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A New Era - Sharp XD1E LCD TVs from Kameyama II (6/2/2007)

Integrated Systems Europe 2007

The most modern LCD panel factory in the world was taken into operation by Sharp in Kameyama in August 2006. Sharp invested almost 2.5 billion euros in the plant of the eighth generation and, as a result, has gained a considerable lead over its competitors in the biggest market segment of Consumer Electronics. With the Kameyama plant, Sharp is focusing completely on high-definition Full HD LCD television sets with native HDTV resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. They come in entirely new panel sizes and with advanced features. A new era in LCD TV is beginning.

With the two first models of the XD1E series featuring new screen diagonals, the LC-52XD1E and the LC-46XD1E from the new factory, Sharp has created an impressive synthesis of superior technology and ambitious design. The masterpieces in the new sizes of 52 inches (132 centimetres) and 46 inches (117 centimetres) extend the selection of panel sizes and offer highly attractive solutions in the range between the 37-inch sets and the 65-inch (165-centimetre) model, the largest LCD TV manufactured in series production. "With the first TVs from our new plant we are heading for new sizes and combine the benefits of the LCD technology and a wide selection of screen diagonals into attractive LCD TVs in trend-setting design", says Frank Bolten, President of Sharp Electronics Germany/Austria.

The two Full HD models AQUOS 1080 LC-52XD1E and AQUOS 1080 LC-46XD1E not only convince with the new sizes, but also with a brilliant picture. 1080p Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels in combination with the fast pixel response time of six milliseconds or four milliseconds in action mode (using impulsive drive) will leave no question open, also for HD gamers. For tube TVs and their low resolution, the rule of thumb required viewers to keep a minimum distance (three times the screen diagonal) from the TV. For HDTV on high-definition LCD panels, this actually does not play a role any more. So viewers can also sit close to the 52-inch LCD TV and, thanks to the excellent picture quality, they can admire all details displayed in stunning crispness, with the movie and reality melting together. So television becomes an entirely new home cinema experience for every movie fan.

Yet not only the high resolution provides for an optimal picture. With the new four-wavelength backlight (RGBplus), Sharp generates a fourth colour peak adding crimson to standard red, green and blue. This additional "redder red" supplies considerably more natural colours and pictures than ever seen before - although this is only unconsciously perceived by the human eye. Moreover, with truD, a whole package of picture-enhancing technologies has been integrated with the designer TVs which substantially improve the image. So the colours on the screen are displayed with much greater clarity and depth. Optimised scaler algorithms taking more advantage of the potential of high-definition panels deliver unprecedented picture crispness.

The enhanced contrast ratio of 1,500:1 (native contrast ratio) or 7,500:1 with dynamic contrast enhancement ensures brilliant picture reproduction. In addition, the contrast is optimised through the Active Backlight system which enhances the lightest and darkest dots, so that the images appear even more three-dimensional.

Should more friends than expected come to the home cinema night, this will not be a problem. Thanks to the wide viewing angle of 176 and the Black TFT LCD panel, also the movie fans sitting on the sides will have a good view without any colour changes, contrast losses, or disturbing reflections.

The newcomers win points not only for picture reproduction, but also for good sound. The speaker system with 15 watts and surround sound from the digital amplifier make every blockbuster a cinematic event in the living room at home. The Clear Voice function makes voices sound even clearer. And in order to ensure that the volume is not increased beyond the acceptable level during commercials, the Auto Volume Control function (AVC) automatically turns down the volume to the level of the programme being watched before.

Coming with a wealth of interfaces, the LC-52XD1E and the LC-46XD1E are ready to be connected to the digital and analogue worlds. They offer two HDMI interfaces with HDCP support and two SCART sockets. Via the RS-232C interface, the two sets can easily be controlled from the PC or used as monitors via the analogue PC input. An adaptor cable for a VGA component input is included in the accessories.

www.sharp.de