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Sharp Readies 8K TV at IFA

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The current TV technology of choice might be 4K, but Sharp is set for the future with the announcement of the first commercially available 8K resolution TV, which will arrive in European markets from March 2018.

Sharp 8K TVThe TV in question is a 70-inch Aquos model revealed at IFA 2017. Dubbed the LC-70X500, it offers 7680 x 4320 resolution and promises  “ultimate reality, with ultra-fine details even the naked eye cannot capture." It is also compatible with the Dolby Vision HDR and BDA-HDR (for Blu-ray players).

However, while rolling out an 8K TV might be nice there isn't much content one can appreciate on it-- at least outside of Sharp's home Japan, where public broadcaster NHK does regular 8K satellite broadcasts through a "Super Hi Vision" test channel. Set up in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it shows a mixture of arts, sports, music and documentary programming reminiscent of test HDTV transmissions.

Sharp is also something of an 8K pioneer, having already released 8K-related products in Japan. Back in October 2015 it launched an 85-inch 8K LCD monitor, and a year later it presented a wideband digital satellite broadcast receiver compatible with 8K UHD broadcasts. It also plans to release a number of similar products together with the LC-70X500, such as 8K receivers and cameras, all in the name of establishing an "8K Ecosystem."

Go Sharp Announces Release of Aquos 8K in Japan, China, Taiwan and Europe