Like Sony, Samsung, Toshiba and even Vizio, these sets are backlit by a grid of LEDs. But unlike those models, these don't dim parts of that grid to provide crazy contrast—that is, they don't do local dimming. (For more, check out our Giz Explains on LED TV technology). The lack of local dimming could mean that, in tests, the blacks in bright scenes won't be on par with the best of those TVs above. Sharp's excuse was that their X-Gen panel with 10-bit processing lets them align the pixels in crazy ways for good black levels, so they don't need local dimming. And admittedly, here, the blacks look pretty good, but I'd want to see 'em side by side with a local-dimming set.

Sharp is, however, promising local dimming on future sets—along with lower-end edge-lit models, and super high-end ones with RGB LEDs, like Sony's XBR8, for better color, but you'll have to pay more to get the nicer LED systems. That's right kids, buying an LED TV is going to get more complicated in the future. But that's all for CES 2010 and beyond. And at least, by 2010, Sharp's LCD TV product manager Anthony Favia told us, you'll see LED TVs hit "price parity" with traditional CCFL sets. For now, we have the LE700, a step in the right direction. Here's the size price/breakdown:

• $2799 for 52 inch
• $2199 for 46 inch
• $1699 for 40 inch
• $1099 for 32 inch

You'll notice as well that they don't do streaming video or use Yahoo's widget platform for services like Amazon or Flickr like Vizio's pimping—Sharp says they're looking into Yahoo, but obviously it'll be 2010 before we see TVs with it or any other video service. This is partly, they say, waiting for true HD streaming to be available. In the meantime, they've got the ahead-of-its-time but now anemic Aquos Net, though it doesn't do any video stuff.

In other words, between more diverse (and cheaper) LED models and streaming video on their sets, Sharp's really pointing to 2010 as the magic moment. Sharp's VP of marketing Bob Scaglione promises that Sharp will become "the most aggressive" player in LED TVs. It's too bad about this year, though.

The Aquos LED TVs look really classy in person, though. I'll give Sharp that much right now.

SHARP INTRODUCES AQUOS® LED

Breakthrough New Line of LED Backlit LCD TVs Bring Superior Brightness and Image Quality Combined with Industry's Lowest Power Consumption for True Value

NEW YORK, July 7, 2009 – Sharp Electronics unveils, for the first time worldwide, AQUOS LED, an LCD TV series that provides the ultimate in picture quality and value, offering consumers the lowest power consumption of any available LCD TV. A new series of LCD TVs that combines Sharp's award-winning AQUOS LCD technology with a Full-Array LED backlight system, the new LE700 AQUOS LED series delivers unprecedented image quality and energy-efficient, eco-friendly performance. This Full-HD 1080p LCD TV series, available in 52- (LC-52LE700UN), 46- (LC-46LE700UN), 40- (LC-40E700UN) and 32-inch (LC-32LE700UN) screen class sizes (52 1/32", 45 63/64", 40", and 31 35/64" diagonal respectively), introduces a newly-developed X-Gen Panel with advanced pixel control for extremely deep black levels.

The AQUOS LED series also includes Sharp's AQUOS Net™* capability, a service that gives users instant access to customized Web-based content as well as real-time customer support.

"Sharp demonstrated the unlimited possibilities of LCD, bringing the first LED back-lit AQUOS LCD TV to market last year, and we continue to advance the category today," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "With the introduction of the AQUOS LED series, we are bringing consumers an affordable display solution with superior picture and environmental performance that provides a true value. Sharp is able to deliver a price-competitive yet high-performance product by producing many of the key components of the TV, including the LED components and the LCD panel."

Superior Picture Quality

The proprietary AQUOS LED system incorporates Sharp's UltraBrilliant LED backlight technology that illuminates the TV to extremely high brightness and contrast levels. The system includes a full array of LEDs evenly dispersed behind the diffuser, resulting in more uniform colors and brightness across the entire screen, as well as improved color purity for the smoothest picture possible. Additionally, this series uses Sharp's proprietary next-generation Full HD 1080p X-Gen LCD panel with 10-bit processing, designed with advanced pixel control to minimize light leakage, producing extremely deep black levels. The X-Gen panel also provides a wider aperture to allow more light to pass through the panel, resulting in higher peak brightness. The panel provides Spectral Contrast Engine MC for an extremely high Dynamic Contrast Ratio of more than 2,000,000:1 for crisp picture quality and vibrant colors, as well as a special dejudder feature (on the LC-52LE700UN and LC-46LE700UN) that results in the smooth reproduction of film content.

Rounding out this premium picture, the series offers Fine Motion Enhanced technology for 120Hz Frame Rate Conversion and a fast pixel response time of 4ms, providing the ultimate medium for high-definition viewing, ensuring viewers never miss a detail. For flexible room placement, the series has impressive 176-degree viewing angles, enabling the color reproduction to appear bright and vivid from virtually anywhere in a room.

Eco-Efficient Design

In addition to a first-class picture, the AQUOS LED series was designed to bring overall value to the consumer, with several eco-friendly improvements enabled by LED technology. The UltraBrilliant full array LED backlight enables precise light output with higher luminance per watt so less power is needed. The TV is also equipped with a system designed to lower power consumption during use by adjusting the screen brightness based on the level of brightness in the area of installation. In fact, this series offers the industry's lowest power consumption of any LCD TV currently available on the market.** The LC-52LE700UN consumes 105W, exceeding the EPA's ENERGY STAR criteria for TVs: Version 3.0 by 68 percent; the LC-46LE700UN consumes 90W, exceeding ENERGY STAR guidelines by 63 percent; the LC-40LE700UN consumes 75W, exceeding ENERGY STAR guidelines by 60 percent; and the LC-32LE700UN consumes 55W, exceeding ENERGY STAR guidelines by 52 percent.

In addition to lower power consumption, the AQUOS LED series is built to last longer - as a solid-state light source, LEDs generate less heat and are more durable, leading to a longer lifespan – an expected 100,000 hours, two thirds longer than traditional LCD TVs.

This TV series also uses eco-friendly components and uses no mercury – LED is a mercury-free light source. The units house fewer components with a reduction of heavy metals, which makes for easy recycling and an overall carbon footprint reduction.

AQUOS Net

Included in the LE700 series*, AQUOS Net is an internet-based service that gives Sharp AQUOS customers access to personalized information. Viewers can check everyday information with a push of a button on the television's remote control, in either full screen or split screen. Currently available through AQUOS Net is content from Weatherbug to check the local forecast, NASDAQ for stock quotes, Accedo Broadband for casual games such as blackjack and Sudoku, UCLICK to follow daily comic strips, daily local NAVTEQ Traffic™ reports, AQUOS Gallery, which provides users with beautiful high-resolution 1080p images of scenery and nature, and a variety of web-based content from NBCU's broad portfolio.

Through AQUOS Net, consumers also have access to unparalleled customer support for their television, including the ability to have dedicated AQUOS AdvantageSM advisors connect remotely to their TV to assist in adjusting the TV's settings and optimizing picture quality for the best viewing experience. This interactive tool, known as AQUOS Advantage LiveSM, is easily accessible from the AQUOS Net home page.

Advanced Connectivity

These Full-HD 1080p models boast an array of connection options, including four HDMI™ (v1.3 with Deep Color) and two component video inputs, all of which are 1080p compatible, accepting signals from Blu-ray Disc™ players and advanced gaming devices. A true high-definition TV, each model houses a built-in ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuner for access to DTV and analog TV channels. The LE700 series also features an RS-232C input for custom installations and a PC input so the TV serves a dual purpose as a PC monitor. Additionally, Sharp's AQUOS LINK™ feature allows users to seamlessly control compatible, HDMI-connected products using a single remote control. The series also includes a USB photo/music player* for the convenience of high-resolution digital photo viewing and MP3 music enjoyment on the TV.

Availability

* The LC-52LE700UN will be available in July for a Manufacturer's Suggested List Price of $2,799.99
* The LC-46LE700UN will be available in July for an MSRP of $2,199.99
* The LC-40LE700UN will be available in July for an MSRP of $1,699.99
* The LC-32LE700UN will be available in July for an MSRP of $1,099.99

For more information on Sharp's full line of Liquid Crystal Televisions, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J., 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at sharpusa.com. Become a fan of Sharp AQUOS at www.facebook.com/SharpAQUOS.

While the ruling would effect a large segment of Sharp's product line—including Aquos. Sharp will no doubt appeal the ruling, and it is subject to review by President Obama over the next 60 days. Much like the Vizio ban, it probably won't matter all that much in the end. [LA Times]

Nice gift or desperate last-ditch, pre-Xmas effort? Who cares—you can choose either a free BD-HP21U deck ($300 list, $220 at Amazon), or $300 off the nicer BD-HP50U ($450 list, $280 at Amazon). These are the eligible TVs:

LC-65XS1U-S
LC-65SE94U
LC-65D64U
LC-52XS1U-S
LC-52SE94U
LC-52SE941U
LC-52SE941U-R
LC-52SE941U-G
LC-52D85U
LC-52D65U
LC-46SE94U
LC-46SE941U
LC-46SE941U-R
LC-46SE941U-G
LC-46D85U
LC-46D65U
LC-42D85U
LC-42D65U
LC-32GP3U-B
LC-32GP3U-W
LC-32GP3U-R

And these are the retailers that are offering the deal:

Best Buy
Sears
Sixth Avenue Electronics
Brandsmart
ABC Warehouse
HH Gregg
Ultimate
ABT
Vanns
PC Richards

Nice that it's not limited to last year's models only.

The larger models (37-inches and up) boast 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, 30W speakers, a 176 degree viewing angle and nine different types of input. The smaller versions have a 1,366x768 pixel resolution, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 20W speakers. [Sharp via Akihabara News]

1. What was the call signal for the first broadcast television station
in the United States? (W3XK)

2. Television was first broadcast in the 30-300 MHz range, as well as
the 300-3,000 MHz range. What are the common names for these
frequencies? (VHF and UHF - Very High Freq and Ultra High Freq)

3. What year did color TV sales overcome black and white TV sales?
(1972)

4. In January 2007, Sharp unveiled the largest LCD
television at the time. How big was it?
(108')

5. WABC, the call sign for ABC's flagship station, was briefly owned
by another national broadcaster until 1946. Which broadcaster owned
that call sign? (CBS)

6. What is the longest continuous running TV series in the world?
(Meet the Press)

7. In 1884, the first patent for a television device was registered.
Who registered it, and where was he from? (Paul Nippkow, Germany)

8. Name the group of universities and companies created in 1993 to
spearhead the American HDTV specifications (Grand Alliance)

9. Who published the work "Liquid Crystals" in 1904 and is considered
the father of LCD technology? (Otto Lehmann)

10. What year did LCD TV sales surpass CRT TV sales? (2007)

11. Which company introduced the first wall mounted LCD TV? (Sharp)

————— Forwarded message —————
From: Amazon.com Payments Date: Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Subject: Your Amazon.com order 104-3863627-8851454 has been canceled
To: "********" <********@gmail.com>
Cc: "payments-mail@amazon.com"

Greetings from Amazon.com,

We're sorry, but the following order from myOfficeSource has been
canceled.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

==================================================
ORDER DETAILS
==================================================

1 of Sharp Aquos LC52D64U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000UN914I)

Your credit card was not charged for the order. To view your transaction
status online, please visit:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/css/history/view.html

Thank you for shopping at Amazon.com.

Amazon.com

— Thanks tipster army!

Just called Amazon and talked to a lady who seemed confused, as on her end the product was listed at well over $1,000. That's still a major price anomaly, though. She said she would try to contact myOfficeSource. It is now listed as "Currently Unavailable", no less than 5 minutes after I made the call. It's most likely been pulled as a precautionary measure.

They charged him exactly what the catalog says. Nevertheless, this must be a bug but, in any case and since they are not charging the original price, I guess it's worth trying.

The question is: if a mail order company is advertising and actually confirming the purchase at these prices, are they obligated to honor the advertised price and send the product? Somewhere in my mind, a couple of advertising law clauses I took while in college are saying "yes, they may have to do exactly that". But then again, I may have had a hangover back then and got the whole thing wrong.

Update: a reader has sent us a heads up about a customer review in Amazon.com that says that someone who bought the Texas Instruments calculator got his order switched in his account page for a CD. Cliff says that his Amazon account still lists the Sharp in his order. If this is the case, I don't really know how Amazon can keep such an allegedly shady store in their site. In any case, proceed with caution if you really want to try your luck.

[Amazon and Amazon]

Here are your questions:

1. What was the call signal for the first broadcast television station in the United States?

2. Television was first broadcast in the 30-300 MHz range, as well as the 300-3,000 MHz range. What are the common names for these frequencies?

3. What year did color TV sales overcome black and white TV sales?

4. In January 2007, Sharp unveiled the largest LCD television at the time. How big was it?

5. WABC, the call sign for ABC's flagship station, was briefly owned by another national broadcaster until 1946. Which broadcaster owned that call sign?

6. What is the longest continuous running TV series in the world?

7. In 1884, the first patent for a television device was registered. Who registered it, and where was he from?

8. Name the group of universities and companies created in 1993 to spearhead the American HDTV specifications.

9. Who published the work "Liquid Crystals" in 1904 and is considered the father of LCD technology?

10. What year did LCD TV sales surpass CRT TV sales?

11. Which company introduced the first wall mounted LCD TV?

Once you have completed the quiz, send it (all in one email) to contests@gizmodo.com with the subject "Aquos TV Contest." Again, a Sharp 37" Aquos TV will be awarded to a randomly selected contestant with the most correct answers. Deadline for entries is September 12th. Good luck!

Sponsored by Sharp AQUOS. Change your TV. Change your Life.

Sony's Motionflow wall which was in the process of being powered up had a 240Hz set like the 200Hz Bravia we saw at IFA (240Hz NTSC = 200Hz PAL), which indicates Sony is bringing some or all of its Euro IFA goods (including, hopefully, the super-thin ZX1) stateside. We also spied a Sharp X-Series Aquos all fired up in their booth (shown in the image above), which very well may be the WHDI wireless set announced in Asia a few months back, which indicates Sharp is pushing their thin LCDs even harder, and in larger sizes. We also learned that it must really suck to have to vacuum tradeshow floors after setup. Hit the gallery for more shots of the majors' booths.

The company has also just announced the BD-HP21H Blu-ray player and D65 "premium" televisions—also both for Europe. For more info on those models, here's the full release:

XS1 AQUOS Series – Ultra large, ultra slim LCD TV
Exploiting the latest in LCD technology, the new flagship series of LCDs produced by Sharp, the XS1 series, have transcended the boundaries of the modern TV. With the world’s slimmest TV body at just 2.3 cms and available in 52” and 65”, these TVs make a bold statement. Despite this, because they are so skinny, they are very light and can even be mounted on the wall.

With the technology to complement their stunning appearance, the XS1 series come equipped with a 6ms response time and an advanced contrast ratio of 10,000:1, images are crystal clear and watching anything becomes a pleasure. With a slim, detachable speaker system and five 2.1 channel speakers, sound is reproduced with complete accuracy. The XS1 is also fitted with a gallery mode, which enables images from a USB stick to be displayed in Full-HD, either as a slideshow or as an interior centrepiece.

Incorporating 100-hertz picture enhancement technology and offering Full-HD resolution of 1,920 x1,080p, the XS1 series are the next stage in LCD TV evolution.

D65E AQUOS Series – Sharp’s new premium range
This premium quality series, in Sharp’s signature slim-line, piano black finish, boasts a design packed with functionality and elegance. With a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1 and a brightness of 450 cd/m2, the image clarity of this series is superb. This, combined with the built-in DVB terrestrial tuner, means that when combined with high-definition signals in 1080p format, the picture quality is phenomenal.

The D65 series also comes with High-Fidelity sound and a 10w audio output to ensure the sound quality is as crystal-clear as the on-screen image. With an environmentally conscious design which includes low-power standby and an energy-save feature to reduce power consumption, the D65 series is designed to increase the enjoyment of TV watching for the style-conscious homeowner. The 65 AQUOS series will be available in 32”, 37”, 46” and 52” models.

BD-HP21H Blu-ray player – Sharp’s first cinema-quality Blu-ray player
Whereas many Blu-ray players on market cannot release the full potential of Blu-ray discs, Sharp’s new BD-HP21H is able to produce colourful, detailed and vibrant colour. Combined with the 24-hertz frame rate – the same rate used for cinema content, any on-screen motion is rendered as smoothly and naturally as would be expected on the big screen. Designed with a 1.1 profile and with Bonusview functionality, the BD-HP21H offers users the opportunity to take advantage of picture-in-picture and simultaneous play functions to offer a more interactive viewing experience. The BD-HP21H also has a Quick-start mode designed to reduce power consumption and a Jpeg playback feature so pictures can be viewed in High-Definition quality.

Compatible with the latest High-Definition formats, and developed to incorporate Sharp’s signature black finish and slim profile, The BD-HP21H is a beautiful match for any of the new range of AQUOS LCD TVs.