Sharp's AQUOS R-series of LCDs announced

Step aside AQOUS D-Series of LCDs, Sharp just unveiled their new flagship R-series of LCD panels for Japan. The new line-up ranges in size from 42- to 65-inches with each packing a 120Hz ASV LCD panel, 3x 1080p HDMI inputs, 1x DVI for that quick all-digital hook-up to your PC, and 2x Firewire for connecting your DV camera and one of Sharp's line-up of hi-def recorders including their new BD-HP1 Blu-ray recorder for on-the-quick dubbing. Just for kicks, Sharp also added their favorite new pet technology, IrSS (AKA, IrSimple) high-speed infrared for throwing up images from like-equipped cellphones and digital cameras. Of course, they also feature dual, integrated analog and digital tuners and 10/100Mbps Ethernet to access Japan's acTVila TV Internet service. The big, bad 65-inch LC-65RX1W (pictured above) mama of the bunch features a 450cd/m2 brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 176-degree angle of visibility, while tipping the scales at 66kg (146-pounds) at just 9.6~12.4-cm (3.78~4.88-inches) thin. It's available March 10th in Japan for ¥1,000,000 or about $8,361. Expect the rest to hit no later than April with the 57-inch LC-57RX1W demanding ¥900,000 ($7,524), the 52-inch LC-52RX1W ¥650,000 ($5,434), the 46-inch LC-46RX1W ¥550,000 ($4,598), and the 42-inch LC-42RX1W ¥500,000 ($4,180).

[Via Impress]

[Rick @ Feb 20th 2007 8:41AM]

that thing is friggin sweet but you gotta wonder what mind-altering chemicals the designers were bent on when they came up with that stand... that being said, i'm gonna need to put in some O/T at the sperm bank if i am gonna snag one any time soon...

[Rich @ Feb 20th 2007 10:00AM]

Brightness and contrast still aren't too impressive...

[Tim @ Feb 20th 2007 10:09AM]

With so many LCD options in the 40-50" range coming down below 2 grand, why on earth is Sharp coming out with screens that are twice as much money?

On top of that, you've got Samsung getting ready to release models with 10000:1 contrast ratios and Sharp can only push out 3000:1? That's pretty damn pathetic. I couldn't give a rat's ass about all the various input options if they can't tackle the core issues, namely, picture quality and price point.

[zargon @ Feb 20th 2007 1:47PM]

The cost has to do with it being their flag ship model. Almost all other companies do this, they have a range of products in different price points with quality and features usually increasing as you pay more.

A good example of this would be Onkyo's line up. They have their entry level components that places like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc... sell. Then they have their Integra line that is geared towards people that are more serious or care more about quality and the price reflects this.

Contrast ratio is not something you should be too concerned with. Their is no standard, so everyone uses their own way to "measure" it on their units. Comparing one contrast ratio to another is almost like comparing apples to oranges because of this. It is just like Sony and their watt ratings, which have been proven over and over to be far from accurate.

Specs are great an all, but nothing beats getting face time with the product to see if it really worth your money.

[Eric @ Feb 20th 2007 11:02AM]

Wow, that's a cool stand. I notice a Sharp logo on it. Does it come with these expensive LCD's, or is it something they sell separately, or is it even a real product?

[Ashley Jones @ Feb 20th 2007 11:50AM]

Lab14, I picked up the LC52D62U last month and hooked it up as a monitor. I have to say that it works great as a monitor. The only problem I have is that it's hard to read text sometimes. Also it would be nice to have split screen functionality so I can watch TV on one side while also having the computer screen up on the other.

[Sylvain @ Feb 20th 2007 11:57AM]

Here's the million (or rather 8k) bucks question...
What about banding?
I've personally returned two D-series panels. Until Sharp demonstrates that their Kameyama plant can produce quality panels I strongly suggest enthusiasts to back off from Sharp larger TVs. If this was a sub-2k products I'd say swing for it. At that price, I'll wait for complete reviews. (I know it's not even available yet but...) :)

[Jimmie @ Feb 20th 2007 12:03PM]

I wonder if Sharp has solved the banding issues that have plagued the D62 and D92 series panels.

[Lou @ Feb 20th 2007 1:15PM]

I agree with the two previous posts. As an owner of a D-series Aquos with banding (who is still waiting to hear back from Sharp); I think they should be focusing on quality control, rather then developing new products!

Although it does look pretty with nothing displayed on it. But, lets see a uniform gray screen!!

[everrette powell @ Feb 21st 2007 12:35PM]

i got to throw down the twenty eighty rule on this lcd 80% of the time i will only use 20% of those things, in that case i will stick to my 42" LG for under 2k