FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHARP UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST VERTICAL-FORMAT
1-BIT HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH INCLUDED SPEAKERS
Flat-panel design offers fresh alternative to conventional home theater components
and is ideal to pair with flat-panel TVs
INDIANAPOLIS, September 10, 2004 — Sharp announces a new 1-Bit Audio Home Theater System, model SD-AS10, the world’s first complete 1-Bit audio system that matches the vertical style and design of flat-panel Liquid Crystal TVs. Unlike traditional audio systems, the sleek new form factor of this elegant and versatile five-disc DVD/CD audio system can be mounted easily on the wall or placed on a narrow shelf with a flat panel TV, like Sharp’s industry-leading AQUOS line. Incorporating Sharp’s 1-Bit audio technology, the SD-AS10 offers exceptional sound quality.
“Consumers crave a high-style, attractive look for their home theater systems to complement their home’s decor,” said Jason Gastman, senior audio product manager, Sharp. “The SD-AS10 meets the demands of style-conscious customers by combining a uniquely slender and versatile design with superior 1-Bit performance and sound quality — essential ingredients for an advanced home theater.”
The four-inch thin SD-AS10 offers consumers limitless design and decor options. The main unit and the speakers can easily be hung on a wall for stylish functionality. By using the removable pedestal stand, consumers can place the SD-AS10 on a narrow shelf or help it squeeze into tight places by placing it vertically. For those who prefer to add the unit into a rack system or have it fit into a space with limited headroom, the SD-AS10 can also lay flat like a classic DVD player. Whichever option is selected, the unit’s front display automatically rotates to match the orientation of any setup.
Sharp’s new 1-Bit home theater system helps consumers transform their living room, den or bedroom into a surround-sound theater without stringing speaker wire throughout the room. The SD-AS10 incorporates Dolby Virtual Speaker, a technology that simulates a realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound environment without using traditional speaker placement techniques. Instead of running wires around the room to achieve proper surround-sound effects, the user simply places the surround speakers in the front of the room. The advanced Dolby Virtual Speaker technology then processes the sound to effectively simulate the sound and dynamics of a traditionally placed 5.1-speaker system. The SD-AS10 also plays back Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic II content for a true theater experience.
The SD-AS10’s main unit houses the five-disc changer on a clean front panel. A motorized cylindrical five-disc mechanism accepts individual discs, while an elevator-style system moves them into place inside the main unit as discs are loaded or selected for play. The separate amplifier unit houses the inputs away from the main unit to eliminate cord clutter and maintain the system’s elegant, compact appearance. The SD-AS10 is equipped with a five-disc progressive scan DVD player with play exchange and has DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3 and JPEG playback capabilities. Consumers can also awaken to their favorite music or DVD with the unit’s built-in clock with sleep and timer functions and FM/AM digital tuner.
About 1-Bit Technology
1-Bit produces flawless, high-resolution sound, enabling the SD-AS10 system to sample audio signals at an ultra-high speed rate of 5.6 MHz or 128 times faster than a CD. The faster sampling rate ensures that the SD-AS10 will produce excellent transient response, providing accurate reproduction of fast, percussive sounds and complex multi-instrumental timbres.
The SD-AS10 is available this month for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $699.95.
For more information on Sharp’s full line of 1-Bit products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com.
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Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan’s Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit digital audio products, SharpVision projection products, Viewcam camcorders, Carousel microwaves, IMAGER digital multifunctional systems, Notevision multimedia projectors, and the Zaurus mobile data terminal. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.
CONTACT:
Melissa Non
Stanton Crenshaw Communications
Phone: 212-780-1900 ext. 503
E-mail: mnon@stantoncrenshaw.com
