Sharp have just announced a brand new range of Android TVs at IFA 2019. The Japanese tech brand have stated that the new UHD TV sets with Android TV will offer affordable pricing suitable for the mass market. Bold claims, considering some of their Aquos televisions were some of the most expensive at one point.
Being an Android TV, customers will have access to the Android operating system, in which Sharp are promising over 500,000+ TV shows and movies, Google Assistant as well as a host of other features, the most exciting being able to hook up to a whole host of smart-home appliances like security cameras, heating systems and more. Chromecast will also be built-into the sets to give you access to your phone or tablet’s media.
There are four new ranges in total, all with the AQUOS badge, and the TVs will feel right at home to anyone who already uses an Android smart phone. Of course to access the media Sharp are promising, you’re going to need an Internet connection as well as apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Rakuten TV.
The range is promising 4K 3,840 z 2160 resolutions with HDR10 and HDR as well for that crisp sharp colour reproduction. Sharp have also implemented their Active Motion 600 tech for a smoother image to reduce ghosting, perfect for sports. For sound, there will be high-quality Harmon Kardon loudspeakers built in, although of course this is a TV, so a soundbar will definitely be needed to a more cinematic experience, which Sharp are also launching as well and have announced at IFA 2019, most notably the The 5.1.2 Soundbar HT-SBW800 with its Dolby THD™, Dolby Digital™ and Dolby Digital Plus™ compatibility.
Audio codecs that are built into the television include DTS Virtual:X which delivers up to 7.1.4 through traditional TV speakers in a horizontal plane. Additionally there will be DTS HD support from high definition media sources like Blu-ray players
The first of the four models are part of the BL series, which Sharp are introducing to a European market in time for Christmas. The BN series, which Sharp are planning to launch next year will also feature Dolby Atmos support as well as Dolby Vision HDR which is technology that comes straight from the cinema. The BL series will retail between £329 for a 40″ model up to £629 for a 65″ screen. The BN prices are still being finalised, but sizes will go up to 65″.
“With extensive content coverage and the integration of the Google Assistant, Android TV is a revolutionary smart TV solution. As a driver of innovative and customer-oriented technologies, Sharp presents a cost-effective solution with full Android TV performance.”, explains Sascha Lange, Vice President Marketing and Sales. “With a brilliant UHD display and audio solutions from harman/kardon, the customer gets excellent picture quality and breath-taking sound on top.”