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MAHWAH, NJ—To meet growing demand from consumers who want to enhance their television viewing experience, Sharp Electronics Corporation is reducing the price on many models of its industry-leading AQUOS* Liquid Crystal Display Televisions.  Price reductions become effective on June 17th.   For the growing number of consumers looking for entry-level LCD TVs at more affordable price points, a new line of Sharp branded LCD TVs will be available this fall in 13-, 15- and 20-inch screen sizes. 

"In addition to offering consumers the widest choice of screen sizes, speaker placement and colors, Sharp's AQUOS collection is recognized for its superior performance characteristics and elegant design," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president of marketing, Sharp Electronics Corporation.  "The shift to more mainstream price points represents an opportunity for Sharp to capitalize on our core competencies as the world leader in LCD technology to better assist our retail partners meet the demands of the U.S. market," he said.   

Sharp is the worldwide leader in flat panel LCD TV sales* and this year will offer 48 AQUOS models in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 45-inches.  The price reductions on AQUOS include most of the enhanced definition, 4:3 models and the larger, widescreen HDTV-ready displays. Earlier this year, Sharp further enhanced its LCD TV manufacturing capabilities with the on schedule opening of a state-of-the-art factory in Kameyama, Mie Prefecture, Japan. From the outset, Kameyama achieved planned production levels. Utilized exclusively for the manufacture of 16:9 LCD displays, Kameyama is Sharp's largest LCD TV plant.  The manufacture of large-screen LCD TVs is totally integrated within Kameyama from the manufacture of LCD panels to assembly of final products.  This highly efficient, vertically integrated operation enables Sharp to shorten production lead times enabling Sharp to be more responsive to marketplace demands.