Sadly, the TVs will not be produced by the Japanese manufacturer but instead UMC of Slovakia who has licensed the Sharp TV brand in Europe. A total of 50 models ranging from 24 to 75” will be available starting from Q1 2017.
Sharp TVs coming to Europe
Sharp was once at the forefront of the TV market but fell into financial troubles. The company was recently acquired by taiwanese Foxconn but before that happened the company sold the rights to use the TV brand in Europe to UMC of Slovakia. In the US, the rights were sold to Chinese Hisense.
At IFA, UMC announced that it will bring a total of 50 Sharp-branded TVs to the market in early 2017. The TVs will range in sizes from 24 to 75 inches. 19 of these, from the 6 series and up, will feature Ultra HD resolution. The 5 series offers Full HD. All 32” and above will feature Harman Kardon speakers.
The flagship model is called CUF8772 and in addition to Ultra HD, it features support for HDR (high dynamic range).
Even though Sharp was one of the first manufacturers to shake Google’s hand and swear allegiance to Android TV, the company never got around to launch Android TV in Europe before it sold the rights. And these TVs will not feature Android TV either, it appears. UMC says that the TVs will instead be equipped with "Aquos Net+”. Additionally, most of the TVs are equipped with HEVC, DLNA and Miracast.
The new ”Sharp TVs” will be available in Europe in Q1 2017. No pricing information was announced.
- Source: UMC
