While Toshiba's glasses-free 3D TV that Greg Robinson wrote about might still be a ways down the road, there are still some attractive new 3D options from the esteemed display manufacturer. The always-pithy Vice President of Product Marketing Scott Ramirez put it thusly: "(Our) new Smart TVs should be called Genius TVs. Our 2012 premium 3D TVs make discovering, navigating and organizing content simple and provide new levels of interaction with network-connected PCs and tablets, making the promise of a truly smart house a reality."
A host of new capabilities set the L7200 and L6200 Series apart from the burgeoning competition. Toshiba's new ePortal makes it easy to find and control all elements of the system, while the built-in MediaGuide fueled by Rovi data provides detailed metadata for enlightened discovery and organization of content. SearchAll further allows consumers to enter any keyword and automatically find matches across TV channels, streaming video and the home network. Open Browser gives users access virtually any website and then create bookmarks for favorites. eManual even puts the owner's manual on screen for fast answers to potential questions.
These new TVs offer exceptional interoperability with other network-enabled devices in the home. MediaShare is a graphic DLNA interface that allows the TV to promptly stream videos, music and photos from other locations, such as a connected PC. Tablet Remote App Capability (TRAC) ensures that Toshiba Smart TVs are fully compatible with Android-based devices for interaction and control, when used in conjunction with the free Toshiba Remote app soon to be available in the Android Market. A full IR code library and an IR blaster are built into the TV, which can enable total A/V system control via the television. And the Send&Play app allows us to push web content from a Toshiba Tablet wirelessly to Toshiba Smart TVs via their web browser.
Both series cranks up the power with the CQ (Cinema Quality) Engine, a one-gigahertz dual-core ARM processor that delivers superior picture quality with enhanced brightness, sharpness, color saturation and sharpness. The additional horsepower of the CQ Engine also ensures increased speed for the many different Smart TV functions. 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity comes standard.
These LED-lit Toshiba 3D TVs use passive technology, which some users find more comfortable and which allows the use of lighter, less expensive glasses when compared to active shutter technology. The TriVector 2D-to-3D Conversion adds the illusion of depth to everyday video and games. Four pairs of 3D glasses are supplied at the time of purchase at no extra cost.
The L7200 Series of Cinema Series 3D Smart TVs represents Toshiba's premium line in terms of cosmetic design, picture quality and connectivity. ClearScan 240Hz technology minimizes blurring in fast motion video while Local Dimming assures deep contrast. In addition, the L7200 Cinema Series includes two-way ported speakers augmented by the Audyssey Premium Suite for deeper bass, reduced distortion at higher volumes, and pleasingly balanced dynamic range between loudest and softest sounds.
The TVs also feature Toshiba's first-ever "Aero" bezel-less design for an image that extends from edge to edge of the glass for quite a distinctive appearance. A black glass table stand is included, along with a full-sized wireless keyboard for advanced navigation of websites, etc. The jack pack is robust, with four HDMI ports, two video-ready USB video ports, and a high-definition PC input. The L7200 Series TVs will be available in 47- and 55-inch-class screen sizes.
The L6200 Series of 3D Smart TVs combines Toshiba's clean Aero esthetic with immersive passive 3D and capable Smart TV features. These models offer ClearScan 120Hz video enhancement for increased detail and the Audyssey Premium Suite to noticeably improve the sound quality, even over the TV speakers. The L6200 line will offer one additional size: 42-, 47- and 55-inch-class screen sizes.
Both the Toshiba L7200 Cinema Series and L6200 3D Smart TVs will be available in March 2012. Pricing will be revealed closer to release date.
Where to Buy:
More News from CES:
