Looks like the Sharp 2008 LCD TVs have been announced. This needs a thread:

links:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/19/sharp-unveils-22-thin-internet-ready-lcds/
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-16039-Twenty-two%20New%20LCD%20TVs%20from%20Sharp.html
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/report/aquos_r2/index.html

Aquos R-Series:
RX5 Series: LC-65RX5, LC-52RX5, LC-46RX5

* 1080p, 10-bit panels, 12-bit processing, 120hz
* 3300:1 native contrast, 20000:1 dynanic; 450cdm2 brightness
* DLNA, ethernet, internet support
* colors: black, white and brown(!?)

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_gallery.php?id=16039&img_name=Sharp_Aquos_040.jpg
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_gallery.php?id=16039&img_name=Sharp_Aquos_004.jpg
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/02/20/sharps-aquos-r-series-of-lcds-announced/

Aquos G-Series:
GX5 Series: LC-52GX5, LC-46GX5, LC-42GX5, LC-37GX5, LC-32GX5, LC-32GH5, LC-26GH5

* 1080p (gx) or 720p(gh); 120hz; 12-bit processing
* 450cdm2 brightness; 15000:1 dynamic CR; 2000:1 native CR for 1080p and 1500:1 for 720p models
* DLNA, ethernet, internet support

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_gallery.php?id=16039&img_name=Sharp_Aquos_041.jpg
http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_gallery.php?id=16039&img_name=Sharp_Aquos_030.jpg

Aquos D-Series:
D Series: LS-42DS5, LS-37DS5, LS-32DS5

* 1080p(?); no 120hz
* 450cdm2 brightness; 2000:1 CR
* colors: black, white, red

I believe these are exclusive to the Asian Market but are an indicator of what may find it's way to the Mexico Tech Zone for N. America in late Summer to replace the D64 series panels.

Last year around this time they announced THX Certified panels also and they were also exclusive to Asia and never found their way to N. America market.

I believe the new 12 bit processing may be part of their new partnership with Toshiba that was formed around 7 months ago where Sharp was to add microprocessors needed for thinner form factors from Tosh in trade for Tosh getting glass from Sharp. Would be interesting to see what 12 bit can do with a ten bit panel and of course the primary concern will always be the resolution of friggin banding events first and foremost.:)

What I want to know is where are the Sharps that are the lighter thinner type that we seen on the commercial several months ago?

Have those come and gone and I missed them, or was that just something that is cool, but will never be offered here?

Heaven knows I could have used something like that when I was wall mounting the 52".

I was wondering when the new models would show up. The last released was the 94U in Jan. And the 64U was Sept 2007. Seems like they are back to a 1 year release schedule for new models. However Toshiba, Sony, and Samsung have been flinging new models our way.

Westa I imagine you already knew this (I do notice you keep up to date on tech) but...
FWIW: 12 bit processing will only be useful during color calibration where you need to subdivide picture settings by 16 for an 8 bit source. This will ensure there is no color crushing.

For example, let's say you have a 9 bit processor and 8 bit screen. You adjust the white, but it's 2 shades too bright. (White crush) Time you knock it down twice (/4) you loose the two least significant bits. So you only now have a 7 bit gray scale to display on a 8 bit screen.

To sum up, the more bits you have, the more control you have without loosing reproduceable color gamut.

Are there any 10 bit sources out there yet using Display Port?

I believe these are exclusive to the Asian Market but are an indicator of what may find it's way to the Mexico Tech Zone for N. America in late Summer to replace the D64 series panels.

Last year around this time they announced THX Certified panels also and they were also exclusive to Asia and never found their way to N. America market.

I believe the new 12 bit processing may be part of their new partnership with Toshiba that was formed around 7 months ago where Sharp was to add microprocessors needed for thinner form factors from Tosh in trade for Tosh getting glass from Sharp. Would be interesting to see what 12 bit can do with a ten bit panel and of course the primary concern will always be the resolution of friggin banding events first and foremost.:)

I haven't seen any significant banding in the newer TVs with 8-bit panels. Theoretically, it shouldn't be an issue if the 256 gradations are being fully utilized, which may be the case due to better processing (esp. with dithering). That's my understanding, anyway.

Isn't toshiba using the Cell processor in their new TVs? It's the same cpu used in the PS3, and uniquely designed for such purposes.

hmmm.... Bump. What does it take for a successful official thread?

i think it helps to:
1. Have a model listing in the header
2. as well as official information,
3. Calibration/use tips,
4. and reviews.

Sort of a mini faq

I wonder if the screens will be matte, semi-gloss (Samsung 550) or gloss (Samsung 650).