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Sharp announces new 6-, 7- and 8-Series AQUOS LED TVs as part of 2013 lineup (update: pricing info)

Despite not having the best of years, Sharp has still managed to make its presence felt in the television market -- namely by introducing plenty of AQUOS TVs in recent months, including that 90-inch LED beast we saw back in June of 2012. Today, the Japanese electronics maker is looking to increase its efforts on that front, with the firm adequately choosing this year's CES as the platform to unveil its new lineup of 60-,70- and 80-inch LED televisions in the 6-,7- and 8-Series. For starters, the entry-level 6-Series will boast 1080p capabilities with AQUOMotion 240 (120Hz) as the main driving tech behind it, while the higher-specced (and presumably more expensive) 7- and 8-Series are set to carry the same resolution features (sorry, no 4K here) but with Quattron "color intensification" and AQUOMotion 480 and AQUOMotion 960 technology inside both. Smart and 3D features can also be found in most of Sharp's novel TV models, which should pair nicely with what the company's calling "striking new slim designs." All in all, Sharp is kicking off the new year with about 18 new AQUOS LED TVs -- and for those interested in learning each model name, the presser after the break should help do just that.

Update: We have just received pricing information from Sharp, and it looks as if the cheapest model will start off at about $1,500 for the 60-inch, non-3D LC-60LE650, while the most expensive HDTV is set to be the 80-inch LC-80LE857 with a hefty price tag of $6,500 -- both of which will be available in February and April, respectively. In addition, Sharp today also announced its new SmartCentral platform, which will be a one-stop hub for the now-accustomed smart TV applications like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu and Facebook. You'll find more pricing and availability information for the other models inside the updated PR past the jump.

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BRACE YOURSELF: SHARP® UNVEILS BIGGER, MORE BEAUTIFUL AQUOS® LED TV LINEUP AT CES 2013

Large Screen LED TV Leader Showcases World's Largest LED TV, More Models with Quattron™ Technology, More Choices in 60", 70" and 80" (diagonal) Screen Size Classes,
and Striking Slim Designs

Las Vegas, January 7, 2013 – Get ready for an all out visual thrill ride. Sharp today unveiled nearly twenty 60" plus class TV models as part of its new line of AQUOS LED TVs, with more models that feature Quattron technology, more choices in the fast growing 60", 70" and 80" screen classes, striking new slim designs and the world's largest LED TV, the 90" AQUOS.

"It's simple – consumers want big screens with excellent picture quality, something that Sharp is uniquely able to deliver," said John Herrington, President of Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation. "We're gearing up to extend our leadership in the large screen LED TV market with our finest AQUOS lineup ever, including more choices in large screen LED TVs, more Quattron models and iconic designs."

Picture Quality
For the first time, more than half of the AQUOS 2013 large screen LED TV lineup will feature Sharp's exclusive Quattron technology in the 7- and 8-Series. Quattron color technology adds a yellow pixel to the standard red-green-blue sub-pixel structure, delivering more than a billion colors. This offers greater detail, smoother lines, and brighter yellows, deeper blues and richer golds. Screen brightness is also enhanced without compromising color accuracy.

In the new AQUOS 8-Series, Sharp takes brightness to an entirely new level with the introduction of Super Bright which combines an intelligent contrast engine with a 50 percent higher brightness panel to create Sharp's brightest picture with more contrast. The intelligent contrast engine constantly analyzes the signal and enhances the brightness of the bright objects on the screen while maintaining the black levels on the rest of the screen. The result is Sharp's most brilliant, most contrasted picture ever.

The World's Largest LED TV
Introduced in June of 2012, and standing majestically at nearly 4 feet tall and spanning 6 feet and 7 inches wide, the 90" (diagonal) AQUOS is the world's largest LED TV and continues as part of the 2013 AQUOS lineup. Its picture quality is as stunning as its size, with crisp and clear content at the highest HD resolution of 1080p. Despite its size, the TV is relatively thin and light. Weighing only 141 pounds and less than 5 inches deep, the unit is easy to mount on a wall. And with LED technology, it is so energy efficient, it costs only $28 per year to operate.

Smart TV
All three large screen series (6-, 7-, 8-Series) in the 2013 AQUOS lineup will be smart, with a dual-core processor, Web browser and built-in Wi-Fi. Sharp's SmartCentral platform provides an easy way for consumers to access virtually unlimited Web based content.

In the 2013 AQUOS lineup, SmartCentral will include an expanded selection of apps, Flash and HTML5 supported Web browsing and Android and iOS remote control operation. It will also feature Sharp Beam, a free app that enables users to send content from an iOS and Android smartphone or tablet to the big screen with a flick. A new SmartCentral feature gives consumers the ability to split screens for simultaneous TV viewing and Web browsing. Finally, Netflix subscribers will be able to search for content on their smartphone or tablet and then select to watch it on their AQUOS TV with Netflix "Second Screen" capability.

Striking Design
Sharp also brings a new innovative slim design to the 2013 AQUOS line of LED TVs. The screen bezel is astonishingly slim, so users can fit more TV in less space. The sides of the TV amazingly appear to fall away. And the whole display is sleek and thin, so customers can place or mount it practically anywhere.

High quality brushed aluminum frames adorn the 7- and 8-Series; the latter featuring distinctive diamond cut edges and a stunning silver finish. They also include new rounded-edge stands – the new 8-Series also includes a new silver plated O-shaped stand, giving the appearance of a floating TV.

Since the beautiful new designs are the perfect frames to turn a blank screen into a work of art, the new Wallpaper Mode will allow pre-installed artwork images or home photos from a USB drive on the AQUOS LED screen at a reduced light level that mirrors museum conditions, so the screen blends beautifully into a room's décor with extremely low power consumption.

3D
Eleven of Sharp's large screen AQUOS models feature full HD 1080p active 3D technology, delivering twice the resolution of passive 3D. New for 2013 is the use of Bluetooth 3D glasses that are not subject to interference.

Sound
6-Series models feature powerful 20W audio for high fidelity with clear voice, producing clean and crisp audio. The 7- and 8-Series models add Yamaha DSP technology and a 15W subwoofer, for a total of 35W, adding big, deep sound for richer audio.

Energy Efficiency
Most AQUOS LED TVs are ENERGY STAR® 6.0 qualified. In addition, the Optical Picture (OPC) feature helps save power by using a sensor on the front of the TV to detect ambient room light, and automatically adjusts TV brightness for the best picture.

AQUOS Advantage LiveSM
AQUOS connected TV owners have access to AQUOS Advantage Live, Sharp's unique, complimentary customer support program. AQUOS Advantage Live allows trained advisors to remotely connect via the Internet to AQUOS TVs to assist with setup, troubleshooting and picture optimization. And with Live answer, Sharp's experts are available to customers through a dedicated line, 1-87-SEE-AQUOS, and can provide instantaneous, remote access to representatives.

Sharp AQUOS Quattron 8-Series 3D LED TVs
• Quattron color intensification
• Super Bright technology
• AQUOS 1080p LED display
• Smart TV with Dual-Core Processor, built-in Wi-Fi and Web browser
• Aquomotion960 with 240Hz panel
• Active 3D with two Bluetooth 3D glasses supplied
• 35W Audio with built-in subwoofer
• Ultra slim silver aluminum frame with diamond-cut edges
• Wallpaper Mode

Introduction:
60 inch class - LC-60LE857 (March) MSRP: $2999.99
70 inch class - LC-70LE857 (April) MSRP: $3999.99
80 inch class - LC-80LE857 (April) MSRP: $6499.99

Sharp AQUOS 7-Series 3D LED TVs
• Quattron color intensification
• AQUOS 1080p LED display
• Smart TV with Dual-Core Processor, built-in Wi-Fi and Web browser
• Aquomotion480 with 240Hz panel (C7500/LE757)
• 240 Hz panel (LE755)
• Active 3D with two Bluetooth 3D glasses supplied (LE755/LE757)
• 35W audio with built-in subwoofer
• Ultra slim black aluminum frame
• Wallpaper Mode

Introduction:
60 inch class – LC-60LE757 (April) MSRP: $2299.99
70 inch class – LC-70LE757 (April) MSRP: $3499.99
80 inch class – LC-80LE757 (May) MSRP: $5999.99

60 inch class – LC-60LE755 (February) MSRP: $2199.99
70 inch class – LC-70LE755 (March) MSRP: $3399.99

60 inch class – LC60C7500 (March) MSRP: $2099.99
70 inch class – LC70C7500 (March) MSRP: $3299.99

Sharp AQUOS 6-Series LED TVs
• AQUOS 1080p LED display
• Smart TV with Dual-Core Processor, built-in Wi-Fi and Web browser
• Active 3D (LE657)
• AQUOMotion 240 with 120Hz panel (LE657)
• Ultra slim frame
• Wallpaper Mode

Introduction: LE657 – active 3D
60 inch class – LC-60LE657 (March) MSRP: $1799.99
70 inch class – LC-70LE657 (March) MSRP: $2799.99

Introduction: LE650 – non-3D
60 inch class – LC-60LE650 (February) MSRP: $1499.99
70 inch class – LC-70LE650 (February) MSRP: $2499.99
80 inch class – LC-80LE650 (May) MSRP: $4999.99

60 inch class – LC-60C6500 (Q1) MSRP: $1499.99
70 inch class – LC-70C6500 (Q1) MSRP: $2499.99
80 inch class – LC-80C6500 (Q1) MSRP: $4999.99

For more information on Sharp's CES announcements, please visit www.SharpUSA.com/CESnews. For more information visit Sharp Electronics Corporation at www.SharpUSA.com. Find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.

About Sharp Electronics Corporation:
Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of one-of-a-kind home entertainment products, appliances, networked multifunctional office solutions, solar energy solutions, LED lighting and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS® LED TVs, Insight® Microwave Drawer® ovens, Notevision® multimedia projectors and Plasmacluster® air purifiers.