Today, May 21, Sharp introduced 2 models of 4K compliant LCD TVs: AQUOS UD1 – 70 inch and AQUOS UD1 – 60 inch. The 70 inch will be released on June 15, the 60 inch will be released on August 10.
We attended their product presentation announcement (new LCD TV model press conference) held in Seavans Building in Minato ward in Tokyo and were able to review the 70 inch model.
Sharp said that the AQUOS UD1 models overcome 3 of the issues that the company considers to be the biggest impediments to great big-screen TV viewing:
1) Pixel roughness issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the rougher the pixels get)
2) Light reflection issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the more that light reflection will become a factor)
3) Installation space issue (The bigger the screen becomes, the more space it will occupy)
Solving the pixel roughness issue is the built-in “4K Moth Eye Panel”, which includes the “4K LCD panel” that has 4 times higher definition than Full HD. We saw an absolute crispness to the picture that made it feel like any detail could be shown well.
Solving the light reflection issue, is the “Moth Eye panel” part of the “4K Moth Eye Panel”. This greatly reduces reflection of outside light or other ambient light in the room. It applies the actual structure of a moth’s eyes to the panel technology. Their optical control technology made it possible to create a beautiful panel that looks uniform in lightness. We saw a demonstration of this with a crystal wine class behind a “Moth Eye panel” and another wine glass behind the normal glass used. The amount of reflection and glare that was cut with the “Moth Eye panel” was impressive.
Regarding the installation space issue, with thinner screen margins and a compact design, the amount of space this TV occupies is actually less than that of much smaller screen-size flat screen TVs from a few years ago. For example, the 57 inch LCD TV released in December, 2005 is 165.2cm wide, while the new 70 inch AQUOS UD1 series model is only 157.8cm wide.
Also, the “AQUOS UD1″ series has “AQUOS 4K-Master Engine Pro” that converts non-4K contents to 4K contents. It also has a “2.1ch front sound audio system” built-in, DuoBass woofer, SD card slot, 400MB internal memory, and so on.
The 70 inch model (LC-70UD1) has received the official “THX 4K Display Certification” which proves its recognition for HD display high image quality. Sharp is applying for certification for the 60 inch model as well.
In side-by-side comparisons between the AQUOS UD1 and recent 2K models, the difference in the picture was very apparent. While recent models could be described as bold and vibrant, the AQUOS UD1 was more life-like, and very natural – Perhaps less bold, but better and another step closer to that “just like you’re there” feeling.
Following the release of its ultra high-end model “ICC PURIOS” in February, 2013, the “AQUOS UD1″ series is Sharp’s second 4K TV release. It is targeted for family use and the price setting is much less inexpensive than “ICC PURIOS”.
The estimate price for the “AQUOS UD1″ series is 850,000 yen for the 70 inch model and 650,000 yen for the 60 inch model.
In 2013, the number of 4K TVs expected to be sold in Japan is estimated to be 50,000 units and SHARP is trying to take 20-30% of this amount.
- 70 inch model (LC-70UD1)
Release date: June 15
Size: 157.8 x 11.4 x 95.0 cm
Weight: 47.5 kg
Receivable channels: Digital terrestrial broadcasting 011ch – 528ch, BS digital 001 – 999ch, CS digital 000 – 999ch
- 60 inch model (LC-60UD1)
Release date: August 10
Size: TBD
Weight: TBD
Receivable channels: Digital terrestrial broadcasting 011ch – 528ch, BS digital 001 – 999ch, CS digital 000 – 999ch
