Toshiba offers first 3D TVs, Blu-ray player

Consumer Reports News: September 15, 2010 02:38 PM

The new Toshiba WX800 Cinema Series TV.
Photo: Toshiba

Toshiba becomes the latest TV manufacturer to offer 3D TVs with the launch of its new WX800 Cinema Series models. The TVs, now available in 46- and 55-inch screen sizes, are priced at $2,600 and $3,300, respectively, but don't include the Cell processor Toshiba touted at CES in January.

The company also debuted its first 3D Blu-ray player, the BDX3000. Priced at $250, the Blu-ray player has built-in Wi-Fi, 7.1-channel audio outputs, and the ability to access streaming online content.

The WX800 Cinema Series models are ultra-slim models (just 1.2 inches deep) that use edge LED backlights. Both models include Toshiba's ClearFrame 240Hz technology, built-in Wi-Fi, and the company's "Enhanced Net TV" service, which includes streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix and Vudu.

According to the company, the WX800 sets can process multiple 3D input formats, including MPEG4-MVC (included in the Blu-ray 3D specification) and RealD, and include the company's 3D Resolution+ technology, which attempts to improve the resolution of 3D content broadcast in the compressed side-by-side format.

Toshiba is also offering new VX700 Cinema Series TVs, which have many of the same attributes of the WX800 sets, but without the 3D capability. The 55-inch model (55VX700) is priced at $2,800, while the 46-inch set (46VX700) is priced at $2,300.

Of course, we'll be trying to get one of these new 3D TVs for testing as soon as possible, so stay tuned for our First Look at Toshiba's first 3D model.

—James K. Willcox