Washington, D.C. (October 20, 2008) -- Sharp has announced that it will introduce a LCD HDTV with a Blu-ray recorder inside. However, it is unclear if stores in the United States will carry sets with a player inside or a player/recorder.
Company officials said the combo LCD/Blu-ray recorder would be available in Japan on November 20. However, Reuters quotes a Sharp executive as saying that overseas models will "mainly" come equipped with a Blu-ray player.
That would suggest that some models here might include a Blu-ray recorder, which would be a first in the United States. Until now, standalone Blu-ray recorders have only been available in Japan and CE officials have cast doubt on their introduction in the U.S. due to copyright concerns and a perceived lack of consumer interest.
If Sharp introduced some models of a LCD/Blu-ray combo recorder in the U.S., it might signal that manufacturers are finally ready to offer Blu-ray recorders here.
Sharp said the LCD/Blu-ray combo would be available in North America by year's end.
"By launching them in the year-end shopping season, we are aiming to do our best in fighting sluggish consumption, a slowing economy, an adverse business environment and fierce competition," a Sharp spokesman said.
The Japanese model, which will include a 32-inch screen, is expected to sell for roughly $2,000.
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Company officials said the combo LCD/Blu-ray recorder would be available in Japan on November 20. However, Reuters quotes a Sharp executive as saying that overseas models will "mainly" come equipped with a Blu-ray player.
That would suggest that some models here might include a Blu-ray recorder, which would be a first in the United States. Until now, standalone Blu-ray recorders have only been available in Japan and CE officials have cast doubt on their introduction in the U.S. due to copyright concerns and a perceived lack of consumer interest.
If Sharp introduced some models of a LCD/Blu-ray combo recorder in the U.S., it might signal that manufacturers are finally ready to offer Blu-ray recorders here.
Sharp said the LCD/Blu-ray combo would be available in North America by year's end.
"By launching them in the year-end shopping season, we are aiming to do our best in fighting sluggish consumption, a slowing economy, an adverse business environment and fierce competition," a Sharp spokesman said.
The Japanese model, which will include a 32-inch screen, is expected to sell for roughly $2,000.
Comment on this article!
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