We saw Sharp's "Limited Edition" Aquos XS1 LCDs at IFA, and now at CEDIA they're official for an as-of-now unpriced US release in October (seeing a pattern here?). The 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S and 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S are 1-inch thin (at their thinnest point), and feature Sharp's RGB LED backlight, which they say improves color accuracy over other blue-only LED backlights and allows for a 1,000,000:1 claimed contrast ratio. Joining them are the D65U and D85U series, which bring 120Hz to the mid-range. For full details and more shots of all, hit the jump.
The D65U/D85U lineup:
And releases for all three:
DENVER, September 3, 2008 – Sharp Electronics unveils, for the first time in the U.S., a next- generation LCD TV Series that combines unprecedented image quality, the ultimate in thin design and advanced environmental performance. This Full-HD 1080p Limited Edition LCD TV Series, available in 65- (LC-65XS1U-S) and 52-inch (LC-52XS1U-S) screen class sizes (64 33/64" and 52 1/32" diagonals respectively), utilizes a newly-developed 10-bit Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panel that enables an extremely slim profile of only one inch at its thinnest part, to achieve unmatched design and picture quality. The Limited Edition series also includes Sharp's AQUOS Net capability, a service that is able to give users instant access to customized Web-based content as well as real-time customer support. "Since the introduction of the first AQUOS LCD TV in 2001, Sharp has continuously achieved the highest levels of image quality and screen size," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp. "With the introduction of the new flagship Limited Edition Series, we offer consumers a new audio-visual lifestyle, with a superior picture in large screen sizes, as well as excellent sound quality, a striking design and environmental performance befitting a truly ‘next generation' LCD TV." Superior Picture and Sound Quality Using the latest version of Sharp's proprietary 10-bit Advanced Super View LCD panel, this next-generation series incorporates a new RGB-LED backlight system for an unprecedented 150 percent NTSC color gamut and extremely high Dynamic Contrast Ratio of more than 1,000,000:1 for extremely deep blacks and crisp picture quality. The strong color reproduction scale significantly improves color accuracy for dark scenes and delivers a brighter, more vivid array of colors. CEDIA EXPO 2008 • BOOTH #722 • COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER SHARP® MAKES GROUNDBREAKING INTRODUCTION WITH NEXT-GENERATION ULTRA-THIN AQUOS® LCD TV SERIES Achieves amazing levels of image quality, environmental performance, and thinness To deliver clear, natural sound to match the high quality of the picture, Sharp joined with Pioneer Corporation to develop a thin-design speaker system that combines with Sharp's unique 1-bit digital amplifier. Dramatic, Space-Saving Design With a depth of only one inch at its thinnest part, the new Limited Edition Series TVs provide an extremely small footprint, establishing a new design standard for LCD TV and allowing for an even greater variety of installation styles, such as unobtrusive wall mounting. These TVs offer a metallic edge around the frame for a stylish, sophisticated look, giving consumers more freedom to incorporate the new models into the design of modern interiors. Contributing to the slim frame of the screen, the Limited Edition Series has a separate AVC system set-top box for all input terminals, which can be connected to the screen via the included HDMI® cable or with an optional wireless connection to eliminate cable clutter. Additionally, the units include five HDMI inputs as well as dual HD component terminals, all of which are compatible with 1080p signals. For the ultimate in convenience, one HDMI and one component terminal are located on the front of the AVC system, enabling easy connections. An RS-232C port for custom installations and a dedicated PC input are also included. Environmental Performance Sharp has incorporated environmentally conscious, energy-saving technology into the Limited Edition LCD TVs by equipping them with a new system designed to lower power consumption during use by adjusting the screen brightness based on the level of brightness in the area of installation. 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.
DENVER, September 3, 2008 – Strengthening its position as a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display Televisions (LCD TV), Sharp today introduces the AQUOS D85U series, bringing more consumers a paramount high-definition viewing experience with premium features and high-style design. The D85U series, available in 52- (52-1/32" diagonal), 46- (45- 63/64" diagonal) and 42-inch (42-1/64" diagonal) screen class sizes, uses 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced technology for an exceptionally clear and crisp picture. Additionally, these Full HD 1080p sets feature a sophisticated new design with angled edges that reflect the surrounding décor, allowing it to blend fluidly into the ambiance of any room. In addition to stellar specs and a new design, the D85U series keeps consumers' electricity bill top-of-mind by employing a new energy-saving function. The "Power Saving Mode," available through the unit's on-screen display menu, enables active contrast and active backlight to reduce the energy of the television while in use. These models are also compliant with the most recent Energy Star® standards. "The new AQUOS D85 series is our latest 120Hz series and offers a price-competitive home theater option, giving consumers an excellent viewing experience at a more attainable cost," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "This series not only offers an elite high-definition viewing experience, but also incorporates energy saving functions that allow users to lower their TV's power consumption." With Fine Motion Enhanced technology for 120Hz Frame Rate Conversion and a fast pixel response time of 4ms, these new AQUOS models provide the ultimate medium for high- definition viewing, ensuring viewers never miss a detail. Additionally, this series uses the next generation of Sharp's proprietary 10-bit Advanced Super View (ASV) / Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine UD (Ultra Dark), providing high Dynamic Contrast for deep blacks and SHARP® DEBUTS NEW AQUOS® WIDESCREEN HIGH-DEFINITION LCD TV SERIES WITH UNIQUE DESIGN AND CUTTING-EDGE FEATURES Large-screen models feature advanced 120Hz panel with new energy-saving functions crisp picture quality. Rounding out a top-of-the-line home theater experience, viewing angles on this model are an impressive 176 degrees, enabling the color reproduction to appear bright and vivid from virtually anywhere in a room. These Full-HD 1080p models also boast an array of connection options, including an unprecedented five HDMI™ (version 1.3 with Deep Color) and two component video inputs, all of which are 1080p compatible, accepting signals from Blu-ray and advanced gaming devices. A true high-definition TV, the model houses a built-in ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuner for access to DTV and analog TV channels. The unit 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. Building on Sharp's reputation for outstanding design, the D85U series features a sleek piano black cabinet with a reflective, titanium outer frame. The recessed bottom-mounted speakers are concealed within the cabinet, for a subtle, elegant look. The included table stand removes easily for wall mounting applications. Pricing and availability • LC-52D85U will be available in October for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $2,599.99 • LC-46D85U will be available in October for an MSRP of $2,199.99 • LC-42D85U will be available in November for an MSRP of $1,899.99
1 DENVER, September 3, 2008 – Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display Televisions (LCD TV), expands its widescreen, Full HD 1080p line of AQUOS® LCD TVs with the stylish D65U series. Featuring a slim design and breathtaking picture quality that is second to none, this line of AQUOS LCD TVs provides the ultimate home entertainment experience with the perfect balance of style and function. The series, including the LC-52D65U 52-inch class (52 1/32" diagonal), LC-46D65U 46-inch class (45 63/64" diagonal) and LC-42D65U 42-inch class (42 1/64" diagonal) reinforces Sharp's LCD leadership and innovation. The D65U models also reflect Sharp's efforts to be an environmentally advanced company. The series is Energy Star®-compliant, with very low power consumption and offers a new "Power Saving Mode" available through the unit's on-screen display menu, which enables active contrast and active backlight to reduce the energy consumption of the television while in use. "The AQUOS LCD TV line continues to set new standards in technology, offering improved picture quality coupled with new ways to reduce power consumption," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "With an outstanding balance between price and performance, Sharp's AQUOS D65U series raises the bar for home entertainment, offering a well-rounded, environmentally-advanced home theater solution." The D65U AQUOS series provides a superior Full HD 1080p picture with outstanding performance, utilizing Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) / Black TFT Panel* with multi-pixel technology. The ASV/Black TFT Panel with Spectral Contrast Engine UD (Ultra Dark) provides high Dynamic Contrast Ratio and a pixel response time of 6 ms, providing stunning picture quality even on fast-moving action scenes. Black levels have also been enhanced on these models for the deepest, most accurate levels of any LCD TV. Viewing angles are an SHARP® BROADENS AQUOS® HIGH-DEFINITION LCD TV SERIES WITH SUPERIOR PICTURE PERFORMANCE AND MODERN DESIGN D65U line combines advanced feature set with increased connectivity and energy-saving mode impressive 176 degrees, enabling the color reproduction to appear vivid from virtually anywhere in a room, for a top-of-the-line total home theater package. The D65U line comes equipped with a host of connectivity options for the utmost convenience. The series includes an impressive five HDMI® inputs for current and future connection with 1080p signals from Blu-ray and advanced gaming devices, as well as two HD component video inputs. The D65U series also includes two composite video inputs, one S- video, a dedicated PC input and RS-232C for system control. The HDMI inputs feature version 1.3 with deep color**, which adds compatibility with many high-end features such as enhanced colors and audio, and they are compatible with AQUOS Link, which enables convenient control of compatible devices. The D65U series features an elegant and sophisticated new design, with a stunning piano black inner bezel and a matching black outer frame, along with subtle recessed, bottom-mounted speakers that don't take away from the stylish frame. The included table stand removes easily for wall mounting applications. Pricing and availability • LC-52D65U will be available in October for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $2,399.99 • LC-46D65U will be available in October for an MSRP of $1,899.99 • LC-42D65U is available now for an MSRP of $1,599.99