Sharp bolsters LCD leadership with large, widescreen 1080p HDTVs with enhanced performance and ultra-competitive price points, produced at the world’s first 8th generation LCD plant
Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display Televisions (LCD TV), is advancing beyond the competition once again with the introduction of the first models ever produced in a generation 8 LCD factory. Today, Sharp announced two new widescreen, full-HD 1080p AQUOS sets in new screen sizes, 46-inch (LC-46D62U) and 52-inch (LC-52D62U), produced at Sharp’s groundbreaking new LCD plant, Kameyama No. 2. The Kameyama No. 2 plant began production operation in early August and will enable Sharp to build the most advanced flat-panel televisions in the world, and also help to meet the growing demand for competitively-priced large-screen high-definition (HD) LCD TVs in the U.S. Sharp’s new D62U models feature a dramatically enhanced black level, producing a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none, and an elegant, new, fluid design that redefines the standard for flat-panel display.
“With our new state-of-the-art factory, Sharp is advancing the LCD industry and increasing our production capacity of high-quality, affordable AQUOS televisions to meet robust consumer demand,” said Toshihiko Fujimoto, Chairman and CEO, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “When Kameyema No. 2 is running at full capacity by the end of 2008, the combined production capacity of both Kameyama plants will increase to 20 million LCD TVs a year (based on 32-inch panels). This will enable us to reach a broader customer base in a speedy and timely manner.”
These new AQUOS models are true high-definition TVs, with built-in ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuners for access to DTV and analog TV channels. Marking the movement of 1080p resolution into a wider range of screen sizes, the D62 series also features full-spec 1080p (1920 x 1080) HDTV resolution, providing consumers with an unparalleled high-definition experience. For maximum flexibility, the series includes dual HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1080p signals from Blu-Ray and advanced gaming devices and two HD component video inputs.
The LC-52D62U and LC-46D62U AQUOS high-definition LCD TVs provide a superior picture with unmatched performance. These new models utilize the next generation of Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) / Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology for decreased colorshift and extraordinary LCD performance, enabling the industry’s highest native contrast ratio of 2000:1 and 10000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with Enhanced Picture Contrast Technology. Enhanced Quick Shoot video circuitry delivers an incredibly fast pixel response time of 4 ms*, providing stunning picture quality even on fast-moving action scenes. Black levels have also been enhanced on these two models for the deepest, most accurate black of any LCD TV. Sharp’s proprietary 4-wavelength backlight system rounds out these enhanced specs, providing deeper, more vibrant and vivid reds than previously possible. Viewing angles on these sets are an impressive 176 degrees, enabling the color reproduction to appear bright and vivid from virtually anywhere in the room, for a top-of-the-line total home theater package.
The series also features a new design, with a sleek, piano black cabinet. A subtle wave in the cabinet conceals the recessed, bottom-mounted speakers, for a graceful, fluid look. The included table stand also boasts a new look and removes easily for wall mounting applications.
“Sharp continues to deliver to its customers an outstanding high-definition LCD product with unmatched picture quality,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager of Sharp’s Product and Marketing Group. “These AQUOS models, produced at the new 8th generation Kameyama plant, are simply the most advanced, most beautiful flat-panel televisions Sharp has ever produced.”
The 8th generation factory uses the world’s largest glass substrates, which are about 1.3 times the size of a generation 7 factory, helping to improve production efficiency and lower prices. A single piece of “motherglass” will yield eight (8) 46-inch panels or six (6) 52-inch panels, with production capacity expected to increase six-fold by the end of 2008, alleviating any lingering supply constraints. Kameyama No. 2 introduces new production processes as well, cutting production lead times in half, and developing new key components that make up the LCD modules.
The new plant aims to be the world’s most environmentally-friendly factory. Employing one of the world’s largest (5150KW) photovoltaic power systems, cogeneration systems and fuel cells, the factory will supply about one-third of total electrical power used in the plant. The entire manufacturing process is carried out in a single plant – from fabricating the LCD panels to final assembly – eliminating the need to ship sub-assemblies between distant plants and enabling Sharp to slash the amount of packaging materials required for shipping and to reduce emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). The plant also uses a water purifying system in which 100 percent of the water expelled by the factory is recycled.
Pricing and availability
- LC-52D62U will be available in the U.S. in October for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $4,799.99. check price
- LC-46D62U will be available in the U.S. in October for an MSRP of $3,499.99. check price
For more information on Sharp’s full line of Liquid Crystal Televisions, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP.
*1 With “Fine Motion Mode” on.
AQUOS is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
