CEDIA: LCD a plenty at Sharp

Sharp will be celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2012, and part of their core philosophies for the big event is to create energy saving and energy creating products and "achieve ubiquity for LCDs by integrating Sharp LCD technology into familiar products to offer new possibilities."

For those who can't wait four more years, Sharp had a slew of new sets and two new Blu-ray players on display for you to enjoy now.

Sharp_2 The cream of the crop will be the new Limited Edition series. This series will include the 52-inch LC52XSS1U and a 65-inch LC65XSS1U. The sets will be 1080p, of course, and will feature and RGB LED backlight that can reproduce 150% of the NTSC color spectrum. The models on display featured colors that were far richer and more vibrant. The sets will also have 1-million:1 dynamic contrast, 10-bit panel with deep color, 120-Hertz processing, 5 HDMI 1.3 connections, AQUOS Net, and a speaker system jointly developed with Pioneer driven by Sharp's proprietary 1-bit amplification. To keep the set micro-thin, the A/V connections are made to a separate box. A single HDMI connection runs to the TV, with an optional wireless connection to be available. While the sets will be available in October, there still isn't any pricing information available.Sharp_3

Sharp will be trickling down the 120-Hertz technological love to the new D85 series. The series will also be Energy Star 3.0 compliant to use up to 20% less energy, meaning that you can watch 20% longer without any of the guilt. The series will include three sizes, 42, 46 and 52-inches. They will also feature 5 HDMI 1.3 inputs, and a 10-bit panel with Sharp's Ultra Dark spectral contrast engine. The 46 and 52 will be available in October for $2199 and $2599 respectively. Those looking for the 42 will need to wait until November and expect to pay $1899.

For the budget conscious, Sharp also showed the new D65 series, which will also feature 42, 46 and 52-inch models. These sets ditch the 120-Hertz and 10-bit panel, but keep the spectral contrast for deeper blacks, the 5 HDMI 1.3 inputs, 1080p resolution and Energy Star 3.0 compliance. The 46 and 52 will be available in October for $1899 and $2399 respectively. Once again, that pesky 42-incher won't show up until November at $1599.

Sharp_4 On the Blu-ray front, Sharp showed the new BD-HP21U which is available now for $349. This slim-line model will be Profile 1.1 and feature a Quick Start mode for sub-10 second start up times. The step up BDP-HP50U will hit streets later this month for $49 and will have RS-232 control, a motorized front door and upgraded styling. Unfortunately, those looking for a Profile 2.0 player from Sharp will need to wait until Spring 2009. – John Sciacca

John Sciacca is The Custom Installer columnist for Sound & Vision. His company is Custom Theater and Audio.

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