News

New Open Aquos TVs From Sharp Electronics (16/1/2004)

First to offer TV recording-even pause live shows-without set-top box, plus ability to share music, digital stills, video and more

With its breakthrough Open AQUOS Liquid Crystal TVs, Sharp is eliminating traditional entertainment-center clutter and making home networks more functional. Featuring dual PC Card slots, the new Open AQUOS 20-inch LC-20PXIU and 15-inch LC-15PX1U models are the first TVs that open a vast palette of entertainment options, including viewing digital still photos, listening to digital audio files (WMA, MP3), watching video clips and more. In addition, the new Open AQUOS TVs have wireless networking capability, cementing their position as the centerpiece of the networked home.

"These introductions - the first of a continuing series of Open AQUOS models - move the television far beyond a simple display device and into the home networking category," said Bob Scaglione, vice president of marketing, Consumer Electronics Group, Sharp. "Since this new line offers advanced functionality, consumers have more flexibility to place these TVs in more rooms in the home than ever before. Open AQUOS TVs also feature the outstanding picture quality that's made Sharp the global market share leader for LC-TVs."

Record Programming Without a Set-top Box

The new Open AQUOS TVs have two built-in Type II PC Card slots that can run simultaneously, offering a world of entertainment flexibility that's only limited by a consumer's imagination. For example, by inserting a basic Personal Video Recorder (PVR) card into one of the slots, consumers can record up to four hours of programming on a 5GB card. This card for the Open AQUOS TVs includes onscreen guides for effortless recording, fast forward and rewind. A built-in microphone even lets family members record quick messages and reminders for each other.

Consumers can also watch slide shows of their favorite digital stills using their camera's memory cards. If they want to send photos or music files from their PCs in another part of the home to the new Open AQUOS models, compatible Wi-Fi cards do the trick with ease. There are even built-in games to keep everyone entertained.

Outstanding Sharp Picture Quality The LC-20PX1U and LC-15PX1U are barely three inches thin, have high-quality built-in speakers and feature Sharp's exclusive Advanced Super View panel with Black TFT low-reflection coating for industry-leading levels of brightness, contrast and viewing angles. The 4:3 Enhanced Definition (EDTV) Monitors have extensive input/output jacks.

The Sharp Open AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television series offers the following features:

* 15- and 20-inch screen sizes
* PC Card combatability
* Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD Panel with Black TFT low-reflection coating which dramatically reduces glare, even in harsh lighting conditions
* Two PC Card slots (PCMCIA Type II) enabling basic Personal Video Recording (PVR) functionality to record content and wireless connection to a PC. These slots support removable HDD memory and wireless networking cards in most popular formats.
* 5GB hard disc drive
* Built-in microphone to record and playback messages
* Four recording modes (SP/LP/EP/FIT)
* Audio player formats of WMA/MP3
* Enhanced Definition TV Monitor allows for 480p (progressive) DVD compatibility
* Multiple video signal inputs (Component, S-Video and Composite)
* Remote control Pricing and availability:
* The 20-inch LC-20PX1U will be available in April for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,899.95
* The 15-inch LC-15PX1U will be available in May for an MSRP of $1,399.95

www.sharpusa.com