Sharp Releases Navteq Traffic To Ease Consumer Traffic Concerns Through AQUOS Net-Enabled Sharp AQUOS LCD TVs

Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display Televisions, announces today it has teamed with NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, to enable AQUOS Net users to track daily local NAVTEQ Traffic™ reports. Consumers using Sharp AQUOS^® HDTV LCD TVs equipped with AQUOS Net capability now have access to real-time, local traffic conditions to plan ahead without having to leave the comfort of their living room. AQUOS Net is a gateway, available through an Ethernet jack on the television, to several unique services including independently supplied Web-based content.

Sharp AQUOS

“The AQUOS Net portal enables us to provide our real-time traffic service to more commuters, giving users a way to plan for the drive ahead before they get into their cars. This new television service gives consumers the information they need while they are in their homes,” said Alex Wiegand, vice president, NAVTEQ. NAVTEQ is a leading provider of personalized traffic information for U.S. drivers.

Through the AQUOS Net portal, users can access NAVTEQ Traffic services such as incident reports, construction locations and traffic hotspots. Set up for NAVTEQ Traffic is quick and easy. Users simply select their city or enter their zip code. To view color-coded traffic maps showing congestion for their area, as well as Jam Factor^® roadway congestion measurements.

“When we launched AQUOS Net, our intent was to bring pertinent daily information to consumers in the comfort of their own home, without ever having to leave the TV,” said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “The addition of NAVTEQ Traffic to AQUOS Net’s portfolio allows us to provide a valuable and convenient tool for their daily commute, family trip or daily outing.”

About AQUOS Net

AQUOS Net enables connection to personalized content. Using this service, viewers can configure “widgets” to check everyday information, with a push of a button on the television’s remote control, in either full screen or split screen. Currently available through AQUOS Net is content from Weatherbug to check the local forecast, NASDAQ for stock quotes, Accedo Broadband for casual games such as black jack and Sudoku, UCLICK to follow daily comic strips, AQUOS Gallery, which provides users with beautiful high-resolution 1080p images of scenery and nature and a variety of web-based content from NBCU’s broad portfolio.

Through AQUOS Net, consumers also have access to unparalleled customer support for their television, including the ability to have dedicated AQUOS Advantage^SM advisors connect remotely to their TV to assist in adjusting the TV’s settings and optimizing picture quality for the best viewing experience. This interactive tool, known as AQUOS Advantage Live^SM, is easily accessible from the AQUOS Net home page. In addition, AQUOS Net provides consumers with instant access to important information about their television. Consumers can find FAQs that explain HDMI™ connections, HDTV and other TV technology-related features, as well as view the user manual directly on the AQUOS LCD-TV. A “What’s New” page will also be available, outlining exciting new products and news from Sharp.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Traffic and Jam Factor are trademarks of NAVTEQ.