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Softbank introduces Sharp Aquos Fulltouch slider with quasi-XGA resolution
Just when we thought the Touch HD really packed the pixels in, Softbank and Sharp have announced the Aquos Fulltouch 931SH slider, which sports a wild 1024 x 480 3.8-inch touchscreen. That's almost the same res as most netbooks, for comparison -- we're not sure what all that pixel density is good for at this size, but we know we want it. Apart from the screen it's also a pretty solid 3G Softbank featurephone: browser, Bluetooth with A2DP, 5.2 megapixel camera with image stabilizer, accelerometer, 1seg TV tuner, and a media player with microSD expansion. Sure, sure -- but look at that screen, people. That's the stuff dreams are made of. Anyone up for a trip to Japan?[Thanks, Paul]
Sharp LCD targets stay high, integrated Blu-ray HDTVs on the way to NA
Samsung, LG and others may be readjusting expectations and scaling back output, but Sharp -- of the many new LCD plants -- still plans to sell 11 million TVs in the fiscal year, according to its prez, Mikio Katayama. To that end, expect the new DX line to cross over to North America by year-end (packing a Blu-ray player in place of the Japanese edition's recorder) and European and Asian markets next year. Whatever the state of the economy, expect the battle on store shelves to continue throughout this year and well into the next.
Sharp AQUOS DX series: world's first LCD HDTV with built-in Blu-ray
Tough luck, Mitsubishi and Funai. Big talk is all fine and dandy, but in our world, it's the results that count. Say hello to Sharp's AQUOS DX family, the world's first range of LCD HDTVs to boast internal Blu-ray players. Slated to hit in 26- (LC-26DX1), 32- (LC-32DX1), 37- (LC-37DX1), 42- (LC-42DX1), 46- (LC-46DX1) and 52-inch (LC-52DX1) sizes, the whole lot will come equipped with an integrated HDTV tuner, bottom-mounted speaker and the ability to handle BD flicks sans an external deck. Of note, only the 37-inch through 52-inch sets offer Full HD 1080p resolutions (1,920 x 1,080), as the other two get stuck with "just" 1,366 x 768. Best of all, those in Japan will barely have to wait a month to see these in shops, as the entire crew is destined to ship in late November (in black and white motifs) for around ¥200,000 ($1,963) to ¥500,000 ($4,909) depending on size. As for the rest of the globe? Put on your patience caps.[Via Impress]
Sharp's AQUOS LC-65XS1U-S and LC-52XS1U-S HDTVs get priced
Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for. Pricing for Sharp's sexiest, freshest and altogether loveliest HDTVs has arrived. As stated at CEATEC in Japan, the 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S will sell for a whopping ¥1.28 million ($12,225), while the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S goes for ¥980,000 ($9,243). We'd expect those figures to be a touch lower whenever they come stateside, but rest assured, you'll be breaking into the piggy bank if either of these is to be your next set.
Sharp LC-65XS1U-S and LC-52XS1U-S X-Series AQUOS LCD HDTVs eyes-on
While we knew these new Sharp Aquos HDTVs were coming, we had no idea how thin and bright they were in person. Today at CEATEC 2008 Sharp officially announced its LC-65XS1U-S (65-inch) and LC-52XS1U-S (52-inch) AQUOS LCD HDTVs right at CEATEC Japan's opening bell. The displays' 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 1080P panel are nice and all, but we now know they measure in at a super gaunt 2.28-cm (0.9-inch) depth and are outfitted with a 2.1-channel, three-way five-speaker system that Sharp jointly developed with Pioneer. Meanwhile, Sharp boasts some serious energy savings with the new displays, promising a 26% reduction in power consumption. Expect them to hit stores in Japan October 15 in limited numbers for an undisclosed (read: 'spensive) price. Check the emaciated photos in the gallery if you're so inclined.%Gallery-33036%
Sharp's 46-inch AQUOS LC-46X8E gets reviewed
Sharp's 46-inch AQUOS LC-46X8E was recently acquired by the fine folks at TrustedReviews, and overall, it was just decent for the coin. If you're a bit perplexed by the model number, you should be -- this is a fairly exclusive set, currently sold only in the UK at retailer John Lewis. All that aside, performance was simply dubbed "okay." It didn't do anything particularly well, though it didn't do anything spectacularly bad, either. The sharpness, fittingly enough, was highly praised, though the lackluster handling of SD material and the appearance of a few off-kilter tones were downers. The moral of the story? The set actually proved to be a mixed-bag, albeit one that would probably be recommended for a few hundred pounds less. Do yourself a favor and dip into the full review before marching into Mr. Lewis' store and picking one up.
Sharp's AQUOS D65 / D85 series LCD HDTVs head to Canada
Good news, Canada! Sharp's AQUOS D65 and D85 LCD HDTVs (those ones uncovered at CEDIA) are headed your way. Starting this month, the 42-, 46- and 52-inch sets will begin landing on Canadian floors, bringing with 'em 120Hz technology, a 4-millisecond response time, AQUOS LINK, five HDMI 1.3 inputs, a 1080p panel and an RS-232C input for custom installs. The whole lot ranges from $1,399.99 (LC-42D65U) to $2,499.99 (LC-52D85U), so start saving those bucks.
Sharp adds 65-inch AQUOS LC-65GX5 to internet-ready lineup
Earlier this year, we saw Sharp dish out more internet-ready LCD HDTVs than we could shake a stick at. Now, the outfit is catering to those clamoring for a GX5 model larger than 52-inches. The expansive 65-inch AQUOS LC-65GX5 steps in with a 1080p panel, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness, ARSS speaker system, 176-degree viewing angles, built-in analog / digital terrestrial tuners and a whole mess of ports including HDMI (x3), optical audio, i.LINK, composite, S-Video and DVI. As expected, the set is DLNA-compliant, and there's a built-in IR port for anyone that still cares. Expect it next month (at least in Japan) for ¥680,000 ($6,450).[Via Impress]
Sharp's AQUOS BD-HP50U / BD-HP21U Blu-ray players eyes-on
The whole Profile 1.0 thing kind of put a damper on Sharp's latest Blu-ray players, but since they were showcased at the company's CEDIA booth, we figured it prudent to take a few snapshots and pass 'em along. Design wise, the two are exceptionally similar, and we can't say with good faith that the HP50U is really worth the extra coin. Hit the gallery below and see if you can pick the two apart... and, go! %Gallery-31216%
Limited Edition LC-52XS1U-S / LC-65XS1U-S AQUOS LCD HDTVs loosed by Sharp
Though making a limited run of LCD HDTVs seems like a curious choice, Sharp is unleashing two of 'em (again) today in Denver. The 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S and 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S both sport newly-developed 10-bit Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panels and feature native 1080p resolutions, AQUOS Net capabilities, an RGB-LED backlight system and a dynamic contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1. You'll also find a super thin integrated sound system powered by a 1-bit digital amplifier, and the entire set is just one-inch thick at its thinnest part. Of note, these units come bundled with a separate AVC system set-top-box for handling inputs, though WHDI was unfortunately left out. Catch the pair this October for currently undisclosed prices, and peep the full release just after the cut.
Sharp sticks with Profile 1.1 on AQUOS BD-HP50U Blu-ray deck
C'mon Sharp -- we're cool with your $350 BD-HP21U Blu-ray player not supporting Profile 2.0, but are you seriously trying to pass off a has-been deck for a whopping $450? The AQUOS BD-HP50U, also announced today at CEDIA, boasts Profile 1.1 compatibility, built-in RS-232C / IR ports, HDMI 1.3 and the company's Quick Start feature. Anything there worth the $449.99 asking price? Nah, we thought not. Check the complete (uninspiring) release after the break.
Sharp rolls out AQUOS BD-HP21U Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player
If you've seen the BD-HP21H Blu-ray player, you've seen the BD-HP21U. Sharp is presumably getting official with the US version of said player here at CEDIA, and while the price tag is comparatively nice, the specifications are so last year. We're talking Profile 1.1, AQUOS LINK, a Quick Start feature to get flicks rolling in under ten seconds and an HDMI 1.3 output. Granted, the glossy black player is mighty thin, but it's still overpriced at $349.99 in our opinion. Full release after the jump.
Sharp debuts super slim XS1 LCD, D65E display lineup and BD-HP21H Blu-ray player
Thin is in at IFA 2008, and Sharp's LCD lineup leads off with the super-skinny XS1 Aquos series LCD. A 23mm thick 1080p 52- or 65-inch panel packing 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 100Hz motion processing and detachable speaker system, halves it's previous 5cm best from May of this year. Old school fat LCD fans can look forward to the D65E line, pulling 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and claiming an "environmentally conscious design" for Sharp's premium range, in sizes from 32- to 52-inch models, with prices to match from €899 to €2299. Of course, none of this would be right without a matching Blu-ray player, and Sharp has announced the BD-HP21H, a Bonus View Profile 1.1 model with a quick-start mode, but like the XS1 lacks pricing info that would make it so much juicier. All are due in the UK in October, we should hope for more details before then.UPDATE: Add a few more zeros onto that contrast ratio -- 1,000,000:1 -- Thanks, celle!%Gallery-30655%%Gallery-30656%
Sharp introduces 16- / 20-inch AQUOS LCD HDTVs
Aw, aren't these things just as cute as a button? Rather than dishing out a new family of big screen flat-panels (or in addition to, actually), Sharp has decided to introduce a trio of smaller sets more suited for a bedroom or well-equipped kitchen. Available in 16- and 20-inch sizes, the new AQUOS E-series features a 1,366 x 768 resolution, 1,200:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness and built-in analog / digital TV tuners; you'll also find a pair of HDMI ports alongside a PC input, S-Video jack and two composite sockets. The sets are expected to land in the middle of next month in Japan for ¥85,000 ($778) / ¥95,000 ($870).[Via Impress]
Sharp goes wild with projectors / LCD monitors at InfoComm
Never mind those guys cranking out just one or two new gizmos at InfoComm -- Sharp's busting out the big guns. The company is using the stage in Vegas to introduce a swarm of new gear including the XG-P560W 3-chip DLP WXGA projector, XG-C455W / PG-C355W 3LCD WXGA PJs, XG-P610X XGA unit and four new BrilliantColor DLP beamers (PG-F317X, PG-F312X, PG-F262X and PG-F212X). For those unfazed, it's also showcasing 46- (TL-M4600) and 52-inch (TL-M5200) professional LCD monitors meant for digital signage applications. As you can probably glean, there's way too much data on the whole lot to cover in this space, so we'll kindly direct you to the read link if you're hungry for more.
SRS Labs sneaks TruSurround XT into Sharp, Olevia HDTVs
SRS Labs is on the warpath, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Just days after syncing up with Vizio, it now has two more partnerships to brag about: one with Sharp, one with Syntax-Brillian. As for the former, you can now sleep easy knowing that (most) AQUOS LCD HDTVs will come with TruSurround XT built right in. As for the latter, this deal ensures that the all new Olevia 2 Series and 6 Series LCD HDTVs have the same technology, which will supposedly make owners "feel as if phantom speakers are placed around them." We're getting chills just thinking about it.Read - Sharp agreementRead - Syntax-Brillian agreement
Sharp unveils 22 thin, internet ready LCDs
Sharp's re-upped on the super-size rollouts, with 22 LCDs including every color and size variation, ready to hit shelves this summer ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Available in black or brown, the RX5 series (pictured) headlines the pack with 65-, 52- and 46-inch versions including 1080p resolution, 120Hz motion, a "living contrast" ratio of 1500:1 (dynamic ratio 20,000:1), 12bit image processing and internet access to a specially tuned Yahoo! Japan page all packed into a 5cm deep frame (42- and 52-inch, 6.6cm for 65-inch). The more mainstream GX5 line ranges from 52- to 32-inches complete with all the 1080p resolution, side mounted ARSS "Around Speaker System", DLNA access and internet hookups we know and love, plus 32- and 26-inch GH5 models that drop down to 720p, losing the around speakers, internet and 1080p res. The DS5 line is aimed at those who don't need internet access, but do need to choose between black, white and red LCDs. Check the chart on Sharp's page to compare with the "world's thinnest" X-series and see what HDTV corresponds with your social status when these drop in June. [Via AV Watch & Akihabara News]Read - Aquos 22 LCD models comparison Read - R series Read - G series Read - D series
Sharp's new Aquos players mash Blu-ray and 1TB DVR together in unhappy marriage
The popular DVR / DVD combo trend continues with Sharp's new, just-released Aquos players. The three new combo machines -- updates from last fall's models -- pack Blu-Ray playback with DVRs of various sizes ranging from the 250GB BD-HDW22, to the 500GB BD-HDW25, to the 1TB BD-HDW30 big daddy of TV-recording doom. The Blu-Ray section looks pretty standard, but the DVR records in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at three different bitrates - 4.8, 8, and 12Mbps. If you're thinking these will record from BD to HDD or the other way around, think again. The movie studios will have none of that.
Sharp's X-Series LCD HDTVs offered with WHDI wireless link
Remember those "world's thinnest" X-Series LCD HDTVs we spotted earlier this year? On their way over from Japan to the US, Sharp has whipped up a partnership with AMIMON in order to offer a wireless HDTV link based on the latter company's WHDI technology. Apparently the 37-, 42- and 46-inch displays will be sold in both nations with an optional wireless video transmitter (read: each set is "wireless ready"), giving users the ability to send uncompressed HD to their HDTV from up to 100-feet away. As for US pricing and availability, Sharp's not quite ready to dish out those points, and while we're not exactly sure if this is the launch that finally gets wireless HD headed in right direction, it certainly can't hurt matters. Full release posted after the jump. %Gallery-21811%
Onkyo's TX-SA606X receiver handles AQUOS, Viera and REGZA HDMI control schemes
Here at Engadget HD, we have a special place in our hearts for HDMI-CEC, but things can get sticky when buying components from different manufacturers. Fret not, as Onkyo's latest AV receiver manages to play nice with Panasonic's Viera Link, Toshiba's REGZA Link and Sharp's AQUOS Link all the same. The TX-SA606X, which is available in silver or a Mr. T-approved gold finish, also boasts HDMI 1.3 connectors, Dolby TrueHD / DTS-MA decoders, a 185-watt x 7 internal amplifier, optical / coaxial audio inputs and a smorgasbord of other video ports. Unsurprisingly, such a multifaceted unit won't run you cheap, as interested consumers will be asked to hand over ¥84,000 ($839) when it lands on April 29th.[Via AkihabaraNews] %Gallery-19153%
