CES 2014

As we settled into a comfy couch in front of a 4K TV and Klipsh towering speakers, Sharp told us they want to move into the high end audio category with its new Universal Player. The player sends both audio and video wirelessly. It is one of the first WiSA (wireless surround sound) transmitters being shown that can be paired with high quality WiSA speakers from manufacturers like Klipsch and Bang and Olufsen. Where other transmitters transmit 24-bit/48 kHz audio, the Sharp player can transmit uncompressed, lossless high quality audio in 24-bit /96 kHz.

Not only does the Universal Player send out wireless audio, it also sends out wireless video using Wireless HD technology. Sources include a built in Blu-ray player, a Roku stick for streaming, and HDMI inputs for a live TV set top box. Wireless HD video is limited to 1080p resolution, but the Universal Player can send out 4K video using an HDMI 2.0 cable. The Sharp Universal Player will be available in the spring for $3999.