Sharp to Launch World's First LCD HDTV Line with Built-In Blu-Ray Player
The decision of whether or not to pick up a Blu-ray player at the same time an HDTV is purchased may soon get a little easier, as the two are poised to come together in a single package. As of next month, Sharp will become the first company to offer an LCD HDTV with a built-in Blu-ray player and recorder.
- 26" LC-26DX1(1366x768)
- 32" LC-32DX1 (1366x768)
- 37" LC-37DX1 (1366x768)
- 42" LC-42DX1 (1920x1080)
- 46" LC-46DX1 (1920x1080)
- 52" LC-52DX2 (1920x1080)
Sharp's new Aquos DX series will allow viewers to watch a program on one channel while recording on another at the same time. By supporting H.264/MPEG4 AVC encoding, Sharp says its built-in recorder will be able to hold up to 11 hours of high-definition video in 720p on a single 25GB Blu-ray disc.
Pricing will start at about $1700 for the 26-inch model and run up to $5000 for the 52-inch set. Japan gets first crack at the new sets starting on November 20, with U.S. availability by the end of the year.

Image Credit: AV Watch