At its summer press event in New York City held on the evening of June 28, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. announced the that it has discontinued all rear projection televisions in favor of flat-panel displays. Toshiba also announced the availability of its 46", 47" and 52" REGZA LCD TVs as well as the upcoming availability of its largest ever LCD TV, a 57" Cinema Series model. The availability of these larger LCD TVs comes at a critical time for the company, as according to The NPD Group's retail tracking service TV data, which includes combos, Toshiba has nearly doubled its market share in the 32" to 42" LCD category in April and May 2007.
According to Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Marketing, "The feedback on our new REGZA LCD line-up has been exceptional, and our market performance has been astounding. We listened to the voice of our customers, made quality products that are market right, and virtually doubled our 32" to 42" LCD market share. We now start shipping our larger 46" to 57" models, including our Cinema Series models with the advanced ClearFrame 120 Hz Anti-Blur System, and are confident that we will continue the same level of success. Consumers are responding to the quality and design of REGZA, but more importantly, they are proving that Toshiba is a market leader in flat panel TV."
NPD's data for April and May shows that Toshiba's LCD market share in the key 32" to 42" screen size range has grown by 90 percent to 10.8 percent market share, making Toshiba #3 for 32" to 42" LCDs, including combos. In fact, Toshiba's 40" to 42" LCD market share has grown to 12.7 percent, and the company's 37" LCD market share has grown to 13.2 percent.
With the new model additions, Toshiba REGZA models will now be available in a wide range of screen sizes including 26", 32", 37", 42", 46/7", 52" and 57" (diagonally measured). REGZA televisions also come in a variety of series including: the HL67 HD series, LV67 LCDVD series, HL167 1080p Full HD series and LX177 Cinema Series. As a result of this fully comprehensive line, there is a REGZA television to fit the need of virtually every consumer, every room and every application, helping to ensure the continued market share growth of the REGZA line.
According to Toshiba, the success of the 2007 REGZA line can be attributed to dramatic improvements in picture quality, connectivity and cosmetic design. All REGZA models incorporate key Toshiba technology including PixelPure3G 14 bit internal digital video processing for accurate 12 bit output and DynaLight dynamic backlight, and feature beautiful high-gloss black cabinetry (differentiated by series) with Toshiba's SoundStrip speaker system. The 1080p Full HD REGZA series adds additional features such as ColorBurst wide color gamut CCFL, and CE-Link HDMI CEC control. At the top of the line are the Cinema Series REGZA models, which incorporate cutting-edge technology such as the ClearFrame 120 Hz anti-blur system and Deep Color.
A standard LCD TV typically has a frame rate of 60 frames per second, or 60Hz. To avoid possible motion blur with fast motion video, ClearFrame doubles that frame rate to 120 frames per second, or 120 Hz. While there are many possible methods for creating the additional 60 frames, ClearFrame utilizes superior Motion Vector Frame Interpolation (MVFI) technology. MVFI analyzes Frame A and Frame B and creates a new Frame A+B. By evaluating the speed and direction of multiple picture elements within the frames, this advanced system virtually eliminates motion blur without decreasing image brightness or adding flicker.
PixelPure3G, Toshiba's 3rd Generation digital video processor, runs at a fast 333 MHz, with high 14 bit internal digital video processing for accurate 12 bit output. This system is capable of producing an amazing 4,096 levels of gradation (16 times greater than a standard 8 bit processor) for a smooth natural picture without image banding. PixelPure continuously monitors the incoming video signal, adjusting multiple picture quality parameters including real speed progressive scanning, dynamic gamma, dynamic MPEG noise reduction and now, dynamic back-light control. Superior processing creates a superior picture, and PixelPure 3G creates incredibly deep, vibrant, sharp and natural images.
DynaLight utilizes advanced PixelPure histogram image processing to monitor the brightness level of each video frame and automatically adjusts the backlight intensity based on the image content. Precise signal analysis allows for 256 levels of backlight control, creating seamless transitions and a Dynamic Contrast that is up to 5X that of the original panel contrast. The result is a considerably deeper black level for increased detail and depth.
ColorBurst significantly increases the LCD color space to reproduce 90+ percent of the NTSC Color Gamut. By utilizing proprietary image processing and color control algorithms, ColorBurst expands the number of available colors and improves the color accuracy. This significantly improves both color purity and color saturation.
CE-Link (HDMI CEC) allows two-way control between the TV and applicable source devices through an HDMI cable. The TV remote can be used to control the source device, or the source device's remote can be used to control the TV, allowing for simplified system operation, even when the source devices are not in sight. Unlike some manufacturers, Toshiba incorporates CE-Link into all three HDMI digital inputs, allowing customers to create an "in-room network" with CEC enabled devices such as a PC, DVD Player and A/V Receiver.
The momentum Toshiba has experienced around REGZA directly relates to the industry-leading technology, beautiful design and outstanding viewing experience the line provides. With the introduction of larger REGZA models packed with even more technology features, Toshiba expects to continue its strong growth and solidify its position as a leader in flat panel TV. For individuals interested in learning more about Toshiba REGZA televisions, please visit http://www.regzalcdtv.com.
Expected Pricing and Availability
REGZA HD
26HL67 ($799.99, Available Now)
32HL67U ($999.99, Available Now)
37HL67U ($1,199.99, Available Now)
42HL67 ($1,399.99, Available Now)
REGZA LCDVD
26LV67U ($899.99, Available Now)
32LV67U ($1,099.99, Available Now)
REGZA 1080p Full HD
42HL167 ($1,799.99, Available Now)
47HL167 ($2,499.99, Available Now)
52HL167 ($3,499.99, June 2007)
Cinema Series REGZA
42LX177 ($2,299.99, June 2007)
46LX177 ($2,999.99, June 2007)
52LX177 ($3,999.99, June 2007)
57LX177 (TBD, July 2007)
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, 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.
