Sharp BD-HP21U and BD-HP50U

DENVER, September 3, 2008 – Sharp today bolsters its position in the Blu-ray market with the introduction of its new slim-profile AQUOS BD player, model BD-HP21U. By combining full digital 1080p video output with an AQUOS High-Definition (HD) Liquid Crystal Television, consumers can view the latest HD films in breathtaking high-definition quality. As the successor to the BD-HP20U, the BD-HP21U now supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, allowing users access to additional content from Blu-ray titles, including movie trailers, special subtitles/audio and games.

"Not only does the BD-HP21U allow users access to more interactive features than before, it also offers several features that contribute to a seamless movie-watching experience," said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president and group manager, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "With convenient functions such as AQUOS LINK' and Quick Start, users can truly immerse themselves in a cinematic experience without having to shuffle between remotes or wait for a disc to load."

AQUOS LINK' enables integrated and seamless operation between the Blu-ray disc player and AQUOS LCD TV. With a single remote, users can control HDMI-connected products in conjunction with their AQUOS TV, eliminating the clutter from extra remotes. The remote also provides simultaneous Power On/Off of both the AQUOS LCD TV and AQUOS Blu-ray player. The BD-HP21U employs Sharp's proprietary Quick Start feature, allowing consumers to begin enjoying stunning high-definition video in less than 10 seconds*. JPEG digital images from a CD-RW/R can be viewed on the screen of an accompanying HDTV as a slide show.

The BD-HP21U has an extensive array of connectivity options. The player comes with state-of-the-art HDMI" 1.3 digital output that allows users to send the highest resolution video and audio signals possible to an AQUOS TV via a single cable, allowing Blu-ray discs to be viewed in complete digital 1080p/24Hz high-definition. Through HDMI 1.3, the player supports x.v.Color, providing a wider color spectrum leading to more vivid imagery.
Additionally, the player has multi-channel audio output via HDMI by decoding Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD. Dolby TrueHD lossless audio technology delivers sound that is identical to the studio master, for a true high-definition experience on next-generation discs. It also decodes Dolby® Digital Plus, providing optimum surround sound to an appropriately equipped receiver. In addition, via HDMI, the player outputs 7.1 Channel digital audio via True HD Dolby that is the equivalent of a master recording.

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MAHWAH, N.J. – Sharp expands its Blu-ray family with the availability of the AQUOS® BD-HP50U Blu-ray Disc player that provides Full HD 1080p digital output. When paired with an AQUOS HDTV Liquid Crystal television, the BD-HP50U enables consumers to enjoy the latest Blu-ray Disc titles, as well as standard-definition DVDs, in the highest resolution possible.

The BD-HP50U houses several features that enable custom installations. The player can be managed by external control systems via the built-in RS-232C port. An IR input allows the unit to be controlled wirelessly through a remote sensor. The player can then be placed out of sight in a cabinet or closet for a custom installation. Additionally, a stylish powered front door includes on-unit controls and resonates high style design and quality.

The BD-HP50U supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, which allows consumers to view additional content available on Blu-ray titles – including movie trailers, special subtitles, and director commentary – without stopping the movie. Additional content available on Blu-ray discs includes games, subtitles and audio tracks.

"The interactive features of the Blu-ray Disc format bring a new level of enjoyment to the high-definition movie experience," said Bruce Tripido, associate vice president, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "With the new BD-HP50U, consumers can tap into supplemental information without leaving the movie."

The BD-HP50U comes with state-of-the-art HDMI" 1.3 digital output, which allows users to send the highest resolution video and audio signals possible to an AQUOS TV via a single cable. The player supports next-generation audio and video options available via HDMI 1.3, including x.v.Color, which expands the range of colors available. The BD-HP50U also supports Lip Sync, which automatically adjusts audio and video signal processing times to remove lip synch errors.

The BD-HP50U is compatible with the latest high-definition digital audio formats. The player outputs the most advanced lossless surround-sound formats including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD via HDMI digital output. The player also decodes Dolby Digital Plus, which provides optimum surround sound for appropriately equipped receivers. Additionally, the player boasts Sharp's proprietary Quick Start* feature, which takes viewers from disc loading to viewing in less than 10 seconds. JPEG Viewing lets users view their favorite digital images from their CD collection on screen in a slide show format.

The BD-HP50U outputs 1920 x 1080 video at 24 frames per second, matching the frame rate of the original film. This feature eliminates the need for frame-rate conversion that can cause motion artifacts on film-based material and degrade image quality. Sharp's built-in AQUOS LINK™ feature allows users to seamlessly control HDMI-connected products via an AQUOS LCD TV screen using a single remote control.

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