Sharp brings 4K colour to new TVs, but no 4K resolution

If you can’t work out why you’d need the 4K resolution but don’t want to miss out on the extra colour that Ultra High Definition TVs bring, Sharp has a couple of new TVs coming.

When it comes to Ultra HD content, chances are you won’t be finding much. We’ve had a look, and outside of a few PC games and your own images and video, there’s not much, but if you do find 4K-ready Blu-rays, you’ll find “Mastered in 4K” printed on them.

What that actually means is that when played back through a 4K or Ultra High Def screen, you’ll see a greater colour range at the Full HD resolution, with the films sold under this format still Full HD.

Sharp seems keen to take advantage of that not-quite 4K material right now, all the while making new TVs compatible with future 4K content, with three new televisions coming out that bring the best of Full HD and blend it with support for upcoming technologies.

80 inches of 4K colour in Full HD. Confused yet?

The three models fit under Sharp’s Quattron Pro range of televisions, with a 60 inch (LC60LE960X), 70 inch (LC70LE960X), and 80 inch (LC80LE960X) all featuring Sharp’s specialised four colour pixel technology, with red, green, blue, and then a yellow sub-pixel, which we’re now told is 4K ready and can take 4K information and play it back on the Full HD screens.

“We’re very proud of this new range and excited to provide Australians with the ability to adjust their viewing preferences in a way they’ve never been able to before,” said Mark Beard, National Communications and Branding Manager for Sharp in Australia.

“The 4K ready Quattron Pro technology allows 4K content to easily hook up to the screen via HDMI connections, putting Sharp a step ahead once 4K contents and players are more widely available in the market.”

A lack of 4K and Ultra HD content is currently an issue for people buying these new TVs, because outside of some PC games and access to Netflix in America through the television, there isn’t a lot of content that will play back natively.

As such, some customers are struggling with why it’s necessary to buy a 4K TV this ahead of time.

And here's the 70 inch version.

While we’re not sure Sharp’s solution is the best, it’s a very interesting option, potentially providing support for the more impressive and colour rich 4K media that will no doubt be coming through the pipeline later on, while providing the best of what a Full HD screen has to offer as 1080p development starts to wind down.

It also includes WiFi, Bluetooth, an SD card slot, Miracast support, and THX certification for colour accuracy, motion processing, and panel performance, while the sound hasn’t been overlooked either, including a 35 watt audio system with a built-in subwoofer.

Sharp’s new range of TVs can be found in Australia now, starting at $3499 for the 60 inch, $4999 for the 70 inch, and $8499 for the 80 inch.