Sharp Passes 5-Million Mark for One-Seg Mobile Phone Shipments

On October 31, 2007, Sharp Corporation passed the five-million mark for shipments of One-Seg-compatible mobile phones in Japan. One-Seg is a terrestrial digital broadcasting service for mobile devices in Japan. Since releasing its first One-Seg mobile phone in May 2006, Sharp has released a total of eight models. In reaching this milestone in just one year and five months, Sharp becomes the first in the industry to ship five million One-Seg mobile phones*1.

One-Seg mobile phones make it easy to enjoy TV programs on the go. They also have a full suite of digital TV functions, such as reception of data broadcasts that provide information on the current TV program, the ability to check program content via the EPG (electronic program guide), and TV program recording. Demand for these One-Seg mobile phones is expected to continue growing in the future.

Sharp’s first One-Seg mobile phone, SoftBank 905SH, had a ‘cycloid-style’ LCD screen that could be rotated horizontally 90 degrees. This unique design made it comfortable to watch TV on a mobile phone and helped make the 905SH a hit with consumers. Sharp has also equipped its mobile phones with technologies that enable clear, vivid high-quality images–like the Mobile Advanced Super View LCD, which is based on LCD technology cultivated through the development of AQUOS LCD TVs, and the SV (Super Vivid) Engine, which reproduces beautiful colors and sharply defined outlines. Knowing that user needs diversify with rising demand, in the spring of 2007 Sharp followed up the cycloid-style model with the release of variously designed mobile phones, including dual-hinged and slider designs.

Sharp will continue to create new demand by developing and marketing mobile phone products that anticipate a wide range of user needs.

*1 As of November 2, 2007, for One-Seg-compatible mobile phones.