Sharp this week started shipping the two higher tiers of its 2012 Aquos TVs. Both the 7-series and 8-series both revolve around SmartCentral, a new UI intended to make Internet features more accessible, including both quick access to favorites and a filtered system that makes it easier to find Internet music, video, game, and social sources such as Netflix and Skype.
Sharp took advantage of its rights to Pioneer's Elite name by launching its own range of Elite TVs. Now using LCDs, the 60-inch Pro-60X5FD and 70-inch Pro-70X5FD both have a unique scanning backlight effect that goes beyond 240Hz; the company claims an equivalent to about 720Hz. Both have an Intelligent Variable Contrast system that purportedly goes beyond usual dynamic contrast to tune the brightness and the backlight for maximum effect.
Sharp this week has showed off the largest LCD HDTV on the market with the 70-inch LC-70LE732U. The company was quick to point out the set is 62 percent larger than 55-inch TVs, and it offers the company's signature Quattron four-color pixels with yellow to improve some scenes. It centers on a 120Hz, LED-backlit panel with a native 1080p output.
Sharp has added a new range to its Aquos Quattron HDTVs with the LE830. It includes 60-, 52-, 46- and 40-inch models, each with integrated Wi-Fi and access to CinemaNow, Netflix and Vudu services. All are also DLNA certified for streaming content from home networks.
Sharp has announced that it will license Pioneer’s Elite brand for use on its new line of high-end Quattron LCD TVs to be introduced in North America this year. The Twice.com report states that Sharp hopes to enter the high-end specialty AV dealerships, boosting its distribution. Pioneer also feels that the partnership could help boost the sales of its home theater product line as each line will complement the other.
Among other debuts, Sharp brought a production-ready 70-inch Quattron-series LED TV to CES this year. It uses Sharp's own Quad Pixel technology that adds yellow to the red, green and blue color gamut. The LC-70LE732U is the largest in the series thus far, outdoing the previous 60-inch flagship.
Sharp has shown off its first 3D TV based on its Quattron technology (formerly QuadPixel) that adds yellow to the regular red, green and blue colors used in traditional TV sets. The fourth color is said to increase brightness by 1.8 times compared to traditional sets while expanding the color gamut of the sets and rendering more realistic colors. The 60-inch set will require active shutter glasses to view 3D images, like other rivals.
