In addition to new televisions, Sharp introduces various new audio products during IFA 2018 in Berlin. The company comes with Dolby Atmos soundbars, digital radios, portable DAB devices and Bluetooth speakers.
Sharp audio products 2018
Sharp is full of soundbars. The Japanese company offers almost a dozen models, ranging from the 100W entry-level HT-SB106 with Bluetooth to the 220W Wi-Fi 2.1 All-In-One model HT-SBW420. With Sharp entering the European audio market again, the company is introducing two soundbar solutions with Dolby Atmos. Sharp now launches the soundbars HT-SBW460 and HT-SBW800 with 3.1 and 5.1.2 sound systems including a wireless subwoofer. These extensions are suitable for any TV and are offered with a suggested retail price of 359 euros and 559 euros. In addition to Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Digital are also supported. The soundbars can be operated via the main menu on the device or with the remote control of the TV, via HDMI ARC-CEC. The soundbars are equipped with two HDMI 2.0 inputs and a 4K throughput. Furthermore, they are equipped with an optical, a coaxial and an AUX input. In addition, the speaker has a USB interface for audio playback and updates. Finally, there is Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly. Both soundbars will be in stores by the end of 2018.
In addition, Sharp comes with two portable DAB radios. They have the retro look of portable radios from the seventies; with a wooden body, a telescopic antenna and a metal handle. On the inside, the radios have the DAB technology. The DR-P350 and the stereo model DR-P355 provide DAB / DAB + / FM reception with a continuous RDS text display and an alarm with snooze button. Furthermore, the DR-P355 supports wireless streaming via Bluetooth. Up to twenty stations can be pre-programmed. The radios can be connected to the mains, but also work with a battery. Portable DAB radios DR-P350 and DR-P355 are available in January 2019. The suggested retail price is 89 euros and 109 euros respectively.
Sharp also offers various digital stereo radios / internet radios with wooden body, aluminum front and telescopic antenna. The DR-I470, the flagship model for stereo internet and digital radio, is equipped with DAB/ DAB+ / FM, RDS / Bluetooth and a dimmable color display that shows the time, alarm and weather report. Sixty stations can be preset as default. In addition, 27,000 Internet radio stations have already been set up. You can easily zap with the remote control from the couch. The DR-I470 is available in November for a suggested retail price of 179.
Sharp’s extensive audio line-up further consists of splash-proof Bluetooth speakers (IP56) with an output of 14 to 40W, available in multiple colors and partly supported for voice control via Siri (Apple) or Google Assistant. For example, the portable GX-BT280 with DSP technology delivers 20W, a high frequency boost and a deep bass. The built-in rechargeable battery has a playback time of twelve hours. Calls can be answered hands-free. Another portable Bluetooth speaker is the GX-BT480. This too is splash-proof. The GX-BT480 comes with an integrated equalizer, voice control and twenty hours of playing time. Sound can also be played from micro SD cards or via an AUX cable. The portable Bluetooth speakers GX-BT280 and GX-BT480 are available at the end of October 2018. The suggested retail price is 99 euros and 159 euros respectively.
