HDTVs and High-Definition signal sources (Blu-ray players) have been around for a relatively long time (given the current rate of technological development), so it was to be expected that, at some point, a device that combined them both would arrive on the market. And it would seem that the moment has finally come, since Sharp has just launched a whole new family of AQUOS LCD HTDVs, the DX series, which provide Blu-ray support right out of the box, since they feature their own, built-in Blu-ray player modules.

The DX series is comprised of no less than six models, with diagonal sizes ranging between 26 and 52 inches. The first two models, LC-26DX1 and LC-32DX1, are available in either Black, White or Red case versions but provide entry-level specs, namely a maximum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and a 7000:1 contrast ratio.

On the other hand, all of the four remaining models from this family (LC-37DX1, LC-42DX1, LC-46DX1, and LC-52DX1, respectively) provide full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, as well as contrast ratios of up to 15,000:1.

As mentioned earlier, the main innovation brought about by this family of HDTVs is represented by the built-in Blu-ray players, which support double-layer BD media (50 GB), allowing users to record up to 21 hours of video in high-definition. The new AQUOS sets support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 playback and come packed with an HDD, also for recording purposes.

Unfortunately, as it usually happens with these highly-innovative, high-end TV sets, they're available solely in Japan for the time being, for prices ranging between roughly 2,000 and 5,000 US dollars. The rest of the world will have to wait a little longer for these things to arrive in stores, and it remains to be seen whether they'll be able to affect in any way the sales of the PS3 or those of all the standalone players available on the market.


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