Toshiba Revamps LED TV Lineup, Announces 4K, Glasses-Free TV

Toshiba is updating their LED TV line with a few improvements. But what really got everyone's attention at CES 2012 was the announcement of an LED backlit 4K display that will provide a glasses-free 3D experience. And it will be on sale soon!

Honestly, we would have been interested in a 4K display, the glasses-free 3D was just a bonus.

Due to start shipping in quarter one of 2012 (which is, like, now), the yet-unnamed 55" display will set you back a cool $10,000 or so (estimated price). While it is technically a clone (albeit with different cosmetics) of displays already released in Germany and Japan, the big announcement was the glasses-free 3D. The way it works is via a small camera in the base which tracks your head placement. If you start to move out of the 3D sweet spot, it cues you on where to sit. It is said that the display can be used by up to nine people but that four is the optimal number. We're wondering if those nine would have to be really good friends that don't mind sitting on each others' laps. While there isn't much outside of computer demos available for a 4k display, it is good to see one finally shipping. And frankly, we remember when plasma displays came out and $10k for one of them would have been a steal.

On to the rest of Toshiba's TV announcements. They are updating their line of LED TVs with three primary improvements. First, they are adding a new Dynamic Picture Mode to their standard viewing mode options. This new mode maximizes picture contrast, color, and sharpness. This is sure to be the mode the Best Buy guys immediately switch on and we immediately switch off when we get it home.

Audyssey announced a little while ago that they were getting into TVs. Now, Toshiba is adding Audyssey's Sound Enhancement to all of their new LED LCDs. Audyssey features include their ABX solution to boost the bass from speakers usually too small to produce decent bass. They are also adding an EQ function. According to Audyssey, the EQ function is designed to give manufacturers the ability to tune their speakers before they leave the factory. Since display speakers are notoriously bad, any EQing would be welcome. It may be a stopgap measure at best for a true Audioholic, but it's better than nothing.

Lastly, Toshiba is upgrading their LED TV line's aesthetics. The new Aero Family Design features a silver wing along the bottom of the display as well as a thin bezel. While not as thin as LG's new 1mm bezel displays, the new line from Toshiba looks to fit in well among the other thin, black displays at your local big box store. The new LED TVs are shipping in March and April (see below for specifics) with the specific prices yet to be announced.

Conclusion

While the 55", 4K, glasses-free 3D, back lit LED display stole the show, Toshiba is looking to catch the attention of those without $10,000 burning a hole in their pocket with their new LED lineup. The edge lit displays should impress with their thin profile, the back lit LED with its deep blacks, and the new Aero Family aesthetics and Audyssey Sound Enhancement features should give consumers reason enough to give Toshiba another look. This is a big deal from a company that, three years ago, all but said they would forego focusing on flat TVs and simply concentrate on quality. Now you can apparently have both. While none of the features of the LED line up are all that spectacular (120Hz, no 3D, etc.), if the prices are right, they may be big sellers. We'll have a wait a few months to find out.

Edge LED

• L5200 Series: Toshiba's L5200 Series LED TV is available in 40-, 46- and new 50-inch class screen sizes and features the latest Aero Family Design with an ultra-thin bezel. Full HD 1080p resolution displays for detailed, realistic images and the Series also includes ClearFrame 120Hz technology for clear fast action video. The L5200 Series comes equipped with the new Dynamic Picture Mode that creates vibrant images as well as the Audyssey premium sound enhancement suite for increased bass and improved sound clarity. The TVs also include a host of connectivity options with three HDMI® ports, an HD PC Input and a USB Media port. The L5200 Series will be available in March.
• L4200 Series: Toshiba's L4200 Series LED TV is available in the 19-, 24- and 32-inch class screen sizes for flexible placement around the home. This Series includes the new Dynamic Picture Mode and Audyssey sound enhancement suite as well as flexible connectivity with two HDMI ports, an HD PC Input and a USB Media port. The L4200 features Toshiba's new Aero Family Design and ultra-thin bezel for a sleek modern appearance. The 19- and 32-inch class size models feature 720p HD resolution, while the 24-inch class screen size features a 1080p full HD display. The L4200 Series will be available in March.
• V4210 Series: Toshiba's V4210 1080p Full HD LED/DVD Combo TV will available in the 24-inch class screen size and combines the space-saving convenience of a built-in DVD player with the latest picture and sound technologies. This TV is also equipped with the new Dynamic Picture Mode and Audyssey sound enhancement suite. Additional connectivity includes two HDMI ports and a USB Media port. The HD PC Input allows the TV to double as a high quality PC monitor. The V4210 will be available in March.

Direct LED

• L2200 Series: Toshiba's L2200 will be available in the new 50-inch class screen size with 1080p Full HD resolution and features new Direct LED technology. This TV includes the new Dynamic Picture Mode and Audyssey premium sound enhancement suite as well as two HDMI ports, an HD PC Input and a USB Media port. The L2200 features the new Aero Family Design and will be available in April.

CCFL

• HT2 – The Toshiba HT2 is available in the super large 65-inch class screen size. Equipped with 1080p Full HD resolution and ClearFrame 120Hz technology, this TV delivers true big screen home theater at a great value. Complete connectivity includes three HDMI ports, an HD PC Input and a USB Media port. The HT2 is available now.
• E220 – Toshiba's E220 will be available in the 40-inch class screen size and offers 1080p Full HD resolution, Dynamic Picture Mode and Audyssey sound enhancement suite, which makes it ideal for all types of home entertainment, including gaming. Connectivity includes two HDMI ports, HD PC Input and USB Media port. The E220 will be available in January.
• C120 – Toshiba's C120 will be available in the space-saving 32-inch screen size. The TV features 720p HD resolution, Dynamic Picture Mode and Audyssey sound enhancement suite, creating big punch in a smaller package. Connectivity includes two HDMI ports, an HD PC Input and a USB Media port. The C120 will be available in January.

For more information, please visit us.toshiba.com/tv/.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.