Sharp intends to launch its first 8K TV in Europe later this month for 12000 Euro, according to HDTVTest. But the TV lacks the crucial HDMI 2.1 port.

8K before 8K is ready
Sharp says that the TV is based on a VA LCD panel with 216 dimming zones. That is not much by today’s standards and the company is focusing mainly on 8K resolution. As consumers continue to buy ever larger TVs, Sharp sees 8K as a natural progression.

The 70-inch LV-70X500E is already available in parts of Asia. Foxconn recently acquired a majority share in Sharp and has been showcasing 8K TVs on numerous occasions but this is the first time that you can actually buy one in Europe.



LG, Samsung, and Sony are expected to launch 8K TVs in the near future but Sharp is hoping to get a head start. Unfortunately, Sharp is so eager to be seen as a pioneer in the field that it is launching the TV without HDMI 2.1 ports. This effectively means that you have to connect four HDMI 2.0 cables (it has 8 HDMI ports) to enjoy 8K resolution at a decent frame rate.

 Also read: HDMI 2.1 finalized - 8K/10K resolution, variable refresh rate, eARC, new cable)

The LCD TV delivers 1000 nits of peak brightness and supports HDR10 as well as HLG. It has built-in 35W speakers but no tuners.

While these kinds of technological transitions are always exciting, the lack of HDMI 2.1 is a deal-breaker. It is hard to understand exactly what Sharp is trying to achieve here and why the company is not just waiting another 6 to 12 months. By that time the HDMI 2.1 certification program will be finalized.

If you want a half-baked 8K TV it can be yours for 12000 Euro when it launches in Europe later this month.

- Source: HDTVTest