Audio Video News

Plasma screens are still one of the hottest commodities in the video marketplace. Sharp Electronics Corporation has added two new models to its new line of High Definition Plasma Televisions: the 43" PZ-43HV2U and the 50" PZ-50HV2U. The larger model was recently honored by an International CES Innovations 2002 Design and Engineering Showcase Award.

Both models combine elegant design with HDTV-compatibility, and feature newly developed panels, wider viewing angles, higher brightness, and higher contrast ratio than previous Sharp plasma displays. The PZ-43HV2U and PZ-50HV2U widescreen plasma televisions are "true native XGA displays, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, 160 degree viewing angles, and contrast ratio of 830:1." Barely over three inches deep, the two display units can be wall-mounted using Sharp's wall mount brackets or table-mounted using the included stand. Cable clutter is reduced thanks to a unique separate AVC (Audio Video Computer) system, which houses all inputs and outputs, including computer connections.

Both the PZ-43HV2U and PZ-50HV2U produce full 720p high-definition images when connected to a DTV decoder or other HDTV source. They also feature the convenience of built-in twin NTSC tuners for picture-and-picture operation. Film-originated or video sources are said to look equally good thanks to Sharp's "Computer & Video Integrated Composer" technology, which optimizes film or video content for enhanced viewing through two key scaling processes: Advanced Interlaced to Progressive (I/P) Conversion and Enhanced 3:2 Pull Down. The processes provide "optimal conversion of Interlaced signals to the Progressive format, and allow for the most accurate reproduction of film-based content, creating a truly cinematic experience," according to new product information released by Sharp in early January.

The PZ-50HV2U will be available in January 2002, with a suggested retail price of $14,995.95. The PZ-43HV2U is scheduled to be available in February 2002, with a suggested retail price of $12,995.95.