Sharp to Release 57-Inch LCD TV

Sharp said it has plans to release a 57-inch LCD television in December in a move aimed at increasing its market share of flat-panel TVs. The company also said that it plans to launch the TV in North America in February 2006. The TV will support the full HD standard, with a resolution of up to 1,920 by 1,080 pixels.

LCD televisions, however, still remain much more expensive than plasmas. The TV will retail for 1.52 million yen, or about $13,600 USD. In comparison, a new 65-inch plasma set from Panasonic due out soon in Japan will sell for 990,000 yen, or about $8,875 USD.