LAS VEGAS, NV, June 18, 2008 -- Reinforcing its LCD dominance, Sharp is showcasing the diverse applications and successful integrations of its Professional LCD Monitor line at InfoComm 2008. The Sharp LCD Monitor line is designed for a variety of professional settings, with models ideal for both landscape and portrait modes, and industry-leading specs that maintain Sharp’s strong position in the LCD industry.

“Large screen-display customers are experiencing lower operational costs, increased efficiencies and improved business communication with Sharp LCD Monitor applications in all types of business environments,” said Dan Wynne, senior director of marketing, Professional Display Division, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America. “The superior image quality and strong reliability of Sharp LCD Monitors lend themselves to numerous presentation opportunities and vertical business categories including medical, digital signage, display exhibition, education and many others.”

At InfoComm, Sharp is highlighting the success and improved workflow that customers have experienced from Sharp Professional LCD Monitor applications across different industry sectors. Full case studies are available upon request. Some examples include:

Medical:

Large LCD displays help in delicate brain surgery

IMRIS, a leading manufacturer of surgical imaging solutions, teamed with Sharp Professional LCD Displays to help with delicate brain surgery in the operating rooms at Children's Hospital of Atlanta, where moveable MRI machines are revolutionizing the way surgery is performed. Using a technology from IMRIS, MRI images of the brain can appear within moments on a trio of Sharp 65-inch LCD monitors on the wall of the operating room. This allows the surgical team to zoom in on the images while the patient is in the operating room, display several different views, even quad split them if necessary, to determine if any of the tumor remains. MRI images of the brain used to be done prior to surgery to pinpoint a tumor’s location and then post-surgery to determine if any of the tumor remained. If so, the patient often went back for surgery a second time. This new technology from IMRIS allows the surgeon to view the images during the first surgery, saving money and easing patient suffering.

Green patient room promises faster recovery, lower costs and environmental benefits

Architect Michael Stack of Anshen+Allen found through research that a ‘greener’ patient room design can help people heal faster, increase staff efficiency, and improve a medical center’s ability to stay open and productive in the face of catastrophic events, such as the power plant failures that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Such a design using green materials and technologies can also make a difference in a hospital’s profitability, which of course is crucial if these institutions are to continue to provide high-level care. Stack took these concepts and designed a full-scale “green patient room” prototype that is touring industry trade shows and conventions. Among other innovations, the prototype includes a medical information center built around a 46-inch Sharp Professional LCD display, allowing Anshen+Allen’s green patient room to eliminate traditional medical charts and replace them with a networked computer tied to the 46-inch Sharp display on the wall behind the bed. The room also includes an alcove with a sleeper sofa and work area for family members, minimizes noise and machinery, and even has an open air terrace.

Digital Signage:

Advertising startup explores alternate delivery vehicle

In an era where DVRs and plain old channel surfing encourage viewers to avoid commercial messages, the OnSite Network has found a way to increase advertising viewership by specific market segments. The key has been to take advantage of group viewing dynamics in sports bars, restaurants and other out-of-home venues by adding content and advertising to broadcast TV feeds. Using a Sharp flat-panel LCD display, OnSite puts a 7-inch wide strip on the right side of the broadcast image for additional content and a 5-inch tall strip along the bottom for advertising. A key insight behind the concept is that viewers will read, and in a social setting talk about, written material added to a TV image without losing track of the main program. That’s what drives the game-time statistics displayed on ESPN and upcoming stories at the bottom of a CNN screen. Through this application, OnSite is measurably building viewership and the amount of time a bar or restaurant patron will spend watching television.

Museum Exhibition:

High-definition exhibition brings tigers to life

Wildlife photographer and filmmaker Carol Amore is using Sharp’s Professional LCD Monitors to bring her work to life. Her traveling exhibition preserves the high-definition clarity of the images she has filmed and captured with such success that the exhibition immerses visitors, allowing them to see the wildlife images in true, realistic form. Amore started her quest in India in 1999 and has followed five tigers in their natural setting. She recorded these events in the wild, often from the top of an elephant, and is bringing them to life at the newly-opened exhibition at the Santa Ana Discovery Science Center. The exhibition features interactive activities and beautiful, realistic imagery displayed on Sharp LCD monitors. The concept of high-definition video is gaining high acceptance in museum exhibits because of visitor demand, since they often have HD televisions and home theaters themselves.

Sharp LCD monitors incorporate several proprietary technologies and features that ensure unparalleled image quality for a professional presentation of information and images. The monitors have anti-glare and low-reflection properties, enabling them to be placed in bright areas where other screens might appear washed out. Higher contrast lets viewers discern details they might otherwise miss, particularly when viewing darker content. 176-degree viewing angles help the monitors display a crisp picture that can be seen from virtually anywhere in the room. A Black TFT/Bright Pixel Elimination feature ensures that if a failed pixel occurs, it is effectively invisible to the viewer.

For more information, please contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Professional Display Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07495-1163, or call 866-4-VISUAL (866-484-7825), or e-mail: ProLCD@SharpUSA.com.

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