07.08.2009 — Sharp has unveiled its LE700 AQUOS LED Series, which is its first line of LED backlit AQUOS LCD TVs, and added two AQUOS LCDs to its E77 Series.

The LE700 AQUOS LED Series comes in 52- (LC-52LE700UN), 46- (LC-46LE700UN), 40- (LC-40E700UN) and 32-inch (LC-32LE700UN) models that have X-Gen Panels for "deeper blacks." These models don't have local dimming, but Sharp is promising local dimming in future models.

All include AQUOS Net that allows users to access Web content, including weather, stocks and traffic, games, comic strips and more.

Other features:

• 10-bit processing
• Dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 4 millisecond response time
• 176-degree viewing angles

The AQUOS LED TVs come with four HDMI 1.3 inputs with Deep Color, two component video inputs, a built-in ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuner, RS-232C input, a PC input, a USB photo/music player and AQUOS LINK so users can control compatible, HDMI-connected devices with a single remote.

Sharp is also touting the energy efficiency of these TVs, which all exceed Energy Star 3.0 standards:

• LC-52LE700UN consumes 105 watts
• LC-46LE700UN consumes 90 watts
• LC-40LE700UN consumes 75 watts
• LC-32LE700UN consumes 55 watts

All of the AQUOS LED models will be available in July.

MSRP
LC-52LE700UN ($2,799.99)
LC-46LE700UN ($2,199.99)
LC-40LE700UN ($1,699.99)
LC-32LE700UN ($1,099.99)

Sharp Adds 65- & 60-inch LCDs to E77 Series

The LC-65E77UM (65-inch) and LC-60E77UN (60-inch) 1080p AQUOS models have been added to the E77 Series. Sharp says the LC-60E77UN is the first 60-inch LCD TV on the market.

Both models have Sharp's Advanced Super View (ASV) Superlucent Panel, 120Hz dejudder technology and a 4 millisecond response time.

Other features:

• Four HDMI and two component video inputs
• Dedicated PC input
• RS-232 port

These AQUOS LCDs come in black cabinets and an Energy Savings mode.

MSRP: LC-65E77UM ($4,499.99 in September); LC-60E77UN ($3,499.99 in September)