Sharp, a well-known Japanese electronics manufacturer, has been in the TV business for decades. The company has been a household name, synonymous with quality and innovation. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the company’s presence in the TV market. This article aims to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Does Sharp still sell TVs? Let’s dive into the history of Sharp, its current state, and what it means for TV enthusiasts.
The Rise of Sharp
Sharp, founded in 1912, started as a small metalworking shop in Osaka, Japan. Over the years, the company grew and diversified, expanding its product line to include radios, calculators, and eventually, TVs. Sharp’s first TV was released in 1953, and it quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sharp continued to innovate, introducing the first color TV, the first LCD TV, and the first plasma TV.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sharp became a major player in the global TV market, competing with other well-known brands like Sony and Samsung. The company’s focus on research and development led to breakthroughs in TV technology, including the development of the world’s first LCD TV with a built-in tuner.
The Decline of Sharp
However, in the 2000s, Sharp began to face significant challenges. The rise of low-cost manufacturers from China, such as Hisense and TCL, eroded Sharp’s market share. The company struggled to compete on price, and its TV sales began to decline.
In 2015, Sharp reported a record loss of $1.9 billion, leading to a major restructuring effort. The company cut jobs, sold off assets, and reduced its TV production capacity. In 2016, Sharp was acquired by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn (also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.) for $3.8 billion.
The Current State of Sharp TVs
So, does Sharp still sell TVs? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. While Sharp no longer produces TVs under its own brand, it has licensed its brand name to other manufacturers.
In the United States, Sharp TVs are sold through retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, but they are manufactured by other companies, such as Hisense and Element Electronics. These TVs are often budget-friendly options with limited features and specifications.
In other regions, such as Asia and Europe, Sharp TVs may be manufactured by Foxconn or other companies under a licensing agreement. These TVs may offer more advanced features and better quality than their US counterparts.
What This Means for TV Enthusiasts
For TV enthusiasts, the decline of Sharp as a major TV manufacturer is a loss. Sharp’s commitment to innovation and quality was unmatched, and its TVs were often considered to be among the best in the industry.
However, the current state of Sharp TVs offers some benefits. Budget-friendly options are now available, making high-quality TVs more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Additionally, the licensing agreements with other manufacturers have allowed Sharp to maintain a presence in the market, albeit in a limited capacity.
The Future of Sharp TVs
While Sharp is no longer a major player in the TV market, the brand still holds significant value. Foxconn, the company’s new owner, has stated its commitment to revitalizing the Sharp brand and investing in new technology.
In recent years, Sharp has announced new TV products, including OLED and 8K models, designed to compete with high-end TVs from brands like LG and Samsung. While these products are not yet widely available, they signal a return to form for the company.
The Impact of Sharp’s Decline on the TV Industry
The decline of Sharp has had a significant impact on the TV industry as a whole. The company’s focus on innovation and quality pushed other manufacturers to improve their products and reduce prices.
The rise of budget-friendly TVs from Chinese manufacturers, such as Hisense and TCL, has transformed the market. These companies have disrupted the traditional TV supply chain, offering high-quality products at lower prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Sharp is no longer a major player in the TV market, the brand still holds significant value. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality, even in the face of declining sales, is a testament to its dedication to the industry.
For TV enthusiasts, the current state of Sharp TVs offers both benefits and drawbacks. Budget-friendly options are now available, but the lack of high-end products from Sharp is a loss.
As the TV market continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Sharp will always be remembered as a pioneer in the industry, and its contributions to TV technology will be felt for years to come.
| Tech Specs | Sharp TV (2020) |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LED/LCD |
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Smart TV Platform | SmartCast |
Are Sharp TVs still being manufactured?
Sharp TVs are no longer being manufactured by Sharp Corporation, a Japanese electronics company. In 2015, Sharp faced financial difficulties and sold its TV manufacturing business to Hisense, a Chinese electronics company. Since then, Hisense has been producing TVs under the Sharp brand.
However, it’s worth noting that Sharp still exists as a company and focuses on other business areas, such as electronic components, solar panels, and display devices for smartphones and laptops. But when it comes to TVs, the Sharp brand is now licensed to Hisense, which designs, manufactures, and distributes Sharp-branded TVs worldwide.
What happened to the quality of Sharp TVs after the Hisense takeover?
Many Sharp TV enthusiasts were concerned about the potential decline in quality after Hisense took over the brand. However, Hisense has made significant efforts to maintain the high standards of Sharp TVs. In fact, Hisense has invested heavily in research and development to improve the overall performance, design, and features of Sharp-branded TVs.
While some minor changes have been made to the production process, the quality of Sharp TVs remains relatively unchanged. Hisense has also retained many of Sharp’s experienced engineers and designers to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the brand’s reputation for excellence. As a result, Sharp TVs continue to receive positive reviews from customers and critics alike.
Can I still buy Sharp TVs in stores?
Yes, you can still find Sharp TVs in many retail stores, both online and offline. Hisense has maintained a strong distribution network, and Sharp-branded TVs are still widely available in major retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. You can also purchase Sharp TVs directly from Hisense’s website or from authorized dealers.
In addition, many retailers still carry older Sharp TV models, which can be a more affordable option for those looking for a budget-friendly TV. However, be aware that older models may not come with the latest features or technologies.
Are Sharp TVs still innovative?
Although Sharp is no longer a major player in the TV manufacturing industry, the brand still benefits from Hisense’s investment in research and development. Hisense has continued to push the boundaries of TV technology, introducing new features and innovations under the Sharp brand.
In recent years, Sharp TVs have seen significant advancements in areas such as 4K resolution, HDR, and smart TV capabilities. You can still expect Sharp TVs to offer cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and impressive picture quality, making them a viable option for those in the market for a new TV.
What about warranty and customer support?
One of the concerns when buying a TV from a brand that’s no longer manufacturing its own products is the warranty and customer support. Fortunately, Hisense has taken steps to ensure that Sharp TV customers receive adequate support.
Hisense offers a comprehensive warranty program for Sharp-branded TVs, which covers repairs and replacement parts for a certain period. Additionally, Hisense has established a dedicated customer service team to handle customer inquiries, resolved issues, and provide technical support.
Are Sharp TVs still worth buying?
Despite the changes in the brand’s ownership and manufacturing process, Sharp TVs remain a popular choice among TV enthusiasts. With Hisense’s continued investment in research and development, Sharp TVs still offer excellent picture quality, impressive features, and sleek designs.
While some may be hesitant to buy a TV from a brand that’s no longer manufacturing its own products, Sharp TVs are still a solid option for those looking for a reliable and high-quality TV. With Hisense’s commitment to maintaining the brand’s reputation, Sharp TVs are definitely worth considering.
What does the future hold for Sharp TVs?
As the TV market continues to evolve, it’s hard to predict exactly what the future holds for Sharp TVs. However, one thing is certain – Hisense is committed to maintaining the brand’s reputation for excellence.
In the near future, we can expect to see even more innovative features and technologies from Sharp TVs, as Hisense continues to invest in research and development. With the brand’s emphasis on quality, design, and customer satisfaction, Sharp TVs are likely to remain a popular choice among TV enthusiasts for years to come.