Sharp rolls out LED-backlit LCD TVs

Sharp Electronics will show off a new line of Aquous LED backlit LCD TVs, in the Japanese company’s latest effort to offer TVs with higher brightness and contrast levels.

Using technology based on its UltraBrilliant LED backlight technology, the new Aquous LED System will offer both high brightness and contract levels alongside uniform colors over the entire screen.  Sharp says using LEDs helps provide “more uniform colors and brightness,” along with “improved color purity.”

Sharp will have several models available, including a premier 52-inch model that will ship with an MSRP of $2,799, though it is expected to be available for a lower price.  The company also will ship a 46-in. model for $2,199.99; 40-inch screen for $1,699.99; and a 32-in. model for $1,099.99.

Power consumption of the new line wasn’t released by Sharp, but the electronics maker said it will be lower than other LCD TVs available on the market right now.  Furthermore, LED shelf-life is an estimated 100,000 hours, which is about two thirds higher than regular LCD TVs.

Each TV, excluding the 32-in. model, will have Sharp’s Aquos Net — Internet-based service — offering TV owners the ability to receive weather updates, a stock ticker, games, and other interactive features.  It doesn’t seem as appealing as some other Internet-based services, but it’s a step in the right direction for consumers looking to expand away from simply watching TV.

The announcement also coincides with a recent statement from Sharp noting that the company plans to increase LCD panel production capacity at least 10 percent at one of its manufacturing plants in Japan.  The company has seen a growing global demand for LCDs, and must now end previous cutback procedures.