Sharp today introduced its first 3D LED LCD televisions for the U.S. market, the AQUOS Quattron 3D LE925 series. The company also introduced the BD-HP90U and BD-HP80U 3D BD players and the XV-Z17000 3D DLP projector.
AQUOS QUATTRON 3D
Available in 60- and 52-inch screen size classes (LC-60LE925UN and LC-52LE925UN, respectively), the new AQUOS Quattron 3D TVs employ Sharp's quad pixel technology and additional proprietary technologies, including the X-Gen LCD panel, Frame Rate Enhanced Driving and LED backlight side-mount scanning, to deliver a 3D content with the brigh image reproduction and low crosstalk.
Quattron quad pixel technology adds the color Y (yellow) to the three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) of the traditional television pixel structure. The technology also enables the display to reproduce colors that have been difficult to portray using conventional LCD displays, such as the brass color of musical instruments. The addition of the yellow sub-pixel allows light to more readily pass through to the panel, and Sharp's X-Gen panel features advanced pixel control to minimize light leakage while offering a wider aperture to let more light through. The combination of these technologies results in the brightest 3D images, addressing a common problem of traditional 3D TVs, that of dark images.
Quattron 3D also utilizes Sharp's proprietary Frame Rate Enhanced Driving technology, which uses single-source wiring in the AquoMotion 240 driving circuit, enabling wider aperture and thus very bright 3D images to be reproduced with low power consumption. Further clarifying the image is the newly developed LED backlight scanning technology, which helps to eliminate crosstalk.
Each model in the 925 Series includes 2 pairs of 3D glasses. These are the only glasses on the market that give viewers the option of watching the same content in 3D or 2D simultaneously, which can be adjusted using the 3D-2D conversion button on the glasses. Additional glasses are available for purchase (model# AN-3DG10-S).
Spacious Sound 3D offers 3 audio options, that can be adjusted to users' tastes, for watching movies, concerts and other 3D content.
The 925 Series integrates Sharp's AQUOS Net service, a free Web-based service that gives Sharp AQUOS customers access to personalized information. It also comes equipped with premium services including Netflix and VUDU streaming video. Through AQUOS Advantage Live, LE925 owners can have dedicated AQUOS Advantage advisors connect remotely to their TV to assist in adjusting the TV?s settings and optimizing picture quality.
The LE925 series also includes IP Control technology. Similar to the conventional RS-232C usage, the IP control feature enables a PC or Control Panel to control basic TV functions, video and audio equipment, and lighting via the Ethernet terminal. The IP Control technology is Control4 Certified and has been tested in Control4 Labs for interoperability with the Control4 platform.
Both models are sold with a USB WiFi adapter to facilitate quick access to streaming and other Web-based applications. A built-in USB media player and dual USB inputs enable immediate enjoyment of digital video, music and photos. In addition to conventional RS-232C connectivity, both models offer IP control, which enables a PC or universal control device to control basic TV functions via Ethernet terminals with both wired and wireless connection using a wireless LAN USB adapter.
The LE925 Series sports a contemporary design that complements the elegance of modern home theaters with 1.6-inch thin depth and full-front glass that extends to meet the borders. These models are also equipped with Sharp's OPC function, automatically adjusting the unit's brightness based on the lighting of the room.
Connectivity
- 4 HDMI with Instaport quick switching to avoid delay when switching between sources
- 1080p component video input
- RS-232C input for custom installations
- PC input so the TV serves a dual purpose as a PC monitor
- Ethernet jack for high-speed Internet and IP control
- 2 USB inputs for music/photos/video and WiFi connectivity
The LC-60LE925UN is currently available for an MSRP of $5,299.99. The LC-52LE925UN is currently available for an MSRP of $4,199.99.
BD-HP80U and BD-HP90U Blu-ray players
Sharp also today introduced two 3D network Blu-ray Disc (BD) players with full HD 3D 1080p/24 fps video output . In addition to Blu-ray 3D content, the BD-HP90U and BD-HP80U provide consumers access to content from a wide variety of sources, including Netflix, VUDU and Pandora from the Internet via Wireless LAN. Both models also play standard-definition DVDs and CDs, as well as DIVX HD, JPEG and MP3 files.
When paired with a Sharp AQUOS Quattron 3D LCD TV, the BD-HP90U and BD-HP80U enable consumers to take advantage of additional performance features including AQUOS PURE Mode for "dot-by-dot" delivery of 1080p content and AQUOS LINK function for interoperability between TV and Blu-ray Disc player via a simple one cable HDMI connection. In addition, HDMI up-scaling even improves the picture and sound quality of standard definition DVDs by optimizing playback signals to 1080p.
Both models enable consumers to take advantage of the latest surround sound formats such as Dolby TrueHD, with lossless 7.1 channel audio reproduction that is bit-for-bit the equivalent of the master recordings.
Wireless LAN compatibility also enables BD-Live access to real-time content from the Internet.
The BD-HP90U and BD-HP80U have 75mm VESA mounting patterns for flexible installation. The BD-HP90U can also operate horizontally or vertically (with a supplied stand) and has a RS232 port control so it can be operated by universal remote control systems.
The BD-HP90U and BD-HP80U will be available in September for MSRPs of $499.99 and $429.99, respectively.
XV-Z17000 3D ready HD DLP projector
Sharp introduced its first 3D ready high-definition DLP theater projector for the consumer market. The XV-Z17000 has a full-HD panel (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a 30000:1 contrast ratio and an image brightness of 1600 Lumens. The model is 3D projection compatible via "IR Link" and "DLP Link" and is sold with 2 pairs of 3D active shutter glasses.
The XV-Z17000 features DLP technology and offers extensive connectivity with 2 HDMI inputs (HDMI 1.4 3D over HDMI), as well as computer/component (mini D-sub 15 pin), component (3 RCA), S-Video and video (RCA) inputs. Low fan noise of 23dB (Eco+Quiet: on), reduces distraction while watching movies, sporting events and programming of any kind.
The XV-Z17000 features vertical and horizontal Keystone Correction, which corrects spherical and trapezoidal distortion of an image on a flat screen. Image Shift Function vertically shifts images projected in a 16 x 9 format to maintain superior images without distortion in limited spaces.
The XV-Z17000 integrates Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) functionality for One Touch Play, System Standby and other convenience features. An RS-232C port enables the projector to be operated via universal control systems. This model also offers several features for energy savings, including low standby power consumption and expanded lamp life when operated in eco mode.
The life of the 250-watt projection lamp is projected at 3,000 hours (Eco+Quiet: on) at a rated voltage of AC 100 ~ 240V, which may vary based on usage condition.
A flexible design with sliding cover protects the projector lens. The XV-Z17000's anti-theft features include a Kensington security standard connector and security bar. The projector incurs lower maintenance costs due to its sealed DLP chip and filter-free design.
The XV-Z17000 will be available in Q1 2011 at a Manufacturer's Suggested List Price (MSLP) TBD.