Inside story on Narta's bid to set minimum advertising prices
Eight months after applying for authorisation to set minimum advertising prices on selected Beko appliances, the ACCC rejected The Narta Group's proposal. Here is the story of how that decision was made.
Mon 13/05/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Retail Q&A: Will premium TVs really generate sales this year?
While the major brands market their latest and greatest flat panel TVs, Current.com.au sat down with two retailers to get inside knowledge on the category from the retail front line. So, are the new bigger screens all they're cracked up to be?
Mon 08/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Leading Appliances launches website, reveals 'Preferred Suppliers'
Leading Appliances today launched its new website, one day after it began trading officially. Leading Appliances is home to around 60 former Retravision members, primarily located in regional areas in Australia's eastern states.
Tue 02/04/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Recycle your TVs before Sharp Australia switches off the lights
With people around the world set to switch off the power this Saturday for Earth Hour, Sharp is getting in the spirit by collecting end-of-life TVs and PCs at its North Sydney head office for recycling this weekend.
Tue 19/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp kicks off Taste of Sydney festival with 2nds World promotion
Sharp was busy showcasing its range at the Taste of Sydney festival last night, with a little help from former MasterChef star Julia Taylor. The brand is also running a promotion on its refrigerators and microwaves in conjunction with 2nds World.
Fri 15/03/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony debuts 'Triluminous Display' TV technology, and 'DogCam'
Among all the new 4K, OLED, Smart TV and NFC features Sony has announced for its 2013 Bravia TV range is an intriguing new colour spectrum technology called 'Triluminous Display'.
Fri 11/01/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Panasonic chooses Smarts over size, no mention of OLED or Ultra HD
Panasonic's 2013 TV line up will focus not on OLED, Ultra HD or enormous sizes but on creating the most intuitive and user friendly Smart TV experience possible
Tue 08/01/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp expanding Igzo into TVs, more Quattron and big screens in 2013
Sharp Corporation will continue to lead the television manufacturing industry in 2013 with an all-LED line-up of high-end, big screen Quattron models, according to Sharp USA president John Herrington.
Tue 08/01/2013 12:00:00 / Read More »The perfect Christmas lunch in 10 festive appliances
If there is one thing UnderCurrent loves more than Christmas (and associated carols) it's appliances. And top 10 lists. And food. And cooking. Conveniently, we have all these things in the one place. All your Christmases have come at once!
Mon 17/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp happy to sponsor Australian premiere of Les Miserables
It's the cinematic event of the year and already the short price favourite to win the Best Picture Oscar at next year's Academy Awards: the first sung-through film adaptation of Les Miserables. And it's sponsored by Sharp.
Tue 11/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »All the electronics Christmas promotions sorted by brand
Check out what promotions are being run this Christmas to lure consumers into stores and part with their cash. This page sorts all the promotions by brand - there's Sony, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Breville, Kambrook, Sunbeam and heaps more!
Mon 03/12/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »The seafood company manufacturing electronics house brands for local retailers
When it comes to deciding what TVs, tablets and smartphones to range in your store or buy for your home, there are two clear choices: name brands and house brands. Take a look at the "fishy" company manufacturing the house brands.
Wed 28/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Still being updated! All the electronics Christmas promotions in one place
Christmas promotions from Uniden, Haier, Toshiba, De'Longhi, Philips, Nespresso, Breville, Kambrook, Sunbeam, Panasonic, Kenwood, Sharp, LG, Sony, Navman and many more - more than 20 promotions currently listed.
Fri 02/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Learn the finer art of microwave cooking with Sharp's Christmas promotion
Sharp is offering consumers a range of bonuses for purchasing a microwave from its line-up this Christmas, with Pyrex glass storage sets up for grabs and dedicated cooking classes at the Sydney Seafood School.
Fri 02/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »E-cycling must be whole-of-life with more retailer and consumer involvement
Australia has made great in-roads in e-waste recycling, but we still have a long way to go. According to Sharp, it is up to "manufacturers and retailers alike" to promote the benefits of end-of-life recycling.
Thu 01/11/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »First look at Sharp's new refrigeration range at MasterChef Live
Sharp gave consumers a sneak peek at its new refrigeration line-up at MasterChef Live today. Featuring slick designs, smooth finishes and even a bit of light-up flair, the brand is hoping to drive consumer interest straight to retailers.
Fri 05/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »A virtual tour of MasterChef Live: Image Gallery
Gary and George, open your coffers - MasterChef Live kicks off today! In amongst the live demonstrations and classes were impressive displays from Sharp and Blanco, plus street art, food trucks...and military recruiters.
Fri 05/10/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »From belt buckles to big screens: Sharp celebrates 100 years
2012 marks the 100-year anniversary of its founder inventing his first product: a revolutionary belt buckle. In this special feature, we look back at the history of this Japanese electronics giant.
Tue 18/09/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »3D is a fad but Toshiba is a winner: Canstar TV ratings
New research from Canstar Blue has found that two thirds of consumers think 3D TV is a fad, while almost half of Australian consumers have 3 or more TVs in their house. In terms of brand rankings, there were also a few surprises...
Tue 18/09/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »This $11,000 "catalogue special" looks Sharp
UnderCurrent was more than happy to make fun of Sharp's creative use of the English language to promote its new enormous TVs so it's only fair that it chips in with a hearty compliment.
Tue 11/09/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Up close and square eyed with Sharp's 90-inch TV & an 80s boombox
Sharp's exhibition space at the IFA trade show in Berlin has been converted into a big screen TV lovers paradise as the brand looks to promote its line-up of magnormous and viewmongous LCD panels.
Fri 31/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Major changes at the top and a new floorcare range for Philips
Philips Consumer Lifestyle has this morning announced four changes to its management team, directly affecting the Dutch company's coffee, personal care, garment care and floorcare divisions.
Wed 15/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp unveils its first Australian vacuum cleaner range
After almost half a century of marketing vacuum cleaners in its native Japan, the Sharp Corporation of Australia is for the first time introducing floorcare appliances locally.
Mon 13/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »JB Hi-Fi banking on OLED, 4G, iPhones and Nintendo for continued growth
JB Hi-Fi has today revealed where it sees new growth opportunities in the months leading up to Christmas. TVs, tablets, gaming consoles and cameras are at the fore in JB's planning.
Mon 13/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Price drops and "severe" market see Sharp Corporation sales fall 28%
The global AV company Sharp Corporation has reported a 28 per cent year-on-year decline in sales for Q1 FY2012, with its Consumer and Information products division falling by more than 50 per cent.
Mon 06/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »PlasmaCluster profits retailers, with a little help from Sharp friends
Sharp's range of PlasmaCluster ion generators has been a quiet achiever for the Japanese company, with strong sales on the back of a demonstration program.
Fri 03/08/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Preview: Weird and wonderful products at IFA 2012
Every year, the big appliance and consumer electronics brands show off their hottest products at the IFA trade show in Berlin, and every year the show's ambassador, Miss IFA, is there to make those products look good.
Tue 31/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp embiggens its vocabulary with cromulent TV promotion
After a while, all advertisements start to sound the same. But Sharp shouldn't be too worried about that, thanks to a new series of TV commercials that tear up the Roget's and invent some new words for "big".
Mon 02/07/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Viewmongus Sharp focus as Tour de France begins and Euro2012 ends
This weekend marks the beginning of one sports marketing juggernaut and the close of another, with the Tour de France kickstarting on Saturday evening and Euro2012 finishing late Sunday night. Sharp is a sponsor of both.
Fri 29/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp joins Garmin as Tour de France cycling team sponsor
With the Tour de France just days away, Sharp is boosting its presence in the sporting world by sponsoring the Garmin team (formerly known as Team Garmin-Barracuda, Team Garmin-Cervelo and Garmin Transitions, to name a few).
Tue 26/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »"Bigger is better": Big-screen LED TVs prove to be a growth category
The biggest trend in LED TVs this year is larger screen sizes, and many brands are going bigger - including Sharp, which is set to launch a 90-inch model in coming months. So what do retailers think of the new trend?
Fri 08/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Important Queen's Birthday public holiday news for the industry
This weekend is the Queen's Birthday long weekend. All states but one are off work on Monday, but never fear that state gets to celebrate on a different weekend.
Fri 08/06/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp Corporation appoints new president
The Sharp Corporation has announced the appointment of Takashi Okuda as its new president, effective 1 April 2012. Okuda will replace Mikio Katayama, who will be moving to a joint director and chairman role.
Tue 20/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Der futball wird sich Sharp (The football is looking Sharp)
Did you know Sharp was the official TV sponsor of Euro2012? The Japanese company is leveraging the enormous interest in this competition, being held this June in Poland and Ukraine, to promote its Aquos Quattron TVs
Wed 07/03/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »While the Japanese brands stumble, TCL breaks profit records
TCL Electronics is bucking the trend of huge losses for Asian electronics companies, with the Chinese manufacturer revealing it expects to post a profit of around RMB 1.8 billion - AU$265 million - for calendar 2011.
Mon 06/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Bricks and mortar retailers innovating with online video customer service
One of the biggest hurdles retailers need to overcome when designing an online portal for their bricks and mortar stores is maintaining the same level of customer service on a website as they do in a store. Two companies are doing this well.
Fri 03/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Natural disasters hit Sharp Corporation hard: projected $3.5 billion loss
The Sharp Corporation overnight projected an annual loss for its 2012 financial year of over AUD$3.5 billion. The company blamed suppy issues resulting from natural disasters and economic uncertainty for this result.
Thu 02/02/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp focuses on e-cycling with product stewardship program
Sharp, in association with the materials recovery company Close The Loop, has announced a Cartridge Collection Program aimed at reducing waste from its copiers, printers and multifunction devices.
Tue 17/01/2012 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp Fan Labs: where football meets science
Sharp's international sponsorship of Euro2012 is ramping up at the moment, with TV commercials currently airing in Australia and the development of Fan Labs throughout Europe.
Wed 23/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »A car in every garage, a TV in every room - Sharp launches Edge TV range
Sharp has announced the launch of the new Edge LED LCD 835X television range, targeted at Australian families looking to add an additional TV set to their home.
Tue 01/11/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp equips the kitchen and classroom with new products
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Sharp has released a new Inverter Sensor Microwave Oven for Australians wanting to entertain at home, as well as a touch-screen flat panel display designed for classrooms, lecture halls and commercial use.
Wed 28/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Samsung has the happiest consumers, Hisense the best warranty
UPDATED: Samsung TV customers are the most satisfied, with all the major brands also scoring highly in Canstar Blue's customer satisfaction survey results, released this week.
Tue 13/09/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Denis Kerr announces retirement from Sharp Australia
Sharp Corporation of Australia deputy managing director, Denis Kerr, called a staff meeting this morning to announce he will retire unexpectedly from the company after 14 years at the end of September.
Wed 31/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Panasonic and Sharp launch new flat panel TVs
Panasonic has announced the arrival of its "best-ever Viera TV" today offering consumers the opportunity to watch all the sports they can dream of. Joining the fun is Sharp, which has launched a new Aquos LCD TV.
Wed 17/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp launches i-Friendly micro audio system
With the rise in popularity of smartphones and tablet devices, Sharp is capitalising on the trend with the release of a new Micro Audio System that offers iPod, iPhone and iPad docking.
Thu 04/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »The age of Aquos TVs and Top Mount Refrigerators from Sharp
Sharp has announced the launch of the newest model in its Aquos LCD TV range, the LC-32M400X, as well as two new Top Mount Refrigerators with Plasmacluster Ion technology.
Tue 02/08/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »New 3D TV range offers a Sharp image (and a smart bonus)
Sharp has announced an addition to its Aquos Quattron 3D range - the LE830X television series. As a bonus, each TV will come bundled with a Boxee unit that allows users to access online movies, social networking and apps on their TV.
Mon 27/06/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »News Wrap: uDraw on PS3 and Xbox, Sharp purifiers, Xperia games, online GST
An accessory called the "worst ever" is coming to the PS3 and the Xbox 360, Sharp is doing its bit to stop the cold and flu this winter, Sony Ericsson has more Xperia Play games and the NRA (not that one) wants to tax offshore purchases.
Mon 06/06/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »New Sharp refrigerator swings both ways
Sharp has unleashed its Dual Swing Door refridgerator model, which is targeted at consumers living in apartments. The doors on this unit open both ways, meaning it can live in kitchens that have specific spacial requirements.
Tue 31/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp slips under Sony's radar to steal Euro2012 sponsorship
In a move so quiet it could almost be called ambush marketing, Sharp has slipped back into the epic world of football sponsorships, becoming the official partner of UEFA and several UEFA competitions, including Euro2012.
Wed 25/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »News Wrap: Asus Eee Pads coming, Sharp's happy J-Mums, Ovi brand killed off
Asus has produced a bizarre video in advance of its tablet PC launch, Sharp is keeping Japanese mums happy with its air purifiers and Nokia sending Ovi to brand heaven.
Tue 17/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »News Wrap: Sony's GM hunt, AVG's new GM, wins for Sharp and Bosch
Toby Barbour has left Sony Australia, AVG has appointed a new GM with an interesting CV, Sharp has won some awards with amusing names and find out which category Bosch dominates.
Mon 09/05/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Government consults Sharp in Product Stewardship Bill process
Increasing the consumer electronics recycling rate to 80 per cent over the next 10 years is on the cards since the implementation of the Product Stewardship Bill in parliament last week. Sharp discusses the impact of the Bill on importers.
Tue 29/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »New Sharp 3D home projector, up to 500 inches
The new 3D full HD home theatre projector can support a screen size ranging from 40 inches to 500 inches, and comes with two pairs of 3D active shutter glasses.
Fri 25/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony, Nikon and Panasonic discuss earthquake's effect on tech supply
The extent of damage and closures to Japanese consumer electronics' facilities in the wake of last week's natural disasters is varied with Sharp revealing the least amount of difficulties so far and Nikon and Sony reporting widespread issues.
Wed 16/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »G&S Agencies announces new account manager for Queensland
Representing brands such as Sharp, Kenwood, De'Longhi and Contour, G&S Agencies has appointed a new South East Queensland account manager with extensive retail experience at Clive Peeters and Strathfield.
Tue 08/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp heats up steam cooking with flexible mid-range combi microwave
Steam cooking can be messy, risky and stressful, according to Sharp. That's why it has today launched the new SteamWave microwave to help consumers make the leap from microwave cooking up to a more healthy alternative.
Wed 02/03/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Channel Nine's Getaway, fish markets and Fisher & Paykel
We don't see these three things being put together in the one headline very often. What, after all, does travelling, fish and fridges have to do with each other?
Fri 11/02/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »Pioneer back in the TV business, just not in Australia
Pioneer is back selling TVs in the US and Canada but has no plans to release these new 'Elite' branded models in Australia.
Mon 31/01/2011 12:00:00 / Read More »The 12 Gadgets of Christmas - Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifiers
As we enter the second half of our special 12 Gadgets of Christmas series, we look at Sharp’s portable air purifiers, which uses Plasmacluster technology to centralise bad odours break down airborne nasties.
Fri 17/12/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp releases first 3D Quattron TV: yellow is coming right at me!
The latest supplier to release a 3D TV has delivered something truly different. Not only does this TV feature the fourth pixel, yellow, it also has 3D to 2D conversion.
Wed 03/11/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp offers bonus 3D glasses in new promotion
What consumers expect will come in the box and what actually does, are two very different things. 3D TVs and the non-accompanying 3D glasses is a classic example, which Sharp has kept in mind when preparing its new bonus promotion.
Mon 25/10/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Kogan attacks small appliance market: a rip off
Kogan has today begun to sell automatic espresso coffee machines, bagless vacuum cleaners and convection microwaves, in direct competition with bricks and mortar retailers and established suppliers.
Wed 29/09/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Check out some classic Sharp products 1925-1981 (images)
Sharp recently hosted Current.com.au at its museum in Japan. There are some fantastic retro products on display here, including a TV worth a fortune, a PC from the dark ages and the company's first electronics product.
Wed 15/09/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »New Sharp Quattron is the iPad of TVs (images)
See the pictures and judge for yourself, but there is a clear design meeting of minds when comparing the new Sharp Quattron TVs to the Apple iPad. Plus, a pictorial comparison of colours.
Fri 10/09/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »A lesson in how to sell 3D, direct from Japan (with images)
One of the major problems with 3D in Australia is that it's proven difficult to demonstrate to consumers in-store. Whilst in Japan this week, Current.com.au was showed just how it could be done. And done well.
Tue 07/09/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp's spring refrigerator promotion
Sharp has teamed up with Tefal to offer a bonus cookware promotion sure to capture the attention of Australia's new breed of self-confessed home master chefs.
Tue 07/09/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp brings the outdoors, in
A breath of fresh air is fast becoming a valued commodity, like time, especially in winter when people are stuck on public transport, in the office, and generally indoors for most of the 24 hours in a day.
Wed 28/07/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »More expensive TVs: how the best of the rest compare
Earlier this week, we analysed the most expensive TVs from the Big 4 suppliers. Today, we look at the premium models from four leading Tier 2 suppliers. If the Big 4 are all about premium products, this group is all about value for money.
Fri 23/07/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp extending its Aquos/Topfield promotion
Sharp Australia today confirmed it will be extending its "Don’t Miss a Match" promotion through until the end of July 2010. That means there are a few more weeks for Sharp consumers to pick up a free PVR with selected TV purchases.
Thu 08/07/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp keeping its whitegoods white with new fridges
As more suppliers are going with the trend of colour whitegoods, Sharp has added three sparkling white top mount refrigerators to its silver range.
Tue 08/06/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »3D goes mobile with new camera from Sharp
Sharp has unveiled another string in the ever expanding 3D bow, with the announcement that it has developed a three-dimensional camera system for mobile phones and other portable devices.
Thu 13/05/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp giving away free gifts with microwave and TV purchases
Sharp Corporation of Australia has recently announced two new promotions revolving around its range of microwaves and Aquos LED LCD TVs. Some of the free gifts include PVRs, hair straighteners and cookbooks.
Thu 01/04/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp's new environmentally friendly LED TV
Sharp Australia has released the only seven star energy rated television in the 52-inch market segment. Sharp claim the new LED backlit LCD panel is extremely energy efficient compared to conventional LCD TVs.
Tue 09/03/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp expands presence in LED TV market
Sharp Australia announced this morning that it will expand its current AQUOS LED backlit LED TV range with an addition of three new models. One will include an integrated Blu-ray player.
Thu 25/02/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp introduces quad pixel technology
Sharp Corporation has taken the traditional red, green, blue colour spectrum to a new level with the introduction of a yellow pixel creating Quad Pixel Technology. WATCH VIDEO FROM CES.
Thu 07/01/2010 12:00:00 / Read More »A collapse, a recall and a bladeless fan dominate news in 2009
Kleenmaid went bottoms up, Dyson released the most exciting new product of the year and Electrolux recalled almost 200,000 washing machines, but none of these came close to being the top whitegoods story of the year.
Tue 22/12/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp releases new microwave for the fashionable
Sharp has today announced the release of a new touch control midsize microwave oven. This new microwave, which has a black stainless steel visage, is being marketed for its design as much as its functionality.
Mon 16/11/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Samsung Electronics breaks the top 20 in brand earnings potential
Samsung Electronics has achieved its first ever top 20 finish in the BusinessWeek International Top 100 Global Brands index, which is a prediction of the brand's revenue-generating ability.
Wed 30/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp sees the light with LED LCD TV
Long recognised for its quality in LCD TV, now Sharp is the latest manufacturer to introduce an LED LCD to its TV line up.
Thu 03/09/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp wins patent case to ban Samsung LCDs in US
Back in January Current.com.au reported that Samsung won a preliminary decision against Sharp for patent infringement in a bid to halt imports of its LCD panels in the US market, Sharp has now hit back and won its separate case against the manufacturer
Tue 16/06/2009 12:00:00 / Read More »Sharp releases new microwave
Sharp has announced the release of their new 1100 watt sensor microwave oven (R-490N(S). The 36cm turntable is designed to accommodate both large family meals and light snacks.
Mon 30/06/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »Sony, Samsung to double S-LCD production
Sony has announced it will expand its S-LCD tie-up with Samsung, with the two companies paying US$1.9 billion to set up a second production line at their eighth-generation LCD plant.
Mon 28/04/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »Hitachi's Michael Doyle goes to LG
Former Hitachi national sales manager Michael Doyle has moved to LG Electronics to become their retail general manager.
Fri 07/03/2008 12:00:00 / Read More »
