LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2014).Sharp Electronics today unveiled the Sharp Universal Player and Wireless Bridge, the first Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA™) Association- compliant Universal Player system. The Sharp Universal Player (SD-WH1000U) is the first component to transmit uncompressed sound at 24-bit/96kHz and video at Full HD (1080p) — wirelessly. The Sharp Universal Player has already been named a 2014 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the High Performance Home Audio category.

“Sharp has legacy of revolutionizing the TV industry and is doing the same in audio, with the introduction of a new high resolution audio product,” said Jim Sanduski Senior Vice President for Strategic Product Marketing at Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA). “Now, the capability of the Sharp Universal Player will revolutionize the way home audio and home theater systems are configured. The combination of wireless uncompressed audio and wireless Full HD video transmission will create an unparalleled high end viewing experience in your home.”

“Customers want the convenience, ease and quality wireless home theater components and speakers offer,” said Jim Venable, President of the WiSA Association. “We are thrilled Sharp will be bringing the first WiSA-compliant Universal Player to CES.”

Connected without Constraints

The Universal Player can be set up as part of a complete WiSA-compliant ecosystem -- in which this player uses internal transmitters to connect with up to 8 WiSA-compliant speakers (up to 7.1 channel surround sound) or install a Sharp WiSA-compliant wireless bridge system (VR-WR100U) that pairs with a consumer’s own amplifier and speaker. The player can handle SACD and CDs, Blu-ray discs and DVDs and offers 3 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and an internet connection to bring a wealth of online and portable device options to the consumer.

How it’s Put Together, Sets it Apart

The Sharp Universal Player uses the highest quality components to create the ultimate wireless audio and video system for the most discerning audiophile and videophile.

The player’s ultra-rigid disc drive mechanism accurately reads Super Audio CD and standard DVD discs as well as delivering all the data from the even more challenging Blu-ray format. The combination of a dual-core insulated base system and the expanded structure printed circuit board topology eliminates interference from external vibrations and stray signals. New power supply components including custom-tuned enhanced stability capacitors and a powerful yet efficient R-core transformer ensure precise and stable operation.

Pricing and Availability

The WiSA-compliant Sharp Universal Player (SD-WH1000U) will have an MSRP of $3,999.99 and the WiSA-compliant Sharp Wireless Bridge (VR-WR100U) will have an MSRP of $599.99. Both will begin shipping in the spring of 2014.

About Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA)

SEMCA is the U.S. consumer electronics arm of Sharp Electronics Corporation, the U.S. sales subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer and manufacturer of one-of-a-kind premium technology products. Sharp was named one of th eMost Admired Brands in America and one of the 20 Most Loved Companies globally.* Leading products include AQUOS® LED TVs, Insight® Microwave Drawer® ovens, and Plasmacluster® ion air conditioners and air purifiers.

*Sources: Buyology Inc., 2012; APCO Worldwide, 2013