Sharp Corporation announced the introduction into the Japanese market of the LC-65GE1 AQUOS 65V-Inch Digital High-Definition LCD TV, the world's largest LCD model.

The LC-65GE1 measures 65 inches (165 centimeters) diagonally. Its full-spec high-definition LCD panel with resolution of 1,920 H x 1,080 V pixels can precisely display digital content in Hi-Vision (high definition) format (1080i) exactly as broadcast. In addition, Sharp's QS (Quick Shoot) Technology improves moving video responsiveness.

Sharp has also developed a new Four-Wavelength Backlight that adds the wavelengths of "crimson" to blue, green and red for faithful reproduction of pure red colors. In addition, Sharp's High-Aperture Speaker System and highly rated 1-Bit Digital Amplifier deliver clear, natural, high-resolution sound.



The LC-65GE1 is designed with full attention to environmental considerations: power consumption is only 619 W, which is less than PDP televisions of the same 65V-inch class, and it uses materials well suited to recycling. The Aquos high-definition television will cost 1.68 million yen (15,500 dollars) with only 300 units to be initially produced each month, Sharp said.

Basic Information:
-Product name: Terrestrial/BS/CS110° Digital High-Definition LCD TV
- Model name: LC-65GE1
- Design type: Bottom-speaker design
- Suggested retail: price 1,680,000 yen (before-tax price: 1,600,000 yen)
- Date of introduction in Japan: August 1, 2005
- Initial monthly production: 300 units

The giant TV enters a market for large high-definition televisions in which LCD models have been absent.

Japan's Matsushita Electric Industrial, the maker of the Panasonic brand, in October began selling its own 65-inch high-definition television using plasma rather than LCD display.

Sharp's South Korean rival Samsung Electronics in March unveiled the world's largest LCD panel at 82 inches (208 centimeters), but the Sharp television would be the largest LCD television on the market.

Previously, few in the industry imagined an LCD television of more than 37 inches, as pixels can be of poor quality if the screen is stretched too far, but Sharp said it had developed technology to prevent such distortion.

The Aquos goes on sale in Japan from August and elsewhere by the end of the year. For more information visit http://www.sharp.co.jp/ (Japanese).