Sharp

"Window" LC-104TV1 10.4" LCD TV

This auction is for a BOXED, VERY RARE Sharp "Window" LC-104TV1 LCD TV. This very special, desktop TV was released in 1995 as the world's first LCD TV with a screen size larger than 10" (first "large screen" LCD TV) and is noted as being a landmark TV in Sharp's history documentation. It was only released in the Japanese market and was very expensive. Not only is this a special TV for its size, but there are quite a few special features. First of all, this TV only supports standard definition video and has a 4:3 aspect ratio...but, in addition, the screen can ROTATE TO A VERTICAL POSITION, making it perfect for retro "TATE" arcade games. Second, the TV has a small, green segmented LCD display on the base which is used as a clock when the TV is on or off...but it can also be used to tune to AM/FM RADIO STATIONS! (Japanese FM band only) When listening to the radio, it also shows the current volume level. When watching the TV, the screen does have an on-screen display which shows the current (Japanese analog) TV channel or video input. Speaking of video input, the TV features standard RCA composite and mono audio inputs so pretty much any game system or VCR/disc player can be attached to the TV for use. Finally, even though the TV is small, it uses a FULLY FEATURED REMOTE CONTROL! The remote is necessary to get access to all of the TV's functionality. This TV can basically considered an LCD equivalent to the Sony's 2007 XEL-1 OLED TV!

The unit is FULLY FUNCTIONAL! The unit was used for the first time about 5 years ago in my possession. The composite inputs were used and found to work perfectly. There are a few stuck pixels on the panel (in the upper left and center) as is typical on old panels but they are very small and hard to see (They can hardly be seen in the photos!) Audio is loud & clear. The radio also works (although I'm only able to tune in AM stations in the USA). All the buttons work. Remote was never used and thus untested.  Please see the pictures to see the unit displaying video from a Sega Genesis (not included)!

The unit is PRACTICALLY NEW! The unit was manufactured in February of 1995, but it was removed from its box about 5 years ago for the first time...ever! Then, after a day or two of sporadic use, it was boxed up and placed into storage where it has remained until this listing! As a result, the unit itself is truly mint; not a scratch on it! Please see the pictures to see the condition of the unit for yourself!

ALL THE ORIGINAL ACCESSORIES ARE INCLUDED! The unit includes the original box, original manual, original warranty slip, original remote control, original AC adaptor, original mini-jack to TV antenna adaptors, and even the original AA remote batteries! Since this TV was hardly used, the only accessory that was ever used was the AC adaptor. All the other accessories are BRAND NEW AND UNTOUCHED! The original cardboard box has some visible wear and tear, including some scratches, nicks, and wrinkling on one corner, but overall, it is in fantastic condition for being over 25 years old. The box's internal plastic cushioning for the TV has become brittle and broke. As a result, the box will be filled with additional packing material before shipping to prevent damage to the unit while in transit. Please see the pictures to see the condition of the accessories for yourself!

NOTE THAT THIS UNIT SHOULD BE USED WITH A 100V STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER AND HAS OTHER REGIONAL DIFFERENCES TO NOTE. First of all, the unit is almost completely in Japanese with all buttons, on-screen messages, and literature in Japanese. The unit is very easy to use, but please keep in mind a small bit of trial and error is required if you can not read Japanese. Second, a 100V step-down transformer is highly recommended for use. Japan uses a lower voltage than the rest of the world and the AC adaptor is rated for 100V only. Using it in the USA (and ESPECIALLY in Europe or other 220V countries) may cause the unit to overheat and prematurely fail. Do not risk it! Any 100V step-down transformer for your country will do. Third, the TV frequencies are analog and correspond to Japanese station numbers. Channel 3 on TV is not the same as Channel 3 on your NES or American VCR! Finally, the FM radio uses different frequencies than those used in the rest of the world. A Japanese FM band converter (such as those made for cars) would be necessary to listen to FM on this TV in the rest of the world.

Buy with confidence!