Tokyo -- Toshiba Corporation today announced the launch of four large-screen, flat-panel LCD and plasma televisions that employ the ""face" digital platform," Toshiba's advanced digital processing system that brings powerful networking capabilities to high definition TVs. Ranging in size from 26- to 42-inches, the TVs integrate a tuner that can receive digital broadcasts from all three sources available in Japan: Broadcast Satellites (BS), 110-degree Communication Satellites (CS 110), and terrestrial digital broadcasts. The first three models will be in shops in Japan on October 8 and the fourth will be available from October 22.

Toshiba launched the "D4000" series, Japan's first digital high definition CRT TVs that could be upgraded to receive terrestrial digital broadcasts, in April 2003. They were also the first TVs to employ the ""face" digital platform," a digital processing system that Toshiba developed by drawing on strengths gained in its PC operations, including system LSI and network technologies, and digital AV technologies. Alongside superb image quality, TVs based on the ""face" digital platform" offer extended functions, among them Internet connectivity and data storage capabilities.

With the launch of its new line-up of LCD and plasma TVs, Toshiba has further refined the ""face" digital platform" in order to support enhanced levels of video processing and raise image quality. The company's proprietary "magic square algorithm" realizes richer halftones by randomly lighting up pixels, producing natural images surpassing those typical of panel displays. Other digital image processing technologies improving picture quality include "real speed progressive scan" to reproduce smoother image motion; a "6.22-megapixel over-sampling scalar" that enhances image quality by aligning the image with all the pixels of the panel; and a "dynamic contrast enhancer" that assures image quality in high contrast scenes.

A raft of technologies also supports the fusion of TV and interactive services. All of the new models integrate a LAN terminal that supports TCP/IP, essential for the value-added services that will be introduced with terrestrial digital broadcasting. The LAN capability also allows connection to "RD-XS31," Toshiba's latest HDD & DVD video recorder, and to a PC, which, among other capabilities, enables connection to Toshiba's Internet Entertainment Program Guide (iEPG). This free Web-based service allowing viewers to program recording to a HDD & DVD video recorder up to two weeks in advance of broadcasting.

After February 2004, Toshiba will launch an upgrade service allowing an Internet browser to be uploaded to the new TVs, bringing high-speed net surfing to the family TV. Multiple memory card slots, covering SmartMedia^TM, the SD Memory Card, MMC (Multimedia Card), and Memory Stick, will save downloads from the Internet, and also support instant display of still and moving images taken with digital cameras. Two i.LINK terminals allow instant, single-cable connection to digital recorders, and connection to a D-VHS video or AV-HDD makes it possible to record and playback digital images.

The new LCD and plasma TVs are designed for the global market and their thematic design across the model range reflects input from Toshiba design centers around the world. Particular attention was paid to materials and finish, in order to achieve a product line-up that could set off a variety of interiors and fit into a range of spaces, large and small.

The new LCD and plasma TVs in the new series are now being introduced to global market, reflecting Toshiba's new strategy of global rollouts of new digital products. TVs now being introduced include digital-ready analogue versions in markets where digital broadcasts have not yet started.

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