CES 2007: Sharp unveils world's largest LCD TV

At a press conference the day before the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas opens, Sharp unveiled what its calling the world's largest LCD television, a 108-inch (274cm) gargantuan set, under its AQUOS brand.

Supporting 1080p full HD resoution, the 108-inch TV is the flagship set in a fleet of LCDs being made in its 8th-generation glass substrate production plant in Kameyama, Japan, which focuses on creating large-screened units. It is expected to be available later this year in the US, but Sharp wouldn't comment on pricing at this stage. Sharp representatives couldn't comment on whether the monster telly would make it to Australian shores.

Global demand for LCD TVs in 2007 will be 69 million, according to Sharp CEO Toshihiko Fujimoto, a figure that is estimated to grow to 100 million units by 2009. Sharp now manufacturers more than 50 models of LCDs ranging from 13 inches up to 108 inches.

Other goodies that Sharp will showcase during CES 2007 include the i-Elegance docking station for iPod available in black or white (DK-A1 and DK-A10); the AQUOS D92 Series, which will include 42-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch models supporting 1080p resolution, 3 x HDMI ports, component and DVI connections; the D82 Series (46-inch and 52-inch) and D43 Series (ranging from 26-inch to 52-inch) widescreen LCD TVs. It will also showcase its first Blu-ray player which is set to debut for US$1,199 in the Q2, 2007.

At CEDIA 2006 at the Gold Coast last year Panasonic showcased its largest plasma TV, a 103-inch set that Sharp has now dwarfed. While refresh time has been a problem with some LCDs producing blur in fast motion scenes, Sharp claims its larger than life LCD TV has a contrast ratio and refresh time equal to plasma sets, and says its televisions offer superior resolution.