Sharp Introduces the Theago, Space-Saving DLP(TM) Front Projector

[Gregg Lengling]

Mobile Entertainment System Brings True Big-Screen Picture Quality to Any Room

    MAHWAH, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp today announced the
availability of a new product in its award-winning front projection line for
home theater, the company's first truly mobile front projector, the Theago
(model DT-200), featuring DLP(TM) technology from Texas Instruments.
    The Theago, which means "theater on the go," is a compact projector
weighing just over seven and a half pounds that can easily be moved from
living room to recreation room or home theater.  The unit delivers brilliant
clarity and features an extremely high contrast ratio of 1200:1, high
brightness at 600 ANSI Lumens, and 2D keystone correction, enabling the user
to position the projector almost anywhere without picture distortion.
    "Theago takes up minimal space and offers true portable performance,
bringing the big picture viewing experience to nearly every room in the home,"
said Michael Amkreutz, director of display devices, Sharp Electronics
Corporation.  "Our vision is home theater on the go."
    This unit was built with true mobility in mind.  Consumers now have the
answer to all their projection needs in a small, lightweight product.  Great
for watching sports, movies, TV or even playing video games, the Theago
provides high resolution DLP projection anywhere consumers want it, without
taking up a lot of space.  The unit measures 14.4" x 12.8" x 5.8", so it fits
easily on a shelf, cabinet or small side table, and it projects images to 10
feet large on a screen.
    The Theago features a 1.2x zoom lens with lens shift function to provide
optimum picture quality in even the most challenging installation
environments.  The 2D keystone correction also enables easy and flexible
installation because content can be projected from the unit at an angle, so
the projector does not have to be directly in front of the screen.  The unit
provides incredible clarity and depth of field, due to high performance
specifications including a .55-inch DLP chip, 1200:1 contrast ratio and 800 x
600 resolution.  In addition, the Theago boasts whisper-quiet fan operation to
avoid distractions from the movie experience.
    The Theago is ideal for consumers who are new to home theater products.
It provides a level of quality users will feel comfortable with and enjoy for
years to come.  The unit includes a short-throw lens and a lens shift feature,
making front projection possible even in smaller rooms or outdoors.  This
product comes mounted on a handy swivel stand and is also available with an
optional table stand and pop-up screen.  Or, it can be mounted with an
optional ceiling mount adapter, for an instant and ultimate home theater
set-up right out of the box.
    The Theago is currently available for a suggested retail price of
$3,999.95.  In addition, packaged solutions that include the projector, end
table stand, screen and option of multi-channel 1-Bit audio system with
progressive DVD are available for suggested retail prices from $4,499.95 to
$4,999.95.

    Optional accessories are also available individually for the following
suggested retail prices:

     -- End table stand (model TCT-100) -- suggested retail price of $249.95.

     -- Ceiling mount bracket (model AN-CM260) -- suggested retail price of
        $249.95.

     -- Portable and fixed mount screens in sizes ranging from 70- to
        100-inches -- suggested retail prices from $499.95 -- $999.95.

    For consumers looking for a more advanced portable projector, there is the
SharpVision XV-Z90U portable DLP front projector.  Aimed at the discerning
consumer who prefers a high-end, high-performance projector.  The XV-Z90 is
outfitted with a 1.2x zoom long-throw lens, so the projection distance is
suited for larger rooms.  Also features 1200:1 contrast ratio, 600 ANSI Lumen
brightness and 2D keystone correction, enabling the user to position the
projector almost anywhere without picture distortion.  The SharpVision XV-Z90
is currently available for a suggested retail price of $3,999.95.

    For more information on Sharp's full line of front projection products,
contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
or call 1-800-388-SHARP.  For SharpVision models, call 1-877-388-SHARP.  For
online product information, visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.sharpusa.com.

    Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based sales and
marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of
the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home
entertainment, appliance and digital office equipment systems.  A leader in
liquid crystal display (LCD), Sharp is the developer of the revolutionary
Viewcam(R) camcorders, AQUOS(TM) LCD Televisions and SharpVision(R) line of
LCD projection products.  Sharp continues to demonstrate its home
entertainment leadership by advancing technologies such as High Definition
Television (HDTV) and 1-Bit(TM) audio technology.  Sharp Electronics employs
approximately 2,000 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product
lines.

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