Sharp Announces Compliance with FCC Digital TV Mandate

Business Wire, June 22, 2004

MAHWAH, N.J. -- As the first deadline of the Federal Communications Commission's Digital Television mandate grows near (July 1, 2004), Sharp Electronics is announcing their intention to be fully compliant with the ruling that at least 50 percent of the 36-inch and larger televisions manufactured after July 1, 2004 will be DTV-compatible.

"Our commitment to this new era in electronics is marked by the shipment of our first plug-and-play AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television models with built-in HDTV, which will arrive in retail stores later this month in 26-, 32- and 37-inch screen sizes; a 45-inch set will follow later this summer," said Bob Scaglione, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sharp Electronics. "Sharp is looking forward to this next generation of digital television programming as the mandate plays out in its entirety over the next five years, and to delivering high-quality products that support it."

Sharp is a major contributor to the growing world of digital television, and therefore plans to be fully compliant with each FCC deadline as it approaches. Sharp is the worldwide leader in flat-panel LCD sales* and a strong supporter of the HDTV movement.

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, multi-functional 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.