Sharp introduces its new line of Widescreen AQUOS® LCD TVs with top-of-the-line picture quality and sleek new designs. The Widescreen format allows movies to be seen in the aspect ratio originally intended by the director. Since Widescreen 16:9 is the aspect ratio of HDTV programming, it will become the format of choice as the HDTV rollout continues.
Sharp AQUOS A-series LCD HDTV made up of the 40-inch LC-40AE6, 46-inch LC-46AE6 and 52-inch LC-52AE6. All share the same 1920×1080 resolution 120Hz speed panels, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio and 450cd/m2 brightness rating while being very energy-efficient. According to Sharp, the 52-inch set uses 175kW/h over the course of a year, while the 46-inch will use up 145kW/h and the 40-inch model 120kW/h.
These numbers are achieved by an automatic backlight adjustment feature that changes according to ambient light levels. An auto power-off function is also built-in.
The three sets also have the same three HDMI inputs in common, as well as a pair of D4 ports, S-video connection and three composite inputs. There is also a VGA input and a monitor output, as well as an optical audio input. Both digital and terrestrial tuners are integrated into each set as well.
When the 40-inch HDTV launches in Japan on April 10th, it is expected to cost the equivalent of approximately $2,070, while the $2,690 46-inch set and $4,030 52-inch model are due for release on May 15th.
