New Toshiba Regza HDTVs Offer Localized-dimming Backlights

By Geoff Duncan June 10, 2009

New Toshiba Regza HDTVs Offer Localized-dimming Backlights

Electronics giant Toshiba has rolled out its latest Regza line of HDTVs, featuring new FocalLight LED backlighting technology that enables localized dimming on jut portions of the display, enhancing contrast and improving picture quality. The new Regza units also incorporate a bundle of features sure to appeal to home video buffs, including Toshib’a PixelPure 5G 14-bit video processing and new AutoView controlled automatic picture adjustment.

“For 2009, we developed and incorporated a wide range of advanced, robust technologies to create an all-new level of Regza LCD TV,” said Toshiba marketing VP Scott Ramirez, in a statement. “The new REGZA is more than our dealers and consumers expected, and the response has been nothing short of amazing.”

All told, Toshiba is rolling out three new Regza units—the XV468, ZV650, and SV670—in sizes ranging from 40 inches (in the XV646 series) to 55 inches (in all series). The XV646 features a screen coating designed to reduce ambient light reflections for better contrast in bright viewing conditions, while the ZV650 series offers 240 Hz refresh and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. The SV670 Cinema Series features a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and features Toshiba’s new “Deep Lagoon” design with an “Infinity Flush” front, intended to resemble sand disappearing into calm water along with an non-reflective front panel.

All the new Regza sets feature Dolby Volume sound leveling and Audyssey EQ, along with four HDMI inputs, a high-resolution PC input, a USB port, an SD card slot, and support for Toshiba’s Regza-Link.

The XV648 series ranges from 40 to 52 inches and should land in August at prices ranging from $1,099.99 to $1,199.99. The ZV650s range from 42 to 55 inches and should be available this month at prices ranging from $1,299.99 to $2,399.99; the SV670 series will be available this month in 46- and 55-inch models at $2,299.99 and $2,999.99, respectively.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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