News

10/9/2003

Multi-Format Surround Sound Goes Vertical

Combining sleek styling, superb clarity sound and multiple disc format compatibility, Sharp Electronics is introducing its latest 1-bit home theatre system.

The SD-HX500H 1-bit digital DVD, SACD and DVD-Audio home cinema takes its design cues from Sharp's Aquos flat panel LCD TV range, resulting in a slim, vertical system comprising elegant DVD player and amplifier units finished in brushed silver offset by blue backlit Perspex surrounds.

The progressive scan DVD player is distinguishable by its mirrored circular display and small control dial, and both units are extremely compact, each measuring approximately 30 x 16 x 10cm (W x H x D) including their slim stands. The diminutive size belies an impressive 100W output per channel from the amplifier, which packs on-board Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II decoders, driven by Sharp's unique 1-bit digital amplification system to give impressive sound quality and atmosphere to both surround sound movie soundtracks and audio discs.

In fact, the system can playback almost all modern multi-channel and stereo discs including standard and recordable DVD*, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, recordable CD and MP3 CD - it's versatility makes it ideal for the consumer who has a wide range of formats at home. The system also incorporates an RDS FM/AM tuner with 40 presets.

The SD-HX500H gets the best out of all the above sources using 1-bit technology - a radical, proprietary digital amplification system which offers high-fidelity playback combined with high output power in a very compact size. The technology, originally based on high-speed sampling at 2.8MHz, 64 times faster than that used when recording CDs, has now been improved in the SD-HX500H to 5.6MHz, providing incredibly quick audio response for sonic performance practically identical to the original source. The result - clean, clear sound with almost no distortion.

The system is supplied without speakers so the user can choose their own speaker combination. It has one Scart input, three digital optical inputs for flexible connectivity to a other home entertainment equipment e.g. digital satellite receiver, and three conventional RCA lines in. Outputs include two monitor outs, one digital optical out and a subwoofer pre-out. Screw-type speaker terminals offer high quality connectivity to the chosen speaker package.

The SD-HX500H has the versatility and connectivity to form the base of a high performance home cinema and audio system for the discerning movie and music fan's lounge, and will be available from January 2004.

* DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW

www.sharp.co.uk