News

10/9/2003

UK's First Flat Panel IDTVs from Sharp

Digital television is set to take its next leap forward with the launch of the UK's first flat panel TVs with built-in digital terrestrial tuners.

As part of its comprehensive Aquos range of LCD TVs, Sharp Electronics is introducing three widescreen models with integrated digital TV (IDTV) tuners so consumers can enjoy FreeView programmes on a flat panel television for the first time without the need for a separate set-top-box.

The successful launch of FreeView has ignited public interest in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and it is rapidly becoming popular in the UK. Offering many more free-to-air channels than conventional terrestrial television broadcasting, on-screen interactivity and improved picture quality, the benefits of free-to-air digital television are obvious and consumers are buying into it at a steady rate.

Whilst the majority of consumers opt for a digital terrestrial set-top-box to connect to a traditional, analogue TV, many prefer an all-in-one option in the shape of a television set with a built-in digital tuner. However, up to now this has only been available in bulky, conventional Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions. Viewers wanting free-to-air digital TV on a modern, slim and stylish flat panel TV had no choice but to buy a set-top-box.

Sharp is now giving these viewers a choice with a three-strong range of widescreen flat panel LCD IDTVs. The 22" LC-22AD1E, 30" LC-30AD1E and 37" LC-37AD1E are the logical next step for television viewing in the UK, replacing bulky CRTs and analogue broadcasts with ultra-slim LCD screens and digital programming.

All three TVs have a new Aquos design with an angular, silver screen fascia complemented by a bevelled speaker grille beneath the LCD. The 30" and 37" models have a separate AV centre which contains the digital tuner and a wide range of connections and terminals, whilst the 22" TV has its socketry and tuner built in to the back of the display.

The 30" and 37" screens are the first of a new generation of Aquos LCD TVs with a host of technical improvements to offer improved picture performance. The new Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panel has improved contrast of 800:1 for richer black tones and high 430cd/m2 brightness.

Impressive picture quality is matched by excellent sound thanks to the TVs' onboard 1-bit digital amplification system. The three IDTV models are the first in Sharp's range to include its unique 1-bit digital audio technology, which gives ultra-realistic, high quality sound from a very compact amplifier. The sound is output via a high specification four speaker system housed beneath the LCD, comprising two 8cm full range speakers (6cm in the case of the LC-22AD1E) with bass reflex ports plus two 2.5cm tweeters.

To create the impression of full surround sound, the TVs are equipped with Virtual Dolby Surround, which gives a wider, more encompassing soundtrack experience from the TVs' internal speakers. And for those wishing to experience true 5.1 channel audio, there are external speaker terminals built in to the televisions, so viewers can enjoy 1-bit digital audio quality through a full surround sound speaker system of their choice.

All three TVs have a wide range of terminals for compatibility with a number of video sources. The LC-22AD1E features two Scart sockets, S-Video and AV in, whilst the LC-30AD1E and LC-37AD1E benefit from three Scarts and Component Video in for the highest quality video input. These two models in addition have a PC input for true multimedia capability.

The next step forward in digital television arrives with the launch of the LC-22AD1E, LC-30AD1E and LC-37AD1E Aquos LCD IDTVs from November 2003.

www.sharp.co.uk