IFA 2014: Toshiba launches U Series 4K UHD TVs

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Toshiba has chosen IFA – the European tech show that gets underway in Berlin today – to showcase a prototype of its new 4K Ultra HD television range, which comes complete with a number of new features ahead of a planned UK release in 2015.

We're expecting to get more details from Toshiba in terms of the U Series' specification once we're on the ground in Berlin later today, but the company has released details of some of the key features of its next 4K Ultra HD LED TV range (pictured above) ahead of IFA.

Toshiba has ticked-off one of the most crucial features on a new 4K TV with the inclusion of the HEVC1 codec - necessary for streaming 4K content (or playback from USB sticks and SD cards) and a feature that was missing on this generation of Toshiba 4K TVs, such as the Toshiba 58L9363DB. This could mean that the Toshiba U Series comes with the Netflix 4K streaming app.

The screens still use the Toshiba CEVO Picture engine and sport (for the first time) the MediaGuide Replay - "Toshiba's personal catch-up TV service" - which promises enhanced remote control functionality using a tablet or smartphone. First seen on the Toshiba L74 Series, MediaGuide Replay recommends future programmes to record based on your viewing habits.

L24 range with integrated PVRs

Toshiba has also revealed details of two new additions to its L24 range of full HD TVs in the form of a 40in and a 50in model. The 40L2436 and 50L2436 (above) feature two HDMI inputs, USB and PC inputs, a Freeview HD tuner, and Toshiba's AMR+ 200 motion processing. You can also unlock PVR functionality by adding a USB hard disk drive (sold separately).

The new L24 models are scheduled to go on sale in the UK in Q4 2014.

We'll be reporting live from Europe's biggest consumer technology show from today until Friday, where we're expecting plenty more new products - from 4K TVs to headphone, home cinema systems to smartphones.

MORE: IFA 2014: live news coverage

See all the Toshiba news, reviews and products

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).