Sharp claims world first: HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders

Andy Merrett Blu-ray, HDTV, TVs
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Sharp will launch a range of high definition LCD TVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders in the Japanese market next month, claiming a world first.

While it’s not uncommon to see flat panel TVs with built in DVD and Blu-ray players, this is the first time a Blu-ray recorder has been added to a production TV.

The AQUOS DX range will come in a range of screen sizes from 26- right up to 52-inch, all full 1080p high definition, and ranging in price from around £1,100 to £2,900 (at current Yen to UK pound exchange rate). Though the integrated drive will allow playback of Blu-ray, and recording TV programmes directly to disc, there won’t be a built-in hard drive — so no DVR functionality.

Blu-ray writers are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, but Sharp seems to think the same isn’t yet true of US or Europe, because the company only plans to release TVs with Blu-ray players in the West over the next few months.

I’m not convinced full integration is the way to go for TVs. I’d rather keep the components separate, buying a decent TV and a standalone Blu-ray player. Manufacturers obviously think there’s a market, though. Recently, LG said that consumer research it carried out in the UK showed that consumers wanted TVs with built-in optical drives.

What do you think? Keep ’em separate or pack ’em together?

(Via HDTVUK)

Related posts: Sharp AQUOS XS1/D65E HDTVs | Sharp’s “revolutionary” AN-PR1500H home cinema rack

Andy Merrett
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One thought on “Sharp claims world first: HDTVs with integrated Blu-ray recorders”

  • Well I don’t know much about Blu Ray yet but I’d love a decent-sized flat screen LCD with a built in DVD player in my bedroom that can just go on my wall without needing additional ‘clutter’.

    And I think there’s a market for full integration as when I was shopping for one, as I looked around shop more after having been told what I wanted wasn’t available, I overheard two other women (separate from each other) looking for the same thing.

    The reason I was given by the sales consultant for not being able to find LCD TVs with an integrated DVD player above 19inches was linked to heat. He said Sony used to do a 26inch one but they had lots of aftersales problems.

    I’d love a 32 inch or even a 26inch screen. At the moment, I am thinking of sticking my 24inch Imac up on the wall rather than a TV and separate DVD player.

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