At its CES exhibit, Sharp Electronics is demonstrating an 85" 8K LCD panel running native 8K content shot in Japan with an 8K camera. The TV's (and camera's) resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels translates into an astonishing 33 megapixels. This is a technological demonstration only, Sharp Canada's Chris Matto told Marketnews. "It shows the direction we're going in," he commented.

While 8K won't arrive in the immediate future, Sharp will introduce 4K product (with 3,840 x 2,180 resolution) in the second half 2012, Matto said. At its exhibit, Sharp had a side-by-side comparison of HD and 4K displays showing upconverted 1080i content using ICC (Integrated Cognitive Creation) processing. Developed by iCubed Research, ICC is based on research into human visual perception, Matto explained. Even from 10 feet, the differences were quite obvious, though certainly not night-and-day. There was more texture, better gradation of tones and colours, and a greater sense of depth.

For 2012, Sharp will continue its focus on larger screen sizes, with 20 models 60" and higher. These will include an 80" Quattron model, with yellow sub-pixels added to the standard RGB mix, arriving in April. Arriving in late spring in 60", 70" and 80" sizes, the top-of-the-line 9-series models will feature full-array LED backlighting with micro dimming and HDR processing. This is much the same as the Intelligent Variable Contrast processing used on the critically acclaimed Elite LCD televisions.

The 8-series and 7-series models, also in 60", 70" and 80" sizes, are all edgelit designs, with very thin bezels. They too are Quattron models. Sharp will also have two series of RGB models in 60", 70" and 80" sizes.

All models have built-in Wi-Fi, and a revamped suite of IPTV features, with services such as Netflix, YouTube, Facebook and Hulu Plus (the last service isn't available in Canada). Up to four family members will be able to customize their Smart Central screen, so that the functions they use most are front-and-centre after they log in. All models will support Beamzit, a free app for iOS and Android offered by Sharp that lets users beam photos, music and video to the TV from a smartphone or tablet.

While big screens are Sharp's main focus for the consumer market, it also demonstrated some very interesting small screens at CES. At Sharp's pre-CES press conference, and on the front stage at its CES exhibit, models carried around LCD panels showing live pictures.

Sharp's Freestyle TVs, which it already selling in Japan, have built-in wireless HDMI receivers, and come with a wireless base station with four HDMI inputs. You plug your AV sources (Blu-ray, HD cable box etc.) into the base station, and then can move the TV anywhere in your home. It's basically HDMI over Wi-Fi; but the system uses its own 802.11n network, rather than piggybacking on your home networks.

In Japan, Sharp has four Freestyle TVs in four screen sizes: a 20" model (5.5 lb.), 32" model (12 lb.), 40" TV (18 lb.) and 60" (46 lb.). The 20-incher can operate on battery; all the others are AC-only. "We're seriously investigating Freestyle for Canada," Matto said, "whether it's one size or all sizes."

Article Tags:  Sharp, LCD, ICC, 4K2K, 8K, Quattron, Elite, Freestyle, LED, Smart Central, IPTV, Canada, CES, HDMI, iCubed, ICC, wireless, HDMI, Beamzit, Andoid, iOS, app, Netflix, YouTube, Facebook