[McBain]

Press release:

Sharp launches Blu-ray player for Canadian market

New High Definition disc player first non-TV product to carry the renowned AQUOS brand name

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 11 - Sharp Electronics, the leading innovator in LCD technology, has announced the launch of its first Blu-ray Disc Player (BD-HP20U), available immediately in Canada. The AQUOS Blu-ray player is the company's first product to be branded with the AQUOS label outside of LCD televisions.

As one of a handful of manufacturers of the advanced blue laser required for this next generation disc format, Sharp's Blu-ray expertise extends from the laser itself to the finished product. Produced with custom-designed Sharp components throughout, including Sharp's proprietary laser, multi-beam pick up and drive unit, the BD-HP20U is worthy of being the newest addition to Sharp's Full HD Solution set.

"Sharp is already leading the way with our line of LCD televisions. We have created a respected and highly-regarded brand around the AQUOS name and choosing to put it on our first Blu-ray player is a testament to the quality of the product we have developed," says Chris Matto, Marketing Manager, Consumer Products Division, Sharp Electronics of Canada. "From the core components right through to the overall case design, our new Blu-ray player is designed to be the best possible complement to the latest AQUOS LCD TVs."


Capable of full High Definition 1080p playback at both 24 and 60 frames per second, Sharp's Blu-ray player also features a new application, the AQUOS LINK. Designed to enable seamless interoperability between the latest generation HDMI-connected Sharp products, the AQUOS LINK allows tight integration between the BD-HP20U player and Sharp's AQUOS D64U series LCD TVs to create the feel of an all-in-one home entertainment system. With AQUOS LINK the customer has complete access to all TV and player functions through a single remote control, offering one-touch power on, playback and integrated audio and video control.


To complete the integrated feel, the AQUOS Blu-ray player has also been given the same distinctive stylish look as the AQUOS LCD series. Just like the latest slimline AQUOS TVs, Sharp's new Blu-ray player is also the slimmest player in its category, measuring just 68mm tall.


One interesting feature that distinguishes the new Sharp Blu-ray player from other models on the market is the speed at which playback starts. The unit's Quick Start feature allows customers to begin enjoying full high definition video in just seconds from standby(*), overcoming the delays suffered with previous-generation devices.


The new Sharp player supports multi-channel audio output via HDMI by decoding Dolby(R) TrueHD sound. Dolby TrueHD lossless audio technology delivers sound that is identical to the studio master, for a true high-definition experience on next-generation discs. The player will also decode Dolby(R) Digital Plus, providing optimum surround sound to an appropriately equipped receiver. In addition, via HDMI, the player outputs 7.1 Channel digital audio.


In addition, the BD-HP20U provides outstanding versatility and is compatible with a wide variety of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R, and Audio CDs. Customers can also be reassured that their existing DVD libraries will be protected and enhanced by the new Sharp Blu-ray player - the BD-HP20U is completely compatible with older DVDs and is capable of upscaling the image at playback time, improving the picture performance to 1080p.


In keeping with Sharp's commitment to sustainability, the BD-HP20U is one of the most energy efficient Blu-ray players on the market, using only 30W of power in working mode and a mere 0.7W in standby. As with all AQUOS-branded Sharp products, the BD-HP20U has been designed for long service life, low resource utilization, and low environmental impact in every possible respect.

Pricing & Availability
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The BD-HP20U is available immediately for an MSRP of $649.99. The Sharp AQUOS BD-HP20U is available at AQUOS retailers across Canada.

<< (*) Start times may vary depending on content, type of video connection, and type of monitor being used.>>

About Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd.
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Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sharp Corporation of Osaka, Japan, a worldwide developer of the core technologies integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment, appliance and digital office equipment systems. A world leader in Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Sharp is the developer of the SharpVision(R) line of projection products and the revolutionary AQUOS(R) LCD Televisions and has won numerous awards for the technology behind the AQUOS(R) line. Sharp continues to demonstrate its home entertainment leadership by advancing technologies such as High Definition Television (HDTV) and front projection technology. Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. is located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, visit www.sharp.ca