Sharp opens CEWeek, unveils $8,000 THX-certified 4K UltraHD TV

By Caleb Denison June 26, 2013

Today, Sharp unveiled what it is billing as the world’s first THX-certified 4K Ultra HD, the LC–70UD1, due to hit shelves sometime in August for $8,000.

CEWeek began in New York this morning with Sharp taking center stage to announce what it has been drumming up as the next big thing in TV. As it turns out, Sharp’s latest doesn’t boast a screen size nearly as big as some of its existing televisions, but the new set is notable because it could serve as a bellwether for the kind of pricing we’ll see on 4K Ultra HD TV’s in the near future.

According to Digital Trends contributor, Ian White, the company boasted the TV’s advanced upscaling capabilities, an important performance consideration since 4K content remains scarce. As a THX-certified LED TV, the new set has proved it meets the organization’s strict performance standards. The TV also features a six-speaker audio system including dual subwoofers to help boost low-frequency output.

Until now, most competing high-performance 4K Ultra HD TVs have come in sizes ranging from 80 to 85-inches, priced anywhere between $20,000 – $40,000. Though Sharp’s latest is considerably smaller, 70-inches is still nothing to sneeze at, and $8,000 is significantly less expensive than we’ve seen from any other premium TV manufacturer’s 4K Ultra HD line-up, save perhaps Sony’s 65-incher which comes in at $7,000.

We’ll have more details on this latest effort from Sharp coming later today. Stick with Digital Trends for continuing coverage from the CEWeek show floor.

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