Amazon and Toshiba have announced an upgraded range of 4K LCD TVs, powered by Toshiba's Regza video processor, with the Fire TV platform built-in.
Amazon Fire TV built-in
Like Google and Roku, Amazon is offering its Fire TV platform to TV manufacturers. Fire TV offers access to apps like Prime Video, Netflix, HBO, and Disney+. In addition, the TVs are compatible with Alexa voice commands and the bundled remote controls other devices (HDMI CEC).
- "This new line of Toshiba Smart Fire TV will be available in five screen sizes — 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, and 75”. With this range of sizes, there’s bound to be a TV that will fit your living room needs," said Amazon. "Between the thinner bezel design, five screen sizes, and a bevvy of new software features… there’s a lot to unpack."
Toshiba said that the new TVs are powered by its Regza video processor, a brand from Toshiba's glory days. The 4K LCD TVs support HDR10 and Dolby Vision in software but do not have the hardware to produce glorious HDR pictures. Furthermore, they support DTS Virtual:X for virtualised surround sound.
The new Toshiba mid-range LCD TVs will be known as C350 and will compete head-to-head with Android TVs and Roku TVs from various brands. The aim is to serve the new generation of consumers that use streaming services almost exclusively. Toshiba noted that there is an additional HDMI port (compared to the previous generation) to connect external devices, while Amazon highlighted that you can use Alexa to "set picture mode to movie".
Toshiba's C350 TVs are available now in 43 and 50 inches from amazon.com, and will launch soon in 55, 65, and 75 inches.