Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Tough luck, Mitsubishi and Funai. Big talk is all fine and dandy, but in our world, it’s the results that count. Say hello to Sharp’s AQUOS DX family, the world’s first range of LCD HDTVs to boast internal Blu-ray players. Slated to hit in 26- (LC-26DX1), 32- (LC-32DX1), 37- (LC-37DX1), 42- (LC-42DX1), 46- (LC-46DX1) and 52-inch (LC-52DX1) sizes, the whole lot will come equipped with an integrated HDTV tuner, bottom-mounted speaker and the ability to handle BD flicks sans an external deck. Of note, only the 37-inch through 52-inch sets offer Full HD 1080p resolutions (1,920 x 1,080), as the other two get stuck with “just” 1,366 x 768. Best of all, those in Japan will barely have to wait a month to see these in shops, as the entire crew is destined to ship in late November (in black and white motifs) for around ¥200,000 ($1,963) to ¥500,000 ($4,909) depending on size. As for the rest of the globe? Put on your patience caps.

[Via Impress]

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

We’ve seen some fairly fascinating things at CEATEC this year, but this one could be the biggest game-changer of ‘em all, if you’ll allow us just one buzzword. The LED-backlit 52-incher you see above comes attached to a not-at-all convenient solar floor panel which presumably provides at least some of the energy required to power this thing. We’ve no clue how close the design is to being viable for the commercial realm, but we’d say Sharp’s definitely headed in the right direction here.

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Here it is, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Pricing for Sharp’s sexiest, freshest and altogether loveliest HDTVs has arrived. As stated at CEATEC in Japan, the 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S will sell for a whopping ¥1.28 million ($12,225), while the 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S goes for ¥980,000 ($9,243). We’d expect those figures to be a touch lower whenever they come stateside, but rest assured, you’ll be breaking into the piggy bank if either of these is to be your next set.

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Filed under: Cellphones

Japan is drenched in arcades with female-only purikura (photo booth for you gaijin) corners in which aflutter girls take pictures, bless them with sparkly decorations, and print them to book cover friendly stickers for all to see, for better or worse, to the horror of their moms, to the delight of their potential boyfriends. Let’s say Sharp was to take the purikura phenomenon and fuse it with to the teenage girl’s number one obsession: the cell phone (keitai for our Japanese readers). That’s exactly what it did with this concept phone and software, complete with a shared art space that can be collectively decorated over wireless networks. Scary? Perhaps. Cool enough to snap some video in awesome disbelief? Most definitely.

Continue reading Sharp’s tegakichat concept phone brings the purikura booth to girls’ pockets

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Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment

While we knew these new Sharp Aquos HDTVs were coming, we had no idea how thin and bright they were in person. Today at CEATEC 2008 Sharp officially announced its LC-65XS1U-S (65-inch) and LC-52XS1U-S (52-inch) AQUOS LCD HDTVs right at CEATEC Japan’s opening bell. The displays’ 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 1080P panel are nice and all, but we now know they measure in at a super gaunt 2.28-cm (0.9-inch) depth and are outfitted with a 2.1-channel, three-way five-speaker system that Sharp jointly developed with Pioneer. Meanwhile, Sharp boasts some serious energy savings with the new displays, promising a 26% reduction in power consumption. Expect them to hit stores in Japan October 15 in limited numbers for an undisclosed (read: ’spensive) price. Check the emaciated photos in the gallery if you’re so inclined.

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Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation

In Japan, the hand can be used like a knife. Now, in another Japanese world’s first (according to Nissan), you can use your mobile phone to open and start your car thanks to a new twist-up of Nissan Motors, NTT DoCoMo, and Sharp. The Sharp prototype cellphone pictured above integrates with Nissan’s Intelligent Key system already fitted in various Nissan vehicles. Look for the device to be demonstrated on September 30th with the opening of the CEATEC Japan show. Hiiiiya!

[Thanks, Stop Spamming]

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Earlier this year, we saw Sharp dish out more internet-ready LCD HDTVs than we could shake a stick at. Now, the outfit is catering to those clamoring for a GX5 model larger than 52-inches. The expansive 65-inch AQUOS LC-65GX5 steps in with a 1080p panel, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 450 cd/m2 brightness, ARSS speaker system, 176-degree viewing angles, built-in analog / digital terrestrial tuners and a whole mess of ports including HDMI (x3), optical audio, i.LINK, composite, S-Video and DVI. As expected, the set is DLNA-compliant, and there’s a built-in IR port for anyone that still cares. Expect it next month (at least in Japan) for ¥680,000 ($6,450).

[Via Impress]

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Filed under: Handhelds

Not quite sure what happened of late, but extra long lasting batteries are all the rage now. With netbook manufacturers offering up extended cells left and right, it’s only fair that Sharp toss out a Willcom D4 with a super longevous battery, too. The Willcom D4 Ver.L (L stands for Long, loony) reportedly arrives with a lovely CE-BL58 extended battery as a standard accessory, and while the resource-demanding Office application isn’t included, that helps keep the price at ¥97,700 ($901). A fair trade for the hardcore traveler, we suppose.

[Via Pocketables]

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

The whole Profile 1.0 thing kind of put a damper on Sharp’s latest Blu-ray players, but since they were showcased at the company’s CEDIA booth, we figured it prudent to take a few snapshots and pass ‘em along. Design wise, the two are exceptionally similar, and we can’t say with good faith that the HP50U is really worth the extra coin. Hit the gallery over at Engadget HD and see if you can pick the two apart… and, go!

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Haven’t had your fill of Sharp LCD HDTVs yet? Fret not, as said outfit is taking the wraps off of two more families at the Colorado Convention Center. The D65U / D85U LCD HDTVs all pack 1080p panels and range between 42- and 52-inches in size. The D65U line comes with five HDMI inputs, a six-millisecond response time, 176-degree viewing angles and a dedicated PC input to boot. The D85U steps it up by offering 120Hz Frame Rate Conversion and a four-millisecond response time. The sets will be in stores this fall (think October / November) for $1,599.99 and up. Per usual, the full releases are waiting after the break.

Continue reading AQUOS D65U / D85U LCD HDTVs get uncovered at CEDIA

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Shortly after Sony pumped out a funky fresh new boombox of its own, along comes Sharp with a stable of its own. The outfit has just unveiled the CD-DK890N and CD-DK891N sound systems, both of which feature iPod compatibility (via an integrated dock), 250-watts of amplification, AM / FM tuners, a five-disc CD changer and X Bass for a little extra bottom end. It’s also introducing the 600-watt CD-G14000, the much more minuscule CD-MPX880 and the XL-DK257N / XL-DK227N micro-audio systems. The whole lot is available now with prices ranging from $139.99 o $329.99, and yep, the full release is after the jump.

Continue reading Sharp debuts all new line of boomboxes at CEDIA

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Though making a limited run of LCD HDTVs seems like a curious choice, Sharp is unleashing two of ‘em (again) today in Denver. The 52-inch LC-52XS1U-S and 65-inch LC-65XS1U-S both sport newly-developed 10-bit Advanced Super View (ASV) LCD panels and feature native 1080p resolutions, AQUOS Net capabilities, an RGB-LED backlight system and a dynamic contrast ratio of over 1,000,000:1. You’ll also find a super thin integrated sound system powered by a 1-bit digital amplifier, and the entire set is just one-inch thick at its thinnest part. Of note, these units come bundled with a separate AVC system set-top-box for handling inputs, though WHDI was unfortunately left out. Catch the pair this October for currently undisclosed prices, and peep the full release just after the cut.

Continue reading Limited Edition LC-52XS1U-S / LC-65XS1U-S AQUOS LCD HDTVs loosed by Sharp

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

Continue reading Sharp sticks with Profile 1.1 on AQUOS BD-HP50U Blu-ray deck

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Filed under: Home Entertainment

If you’ve seen the BD-HP21H Blu-ray player, you’ve seen the BD-HP21U. Sharp is presumably getting official with the US version of said player here at CEDIA, and while the price tag is comparatively nice, the specifications are so last year. We’re talking Profile 1.1, AQUOS LINK, a Quick Start feature to get flicks rolling in under ten seconds and an HDMI 1.3 output. Granted, the glossy black player is mighty thin, but it’s still overpriced at $349.99 in our opinion. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Sharp rolls out AQUOS BD-HP21U Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player

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Filed under: Handhelds

By now, you’ve surely realized that the Sharp-branded Willcom D4 is far from being the perfect handheld, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t be lusting over a few internal shots. Thankfully, one fearless owner decided to tear the MID down for our viewing pleasure (and to install a larger 1.8-inch HDD, but that’s beside the point), and everything you’ve hoped and dreamed of seeing is just one click away. Okay, so it’s not that dramatic, but it’s still worth a peek.

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Filed under: Handhelds

Jenn from Pocketables has gotten her hands on the diminutive Willcom D4 and given it an ultra-thorough review — and we’ve got the details. While she praises the general speed of the device, screen resolution and brightness, and comfort of holding the D4, her reactions to the touchpad and keyboard are less than enthusiastic. Adding insult to apparent injury, it seems that the battery life leaves quite a bit to be desired (unless you’re employing the extended battery pack), the video playback is choppy with most codecs, and the non-standard headphone jack is deeply, deeply annoying. The conclusion? Willcom’s miniature needs “Help to achieve its potential,” which is probably not what most potential buyers of the $1500 device want to hear. Of course, you should explore the whole review — and its handsome photos — so hit the read link for more.

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Filed under: Displays, HDTV, Home Entertainment

Oh sure, Sharp’s doing the whole OLED thing because of societal pressures, but it’s no secret where its passion lies. The outfit best known for its AQUOS brand has just introduced a trio of newcomers aimed at those looking for an “entry-level” HDTV: the 42-inch LC-42SB45U, 46-inch LC-46SB54U and the 52-inch LC-52SB55U. Each of the LCD HDTVs boast a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution panel, glossy piano-black finish, a pair of component jacks, a dedicated PC input and built-in NTSC / ATSC / ClearQAM tuners to boot. As for HDMI sockets, you’ll find four on the big fellow, two on the 46-incher and three on the “little guy.” The pain? Try $2,299.99 for the LC-52SB55U (available now), $1,699.99 for the LC-46SB54U (also ready to snatch right away) and $1,399.99 for the September-bound LC-42SB45U.

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Filed under: Cellphones

After all the buffoonery over what exactly T-Mobile intended to call its newest entry-level Danger device, they’ve ultimately decided to just go back to basics, drop the acronyms, and christen it simply “Sidekick.” Make no mistake, though — this little puppy is a far cry from your daddy’s Hiptop launched way back in 2002, thanks to a 400 x 240 WQVGA display, 2 megapixel camera with video recording capability, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and a microSD slot. Though it’s being billed as the iD’s spiritual successor, the Sidekick comes dangerously close to LX territory, so it should see some solid movement at the $149.99 asking price on a two-year contract. What’s more, the Sidekick becomes Danger’s first device with user-customizable shells, available directly from sidekickshells.com for $14.99 a pop (we’ve got both a really bad and a really frickin’ great feeling about the ridiculous sorts of designs people are going to be coming up with there). The whole shebang goes on sale starting today. ‘Course, if you can’t get out to a well-stocked T-Mobile store for the next few hours, be sure to check out our quick impressions and gallery on Engadget Mobile, yeah?

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Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless

Be still, our hearts! After watching the wireless HD / HDMI sector fumble along for years on end, a team of mega-corps have finally agreed to push their self-interests aside and collaborate on a standard. WHDI creator AMIMON has joined forces with Motorola, Samsung, Sony and Sharp in order to form “a special interest group to develop a comprehensive new industry standard for multi-room audio, video and control connectivity” utilizing the aforementioned Wireless Home Digital Interface technology. Reportedly, the group will have a standard completed before 2009 dawns, but we all know how easily these things can get pushed under the rug. Nevertheless, the overriding goal here is to “enhance the current WHDI technology to enable wireless streaming of uncompressed HD video and audio between CE devices such as LCD and plasma HDTVs, multimedia projectors, AV receivers, DVD and BD players, set-top-boxes, game consoles and PCs.” A tall order, sure, but one we’re elated to see taken on. Full release after the break.

Continue reading AMIMON, Motorola, Sony, et al. join hands on wireless HD standard

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Filed under: Handhelds

Okay, so maybe there are more than just four lost souls who are jonesing for Willcom’s D4 MID, and if you’re waving your hands frantically in a futile attempt to express your love for said device, you can reportedly expect to see one headed your way soon. For everyone else who has yet to make up their mind, head on past the break for an unboxing video that’s sure to sway your decision meter one way or the other.

[Via Wow-Pow]

Continue reading Willcom D4 MID gets unboxed, all four pre-orders ship out

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