Entry-level and mid-range TV market targeted by Toshiba

Toshiba is taking aim at the entry-level and mid-range LCD HD TV market, designing two disparate ranges suitable for someone that's either just breaking into HD TV or who's just stepping-up.

Toshiba's 42in CV range LCD

The Regza CV range, which incorporates 32in, 37in and 42in models, claims to offer “style, performance and great value”. Toshiba has included its Active Vision LCD Picture Processing technology that it claims will provide excellent colour, movement, detail and contrast on each size LCD.

Although not true HD, it’s CV range has a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution and is able to provide a contrast ratio of between 15,000:1 and 30,000:1, which should result in whiter than white overalls during Scrubs and extra-rich blacks throughout films.

A Freeview digital tuner and audio description, which Toshiba describes as a verbal commentary for TV programmes to help the visually impaired, are also both built into the CV range. Users also benefit from three HDMI inputs.

However, if you’re looking for an LCD TV in the same display size category, but with a true full HD display then the 1080p resolution XV series could be just the ticket.

The 42in XV series LCD looks identical, but has a 1080p resolution

Also dubbed the “step-up” range, presumably because it’s targeted at anyone looking to make the jump from a smaller 1080p display or from a lower definition set, users also get the added benefit of a contrast ratio that ranges between 18,000:1 and 30,000:1.

However, there aren’t many other key differences between the two ranges. XV owners will still have three HDMI ports and audio description, in addition to Toshiba’s Active Vision LCD Picture Processing.

Both the CV and XV range will be available in the UK from next month, with the exception of the 32in XV display, which will ship in April. Prices haven’t been released yet.