New Sharp AQUOS LC-TV Enhances In-Room Hotel Entertainment with Pay-Per-View Interface and High-Style Design

Business Wire, June 20, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS -- Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Televisions (LC-TV), is expanding its line of high-definition (HD) AQUOS(R) LC-TVs with the new LC-32HT2. Designed specifically for the hospitality industry, the widescreen, high-definition 32-inch television combines Sharp's Emmy(R) Award-winning LCD technology* with built-in LodgeNet and On Command, as well as nStreams, NXTV and SeaChange pay-per-view interfaces, ensuring that almost any hotel can bring the stunning picture of AQUOS to their guests. The LC-32HT2 is also compatible with the Pro:Idiom(TM) system for high-definition content, a DRM system developed specifically for the hospitality industry.

"With a superior picture and stellar performance, this new HDTV will provide the ultimate in-room entertainment experience for hotel guests," said Sean McBride, Product Marketing Manager, Display, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "Combining the latest screen technologies with pay-per-view interface capabilities, the AQUOS will enhance any guest's hotel stay."

Sharp created the LC-32HT2 AQUOS specifically for enhanced hotel room entertainment. The stylish, titanium finish fits into any room's decor, and the set features a bottom-mount speaker system that allows for placement in the majority of existing hotel case goods. AQUOS LC-TVs can also be hung on a wall using optional brackets for increased location flexibility. The LC-32HT2 takes LC-TV performance to the next level with an enhanced version of Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) panel, which enables an incredible 1200:1 contrast ratio and an amazing pixel response time of 6 ms, for stellar picture quality even on fast-moving action scenes. With a viewing angle of 176 degrees, colors appear bright and vivid from virtually anywhere in the room.

The TV's extremely high contrast ratio results in blacker blacks, and the high brightness provides exceptional color clarity, for superior program viewing of all types. The ASV panel with Black TFT low-reflection coating dramatically reduces glare, so the unit can be placed anywhere - even near windows, doors or other light sources without sacrificing picture quality.

To help reduce the risk of copyright infringement, the HT2 is compatible with Pro:Idiom, the first digital rights management (DRM) system developed specifically for the lodging industry. The LC-32HT2 AQUOS will be available in the United States this fall.

For more information on Sharp's full line of Liquid Crystal Televisions, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 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, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

* Sharp won a 2004 Technology & Engineering Emmy(R) Award for Development of Direct View Liquid Crystal Display Screens. Use of the trademarks and service marks of the National Television Academy, including the mark Emmy(R), requires the prior express written permission of the National Television Academy.