In the TV market, Toshiba has just showed its cards for 2012, revealing three new ranges that will be released throughout the year.
The company unveiled the RL9, TL9 and VL9 ranges, all of which boast smart capabilities through the Toshiba Places internet portal and access to live streaming of various sports using Toshiba’s new LiveSport TV service. We’re told LiveSport TV will allow for live streaming of sporting events, as well as the latest sports news, although Toshiba hasn’t made it clear what sort of content will be offered. Toshiba Places will offer Twitter, Facebook and BBC iPlayer access, as well as various other apps.
The smart features don’t stop there, as all three ranges can be controlled using an Android smartphone or tablet, or with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, all using a unique app provided by Toshiba.
RL9 Series
At the lower end of the spectrum, the RL9 series features three sizes: 23-inch (£279), 32-inch (£399) and 40-inch (£529). They’re not going to break the bank, but offer decent specifications and an attractive, stylish design.
All models are LED edge-lit for a brighter, crisper picture, and the 32 and 40-inch models contain a DVB-T2 Freeview HD tuner for free-to-view HD programming. All models can be hooked up to the web using an Ethernet cable, or can be made Wi-Fi ready using an optional dongle. On the back there are 3 HDMI ports and 1 USB input for picture and video playback.
TL9 Series
This range sits in the middle of the 3, offering higher specs and Active Shutter 3D. There will be two sizes available: 40-inch (£599) and 46-inch (£799). These models are also LED edge-lit and feature Toshiba’s Resolution + software for excellent upscaling of standard definition pictures.
The TL9 series are capable of displaying a 3D source using Active Shutter technology (the glasses that require charging and flicker to produce the 3D effect), and can also convert 2D to 3D at the press of a button. As with the RL9 series they can be made wireless ready using a dongle, though can be hard-wired using an Ethernet cable. They feature 4 HDMI ports and two USB ports, one of which which will record from the inbuilt Freeview tuner.
VL9 Series
The VL9 series tops the three new ranges just announced by Toshiba, though it still sits below the company’s flagship WL and YL models. Three sizes are available in the VL9 series: 42-inch (£699), 47-inch (£899) and 55-inch (£1499). These models offer the flicker-free Passive 3D technology and 2D to 3D conversion, for which four pairs of 3D glasses are provided.
All models are edge-lit LED panels with a slim and sleek silver bezel which looks fantastic. They feature the same Resolution + technology, 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB (1 for recording to HDD) and internet connectivity options. Toshiba has also packed in its Audyssey audio optimisation technology, which it says will provide a superior sound experience.
All three ranges will be available in the UK next month, joining Toshiba’s recently announced epic 55-inch glasses-free 3D ‘55ZL2’ model.
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