14 DAY TRIAL // One of the main reasons why a lot of people decide to make that big step and purchase a widescreen LCD TV set is the fact that the also have an Xbox 360 or a PS3 and they want to enjoy a high-end video gaming experience. And in order to extend its foothold on this particular market segment, Sharp has just announced the release of its latest series of Full HD 1080p AQUOS LCD TVs (LC-32GP3U), which provides certain special features designed especially for gaming.
Available in three glossy finish colors, black (LC-32GP3U-B), dark wine red (LC-32GP3U-R) and white (LC-32GP3U-W), the new gaming series sports a new slim-line design, with a significantly smaller footprint, as well as a swivel stand for enhanced flexibility. Furthermore, the bottom-placed speaker design reduces the overall width of the TV for a better fit inside cabinets and armoires.
However, there's a lot more to the new gaming LCDs than meets the eye. Thus, the LC-32GP3U models have been equipped with the Vyper Drive feature that seriously reduces the lag time between the game console input and the TV display. Moreover, a "Game Mode" button on the remote control provides gamers quick access to the side terminal inputs, which are positioned for easy and convenient connection to a video game console and also activates Vyper Drive.
Additionally, the user can change the Vyper Drive and Game Mode to a different input if they choose to connect to a rear terminal. And since we've reached the subject of connectivity, it's also important to mention the fact that the GP3U model is equipped with a full array of connection options, including two sets of component inputs and three HDMI version 1.3 (x.v.ColorTM), inputs, all compatible with 1080p signals from Blu-Ray and advanced gaming devices.
The LC-32GP3U also supports 1920 x 1080 24 frames per second high-definition video for displaying cinematic content in its native format when played from a compatible video source. Easy PC connectivity is enabled through the 15-pin D-sub terminal or through the use of a DVI-I to HDMI adapter. The GP3U set touts Full HD 1080p resolution, with Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View Panel and a 4-wavelength backlight system, as well as an impressive 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and a pixel response time of 6ms.
As with all HD AQUOS models, the 32-inch set comes with built-in ATSC, clear QAM and NTSC tuners, offering compatibility with all available analog and digital over-the-air and cable TV programming. It also features a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees and a high brightness rating of 450 cd/m2. The long-life backlight system provides 60,000 viewing hours under normal viewing conditions.
"Through innovation and design, Sharp has again created a one-of-a-kind product that enhances the game-playing experience," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. "The GP3U series offers consumers the technological prowess of Sharp's gaming-specific features, as well as a new design that opens up placement options for gamers."
All of the three new Sharp LCD TVs will hit the shelves at some point in December (just in time for the Christmas shopping season) and have a MSRP of around 1,600 US dollars, which means that you should start saving up (or perhaps withdraw your already existing savings and hit the nearest Sharp retailer).
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