New Sharp products for 2007

First is the two-strong XL1 series, available in 46in and 52in sizes (LC-46/52XL1E). They're pretty much the same as the old XD1 range, save for a new design and 100Hz technology for better motion reproduction. As well as 1920x1080p panel resolutions, the XL1 sets come with 4ms response time, 2,000:1 contrast ratio and two HDMI ports. Both are due for launch in July.

The HD1 series also comprises 46in and 52in models (LC-46/52HD1E) both of which sport 1080p Full HD panels, a built in Freeview plus an HDTV tuner for future Hi-Def Freeview broadcasts (whenever that may be). As well as 100Hz tech, the HD1 sets also include a built in 160GB HDD for recording. Response rate is 4ms, while contrast ratio is a tad higher than the XL1 range at 3,000:1. On paper at least the HD1 TVs look great, even if they lack a third HDMI slot. Expect to see them in the shops from September, pricing to be confirmed.

The big addition this year is 100Hz scanning for smoother motion, and Sharp had a helpful split-screen demo showing the leap in quality from standard 50Hz. While our photo obviously doesn't show this off, the difference was massive. All sets come with built in Freeview tuners, two HDMI slots and a new gloss black design. The 32in and 37in have 2,000:1 contrast with the 42in at 1,200:1. Expect to see them on the shelves from March (42in following in April).

The mid-range WD1 line-up also comes in 32in, 37in and 42in sizes (LC-32/37/42WD1E), although they lack 100Hz technology. The spec sheet is decent though with all models boasting a Freeview tuner, two HDMI slots, 1,200:1 contrast ratio and 6ms response time. The 32in is out March with the 37in and 42in following in April.

For aspiring David Dickinsons there's the bargain AD5 series, available in 26in, 32in, 37in and 42in sizes (LC-26/32/37/42AD5E). Specs are identical to the WD1 range, minus SRS TruSurround and motion de-juddering technology. The 26in and 32in are due May, the 37in and 42in July.

Hidden under a neat fold down flap on the front we spied an SD card slot and a USB input (with another USB port round the back). The glossy black finish is designed to compliment its latest LCD TVs. Sharp promises the BD-HP10 will be out later this year, possibly under a different name.

Apart from answering the door to the pizza guy or going to the lav, you'll probably never need to get up again as the TU-R162H lets you record two digital channels while watching a pre-recorded programme at the same time. Other features include series recording, chasing playback and Picture in Picture (PIP). The TU-R162H is due in September, pricing to be confirmed.

The TU-R252H is pretty similar apart from a larger 250GB storage capacity and an HDMI output for upscaling standard def Freeview channels. There's also a C.I. slot for receiving top-up TV channels. More details to follow later in the year.

Two hard drive-less versions are also on their way, the DVD-RDA1 (pictured left - £180) with digital/analogue tuner and the analogue-only DVD-RA1 (£140). Both come with HDMIs output for upscaling your DVDs to 1080i/720p. The DVD-RA1 is due in September with the DVD-RDA1 following in December.

The couch potato-friendly remote will operate your iPod from a few metres away, although it would have been even better if the artist/track listing appeared on the system's front display. Never mind, the DK-A1H has a decent 14W of power, looks great and will cost a pretty reasonable £150 on its release in June (in black or white finish).

The DK-A10H (pictured above) is basically the same apart from an added CD player that'll cope with MP3/WMA/CD-RW discs. Also available in black or white, the DK-A10H will set you back around £200.