A New LCD HDTV With a Built-in Web Browser?

Hi everybody!

This week Sharp has announced 2 new LCD HDTV’s with a built in web browser. The new TV’s are aimed at commercial use (and priced for it as well), but it could lead to promising new and cheaper versions intended for the home consumer in the future. In fact, if these LCD HDTV’s were near the cost similarly sized sets I would certainly be looking in to getting one myself. I can envision plenty of uses for a HDTV like this one with its web browser. The first thing that comes to mind would be doing my online school work without needing to go into my office. This is important for me, because it would free me up from the limitation of working on my school work only after my son takes his afternoon nap. He’s not allowed in the office because there is too much he could get hurt on in there, and he’s only 2 so there is no way I will leave him alone while doing my school work. These new HDTV’s also have a pretty impressive set of features as well.

Both displays use Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) panel, with a sub-6ms pixel response time and 176 degree viewing angles. The monitors feature 1500:1 (TL-M4600) and 2000:1 (TL-M5200) contrast ratios. Connectivity includes analog and DVI-D computer inputs as well as HDCP-compatible HDMI, and both the M4600 and M5200 have a built-in web browser.

The TL-M5200 is available now priced at around $4,995. The TL-M4600 will be available in June priced at around $3,995. Both have a three-year warranty which includes the backlight.

The TL Monitor series has a full, two-megapixel 1920 x 1080 HD resolution for exceptionally accurate and precise image reproduction. Sharp’s proprietary Advanced Super View (ASV) panel provides stellar picture quality for fast-moving video through its fast pixel response time of less than 6 ms, as well as high brightness and wide 176 degree viewing angles while maintaining exceptionally low power consumption. For a superior picture in practically any lighting condition, the monitors feature 1500:1 (TL-M4600) and 2000:1 (TL-M5200) contrast ratio, enabling viewers to discern details they might otherwise miss, particularly when viewing darker content. High image quality and color accuracy is ensured through Sharp’s advanced signal processing technology, providing an unparalleled image for a professional presentation of information, data and images.

Enhanced Connectivity

The new TL monitor series has an array of input connectors to show all types of content, from DVD to varying PC resolutions from both analog and digital (DVI-D) sources for all types of presentations. The monitors include an HDCP compatible HDMI input for access to premium HD content, as well as a built-in Web browser. The monitors are designed for landscape mode use, and also offer an optional stereo speaker system, which attaches across the bottom of the display, for enhanced audio during presentations.

If you were to own a LCD HDTV such as this, what uses could you find for it? Do you think that this will start a trend towards HDTV’s with internet connectivity?