Toshiba intros HDTV lines, SRT up-converting tech

Toshiba showed off a fresh line-up of its REGZA line of LCD HDTVs at the CEDIA expo, which encompasses 12 new TV sets in the company's XV545, RV535, RV525, AV502 and AV500 series of REGZA LCDs, ranging from the 22-inch 22AV500U to the 52-inch 52VX545U. The XV545 and RV535 series HDTVs are significant for their use of the company's own built-in up-converting technology Toshiba calls Super Resolution Technology, or SRT. The technique automatically enhances standard TV signals, non-HD video game sources and videos viewed from camcorders to near HD quality, the company claims. The announcement follows a similar release of a couple of sets Toshiba released at IFA in Germany recently, though it called that up-converting tech Resolution+.

The XV545 HDTVs, available with 120Hz 42-, 46- and 52-inch panel sizes, mark the return of Toshiba's Cinema-series of products, while the RV535 HDTVs are available with 60Hz 42-, 46- and 52-inch displays. Both also share the AutoView feature, which uses a sensor to automatically adjust brightness and sharpness levels depending on the level of ambient light in the viewing environment. Both lines sport four HDMI inputs that include the REGZA link (HDMI-CEC), allowing users to control all of their compatible Toshiba equipment with one remote.

The RV525 line-up includes 40- and 46-inch HDTVs that deliver 1080p resolution, both of which feature a Gaming Mode that bypasses certain internal circuits to speed up the response time from the gaming controller, as well as a high-resolution PC video input.

THe AV502 series replaces the old entry-level 26-, 32- and 37-inch AV500 HDTVs, while adding a 22-inch AV500 model. The AV502 LCDs offer 720p resolution, two HDMI inputs and a PC input.

The new sets will hit store shelves starting this month, with the releases wrapping up in October. Prices start at $500 for the 22-inch 22AV500U and top out with the $2,800 52-inch 52XV545U.

Filed under: digital imaging
Other story tags: Toshiba, REGZA