Tech Shout!

The battle of succession for the next generation video format is heating up with both HD-DVD and Blu-ray courting hardware manufactures to adopt their technology.

Sharp today announced BD-HP1 Blu-Ray recorder, which has a Hybrid Recording function that works with the AQUOS LCD TV*2 iLink connection to enable recording of high-definition programs on Blu-ray Disc (BD-RE)*3, an industry first.

The Aquos BD-HP1 offers AQUOS Fami-link, a setup that combines the AQUOS LCD TV and AV equipment to provide entertainment. Sharp’s Aquos BD-HP1 player comes along with the industry’s first Hybrid Recording function, allwoing users to record high-definition programs received by the AQUOS’ digital tuner through i.LINK. The Aquos BD-HP1 player also packs the Easy BD Dubbing function, which lets users to transfer programs recorded by an existing AQUOS HD Recorder*4 to Blu-ray Disc without any loss of the high-definition quality. Sharp is promoting this player as a completely new product genre that allows users to effortlessly record onto Blu-ray Discs from the AQUOS LCD TV and the AQUOS HD Recorder.

Sharp says that its new Aquos BD-HP1 Blu-Ray recorder is just the beginning of the new line of products that Sharp is set to introduce to give its consumers new ways to enjoy high-definition images by combining Blu-ray Discs with the AQUOS LCD TV.

Sharp did not reveal the price for the BD-HP1 Blu-Ray recorder but it’s expected to cost over a $1000. The Sharp BD-HP1 Blu-Ray recorder will first hit Japan on March 20th.