Sharp on Wednesday unveiled a new range of large LCD televisions for the Japanese market .In total Sharp unveiled six models under Sharp Aquos brand. The launch is a part of Sharp’s bid to shift to a growing and more profitable larger LCD market. According to Sharp’ deputy general manager Shinsuke Yamamoto, TVs with display panels larger than 60 inches accounted only for 0.8 percent of the Japanese LCD TV market sales in June 2011. However, the market share of large TVs surged to 6.1 percent in December. He also added that- based on two key words — big and smart — Sharp would like to provide new ways of enjoying TVs through their products in fiscal 2012.
Large-display TVs produce more realistic and expressive images, while the new models have smart functions that allow users to browse the Internet and use application software such as Skype and Facebook without being connected to any personal computer. The new models can also provide a recommended list of TV programs and online videos based on past viewing records.
The new Aquos TV G series — 40, 46, 52, 60, 70 and 80 inches — is expected to hit stores in June. They are all 3-D compatible, and offer improved images and sound capabilities through large-scale integration systems compared to previous models. The new Aquos TV G series includes an 80-inch LCD TV, the largest on the domestic market, which Sharp expects to be priced at around ¥950,000 ($11,656). A smaller 60-inch model will be available for around ¥350,000 ($4295).
