^[1]Like pretty much every event here today, the Sharp Electronics press event featured a brief discussion of the economy and its inevitable impact on consumer spending and expectations.

Executive Bob Scaglione talked about how the company (and the entire industry)  has spent the past couple of years focusing on making flat panel TVs bigger and thinner. Not this year.

“We are deeply aware of the times we live in,” Scaglione said, before launching into his description of what Sharp is bringing to the market this year.

Noting a desire by consumers for more convenient options, he said Sharp has melded two high-demand items: the LCD television and the Blu-ray Disc player. The smallest of the sets features a 32-inch screen,  while the largest features a 52 inch screen.

The AQUOS BD series television/players should hit the market in February, with the cheapest model starting around $,1099.

One interesting thing that keeps coming up. Everyone wants to know which TVs are selling the best. TV makers like Sharp say one of the strongest categories is the smaller range – around 30 inches.

It’s tough to say exactly what that is. Is it because people have already upgraded the primary TV in their home and are now moving on to their secondary sets? Or are people – facing a tough economy – choosing to go smaller (and cheaper)?