Electronics giant Sharp has unveiled a spate of new HDTVs at this year’s CEDIA Expo, including new ultra-thing models, along with limited editions, deep color support, sets with 120 Hz refresh rates, and even a small 19-inch model aimed at folks with space constraints. And Sharp has partnered with NBC Universal to net-enable new Aquos TVs, giving Sony’s Bravia Internet Video Link a run for its money.
First, Sharp has announced Aquos Net, a new offering that will bring Web-based video content from NBC Universal to Aquos television owners via the television set’s integrated Ethernet port. Sharp and NBC envision Aquos Net as a gateway to NBC Universal content, as well as independently-supplied Web-based video offerings. Initial programming selections will include entertainment news from Access Hollywood and extend to iVillage Astrology.com horoscopes and other NBCU news and sports brands. Aquos Net viewers will be able to view the content onscreen as “widgets” in split-screen or full-screen mode. The companies say applications for CNBN and MSNBC are in development.
“Aquos Net is customizable and can be upgraded easily, allowing us to add the broad family of content that NBCU provides,” said Sharp Electronics product and marketing group senior VP Bob Scaglione, in a statement. “We are excited to add NBCU to our available services, giving users a wider range of entertainment choices, all without ever having to leave the TV.”
Next, Sharp’s new Limited Edition LCD TV series features a new 10-bit LCD panel and a new RGB-LED backlighting system that the company claims enables the sets to represent 150 percent of the NTSC color gamut—the new technologies also enable a thin design that slims down to just one inch thick. The LImited Edition sets offer full 1080p resolution, a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a thing speaker system co-developed with Pioneer to provide clear, natural sound. The Limited Edition LCDs will be available in 65- and 52-inch models with five HDMI ports, two component inputs, VGA, and RS-232 connectors; expect to see them this October, although pricing hasn’t been announced.
Sharp also unveiled its new D85U series of 120 HZ LCD TVs, featuring 10-bit panel technology, deep color support, and a 4 ms response time. The units will offer five HDMI ports along with two component inputs that can handle 1080p video; the systems will also sport VGA and RS-232 ports. The 52- and 46-inch members of the D85U line should arrive in October for $2,599.99 and $2,199.99, respectively, with a 42-inch unit following along in November for $1,899.99.
Not done yet, Sharp has also unveiled its new D65U line, marking a step up from its previous D62U and D64U models. The sets will be Energy Star-compliant, sport 176° viewing angles, high contrast ratios and 6ms response times; they’ll also carry 5 HDMI inputs, two component inputs, VGA, and RS-232 ports. Expect to see 52- and 46-inch versions in October for $2,399.99 and $1,899.99, respectively; the 42-inch version is available now for $1,599.99.
And there’s one more (little) thing: the new Aquos LC-19D45U 19-inch LCD TV, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1,366 by 768 resolution…and it can expand to 4:3 to fill the whole screen. The form factor is designed for places like dens, kitchens, bedrooms, and offices where space may be at a premium, but users still want decent picture quality. The unit includes ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners, HDMI and PC inputs, a large clock display and a built-in sleep timer. It’s available now for a suggested price of $549.99.
