Toshiba Enhances Award Winning DLP(TM) Line Offering Consumers Both 720p And

[Gregg Lengling]

Toshiba America Consumer
Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") today announced the roll-out plan for its full
line-up of eleven new DLP(TM) Projection TVs at its annual dealer line show in
New Mexico. Featuring models in both the Cinema Series(R) and TheaterWide(R)
lines, Toshiba will now offer both 720p and 1080p resolution. The 720p sets
will utilize a new "TALEN(TM)" Light Engine. The 1080p sets will use the new
"TALEN(TM) X" light engine with Xtreme BLAC(TM), incorporating advanced design
and technology to further enhance the home theater experience. Both the new
TALEN and TALEN X light engines are enhanced with DEEP Picture(TM) (Digitally
Enhanced Engine Performance) technology creating sharper more vibrant images.
    "Toshiba was first to market with 1080p Micro-Display Projection TV, and
we're back with new TALEN X," said Scott Ramirez, VP, Marketing. "By combining
the Texas Instruments xHD4 1080P chip with advanced optics, a high brightness
lamp, DEEP Picture technology and Xtreme BLAC(TM), our XHD(TM) 1080P models
introduce a new level of clarity and contrast into the Micro-Display
category."

    The 2005 Line-up
    Toshiba's TheaterWide line of high definition DLP(TM) Projection
televisions will include screen sizes ranging from 46" to 72". The TheaterWide
line will include three 720p models (46HM95 (46"); 52HM95 (52"); 62HM95 (62"))
and three 1080p models (56HM195 (56"); 62HM195 (62"); 72HM195 (72")). Through
the use of Xtreme BLAC (Black Level Aperture Control) the new 1080p sets offer
stunning resolution and enhanced contrast ratios ensuring crystal clear
picture quality.
    Toshiba's Cinema Series line of high definition DLP(TM) Projection
Televisions will also include 720p and 1080p models. With Screen sizes ranging
from 52" to 72" the Cinema Series line will offer two 720p models (52HMX95
(52"); 62HMX95 (62")) and three 1080p models (56MX195 (56"); 62MX195 (62");
72MX195 (72")). The 52" and 62" 720p sets feature a new all black cabinet with
a high gloss black bezel. All 1080p DLP(TM) sets from Toshiba offer a new
cosmetic design featuring space-saving bottom speakers.

    Toshiba Technology
    The technology at the center of the new 1080p sets is a Digital Light
Engine named TALEN X. This system utilizes Texas Instruments' xHD4 chip and
incorporates Toshiba's DEEP Picture and Xtreme BLAC technologies to provide
high resolution with improved brightness and contrast.
    Another development from Toshiba is the incorporation of the new
PixelPure(TM) AT (Adaptive Technology) Digital Video Processing. This next
generation processing delivers the consistently high picture quality expected
from Toshiba TVs.  Key PixelPure AT components include:

      -- Motion Adaptive De-Interlacing
      -- Adaptive MPEG Processing
      -- Adaptive Contrast Enhancement
      -- Adaptive Color Enhancement

    720p models will use a new TALEN engine with DEEP Picture(TM) and the
PixelPure AT Digital Video Processing.

    New Features
    In an effort to provide consumers with a richer home theater experience,
Toshiba has added exciting new features to its 2005 line. ChannelBrowser(TM)
lets consumers use a "back" button -- similar to a PC browser back button --
that will allow easy access to recently viewed channels. All new Cinema Series
DLP(TM) PTV models will include THINC(TM) (Toshiba Home Interactive Network
Connection) home entertainment networking. This revolutionary feature allows
consumers to connect their TV to their PC and playback MP3 audio files and
JPEG pictures using only the TV remote.
    The DLP(TM) line-up uses the new Radiance(TM) 150 Hi-Bright Lamp for
noticeably brighter images. The line also employs the TheaterFine(TM) DFP
Screen technology with Anti-Glare Coating that results in increased detail and
noticeably deeper blacks.

    Fully Integrated Sets
    All DLP(TM) sets in the Toshiba 2005 line offer integrated HDTV tuners and
are loaded with features for a smooth transition into HDTV. Toshiba's DLP(TM)
projection TVs are Digital Cable Ready with ATSC/QAM digital tuning and a
CableCARD(TM) slot, and TV Guide On Screen(R) interactive program guide, for
simple, user-friendly channel navigation. All integrated DLP(TM) TVs also
feature IEEE1394 (DTVLink) ports for connection to an optional Symbio(TM) HD
Recorder.
    In addition, these models feature the TheaterNet(TM) 1394/IR control
system for external device control, and an OmniViewer(TM) Memory Card Slot
(which accepts five types of memory cards) with JPEG viewer for viewing of
digital photos.
    The full line of Toshiba DLP(TM) TVs feature many of the key technologies
that the company has been known for including: CableClear(R) DNR, SRS(R)
WOW(TM), HD Window(TM) POP, and now Dual HDMI(TM) digital inputs.

    Pricing and Expected Availability
    -- TheaterWide models:
    46HM95 (July 2005, $2,499.99); 52HM95 (June 2005, $2,799.99); 62HM95 (July
2005, $3,299.99); 56HM195 (August 2005, $3,499.99); 62HM195 (August 2005,
$3,799.99); 72HM195 (September 2005, $4,999.99)

    -- Cinema Series models:
    52HMX95 (July 2005, $3,099.99); 62HMX95 (July 2005, $3,599.99); 56MX195
(September 2005, $3,799.99); 62MX195 (September 2005, $4,099.99); 72MX195
(October 2005, $5,299.99)

    -- Symbio:
    160HD4 (Available Now, $399.99)

    About Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
    Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is a limited liability company,
owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, a world
leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba
America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is a pioneer in DVD and DVD Recorder
technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment
products, including flat panel TV, rear and front projection and direct view
televisions, home theater projectors, combination products and portable
devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. is headquartered in Wayne,
New Jersey with production facilities in Lebanon, Tennessee. For additional
information please visit http://www.tacp.toshiba.com.

     DLP is a trademark of Texas Instruments Inc.
     CableCARD is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
     TV Guide On Screen is a registered trademark of Gemstar-TV Guide
International, Inc. and/or one of its affiliates.
     SRS and WOW are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.
     HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing, L.L.C.


SOURCE Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C.
Web Site: http://www.tacp.toshiba.com

[gparris]

Thanks for the article.

It is my understanding that the new sets that are coming out with the 1080p displays with the capability for the full 2 million+ pixel resolution are the following :
DLP, LCD flat panel, PDP (plasma) and the LCoS with is SXRD and HD-ILA variants...not LCD RPTVs, right?

[Gregg Lengling]

I'm not sure about the LCD RPTV's but the Sharp Aquos 45" is already out with 1080p and has been about 6 months...current street price is $6999 or less.
The LCoS will be out around October or November from JVC in 70, 61 and 56" sizes per the rep last week.