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Sharp has introduced its new SB series of Aquos LCD TVs, offering 1080p resolution in 42-, 46-, and 52-inch sizes.

LCD televisions have been on the market for a while now, but the prices for big-screen displays are still high enough to put off many consumers—even with the U.S. digital television transition looming on the horizon. With that in mind, electronics giant Sharp is ratcheting up the competition for those first high-def television buyers with its new SB series of Aquos LCD televisions. The SB series will all sport 1080p resolution and will be available in 42-, 46-, and 52-inch sizes.

"As the demand for high-definition home entertainment continues to rise, we are creating a wide range of reasonably-priced HDTVs that incorporate Sharp's esteemed picture quality and renowned features," said Sharp associate VP of marketing for entertainment products Bruce Tripido, in a statement.

The SB series will feature ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners (so they're ready for digital TV!), HDMI inputs (two, three, and four on the 42-, 46-, and 52-inch models, respectively), along with two HD component inputs and a PC input so they can be hooked up to a PC as a monitor for gameplay and other digital media. The units sport a 6ms response time.

The 52-inch LC-55SB55U and 46-inch LC-46SB55U are available now for suggested retail prices of $2,299.99 and $1699.99, respectively. The 42-inch LC-42SB55U will follow along in September with a suggested price of $1,399.99.