Sharp rolls out AQUOS P hybrid LCDs

Sharp today introduced a completely new line of LCDs designed equally for computers and TV watching. The AQUOS P series is designed as much to sit on a desk as in a living room and is one of the first HDTV lineups to offer full 1080p video at small sizes; the 22-, 26-, and 32-inch sets all display up to 1920x1080 using either DVI, VGA, or one of the two available HDMI inputs. An integrated digital TV tuner and two 5-watt speakers allow the sets to operate independently of any outside device but can be used with a picture-in-picture mode to let users run a computer while keeping track of a TV show.

While input and resolution remain the same for each LCD, contrast ratios vary between 1,200:1 for the 22-inch display and 2,000:1 for the top 32-inch model. Sharp is initially releasing the AQUOS P in Japan with the country's proprietary D5 video input as well as support for HDCP-encrypted videos through DVI and HDMI. Pricing will be open on the market when the displays ship on November 22nd. Releases outside of Japan are unknown but would require changing or removing both the D5 input and the TV standards supported by the built-in tuner. [via Impress]