are also showcasing our outstanding technology prowess in front and rear projection and audio products. Whatever type of home entertainment set-up a consumer wants to create, Sharp has the perfect solution."

Featuring a myriad of styles of AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions ranging from 13- to 65-inch screen sizes, the 2005 CEDIA Sharp Electronics booth is also packed with advanced digital technologies that complement the flat-panel TV revolution and one-of-a-kind new digital technologies. In addition to AQUOS, highlights include a range of DLP-based front projectors, flat-screen high-definition DLP Rear Projection TVs, and an array of audio products, including stylish 1-Bit(TM) Home Theater audio systems that blend aesthetically and technologically with flat-panel TVs.

Sharp will highlight the following key products at CEDIA. For additional details, please see individual product press releases.

AQUOS 65-inch (LC-65D90U):

Sharp takes the LCD market to a new level with the introduction of the largest available LC-TV in the world, the incredible 65-inch HDTV AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television. With unparalleled full 1080p (1920 x 1080) HDTV resolution, the 65-inch Digital Cable Ready AQUOS offers consumers the pinnacle of the DTV resolution formats. The LC-65D90U features a new four-wavelength backlight system that provides an enhanced color spectrum, producing more vivid and deeper reds than previously possible. The 65-inch AQUOS also includes a CableCARDTM slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings without the necessity of a separate cable-TV set-top box.** Additionally, the 65-inch AQUOS features: Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time of less than 12 milliseconds; contrast ratio of 800:1 and 450 cd/m(2) high brightness; HDMI, 1394 and DVI-I advanced digital interfaces. The 65-inch AQUOS HDTV LC-TV will be available in November for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,999.

AQUOS 45-inch (LC-45GD7U/GD5U):

Sharp's new 45-inch AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions, models LC-45GD7U and LC-45GD5U, allow consumers to enjoy the latest cable-TV HDTV programming without the added bulk or expense of an additional set-top box. These Digital Cable-Ready LC HDTVs feature a built-in HDTV tuner with full CableCARD compatibility for "plug and play" capability. The models feature TV Guide On Screen(R), the consumer-friendly, free interactive programming guide that provides complete control over digital television viewing, as well as 1920x1080 resolution for full HDTV spec 1080p display. The new 45-inch models feature Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time of less than 12 milliseconds, HDMI and DVI advanced digital interfaces, high brightness and 800:1 contrast ratio. The GD7U is available in a titanium finish with detachable bottom speakers and the GD5U is available in a new piano black finish with detachable side speakers. Both models will be available in October for an MSRP of $6,499.99.

AQUOS D4U/D6U Series HDTV LC-TVs (LC-37D4U/D6U, LC-32D4U/D6U and LC-26D4U/D6U):

Expanding on its line of Digital Cable Ready HDTVs, Sharp's new widescreen models raise the bar for LCD design, performance and technology. The newly-designed D4U series features a contemporary and elegant piano black finish with side speakers. All of the new models have 1366 x 768 resolution for 720p HDTV compatibility and include a CableCARD slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings from their cable company without the necessity of a separate set-top box. The models also include enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry for fast response time of less than 12 milliseconds; HDMI and two HD component terminals; NTSC, PAL and SECAM video playback capability; high brightness level and 800:1 contrast ratio. The D6U series is available in a sleek titanium finish, and detachable bottom speakers. The LC-37D4U, LC-32D4U and LC-26D4U are available now for MSRPs of $3,499.99, $2,399.99 and $1,699.99 respectively. The LC-37D6U, LC-32D6U and LC-26D6U are available now for MSRPs of $3,599.99, $2,499.99 and $1,799.99 respectively.

High-Definition DLP(TM) Front Projector (SharpVision XV-Z12000 MARK II):

Recognizing the increasing consumer interest in integrated home theaters, Sharp has expanded the high-definition DLP front projector line with the newly-enhanced version of the award-winning XV-Z12000. This sleek-bodied, whisper-quiet product takes home movie projection to a new level of viewing enjoyment with an unprecedented contrast ratio (7000:1) and a high brightness level (1000 ANSI Lumen brightness in high brightness mode), for the clearest, truest-color images available today. The XV-Z12000 MARK II creates a cinematic experience anywhere consumers can imagine, transforming any media room into the ultimate high-tech home theater. Using DLP(TM) Dark Chip 3(TM) technology from Texas Instruments and Sharp's proprietary Computer & Video Integrated Composer (CV-IC II) System technology, the XV-Z12000 MARK II reaches previously unattained levels of projection excellence. A powered iris switchover function instantly changes multiple brightness and contrast settings with the touch of a button, allowing flexibility for varying home theater environments. The XV-Z12000 has a native resolution of 720 for true 16:9 widescreen movie viewing and a DVI/HDCP (High bandwidth Digital Content Protection) terminal that ensures a secure digital connection with high definition set top boxes. The true 720p high-resolution image quality is fully compatible with HDTV signals, making this the perfect movie-viewing vehicle for today as well as the future. The XV-Z12000 MARK II will be available in October for an MSRP of $10,999.99.

Entry Level Home Theater DLP Front Projector (DT-100):

Weighing just over eight and a half pounds, this portable DLP projector compares favorably to the leading entry level projectors. Using DLP technology from Texas Instruments, this stylish, feature-packed projector is ideal for consumers without a dedicated "media room" to watch TV, DVDs or play computer games on a big screen and then pack it all up and put it away, saving space and avoiding clutter. The DT-100 delivers a compact, lightweight product that will easily fit on a shelf, cabinet or small side table. The projector is ED (enhanced definition) true 16:9 aspect ratio, with a resolution of 854 x 480 that is high-definition compatible. Features include an extremely high contrast ratio of 2000:1 as well as 1000 ANSI Lumen brightness for brilliant clarity and a superior image. The low fan noise of 30 dB (in economy mode) ensures that a film's dialogue and special effects are the only sounds that movie-watching guests will hear. The projector is outfitted with a 6-Segment 5 X Speed color wheel that minimizes "color breaking" and provides high quality images with accurate color reproduction. The DT-100 will be available in October for an MSRP of $1,299.99.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) mobile data terminal. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

* According to a 2005 report from DisplaySearch, an Austin, Texas-based market research firm, Sharp Corporation is the global leader in LCD TV.

** Cable system must deliver HDTV programming. Consumers should check with their local cable company to determine available HDTV channels.

DLP is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

In the United States, TV GUIDE and other related marks are registered marks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or one of its affiliates. In Canada, TV GUIDE is a registered mark of Transcontinental Inc., and is used under license by Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

Source: Sharp USA