LAS VEGAS, NV, January 7, 2008 -- Sharp expands its Blu-ray family with the introduction of the AQUOS® BD-HP50U Blu-ray Disc™ player that provides Full HD 1080p digital output. When paired with an AQUOS HDTV Liquid Crystal television, the BD-HP50U enables consumers to enjoy the latest Blu-ray Disc™ titles, as well as standard-definition DVDs, in the highest resolution possible.
In addition, the BD-HP50U supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1, or BD Live, the latest version of the Blu-ray format. BD-ROM Profile 1.1 provides secondary audio and video decoders for Picture in Picture (PIP) capability, as well as an external storage.
“The interactive features of the Blu-ray Disc™ format bring a new level of enjoyment to the high-definition movie experience,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “With the new BD-HP50U, consumers can tap into supplemental information without leaving the movie.”
Interactive features of the BD-HP50U allow consumers to view additional content available on Blu-ray titles -- including movie trailers, special subtitles, and director commentary -- without stopping the movie. Additional content available on Blu-ray discs includes games, subtitles and audio tracks.
The BD-HP50U comes with state-of-the-art HDMI™ 1.3 digital output, which allows users to send the highest resolution video and audio signals possible to an AQUOS TV via a single cable. The player supports next-generation audio and video options available via HDMI 1.3, including x.c.Color, which expands the range of colors available. The BD-HP50U also supports Lip Sync, which automatically adjusts audio and video signal processing times to remove lip synch errors.
The BD-HP50U is compatible with the latest high-definition digital audio formats. The player outputs the most advanced lossless surround-sound formats including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS HD via 7.1 channel HDMI digital output. The player also decodes Dolby Digital Plus, which provides optimum surround sound for appropriately equipped receivers. Additionally, the player boasts Sharp’s proprietary Quick Start* feature, which takes viewers from disc loading to viewing in less than 10 seconds.
The BD-HP50U outputs 1920 x 1080 video at 24 frames per second, matching the frame rate of the original film. This feature eliminates the need for frame-rate conversion that can cause motion artifacts on film-based material and degrade image quality. Sharp’s built-in AQUOS LINK™ feature allows users to seamlessly control HDMI-connected products via an AQUOS LCD TV screen using a single remote control.
The BD-HP50U can be managed by external control systems via the built-in RS-232C port. The player is compatible with a wide range of formats including BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R and audio CDs. Key components of the BD-HP50U, including the Blu-ray laser pick up assembly and drive unit, were built by Sharp, reflecting the company’s goal of creating exceptional products from high-performance devices.
Pricing and Availability
- The BD-HP50U will be available in May 2008 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $699.99.
For more information on Sharp’s full line of home theater products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430, or call 800-BE-SHARP.
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* Quick Start time may vary depending on movie content, type of video connection, and type of monitor being used.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Dolby, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD are registered trademarks of the Dolby Laboratories.
