Sharp Announces Initiatives to Further Meet Growing Demand For LCD TV's

Business Wire, June 16, 2004

MAHWAH, N.J. -- Price reductions on many AQUOS(TM) models and introduction of Sharp branded LCD TVs to spur market expansion

To meet growing demand from consumers who want to enhance their television viewing experience, Sharp Electronics Corporation is reducing the price on many models of its industry-leading AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Display Televisions. Price reductions become effective on June 17th. For the growing number of consumers looking for entry-level LCD TVs at more affordable price points, a new line of Sharp branded LCD TVs will be available this fall in 13-, 15- and 20-inch screen sizes.

"In addition to offering consumers the widest choice of screen sizes, speaker placement and colors, Sharp's AQUOS collection is recognized for its superior performance characteristics and elegant design," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president of marketing, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "The shift to more mainstream price points represents an opportunity for Sharp to capitalize on our core competencies as the world leader in LCD technology to better assist our retail partners meet the demands of the U.S. market," he said.

Sharp is the worldwide leader in flat panel LCD TV sales* and this year will offer 48 AQUOS models in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 45-inches. The price reductions on AQUOS include most of the enhanced definition, 4:3 models and the larger, widescreen HDTV-ready displays. Earlier this year, Sharp further enhanced its LCD TV manufacturing capabilities with the on schedule opening of a state-of-the-art factory in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, Japan. From the outset, Kameyama achieved planned production levels.

Utilized exclusively for the manufacture of 16:9 LCD displays, Kameyama is Sharp's largest LCD TV plant. The manufacture of large-screen LCD TVs is totally integrated within Kameyama from the manufacture of LCD panels to assembly of final products. This highly efficient, vertically integrated operation enables Sharp to shorten production lead times enabling Sharp to be more responsive to marketplace demands.

Manufacture of 4:3 AQUOS models at Sharp's factory in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is at capacity for the upcoming holiday selling season. As a result, the company has decided to assemble the new range of Sharp branded LCD TVs in China. These models use the highest-quality Sharp developed ASV panels. While absent the complete suite of features found in AQUOS, these models are a superior option to lower-price/performance, off-brand alternatives. The 13-inch, 15-inch and 20-inch Sharp LCD TV models will be available this fall for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of $449, $599 and $899, respectively.

"The AQUOS price reductions and Sharp branded models are great incentives for consumers to bring flat-panel LCD TV into many rooms in their homes," said Scaglione. "With the broadest range of screen sizes, award-winning designs, highest-quality picture performance and unique applications such as wireless and Open AQUOS, Sharp is taking LC-TV to the next level," he said.

For more information on Sharp's full line of Liquid Crystal Televisions, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at Sharpusa.com.

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(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, Notevision(R) multimedia projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) mobile data terminal. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

*According to a 2003 report from DisplaySearch, an Austin, Texas-based market research firm, Sharp Corporation is the global leader in LCD TV.