Toshiba 1080p DLPs

[texastwo]

Toshiba’s first three 1080p DLP rear projection TVs

Posted May 19, 2005, 9:29 PM ET by Peter Rojas

Toshiba also announed their first three 1080p DLP rear projection TVs today, the 56-inch 56HM195, the 62-inch 62HM195, and the 72-inch (you guessed it) 72HM195. All three are CableCARD ready, and have a built-in memory card reader for looking at digital photos, dual HDMI ports, and a FireWire port if you want to attach one of Toshiba’s optional 160GB Symbio HD Recorders. Both the 56HM195 and the 62HM195 should be out by August, with the 72HM195 to follow a month later. (Can’t find any pics at the moment, but they’ll turn up sooner or later.)

[sayanythingrock]

thats when the 720p came out last year, i remember the first time i saw it in action was during a epsn thurs night game, i was blown away and bought it a couple months later. 1080p on the other hand doesn't strike a wow in me yet, especially since it can't accept 1080p . i like the 56 inch, i think they did that to compete with samsung. don't think its worth upgrading to 1080p though not enough hd out there, you will boost up 85% of your sd programing to high res's and that would just look horrible

[profjoe]

Interestings. They have added some pricing info and other details....

What some might find interesting is that they explicitly break the new "rules" set by TI and name the chip used in the 1080p sets (xHD4, as we have been calling it):

"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™ 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"

No contrast ratio numbers are quoted, but the pricing seems nice (NOTE: the naming convention is that the 95 series are 720p, while the 195 series are 1080p):

"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)"

and BEST OF ALL :

"All 1080p DLP™ sets from Toshiba offer a new cosmetic design featuring space-saving bottom speakers."

Just when I was about to order the HLR5667 things start looking really interesting this summer...

Now for all the other info (NOTE: 2 HDMI's):

"The 2005 Line-up
Toshiba's TheaterWide line of high definition DLP™ 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™ 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™ sets from Toshiba offer a new cosmetic design featuring space-saving bottom speakers.

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™ 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™ PTV models will include THINC™ (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™ line-up uses the new Radiance™ 150 Hi-Bright Lamp for noticeably brighter images. The line also employs the TheaterFine™ DFP Screen technology with Anti-Glare Coating that results in increased detail and noticeably deeper blacks.

Fully Integrated Sets
All DLP™ sets in the Toshiba 2005 line offer integrated HDTV tuners and are loaded with features for a smooth transition into HDTV. Toshiba's DLP™ projection TVs are Digital Cable Ready with ATSC/QAM digital tuning and a CableCARD™ slot, and TV Guide On Screen® interactive program guide, for simple, user-friendly channel navigation. All integrated DLP™ TVs also feature IEEE1394 (DTVLink) ports for connection to an optional Symbio™ HD Recorder.

In addition, these models feature the TheaterNet™ 1394/IR control system for external device control, and an OmniViewer™ Memory Card Slot (which accepts five types of memory cards) with JPEG viewer for viewing of digital photos.

The full line of Toshiba DLP™ TVs feature many of the key technologies that the company has been known for including: CableClear® DNR, SRS® WOW™, HD Window™ POP, and now Dual HDMI™ digital inputs. "

(editted because I was dumb and quoted the part that DIDN'T have the price )

(editted AGAIN because now I didn't point out which were 1080p)

(editted one last time (I promise) just to add all the other info too)

[xb1032]

Sounds very interesting. I had the 62HM84 last year and switched it out for the Mitsubishi 62725 because of the ghosting over the HDMI port. Hopefully that issue has been resolved. The current Mitsubishi show significantly more detail in the picture however. You can tell a big difference playing video games in the two as you see jaggies on some Xbox games while the Mits cleans them up still leaving the edges sharp. The Toshiba on the other hand has great contrast. I'm annoyed by the somewhat dim image on the Mits which is making me seriously considering upgrading. This announcement sounds like Toshiba is moving in the right direction. Two HDMIs in the standard model (number of component inputs wasn't mentioned), now has an HD tuner in the theaterwide along with a cable card slot. And the speakers are now on the side which is great. $4999 for the 72" sounds like a great price for that size. The current Toshiba is bright so if they're now using a 150watt bulb it should be very bright. My only issue with the new sets coming out is the number of inputs. Here's my future plans:

Inputs:
--------
DVD - would like to use HDMI
Xbox360 - HDMI????
Playstation 3 - HDMI
Sattellite - HDMI/Component
PC - VGA/HDMI/Component (I have an ATI card with component out)

Future 1080DLP inputs:
-----------------------------
Mitsubishi - 2 HDMI, 3 component (Diamond has VGA but is out of my price range)
Toshiba - 2 HDMI, ? Component
Samsung - 2 HDMI, 2 component, 1 VGA

Can't wait to see the new 1080P DLPs

[xb1032]

Originally posted by sayanythingrock
thats when the 720p came out last year, i remember the first time i saw it in action was during a epsn thurs night game, i was blown away and bought it a couple months later. 1080p on the other hand doesn't strike a wow in me yet, especially since it can't accept 1080p . i like the 56 inch, i think they did that to compete with samsung. don't think its worth upgrading to 1080p though not enough hd out there, you will boost up 85% of your sd programing to high res's and that would just look horrible

From my understanding of the upcoming 1080p DLPs is because the TVs are supposed to upconvert everything to 1080p. From what I've read from the few on this board that have seen them state that the picture is much clearer and less artifacts (not to mention the contrast/black levels are much higher on the 1080p DLPs). So regardless if nothing is being broadcast in 1080p you will notice a difference (from what I've read). The only concern is that the sets are not natively 1080. Not sure how important that is now but the PS3 next year is supposed to output games in 1080p and comes will play Blu-Ray DVDs (who knows if that will be the standard). And considering in the Toshiba line its only about a $500 diffecrence to upgrade to the 1080p DLPs and that the contrast will likely be much higher, it will be worth the difference in price to many.

[SammiK]

Originally posted by profjoe
Interestings. They have added some pricing info and other details....

"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)"

and BEST OF ALL :

"All 1080p DLP™ sets from Toshiba offer a new cosmetic design featuring space-saving bottom speakers."

Lots happening the latter part of this year in 1080P land!! Samsung, JVC, Mitsubishi, LG, and now Toshiba!

Judging by the 2004 Models and the MSRP pricing, Toshiba is a major player here. Figuring the normal initial street price of 80-85% MSRP, it seems the price point for 56" model 1080P DLP's will be somewhere between $2,500 and $3,000! (The Sammy 1080P 5668 model is already being offered for pre-orders in the low 3's and will certainly have to drop some from there to be competitive, since Toshiba DLP's are readily acknowledged by electronic techies to be of superior parts and workmanship than Samsung). By Year-End, with all the 1080P's flooding the market, i wouldn't be surprised to see the price point for 56" 1080P DLP's slip under $2,500!

2006 should bring even more advanced technology and, possibly a price point for 56" DLP 1080P Models that will be under $2,000~!! Who'da thunk it! What a great world we live in

[Q of BanditZ]

As far as we know, NONE of these sets from ANY company has 1080p capable inputs still...is that correct?

[UUronl]

As far as we don't know.

[Big Worms]

Great news! I especially like the speakers at the bottom part! Are there any pics yet?

[Tom_Bombadil]

Yes, that is a good question.

My money would be on them staying with the HD2+, as found in the 2004 models.

It also implies that the 720p models will continue to have the speakers on the sides of the screen.

[millerwill]

It's not clear to me what the diference is between Toshiba's 'Theaterwide' and 'Cinema Series' sets is (except price). Is there any difference in the internal electronics that affects PQ, or just in extra features, or just a differenct cabinet? Anyone know?

[videobruce]

Is it just the 1080's that will have the bottom speakers??

[sayanythingrock]

im interested.

[Artwood]

Will the Toshiba Firewire outputs still work only with Toshiba Symbio recorders? It would be nice if they could work with other HD recorders like JVC D-VHS!

[lienly]

tks for your great job, profjoe! you ain't dumb at all.
wonder if possible to upgrade from current 720p to 1080p just by swapping optical engine?

BTW, just notice avsforum has a new look! no wonder I couldn't logon that day. but bit slower than previous look.

Originally Posted by profjoe

(editted because I was dumb and quoted the part that DIDN'T have the price )

(editted AGAIN because now I didn't point out which were 1080p)

(editted one last time (I promise) just to add all the other info too)

[profjoe]

Just an FYI, it seems to me (purely from re-reading the press release) that the only difference between the Theaterwide and Cinema series is the "digital jukebox/pictureviewer" ability. See here:

"All new Cinema Series DLP™ PTV models will include THINC™ (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."

Also, after reading some of the new Samsung audio/video sync woes, I wanted to check if it would be reasonable to expect that the Toshibas would avoid this (I had heard that the current models can pass 5.1). I believe the reason the current models can pass 5.1 is that they have "SRS Trusurround" . The press release does not mention this on the upcoming sets. I will email someone and check it out (and obviously post here).

Any other obvious questions to ask?!

[lienly]

something basic info like CR, brightness, 6/7/8 SCW, lamp lifetime, HD2+/HD4/xHD3/xHD4.....

Originally Posted by profjoe

I will email someone and check it out (and obviously post here).
Any other obvious questions to ask?!

[benpatient]

a buddy of mine is an engineer at the enclosure facility here in Tennessee. He says that the difference between the 04s and the 05s (asthetically) is incredible.

[Aesculus]

Especially interested in the 1080p 56 inch models

[sayanythingrock]

i love my 720p ill wait to see the 1080p before thinking of upgrading

[lblev]

Does anybody have info on the physical dimensions of these sets? I'm specifically interested in the width of the 62" 1080p set.

[gazelle]

Don't know if anyone has posted this link yet: http://www.ultimateavmag.com/news/052305toshiba/

[profjoe]

Great job gazelle! I was quite surprised to see that they claim the HD4 is *not* a wobbulation chip!? Could there be two new 720p chips? (or is the article simply mistaken)

I wonder if this is the same chip used by Samsung in their 67 series?

[Dick]

Gazelle, just curious..what is your location ?

Dick

[gazelle]

Originally Posted by Dick

Gazelle, just curious..what is your location ?

Dick

NY/NJ area

[DVD Freaky]

I have read all the usual "Wait or not to wait for 1080p" stuff and am still confused. I am considering a nice LCD HDTV...have loved the picture for a long time. Of course, it can only do 720p/1080i. I am not concerned about waiting for programming in 1080p, since everything I've read indicates that it'll be awhile (if it all) for widespread programming in 1080p.

My only concern is the upcoming HD-DVD/Blu-Ray technology. We've already been told they will support 1080p. So how do I justify getting a brand new LCD tv that won't even be able to play the new DVD's in their glory? Does anyone think it would be a huge waste of money? Of course...I have been drooling over 720p for awhile, and want to get a nice HD set. I guess I'm asking the same ole question...to wait or not to wait?

Thanks...
Dave
Texas

[Juan]

I have been waiting for a 3 chip DLP for a while now, I though it would be a long time before I got to see one. The best part is, no rainbows. I might jump now if the set looks good, if not, I will have to keep suffering with my current HDTV.

[Stunz]

Originally Posted by Juan

I have been waiting for a 3 chip DLP for a while now, I though it would be a long time before I got to see one...

Who makes or who is planning on making a 3 chip DLP RP?

[vandu]

Originally Posted by profjoe

Also, after reading some of the new Samsung audio/video sync woes, I wanted to check if it would be reasonable to expect that the Toshibas would avoid this (I had heard that the current models can pass 5.1). I believe the reason the current models can pass 5.1 is that they have "SRS Trusurround" . The press release does not mention this on the upcoming sets. I will email someone and check it out (and obviously post here).

I had reported on a Samsung thread that the latest Toshiba DLPs could pass 5.1 through their HDMI inputs. I was incorrect (confirmed by Toshiba technical support)! They claim to be able to pass 5.1 through their digital audio out but the HDMI circuit will not accept 5.1 audio. The only apparent way to get a 5 channel digital audio signal in is through a 1394 input.

I haven't been able to confirm that any of the DLP or DILA TVs manufactured today will pass 5 channel audio through their HDMI inputs, even though the technology is available. This is a quote from the HDMI site:

http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/faq.asp

"Does HDMI support Dolby 5.1 audio and high-resolution audio formats? Yes. From the start, HDMI was defined to carry 8-channels, of 192kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio, which exceeds all current consumer media formats. In addition, HDMI can carry any flavor of compressed audio format such as Dolby or DTS. (Such compressed formats are the only multi-channel or high-resolution audio formats that can be carried across the older S/PDIF or AES/EBU interfaces.) The fact that the vast majority of HDMI products shipped are two-channel TVs that don’t support more than two-channel audio doesn’t make this any less the case. Most existing HDMI sources can output any compressed stream, and the newer sources can output uncompressed 6-channel, 96kHz audio from a DVD-Audio disk. There are several A/V receivers on the market that can accept and process the 6- or 8-channel audio from HDMI and more are expected to be available shortly."

It appears that their hasn't been enough consumer pressure or competition to do it right.

[Juan]

Who makes or who is planning on making a 3 chip DLP RP?

My bad, I misunderstood this part wrong.

"Toshiba also announed their first three 1080p DLP rear projection TVs today"

That is the last time I surf the forum after being awake for 24 hours.