Sharp giving away free BD-HP21U Blu-ray player with most AQUOS HDTVs

With LCD HDTV sales expected to slow dramatically in the new year, it's no wonder that Sharp's playing the tried-and-true "Buy something, get something else free" card in order to shave down its presumably bloated AQUOS HDTV inventory. From now until January 31, 2009, anyone who purchases one of over a dozen AQUOS HDTVs will receive a Profile 1.1 BD-HP21U Blu-ray deck absolutely free; if you're after the next model up, you can opt for $300 off of the purchase of a BD-HP50U Blu-ray player. Curiously, there's no mention of where exactly this promotion is valid, but we get the idea that you'll have to buy from a Sharp authorized retailer and pay way too close to MSRP in order to qualify. Prayerfully we're dead wrong, but you can decide for yourself by checking the full print after the break.

SHARP INTRODUCES EXCITING AQUOS LCD-TV, BLU-RAY PLAYER PROMOTION JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MAHWAH, NJ December 19, 2008 – Sharp Electronics Corporation announces an exciting consumer program in support of its line of AQUOS LCD-TV and AQUOS Blu-ray player models. While supplies last, every customer purchasing one of the below eligible models during the program period is eligible for their choice of either a free BD-HP21U AQUOS Blu-ray player, or $300 off a BD-HP50U AQUOS Blu-ray player.

Eligible AQUOS LCD-TV Models

• LC-65XS1U-S
• LC-65SE94U
• LC-65D64U
• LC-52XS1U-S
• LC-52SE94U
• LC-52SE941U
• LC-52SE941U-R
• LC-52SE941U-G
• LC-52D85U
• LC-52D65U
• LC-46SE94U
• LC-46SE941U
• LC-46SE941U-R
• LC-46SE941U-G
• LC-46D85U
• LC-46D65U
• LC-42D85U
• LC-42D65U
• LC-32GP3U-B
• LC-32GP3U-W
• LC-32GP3U-R

Sharp's LCD-TVs are always great gifts, and now they will be an even greater value, for a limited time only. The promotion began this week and ends January 31st, 2009.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 3:42AM]

Well, Best Buy and Sears would be a good place to start ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 3:01PM]

Sears for sure. I tried to get them to give me a blu-ray player since I bought my Aquos there on the 5th of December, but no luck. Bastages.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 7:08AM]

Costco has been having bundled deals on Sharp AQUOS displays since Thanksgiving. Spoke to one of their employees that I've known for a couple of years, but electronic sales are down at his location, and its a location where household incomes are more above average than below.

And while I was in the store yesterday making mental notes on display deals, the Sharps just are not dealing so well against the competition (Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, etc.) under the same roof. But it is nice that 1080P 50" Plasmas are starting at $1199.99.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 7:39AM]

I must have been living under a rock, who is Vizio? never heard of them :-(

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 10:11AM]

Vizio is a recent arrival on the market - they generally make low-cost, low-performing LCD displays. I use the word "make" loosely, since they just use contract manufacturers, and don't actually own any of their own production facilities, and often buy overrun parts from other manufacturers to implement in their TVs. That's how they get exceptionally low prices.

Before anyone panics, Vizio does make some sets that semi-compete with more mainline brands, but general consensus is they're still a budget brand.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 7:13AM]

Sony and Amazon.com have a similar bundle deal on Sony HDTVs and Blu-ray players. You can get the Sony Bravia XBR KDL-40XBR6 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV $1,348.00 with Sony BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player with free shipping. That's about a $450 savings. Similar bundles are available with different models

http://www.techdealdigger.com/deals/sony-kdl-40xbr6-1348-at-amazon/5843

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 8:26AM]

I've been looking for an hdtv to buy for the family, I remember way back (about a year ago) Sharp Aquos' were considered the best LCDs on the market.. Now its mostly Samsung and Sony..

Have Sharp tv's fallen behind? I'm looking for a 52" in the 1500$ range..

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 9:20AM]

I would suggest the Samsung LN52A550 52" LCD TV. It is the best bang for about $1,500. It got top ranks on Consumer Reports (#2 behind their 650 model if I recall coorecly). Also look for reviews on Cnet. A quick look at Price Grabber shows it is just a couple dollars higher than your stated budget. See http://tinyurl.com/8c2ntm

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 9:09AM]

I saw Circuit City is doing the same with several Sony HDTVs. Buy one of about a dozen sets and get the BDP-s350 for free!

See this link for details. http://tinyurl.com/9ejdho

The question to me is do I get that spanky new 52" XBR 6 I've had my eyes on or do I wait for the Dec 26th sales???

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 9:37PM]

Currys in the UK do this offer.
They also offer the free blu ray player with 37 inch models!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 2:17PM]

Amazon offer some model for this promotion. More see : Sharp Giving Direct Gift BD-HP21U Blu-ray Player with Selected AQUOS HDTVs

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 2:21PM]

Amazon offer at least 4 models for this promotion. See this link : http://www.mr-gizmo.com/2008/12/22/sharp-giving-direct-gift-bd-hp21u-blu-ray-player-with-selected-aquos-hdtvs/

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 3:11AM]

Dell.com has several of these models offered with free shipping, I just ordered a 42" Sharp D65 60hz with free Aquos Blu Ray player and free shipping for $1099.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/sna.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~topic=bluray-offers

Sharp 42" D85 120hz w/free Sharp Aquos Blu Ray player - $1199
Sharp 46" D65 60hz w/free Sharp Aquos Blu Ray player - $1349
Sharp 46" D85 120hz w/free Sharp Aquos Blu Ray player - $1499
Sharp 52" D65 60hz w/free Sharp Aquos Blu Ray player - $1599
Sharp 52" D85 120hz w/free Sharp Aquos Blu Ray player - $1699

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 8:45PM]

Mine just arrived, I have gotta say Sharp is doing a great job now days, the clarity and design on their sets looks superb!