By Patrick Avenell
SYDNEY, NSW: Toshiba will be gradually expanding its 3D TV range throughout 2011, with the Japanese supplier looking to grow its 3D story from a simple two product portfolio up to a more considerable, more connected range.
In an interview with Appliance Retailer magazine published this week, Toshiba AV product manager Sanjay Bhartiya said there was even the possibility of a no-glasses 3D TV by the end of 2011.
“We currently have two models in 3D — we’ll have a broader range in the next three months,” Bhartiya said. “We’ll have a good/better/best [range]: there will be something in the price point fighter segment where we look at getting volume, then we will have some high-end features at a better price point.
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As it stands, Toshiba only has two 3D models, both LED, at 42 inches and 55 inches. We asked Bhartiya if a 65-inch model should be expected.
“65-inch is not in the line-up but we might be able to get it at some point in time,” he replied. “At CES we had glasses-free 55-inch and 65-inch 3D TVs in the prototype stage. [These would be] commercialised at some point in time between now and the end of the year.”
Although he was not able to give any firm details on Toshiba’s plans in the Smart TV category, Bhartiya did say that Toshiba will be introducing more connectivity applications to its panels in 2011. Currently, Toshiba only has a YouTube program on its panels.
The full interview with Sanjay Bhartiya will appear in the April 2011 edition of Appliance Retailer magazine.