Sharp announced two new AQUOS Blu-ray players at the CES show in Las Vegas.
According to the statement, the Netflix-ready BD-HP70U and BD-HP24U combine Deep Color, enhanced audio decoding and connectivity with an easy to use interface as well as deliver full HD 1920 x 1080p video resolution at 24 frames per second over HDMI, along with lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The BD-HP70U will be available in Q2 2010 for $499.99 and the BD-HP24U in Q1 2010 for $279.99
For more information visit: www.sharpusa.com
Unedited press release follows
SHARP UPGRADES AQUOS BLU-RAY PLAYER LINEUP WITH STREAMING VIDEO CAPABILITY AND ADVANCED AUDIO PERFORMANCE FEATURES
• Versatile Ethernet Connection Enables Netflix® Access, BD-Live and RSS Feeds
• Enhanced Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream output
• Wireless LAN Ready on BD-HP70U
• Complete anti-vibration design and center loading tray on BD-HP70U
• Compliant with Energy Star®
LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2010 – Sharp today launched two new state-of-the-art AQUOS Blu-ray players that set new price/performance benchmarks for the industry. The Netflix®-ready BD-HP70U and BD-HP24U combine Deep Color™, enhanced audio decoding and connectivity with an easy to use interface, providing a cutting-edge home theater experience. The new players deliver Full HD 1920 x 1080p video resolution at 24 frames per second over HDMI, along with lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for the highest quality surround-sound reproduction. When paired with an AQUOS HDTV Liquid Crystal television, consumers can enjoy the latest Blu-ray Disc® titles, as well as standard-definition DVDs, in the highest resolution available.
Setting a new standard for energy efficiency, the BD-HP70U and BD-HP24U offer a target use of just 14 watts of power in operating mode and 0.4-watt in standby. The new players are compliant with the latest Energy Star standards.
“These Blu-ray introductions offer consumers top-of-the-line entertainment systems that not only produce a first-rate picture but offer truly remarkable sound capabilities,” said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “And we’ve demonstrated that you can still get cutting-edge audio and video performance while upholding our commitment to the environment.”
Sharp has maximized the value of the Ethernet port on both Blu-ray models, enabling interactive features of Blu-ray Discs via BD-Live, along with direct access to Netflix for instant streaming of movies. In addition, the new models deliver RSS feeds, allowing consumers to experience Sharp Product news directly on their LCD display.
BD-HP70U
The flagship BD-HP70U combines high-end audio and video performance with a palette of convenience features that takes the Blu-ray experience to the next level. In addition to the Ethernet port for RSS feeds, BonusView / BD-Live content and Netflix on-demand movies, the BD-HP70U is wireless ready with a second USB port making the BD-HP70U model wireless LAN ready. The player is also custom install-ready, with an included RS-232C port for management by external control systems. A reinforced cabinet design with a center-loading BD drive reduces vibration that can lead to errors in laser tracking. The rigid chassis frame construction, combined with a dual-shield metal top cover, reduces the amount of vibration to the Blu-ray drive, enabling a stable picture and improved operation. A grounded AC power cord is included for stable power which is essential for proper operation of audio system to prevent ground loop conditions which can create noise.
The BD-HP70U builds on Sharp’s solid Blu-ray foundation with a palette of audio features designed to appeal to discriminating music lovers and video enthusiasts. Additionally, Sharp engineers used high-quality components to ensure purity in the audio and video output, including a grounded high-grade power supply along with high-grade capacitors and gold-terminals.
The BD-HP70U also includes the cutting-edge features found in the new BD-HP24U Blu-ray player.
BD-HP24U
The BD-HP24U Blu-ray player gives users the optimum high-definition video and audio experience when paired with a Sharp AQUOS Full HD LCD TV. Using the AQUOS PURE MODE found in all current-generation Sharp Blu-ray players, the BD-HP24U recognizes the connection to an AQUOS TV and automatically optimizes the picture quality. As a result, images can be viewed in their true form with every detail intact. To further improve the image quality, the BD-HP24U incorporates Deep Color, which extends the maximum number of colors for each color component, reducing and in some cases eliminating color component artifacts.
Next-generation lossless audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio deliver the most advanced multi-channel audio available. The player also outputs Dolby Digital Plus for up to 7.1 channels of theater-quality sound for appropriately equipped receivers.
The slimline Sharp Blu-ray players are finished in piano black to mirror the elegant look of an AQUOS LCD TV. The blue media circle on the front illuminates to indicate the status of the player. Both models are compatible with a wide range of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R and audio CDs, as well as MP3 playback and a JPEG viewer to enjoy photos in slide-show format. Consumers can also play back high-definition digital camcorder video files with AVCHD*.
Pricing and Availability
The BD-HP70U will be available in Q2 2010 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $499.99
The BD-HP24U will be available in Q1 2010 for an MSRP of $279.99
For more information on Sharp’s full line of home theater products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07495-1163, or call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp’s Web site at sharpusa.com. Become a fan of Sharp AQUOS at www.facebook.com/SharpAQUOS and follow us on Twitter @Sharp_USA.