Sharp Unveils LCD, Projectors

Sharp Electronics has launched a new line of professional large-format video monitors with the introduction of the LC-M3700, a black 37-inch widescreen LCD monitor. The company has also introduced new projectors.

Due later this year, the LC-M370 is built specifically for digital signage and public information applications, particularly for use by hospitality, retail, or transportation businesses, or even in government applications. However, it boasts component video inputs and computer compatibility. It provides viewing for video sources from HDTV signals and DVDs to XGA, SVGA, and VGA computers.

The $8000 display features widescreen high-definition resolution, 16-by-9 aspect ratio, and 1366-by-768 matrix resolution. It delivers an 800:1 contrast ratio and 170-degree viewing angles. The LC-M3700 has a 60,000-hour replaceable backlight. It measures 38.3 by 24 by 3.9 inches and weighs under 44 pounds.

New Projectors

Sharp's new Notevision PG-A20X LCD projector offers 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness and native XGA resolution in a 6.4-pound silver frame. It automatically detects and sets a presenter's RGB or component source after the projector is turned on. The PG-A20X also boasts an automatic keystone correction feature that corrects distortion.

The PG-A20X is also equipped with Sharp's PresenterPAK feature set, which includes a graphical user interface menu screen that's icon-based. Computer and video inputs are color-coded to simplify setup when connecting cables to a Mac, PC, or workstation.

The unit's Low Power Mode lets you extend lamp life from 3000 hours to 4500 hours, while lowering fan noise from 35 decibels to 31. It also provides multiple theft-deterrent capabilities, including keypad startup code, keypad lockout, and an optional locking cable security system.

The PG-A20X--due in August for $2995--measures 9 by 11.7 inches by 3.2 inches. It's HDTV compatible and offers multiple inputs, including RGB, composite RCA, S-Video and RS-232C. The model is equipped with sRGB color management, gamma adjust, and multiple color temperature adjustments.

A Peek Ahead

Also new is the XG-C55X LCD projector, which can handle 3000 ANSI lumens. Sharp hasn't announced pricing for this model, which is due in two months.

The XG-C55X has the many of the same features as the PG-A20X, including the theft deterrent functions, the PresenterPAK feature set, and a Low Power Mode that extends the lamp life from 3000 to 4000 hours. It comes in a 11.2-pound, attach??-case design and features a "L" type optical system that's designed to deliver higher brightness and improved imaging efficiency.

The XG-C55X offers individual cooling system for each of the three LCD panels, separate S-video and composite inputs, a built-in sRGB color management system, and two separate RGB inputs, including loop out capability. Additionally, it includes a variable audio output and an image-processing chip that purportedly cleans up jagged edges and minimizes image noise. Sharp offers three optional lenses for the XG-C55X.