Sharp's New Notevision C55 Delivers Brightness, Ease of Use and Security

ORLANDO, Fla., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Electronics Corp. today introduced the compact, powerful XG-C55X LCD projector, a full-featured addition to Sharp's award-winning Notevision line. The Notevision C55 projector is an enhancement to Sharp's popular Notevision C50 projector, offering up to 50-percent more lamp life and lowering the projector's overall cost of ownership.

With 3000 ANSI Lumens and a host of advanced imaging and security features in a slim 11.2 lb. attache-case design, the Notevision C55 is a powerful new addition to the Sharp family. The Notevision C55 is specifically designed for basic installation in the education, government and corporate sectors, offering high brightness and a slate of theft deterrent features. Sharp has addressed the growing problem of A/V equipment theft by implementing such security features as "key code activation" to prevent unauthorized operation and a "Notevision Lockdown" bolt, as well as offering an optional ceiling mount cable lock system.

"The Notevision C55 is an enhanced version of the award-winning Notevision C50," said Fred Krazeise, director of strategic marketing, Sharp Electronics LCD Products Group. "We added a remote receiver for presentation control to a very popular model and upgraded it with a new Low Power Mode, which extends the lamp life from 3,000 to 4,000 hours. The security features and ease of use are specifically designed for conference room and classroom applications."

The Notevision C55 will be available in August through Sharp's authorized distribution channels. The projector is backed by a three-year parts and labor limited warranty, including 3 years of Sharp's express repair service, a 24-hour turnaround express repair program.

Low Cost of Ownership
Sharp delivers a low cost of ownership over the lifespan of a projector -- a fact that has helped drive Sharp's leadership position in the education, government and corporate markets. The Notevision C55's Low Power Mode helps users save money on new lamp purchases, which is the highest after-purchase ownership cost associated with the life of a projector, while lowering fan noise from 37dB to 34dB.

Advanced Feature Set
The Notevision C55 features a unique, Sharp-developed "L" type optical system to deliver higher brightness and improved imaging efficiency. The C55 offers separate S-video and composite inputs and two separate RGB inputs, including loop out capability -- ideal for users, such as teachers, who wish to face their audience while presenting. The model is simple to operate, with an easy three-step set-up and shut-down process. The Notevision C55 includes a variable audio output and Sharp's exclusive CV-IC System II, a Sharp-developed image-processing chip that cleans up jagged edges, minimizes image noise and implements keystone corrections. A built-in sRGB color management system sharpens the Notevision C55's color output, contrast and gradation. The Notevision C55 also features an individual cooling system for each of the three LCD panels, lowering fan noise and increasing the panels' lifespan, while the C55's new lens system allows for simple lens changeover. Sharp offers three optional lenses for the Notevision C55.

Remote Access and Control Software for Projector Management
Sharp Advanced Presentation Software (S.A.P.S.), built into the C55, allows one or more projectors to be connected to a PC for remote diagnostics and control capability. S.A.P.S. is designed to locate and self-diagnose system errors, instantly sending an alert to the control PC or forwarding error message emails to a predetermined list, expediting necessary maintenance and minimizing C55 downtime.

The PresenterPAK Feature Set
Sharp's exclusive PresenterPAK features a friendly graphical user interface (GUI) menu screen that is icon-based and uses common terminology rather than technical jargon. PresenterPAK has a unique set of built-in features such as a customizable start-up screen, break timer for meeting control and presentation support tools.

For more information, please contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, LCD Products Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135, or dial 1-866-4-VISUAL (1-866-484-7825). For online product information, visit Sharp's LCD Products Group Web site at http://www.sharplcd.com. Email: ProLCD@SharpSEC.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, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) audio products, the SharpVision(R) line of projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Sharp Carousel(R) microwaves, Imager(TM) digital multi-functional systems, the Notevision(R) line of multi-media projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) Personal Mobile Tool. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.