Digital Trends
Sharp is looking to get a jump on the second-half-of-the-year market for televisions by announcing its new Aquos LED televisions, a new series of LCD HDTVs that take Sharp’s existing Aquos LCD technology and pair it with energy-saving full-array LED backlighting for improved image quality and utility-friendly performance. And the Aquos LED series also introduce Aquos Net, a new service that enables owners to tap into Web-based content, as well as contact Sharp customer service.
Owners of Sharp’s new Aquos Net televisions with built-in Web functionality can stop debating which console to buy… and just start playing games playing through their TVs. On Thursday, Accedo broadband launched Funspot for Aquos Net televisions.
Sharp unveiled Aquos Net at the beginning of the year with the promise that more features beyond its rather basic initial offerings would be forthcoming, and Accedo has helped deliver on that promise. Users will be able to sign into Funspot and access an established library of casual games through the service, which is already available on some other IPTV and consumer electronics devices.
Sharp’s Aquos brand name will no longer be reserved exclusively for its TVs. The company broke its former naming conventions on Thursday with the Aquos Blu-Ray player, the first non-TV to carry the name in the U.S.
The slim-profile BD-HP20U touts full 1080p output, which Sharp naturally intends to be paired with one of its Aquos 1080p displays. To that end, the company even includes a proprietary feature known as Aquos Link, which allows the player to link up with an Aquos set via an HDMI connection and be controlled through the same remote.
To meet the growing consumer demand for cutting-edge home entertainment options, Sharp, the global market leader in Liquid Crystal television, today announced the availability of new widescreen AQUOS LCD HDTV models, the GD4U and GD6U series. These new state-of-the-art AQUOS models are true, full High Definition televisions (1920×1080 resolution) with built-in CableCARD for “plug and play†capability, so consumers can enjoy the latest cable-TV HDTV programming without the added bulk or expense of an additional set-top box. These integrated HDTVs, available in 26-, 32- and 37-inch screen sizes, further strengthen Sharp’s large AQUOS collection, which currently offers consumers the widest selection of screen sizes, speaker configurations and unit colors of LCD TVs.
From Sharp’s press release:
Sharp Electronics showcases the world’s largest widescreen Liquid Crystal HDTV today at InfoComm 2004. With sales scheduled to begin early this summer, the new AQUOS 45-inch LC-45G1U is part of Sharp’s rapidly-expanding family of ultra large-screen, elegantly-designed flat-panel TVs. Sharp’s AQUOS collection offers consumers the widest choice of screen sizes, speaker placement and unit colors.
“Once again Sharp has demonstrated why we are the global leader in Liquid Crystal Television.* We understand what our consumers want and are committed to delivering it,†said Bob Scaglione, Vice President of Marketing, Consumer Electronics Group, Sharp. “The new 45-inch AQUOS with built-in HDTV is designed for the consumer who wants outstanding picture quality with an effortless set-up.â€
Opening in November 2003, the hotel features AQUOS flat-panel televisions in every living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Both the living room and bedroom feature 30-inch AQUOS screens, and the bathroomis outfitted with a 13-inch set. Sharp’s 1-Bit digital audio systems are also situated in the living room and bedroom, coupled with a Sharp DVD player to create a total home theater experience forhotel guests.
According to Mary Lou Pollack, General Manager of The Alex, the sleek, silver, flat-panel televisions and stylish digital audio systems were selected because they integrate perfectly into the luxurious, design-conscious environment of the property. “The Alex Hotel epitomizes a new generation of luxury accommodations for the overnight-to-extended-stay traveler,†said Pollack. “The performance features and award-winning design of Sharp’s AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions and 1-Bit digital audio systems are in keeping with the overall design and unsurpassed guest amenities offered by The Alex Hotel,†she said.
The products feature proprietary technologies and unique styling for design- and environment-conscious consumers and video professionals.
“Sharp’s full line of professional and consumer display products demonstrates the selection available to the professional market and showcases our worldwide AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television leadership,†said Bob Scaglione, Vice President of Marketing, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “Today, we are debuting a breakthrough in Liquid Crystal Television – a wireless, battery operated AQUOS TV that lets the consumer watch TV, video and DVD programs anywhere around the home by wirelessly connecting to a video source.â€
The price reductions are a direct result of enhanced worldwide consumer sales of Aquos televisions and of “improved production efficiencies at Sharp’s current and new manufacturing facilities,” according to a recent announcement. In May, Sharp will begin to assemble Aquos Liquid Crystal Televisions from Japanese-made kits at its manufacturing facility in Rosarito, Mexico. Improved production and distribution efficiencies will let Sharp to meet growing demand for the line in North and South America.
The new price schedule will be effective May 1, 2003, providing consumers with incentive to purchase the industry’s leading flat panel televisions with unmatched picture quality.
The price reductions are a direct result of enhanced worldwide consumer sales of AQUOS televisions and improved production efficiencies at Sharp’s current and new manufacturing facilities. Starting in May 2003, Sharp will begin to assemble AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions from kits (produced in Japan) at its manufacturing facility in Rosarito, Mexico. This will enable Sharp to meet growing demand for AQUOS TVs in North and South America through improved supply chain management. In addition, Sharp will begin full end-to-end production of large screen Liquid Crystal Televisions in sizes over 60-inches at its new facility in Kameyama, Japan, in the first quarter of 2004.
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