Toshiba, who gave up on their Cell TV technology, is set to launch a TV that has a brand new video processing engine that delivers what is called “super-resolution technology using multiple frames”. The TVs have three tuners and allow four 2TB hard drives to be attached. The TV can be controlled with an iPad or iPhone.The “Regza Z2 series” will be the first LED TVs equipped with the new “Regza Engine Cevo” video processing system which are expected in Australia late in 2011.
The Cevo has a “Cell Broadband Engine” which has a high-performance image processing chip built into its architecture.
The first TVs to be released include a 47-inch, 42-inch and 37-inch model which is where Toshiba is attracting their strongest sales in Australia.
“It is a technology that even the Cell Regza does not have,” Toshiba said.
While the previous super-resolution technology processes a single frame (displayed frame), the super-resolution technology of the Z2 uses information from four frames (a displayed frame, two past frames and a future frame). As a result, it becomes possible to reproduce original video with a higher resolution.
The super-resolution function using multiple frames also reduces video noise.
“It is especially effective in removing creeping noise,” Toshiba said.
The improved performance was discovered when Toshiba engineers, moved the noise reduction circuit from the latter stage of the main processor to the former stage of the main processor and realized a high-quality noise reduction function.
The Z2 technology restores the amount of information that is compressed to 1/4 when digital broadcast signals are transmitted. In addition, it has a newly developed colour filter and fluorescent material, realizing a 99% colour gamut (ITU-R BT.709).
Toshiba has also improved the contrast ratio by 45% for the 47-inch and 37-inch models (by 23% for the 42-inch model) by employing a new IPS LCD panel whose number of liquid crystal molecules leaking light is reduced. The Z2 also comes with a function that divides the screen into 16 areas (10 areas for the 37-inch model) and controls LED backlight in each area.
The LCD panel of the Z2 supports double-speed display (120Hz). Interpolation frames generated by the Cevo engine are inserted in accordance with a video source.
Toshiba has also improved the boot time of the TV program guide from 1.8 seconds to 0.3 seconds.
The Japanese company has also created a new user interface (UI) called “Regza Menu,” which uses 3D animation. It can be controlled without looking at the remote. The UI can be smoothly operated because of the new chip, the company said.
Up to four 2TB hard disks can be connected to record TV programs. This allows up to 1,004 hours of HD digital TV programs to be recorded.
The TVs also come with three tuners and support a new Toshiba IPTV service which can be controlled from an iPad or iPhone. The TVs have been described as also being ideal for gaming because of the reduced delay time, which is important for real-time games.
