Japan's awash in slim, 120Hz Sharp AQUOS G LCDs

Oh boy, 16 new AQUOS LCD models were just announced for Japan. The AQUOS G lineup is available in bottom and side-mounted speaker options ranging in size from 52/46/42/37/32/26-inches. All the sets above 37-inches pack a 120Hz ASV panel with a trio of 1080p capable HDMI inputs, 1x DVI, and more (no component) touting a 2,000:1 contrast and 450cd/m2 brightness. Sharp also managed to slim down all the sets considerably with the 52-incher measure just 11-cm (4.3-inches) thin. On sale in Japan starting August 21st with prices ranging from ¥180,000 ($1,466) to about ¥550,000 ($4,480).

[Via Impress]

[dglaz @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:12AM]

but yet you are obsessed with it

[Paul Brown @ Jul 2nd 2007 7:58AM]

Why do you guys report the non-science statistic sometimes referred to as contrast ratio? There is no formal scientific method to determine contrast ratio; it is a mere marketing tactic. It has no real value in the world of true geeks that know better --- the demographic that I would assume most Engadget readers would be leaning toward.

[Kamokazi @ Jul 2nd 2007 8:52AM]

There are several 'scientific' methods to determine contrast ratio (going by the basic definition of scientific), but there is not a universally accepted way to determine it...sometimes they use different methods.

Still, the statistic can be useful in comparing models from the same manufacturer, or as a general reference between manufacturers. Decent manufacturers can usually be expected to use more realistic tests (i.e. not modifying settings between the dark and light pixel tests).

So yes, contrast ratio shouldn't be taken as gospel, and it is used as a marketing tactic, but it is not only a marketing tactic. If you understand the types of testing that is done on them and know how different brands usually test, then it can be plenty useful.

[Paul Brown @ Jul 2nd 2007 11:00AM]

I could entertain your response, if in fact the manufacturers were more forthcoming about their methods. However, contrast ratio is a useless stat without a normalized standard.

[Kamokazi @ Jul 2nd 2007 12:03PM]

The manufacturers don't have to be more forthcoming about their methods (it sure as hell would help, but I haven't seen any pigs soaring the skies lately)...you just have to keep up on reviews with image quality tests and most brands will have trends...i.e. Brand A usually rates theirs a little higher than Brand B, but both are much higher than Brand C.

So really, your original comment is actually backwards...true geeks would be about the only ones who would actually be able to get anything useful at all from a contrast ratio. Average Joe Consumer sitting in a Best Buy would be better off ignoring them. But in general, there are more important specs to consider.

[mtarlton @ Jul 2nd 2007 8:39AM]

I wonder with these using K1 or K2 plant panels? If it's K2 I hope they got the banding resolved. The D62, D82, and D92 U.S. panels would be pretty sweet sets without the banding.

[Sameer Surampalli @ Jul 2nd 2007 8:48AM]

I don't see why they should cut out component... at least have one input for versatility.

Not everyone has a 360 Elite....

[Mark @ Jul 2nd 2007 6:20PM]

No crap. Someone explain this to me--why no Component inputs? Have they been lobbied out of the game by copyright-obsessed marketing executives or what? Some people actually *prefer* component--and, as mentioned, there are plenty of peripherals (DVD players, Xbox 360s, Standard Xbox, PS2) that don't have HDMI, but people don't want to connect with crappy Composite cables.

This bothers me a lot. Are we entering an era where all top-tier displays are going to drop Component inputs completely?

[simon @ Jul 2nd 2007 1:53PM]

i want an iphone so i can use the screen to look at my ugly self

[Sameer Surampalli @ Jul 2nd 2007 2:34PM]

And your ugly face and the iPhone is relevant to Sharp TVs how?

[Aaron @ Jul 2nd 2007 3:20PM]

Yawn...I'm still waiting for the R-Series announced in February (released in Japan in March) to hit US shores. At this rate, Japan will have the entire alphabet represented before the US sees anything.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/20/sharps-aquos-r-series-of-lcds-announced/

http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/070220_2.html