Big Picture Big Sound

Following their overseas announcement, Sharp has revealed their plans to bring their Full-HD 1080p "Limited Edition" LCD TVs stateside. Bringing together high style and a host of technical innovations, this new Limited Edition Series is aspirational, practically a collector's item. It will be available in both a 65-inch model (the LC-65XS1U-S) and a 52-inch (LC-52XS1U-S).

The new RGB-LED backlighting offers local dimming of specific areas of the screen depending upon the picture content, resulting in a claimed Dynamic Contrast Ratio of an astounding 1,000,000:1. The LCD provides deep blacks and a crisp image, with color reproduction rated at 150% of the HD standard. For a more natural, film-like picture, Fine Motion enhanced 120 Hz Frame Rate Conversion is onboard as well.

The LCD utilizes Sharp's 10-Bit Advanced Super View (ASV) panel that makes possible an ultra-thin profile, only an inch thick at its narrowest point. To help maintain those clean lines, a freestanding A/V box is supplied for all of the inputs/outputs, including five HDMI ports. This breakout box connects to the TV via HDMI, although someday it will likely be via an optional wireless link.

A technology-sharing alliance with Pioneer has yielded a thin, separate horizontal speaker bar which combines with Sharp's 1-Bit amplifier to deliver high-quality digital sound. The TV supports Sharp's AQUOS Net content delivery with new material just confirmed from NBC Universal. And such an emphasis is being placed on design that the renowned company Modia has been tapped to create custom, coordinated furniture for consumers who want to build a room around their LCD.

The Limited Edition TVs will be available in October, at price points to be determined.

More information: www.sharpusa.com