Toshiba Introduces MT8 High-Definition DLP Home Theater Front Projector

Minneapolis, MN, September 27, 2002 - Toshiba, a leader in advanced digital display and home theater technology, today introduced its new model TDP-MT8U high definition DLP front projector. The perfect combination of advanced technology, innovative design and brilliant results, the "MT8" is now the projector of choice for the high-end home theater enthusiast who strives for a cinema-style experience that provides high-performance features and dramatic visual impact. The arrival of the MT8 makes a clear statement of Toshiba's commitment to developing and marketing a full line of quality home theater projectors.

"In Front Projector, Toshiba America Consumer Products is now focused solely on the Home Theater Market," said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Marketing at Toshiba. "Toshiba has truly raised the bar in front projection with the MT8. We have combined our legacy in superior engineering quality and our experience in rear projection to design a best-of-breed front projector that will deliver vivid pictures and cinema-style impact. The engineers have utilized all of the newest and best components available to create this flagship model. With the addition of the MT8, Toshiba's front projector line now has a wide range of choices and features to satisfy the specific needs of high-end home theater enthusiasts."

Setting it apart from other projectors in its class, the MT8 features a second-generation, high brightness/high contrast HD2 DLP chip from Texas Instruments, with 1280 x 720 pixels for true 16:9 high-definition images. This new chip utilizes a new 12 Degree Mirror Tilt and new Dithering Algorithms. It is paired with a new 6-Segment Color Wheel to produce improved brightness, contrast and color accuracy, while reducing picture artifacts.

Also taking center stage in the MT8 is the new all-glass high-focus lens system from renowned German manufacturer Carl Zeiss. This advanced system utilizes a 116 Degree Image Offset to allow better unit placement. Together, this optic system creates a high 1,000 ANSI lumens brightness and a deep 1400:1 color corrected contrast ratio to deliver truly stunning pictures with excellent contrast and crisp colors.

Another key second-generation technology that Toshiba leverages in the MT8 is Faroudja's new Directional Correlational De-interlacing Plus (DCDi+). This new '+' version adds Adaptive Luminance and Chrominance Enhancement and Scaling with Frame Rate Conversion for superior image reproduction.

Installer and designers will certainly find that the MT8 has all of the convenient features and functional design expected from Toshiba products. In addition to Keystone Adjustment, full user adjustments include Gamma Control, Sharpness Control, User Definable Color Temperature Control, Memory Settings by Input, and Discrete IR Codes. The projector also features a full complement of inputs for full home theater system connectivity with two sets of ColorStream HD high-resolution component video inputs, DVI with HDCP, RS232C Port, IR Input Port, and a 12V Screen Trigger Port.

TDP-MT5U
Toshiba's expertise in bringing big-screen impact to home theater environments is the driving force behind the superior quality of the MT8 and is evident in the entire product line. The ultra-compact TDP-MT5U DLP projector is another high-end video display device engineered to deliver extraordinary big-screen image quality from today's digital sources. The MT5 incorporates a host of leading-edge technologies for spectacular home theater projector performance. The MT5 also utilizes Texas Instruments DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology to deliver clear, sharp image quality, with high 1000 ANSI lumens brightness. Its Dual Mode display provides optimized image quality for both true 16:9 widescreen (848 x 480) and 4:3 (800 x 600) aspect ratio images. The MT5 accepts high-definition signals and is the perfect home theater projector for use with a progressive-scan DVD player. In addition, the MT5 features an extensive complement of inputs including ColorStream® HD high-resolution component video, DVI with HDCP, 15-pin D-Sub, RS232C and more.

The TDP-MT8U is available in October and carries a suggested retail price of $9,999.99. The TDP-MT5U is currently available and carries a suggested retail price of $4,999.99.