INDIANAPOLIS, September 9, 2005 – Responding to increased consumer interest in total home theaters, Sharp has expanded its line of high-definition DLP™ front projectors with the newly-enhanced version of the award-winning XV-Z12000. The sleek-bodied, whisper-quiet XV-Z12000 MARK II takes home movie projection to a new level of viewing enjoyment, with an unprecedented contrast ratio and brightness level, for the clearest, truest-color images available in projection today. The true widescreen, 16:9 aspect ratio projector provides cinema-quality images so consumers can view movies as they are meant to be seen, while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

"Sharp is once again moving up the leader board in consumer front projection because we are committed to providing consumers with flexible, easy-to-use products that deliver superior performance and functionality," said Bruce Tripido, director of product marketing for display devices, Consumer Electronics Group, Sharp. "The new MARK II front projector combines a high-style design with exceptional performance to create the ultimate solution for home theater enthusiasts who have a dedicated home media room."

Using the DLP Dark Chip 3™ technology from Texas Instruments along with Sharp's proprietary Computer & Video Integrated Composer (CV-IC II) System technology, the XV-Z12000 MARK II reaches previously unattained levels of projection excellence. Brightness levels of 1000 ANSI Lumens (in high brightness mode) and an extremely high contrast ratio of 7000:1 combine to produce a crystal-clear picture. Adding to the amazing contrast ratio is a 7-Segment 5x-Speed color wheel that achieves flicker-free, high-grade images and accurate color reproduction, resulting in an uninterrupted, detailed picture. A powered iris switchover function gives the consumer more control over brightness and contrast settings with the touch of a button on the remote control, providing flexibility for varying home theater environments with different lighting situations.

The XV-Z12000 MARK II has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 (720p) for true 16:9 widescreen movie viewing and a DVI/HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) terminal that ensures a secure digital connection with high-definition set-top boxes. The true 720p high-resolution image quality is fully compatible with HDTV signals, making this the perfect movie-viewing vehicle for today as well as the future. Additional features include a "film tone" mode for reproducing a film-like atmosphere, a 1:1.35 manual zoom and a lens shift function to simplify installation, and a 33 dB whisper-quiet operation for home theater convenience.

The XV-Z12000 MARK II will be available in October for a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $10,999.99.

For more information on Sharp's full line of consumer electronics products, contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 or call 877-388-SHARP for SharpVision products. For Sharp products call 800-BE-SHARP. For online product information, visit Sharp's virtual press room at sharppressroom.com or sharpusa.com.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS® Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit™ digital audio products, SharpVision® projection products, Carousel® microwaves, IMAGER™ digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision® multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

DLP is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.