Sharp releases smaller-bigger LCDs

Sharp is bringing to the US market a subset of the series of slimmer LCDs recently released in Japan. The D64U series of 1080p LCDs includes four models from 42 to 65 inches, all with re-engineered circuitry inside for a 25% slimmer and 20% lighter frame than previous product lines, while consuming less power. With the thinner bezel and smaller speakers, you might fit a 42-inch set where a 40 would normally go. The panels feature 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, and RS-232 automation controls. The series will be available later this month, with the 42-inch LC-42D64U retailing for $2,099, the 46-inch LC-46D64U for $2,699, and the 52-inch LC-52D64U for $3,799, with the 65-inch LC-65D64U unpriced and following in September.

[Andrew @ Aug 15th 2007 12:20PM]

Wow, 20% lighter that will make them only like 20% heavier than sammy panels.

[Ma2T @ Aug 15th 2007 1:14PM]

Every set has a constant contrast ratio (the real contrast ratio), but they use a technology which increases and decreases the brightness of the backlight to improve the contrast ratio (which they call and quote as the dynamic contrast ratio).

[Shelly @ Aug 15th 2007 4:04PM]

Why on earth would anyone pay $2k for 42" LCD when the market price for this is half that price almost.
http://www.pricefad.com/chart.php?n=42in+LCD+TV&u=priceguru

[Andir3.0 @ Aug 15th 2007 7:42PM]

@Shelly: Because the Aquos Screens are VERY nice (dare I say comparable/better than Sony displays?) My friend was recently LCD shopping and ended up with a Sharp Aquos 42" and it looks and performs awesome.

[CharlieX @ Aug 15th 2007 12:35PM]

What is dynamic contrast?? does that mean it forces brights brighter to make the blacks look blacker.... because I notice they always have a "static contrast ratio" which is about 1000:1

[fraggle_rocker @ Aug 15th 2007 12:40PM]

Static contrast ratio is how much contrast can be in a still image on the screen, so 1000:1

But lets say they have a low light image, it can still have a 1000:1 contrast ratio even though its all dark, so when you look at it overall the dynamic range between the changing pictures makes a higher contrast ratio.

So you will either be looking at a mid range, high range, or low range contrast image or something like that. But no image will be able to encompass the whole range.

I think!

[Ma2T @ Aug 15th 2007 1:17PM]

Damn, replied to the wrong guy.

Every set has a constant contrast ratio (the real contrast ratio), but they use a technology which increases and decreases the brightness of the backlight to improve the contrast ratio (ie, turn down the brightness of the backlight during dark scenes to improve black levels etc (which they call and quote as the dynamic contrast ratio).

[Aaron @ Aug 15th 2007 1:39PM]

Great...D64Us. Now how 'bout them R and G Series sets coming to the US???

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

G-Series
http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/070702.html

[badbob001 @ Aug 15th 2007 2:00PM]

If the 64U is the replacement for the 62U, then what the heck is the 72U, which pretty much the same spec? Not as *thin* but probably cheaper for being out longer. Is it going to be like cars, where the differences between yearly releases are minimal?

[engadget @ Aug 15th 2007 2:02PM]

When will they update the top of the line D92 to D94?

[Mike Botros @ Aug 15th 2007 2:08PM]

Wow i was about to order a D72U this weekend. Now I don't know if I should wait or not?

[dave @ Aug 15th 2007 5:04PM]

But what about the banding?