On paper, the specifications for the new Toshiba 42Z3030D LCD TV impressed me the most. It will sport an SPVA panel, so we can expect better blacks and wider viewing angle than the Toshiba 42X3030D and 42C3030D (which chiefly use LG-Philips S-IPS panels). While I can’t comment on the black level, even under suboptimal review circumstances (excessive ambient lighting; no calibration) I thought that the Toshiba 42Z3030D exhibited less drop-off in blacks and colour saturation when viewed off-axis.
Furthermore, Toshiba is going to implement 5:5 pulldown (so that 24p based high-definition films can be refreshed at 120Hz) on the 42Z3030D. If they manage to pull this off to remove telecine judder without introducing other artifacts, and include the same excellent CMS (colour management system) and video processing that are found on their existing models, then they could have a winner on their hands… can’t wait to review one.
Another new Toshiba LCD TV that I came across was the 40XF356D of the “Picture Frame” XF range blessed with an ultra-thin 23mm bezel. Having seen Sharp’s super-slim LCD prototype earlier, I thought the description referred to the depth of the television, so imagine my initial disappointment:
 |
|
Left: Toshiba 40XF356D; Right: Toshiba 42X3030D
|
It was actually the width of the bezel that measured 23mm, which – much to my delight – instantly bestowed an übercool air of minimalism onto the Toshiba 40XF356D when viewed from the front:
If you’re wondering about the red glow behind these Toshiba televisions, no they haven’t started developing their own pseudo-Ambilight technology. It’s probably just a showroom stunt; I sure hope it’s not intended as bias lighting because 6500k should be the aim.
LG
Existing models like the LF65 and the LY95 LCDs, and the PB65 plasma were on parade in the LG booth, alongside some new products like 42LY99 which will feature 100Hz technology. But what surprised me most was their curious decision to develop better 60p processing. I hope they haven’t lost the plot, but with 24p-derived high-definition films on course to become more widespread (after all the dominant theme of IFA 2007 was HD DVD/ Blu-ray), I would’ve thought that it’d make more sense to dedicate their resources into judderless 24p full frame conversion. Then again, maybe they know something I don’t.
More to come from Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, etc.
Does anyone know when the Tosh 42Z3030D is due to be released and if there’s a prospectice cost yet?
60p is supported by the PS3 and PC-Graphicboards and is the aim for the 200GB BlueRay beside 48bit colordepth. Another interesting point would be the 24/25p picturehandling for playing DVD and DVB-S/T/C (maybe 30p handling for 1080i)since the pictures are always naturally progresive. The interlacing/telecine output for flat-TV is no longer nessesary (and never was), instead people have to spend hundreds and thousends € for pictureprocessors to revers that stupid old (tubr-)relict.
In france and Belgium the 37 and 42z3030d are said to be available in september probably 3rd week and the price quoted for the 42z3030d is around 1700€ on web sites
its in kloppett.co.uk at mo £1099 a dutch firm so will be under a £1000 on uk net prices, under £900 i hope or may have to get sony40W2000 £889.99
curious as to how the Xf’s compare to the z’s ??
any ideas (as you have seen them in the flesh)
thinking about a 46xf but ‘on paper’ for the price the 42z looks like a better buy .
would appreciate your thoughts .
ps also any ideas how these compare to say a samsung Le 40/46M87bdx ??
thanks
you say in this article that the toshiba 42 z series has a svpa panel but in your review of the 47 z you say that model has the older panel. Can you confirm which panel the 42 z has please as i am close to buying that one and this info will cement my decision !