World's Slimmest Sound Bar Audio Systems for TVs Launched by Sharp at CES 2011

Beside coming up with some interesting 3D offerings for CES 2011, Sharp also unveiled some new products designed for those customers looking for an enhanced audio solution for their TVs but lacking the space to install a full-size surround home theater system, namely five new sound bar systems, two of which are touted as being the world's slimmest products of this type.

Designed to accompany modern widescreen HDTVs, the HT-SL70 and HT-SL50 are 2.1 channel sound bars with active subwoofers and provide 200 and 100 Watts of RMS power, respectively, as well as plenty of connectivity options, including a TV’s headphone, RCA or HDMI (ARC) terminals and a 3.5mm audio input that allows additional audio sources, such as MP3 players, to be connected for audio playback as well.

The HT-SL70 is designed to complement flat panel TVs of 46-inch and 52-inch screen class sizes, and can actually be divided into two separate parts for enhanced placement versatility, while the HT-SL50 is suited for flat panel TVs of 32-inch screen class size.

Beside these super-slim sound bar systems, Sharp also showcased at CES 2011 the 3.1 HT-SB600 sound bar audio system that offers and impressive 400W audio output, the 2.1 channel HT-SB350 system with a RMS of 32 Watts, as well as the 2.1 channel HT-SB250 that is similar to the SB350 but lacks SRS WOW HD decoding.

“As the sound bar category has come into its own, Sharp is offering a wider array of products to equip home theater systems at several levels of sophistication,” said Sean McBride, product marketing manager, audio, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation.

”Whether the consumer seeks a high-powered audio system for their main viewing area or in the kids’ room or kitchen, our 5 new models enhance the viewing experience and provide exceptional performance, flexibility and value,” the company's rep added.

Now, moving on to pricing and availability, we'll have to mention that the HT-SL70 and HT-SL50 will arrive in the summer and spring of 2011, respectively, no specific details regarding the launch dates and/or pricing being provided.

Luckily, things are a lot better as far as the HT-SB600, HT-SB350 and HT-SB250 systems are concerned, since Sharp does inform us that all of these sound bar systems will be rolled out in February for $399.99, $299.99 and $249.99, respectively.