IFA 2006: Sharp starts IFA with a host of new TVs including 42 inch LC-42XFD1E

More tele's than you can shake a stick at

31 August 2006 13:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Sharp has launched a range of new TVs at its press conference in Germany. The company announced new models at both end of the market with a new entry level range called "Sharp LCD" as well as high-end Full HD 65-inch model.

The 65-inch Full HD model PN-655E will have a whopping diagonal of 1.65 metres with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

However with a price of 27,999 euros its unlikely to fit everyone's budget. What is likely to fit people's budget is the company's new entry level televisions.

The company has launched ten new models under the brand Sharp LCD and these will come in 26, 32, 37 and 42 inch models and offer a resolution of 1366 x 768.

All ten models will be available with either built in analogue or digital DVB-T tuners.

The new models will feature two Scart sockets, an HDMI input with HDCP support as well as AV/S Video IN, VGA IN, RS-232C and Audio OUT.

The new entry-level models will be available in October, however Sharp has not yet announced prices.

Finally the company has launched a Full HD Ready 1080p 42 inch and 37 inch televisions.

The new televisions, the LC-37XFD1E and the LC-42XFD1E will offer 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and have a contrast ratio of 1200:1.

Available in a high gloss "piano black" lacquer design Sharp seems keen to compete heavily with Samsung and Toshiba's new model.

Both model feature two HDMI inputs with HDCP, two Scart sockets and a slot for CI ccards for pay TV.

The new models will cost 2499 for the 42 inch model and 1999 for the 37 inch model.