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Sharp goes large at IFA and introduces 108" Full-HD LCD TV (21/8/2007)

With a new range of ultra thin, big screen AQUOS LCDs, Sharp unveils its strategy in the LCD market.

As a global leader in LCD technology, Sharp will be unveiling its vision for the future of LCD televisions at this year's IFA exhibition.

Sharp will be displaying a Full-HD line-up including the world's largest LCD TV at 108". Also being unveiled will be three next generation televisions, designed to incorporate both exquisite aesthetics and breathtaking size. These models all incorporate Full-HD technology and a built-in digital tuner. Sharp will also be presenting the new BD-HP20S AQUOS Blu-ray player as part of its home entertainment range.

Mike Gabriel, head of marketing and communications for Sharp UK says; "By 2015, we predict that the average size of an LCD TV in a European home will be 60 inches. We are already seeing a trend towards bigger screen sizes in the trade and we expect this trend to continue into the mainstream market: people are expecting more size for their money. This is why Sharp is looking at a strategy involving LCD screen sizes of 42in and above."

HD1 AQUOS Series - Cutting edge, high performance technology

As the new flagship series of LCDs produced by Sharp, the HD1 series are designed to deliver pure home cinema entertainment, and cater for the increasing trend towards large, HD TVs within the modern home. As such, the HD1 comes equipped with a built-in 160GB hard disc drive, making the extra set-top box redundant. With RGB Plus II, an advanced contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and a panel contrast of 3000:1, the HD1 LCDs provide crystal clear pictures and an unparalleled brilliance of colours for the viewer. The HD1 is also fitted with a USB port, so digital photos can now be viewed in high-definition. Incorporating 100-hertz picture enhancement technology and with screen sizes of 46" and 52" offering Full-HD resolution of 1,920 x1,080p, the HD1 series offers top visual quality and look at home in any modern living space. The 52" version of this series was recently recognised as the winner of the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) award in the 'European Time Shift TV 2007-2008' category.

XL2 AQUOS Series - Slim-line design combined with a technological punch

The XL2 series demonstrate cutting edge LCD technology and contain a host of features including a 3 x HDMI interface and 100-hertz technology. These features eliminate the pauses between images so that one is seamlessly followed by the next; truD HD which removes the smear effect or jerkiness on a screen with rapid movement; and four-wavelength background lighting (RGB plus) which ensures excellent representation of colours. This premium quality series, in Sharp's signature piano lacquer-black finish, boasts an elegant, streamlined design combined with exceptional picture and sound quality. Packed with functionality and elegance, the XL2 series has a slick look to appeal to the style-conscious homeowner. The XL2 AQUOS series will be available in 42", 46" and 52" models.

X20 AQUOS Series - Perfect sound, perfect images

With its thin bezel design, the X20 series is another example of Sharp's manufacturing excellence. With built-in de-juddering software, the X20 series ensure that even high-speed sport and action scenes are reproduced smoothly. The high-end SRS sound system, powered by a digital amplifier and two in-built 15 Watt speakers, produce natural, cinema quality sound. And with an elegant stand and simple, clean lines it is reminiscent of Sharp's XD1E series which recently won the 'iF product design award 2007'. The X20 AQUOS series will be available in 42", 46" and 52" models.

Sharp's first Blu-ray player hits the market

The new BD-HP20S Blu-ray player is the perfect addition for any home cinema enthusiast seeking the full, high-definition cinema experience. With a resolution quality of 1080p and a high resolution 210 milliwatt laser, the Blu-ray player is fully compatible with all current DVD devices and, because it is fitted with the current HDMI 1.3 protocol, it can extract the best image quality possible from the original material. With a built-in Quick Start feature reading the disc within seconds, the BD-HP20S is the perfect home entertainment partner for the new generation of Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs.

Also on display at IFA will be the world's largest and fully operational LCD TV, measuring 108". The product will feature as part of the Sharp AQUOS wall; a fully integrated design to display a home cinema experience to coincide with Sharp's vision of the LCD market and an opportunity for today's consumers to realise the technological potential they have at their fingertips.

Retail availability

The Sharp AQUOS XL2, X20 series and the BD-HP20S Blu-ray player will be available in the UK from electrical retailers in September 2007. The Sharp AQUOS HD1E will be available from October 2007.

www.sharp.co.uk