On June 1, 2008, Sharp Corporation will begin successive market introductions in Japan of 22 new models of the AQUOS R Series, G Series, and D Series, as well as three new AQUOS Blu-ray Disc Recorders featuring the new image-enhancing AQUOS Pure Mode.

With more than 40% of Japanese households now capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts, the market for flat-panel TVs in Japan has entered a period of full-fledged growth.

The combination of TV purchases before this summer's major sports events and people purchasing additional TVs or replacing their old ones is also causing demand to grow. And diversifying consumer needs include Internet compatibility for the TV and especially advanced environmental performance in light of today's increasing concern for environmental friendliness among the general public.

Demand for Blu-ray Disc Recorders is increasing rapidly, reflecting the higher image quality of video content, particularly terrestrial digital TV broadcasts, and the proliferation of pre-recorded movie video titles available on Blu-ray Disc.

In response to these diversifying needs, Sharp introduced these 22 AQUOS and three Blu-ray Disc Recorders. Included are the R Series AQUOS, which boast the best AQUOS images ever for enjoyment of the Internet on a large screen in high definition and with high image quality. Including the 20 other new AQUOS recently announced, Sharp is offering five series including a total of 42 models, the industry's largest lineup*¹, and is capable of meeting a diverse range of user needs.

In addition to AQUOS Pure Mode, the AQUOS Blu-ray Disc Recorders feature new 5X extended video recording times, the longest in the industry*¹. These Blu-ray Disc Recorders make the ideal complement to the AQUOS in every way, including image quality and ease of operation: an example is AQUOS Familink, which enables simple, easy control of connected audio/video equipment.