Sharp Bolsters Its Award-Winning Projector Line With New Compact LCD Front Projector

Business Wire, Sept 24, 1999

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1999--

Full Featured LCD Front Projector Combines Value and Versatility

Adding to its line of award-winning projectors, Sharp Electronics Corporation, the leader in LCD technology, today announced the introduction of a full-featured yet compact LCD front projector that weighs-in at just 16 pounds.

Making its debut today at the Sharp Booth No. LL06 at CEDIA, the SharpVision XV-Z1U delivers the right combination of value and versatility, provides high brightness (350 ANSI lumens), and comes complete with component, S-Video and composite video inputs for crystal clear images.

Movie buffs, concert lovers and sports fans have long relied on SharpVision's LCD front projection systems to deliver large screen excitement. With the introduction of the XV-Z1U, Sharp bolsters its line of LCD front projectors, offering consumers a wide range of products with which to enjoy picture-perfect performance.

Superior Image Quality

As with other SharpVision LCD projectors, the XV-Z1U features a long-life metal halide light source, serving to enhance image quality, brightness, reliability and color accuracy. The XV-Z1U is also engineered for multisystem video compatibility with NTSC, PAL and SECAM formats. With picture performance that ranges from 30 inches to an awe-inspiring 300 inches, consumers are able to enjoy images that are brighter, crisper and more life-like than ever before.

Compatibility with The Digital Future

As with the entire line of SharpVision LCD front projectors, the XV-Z1U is equipped with Component Video Inputs to provide compatibility with current high-end DVD players. The unit features S-video and Composite Inputs for easy access to tuners, satellite dishes and VCRs, among other digital sources.

Unique Lifestyle Features

The XV-Z1U offers a sleep timer so consumers can program the projector to shut-off after 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes of use. In addition, the lamp timer allows consumers to track usage at the touch of a button. An ergonomic backlit remote provides convenient control from anywhere in the room. The XV-Z1U's small compact design blends into any decor, and for moving the projector from one room to another, Sharp has equipped the XV-Z1U with a built-in stereo amplifier with SRS Surround Sound and speakers.

"As a leader in LCD technology, Sharp continues to provide viewers with a wide range of superior home theater projection solutions," said Robert Scaglione, associate vice president, marketing, Home Digital Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "The large screen excitement of front projection systems is no longer limited to home owners with lots of room to spare. The compact design of the Z1 makes it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with smaller room settings."

Ease of Installation

The XV-Z1U also has a 1:1.6 Manual Zoom and Focus Lens to provide complete projection flexibility and a two-prong detachable AC power cord for simplified installation.

All SharpVision projection systems are available through authorized SharpVision home theater dealers. The XV-Z1U will be available this September for the estimated retail price of approximately $3,995. Actual selling prices are determined by the retailer and may vary.

For product information on Sharp's full line of LCD Front Projection equipment, please visit Sharp's Web Site at www.sharp-usa.com or call 1-877-388-SHARP.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of portable audio and home entertainment products. Responsible for introducing the revolutionary Viewcam and SharpVision line of LCD projectors, Sharp continues to demonstrate its leadership in entertainment by advancing technologies such as High Definition Digital Television (HDTV) and MiniDisc (MD). Sharp provides a variety of innovative, entertainment-related solutions designed to help increase enjoyment while offering functionality to meet customer needs. Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.