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SHARP INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY FLAT, VERTICAL 1-BIT™ DIGITAL HOME THEATER SYSTEMSNew slim, sleek, wall-mountable design complements Sharp AQUOS™ Liquid Crystal Televisions and provides unmatched sound quality with SACD and DVD-audio compatibility INDIANAPOLIS, IN, September 5, 2003 -- More and more consumers are integrating stylish flat-panel televisions into the home. To provide users with a surround sound audio solution that matches the design and quality of these TVs, Sharp Electronics is launching the first vertical 1-Bit audio home theater systems that can easily be mounted on a wall or placed on a narrow shelf. Sharp’s patented 1-Bit digital amplification technology is paired with a multi-format progressive scan DVD/SACD/DVD-audio player in these powerful and luxurious new home theater systems: SD-HX500 – vertical, sleek two-piece design featuring a powerful 100 watt per channel amplifier section and an innovative single-disc loading mechanism SD-HX600 – integrates sophisticated video switching capabilities into the design of the SD-HX500 by adding an audio/video selector system, which houses the inputs away from the main unit for a clean, clutter-free appearance SD-PX2 – compact home theater system that combines five 1-Bit amplifiers and a unique front-loading disc mechanism into a single slender package All models are designed for audio enthusiasts who prefer to choose their own speakers, or already own a high-quality speaker system. “Consumers are searching for high performance home theater solutions that are as stylish as the latest flat panel displays,” said Mark Knox, Director, Digital Media Devices, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “These new 1-Bit audio systems answer the call with the latest digital amplification technology, combined with exceptional style. Just as the Sharp AQUOS line redefined the world of television, these new systems will revolutionize home theater while creating real consumer excitement and new business opportunities for our retail partners.” SD-HX600 and SD-HX500The SD-HX500 and SD-HX600 both have a unique vertical chassis that hides the DVD/CD loading mechanism behind a motorized front panel. When loading a disc, the entire front panel tilts forward automatically as the disc is lifted for easy access. The newly loaded disc moves down into the unit as the front panel closes, concealing the mechanism while protecting the disc from dust. Both the amplifier and disc units are formed from luxurious anodized aluminum and polished Plexiglas, while strategically placed blue LEDs illuminate the sleek side controls. A smooth silver rotary-volume control on the disc unit rounds out the extraordinary design. The vertical orientation of the amplifier section and disc unit means these products are ideal to be placed on a shelf, or wall mounted with the included brackets. On both models, bottom-mounted speaker terminals are hidden in any installation, featuring sturdy binding posts that easily connect the latest high performance speaker cables. The SD-HX600 adds a separate A/V selector system that sports a vast array of audio and video connections. Four complete A/V connections are provided, including composite, S-Video and component video inputs, and both analog audio and digital audio via optical TosLink terminals for every set. In addition, a stereo audio input is provided for connection to the TV sound source. A complete set of video monitor outputs is also provided, and the advanced cross conversion system ensures that all inputs are visible on all outputs. Thanks to this innovative feature, users can enjoy composite video from a VCR, S-Video from a satellite receiver, or progressive scan component video from the DVD player without changing connections or selecting inputs on their TV. The cross conversion system also delivers video from component and S-Video sources to the dedicated composite record out for use with a VCR. The SD-HX600 and SD-HX500 are compatible with the latest multi-channel disc formats including SACD and DVD-Audio. Dolby® Digital and DTS decoders are included along with a full complement of controls that optimize sound balance and bass management. Additional features on both 1-Bit systems include an AM/FM synthesizer tuner, composite, component and S-Video output terminals, digital and analog audio input terminals, and a universal remote control. The systems use 1-Bit digital amplification to sample audio signals at an ultra-high speed rate of 5.6 MHz, or 128 times faster than a CD. The faster sampling rate ensures that the SD-HX600 and SD-HX500 will produce excellent transient response, providing accurate reproduction of fast, percussive sounds and complex multi-instrumental timbers. SD-PX2The new SD-PX2 integrates five 35-watt 1-Bit amplifiers and the SACD/DVD-A compatible disc mechanism into a single slender chassis. The DVD/CD disc mechanism uses a polished door that slides to the right to expose the disc bay, then returns to seal the mechanism against dust. A Plexiglas side panel and blue LED complements the sleek anodized chassis and identifies the burnished side-mounted controls. A large rotary volume control rounds out this unique design. The SD-PX2 supports several disc types and surround formats. Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoders are included as well as Dolby Pro-Logic II to produce 5.1 channel sound from stereo discs. Both SACD and DVD-Audio decoding is also included, enabling listeners to enjoy the full fidelity of these advanced formats under the most severe space restrictions. Sharp’s patented 2.8 MHz 1-Bit amplifier reproduces signals and complete controls are included to optimize performance in any listening environment. The SD-PX2 offers a complete array of connections including sturdy spring-loaded speaker terminals, composite, S-Video and progressive scan component video output, as well as digital and analog audio terminals. All connections are located along the bottom pedestal of the unit which can be easily placed on a shelf, bookcase or table. The new system’s superior performance and compact footprint create an ideal sound solution for home theater rooms, bedrooms, and home office spaces. About 1-Bit TechnologySharp’s 1-Bit technology is based on an innovative digital amplification system offering high-fidelity playback combined with highly efficient energy use in a compact size. The unique 1-Bit process converts analog signals into digital signals, thus creating a pure digital signal path from the source to the listener. This virtually eliminates the subtle degradations that occur with conventional analog amplifiers. Pricing and AvailabilityThe SD-HX600, SD-HX500, and SD-PX2 will be available in early 2004 for manufacturer’s suggested retail prices of $1,499.95, $1,199.95, and $599.95 respectively.
I like it... a lot! In fact, I am looking for the SD-SH111 at the moment.. I can't find it in stock anywhere. If anyone knows where I can get a good deal on that one, I'd appreciate it. I'll be using it as a standalone HT so, I don't really care about the SACD or other new formats.. I like the way all of the Sharp products look, though. Excellent direction for Sharp.-C
Forget about the SD-SH111. Unless you want to pay the high price or there is one on Ebay. I ordered one at 5 different places. Only one could deliver!I would not recommend it for HT because it has only 25w per channel and because the video is not very good, at least when compared to my Sony AVD-S50ES. Otherwise, this Sharp is really a cool little machine for playing CD's. Bruno
Count me in as interested. If it'll keep DVD-A & SACD digital all the way it could be a real breakthrought product.
[Thanks for that tidbit... guess it's back to the Panny or Sony....
Review by AVguide (August 2004 issue): http://www.avguide.com/AVG_monthly/index.jsp
Quote from: BrunoBReview by AVguide (August 2004 issue): http://www.avguide.com/AVG_monthly/index.jspI'm sorry, but any online magazine that thinks they are going to be able to charge customers to read the reviews is insane. Especially when 99% of all reviews are available for free. It's not as though they have reviews that are anything other than the reviewers opinion based on the other stuff he has heard and his musical tastes. And we should pay for that, pshaaww! Subscriptio ...
Quote from: Carlman[Thanks for that tidbit... guess it's back to the Panny or Sony....Go with the Panny. I have the Sony S50ES .. Bought this one on impulse and there is nothing to write home about
