Toshiba's LCD HDTV Future is Looking Bright
By Chris Boylan
Although the loss of Warner as a supporter of the
HD-DVD format was the big buzz at CES this year, Toshiba had some good news for us as well, reporting the in-roads they're making in the LCD TV marketplace as well as a string of new models coming in 2008.
At a press conference yesterday in Las Vegas, Toshiba's Vice President of Marketing for Television Products, Scott Ramirez shared their success in 2007: 383% growth in LCD television sales vs. the industry's already impressive 153% growth in that category over the same time period. Toshiba's share of the LCD TV market is currently in the high single digits but they're targeting 10% market share in 2008. To accomplish this, Toshiba will be launching new models this spring, sized from 19 inches all the way up to 52 inches diagonal and with a pretty impressive set of features.
Toshiba's V.P. of Television Marketing, Scott Ramirez unveils the new 2008 models to press and analysts at CES 2008 in Las Vegas.
Mr. Ramirez went into some detail about these upcoming LCD HDTV models, many of which will be getting the ClearFrame 120 Hz processing of their current high-end models. All of the upcoming REGZA models will also be getting Toshiba's Dynalight feature which dynamically enhances the contrast, improving LCD's traditional weakness in reproducing deep blacks. We found this dynamic contrast setting improved the picture noticeably in our review of Toshiba's
46LX177, a model in their flagship REGZA Cinema Series line.
Toshiba's 2008 REGZA Cinema Series models will feature all of Toshiba's advanced processing technologies plus a Super Narrow Bezel.
And speaking of Cinema Series, that line will now be getting the super narrow bezel design announced last year at CEDIA Expo. The new bezel allows a 40-inch REGZA model to fit the space traditionally taken by a 37-inch model, a 46-inch to fit the space of a 42, and a 52-inch set to fit the space taken by a competing 46-inch set. For many consumers, a larger television is desirable but they're limited by existing wall space or existing cabinetry. Toshiba's super narrow bezel, which measures in at just 0.9 inch wide, gives these consumers an upsizing option previously unavailable. And now that it will be included in Toshiba's Cinema Series line, they can get this smaller size without sacrificing performance.
Television: The Next Generation
In addition to their 2008 plans, Toshiba shared some future technologies that are currently under development in their labs. The Cell Broadband Engine chip (co-developed with Sony and IBM) will allow future Toshiba LCD televisions to pack even more processing power into their LCD TVs, allowing for better upconversion of standard definition material into high definition resolution and enabling up to 48 moving images to be displayed on one screen concurrently. Combine this enhanced processing power with an LED backlighting array of 1152 lights in 96 zones and we'll be seeing vastly improved contrast versus current LCD models. How much better? According to Toshiba, contrast ratios will be climbing all the way up to 100,000:1, an order of magnitude high than Toshiba's current best products.
The future is looking bright for LCD, and particularly for Toshiba's REGZA line.
Full press release is included below:
CES, LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 6, 2008
TOSHIBA INTRODUCES ALL ENCOMPASSING 2008 LCD TV LINE WITH A SERIES FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE
5 New Series, 4 New Cosmetic Designs, 3 New Dimensions of Picture Quality, and 2 New Gaming Features, Create 1 Hot New LCD Line-up
Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced today its Spring 2008 LCD TV introductions, including 20 new LCD TV models in five distinct series, creating a robust line-up with something for every lifestyle. For 2008, Toshiba has focused on improving image quality, connectivity, and design. From the Toshiba AV500 Series, to the premium REGZA® CV510, RV530, & XV540 Series, to the exclusive Cinema Series® REGZA XF550 Series, Toshiba has created superior quality at every price point.
Toshiba is also showcasing several new TV technology demonstrations here at CES. These state-of-the-art technologies may be incorporated into additional Fall 2008 model introductions to be announced later, further expanding the Toshiba LCD TV offering.
"Toshiba REGZA LCD TV took a giant leap from 2006 to 2007, with growth far beyond that of the industry," said Scott Ramirez, VP, Marketing. "With picture quality and design now taken to all-new levels for 2008, we are confident that we have an LCD TV for every lifestyle, which will turn our already strong momentum into all-new levels of sell-through."
THE 2008 TOSHIBA LCD TV SERIES:
AV500 Series - 720p HD
The perfect combination of "Quality and Value", the new AV500 Series is available in screen sizes ranging from personal 19" to home theater 42" (diagonal), all in beautiful high-gloss black cabinets (with 19" (diagonal) also available in high-gloss white). The AV500 Series features 720p HD resolution, DynaLight™ dynamic backlight control for deep black levels, and built-in ATSC/QAM Digital Tuning for over-the-air and cable-in-the-clear digital tuning capability. These models also include HDMI™ Digital Inputs, and a PC Input for easy connection to a personal computer.
REGZA CV510 Series - Step-up 720p HD
For "TV and Gaming" Enthusiasts, the premium REGZA CV510 Series is available in 32" & 37" (diagonal) sizes with 720p resolution and enhanced picture quality. This REGZA series features Toshiba’s PixelPure 4G™ 14-bit Internal Digital Video Processor, which assures smoother, cleaner images with 4,096 levels of gradation, and a new 1.5" ThinLine Bezel Design with the thin SoundStrip® speaker system. Also incorporated is the new Gaming Mode providing more direct video signal-to-the-screen for faster game controller response and 3 HDMI 1.3 inputs with REGZA Link (HDMI CEC) for easy connection to an HD DVD player or other A/V component.
REGZA RV530 Series - 1080p Full HD
For "Home Theater" Enthusiasts, the REGZA RV530 Series features 1080p Full HD resolution in the new two-tone "Surface Tension" Design with beautiful high-gloss black bezel. In addition to the exclusive Toshiba REGZA technologies found in the CV510 Series, the 1080p Full HD RV530 Series also features enhanced DynaLight dynamic backlight with a higher 15,000:1 dynamic contrast for deeper black levels. Available in a wide variety of screen sizes including new 32" and 37", and 42", 46" and 52" (diagonal), these models also include 4 HDMI (1 side) inputs for full digital connectivity, and a new High-Res PC Input, which is perfect for PC gamers looking to play on a big screen.
REGZA XV540 Series - ClearFrame™ 120 Hz Frame Rate
For "Sports and Action" Lovers, Toshiba is introducing the REGZA XV540 Series which includes models in 42", 46", and 52" (diagonal). Distinguishing the 1080p Full HD XV540 Series is Toshiba’s improved ClearFrame 120 Hz Frame Rate with Film Stabilization and new 5:5 Pull-Down for clear fast-motion video, and 14-Bit PixelPure 4G Internal Digital Video Processing with 10-Bit LCD panels for a stunning 16,384 levels of gradation. These models also include ColorBurst wide color gamut CCFL at 108% of the NTSC color gamut for rich lifelike color, and 4 HDMI (1 side) 1.3 Inputs with x.v. Color and Deep Color for the amazing possible color depth and REGZA Link (HDMI CEC) for simple connectivity to home theater components.
Cinema Series REGZA XF550 Series - Super Narrow Bezel Design & ClearFrame
For "High-Style" Conscious Consumers, Toshiba has brought its award-winning "Super Narrow Bezel" (the world’s thinnest LCD TV bezel* at only 0.9"), and thinner SoundStrip 2 speaker system, to its new top-of-the-line XF550 Cinema Series REGZA models, allowing more TV in less space. These "virtually all-screen" models combine 1080p Full HD resolution, and 14-Bit PixelPure 4G Digital Video Processing with 10-Bit LCD panels for a stunning 16,384 levels of gradation. These models also include DynaLight SuperContrast for superior black levels, ColorBurst wide color gamut CCFL at 108% of the NTSC color gamut for rich lifelike color, and improved ClearFrame 120 Hz Frame Rate with Film Stabilization and new 5:5 Pull-Down for clear fast-motion video to deliver an all-new level of picture quality. Available in 40", 46" and a new 52" (diagonal) screen sizes, these models also incorporate 3 HDMI 1.3 Inputs with x.v. Color and Deep Color for amazing color depth and REGZA Link (HDMI CEC) for simple connectivity to home theater components.
Expected Availability & Pricing:
AV500 Series
19AV500 (March $429.99)
19AV501 (March $429.99)
22AV500 (May $549.99)
26AV500 (February $649.99)
32AV500 (February $799.99)
37AV500 (February $999.99)
42AV500 (March $1,299.99)
REGZA CV510 Series
32CV510 (March $899.99)
37CV510 (March $1,099.99)
REGZA RV530 Series
32RV530 (March $1,099.99)
37RV530 (February $1,299.99)
42RV530 (February $1,499.99)
46RV530 (February $1,999.99)
52RV530 (March $2,699.99)
REGZA XV540 Series
42XV540 (March $1,699.99)
46XV540 (March $2,199.99)
52XV540 (April $2,899.99)
Cinema Series REGZA XF550 Series
40XF550 (February $1,999.99)
46XF550 (February $2,499.99)
52XF550 (February $3,199.99)
About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in HD DVD, DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, rear projection and direct view televisions, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.
* "Worlds Thinnest LCD TV Bezel" claim is based on data as of August 3, 2007.
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