With the launch of Toshiba’s large screen glasses-free 3D TV at IFA last week, suddenly everything else on show looked dated. The new 55’’ ZL2 uses a combination of Toshiba’s CEVO processing platform, a nine segment active lenticular lens array, face tracking, Resolution+, Auto Calibration, 2D to 3D conversion, and Smart TV capability. The ZL2 is the world’s first TV targeted at consumers to include a Quad Full HD display, offering up to 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Yes, there were more impressive 3D demonstrations with glasses and specially created content, but the Toshiba ZL2 heralds a new generation of home entertainment and professional applications.
The glasses-free 3D technology is based on the stereoscopic principle of simultaneously delivering a picture for the left eye, and another one with a small offset (parallax), for the right eye to achieve the 3D effect. To deliver a glasses-free 3D image and experience, a range of lenticular ‘lenslets’ guide the dedicated images to each viewer.
The ZL2 is said to provide 3D images for up to nine different viewing positions, enabling a number of people to enjoy simultaneous 3D viewing, with no glasses required. In addition, to tailor the viewing experience to the viewers’ actual positions in front of the TV, the 55ZL2 features face tracking technology. It is able to detect the viewers’ position and to adjust the viewing zones accordingly by moving the lenslets as required.
The ZL2’s CEVO ENGINE also provides the ability to upscale 2D content to 3D, again without the need for 3D glasses. DVD, Blu-ray and even on-air broadcasts can all be transformed into 3D quality in real time, allowing users to enjoy their favourite 2D content, including the latest blockbuster movies or sporting events, with exciting new levels of 3D depth. 2D to 3D conversion also includes depth control, allowing users to tailor the 3D depth to their preferred levels.
Specification: Toshiba ZL2
- 139.7cm (55”) Glasses-Free 3D TV
- Quad Full HD (3840 x 2160) resolution display
- Face tracking technology via integrated camera
- 2D to 3D conversion with depth control
- Built in Wi-Fi, DLNA® and Windows 7 compatibility
- Freeview HD ready tuner
- Resolution+ and 3D Resolution+
- Toshiba Places
- YouTube, BBC iPlayer
- Personal TV
- Remote control operation via iPhone
- AutoView ambient light sensor
- Built-in subwoofer
- USB HDD Video Recording
- Auto Calibration
- 4x HDMI, 2x USB
- REGZA-LINK (HDMI CEC)
