Sharp Electronics just added a cheaper version of its AQUOS TV to its lineup that targets an ‘entry-level’ market.

These are full 1080p LCD HDTVs. But the prices didn’t look very entry-level to me. They start at $1,400 for a 42-inch TV and go up to $1,700 for the 46-inch version and $2,300 for a 52-inch non-Aquos, according to Sharp.  Sharp’s higher-end TVs are priced higher, at least you’d think.

I asked Sharp about the difference and a spokeswoman told me it’s not just price difference, but these new TVs lack a few other high-end features.

The entry-level SB series doesn’t t include the “AQUOS Engine,” which has a 4-wavelength backlight system for video processing (i.e., without this, the TV’s range of colors isn’t as wide or deep).

The response time is slower — 6 milliseconds, compared to 4 ms — so there may be a slight video delay in action scenes.  And there are fewer HDMI ports (2 in the 46-inch SB model, compared to 3 on the AQUOS D64).

And for that, expect to pay more, in theory.

I spotted the higher-end 52-inch Aquos at Circuit City for $1,810.  At Buy.com, the 46-inch Aquos is $1,400.

The entry level 46-inch and 52-inch are available now, with the 42-inch one out next month. To be fair, I searched for prices of the SB series and discovered Best Buy had the 52-inch at $400 off for $1,900, and the 46-inch at $300 off for $1,399.

That still puts them at or above the price of Aquos TVs at other stores. While the new entry-level models will likely be cheaper than Sharp’s ‘suggested’ price, definitely shop around and compare the details before plunking down your money.

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