[Update 25may05: ultimate AV has some coverage with pictures]

At its line-up show in New Mexico on May 19th, Toshiba announced a whole slew of products. FST PURE CRT televisions, DVD recorders and players with upconversion capability using HDMI, Plasma, and LCD displays, and even 1080p DLP displays were all in evidence.

The DLP displays included both 720p and 1080p models.

The 720p sets will utilize a new “TALEN(TM)” Light Engine. The 1080p sets will use the new “TALEN(TM) X” light engine with Xtreme BLAC(TM), incorporating advanced design and technology to further enhance the home theater experience. Both the new TALEN and TALEN X light engines are enhanced with DEEP Picture(TM) (Digitally Enhanced Engine Performance) technology creating sharper more vibrant images.

“Toshiba was first to market with 1080p Micro-Display Projection TV, and we’re back with new TALEN X,” said Scott Ramirez, VP, Marketing. “By combining the Texas Instruments xHD4 1080P chip with advanced optics, a high brightness lamp, DEEP Picture technology and Xtreme BLAC(TM), our XHD(TM) 1080P models introduce a new level of clarity and contrast into the Micro-Display category.”

Link: PRNewswire - Toshiba is Back With 1080p

Toshiba is still in the CRT business with its line of FST PURE flat colour televisions. There are 10 televisions in the lineup, five of which are HDTVs.

Toshiba’s line of 16:9 HD Monitor models includes two Cinema Series sets — the 30HFX85 (30″) and 34HFX85 (34″), and three TheaterWide models — the 34HF85 (34″), 30HF85 (30″), and 26HF85 (26″).
Toshiba FST PURE HD SuperTube models feature Dynamic Quadruple Focus, Wide Band Video Amplifier, and Dfine(TM) High-Speed Velocity Scan modulation. Additional features include CrystalScan HDSC(TM) for all time 1080i resolution, CableClear(R) DNR that optimizes video connections by eliminating noise and automatically adjusting sharpness, and an HDMI(TM) Digital Video Input. These sets also include BBE(R) audio technology for crystal clear sound.

Link: PRNewswire - Toshiba Showcases New Line of FST PURE(R) Flat Color Televisions

Toshiba also announced a new line of DVD players and recorders, including models that can output at 720p or 1080i resolutions through an HDMI interface.

DVD Recorders
The new Toshiba RD-XS54 features an Ethernet port for system networking allowing for greater integration with a PC including the ability to:
* Dub copy free content from one RD-XS54 to another if they are connected to the same network.
* Stream recorded content or even live programming to a PC.
* Edit and add title information to recorded content from a PC.
* Upload custom Menu backgrounds for creating DVD-R/RW discs.
* Remotely schedule recordings via email.
* Receive automatic software upgrades.
* Use a PC scroll mouse to control the recorder for detailed video editing.

Additional features include HDMI with upconversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This upconversion will be performed for all sources whether they are playing back content encoded on a DVD or the HDD, including the tuner and inputs. In addition, the DV input allows the transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media. The RD-XS54 also features Toshiba’s exclusive EASY NAVI menu, designed to simplify operations by offering direct access to key functions.

Link: PRNewswire - Toshiba Diplays Full Line of Innovative Digital Audio Video Products

Toshiba also showed a wide variety of flat-panel displays in both the TheaterWide(R) and Cinema Series(R) product lines. The even had LCD monitors with DVD players built in.

True to Toshiba’s heritage of offering feature-rich products, all widescreen HD models will also include HDMI(TM) digital inputs for uncompressed, pure digital video, and CableClear(R) DNR video noise reduction which reduces video noise for a clean, crisp image. In addition, all Integrated HD flat panel TV models include a CableCARD(TM) slot, TV Guide On Screen(R) and Toshiba’s new Channel Browser system, which brings the Back Button to the TV.

Link: PRNewswire - Toshiba Expands Line of Flat Panel Televisions

Toshiba also reaffirmed plans for its HD-DVD player, to be released in the fourth quarter of 2005. It is supposed to retail for “under $1,000″.

The exact feature set of the player have not be finalized, but Sally said the player will playback HD DVDs, DVDs and CDs. High definition resolution output will include both the 720p and 1080i formats. Outputs will include HDMI and IEEE-1394, and the first player will support interactivity and Internet connectivity.

For audio, the player will include decoders for both Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD, she added.

Link: Twice - Toshiba Reaffirms HD DVD Player Plans