Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series LCD HDTV Adds ClearScan 240, Dolby Volume and Next Gen Connectivity

You’ve probably seen 120Hz associated with HDTVs for the last year or two, but you still might not know how to translate that reference into something meaningful. So here’s the basic idea:

Standard LCD HDTV screens have a 60Hz signal, meaning that they are able to display 60 video frames per second. HDTVs were able to utilize various technologies such as interpolation (where the video processor compares two frames and then guesses what a frame that sandwiched between them would look like) to bump things up to 120Hz.

This improved motion detail greatly diminishes blurriness for sports and action movies as well as for standard DVD playback as well (as the 24-frame ratio of film fits more nicely as a multiplier in 120Hz than in 60Hz, the latter of which required workarounds like the 3:2 Pulldown feature you may have seen listed with HDTVs).

Now LCD TVs manufacturers including Toshiba are implementing 240Hz to bolster claims of smoother images with improved blur reduction.

The REGZA ZV650 series is available in 42-inch, 47-inch and new 55-inch screen sizes (measured respectively at 42, 47 and 54.6-inches diagonally) and adds ClearScan 240, which combines a 120Hz frame rate with new Backlight Scanning Technology to create a 240Hz effect for an all new level of picture clarity with fast motion video.

The ClearScan 240 Advantage
Previously Toshiba has ClearFrame 120Hz for Anti-Blur Technology and now Toshiba is taking fast motion picture quality one step further with ClearScan 240. ClearScan 240 combines an advanced 120Hz scan rate with Toshibas new Backlight Scanning technology to create a 240Hz effect.

This innovative solution improves picture clarity making action-packed movies and sports more crisp and clear than ever before. Compared to standard 60Hz, or even standard 120Hz systems, this new technology provides significantly clearer full motion video for a better home theater experience.

FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming
Toshibas ZV Series REGZA models also feature FocaLight LED Backlight with Local Dimming. Unlike simple edge LED, FocaLight offers a full LED matrix for better brightness uniformity. Even more important is that the Local Dimming system allows the LEDs to be controlled by zone,creating a significantly higher dynamic contrast ratio, where blacks are blacker without reducing the peak white brightness. The result is a new level of picture quality and depth that was not possible with standard backlight systems.

Toshiba has also focused on improving real world audio quality in the new REGZA line. One of the biggest issues with TV audio today is inconsistent volume levels when changing channels, or with commercials. Dolby Volume addresses this common problem by applying a sophisticated psycho-acoustic model of human hearing. This system delivers a level listening experience by automatically bringing down the volume of louder stations or commercials or raising the volume of lower channels or commercials to maintain the preferred listening level.

Unlike other systems, Dolby Volume does this while retaining the perceived audio dynamics for consistent sound quality. The new REGZA with Dolby Volume makes the annoyance of inconsistent TV volume levels a thing of the past.

Connectivity is also taken to an all new level with four HDMI digital inputs that have enhanced REGZA-LINK (HDMI-CEC), and InstaPort™ for faster HDMI switching. Typically, when a consumer changes HDMI inputs, there can be a five or six second delay. With InstaPort, as soon as a user selects an HDMI source, it will connect in a fraction of the time.

To allow playback of downloaded content, Toshiba Regza ZV650 also adds a USB Port allowing consumers to watch their JPEG pictures, MPEG-1 & 2 video or even DivX® video and listen to MP3 audio. There is also an SD Card Slot that allows easy viewing of JPEG digital pictures by simply taking the memory card from the camera and placing it in the TV.

In addition to providing premium picture quality, cutting-edge cosmetic designs, leading technologies and next-gen connectivity, Toshibas full REGZA line-up will meet ENERGY STAR® 3.0 certifications.

Watch this video to have an idea what is ClearScan 240 and the latest Toshiba TV technology. Live from Toshiba Booth at CES 2009,Las Vegas.