The incorporation of Sharp’s LCD technology brings significant advantages over conventional plasma screens. A non-reflective coating on the screen ensures good visibility of displayed images to audiences, even when ambient light levels are high. Furthermore, with a panel life approximately three times that of plasma and reduced power consumption levels (especially in low power mode), the Sharp PN-655E offers a significant overall reduction in the cost of ownership.

In addition, with the PC-655E, the reduction in unit weight compared to plasma promotes a more cost-effective installation, ensuring the unit is both cheaper and easier to transport. This, combined with longer life picture definition, offers significant advantages to those involved in daily product hire for audio visual applications.

The LCD panel at the heart of the monitor benefits greatly from its production roots at the Sharp Kameyama factory in Japan, the world s most advanced and environmentally-friendly LCD production facility. A four-wave backlight system provides accurate colourimetry rendering images with exceptional colour depth and accuracy, which is complemented by a pixel response time of just 6 milliseconds. Furthermore, users benefit from a distortion-free, 170 degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle and a high contrast ratio of 800:1.

The PN-655E also features advanced built-in video processing, offering 2×2, 3×3 and 4×4 Video Wall options (and combinations, e.g. 3×1) with daisy chain DVI-D connection. Additional versatility is provided through advanced split screen functions with Picture in Picture (PiP) and Picture by Picture (PbyP, PbyP2).

Superior Full HD display of both still and moving images is assured courtesy of the incorporated Dual Fine Engine (DFE) technology, which operates through PC digital and video inputs. Users can also implement individual control via an RS-232C daisy chain network. A wide range of connection options, including digital DVI-D (supporting 1080P signal), analogue PC RGB (up to 1920 x 1080) and component (YCrCb) ensure that the PN-655E offers Full HD connectivity.

In addition to the flagship PN-655E, the Sharp Aquos consumer LCD range offers a wide range of additional models suited to commercial application. Models range in screen size from 20″ to 65″, with all models over 37″ offering Full HD capability. All Sharp LCD panels are manufactured at Sharp s advanced Kameyama LCD production facility, assuring Sharp s pedigree in this sector and placing Sharp as the only manufacturer capable of offering LCD panels up to 65″ in size.

While satisfying consumer needs, the Aquos range has been designed and manufactured with additional commercial applications in mind, demonstrated through the incorporation of features such as Hotel Mode and Public Mode . The Aquos range is particularly suited to commercial installations where interactive touch screen or digital signage applications are required, thereby offering an ideal commercial solution to a range of sectors, including Betting, Hotels, Leisure (including luxury yachts), AV/IT/Corporation Installation and Corporate Hire.

ENDS

Founded in 1912, Sharp Electronics is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic equipment, appliances and components for the consumer and business markets, with a key focus on LCD TVs, solar systems and copier/printer solutions. It can claim one of the widest portfolios of business and lifestyle products under a single brand name in the world. The Corporation employs 47,750 people, of which nearly half are employed outside Japan. It operates in 30 countries and its products are distributed to 164 countries worldwide. As of March 2005, annual turnover is in excess of Yen 2,700 billion.

Sharp has long been a pioneer in the development of Liquid Crystal Display technologies, since the conception of the LCD calculator in the early 1970s. This commitment has helped Sharp become the world s number one LCD TV manufacturer, with an impressive range including 20″ to 65″ widescreen models. Considerable ongoing investment in LCD production resulted in the opening of the world s first 6^th generation LCD plant at Kameyama, Japan, in January 2004, which has now been named a Super-Green Factory , thanks to its high environmental performance. This will be joined by the world s first 8^th generation facility in October 2006, allowing Sharp to develop the market for 40″-plus LCD TVs, and again reinforcing the Company s market leading position in the flat-screen TV market.

Sharp supports the development of environmentally-friendly products and is listed on the FTSE4Good Global Index. It has recently been awarded the Energy Saving Trust s energy saving recommended endorsement certificate for a number of its new LCD TV products in the UK. Sharp s digital LCD TVs have also been granted the European Eco-Label (sometimes referred to as the Euro Flower) confirming the Company s commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

With its UK head office based at Stockley Park, near Heathrow, West London, Sharp Electronics (UK) Ltd employs approximately 220 people within its Consumer Electronics and Business Product Divisions. Annual UK turnover in 2004/5 was 182m.