Sharp has announced their slim-profile AQUOS Blu-ray player model number BD-HP20U. this is the first Sharp Blu-ray offering in America and the first product here other than LCD TVs to carry the AQUOS name.

The BD player uses HDMI 1.3 digital inputs and plays in 1080p HD. Sharp says all of the components used in the BD player were built by Sharp including the laser, pick-up beam and driver unit.

The HDMI cable also enables AQUOS LINK when used with an AQUOS LCD TV allowing the BD player to be controlled with the AQUOS TV remote as well as providing simultaneous on and off functions. The player can output 1920 x 1080 at 24 fps and features the ability to start any Blu-ray disc in about 10 seconds. Sound is Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD. The player also upscales standard definition DVDs. The MSRP will be $549.99 and the player will be available in September.

Via Sharp