LCD ViewCam a Huge Hit
In October 1992, the debut of the LCD ViewCam introduced a whole new concept in video cameras. Its ease of use gave Sharp an immediate share increase in the video camera market. The ViewCam was chosen one of just 16 products from among approximately 13,000 nominated for Nikkei Product and Service Excellence Awards. It was also chosen for the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun's (Japan's leading industrial daily) 10 Best New Products Awards. The LCD ViewCam became the flagship product that showed the world that "LCD is Sharp" and contributed to boosting the company image.
Debut of the Zaurus, a New PDA
Based on Sharp's Pi2T (personal information and intelligent tool) concept, Sharp developed the LCD Pencom Zaurus Personal Information Tool, which changed the way people communicate and work.
Released in September, the PI-3000 (nicknamed the Zaurus), continued to progress by incorporating new features: facsimile transmission, PC linking, handwriting recognition and multimedia. The Zaurus created whole new markets and joined the ViewCam as one of Sharp's flagship products.
SMCA of the US Surpasses the 20-Million Mark
In September, US manufacturing base SMCA reached the 20-million mark for both color TVs and microwave ovens, just 14 years after establishment.
With a high ratio of local parts procurement, manufacturing that emphasizes quality, the top share of the US microwave oven market, and a dedication to making products that meet the needs of Americans, SMCA has become a model company in the state of Tennessee.
Copier Manufacturing Company Established in China
In December in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China, Sharp established Sharp Office Equipments (Changshu) Co., Ltd. (SOCC), a 100%-owned subsidiary for the manufacture of copiers. The company's copiers are exported around the world to Japan, the US and Europe. In July 1996, SOCC began selling copiers in China and by that time had become Sharp's largest copier production base.
Sharp Voted Among Top Companies of 1993
Weekly Diamond, an influential business magazine, published a ranking of the best companies and products of the year in its December 11 issue. Diamond put Sharp at the top of the list of companies. Products like the Zaurus and ViewCam created whole new markets and reinforced the image that Sharp is a good corporate citizen and that "LCD is Sharp." The company was also close to the top of rankings put out by other newspapers and magazines.