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Next Generation Offerings Deliver World's First "Direct Bitstream Coupling" In Ultra-Compact, Sleek Designs

With 50 Watts per channel, the SM-SX1 is a more compact version of Sharp's ground-breaking 100-Watt per channel SM-SX100 1-Bit Amp. In the SM-SX1 the exceptionally fast 1-Bit Delta Sigma modulator and advanced noise shaping combine to process the analog signal at a rate much higher than that of traditional multi-bit Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) systems. The result is that the sound reproduced by the new digital system is the closest possible to the original source.

Because the Sharp 1-Bit Delta-Sigma modulator samples at a rate 64 times that of CD PCM/16-Bit, the digital standard that has emerged in the last decade, it reproduces sound of a caliber well beyond that of traditional amplifiers. The result is a sampling rate of 2.8MHz (2,822,400 times per second), offering a sound reproduction range of 5 Hz to 100 kHz.

The 7th-order Delta- Sigma 1-Bit modulator makes possible extremely stable amplification of music signals based on ``Delta-Sigma Dynamic Feedback'' which corrects the 1-Bit control signals in real time. What this means is that Sharp's 1-Bit amplification technology is capable of reproducing the sound sources of the natural world in such a way that it ensures a wide dynamic range in our audible band -- making it extremely difficult to tell the 1-Bit signal from the original source.

High Fidelity at Just 1/3 the Size

The SM-SX1 and DX-SX1 SACD player combination offers high-fidelity playback combined with highly efficient use of energy (using only 50 percent of electrical power compared to conventional analog amplifiers) and space (takes up 1/3 of the size). Users can expect to enjoy audio reproduction with excellent response and a fresh and vivid sound.

Direct Bitstream Coupling

The combination of these two units yields the world's first ``Direct Bitstream Coupling'' audio system, enabling the digital signal from Super Audio CD music software to be conveyed directly to the speakers without sound degradation. Through a proprietary pin connection between the units, bitstream signals from Super Audio CDs (SACDs) are conveyed directly to the 1-Bit Amp and amplified in digital form to ensure super-high-fidelity audio playback. ``Direct Bitstream Coupling'' is designed to allow bitstream signals to be output only when Sharp's 1-Bit Amp and SACD Player recognize each other via a dedicated cable connection. Because of the unit's backward compatibility, the amplifier will automatically switch between the 1-Bit signal output from SACDs and the analog output from normal CDs, allowing both SACDs and normal CDs to be played back using the same input connection.

This next-generation audio system can reproduce the original sound with limitless fidelity. 1-Bit's precision, combined with the SM-SX1 and DX-SX1, delivers the ability to reproduce seemingly insignificant details of the atmosphere of the recording location, providing a true ``sense of space.'' With a frequency response of 5Hz to 100 kHz and a dynamic range of more than 105 dB (when playing back SACDs), there has never been a technology that comes this close to reproducing actual sound.

``The advantages of 1-bit amplification are so overwhelming that it's a natural for almost any consumer audio product,'' said Rob Weitz, senior product marketing manager, Audio, Home Digital Division, Sharp Electronics Corporation. ``Since 1-Bit amplification is extremely efficient in size, power consumption, heat dissipation and switching technology, it allows for the engineering of mini-systems, home theater, auto sound, mobile electronic devices, professional sound equipment, etc., with never-before-heard sound quality. In a home theater, it could be used in separate receivers or amplifiers, or it could even be built into the TV itself; this combination is just the beginning. We believe that SACD is the most exciting development in digital music reproduction ever.''

Innovative Design and Thin Form-Factor

With the SM-SX1 and DX-SX1, Sharp has developed a highly reliable mechanism that features high rigidity in a thin-profile package. This design will keep resonant vibration to a minimum. The DX-SX1 CD tray is made of die-cast aluminum and the main and base chassis are made from galvanized die-cast metal. The use of a super-thin dual-beam optical pickup unit to read the signals from SACD and normal CDs allows the unit to be even more compact. Because these mechanisms are inherently compact, Sharp is able to make them so thin and sleek.

As a global technology innovator, Sharp leads in engineering and development, resulting in new product categories, advanced standards and transformation in home entertainment, including LCD, Viewcam, MiniDisc, DVD, and DTV technologies. With the introduction of 1-Bit Audio Amplification, Sharp takes its expertise into the high-end audio realm, establishing new audio technology standards. Sharp plans to apply this technology to a variety of audio products in the next few years.

The SM-SX1 and DX-SX1 will both be available in the third quarter of 2000. The prices for both have not been determined.

For on-line information on Sharp's audio products and technology, please visit Sharp's Web site at http://www.sharp-usa.com or call 1-877-388-SHARP.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of portable audio and home entertainment products. Responsible for introducing the revolutionary Viewcam and SharpVision line of LCD projectors, Sharp continues to demonstrate its leadership in entertainment by advancing technologies such as High Definition Digital Television (HDTV), MiniDisc (MD) and 1-Bit Audio Amplification. Sharp provides a variety of innovative, entertainment-related solutions designed to help increase enjoyment while offering functionality to meet customer needs. Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp Electronics employs approximately 3,100 people nationwide to support its more than 50 product lines.

Specifications attached.

     SM-SX1 Specifications

Product name                  1-bit amp
Model name                    SM-SX1-S (Silver)
Rate power output             50 W + 50 W (into an 8 1/2 load at 1 kHz)
Frequency response            5 Hz to 100 kHz (+1 dB/-3 dB)
Total harmonic distortion     0.05% (at 1 kHz, 1 W power)
Dynamic range                 105 dB
A/D noise shaping             7th-order delta-sigma modulation

Input jacks                   Dedicated bitstream digital IN
                              jack x 1 RCA coaxial digital IN x 1
                              Square-type optical digital IN x
                              1 RCA analog IN x 3

Output jacks                  Square-type optical digital OUT x 1
                              RCA analog OUT x 1

Power source                  120 V AC, 60 Hz
Rated power consumption       75 watts
External dimensions           300 (W) x 66 (H) x 411 (D) mm
                              (11.8" x 2.6" x 16.2")

Weight                        Approximately 6.8 kg (15.0 lbs)


     DX-SX1 Specifications

Product name                  Super Audio CD player
Model name                    DX-SX1-S (Silver)
Number of channels            Stereo (2 channels)
Playback frequency range      2 Hz to 100 kHz (when playing back
                              Super Audio CDs)

Frequency response            2 Hz to 50 kHz (when playing back Super
                              Audio CDs)
                              2 Hz to 20 kHz (when playing back normal
                              CDs)

Total harmonic distortion     0.0012% (at 1 kHz, 1 V output)
Dynamic range                 Greater than 105 dB (when playing back
                              Super Audio CDs)

Wow & flutter                 Below measurable limits (less than
                              +-0.001% W peak)

Output jacks                  Dedicated bitstream digital OUT x 1
                              RCA coaxial digital OUT x 1
                              Square-type optical digital OUT x 1
                              RCA analog OUT (fixed) x 1
                              RCA analog OUT (variable) x 1
                              Headphone jack (3.5 mm) x 1

Power source                  120 V AC, 60 Hz
Rated power consumption       14 watts
External dimensions           300 (W) x 66 (H) x 382 (D) mm
                              (11.8" x 2.6" x 15.0")

Weight                        Approximately 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs)

Accessories                   Remote control x 1
                              Dedicated bitstream cable x 1
                              Power cable x 1

Product name                  1-Bit Amp    Super Audio CD Player
Model name                    SM-SX1-S     DX-SX1-S
Suggested Retail Prices       TBA          TBA

Contact:

     Shandwick International
     Michael Failla, Carol Edwards
     617-536-0470
     Fax: 617-536-2772
     E-mail: mfailla@shandwick.com
        or
     Sharp Electronics Corp.
     Ellin Everson
     201-529-8200
     Fax: 201-529-8919
     E-mail: eversone@sharpsec.com