Sharp Debuts 2.1-Channel Sound Bars For A Dynamic Home Theater Experience

Sharp introduces the company’s first 2.1-channel Sound Bars, models HT-SB300 and HT-SB200, offering advanced audio technology and easy setup to enhance a home entertainment system. The new Sound Bar series was designed to simulate a surround sound effect without the bulk and added cost of a full home theater audio system. The compact models encase left and right speakers, as well as a subwoofer, in one clean unit, for a slim, stylish profile design, ideal for wall mounting. The units can also be placed on a TV stand (32-inch class LCD and up), with included mounting plates and adjustable feet to straddle the base of an LCD TV.

Sharp HT-SB200

“These new Sound Bars give consumers an affordable way to complement the superior picture quality of their high-end LCD TV,” said Bob Pleyer, senior marketing manager, Entertainment Products Division, Sharp. “With their low profile design, they blend in with the slim design of today’s flat-panel TVs for an overall sophisticated look.”

^{The 34-watt Sound Bar combines advanced HDSS (high-definition sound standard) sound technology and SRS WOW HD Sound for a more natural listening experience and a deeper, more natural bass response. Both models feature adjustable Bass, Treble and Sub level options for a unique surround sound effect without rear channel speakers. The HT-SB300 adds digital audio decoding with DTS, Dolby® Digital and Dolby} Pro Logic^® II decoder, as well as Dolby Virtual Speaker to effectively simulate 5.1 channel surround sound. Dolby Virtual Speaker helps consumers transform their living room or bedroom into a surround-sound theater without stringing speaker wire throughout the room. The technology simulates a realistic 5.1-speaker surround sound environment without placing speakers in every corner of a room. The advanced Dolby Virtual Speaker technology then processes the sound to simulate the dynamics of a traditionally placed 5.1-speaker system.

For flexibility and simple setup, both Sound Bars feature dual audio inputs, right and left RCA jacks and a 3.5mm sub mini jack, which allows for a second audio source such as an MP3 player. The HT-SB300 adds a subwoofer output jack as well. Both models also include a slim remote control that can simultaneously control a Sharp AQUOS^® LCD TV, as well as a programmed equalizer and an auto On/Off function.

Pricing and availability

• The HT-SB300 will be available in April for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $299.99.
• The HT-SB200 will be available in January for an MSRP of $249.99.

Dolby and ProLogic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.