Sharp Highlights New Product Innovations

Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC) will highlight innovations across the breadth of its consumer electronics product categories and new devices for mobile communications and home office/small office productivity at a dealer conference this week in San Diego. SEC is the U.S.-based sales and marketing subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan.

2002 marks the 90th anniversary of Sharp Corporation and the 40th anniversary of SEC. Sharp's decades-long commitment to one-of-a-kind products with lifestyle enhancing consumer benefits is evident in the array of products that will be previewed for retailers throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Sharp's global leadership in Liquid Crystal Display technology is prominent in the range of products to be shown, including the further expansion of its industry-leading AQUOS line of Liquid Crystal Televisions.

During the past 15 months, Sharp has effectively elevated and enhanced its brand image with the introduction of AQUOS and other "high-tech/high-style" products and the "be sharp" advertising campaign. The theme of the conference, "Reaching New Heights," will reinforce Sharp's continued commitment to introduce leading-edge products with distinct consumer benefits while building stronger partnerships with retailers.

"Sharp will devote more resources to expanding our international business with the U.S. as a key priority," said Mr. Buheita Fujiwara, Corporate Senior Executive Director and General Manager of Sharp Corp.'s International Business Group. "Strategies are in place to better utilize Sharp's core technologies in a wider array of value-added products in the U.S. and throughout the region. As the basis for incremental revenue growth and brand enhancement, we are entering new business segments in the U.S., such as solar energy, where Sharp has a leadership position in Japan and globally," he said.

"Building credibility and excitement for the brand begins at the retail level," said Bob Scaglione, vice president of marketing for SEC's Consumer Electronics Group. "We will create an environment at this conference where retailers and the press can see, hear and touch Sharp's complete lineup of new products."

SEC will highlight the following consumer electronics products, in addition to others, at the 2002 Dealer Conference.

AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television
* New Sharp 4:3 AQUOS "E-series" models (models LC-13E1U, LC-15E1U and LC-20E1U). The AQUOS E-series features a sleek and minimalist style, ideal for wall installations, with speakers on the bottom of the TV, and a body that is significantly narrower than other AQUOS models. It also includes a removable easel-style table stand. Boasting new color availability, including black, silver and white models, the AQUOS fits seamlessly into any decor. All models use Advanced Super View panels featuring Sharp's proprietary Ultra-High Aperture TFT. The 20-inch models, LC-20E1U (silver), LC-20E1UB (black) and LC-20E1UW (white), will be available this month for an MSRP of $2,299.95. The 13-inch models, LC-13E1U (silver), LC-13E1UB (black) and LC-13E1UW (white), will be available in September for an MSRP of $1,199.95 and the 15-inch models, LC-15E1U (silver), LC-15E1UB (black) and LC-15E1UW (white), will be available in September for an MSRP of $1,499.95.

* New Sharp 4:3 AQUOS "C-series" models (models LC-13C3U, LC-15C3U and LC-20C3U). The C-series features an eye-catching design with speakers and a subwoofer on the bottom of the unit to deliver 2.1 channel, bass-rich audio. All models use Advanced Super View panels featuring Sharp's proprietary Ultra-High Aperture TFT. The 20-inch model, LC-20C3U (silver), will be available in November for an MSRP of $2,299.95. The 13-inch model, LC-13C3U (silver), will be available in December for an MSRP of $1,199.95. The 15-inch model, LC-15C3U (silver), will be available in December for an MSRP of $1,499.95.

* AQUOS with PC Card Slot technology (models LC-15B1U and LC-20B1U). A built-in PCMCIA card slot, compatible with virtually any removable media card, enables the viewing of digital photographs on these AQUOS Liquid Crystal TV models. The photos can then be viewed individually, as a slide show, or in index view to display nine pictures at once, without connection to a PC. The LC-15B1U and LC-20B1U are available for an MSRP of $1,699.95 and $2,699.95, respectively.

* AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions in 13-, 15- and 20-inch screen sizes (models LC-13B2UA/B, LC-15B2UA/B and LC-20B2UA/B). The original AQUOS models (B2U series) are now available in black in addition to silver. The AQUOS TVs feature Advanced Super View panels with Sharp's proprietary Ultra-High Aperture TFT for extremely wide (170 degree) viewing angles, a high contrast ratio (500:1), Black TFT coating for reduced glare, and a sleek, stylish design. The LC-13B2UA (silver) and LC-13B2UB (black) models are available for an MSRP of $1,199.95. The LC-15B2UA/B models are available for an MSRP of $1,499.95 and the LC-20B2UA/B models are available for an MSRP of $2,299.95.

* 16:9 widescreen AQUOS Liquid Crystal Televisions in 22- and 30-inch screen sizes (models LC-22SV2U and LC-30HV2U). The LC-22SV2U and LC-30HV2U are the first widescreen models from Sharp's AQUOS Liquid Crystal Television line. The 22-inch model (WVGA display resolution) has an Advanced Super View panel with Sharp's proprietary Ultra-High Aperture TFT and Black TFT coating for reduced glare. The 30-inch AQUOS is HDTV-compatible (WXGA display resolution), including a separate Audio Video Computer (AVC) system with component video and computer (PC) input/outputs. The LC-22SV2U will be available in September for an MSRP of $3,499.95 and the LC-30HV2U is currently available for an MSRP of $7,999.95.

SharpVision High Definition Plasma Display Televisions
* 50- and 43-inch High Definition Plasma Televisions (models PZ-50HV2U and PZ-43HV2U). These models offer the excitement of HDTV-capability, widescreen viewing (16:9 aspect ratio), high brightness, and an unprecedented contrast ratio at 830:1. In addition, a separate AVC system with component video and computer (PC) input/outputs, as well as two NTSC TV tuners, is included to maximize performance and minimize cable clutter. Model PZ-50HV2U is available for an MSRP of $13,999.95, and PZ-43HV2U is available for an MSRP of $9,999.95.

1-Bit Digital Audio
* 1-Bit Personal Audio Systems (models SD-EX111, SD-EX100 and SD-EX101). For the first time ever, Sharp's revolutionary 1-Bit digital audio technology is available in compact, consumer-priced personal audio systems. Utilizing a 1-Bit digital amplifier for faithful and crisp sound reproduction that's almost indistinguishable from the original source, the SD-EX111/100/101 are ideal for those that appreciate high resolution sound in the home or office. These stylish systems also boast a chic, half-mirror finish and are available with speakers (SD-EX100 & SD-EX101) or without for audio enthusiasts who prefer to choose their own components (SD-EX111). All three units are available for an MSRP of $499.95.

* 1-Bit Home Theater-in-a-Box System (model SD-AT50). Combining digital surround sound with a slim, sophisticated look, Sharp's new all-digital personal home theater system is the first high-speed multi-channel 1-Bit digital amplifier system available for under $800. Delivering crystal clear audio and video, the SD-AT50 is an ideal solution for demanding home theater enthusiasts looking for an elegant audio system that can achieve superior performance and sound quality in a stylish and sleek design. The SD-AT50 will be available in October for an MSRP of $799.95.

SharpVision DLP Front Projection
* Sharp Theago Personal Home Theater (model DT-200). The Sharp Theago Personal Home Theater is ideal for consumers new to home theater products. It comes equipped with a short-throw lens and a lens shift feature with a 1.2x zoom, making home theater projection possible even in smaller rooms or outdoors. Weighing just over seven and a half pounds, the Sharp Theago can easily be moved from room to room. It delivers brilliant clarity and features an extremely high contrast ratio of 1200:1, high brightness at 600 ANSI Lumen, and 2D keystone correction, enabling the user to position the projector almost anywhere without picture distortion. The Sharp Theago is also available with an optional table stand and pop-up screen or can be mounted with an optional ceiling mount adapter, for an instant and ultimate home theater set-up right out of the box. The Sharp Theago will be available in October for an MSRP of $3,999.95.

* SharpVision 4:3 DLP front projector (model XV-Z90U). SharpVision's newest 4:3 aspect ratio DLP front projector was designed for the discerning consumer who prefers a high-end, high-performance projector. It is outfitted with a 1.2x zoom long-throw lens, so the projection distance is suited for larger rooms. Boasting a .55-inch DLP chip, the XV-Z90U provides incredible clarity and depth of field, with 1200:1 contrast ratio and 800 x 600 resolution. It features high brightness at 600 ANSI Lumen with 2D keystone correction, enabling the user to position the projector almost anywhere without picture distortion. Optional ceiling mount, pop-up screen and table stand also available. The XV-Z90U will be available in October for an MSRP of $3,999.95.

Digital Viewcam Camcorders
* Megapixel Viewcam (model VL-MC500U). This new digital Viewcam camcorder is the first model to feature megapixel memory capture for high quality digital pictures and video. The new model has also been ergonomically designed to custom fit the user's hand. The VL-MC500U functions both as a full motion recorder and a digital camera. It comes equipped with a built-in flash, 8 MB multimedia card and a 270-degree rotating lens. The VL-MC500U will be available in September 2002 for an MSRP of $999.95.

Digital Still Cameras
* New Sharp megapixel digital still cameras (models VE-CG30U and VE-CG40U). Sharp is entering the digital still camera market with two new megapixel cameras featuring Sharp's CG Silicon Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. Both units are outfitted with a 1.5-inch high resolution color CG Silicon LCD screen and viewfinder, which will ensure a crisp preview to properly frame a photo. The VE-CG30U has a 3.3 megapixel CCD, while the VE-CG40U features a 4.2 megapixel CCD. Both models feature full manual and automatic options, and also have 3x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom, USB driver and interface, white balance control, image effects, and 16 MB SD card. The VE-CG30U will be available this month for an MSRP of $499.95. The VE-GC40U will be available in September for an MSRP of $599.95.

Appliance Products
* Air Purifiers (models FP-N25CX, FP-N40CX and FP-N60CX). Building on its global leadership position in home appliances, Sharp has entered the air purifier category with the introduction of an innovative air purification system. Based on Sharp's innovative Plasmacluster ion technology, the new air purification system is energy efficient, and the product can be easily situated in most any room of the home or office to improve air quality. Three models will be available in December for the following MSRPs: $329.95 for the FP-N25CX, $439.95 for the FP-N40CX and $649.95 for the FP-60CX.

* High Speed Oven (model R-90GC). Sharp's innovative High Speed Oven produces delicious results and cooks food up to five times faster than conventional cooking appliances. Pre-programmed to automatically cook more than 200 foods and recipes, the R-90GC is ideal for families looking to free up time for other activities and homeowners who are "on-the-go" yet want quality meals cooked quickly. The High Speed Oven's technology is as professional as its looks, with a 2,900-watt advanced hot-air circulation system that rapidly cooks food in significantly less time than standard ovens. The R-90GC is available now for an MSRP of $1,199.95.

* Over the Counter Microwave Ovens (models R-1200, R-1201, R-1210, R-1211). The innovative Over the Counter (OTC) line was originally developed as a new product category by Sharp in response to consumer demand for more flexible microwave oven solutions to help reclaim counter space. The OTC microwave ovens offer a new approach in kitchen design by enabling easy and affordable installation in previously hard-to-reach places, including corner cabinets, above islands, over food preparation areas and in nearly any wall cabinet in the kitchen. OTC microwaves also feature accent and task lighting, with Auto-Touch controls on the door at eye level. Models R-1200 (black) and R-1201 (white) are available now for an MSRP of $279.95. Sensor models R-1210 (black) and R-1211 (white) are available now for an MSRP of $299.95.

* Stainless Steel Sensor Microwave Ovens (models R-216FS, R-316FS, R-326FS, R-1754, R-1514, R-1874 and R-930CS/530ES/430CS). Sharp's stainless steel sensor line combines advanced, easy-to-use-technology with high-style and space-saving design. Emerging as a central cooking tool in contemporary kitchens, Sharp's stainless steel microwave ovens allow consumers to integrate the microwave with other stainless appliances, while the sensor technology automatically determines optimum cooking times and power levels by sensing the vapors foods emit as they cook. Sharp's stainless steel, sensor microwave ovens have been designed to meet the growing demand for sophisticated equipment in the home, as well as to fit into today's kitchen design trends.

This line includes: the R-216FS and R-316FS Carousel models, available in November at an MSRP of $89.95 and $109.95, respectively; the R-326FS Sensor Auto Touch model, available in January 2003 at an MSRP of $129.95; the R-1754 Touch Screen Over the Range model, available now at an MSRP of $599.95; the R-1874 Over the Range Convection model, available now at an MSRP of $729.95; the R-1514 Over the Range model, available now at an MSRP of $429.95; and the R-930CS/R-530ES/R-430CS countertop models, available now at an MSRP of $599.95 for the R-930CS, $329.95 for the R-530ES and $299.95 for the R-430CS.

* Light 'N Powerful Bagless Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner (model EC-T5180A). Sharp's upright vacuum cleaner features state-of-the-art cyclonic technology, making the vacuum versatile enough to clean both bare floors and deep carpets with equal efficiency, high-performance and power. This bagless model also features a unique clear blue canister and is substantially lighter (approximately 16 lbs.) and quieter than comparable vacuum cleaners, ensuring that consumers can clean their floors with ease. The EC-T5180A is available now for an MSRP of $299.95.

For more information on Sharp's full line of products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 or call 1-800-BE-SHARP. For SharpVision models, call 1-877-388-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.sharpusa.com/.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here