Dubai: Sharp, which is in its 34th year of LCD development, is set to define a new paradigm in the consumer electronics space at this year's Gitex.
Click here to see the Gitex event details (pdf)
The Japanese firm has unveiled the prototype of their new TV, the world's largest at 108-inch, with a thickness of 20 millimetre main display section and 29 millimetre at the thickest part.
The gigantic Aquos TV, which uses tenth-generation mother glass is 2.8 metre height and three metre width, is displayed at the Gitex. The product is expected to be available in the region by early next year.
The electronic vendor will split its presence at the show between Consumer Electronics and Gitex Business Solutions in order to leverage its enhanced regional presence with main focus on LCD TVs.
"By working to achieve further innovations in LCD technology in the future,
Sharp will be creating LCD TVs that will completely transform living spaces and become the support and driving force behind the digital video culture of the 21st century," Tomio Isogai, managing director, Sharp Middle East FZE, said.
"We are the only vendor to use the eighth-generation panel in the world. Other vendors are still using under seventh-generation panels," he said.
The company claims to enjoy five per cent to seven per cent market share in the UAE and seeks to attain 10 per cent market share by next year in Gulf. It has sold about 10,000 Aquos LCD TVs this year and eyes 50 per cent sales growth by next year.
He said the global LCD TV demand is set to touch 72 million this year as prices are falling and touch 100 million by 2009.
"Sharp in its own unique way of the turtle has made a great stride in the LCD market and all the rabbits are thinking and worried about the big bang," says Dr Ram Buxani, executive vice-chairman, ITL Group.
The company is also investing $3.3 billion (Dh12.11 billion) in an upcoming plant at Sakai, Japan, with a goal of becoming an environmentally-advanced company and deliver 'super green products'.
The LCD panel plant will be the first in the world to use 10th-generation glass substrates, 60 per cent larger than the eighth-generation substrates, making it possible to fabricate LCD panels for large-screen TVs with extremely high levels of efficiency.
Construction is slated to start in November this year and production is scheduled to start by March, 2010.
"The electronics business has become unpredictable; the only thing predictable is the fact that you have to run faster and faster to stay in the same place. With a pedigree of innovation and technology superiority, Sharp is focused on doing it all the time," asserts Tomio Isogai.
