Any truth to Sharp's purchase?

[JimShaw]

While listening to this Sunday morning radio tech show, it was mentioned that Sharp has purchased the Kuro technology.

Any truth to the statement? I thought that Panasonic had purchased it.

[Robert Zohn]

Sharp Electronics in Japan has a stake in Pioneer Japan.

Just as Pioneer announced their pull out of the pdp business they partnered with Sharp to develop a high-end ultra-high-quality display.

Sharp's top engineers worked with Pioneer's Kuro and video processing Elite design engineers to develop the new Elite 60" and 70" high-end LCD/LED full array local dimming TVs.

Sharp has also licensed the use of the Elite brand and even some collateral and marketing strategies from Pioneer.

The Elite TVs have began shipping from factory direct authorized dealers in very constrained supply and they have received high marks from users and the few reviews that are out so far.

This new Elite panel has made it into our October 8th shoot-out event so we'll see how it stacks-up against the rest of the panels in its league. (Although it is the highest priced)

-Robert

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Does any retail store have it on display?

[Almadacr]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Does any retail store have it on display?

Some guys said they saw it at BB and Robert here^ have them in store , right Robert

[Woody]

The Best Buys with Magnolias have them.

And they are awesome.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Woody

The Best Buys with Magnolias have them.

And they are awesome.

Better than Plasma?

[Robert Zohn]

Surprising to me... I've got to say the pq of this Elite panel is better than the best plasma. Mostly due to the very large bright to black scale or contrast giving this display the ability to achieve and display truly the biggest contrast ratio available.

The black to white (peak luminance without clipping) is so big you get a very well detailed image that appears to look sharper than all other TVs...

-Robert

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

Does any retail store have it on display?

I played around with one at Magnolia a few weeks ago. I've always been a plasma fan and not too impressed with 3D. But after viewing this beast, I was very impressed. I even took a pic.

[Show spoiler]

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by JimShaw

While listening to this Sunday morning radio tech show, it was mentioned that Sharp has purchased the Kuro technology.

Any truth to the statement? I thought that Panasonic had purchased it.

Panasonic does own the tech.

[Turnda643]

Question to Robert. Do you know or have any info on the Sharp 80" rumored to come out this month?

[Robert Zohn]

Turnda643, Sharp's new 80" 632 are in-transit to us. I expect to receive our first allocation this week.

-Robert

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

Panasonic does own the tech.

Only the patents relating to plasma, not any patents relating to processing.

[Turnda643]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Turnda643, Sharp's new 80" 632 are in-transit to us. I expect to receive our first allocation this week.

-Robert

Thanks robert. I'll be looking for these soon then.

And definately any type of short review or thoughts on that set once you get yours up and set would be much appreciated.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Turnda643

Thanks robert. I'll be looking for these soon then.

And definately any type of short review or thoughts on that set once you get yours up and set would be much appreciated.

My understanding is that these new 80" Sharp TVs are NOT related to the 70" Sharp TVs bearing the Elite name. Caveat emptor!

Now, if the PQ is as good as I hear, an 80" Elite TV would be awesome!

[ewsjr]

Here's some info on the two Sharp high-end LED-based LCD panels, a 60-inch and a 70-inch model.

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...html?tag=mncol

[oppopioneer]

An interesting shootout with a surprise model that came in and swept the contest. But you can't buy it anymore so I guess it really doesn't matter to anyone looking for a new set unless your willing to go used or find one in a box somewhere.

Sharp Elite wins Value Electronics' HDTV shootout:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7...?tag=cnetRiver

[Turnda643]

Originally Posted by richteer

My understanding is that these new 80" Sharp TVs are NOT related to the 70" Sharp TVs bearing the Elite name. Caveat emptor!

Now, if the PQ is as good as I hear, an 80" Elite TV would be awesome!

Well tonight I saw the 70" Elite and the 80" Aquos no more than 15' from eachother.

As for the Elite? WOOOOOW!! Color, color, color!!! Unbelievable. From my eyes, its everything 'they' said it would be. Cost: $8k

Now, the 80" Aquos? DUUUUUUDE!!!! Big, large, monster? Not good enough. FREEEEEAKIN HUGE!!! Thats more accurate. Cost: $5k

Although I could easily see the difference between the 2 sets. I only could see that difference because I was standing in front of BOTH sets! Iam only gonna have 1 set in my living room. And for what I saw color/picture wise. I'll take the larger 80" and spend the remaining $3k on additional HT gear or furniture. The sales guy said they just put it up out of the box and it was set to Dynamic. The 80" set had not been calibrated. And even then, I was happy with the picture. The scene from Star Wars: Clone Wars, where Obi-wan is fighting General Grievious was amazing. Lightsaber colors were bright and sharp. And unless you got within 5' of the screen, up close detail shots of Obi-wan and Grievious faces' was also pretty damn good for the 'entry level' set. So I could only amagine that with a proper calibration it could only get better.

For me, my next upgrade will be to the 80" Sharp Aquos.