The OFFICIAL 2006 Toshiba REGZA LCD HDTV Thread...

[InYourEyes]

This just in...

Toshiba just announced a new comprehensive line of LCD TVs under the "REGZA" name:

http://interestalert.com/story/sitei...lter=Household

http://interestalert.com/story/sitei...lter=Household

We should start gathering all our infos regarding the new Toshiba REGZAs.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") showcased its new flat panel line at its annual dealer line show, highlighting the new REGZA sub brand, including its REGZA XHD(TM) 1080p sets. A global brand for Toshiba LCD TV, the REGZA line features state-of-the-art technology and new cosmetic designs. Utilizing Toshiba's own PixelPure Hi-Bit(TM) 12-bit Digital Video Processing and fast CineSpeed(TM) LCD Panel technologies, the REGZA line will deliver stunning lifelike images unlike anything Toshiba has offered before.

For 2006, Toshiba will offer an extensive line-up of 12 REGZA LCD TV models in home theater screen sizes ranging from 26" diagonally measured to 47" diagonally measured. REGZA series will include REGZA, REGZA LCDVD with built-in DVD player, REGZA XHD(TM) with 1080p display resolution, Cinema Series(R) REGZA, and Cinema Series REGZA XHD.

"REGZA will set the new standard for premium LCD TV," said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products TV Group. "By combining our new CineSpeed LCD panel with 33 percent faster response speed, and our new PixelPure Hi-Bit digital video processing with up to 50 percent improvement in bit rate, we have created picture quality that is truly spectacular. With 4,096 levels of gradation, our new 12-bit processing provides 16 times the gradation levels of competitors' 8 bit systems, for smoother, more natural images. As it is the variations in processing quality that create the differences between brands, we are confident that the REGZA Engine will become the clear choice for anyone who wants the best possible picture quality.

REGZA LCDVD models include a built-in DVD player for ultimate convenience. These models also feature Toshiba's innovative THINC(TM) RJ-45 network capability, allowing consumers to connect the TV to a PC and view their JPEG picture files, or listen to their MP3 audio files, using only the TV remote.

All REGZA models feature a new CineSpeed LCD panel with a fast response speed of 8ms or less, and a wide 176 degree viewing angle. These models also come equipped with ATSC/QAM digital tuning, which enables the sets to receive both digital terrestrial and digital cable-in-the-clear broadcasts. In addition, REGZA models offer complete jack packs that include a PC Input and HDMI for a direct digital connection to an A/V source device such as a digital cable box or satellite receiver. To ensure form meets function, all REGZA models feature new sleek cabinetry in black and silver.

REGZA XHD models provide 1080p full HD resolution. These models also include a CableCARD(TM) slot, and TV Guide On Screen(R), for digital cable ready (DCR) capability. XHD models also offer dual HDMI, HD Window POP, and Toshiba's new Native Mode providing clean 1080p pixel-for-pixel display without scaling or overscanning. Toshiba displayed its new 42" diagonally measured and 47" diagonally measured REGZA XHD 1080p models. XHD LCD will be available in the REGZA and Cinema Series REGZA lines, creating the perfect step-up from the 720p HD Plasma models.

Cinema Series REGZA models are wrapped in distinctive Cinema Series cabinetry, with a beautiful high-gloss black finish. This design features Toshiba's innovative SoundStrip(TM) speaker technology, enabling compact cabinetry without sacrificing big home theater sound. Cinema Series models also include Toshiba's new ColorMaster(TM) color management system which provides hue, saturation and brightness control of six individual colors. ColorMaster creates deep natural colors for increased depth and more realistic images. These models also include a new 6-item home theater remote control.

Toshiba has also reallocated final assembly sites to create increased efficiency and availability. This year, one facility will concentrate on LCD TV, and another (Orion) will concentrate on Plasma TV. This new production system will help ensure smooth availability in these key TV product categories.

LCD TV is a fast growing category, and demand for REGZA is expected to be strong. In order to ensure adequate supply, Toshiba has dedicated its TMX (Toshiba Mexico) production facility to LCD TV only, and increased LCD final assembly lines there by 200 percent.

The REGZA brand will come to life with a specially designed logo, and will be heavily promoted in a national campaign that includes print ads, literature, point-of-purchase materials, on-line and more.

Models, Expected Pricing and Expected Availability

REGZA LCD TV
26HL66 ($1,199.99, Available Now)
32HL66 ($1,599.99, Available Now)
37HL66 ($2,199.99, August 2006)

REGZA LCDVD(TM)
26HLV66 ($1,299.99, June 2006)
32HLV66 ($1,699.99, June 2006)
37HLV66 ($2,299.99, July 2006)

REGZA XHD
42HL196 ($2,999.99, July 2006)

Cinema Series REGZA
37LX96 ($2,599.99, July 2006)

Cinema Series REGZA XHD
42LX196 ($3,299.99, July 2006)
47LX196 ($4,499.99, August 2006)

* Release of Additional REGZA Models to Follow

16:9 HD LCD TV
20HL86 ($699.99, July 2006)

16:9 HD LCD RealSteel TV
20HLK86 ($799.99, July 2006)

16:9 HD LCDVD TV
23HLV86 ($899.99, June 2006)

Custom Series HD LCD True Monitors (No Tuners)
26HLC56 ($1,099.99, August 2006)
32HLC56 ($1,399.99, July 2006)
37HLC56 ($1,999.99, July 2006)

[InYourEyes]

The 1080p models look sick. Anybody eyeing on them?

[Dufusyte]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

The 1080p models look sick.

Does this mean they look "bad", as in bad, or "bad" as in bad?

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by Dufusyte

Does this mean they look "bad", as in bad, or "bad" as in bad?

No. Picture will look better on the screen than the last year models, according to Toshiba.

I'm eyeing on the 32HL66 right now. Hope the quality will match the new Sony XBRs, but for less.

[westa6969]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

No. Picture will look better on the screen than the last year models, according to Toshiba.

I'm eyeing on the 32HL66 right now. Hope the quality will match the new Sony XBRs, but for less.

One would hope the next gen panel would certainly look better, isn't that the purpose of a next gen?

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant.

I own a 32" in the bedroom but the 45" puts it to shame as will the 57" LCD I upgrade to and Toshiba is absent and below what it's competitors are moving towards in 52, 57, and larger HT sizes in the months ahead leapfrogging the regza attempt. Toshiba chases Sony, Sharp and Samsung but never seems to get there.

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by westa6969

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant.

Actually, Toshiba will be making them after an e-mail I received from Toshiba stating that all LCD TVs sized 26 and larger are made by Toshiba in the Mexico assembly plant. Only the sets smaller than 23" are made by Orion. It is still safe to buy a Toshiba, as long as you are looking at the ones sized 26" or bigger, including the 1080p sets. Toshiba will do better than Panasonic this year because of more models and sizes.

[QZ1]

Originally Posted by westa6969

One would hope the next gen panel would certainly look better, isn't that the purpose of a next gen?

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant.

Word has it that Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U is made by Orion also!
One claims by reading the spec. sticker and through the vents, it looks just like an Orion.
Judging by the PQ, I am not suprised.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...built+by+sharp

[going1080pcrazy]

Found some info on the new 2006 Toshiba's

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/to...lcd-hdtv.shtml

Quote from the page: "Being fed a High Definition 1080i source via Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, the top of the line 47-inch 47LX196 ($4299, available July, 2006) certainly looked impressive for an LCD panel with vivid color reproduction and excellent detail. Similar to what we saw in Los Angeles earlier this month from Sony's new Bravia XBR line, except of course, Toshiba's largest set is 1 inch bigger than Sony's. Coincidence? I think not. "



"Toshiba's 47LX196 will be available in July and features 1080p full HD resolution."

I heard from a friend the 47" will be available in August.

[going1080pcrazy]

Anyone plan on getting the Toshiba vs. the Sony?

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by going1080pcrazy

Anyone plan on getting the Toshiba vs. the Sony?

I used to own the Sony KDL-V26XBR1 before but it was too small for my needs. I can still remember what the picture looks like today, and I should have no problem comparing the new Toshiba 32HL66.

Anyone know if the new Toshibas come with CableCard slot and TV Guide On-Screen Guide?

[going1080pcrazy]

anybody have any more images of the 47" toshiba?

Its hard to make out how dark the frame is on the set.

[Raistlin_HT]

This is a bit OT, but does anyone know who Syntax OEM's their panels from? I'm interested in either their current 42" or more likely, the signature line coming out.

There seems to be some knowledgeable people here with regards to sourcing.

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by Raistlin_HT

This is a bit OT, but does anyone know who Syntax OEM's their panels from?

Either from Chi Mei Optics or Quanta Displays in Taiwan.

[wideasstv]

going1080pcrazy,

I like the look of this 47" tv over samsung's lns4696/sony's XBR3. If toshiba also has a firewire connection, comparable (or better) picture quality, I would definitely go for the slightly bigger screen which costs less.

Does anyone know how the 12 bit processing on the toshiba can improve picture quality over sony/samsung's 10 bit processing? And does the toshiba have a similar cold cathode light technology and if not is that better? Thanks.

Just a couple of more months before I get my first HDTV. Thank you AVSforum.

[Raistlin_HT]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

Either from Chi Mei Optics or Quanta Displays in Taiwan.

Thanks for the info.

Are these considered respectable sources? Do any of the 'bigger' players source from them?

[lorenzow]

Originally Posted by westa6969

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's.

... - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant.

I was disappointed with Toshiba's outsourcing of their tube TV's to Orion, as well. That doesn't mean they are outsourcing everything to Orion...

From TWICE magazine:

For final assembly, Toshiba is focusing operation at its TMX plant in Mexico on 26W-inch and above LCD TV final assembly, moving circuit-board assembly and plasma assembly to separate Asian factories.

“Not only does [TMX] concentrate on LCD, but there has been a 300 percent expansion in LCD final assembly at the facility, ensuring that we have the production capacity to fulfill the needs of our retailers and consumers,” said Ramirez.

[InYourEyes]

"The company is expanding its LCD sources in 2006, using Taiwanese panel manufacturers AUO and Chi Mei, to supply products worldwide. Toshiba said those deals “will prioritize Toshiba” in getting supply.

In 2007, Toshiba will open a joint venture ALPHA IPS LCD plant with Matsushita and Hitachi."

Anybody read this part? It says that ALL 2006 Toshiba LCD TVs, regardless of what size and price, are using Taiwanese LCD panel screens made by AUO and Chi Mei. That is very disappointing. The real Toshiba LCD TVs with Toshiba joint-venture screens don't start until next year.

[InYourEyes]

Well, I finally received my new Toshiba 32HL66 today from UPS (ordered it from digital1234.com last week). I haven't powered it up yet, but I will post some opinions about it tomorrow. TV looks a little cheaply constructed (fewer components inside) and is lighter than the last year models. The buttons are located at the bottom front of the TV. Looks good so far. For some reason, it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike the last year models.

[bigd213]

That TV looks awesome

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by bigd213

That TV looks awesome

You mean you saw the display already? Best Buy does not even have the new Toshiba REGZAs yet. I'm probably the first one around the block to try it. And the price is not too bad from digital1234.com.

Here's my own way to buy a Toshiba LCD TV. I've decided to keep buying or uprgading to a new Toshiba 32" REGZA model every year until whenever Toshiba has decided to outsource it to Orion. I know it won't be long.

[lorenzow]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

Anybody read this part? It says that ALL 2006 Toshiba LCD TVs, regardless of what size and price, are using Taiwanese LCD panel screens made by AUO and Chi Mei. That is very disappointing. The real Toshiba LCD TVs with Toshiba joint-venture screens don't start until next year.

I'm thinking of waiting for HDMI 1.3 anyway.

[DaMaDo]

How do these compare to the westinghouses?

[greenland]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

Well, I finally received my new Toshiba 32HL66 today from UPS (ordered it from digital1234.com last week). I haven't powered it up yet, but I will post some opinions about it tomorrow. TV looks a little cheaply constructed (fewer components inside) and is lighter than the last year models. The buttons are located at the bottom front of the TV. Looks good so far. For some reason, it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike the last year models.

You have not powered it up.
You say it looks a little cheaply constructed.
You say it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike last year models.

Yet: you still state " Looks good so far".

Aside from that, how did you enjoy the play Mrs. Lincoln?.

[InYourEyes]

Powered up my new 32HL66 today and I am very impressed. It has a high contrast ratio and the blacks do not look so dark. Picture quality looks just as good from the last year HL95 models. HDMI performance is very good, although not as good as the Sony XBRs. On-screen menu display looks the same from last year. For this price (if buying from digital1234.com and not from Best Buy or Crutchfield), this is a lot better deal than picking up one of the generic LCD TV brands (Sceptre, Westinghouse, Polaroid, Sylvania, etc.).

[J-E-B]

Originally Posted by InYourEyes

Powered up my new 32HL66 today and I am very impressed. It has a high contrast ratio and the blacks do not look so dark. Picture quality looks just as good from the last year HL95 models. HDMI performance is very good, although not as good as the Sony XBRs. On-screen menu display looks the same from last year. For this price (if buying from digital1234.com and not from Best Buy or Crutchfield), this is a lot better deal than picking up one of the generic LCD TV brands (Sceptre, Westinghouse, Polaroid, Sylvania, etc.).

Any further impressions? I'm looking very seriously at one of the TVs in this line, and might buy as early as next Monday. I saw the model you bought in a store, and it looked good to me, but I am hardly an expert.

(And did you really mean to say that contrast was good but blacks were not so dark?)

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by J-E-B

(And did you really mean to say that contrast was good but blacks were not so dark?)

Well, I do see a backlight on the screen that is very noticable to see while viewing. The contrast is high and the black level is low. I'm not an expert on LCD TV viewing. This is what I see in my eyes.

[spicaly]

has anyone seen the 42" in person yet?

[InYourEyes]

Originally Posted by spicaly

has anyone seen the 42" in person yet?

Unfortunately, they're still in production.

[doitynan]

Its[EDIT] at buy.com. I assume it is a great LCD

[InYourEyes]

digital1234.com has the [EDIT] 32HL66. I bought my 32HL66 from them and had no problems with the transaction. They are an authorized Toshiba dealer, meaning you will get full warranty.