Delivery of AQUOS Phones Begins
Sharp began delivery to carriers of the AQUOS Phone compatible with One-Seg terrestrial digital TV broadcasts for mobile devices in Japan.
In addition to adopting industry-leading color LCDs and camera functions, Sharp introduced innovative audio/video features designed specifically for mobile phones like analog TV and music functions. Sharp also led the market thanks to the high image quality of the LCD in this AQUOS Phone, which is based on the technology found in AQUOS LCD TVs, and by developing technology to enable users to enjoy One-Seg with crisp, clean, beautiful pictures. Sharp offered this handset as a leading-edge product that will be the trend-leader for mobile TV.
Simultaneous Worldwide Introduction of Kameyama Plant No. 2 Full-HD AQUOS Models
Sharp constructed a system to ensure a consistent supply of large-format LCD panels in the 40- and 50-inch class by adopting eighth-generation glass substrates (2,160 x 2,460 mm), a world first, and set up a global five-base production system with the goal of producing products in the region in which they are used. As a result, Sharp was able to do a simultaneous worldwide introduction of full-HD LCD TVs using panels (1,920H x 1,080V pixels) manufactured at the Kameyama Plant.
Industry's First Photovoltaic Module to Acquire the Eco Mark
Sharp acquired the Eco Mark, the only Type I environmental labeling in Japan, administered by the Japanese Environment Association, for a photovoltaic module, an industry first.
It is expected that this Eco Mark-certified product will contribute to a further spread of photovoltaic power systems by serving as a standard for judgment when selecting PV power systems that are specified eco-friendly goods under the Japanese Law on Promoting Green Purchasing. With its huge solar cell production capacity, Sharp is contributing to protecting the environment as well as supplying clean energy to countries around the world by promoting development of even more environmentally friendly products.
Development and Introduction of Blue-Violet Laser Diode (20-mW Output)
Sharp developed and began sample shipments of a blue-violet laser diode with 20-mW maximum power that achieves a 10,000-hour service lifetime, among the longest in the industry, with power consumption of only 168 mW, the industry's lowest. This diode is ideal for playback of next-generation DVDs, such as Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVD.
Consumers have become increasingly familiar with high-definition TV images as terrestrial digital broadcasts spread and expand around the world. Recorders, PCs, and game machines equipped with next-generation DVD drives capable of playing back HDTV video images continue to be released at a furious pace, and thus, demand is growing in tandem for blue-violet laser diodes as key devices in these optical disk units.
LCD Module Production in Poland Announced
It was announced that Sharp Manufacturing Poland Sp.zo.o. (SMPL), a production and sales company for LCD modules located in the Republic of Poland, will begin production of LCD modules for LCD TVs in January 2007. LCD modules produced at this plant will be used for making large-screen LCD TVs for the European market at Sharp's plant in Spain and Loewe Opta GmbH's plant in Germany.