Sharp Debuts New High-Def, Plasma TV Innovations

[Steve Mehs]

Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC) recently introduced innovations from its consumer electronics product categories and new devices for mobile communications and home office/small office productivity.

Here are a few of the company's new products:

New Sharp 4:3 AQUOS "E-series" liquid crystal TV models (models LC-13E1U, LC-15E1U and LC-20E1U). The AQUOS E-series features a sleek and minimalist style, ideal for wall installations, with speakers on the bottom of the TV, and a body that is significantly narrower than other AQUOS models.

The 20-inch models, LC-20E1U (silver), LC-20E1UB (black) and LC-20E1UW (white), are currently available for a suggested retail price of $2,299.95. The 13-inch models, LC-13E1U (silver), LC-13E1UB (black) and LC-13E1UW (white), will be available in September for a price of $1,199.95 and the 15-inch models, LC-15E1U (silver), LC-15E1UB (black) and LC-15E1UW (white), will be available in September for a price of $1,499.95.

Sharp's 50- and 43-inch high definition plasma televisions (models PZ-50HV2U and PZ-43HV2U offer HDTV-capability, widescreen viewing (16:9 aspect ratio), high brightness, and a contrast ratio at 830:1. In addition, a separate AVC system with component video and computer (PC) input/outputs, as well as two NTSC TV tuners, is included to maximize performance and minimize cable clutter. Model PZ-50HV2U is available for a price of $13,999.95, and PZ-43HV2U is available for a price of $9,999.95.

For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at www.sharpusa.com.

From SkyRetailer (http://www.skyretailer.com/archive/aug2002/r082702.htm#one) (Used with Permission)

[Jacob S]

Are these those real flat tv's that hang up on a wall or like the ones you seen on the philips magnavox commercial where the kids were laying back watching the flat screen on the ceiling? what is the thickness of these tv's?

[Steve Mehs]

When Philips first came out with the flat tvs a while back they were originally 4" thick. I don't know if Philips or any other mfgs have made them thinner yet or not.

[Martyva]

Plasma displays vary in thickness from about four to just under 6" in depth and in size fron 37" 4:3 to 61" 16:9. while they are all digital not all are 1280:720 HD capable. LCD's are shallower in depth, come in mostly smaller 4:3 sizes. Philips plasma sets are OEM. Sharp makes their own LCD, but i think the plasma is an OEM Pioneer.

[DarrellP]

Toshiba (http://www.toshiba.com/tacp/news/may_23_02_lcos.html) is coming out with an Lcos display this Winter (can't remember the size) that will do the full 1080p HD resolution. Cost is under $9K.

[sampatterson]

That Toshiba display sounds nice. How they will allow 720p native input also.

[Martyva]

Both the Philips and the Toshiba LCOS models are rear projection, much lighter and shallower than conventional rear projection units, but with a much shorter bulb life than a direct view LCD.

[DarrellP]

The Toshiba will have an 8,000 hour bulb! That's 3-4 times a normal RPTV.