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News out of IFA 2008 is clear. According to Sharp, you can never be too thin. At the Berlin show, Sharp was showing off their new XS1 Aquos LCD products, slated for release in the UK in October.

The XS1 is available in either a 52-inch or 65-inch size, both an impressive 23mm thick. The contrast ratio is 1,000,000:1, with RGB-LED backlighting. The motion processing is an acceptable 100Hz, and the detachable speakers give you plenty of placement options.

What else was Sharp showing off at IFA?

Thin screens aren't everything to everyone, so Sharp also showed off more traditional LCD designs in the D65E series. These screens range in size from 32-inch to 52-inch with a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1 (which, Sharp claims, have an environmentally conscious design). Prices will range from about $1,300 to $3,358 US.

Also announced was the BD-HP21H, a Blu-ray player with Bonus View Profile 1.1 and a quick-start mode.

Pricing for the thin XS1 and the Blu-ray player isn't available yet. Mighty sharp looking stuff from Sharp. -Leslie Shapiro

Sharp - Germany