Toshiba begins 2006 with a new projector bundle; Toshiba’s S8 DLP projector[tag], a [tag]Centrex SDTV receiver that also includes recording capabilities, and a “high quality AV cable”.

Plus
It is an all-in-one solution ideal for the average consumer. The bundle is cheaper compared to purchasing a projector, PVR and the cabling separately.

The Centrex set-top box is a standard-definition model, so it can’t receive HD signals. That said, outside of a few prime-time weekly shows and movies that are mainly — but not solely — imported from the US, there’s currently little HD content to take advantage of anyway.

Built into the receiver is a 120GB hard disk drive, so the unit is capable of recording up to 30 hours of content. There’s also an integrated Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to help you painlessly schedule recordings.

Based around DLP technology, the has a SVGA resolution of 800×600. Rated at 2000 ANSI-lumens, the lamp should be bright enough to project a decent image in daylight hours, with a 2000:1 contrast ratio. Both 4:3 and 16.9 aspect ratios are supported. The projector supports HD resolutions of up to 1080i.

The projector can be placed anywhere between 0.88m to 6.5m from a wall, while it’s capable of projecting an image between 1.3m and 11m high.

Minus
The projector is sold only with the bundle, so users who already own a receiver are out of luck. Also there is no digital audio outputs or HDMI connectivity, limiting its ability to connect up with external home theatre devices.

KEY BENEFITS – CTDV100
- Fully DVB-T compliant for perfect compatibility with the S8 Projector.
- 120 GB* Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for up to 30 hours of record and playback video*.
- Tetris and Block Out games for some half time entertainment.
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) so you always know what’s on when.
- Avoid tampering from young ones with a parental lock code function.
- Enjoy the expanded information services of Teletext.
- Have your viewing preferences in order with separate TV/Radio Lists and a Favourite Group List.

Source: Toshiba brochure in PDF

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