Sharp AQUOS BD-AV70 35mm-Thick 3D Blu-Ray Recorder Arrives Dec 1

Sharp Japan has announced a release date for what it claims is the thinnest 3D-capable Blu-ray recorder, the Sharp AQUOS BD-AV70.  Measuring just 35mm high, the AV70 can squeeze up to 87 hours of video onto a single BDXL disc, and will arrive in Japan on December 1 2010.

Inside, Sharp has squeezed both a digital and an analog TV tuner, though they've not been able to fit a hard-drive in as well, unfortunately.  Up to 1080/24p Full HD output is supported, together with 3D content, and there's an i.Link port for hooking up an external source – like a PVR or camcorder – and offloading video to disc.

Japanese buyers wanting to slip an AQUOS BD-AV70 under their Christmas tree should save up around 85,000 yen ($1,049).  No word on any potential launch outside of the country at this stage.