News

Sharp's Newest Surround Sound Systems Hang on the Wall to Complement Modern Flat-Panel TVs (20/1/2005)

Just as AQUOS(r) flat-panel LC-TVs set a new home entertainment design standard, Sharp Electronics Corporation is forging new ground with sophisticated home theater sound solutions that match today's most advanced televisions. The new HT-X1 home theater system and SD-AS10 1-Bit(tm) digital home theater system give consumers thrilling cineplex sound using attractive, compact components that can be wall- or shelf-mounted.

"Home theater systems have finally caught up to the leading-edge style and quality that has made flat-panel TVs one of the hottest consumer electronics categories," said Jason Gastman, senior audio product manager, Sharp. "The new HT-X1 and SD-AS10 meet the demands of style-conscious customers by combining uniquely slender and versatile designs with superior sound quality - the essential ingredients for a home theater."

SD-AS10

Sharp's new 1-Bit audio home theater system, model SD-AS10, is the world's first complete 1-Bit audio system that matches the vertical style and design of flat-panel TVs. Unlike traditional audio systems, this elegant and versatile five-disc DVD/CD audio system offers consumers limitless design and dˇcor options. The four-inch thin main unit and the speakers can easily be hung on a wall. By using the removable pedestal stand, consumers can put the SD-AS10 on a narrow shelf or squeeze it into tight places by placing it vertically. For those who prefer to add the unit into a rack system or have it fit into a space with limited headroom, the SD-AS10 can also lay flat like a classic DVD player. Whichever option is selected, the unit's front display automatically rotates to match the product's orientation.

Sharp's new 1-Bit home theater system helps consumers transform their living room, den or bedroom into a surround-sound theater without stringing speaker wire throughout the room. The SD-AS10 incorporates Dolby Virtual Speaker, a technology that simulates a realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound environment without placing speakers in every corner of a room. Instead of running wires for proper surround-sound effects, users simply place the supplied surround speakers in the front of the room. The advanced Dolby Virtual Speaker technology then processes the sound to simulate the sound and dynamics of a traditionally placed 5.1-speaker system. The SD-AS10 also plays back Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II content for a true theater experience.

The SD-AS10's main unit houses the progressive scan five-disc changer. A motorized cylindrical five-disc mechanism accepts individual discs, while an elevator-style system moves them into place inside the main unit as discs are loaded or selected for play. The separate amplifier unit houses the inputs away from the main unit, eliminating cord clutter and maintaining the system's elegant, compact appearance. The SD-AS10's DVD player has play exchange and DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3 and JPEG playback capabilities. Consumers can also awaken to their favorite radio station, CD or DVD.

Incorporating Sharp's 1-Bit audio technology, the SD-AS10 offers exceptional sound quality. 1-Bit technology produces flawless, high-resolution sound, enabling the SD-AS10 system to sample audio signals at an ultra-high speed rate of 5.6 MHz or 128 times faster than a CD. The faster sampling rate ensures that the SD-AS10 will produce excellent transient response, providing accurate reproduction of fast, percussive sounds and complex multi-instrumental timbres. The SD-AS10 is available for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $699.95.

HT-X1

The new HT-X1 home theater system can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf, like the SD-AS10. The back of the main unit includes keyhole slots so that it can be hung without an additional bracket. Compact, cylindrical speakers with removable pedestal stands round out the unit's elegant design.

The stylish HT-X1 has a single-disc progressive scan DVD player with a convenient slot to easily load DVDs or CDs. It is rated a potent 300 watts (total power), which is more than enough to bring the Hollywood movie experience home. The system handles the most popular surround systems including Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II, as well as CD-R/RW and MP3-encoded discs. The HT-X1 is also supplied with high-quality full-range, compact speakers including front right, left and center channel, right, left surround speakers as well as a subwoofer. The HT-X1 DVD home theater system will be available in the first quarter of 2005 with a MSRP of $229.99.

www.sharpusa.com