Sharp AQUOS Quattron LC-80LE857 80in TV leads 2013 line-up
Sharp has announced its TV line-up for 2013, led by the 80in AQUOS Quattron LC-80LE857
The Sharp 80in LC-80E857 LED TV, announced at CES today, will lead an all-LED 2013 line-up which will include 60in, 70in, 80in and 90in models. With the entire line-up launching as early as March, Sharp will give customers a wider choice of big screen TVs than any other manufacturer this year.
The 80in LC-80E857 uses Sharp’s Quattron RGBY LED technology, which splits each pixel into four sub-pixels (red, green, blue and yellow) rather than the traditional three used by RGB LEDs, for superior colour reproduction. Sticking with 1080p resolution for the immediate future, Sharp is focusing on picture quality rather than pushing forward with 4K resolution, but that certainly didn’t hamper the LC-80E857 – we were impressed with its vibrant colours and striking contrast during the press conference reveal.
It leads a line-up of 6-series, 7-series and 8-series models which will all include integrated Wi-Fi and Smart TV functionality, powered by dual-core processors for better performance compared to the outgoing 2012 range. An HTML 5 and Flash-compatible web browser, a confirmed selection of apps that includes Netflix, Skype and Facebook, split-screen browsing for keeping track of a TV program when surfing and several second screen mobile applications all indicate a much more interactive focus for Sharp, with significant new features also including the Sharp Beam mobile app for sharing photos, music and videos straight from a smartphone or tablet.
Eleven models will support active 3D, with new Bluetooth active 3D glasses that eliminate interference compared to last year’s models. We have yet to see how well the new TVs hold up in 3D mode, but we’ll be sure to take a look when Sharp opens its booth here at CES.
With a brushed metal construction and diamond cut edging, the new models look fantastic – the screen bezels are barely an inch thick, despite housing display panels as large as 90in. Slim stands, which incorporate a subwoofer in the 7–series and 8-series and Yamaha DSP technology for improved audio quality over the twin 10w speakers in the 6-series, add little to the depth.
Due in the US at the end of May for $6,499, the LC-80LE857 leads the line-up with start at $1,000 and reach $10,000 for the largest 90in models. We’ll be asking about UK pricing and availability once we make it to Sharp’s stand here at CES.