Sharp has revealed its Universal Player and Wireless Bridge at CES, with the company claiming it to be the first Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA) Association-compliant universal player system. The SD-WH1000U’s support for the WiSA open standard means that it is capable of streaming uncompressed 24-bit 96kHz sound and 1080p video wirelessly to a compatible receiver.
Sharp Universal Player and Wireless Bridge
The Universal Player is able to connect with up to 8 WiSA-compliant speakers to offer 7.1-channel surround sound, or alternatively, it can connect to Sharp’s own compliant wireless bridge system for playing sound through an existing amplifier and speaker system. Aside from its wireless credentials, it can play CDs, SACDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, includes three HDMI inputs, two USB ports, and can also access the Internet.
Sharp will be shipping the Universal Player at the beginning of spring, with a suggested retail price of $4,000. The Sharp Wireless Bridge will ship at the same time, priced at $600.