| 2006 |
- Increases production capacity for large-format LCD panels at Kameyama Plant No. 1
- Markets PN-655, a 65V-inch information display, at that time the world’s largest commercial-use LCD
- Develops CMOS sensor that simultaneously measures both distance and images
- Announces construction of LCD module plant for TVs at Sharp Manufacturing Poland Sp.zo.o. (SMPL)
- Constructs world’s first non-diluting nitrogen treatment facility for wastewater at semi-conductor plant in Fukuyama
- Begins delivery of AQUOS Phones that are compatible with One-Seg, the terrestrial digital TV broadcast service for mobile devices in Japan
- Scientifically clarifies the mechanism for suppressing mite allergens with Plasmacluster Ions, a world first in air purification technology
- Begins operations at Kameyama Plant No. 2
- Makes simultaneous worldwide launch of full-HD AQUOS LCD TVs from Kameyama Plant No. 2
- Develops industry’s first Triple Directional Viewing LCD that simultaneously displays three different images
- Sharp’s photovoltaic module acquires Japanese Eco Mark certification, an industry first
- Develops and markets blue-violet laser diode (20 mW output)
|
- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe takes office in Japan
- Mobile phone number portability begins in Japan
|
| 2007 |
- Develops 108V-inch LCD TV, the world's largest
- Increases annual production capacity for solar cells at Katsuragi Plant to 710 MW, the world's largest
- Develops mass-production technology for triple-junction thin-film solar cells
- Releases AQUOS R Series LCD TVs, with double-speed (120 Hz) full-HD panel, an industry first
- April 1: Mikio Katayama becomes President; Katsuhiko Machida becomes Chairman
- Starts mass production on blue-violet laser diodes (GH04P21A2G), with the industry's highest output of 210 mW
- Develops Mobile Advanced Super View LCD, with industry's highest contrast, one of industry's widest viewing angles, and high-speed response
- Adds third production line to Kameyama Plant No. 2
- Releases combination solar-LED lighting module (LN-LW3A1/LN-LS2A1), with brightness and environmental performance among the best in the industry
- Develops new LCD technologies for incredible image quality, ultra-thinness, and advanced environmental performance (used in prototype of 52V-inch LCD TV just 20 mm thick at thinnest point)
- Sharp and Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering agree to collaborate on environmentally friendly next-generation manufacturing technology
- Opening ceremony held for SMPL (Poland), production base for LCD modules and LCD TVs for the European market
- Develops System LCD with embedded optical sensors, which offers input through touch-screen and scanning
- Sharp and Pioneer Corporation agree to a business and capital alliance
- Opening ceremony held for Plant No. 2 of SEMEX (Mexico), for integrated production from LCD module manufacture to final assembly of TVs
- Sharp surpasses 5 million mark for shipments of One-Seg-compatible mobile phones
- Groundbreaking ceremony held for new manufacturing complex in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture
- Sharp and Toshiba Corporation agree to collaborate in LCDs and semiconductors
|
- Japanese Prime Minister Abe suddenly resigns, succeeded by Fukuda
- Former US Vice President Al Gore wins Nobel Peace Prize
- Price of crude oil skyrockets, gasoline prices surpass 150 yen/liter in Japan
- Sub-prime mortgage crisis in US triggers worldwide recession and financial chaos
|