News

Sharp Introduces Aquos Full HD LCD TV - the beauty is in the detail (20/10/2006)

Sharp introduces complete range of 1080p LCD TVs, offering extraordinary detail, colour and contrast for Full High Definition viewing

A new standard in High Definition has just arrived in the shape of Sharp's range of Aquos XD1E 'Full HD' or '1080p' LCD TVs - presenting pictures that are clearer and sharper than ever before, with vibrant, realistic colours and the crispest detail. Four models are included in the Aquos Full HD line-up, with sizes ranging from 37 to a whopping 52":

37" - Aquos LC-37XD1E
42" - Aquos LC-42XD1E
46" - Aquos LC-46XD1E
52" - Aquos LC-52XD1E

Compared to the widely-used 1,366 x 768 picture resolution found on standard HR Ready TVs, Sharp's Aquos Full HD models provide a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. In simple terms, this means twice the number of pixels (6.2 million versus 3.1 million), and HD signals do not need to be digitally reduced - or scaled - to fit the screen, as is necessary with lower resolution panels. The resolution on-screen matches the broadcast signal exactly as it is transmitted - dot for dot - without any loss of detail, providing the key to the outstanding picture clarity that viewers will experience with each of the Aquos XD1E sets.

In addition to cutting-edge picture quality, the Aquos XD1E models have been designed with an elegant, high gloss black finish that will add class to any lounge or home cinema environment, and each includes an integrated digital DVB-T tuner for receiving Freeview channels.

No more dots before the eyes

The advent of flat panel TVs has enabled larger screens to be introduced to smaller spaces and also hung on the wall, thanks to their thinner dimensions and lighter weight. However, the distance between the user and the TV is a major consideration when selecting the right model for any home - with most people favouring around two metres as an optimum viewing position.

Higher resolution means larger LCD screen sizes are now possible, and with High Definition, viewers will suffer less from the problem of 'visual acuity' (i.e. where the person can actually see the pixels that make up the picture). Thankfully, with Full HD, the incredible resolution and smaller pixels mean this issue has been eliminated completely.

Size is everything

Many manufacturers currently offer a 40" screen in their range, but Sharp has gone 'two better' with the introduction of the 42" Aquos LC-42XD1E. Those two extra inches make a significant difference to the owner's viewing pleasure, providing a picture area that is an impressive 10% larger than a 40" model - giving full impact to the big match or the big movie being viewed.

Technology for outstanding picture quality

Maximum contrast ratio - the measurement from black to pure white - is another secret to stunning picture quality, and the Aquos XD1E range does not disappoint. With 2,000:1 on the LC-46XD1E and LC-52XD1E (10,000:1 with Dynamic Contrast Enhancement), each gives stunningly vivid images with colours that are complemented by subtle lighting and shadowing, and an authentic dense blackness within dark or night-time scenes. Even in brightly-lit rooms, the striking contrast is evident, with no faded colours or washed out blacks, and no dull white areas.

Furthermore, Sharp has introduced advances such as a blisteringly fast, industry-leading 4 millisecond (ms)* response time on the 46" and 52", delivering clean and clear reproduction of fast-moving sports or movie action, as well as making the sets perfect for HD gamers.

The Aquos LC-42XD1E and LC-37XD1E offer an exceptional 6ms response time and 1,200:1 contrast ratio (6,000:1 with DCE).

In addition, each model is equipped with Sharp's truD anti-judder technology for picture, contrast and sharpness enhancement, as well as smoother, more vivid playback from DVDs and HDTV sources. This function is selectable from the remote control.

The inclusion of Sharp's Four-Wavelength Backlight System**, which includes an additional Crimson Red as well as the standard RGB (red, green blue) colours, delivers more natural reds, and enables smoother reproduction of neutral shades, such as clear or translucent colours and skin tones.

As with all Sharp Aquos LCD TVs, each model comes with a low-reflection Advanced Super View Black TFT LCD panel for enhanced picture quality, with brightness at 450cd/m2. In addition, all the new sets incorporate a 176 degree viewing angle (horizontally and vertically), allowing viewers to see the picture on screen clearly from anywhere in the room, without loss of colour or contrast, or distracting reflections.

Finally, an advanced OPC (optical picture control) function adjusts screen luminance according to room lighting conditions, reducing the power consumption of the TV.

Connectivity

Connections for a wide variety of external sources have been incorporated into each model, including two HDMI digital interfaces with HDCP support, two Scart connections, AV/S-Video In, Audio Out, PC In and headphones. Furthermore, all models can be controlled from a PC via the RS-232C interface or used as a monitor via the analogue PC input (RGB analogue). An adapter cable for a VGA component input is included in the accessories.

Audio enhancements

Each product in the Aquos XD1E range includes Surround Sound & NICAM/A2 stereo. Sharp's Auto Volume Control feature ensures sound levels are controlled during commercial breaks, to keep them at the same level as the movie or programme being viewed, while the Clear Voice Function also enhances the quality and clarity of on-screen dialogue. A clear flat speaker (15W + 15W) is included for crisper and brighter sound quality (10W + 10W on LC-37XD1E).

Tommaso Monetto, product manager for LCD TV at Sharp UK, said, "Full HD opens up a vastly new viewing experience, giving an incredible life-like, detailed picture that people will have never encountered before. This exciting and stylish new range of LCD TVs takes HD to the next level, whether for movies, sports, 3D gaming or normal TV viewing. In addition, whichever size of TV a customer requires for their home, Sharp is one of the only LCD manufacturers to offer a full choice of screens in Full HD - so there is no need to compromise on quality, however large or small the room."

Key features:

- Widescreen 16:9 'Full HD' 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) LCD panel - Integrated Digital Terrestrial Tuner (DVB-T) for viewing Freeview channels - High contrast 2,000:1 (10,000:1 with Dynamic Contrast Enhancement) on LC-46XD1E and LC-52XD1E; 1,200:1 (6,000:1 with DCE) on LC-37XD1E and LC-42XD1E - Industry-leading 4ms response time in Action Mode on LC-46XD1E and LC-52XD1E (6ms in standard mode); 6ms on LC-37XD1E and LC-42XD1E - Four-Wavelength Backlight Spectrum with added Crimson for more natural reds** - Low power consumption: see specifications below - Advanced SuperView and Black TFT LCD panel - 2 x HDMI Digital Interface - PC Input (Analogue RGB) - High brightness 450cd/ m2 - Advanced OPC (optical picture control) function adjusts screen luminance according to room lighting conditions - Clear flat speaker for enhanced sound; 2 x 15 Watt speakers (2 x 10W on LC-37XD1E) - Clear Voice Function - Auto Volume Control (AVC) - Produced at Sharp's environmentally-friendly 8th Generation 'Kameyama II' factory in Japan

Environmental credentials

Sharp's native Full HD (1080p) LCD TVs will be manufactured at its new 8th Generation manufacturing plant, which opened in August 2006 in Kameyama, Japan, following an investment of 2.5 billion Euros. The Kameyama II plant, which has set new standards in eco-friendly production, is the world's first LCD TV factory with a vertical production process, i.e. both the manufacturing of LCD panels, as well as final assembly of the TVs, takes place there. One third of the required electricity is generated by CHP (cogeneration) power stations based on natural gas. The heat in the process is used for air conditioning, generating hot water and producing steam. In addition, 780 translucent photovoltaic solar panels producing 48,000 kilowatt-hours per year support the production of energy at the factory. The plant reduces CO2 emissions by around 40% compared with conventional models. Furthermore, all the waste water is collected from the production process and recycled with water purification technology.

Retail availability

The Sharp Aquos LC-42XD1E, LC-46XD1E and LC-52XD1E will be available in the UK from electrical retailers in October 2006. The Aquos LC-37XD1E will be available in November 2006.

Notes
* In Action Mode using 'impulse drive', 6ms in standard mode
** All products except LC-42XD1E

www.sharp.co.uk