Toshiba claims new Regza ZV TVs offer "near-HD" quality with SD broadcasts
We reckon Toshiba's PR agency might have got a bit carried away with its claim that Toshiba's new Regza ZV range is "the world's first upscaling LCD TV". Mmm, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic et al might disagree with that.
After a careful read of the press release it transpires that what they're alluding to is Toshiba's proprietary Resolution + upscaling technology. This uses a cell processor algorithm to provide "near-HD levels of clarity" on standard-definition pictures, Toshiba claims.
"By employing cutting-edge, image-enhancing technologies, standard-definition sources are scanned and upconverted to near-HD quality, providing viewers with crisper images that are richer in detail," says Toshiba.
Near-HD picture quality from SD broadcasts
That's quite some claim. But Andrew Line, UK TV product manager at Toshiba, is confident that "with Resolution + technology we're able to offer consumers the ability to instantly upgrade whatever it is they might choose to watch – broadcast TV, DVD or whatever – to near high-definition quality".
Resolution + uses its integrated processing power to increase image definition and improve picture edges using correlation with adjacent images.
The new ZV models, available in 42in and 46in screen sizes, also come equipped with Toshiba's Active Vision M100 HD 100Hz picture processing, Full HD 1920 x 1080p panels, 10-bit colour processing and support for 24fps (frames-per-second).
Bright whites and deep, dark blacks
A claimed contrast ratio of 30,000:1 is intended to deliver bright whites and deep, dark blacks and Dynamic Gamma Curve Correction ensures a smooth transition between black and white.
Nicam stereo sound is provided via a speaker grille below the screen and is boosted using SRS WOW technology.
You also get a Freeview digital tuner, three HDMI sockets, a special Game Mode and Regza-Link to enable control of all your home cinema devices with one remote control.
Both ZV models will be available from the beginning of December, the 42in for £900 and the 46ZV555D (pictured) for £1200.
Comments
Dont know why we havent seen a review for this set yet but i'll give you my rundown as i have one already!
Res+ is disappointing. It does improve the pic slightly but only slightly..it gives edges more definition but thats about it. Dont know if its worth the money to be honest. The other gripe i have is with the awful blacks..and washed out colour pallette. My old tosh 40xf355d was an awesome performer with amazing vibrant colours,this looks more faded and the black level far inferior. It takes ages to calibtare properly too. I was expecting more from this set..ive had 4 tosh LCD's now and this is by far the qweakest performer for me. HD pics are good but ive seen better.
Just seen the 46 inch version, Very impressed with the SD performance via sky SD input. Was thinking of the Sony 46W4500 but concerned re clouding etc.
Would the Tosh upscale normal DVD's using its internal upscaler or would an upscaling DVD work better?
Any thoughts
Any update on when you expect to get one of these for review ? Having second thoughts on the Sony 40W4500 due to the reports on clouding.
Andrew FG
No mention of a 40in model at this stage.
Ketch
As for a review, yes, as soon as we can get one.
Did the PR guy say anything about their plans for releasing a 40 inch model? (In August, in some of the forums, there was mention of a 40ZR555 model). Basically, if a 40 incher is coming, I will wait for it, but otherwise I will probably buy a Sony 40W4500 soon...)
Interesting! So, any timeline for its What Hi-Fi review?