News

Sharp Introduces Ground-Breaking Flat, Vertical 1-Bit Digital Home Theater Systems (19/1/2004)

New slim, sleek, wall-mountable design complements Sharp AQUOS(tm) Liquid Crystal Televisions and provides unmatched sound quality with SACD and DVD-audio compatibility

More and more consumers are integrating stylish flat-panel televisions into the home. To provide users with a surround-sound audio solution that matches the design and quality of these TVs, Sharp Electronics is launching the first vertical 1-Bit audio home theater systems that can easily be mounted on a wall or placed on a narrow shelf. Sharp's patented 1-Bit digital amplification technology is paired with a multi-format progressive scan CD/DVD/SACD/DVD-audio player in these luxurious new home theater systems. These models are designed for audio enthusiasts who prefer to choose their own speakers, or already own a high-quality surround sound speaker system.

"Retailers have told us that home theater decisions today are as much about fashion as they are about function," said Mark Knox, director, digital media devices, Sharp. "Speaker makers have begun to recognize the trend as well, and will soon be offering sleek speaker systems that complement flat panel displays like our AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions. The wall mountable 1-Bit systems now complete the picture, offering flat, friendly form factors and multi-format compatibility in elegant chassis' that will complement any interior dˇcor."

SD-HX600 and SD-HX500

The SD-HX500 and SD-HX600 feature a powerful 100-watt per channel amplifier section with a unique vertical design that hides the DVD/CD player behind a brushed silver front panel. The vertical orientation of the amplifier section and disc unit means these products are ideal to be placed on a shelf, or wall mounted with the included brackets. The SD-HX600 integrates sophisticated video switching capabilities into the design of the SD-HX500 by adding an audio/video selector system, which houses the inputs away from the main unit for a clean, clutter-free appearance.

The stylish amplifier and disc units are made of luxurious anodized aluminum and polished, transparent Plexiglas, while strategically placed blue LEDs illuminate the sleek side controls. A smooth silver rotary-volume control on the disc unit rounds out the extraordinary design. On both models, bottom-mounted speaker terminals are hidden in any installation, featuring sturdy binding posts that easily connect the latest high performance speaker cables.

The Sharp SD-HX series of 1-Bit Home Theater Systems offer the following features:

* Audio signals processed at an ultra-high speed rate of 5.6 MHz -128 times faster than a CD
* Multi-format, progressive-scan disc mechanism supports DVD/SACD/DVD-A
* Five 100-watt-per-channel amplifiers
* Dolby Digital(tm) and DTS surround decoders
* Composite, Component and S-Video output terminals
* Digital and Analog audio input terminals
* AM/FM synthesizer tuner
* Universal remote control
* SD-HX600 includes the following additional features:
- A separate A/V selector system with a vast array of audio and video connections, housing the inputs away from the main unit for a clean, clutter-free appearance
- Stereo audio input is provided for connection to the TV sound source
- Analog audio and digital audio via optical TosLink terminals for every set

SD-PX2

The new SD-PX2 is a compact home theater system that integrates five 35-watt 1-Bit amplifiers and the SACD/DVD-A playback into a single unit. The DVD/CD disc mechanism uses a polished door that slides to the right to expose the disc bay, then returns to seal the mechanism against dust. A Plexiglas side panel and blue LED complement the anodized frame and identifies the burnished side-mounted controls. A large rotary volume control rounds out this unique design. The Sharp PX 1-Bit Home Theater System offers the following features:

* SD-PX2 integrates five 35-watt 1-Bit amplifiers and the SACD/DVD-A playback into one unit
* Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoders - Dolby Pro-Logic II to produce 5.1 channel sound from stereo sources
* Composite, Component and S-Video output terminals
* Digital and Analog audio input terminals
* All connections are located along the bottom pedestal of the unit - fits well in theater rooms, bedrooms and home office spaces
* 2.8 MHz 1-Bit amplifier - 64 times faster than a CD
* Spring-loaded speaker terminals

About 1-Bit Technology

1-Bit produces flawless, high-resolution sound, enabling the SD-HX500 and SD-HX600 systems to sample audio signals at an ultra-high speed rate of 5.6 MHz--128 times faster than a CD. The faster sampling rate ensures that the SD-HX600 and SD-HX500 will produce excellent transient response, providing accurate reproduction of fast, percussive sounds and complex multi-instrumental timbres. The SD-PX2 utilizes a high-speed sampling rate of 2.8MHz. All units include Dolby Digital(tm) and DTS decoders along with a full set of controls that optimize sound balance and bass management.

Pricing and availability:

* The SD-HX600 will be available in early 2004 for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,499.95
* The SD-HX500 will be available in early 2004 for an MSRP of $1,199.95
* The SD-PX2 will be available in early 2004 for an MSRP of $599.95

www.sharpusa.com