IPS Alpha Technology

Japan’s IPS Alpha Technology Ltd and Panasonic Group will invest 65 million ringgit (18.26 million U.S. dollars) in a Malaysia facility to produce liquid crystal display (LCD) television, which basically is Panasonic Viera Series LCD TV.

A new production line will be setup within Panasonic’s TV production plant in Shah Alam to produce LCD TV module (example like LCD TV mainboard). The new subsidiary of IPS Alpha Technology Himeji, IPS Alpha Technology Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Will start operation by February 2009 with initial output of 50,000 units per month, and future will raise output to 3 million units per year.

IPS Alpha Technology Ltd, previously known as Hitachi Liquid Crystal TV Display Co. Ltd, established in Jan 2005. Head office located in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture, situated about 10 KM from the southern tip to the west of Kujukuri Beach, centrally located in the Boso Peninsula. It currently is joint venture by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd (or Panasonic Group), Toshiba Corporation and Hitachi Display Ltd. The scope of business involvement includes manufacture, design and sales of TFT LCD panels for televisions. This mean to me that LCD TV from Panasonic, Toshiba and Hitachi may roll under products of IPS Alpha Technology Ltd. (Correction: IPS Alpha Technology Ltd investment ratio is Hitachi Displays 50%, Panasonic Corporation 45%, DBJ New Industry Creation Investment Business Union and others 5%. We not sure Toshiba still source their Regza LCD panes from IPS Alpha)

IPS Alpha Technology Himeji Plant

The LCD panels will remain manufacture in Himeji plant, where the subsidiary company is IPS Alpha Technology Himeji Ltd. For IPS Alpha Technology Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, it will focus on LCD modules for IPS LCD Panels.

IPS Alpha Technology Demo

Some of you may curious to know what is IPS? It stand for In Plane Switching, for more detail, please be patient and I will blog on this.

Funai
Funai might not be a household name because it’s the brand behind other brands, mainly lower-priced labels such as Emerson, Sylvania, and Symphonic, that tend to be sold at mass-market stores, such as Wal-Mart. Funai recently acquired the rights to two longtime TV brands, Philips and Magnavox, in the U.S. and Canada (Philips will no longer be making and selling its own sets here). It’s possible that Funai will use those brands, particularly Philips, to gain entry into retailers that don’t carry its other brands.

Haier
Established in America in year 1999. Today, it a tier one brand that competitive with Panasonic, LG and Samsung for electrical appliances. Their LCD TV products range from low-end to high-end for all sizes.

Hewlett-Packard
After forays into rear-projection and plasma, Hewlett-Packard—often known as HP—now sells LCD TVs exclusively. Leveraging its PC heritage, the company is in the forefront of TV interactivity, offering models with MediaPC capability and Internet connectivity.

Hitachi
Hitachi, at one time a leading rear-projection TV manufacturer, now focuses exclusively on flat-panel HDTVs. The company has been strong in plasmas, sometimes offering unusual sizes (such as a 55-inch screen) and resolutions (1024×1080). It previously had a limited LCD line, but it is making a strong push into LCDs with a line of ultra-thin 1.5-inch-deep LCD TVs.

Insignia
Insignia, Best Buy’s electronics house brand for LCD TV and Plasma TV, is exclusively sold by the retailer. Insignia TVs, which are made overseas by contract manufacturers, are positioned as a “value” line offering more features for the price than better-known makes.

JVC
The company’s LCD sets are typically positioned in the mid-to-upper price range. JVC recently signed a deal with Funai to jointly develop and produce LCD TVs. It recently exited the LCoS rear-projector microdisplay business, but continues to make LCoS-based front projectors for the consumer and professional markets. JVC is in the process of merging with Kenwood, a consumer electronics company known largely for car audio products.

LG Electronics
LG is a growing force in the plasma and LCD categories, remember the Scarlet line? Often, the company offers the largest screen sizes available for each type. The company’s newer TVs have had a strong design focus. LG sets typically sell in the mid- and upper price brackets.

Mitsubishi
In LCD TV, Mitsubishi is positioning its sets as a premium line with step-up features (all models are 120Hz, 1080p sets, for example) and ultra-slim bezels for select dealers. The company’s flagship line is the Diamond series. Mitsubishi is one of two major brands (the other is Samsung) still actively selling rear-projection micro-display (DLP) TVs. It is promoting models with 3D technology, and this year will introduce the first set (dubbed Laser Vue) using a laser as a backlight. In the front projector market, it has competitively priced 3LCD-based high-definition (720p and 1080p) models.

Olevia
Olevia, previously named Syntax-Brillian, recently sold its LCoS rear-projection TV business to focus on LCD TV market. It has three distinct lines of LCD TVs: very basic sets value-priced compared with the competition, a step-up series line, and a flagship series that includes additional features.

Panasonic
Panasonic is the market leader in plasma TVs (Panasonic is major plasma TV manufacturer), with an extensive line of sets ranging from 37 inches to 58 inches. Plasma sets are usually competitively priced and are widely available, including at CostCo. The company is also expanding its assortment of LCD TVs this year. Its apparent strategy is to offer LCDs in smaller (37 inches or less) screen sizes that won’t compete with its plasma TV lines. Panasonic is getting out of the rear-projection market, selling off its existing inventory, to focus primarily on flat-panel TVs, which carry the Viera brand. It also sells 3LCD front projectors.

Philips
Philips, which exited the plasma business to focus on LCD models, recently announced that it will be licensing its Philips and Magnavox brands to Funai for use in the U.S. and Canadian markets. As a result, Philips- and Magnavox-brand LCD TVs will be made and sold by Funai, which also controls the Emerson, Sylvania, and Symphonic brands. Philips had used the Magnavox brand for its entry-level products aimed at mass-market retailers.

Pioneer
Plasma stalwart Pioneer has consistently targeted consumers willing to pay more for a “prestige” label, particularly with its higher-priced Elite-brand series. The company offers a line of performance-oriented Kuro plasmas, which are typically priced much higher than its competition. The company recently announced that it would no longer make its own plasma panels but would instead source them from Panasonic (though it will continue to apply its other proprietary technologies to the TVs). In addition, a recent investment in the company by Sharp could result in the first Pioneer-branded LCDs.

Polaroid
Polaroid is a value brand that is often among the lowest-priced sets of its type and size. Polaroid’s TV presence in the U.S. has expanded thanks to increased shelf space at Circuit City and Wal-Mart. Polaroid TVs are made overseas, primarily in China and Taiwan, by contract manufacturers. The Polaroid brand was acquired in 2005 by a former U.S. licensee, Petters Group, which had previously used the brand for TVs and DVD players.

Samsung
Samsung is a top-tier manufacturer in every category in which it participates, and is one of two major brands—the other is Mitsubishi—still making rear-projection microdisplay (DLP) HDTVs. Samsung is often an innovator, as with its use of LED backlighting in rear-projection and LCD TVs, and 3D capability in rear-projection and plasma TVs. Samsung has value-priced and premium lines.

Sanyo
Sanyo’s focus is largely on LCDs TVs and front projectors, though it still has one plasma model. Its flat-panel TVs are sold primarily through Wal-Mart, typically at lower prices than sets from first-tier manufacturers. In front projectors, the company’s 3LCD models compete with entry-level HD models from companies such as Epson, Panasonic, and Optoma.

Sharp
Sharp is a force in LCDs and has been at it longer than almost any other manufacturer. The company sells its TVs under the Aquos brand. It has one of the most advanced LCD panel manufacturing plants in the world and is often an innovator. Like many other major brands, its lines are segmented into several different series. Some of Sharp’s biggest, most innovative sets are pricey; others are competitively priced. The company recently took a stake in Pioneer; the benefits to Sharp are likely to be audio related.

Sony
Sony is a powerhouse LCD TV manufacturer with one of the most extensive product lines of LCD sets, which are sold under the Bravia name. There are several distinct Bravia lines with varying levels of features and quality; most are mid- to high-priced, and its flagship XBR-series models are generally the most expensive of their type. Sony recently started offering a low-priced line for mass merchants such as Target and Wal-Mart. Sony has exited the rear-projection microdisplay business (LCoS), but continues to make front projectors for the consumer and professional markets.

Toshiba
Toshiba, which sells LCDs under the Regza label, has some sets that emphasize value, with features comparable to those of other major brands, but generally at lower prices. Its Cinema Series models are higher priced and loaded with features. The company, which makes LCD TVs in a large range of sizes, has a new line with very thin bezels, allowing a larger screen size to be used in a smaller physical space.

Vizio
From its humble start just a few years ago as a warehouse-only brand, Vizio has emerged to become a top-tier TV brand whose sets are now also available in Wal-Mart and in some Circuit City and Sears stores. Vizio TVs, which are made overseas by contract manufacturers, are generally sold at very low prices compared with more established names, but the company has announced some new models that will carry higher prices and some step-up features.

Westinghouse
Westinghouse Digital, which licensed the venerable brand from Westinghouse Electric, has emerged as a lower-priced alternative to more established LCD brands. It has typically been among the first to offer step-up features such as 1080p resolution at lower prices than its competitors.

Toshiba Corporation, well known brand name for house appliances and electronic products manufacturer, founded by Hisashige Tanaka (aka Thomas Edison of Japan) in 1875. Tokyo Electric Works, the root company of Toshiba, grew to become Japan’s largest producers of heavy electrical machinery. The founder’s dream was developing technology that would benefit people everywhere.

In 1939, the company merged with another producer of heavy electrical machinery and was renamed to Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co. Ltd. In 1978, the company, which had become a leading, integrated electrical equipment manufacturer, was officially rename to “Toshiba”.

In year 2002, Toshiba successfully established a joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial (or Panasonic) to unify their LCD business. Later in 2006, Toshiba introduced new corporate brand tag line, “Toshiba Leading Innovation”, and in the same year, they announced the “REGZA” brand as the global brand for their LCD televisions business.

Toshiba REGZA Full HD LCD TV

Technology behind the REGZA

In year 2007, Toshiba delivered 13 new HDTVs to it REGZA line of LCD flat-panel TV. Screens size as large as 52 and 57-inches. The highlighted technologies that Toshiba hope to distinguish from competitors are PixelPure3G, DynaLight, ColorBurst, ClearFrame, and CE-Link. PixelPure3G is a 14-bit video processing designed to eliminate banding artifacts and offer artificially improved noise reduction to output video. For DynaLight, it is dynamic backlight adjustment feature designed to optimize the viewing contrast. ColorBurst, a wider color gamut, and ClearFrame is significant improvement to screen refresh rate to 120Hz, which is said to diminish motion blur without adding flicker or reducing brightness of the screen. For the CE-Link, it a HDMI-based control codes designed to better integrate TV and AV source using single remote control (standard feature offer by HDMI compliance equipments or devices).

Toshiba REGZA 42 inches 1080p LCD HD TV (By Tiger TV)

2007 Models Lineup

LX177 – Top of the lineup from Toshiba LCD TV, and is their flagship product series, Cinema Series. It come with all technologies like ColorBurst, CE-Link, ClearFrame with 120Hz refresh rate, PixelPure3G (14-bit video processor for enriched color) and DynaLight. The screen size range from 42 to 57 inches and come with HDMI 1.3 (Deep Color and xvYCC technology for enhanced color space). The four models are 42LX177, 46LX177, 52LX177 and 57LX177.

HL167 – Middle tier of REGZA series with full 1080p resolution, including pixel-for-pixel native resolution mode that enhance the screen color. The HL167 series lack of ClearFrame with 120Hz refresh rate compare to LX177 lineup.

HL67 – Entry-level lineup that offer 720p resolution, PixelPure3G and DynaLight features technologies. Screens size range from 26 to 42 inch.

Toshiba REGZA Series Lineup

What’s New to Toshiba 2008 Models Lineup?

Significant improvement of 2008 REGZA lineup in term of technologies are PixelPure 4G (4^th Generation of PixelPure technology). The digital video processing sticks to 14-bit codec as PixelPure 3G. 10-bit LCD panel combine with PixelPure 4G 14-bit internal digital video processing, which assure smoother, cleaner images with 4096 levels of gradation. Toshiba continue to use ColorBurst technology on it lineup, where ColorBurst Wide Color Gamut CCFL expands the number of available colors and improves the color accuracy. This significantly improves both color purity and color saturation. The ClearFrame technology from Toshiba sticks 120Hz (instead of like Sharp offer in 100Hz) to compensate blur of the fast moving pictures. Toshiba claim this anti-blur technology able to (virtually) eliminates motion blur without decreasing image brightness, or adding flicker. Images produce on LCD panel are crisp and clear regarding of the image motion. Behind the ClearFrame technology is Motion Vector Frame Interpolation (MVFI) technology that utilizing PixelPure 4G processor to creates new frames and inserting them between original frames thus to achieve 120 frames per second.

2008 Models Lineup

AV500 and CV510 – Appeal to budget conscious consumer market segment that look for entry level sets. CV510 series available in both 32 and 37 inches with 720p resolution. CV510 series enhanced picture quality with PixelPure 4G 14-bit internal digital video processor, and DynaLight Dynamic Back-Light Control for darker black color. Video scan rate at 60 frames per second (or 60Hz). Features Cinespeed LCD Panel with 8ms response speed and wide viewing angle. Also with TheaterWide Modes, ColorMaster Color Control, and Color Temperature Control features. (32CV510U – $899, Oct 2008) (37CV510U – $1099, Oct 2008) (42AV500U – $1099, Oct 2008) (37AV500U – $950, Oct 2008) (32AV500U – $750, Oct 2008) (Note: AV500 series come without PixelPure video processor, however, Toshiba replace it with 10-bit video processor. AV500 series still come with Cinespeed LCD Panel and DynaLight Dynamic Back-Light Control. AV500 available in screens size range from 22 to 42 inches)

RV530, XV540 and XF550 – Full HD version lineup with 1080p resolution, ClearFrame 120Hz Anti-Blur Technology, ColorBurst Wide Color Gamust CCFL and StableSound technology. RV530 available screens size from 32 to 52 inches. (37RV530U – $1199, Oct 2008) (42RV530U – $1299, Oct 2008) (46RV530U – $1799, Oct 2008) (52RV530U – $2399, Oct 2008) (Note: RV530 series contain features per XV540 except without the ColorBurst Wide Color Gamut CCFL technology)

XV540 – distinguishing the 1080p Full HD XV540 series from RV530 series is XV540 with ColorBurst Wide Color Gamut CCFL technology. The 14-bit PixelPure 4G Internal Digital Video Processing match with 10-bit LCD Panels able to pump out stunning 16384 levels of gradation digital color. (42XV540U – $1599, Oct 2008) (46XV540U – $1999, Oct 2008) (52XV540U – $2499, Oct 2008)

XF550 – Cinema Series of Toshiba REGZA lineup. All five technologies built into it, with additional SRS WOW technology. SRS WOW technology take the performance of the television’s existing speakers to a whole new level, offering the consumer superior sound quality with no additional speakers required. It consists of three separate sound expanding systems, which work together to extract “buried” highs and lows. The three systems are SRS 3D, TruBass, and FOCUS technologies. SRS 3D creates a 3-D sound field from just two speakers, thus giving the listener the feeling of hearing a multi-speaker surround sound system. TruBass produces a powerful, yet, low frequency sound by utilizing a process called psychoacoustics. From only two small speakers, TruBass will give the effect of an expensive sub-bass woofer that will leave the listener amazed by the quality of the sound. FOCUS was added to direct the energy from the speakers of the television set in a vertical direction up towards the listener’s ears. The addition of FOCUS means that there is virtually no loss of sound from the speaker’s position on the bottom panel near the floor, which achieves a clear, undistorted range of audio. (40XF550U – $2199, Oct 2008) (46XF550U – $2799, Oct 2008) (52XF550U – $3299, Oct 2008)

Toshiba REGZA Official Site

For more information on Toshiba REGZA LCD TV, please visit www.regza.com

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