Toshiba launches its 2021 4K HDR and HD Ready TV lineup

Toshiba has unveiled its TV lineup for 2021, which includes both Linux and Android-based sets aimed at those seeking modern features at affordable prices.

The Japanese manufacturer has strengthened its foothold in the UK over the past couple of years and now has the third-largest market share, according to its commercial director, Bart Kuijten.

Key to the company’s success is the value its televisions offer, and the 2021 range continues that trend with 4K HDR sets starting at just £349. And for those seeking a second screen for their bedroom, kitchen or office space, Toshiba’s new 24in HD-ready offering is available for a mere £169.

There’s something suitable for pretty much any home, though next-gen gamers will be disappointed by the absence of HDMI 2.1 ports on any of the models, which means no support for features such as 4K at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate. The decision not to include an HDMI 2.1 input is one Toshiba has made to keep prices low, but it’s not ruling out incorporating the technology into future sets if it doesn’t affect the value proposition on offer.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the four new Toshiba TV models available.

Toshiba UK31: The 4K flagship with Alexa built in

Price: From £379

Available in screen sizes ranging from 43in to 65in, the UK31 offers the most comprehensive viewing package of Toshiba’s 2021 models, with all three of its TRU Picture Engine technologies incorporated into the panel.

TRU Micro Dimming facilitates dynamic control over the TV’s contrast, TRU Flow smooths motion and reduces judder, while TRU Resolution upscales non-4K content to improve picture quality.

On top of that trio of technologies, the UK31 supports the HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR formats, plus Dolby Atmos object-based audio. It also ships with a number of key streaming services, including Freeview Play, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Twitch.

The Toshiba UK31 also has Amazon’s Alexa assistant built in, meaning you can use your voice to control its various features and functions without the need for a connected smart speaker.

Key specs – Screen sizes: 43in–65in; Resolution: 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160); Video formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; Audio formats: Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos; Connection ports: 4 x HDMI, 1 x USB-A, Ethernet, optical, 3.5mm; Smart platform: Linux

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Toshiba UA2B: The 4K Android alternative

Price: From £399

Like the UK31, the UA2B is a 4K TV that supports the HDR10 and HLG HDR formats along with Dolby Vision. It’s available in the same range of sizes too, but there are a few key differences between the two models.

The first and most significant is that the UA2B uses Android as its smart platform, allowing for the UI to be customised and providing access to the various apps found on the Google Play Store.

There’s Chromecast built in, support for Google’s Stadia game-streaming platform and seamless integration with Google Nest devices. Amazon Alexa can also be used to control the TV but isn’t built in as it is on the UK31, though the remote does enable voice commands.

The UA2B also lacks the TRU Motion tech of the UK31 and there’s no Dolby Atmos audio support but both TRU Micro Dimming and TRU Resolution are present and correct and you can access Disney+, which isn’t the case on the UK31.

The final difference of note relates to the TV’s stand. Where the UK31 comes with a central platform on which it stands, the UA2B has feet that attach to either side of the panel. This might make it more difficult to mount on some AV furniture.

Key specs – Screen sizes: 43in–65in; Resolution: 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160); Video formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; Audio formats: Dolby Audio; Connection ports: 4 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, Ethernet, Optical, 3.5mm; Smart platform: Android TV

Toshiba UL21: The entry-level 4K Linux option

Price: From £349

The UL21 series is a slight step down from the flagship UK31 model in that it only offers TRU Micro Dimming and TRU Resolution and, although Alexa is supported, it’s not built into the set. You do get an extra USB-A port, however. The UL21 stands on two feet rather than a central platform.

Those aspects aside, the two models are very similar. There’s support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos along with streaming services including Freeview Play, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Key specs – Screen sizes: 43in–65in; Resolution: 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160); Video formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; Audio formats: Dolby Audio; Connection ports: 3 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, Ethernet, Optical, 3.5mm; Smart platform: Linux

Toshiba WK3C: The affordable second room TV

Price: From £169

The WK3C is the cheapest model in Toshiba’s 2021 UK TV range and the only set that doesn’t have a 4K resolution. In fact, it’s not even FHD but it is HD Ready with a resolution of 1,280 x 720. It’s available in either 24in or 32in screen sizes and in black and white finishes.

TRU Micro Dimming and TRU resolution are both on board, as is support for the HLG and HDR10 formats. In terms of audio, the WK3C supports Dolby Audio (but not Atmos) and virtual surround sound format DTS Virtual:X.

Alexa is built in, allowing you to control the TV hands-free via a microphone in the TV’s bezel, while a screensaver mode displays useful information including calendar events and news if you’re not actively watching the telly.

Key specs – Screen sizes: 24in, 32in; Resolution: HD Ready (1,280 x 720); Video formats: HDR10, HLG; Audio formats: Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X; Connection ports: 3 x HDMI, 1 x USB-A, Ethernet, Optical, 3.5mm; Smart platform: Linux