Sharp Introduces World's First 3D Notebook to US Market; New Actius RD3D Notebook Features Revolutionary 3D LCD Screen Eliminating Need for Special Glasses.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2003

Sharp Systems of America today announced an exciting new addition to their award-winning Actius notebook line. The new notebook, the Sharp Actius RD3D, is the world's first notebook computer that incorporates Sharp's TFT 3D LCD technology, which makes it possible to view eye-popping 3D images using the naked eye, but is easily switched back to 2D viewing for standard applications such as spreadsheets, photo editing or email. With uses ranging from CAD and other design applications, drug discovery, medical imaging, mapping/GIS, oil & gas, entertainment, advertising, broadcasting, electronic books and a vast array of other vertical markets, the Actius RD3D makes possible a range of new applications providing three-dimensional images with an enhanced level of visual ambience and detail.

"This landmark notebook, the Actius RD3D, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit that has embodied Sharp since 1912," said Greg Nakagawa, senior vice president and general manager for Sharp Systems of America. "As the leader in 3D visualization technology, Sharp is dedicated to advancing the 3D market and creating an environment for widespread adoption of 3D display technology. The introduction of the Actius RD3D notebook is the first step in that direction."

Sharp's 3D LCD Technology

Developed jointly by Sharp Corporation and Sharp Laboratories Europe, Ltd. (SLE), Sharp's TFT 3D LCD Technology is set to revolutionize the visual experience by offering a realistic sense of depth and presence that hasn't been previously available in LCD displays. The TFT 3D LCD, which can be easily switched between 2D and 3D display modes, allows the Actius RD3D notebook to display dynamic 3D images for realistic visualization of complex geometry.

Using a parallax barrier, light from the LCD is divided so that different patterns reach the viewer's left and right eyes. The direction in which light leaves the display is controlled so that the left and right eyes see different images. When centered in front of the display, each eye receives the correct visual information for the brain to process. This makes it possible for the image on the screen to appear in three dimensions without the user having to wear special goggles.

"Sharp's TFT 3D LCD technology works on the principle of displaying left and right eye views that are separated so that the left eye sees only the left eye image, and the right eye sees only the right eye image," explained Ian Matthew, 3D Solutions Business Development Manager at Sharp Systems of America. "Since these images have perspective and are offset in the same way that the human eye normally sees the two images, the brain naturally interprets the image disparity and creates a 'sense of depth' effect. The result is a 3D, 'out of screen' display,' that provides users with a visual experience previously unattainable without polarized or liquid crystal shuttering lenses."

The Actius RD3D -- Groundbreaking 3D Visualization

The Sharp Actius RD3D notebook comes equipped with a TFT 3D LCD display panel that can be switched between 2D and 3D display modes with the touch of a button, making the notebook flexible for use in standard 2D and enhanced 3D applications. The notebook, equipped with a 15-inch XGA (1024 x 768) LCD screen, provides bright, clear pictures in which small details can be clearly seen.

In order to provide the advanced visual processing power for 3D applications, the Actius RD3D comes equipped with the NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM)4 440 Go graphic processing unit with 64 MB of dedicated graphics memory. The GeForce(TM)4 440 Go delivers awesome performance and unmatched feature set that includes a host of video enhancements and power management (via the NVIDIA PowerMizer(TM) Mobile technology) along with high-resolution anti-aliasing to deliver amazing detail and performance for all applications.

Designed with the high performance demands of 3D applications in mind, the Sharp Actius RD3D is equipped with the Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 2.80GHz processor and driven by Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional operating system. The notebook is equipped with 512 MB of DDR SDRAM, and is capable of scaling up to 1024 MB. Rounding out its desktop-like specifications, the Actius RD3D comes complete with a 60 GB harddrive.

In addition to being able to support 3D software applications, the Actius RD3D comes equipped with an advanced optical drive, making the notebook capable of viewing 3D DVD content. One of the first notebooks in the U.S. market to support DVD-RAM technology, the Actius RD3D comes complete with a DVD multi-drive with DVD-R/-RW/RAM and CD-R/RW media compatibility that allows users to produce original DVDs, back up important data on DVD or CD, and watch DVD movies at the user's convenience. Fully equipped with premium quality speakers under the LCD display, the Actius RD3D also supports 5.1 channel virtual surround sound for users using external 2 channel speakers with built-in Dolby Virtual Speaker (DVS) and WinDVD(R).

In addition to strong multimedia performance and advanced 3D display technology, The Actius RD3D also includes an array of storage and networking options including Memory Stick(TM), SD memory card, SmartMedia(TM), and CompactFlash(TM) card slots, an IEEE1394 port, a built-in floppy disk drive and four USB 2.0 compliant ports. The Actius RD3D also offers a 56kbps (V.90) fax modem, and 100Base-TX/10Base-T LAN for wired networking and includes an array of external display options, including analog RGB, mini D-sub 15-pin, and S-video outputs.

The Actius RD3D will come complete with a software bundle to support its 3D and multimedia capability, which includes SHARP Smart Stereo Photo Editor / Slide Show, TriDef(TM) Movie Player from Dynamic Digital Depth, and Personal CAChe for Windows, a chemical molecular modeling application from CAChe Group. A collection of blockbuster 3D movie trailers is also included on the Actius RD3D, including nWave Pictures "3D Mania Encounter in the Third Dimension," "SOS Planet," "Alien Adventure" and "Haunted Castle." Customers can buy the feature length 3D movies on DVD-ROM produced in DDD's proprietary 2D Compatible 3D(TM) TriDef format.

Available immediately, the Sharp Actius RD3D sells for an estimated street price of $3,299.

Availability

The Sharp Actius RD3D is available immediately through Sharp directly (http://store.sharpsystems.com), or through Sharp's network of retail partners and reseller channels. For more information, call 800-BE-SHARP.

About Sharp Systems of America

Sharp Systems of America, a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, markets, sells and supports LCD monitors and notebook computers. Products are available through Sharp's network of authorized dealers and resellers. More information can be found at www.sharpsystems.com.

SHARP is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation. All other brands and marks are the property of their respective owners.