Sharp rolls out 46-, 52-inch LCD TVs with built-in web browser

Sharp has just let loose a pair of new sizable and feature-packed LCD TVs, although you're more likely to find one of 'em in a kiosk or a conference room than a home theater. Intended primarily for commercial use, the 46-inch TL-M4600 and 52-inch TL-M5200 each boast a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, along with a "sub-6ms" response time, a full range of ports (including DVI-D and HDCP-compatible HDMI), optional speakers, and a 1,500:1 contrast ratio on TL-M4600 and 2,000:1 on the TL-M5200. Both also boast fanless internal cooling systems to keep the noise down and, perhaps most notably, LAN connectivity complete with a built-in web browser. Of course, just because Sharp's targeting businesses and the like doesn't mean it won't sell you one, although you'll have to drop a hefty $4,000 for the 46-incher or $5,000 for the 52-inch model.

[spass @ May 13th 2008 4:03PM]

Just wondering why they woluld use LAN over WIFI.
Considering the overall price, extra bucks for WIFI (if any) would be insignificant.

[Mam00th @ May 13th 2008 4:05PM]

Yeah WiFi would have been cool

[white_ultras @ May 13th 2008 10:20PM]

Look at recent German schools ban on Wifi, why are they banning child expose to those frequencies? I would rather prefer LAN over this Wifi especially in my living room..

[paul @ May 13th 2008 4:04PM]

What kinda browser?

[FRZ @ May 13th 2008 4:19PM]

I am assuming it will be limited to watching youtube videos. What else would it be good for?

[JC @ May 13th 2008 4:25PM]

While I would like it to be Firefox, it will probably be a version of Opera. With their drive to non-PC devices (phones, Wii, DS), they seem to be taking a good chunk of market share right now.

[Tony C @ May 13th 2008 5:43PM]

No idea what Sharp favors in their consumer electronics setups, but my InFocus RP has embedded Windows CE, and thus a version of Internet Explorer...

But mine is a slightly dated bit of hardware and software, so hopefully Sharp takes a smarter route.

[stefan @ May 13th 2008 8:04PM]

As long as it features ABP....

[Papa G @ May 14th 2008 1:29AM]

Good question...a really hyped up version of Lynx? :)

No, really, who knows. Even better question...how will people type? With the remote? HA!

[Eugenia Loli-Queru @ May 13th 2008 4:20PM]

I am the maintainer of this embedded/mobile user agent tool:
http://osnews.com/story/19681/Open_Sourcing_OSNews_Mobile_Detection_Kit
If anyone buy any of these TVs, or anyone from SHARP is reading, please email me at eloli-AT-hotmail-DOT-com with the exact user agent that their web browser reports. Thanks.

[stefan @ May 13th 2008 8:05PM]

if you were a guy, you would aready be rated lowest.

[BobTheMonkey @ May 13th 2008 4:21PM]

Yes, dude, dude, yes.

[anon @ May 13th 2008 4:23PM]

how come the women at meetings i go to never look like that?

[xB Owner @ May 13th 2008 5:38PM]

Because you don't work at Models In Glasses, Inc.

[shamowfski @ May 13th 2008 4:34PM]

Because you're in I.S.?

[CraigJ @ May 13th 2008 4:47PM]

You need to be in Sales or Marketing...

[spass @ May 13th 2008 5:03PM]

Time for me to give up Architecture?

[Brian @ May 13th 2008 5:06PM]

So true, so true...

[wrabbit @ May 13th 2008 5:12PM]

Because you don't go to meetings with models and aspiring actresses ;)

[stefan @ May 13th 2008 8:11PM]

well I for one work on an IT project and my boss as well as most colleagues are women - none over 26, all very competent and fun to work with. All but one wear glasses.

I don't see why you're complaining. Probably just working at the wrong place.

[giantenemycrab @ May 13th 2008 4:49PM]

Jeez that's expensive.

[velocitystrike @ May 13th 2008 4:54PM]

I'd sooner buy a 52 inch TV and a PS3 than go through all that LAN malarkey.

[kneeyogi @ May 13th 2008 5:08PM]

When did "LAN" become the term for a wired Ethernet connection versus a wireless WiFi connection?

[Tony C @ May 13th 2008 5:46PM]

True a LAN can include wireless, but in this case, Sharp's press release specifically says "RJ-45 LAN"

[numbsock @ May 13th 2008 6:29PM]

Why are they all looking at me? :/

Makes me wanna buy the damn thing just out ot fear

[Vidit Bhargava @ May 13th 2008 6:38PM]

so...does it have an on-screen keyboard like the iphone ;)

[stefan @ May 13th 2008 8:13PM]

and a little gizmo to clean the screen afterwards, like those LG phones...

[Jason @ May 13th 2008 7:25PM]

Oh snap, the hdmi is hdcp compatible.

>.>

[spc @ May 13th 2008 8:19PM]

Just buy a 60 incher lcd and a vga cable and use your laptop with cordless keyboard and mouse. And then you can surf on a huge screen without paying 5000gs

[Googol @ May 14th 2008 1:05AM]

I think the man in the back is mad at me for not buying one yet. Sorry Mr. Standing Guy, I can't afford this!

And really no wi-fi, not even optional? Fail.

[srw @ May 14th 2008 1:34AM]

I dunno.. you might want to rethink that.. he looks pretty pissed. I am just glad its you he was staring at.. I was worried it might be me.

[Cole Mitguard @ May 14th 2008 6:59AM]

This has to be the future of these TV's, it only makes sense that if you just want to log on really quick, check your e-mail or get some quick new updates that you need to go all the way over to your computer. This is just the beginning in my opinion.

[David @ May 14th 2008 3:45PM]

One hell of an expensive web browser.. I'll stick with my HTPC.