Sharp LED TV first look, with Blu-ray!

Sharp has unveiled its latest crop of televisions which will feature LED-backlighting for the first time. These models have been available in other parts of the world for almost a year, so we're glad to see they've finally made it here. There will be two versions of this TV, with or without an integrated Blu-ray drive.

The LB700 series will include an on-board Blu-ray drive with an integrated Ethernet port and BD-Live support. According to Sharp Australia, the drive is removable and so can be shipped back to the company for repair without losing the whole TV. The screen features LED backlighting, 100Hz mode and three HDMI ports.

The LB700 series will be available mid-October 2009 with prices to be announced. However, one Melbourne retailer is already advertising the Sharp LC40LB700X for AU$3699. Meanwhile, the LE700 series will be available shortly in a 40-inch model only, and will be available for AU$2999.

Based on the first look we had, the television looked really good. Contrast levels were excellent, as you'd expect from LED-backlighting, and colours were incredibly vibrant. We look forward to testing these models very soon!

Elsewhere in the world Sharp will be releasing the DX2, which is essentially an LE700 with a Blu-ray recorder with two digital tuners bolted onto it. Unfortunately, that won't be coming to Australia.

Sharp's LC40LE700 LED TV will be available in the next month with prices to be confirmed.

Some models in the new range will include a removable Blu-ray drive, which includes an Ethernet port.

We like the subtle design touches including the soft blue power light.

The range will come with three HDMI ports as standard.