At a hot press event (no really, it was warm in there!) in New York City earlier this month, Sharp unveiled upcoming models in their AQUOS line of LCD TVs.  As is all the rage these days, the new sets in the LE700 series will feature LED backlighting for a bright detailed picture with lower power consumption than traditional CCFL-based LCD televisions.

But unlike Samsung who recently introduced edge-lit LED/LCD models which have the advantage of being super-slim, Sharp has chosen to use "full array" LED backlighting to illuminate the LCD image.  Sharp says this offers the advantage of a brighter picture and superior uniformity of the light source.  Sharp claims that these sets will have up to 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratios, though exactly which tool they're using to measure this number, I have no idea (hint - it doesn't exist).  To be fair, Panasonic and Samsung also use made up dynamic contrast numbers in their specs so we can't blame Sharp's marketing team for joining in the fun. 

One would think Sharp is achieving these impressive specs by using local dimming - a technology that allows the set to illuminate and extinguish the backlighting in specific areas of the screen, allowing very bright areas of picture to co-exist with very dark ones.  But this is not the case.  Sharp says the improvements in contrast ratio have been made solely by enhancing the LCD panel's ability to block and transmit light, as needed, on a pixel by pixel basis.  As for local dimming, Sharp execs say they plan to offer this technology as well, but probably not this year. 

As for these first generation AQUOS LED models, they will be available in sizes from 32 inches to 52 inches and all are expected to begin shipping this month (July, 2009).   

Sharp AQUOS LED Model Details and MSRP:

• 52-inch LC-52LE700UN ($2,799.99)
• 46-inch LC-46LE700UN ($2,199.99)
• 40-inch LC-40LE700UN ($1,699.99)
• 32-inch LC-32LE700UN ($1,099.99)

Nothing But 'Net

Models 40 inches and above in the LE700 series will feature AQUOS Net - Sharp's internet information portal.  Currently available through AQUOS Net is content from Weatherbug (weather forecasts), NASDAQ (stock quotes), Accedo Broadband (casual gaming), UCLICK (comic strips), NAVTEQ (traffic), and AQUOS Gallery (high def photo slideshows).  Unlike competitive sets from Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and LG, Sharp's internet content capabilities do not yet extend to full motion video (e.g., Netflix online streaming on YouTube).  For now it's still images and text only.

AQUOS Net also allows Sharp service techs to connect remotely to a customer's TV to assist in adjusting the TV's settings and optimizing picture quality for the best viewing experience. This interactive tool, known as AQUOS Advantage Live, is accessible from the AQUOS Net home page.

Connections 'R Us

These Full HD 1080p models offer a generous collection of inputs, including four HDMI (v1.3 with Deep Color support) and two component video inputs, all of which are 1080p compatible.  Each model also includes built-in ATSC, QAM and even analog NTSC tuners for access to local DTV and analog TV channels as well as unencrypted digital cable broadcasts (requires cable subscription). The LE700 series also features an RS-232C input for custom installations and a PC input for use as a PC monitor.

More Information:

• www.sharpusa.com
• www.facebook.com/SharpAQUOS (become a fan!)

Buy the LE700 Series on Amazon.com:

• 32-inch LC-32LE700UN
• 40-inch LC-40LE700UN
• 46-inch LC-46LE700UN
• 52-inch LC-52LE700UN