Sharp brought together its LCD technologies to develop a prototype LCD TV that far surpasses existing models in terms of image quality, thin-profile design, and environmental performance.

The 52-inch prototype LCD TV promises to to achieve unprecedented levels of performance and features design with a thickness of 20 mm (main display section; 29 mm at the thickest part), a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, and power consumption of 140 kWh/year.

The company did not provide details related to the technology included to the new LCD protoype. It also did not comment on the price for the new model, but said it aims to start output when its newest LCD factory in Sakai, western Japan, comes online by March 2010.

"A TV set weighing 25 kgs or lower will make wall-mounted TVs possible at many households without reinforcing the wall," Sharp director Takuji Okawara said.

Sharp's development is a pre-emptive move before the release of organic light-emitting diode TVs, known for their thin displays and crisp images. Sony said in April it planned to start selling organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TVs by the end of the year, making the new technology a promising contender in the flat TV industry.

Sharp President Mikio Katayama said the supplier of Aquos brand LCD TVs plans to launch a 108-inch model, the world's largest flat TV, late this year or early next year.





Overview of Prototype 52V-Inch TV

Contrast: 100,000:1
Color reproducibility: 150% of NTSC color gamut
Thickness: 20 mm (main display section); 29 mm (thickest part)
Weight: 25 kg
Annual power consumption: 140 kWh/year