Sharp Strengthens Flat-Panel TV Leadership with Widest Assortment and Advanced Networking Technologies at CES

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- World's Largest High-Definition LCD TV Plus Wireless, High-Definition Home Networking and New Rear-Projection HDTVs Lead Sharp's Elegant Home Theater Product Line

Sharp is previewing a number of technology firsts and the broadest line of flat-panel TVs at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show. A highlight of the booth is the 65-inch AQUOS(R) the world's largest High-Definition Liquid Crystal Television (LC HDTV), which is approximately 30 percent bigger than the previous record holder. In addition to the stellar AQUOS Liquid Crystal TV (LC-TV) lineup, Sharp is previewing advanced, next-generation wireless home networking solutions and entering into the high-definition rear projection TV category. These achievements once again demonstrate Sharp's commitment to consumers and the industry by staying on the cutting-edge of display technology.

"Sharp's breakthrough 65-inch AQUOS HDTV represents the pinnacle of the industry's largest LC-TV line, which offers consumers unmatched screen size, color and style choices. Over the past year, our large-screen AQUOS LC-TVs have garnered substantial sales and attention because consumers recognize that LCD offers better-looking, longer-lasting technology," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president, Consumer Electronics Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "Overall, our strong LC-TV product line and marketing investments in 2004 have resulted in significantly increased consumer demand for AQUOS, a trend we're confident will continue in 2005."

Sharp is the worldwide leader in flat-panel LC-TV* and recently won an Emmy(R) award for the technology behind the AQUOS line.** The company has unsurpassed LCD screen manufacturing at its state-of-the-art factory in Kameyama, Japan, where a second production line was added in August, virtually doubling the plant's output since opening in January 2004. This manufacturing superiority helps Sharp offer the most comprehensive flat-panel LC-TV selection, with more than 65 models in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 65-inches.

In addition to LC-TV, Sharp is further broadening its television line with the debut of high-definition rear projection TVs that feature the award-winning Texas Instruments DLP(TM) micro-display technology. "Sharp's technical expertise extends beyond the flat panel display category. As a result we're pleased to be launching our new line of rear projection DLP televisions here at CES," Scaglione continued. "We're offering both 56- and 65-inch screen sizes, with the first models shipping in March of this year. Rear projection television represents a significant portion of the display category, and Sharp is committed to being a major player in this segment." The four new widescreen models feature a unique "V" shape design that makes them the perfect centerpiece for sophisticated home theaters.

Cementing the company's future presence in tech-savvy households, Sharp is previewing next-generation home networking concepts that will change the way consumers interact with their televisions. Based on PowerLine Communications and Ultra-Wide Band wireless technologies, Sharp is showing how new networks can display crystal-clear pictures without cable clutter. The demonstrations will include wireless, high-definition television (HDTV) and Web-based streaming video in living room, bedroom and den settings.

Sharp also is showcasing new 1-Bit(TM) home theater systems, youth-inspired audio systems, DVD recorders and high-definition DLP front projectors. For detailed information on Sharp's new products, please see the individual product announcements and fact sheets available for journalists at sharppressroom.com.

65-inch AQUOS LC-HDTV: Sharp takes the LCD market to a new level with the introduction of the largest LC-TV in the industry, the incredible 65-inch HDTV AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television. The 65-inch Digital Cable Ready AQUOS will be shown in two stunning finishes, titanium and piano-black. The 65-inch AQUOS includes a CableCARD(TM) slot, so consumers can enjoy all the latest HDTV offerings from their cable company without the necessity of a separate cable-TV set-top box.*** Pricing and availability are not yet determined.

AQUOS GA5U Series HDTV Monitors (LC-26GA5U, LC-32GA5U): The newly-designed 26-inch LC-26GA5U and 32-inch LC-32GA5U AQUOS LC-TVs expand the options offered by Sharp's line of HD-Ready LC-TVs, featuring fixed side speakers for a seamless silhouette. These models also include HDMI and DVI-I digital interfaces, two HD component terminals, a high brightness level and an extremely high contrast ratio of 800:1. The LC-32GA5U is currently available for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $3,299 and the LC-26GA5U is currently available for an MSRP of $2,299.

AQUOS HDTV LC-TV (model LC-37GB5U): The new 37-inch LC-37GB5U AQUOS LC-TV includes a built-in ATSC terrestrial tuner for off-air DTV and HDTV signals. The LC-37GB5U incorporates elegant fixed side speakers and features a WXGA resolution of 1366 x 768, as well as Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View LCD Panel and Black TFT low-reflection coating that dramatically reduces glare. The LC-37GB5U will be available in March for an MSRP of $4,999.