 Excellent picture and good sound too. |
| Review Date: August 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Peter, Ontario, Canada |
(This review is for the Toshiba Regza 40XV645U LCD television.)
Original rating:
If price were no object: 4-Star Rating
Price considering: 5-Star Rating
Update 29Jul2010 (see below):
Following the replacement of the Main Board, I now give this TV a 5-star overall rating.
This is a great TV! All of us in the family really like it. Even the piano black narrow frame around the screen looks great (about 1.5" wide at the top and sides and 3" at the bottom). Even though the frame is a glossy black finish, it surprisingly doesn't disturb the daytime viewing experience at all.
We wanted a second TV in our home for a brightly lit room and we were also limited to a 40-inch screen size because of available space, so we ended up choosing the Toshiba Regza 40XV645U LCD TV. (Also see my review of the Pioneer PDP-5080HD Plasma TV in August 2007, if you are interested).
Because of our requirements for our second TV to have a bright picture and not to be sensitive to burning-in issues, we decided on an LCD TV. We compared the Toshiba 40XV645U to the following currently locally available 40-inch LCD (and LED backlit) TVs:
Samsung LN40B610 / LN40B650 / UN40B6000 / UN40B7000;
Sony KDL-40Z5100 / KDL-40XBR9;
Toshiba 40RV525R / 42ZV650U; and
LG 42LH30 / 42LH40 / 42LH55 / 42LH70.
When price was considered, no other TV came close to the Toshiba 40XV645U. Absolutely nothing else! We did not want a shiny, glossy screen (we were afraid of daytime reflections), so many of the above sets were eliminated because of that. The Toshiba ZV650U has a very nice but glossy, reflective screen and cost $1,500 CAD at the time. The RV525R does not have the 120Hz frame rate or the Resolution+ feature. With the XV645U you can turn the frame rate On (120Hz) or Off (60Hz) (we leave it On all the time) - called the ClearFrame feature in the Owner's Manual (you can download a PDF copy from Toshiba.ca before you buy the TV). Also the sound on the RV525R is inferior to that on the XV645U. And the RV525R actually cost more than the XV645U on that day!
We were very impressed with the high-contrast Samsung B650, B6000 and B7000 models at first, and they also have a 1-Tuner Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature, but the highly reflective glossy screen (Ultra Clear Panel), very poor detail in black images (Samsung is famous for "crushing" their blacks), and triple the cost (for the B6000 and B7000), made us dismiss these sets. The Samsung B610 was not bad, but still had the black-detail problems, and the actual colour richness and backlight strength visibly looked better to us on the Toshiba XV645U (and at the time the Toshiba cost $950 CAD vs. $1,500 CAD for the B610). But the Toshiba XV645U does not have PIP, which we do miss (we especially like to watch Split Screen images - available on the Samsungs only).
In our opinion, the Sony Z5100 is a much better value than the XBR9 ($2,000 CAD vs. $2,700 CAD at the time), and we really couldn't see any improvement in either the picture quality or the sound by upgrading to the XBR9.
The LH30 and LH40 LG models definitely did not look as good in the showroom as the Toshiba XV645U (lack of depth in white and black colours) and also cost a little more. The LG LH55 and LH70 both have glossy screens and cost about 50% more than the Toshiba. LG too has problems with image details in black. In addition, the viewing angles were quite poor with the LG models. And we were also worried about servicing issues with the LGs (we were warned by some sales persons).
At the end, it came down to deciding between the Toshiba XV645U (at $950 CAD) and the Sony Z5100 (at $2,000 CAD). (I know, it sounds a little funny that we were deciding between these two sets at the end with prices such wide apart, but the Sony Z5100 series looks that good!) Details in black (for example, wrinkles or pinstripes on a black jacket) were best displayed on the Sony Z5100 of any TVs we've looked at. We really liked the picture, sound, and some of the other features (like the TV Guide On Screen) on the Sony, but the small improvement in these items just did not justify the huge price difference. However, surprisingly, the black and white contrast ratio is a little better (i.e., deeper) on the Toshiba XV645U! And you can even see this difference in a side-by-side comparison. This is really strange since the Sony has a claimed 100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio whereas the Toshiba's is only 50,000:1. (I suspect the Toshiba XV645U must have a higher Static Contrast Ratio than the Sony Z5100.) But if money were no object, the Sony KDL-40Z5100 would certainly be the winner among the TVs we've looked at.
Impressions with the Toshiba 40XV645U:
To get a great picture, we set the Backlight to maximum (+50) and adjusted some of the other settings to our personal preference. We also keep the Resolution+ setting at the maximum to give us a clear and defined image. This feature actually works and we are very impressed with it for watching standard definition analog cable channels. There are lots of available adjustments on this TV to keep you busy for a long time or you can just select the default, factory setting.
When the XV645U is turned off, the screen is dark black. This is a good indication that the TV is able to reproduce deep black colours. On some other TVs, when the set is turned off, the screen looks kind of charcoal, or dark gray, instead of black. This Toshiba's screen is absolutely a perfect blend of high-gloss and dull-matte. It is shiny enough for great contrast and matte enough that you will not get distracting reflections. I have not seen a screen coating this perfect on any other LCD (or even LED) TV. I mean on any TV, whether it is a Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, or Sharp. So off-angle viewing on the XV645U is quite good, but not nearly as good as plasma TVs.
The sound is just okay, but many people will hook up their TV to an amplifier with external speakers (we haven't yet). The sound volume is very good (we listen to the TV at level 20-25 out of a 100). The built-in speakers face downward, toward the floor (at least what I can tell from the location of speaker grille openings). You can hear the dialogue all right, even in a large room while people are talking in the room, but you will get occasional resonance (and a little distortion too) when the volume is kept above a level of 25 (the TV has some problems with reproducing Bass levels). There is also a Voice Enhancement feature (On or Off) that emphasizes dialogue over the music you hear - yes, it does help a little bit. The StableSound feature (On or Off) is supposed to keep the volume level the same from channel to channel (I couldn't tell). But the Dynamic Range Control (On or Off) is very effective and we leave it On all the time. To our ears, turning other Advanced Sound Settings On, like the Dynamic Bass Boost, just seemed to distort the speakers a little more at higher volume levels.
The Analog Closed Caption (set on CC1 text) has a very small font size when compared to our Pioneer TV, but the letters are all in capital and nicely spread apart, so they are legible. One benefit of the smaller size is that the Closed Captioning covers up less area of the screen. Not only that, but when you enlarge letter box programs (to fill the screen) on this Toshiba, parts of the Closed Captioning text doesn't disappear at the bottom of the screen like with our Pioneer TV! But there is no direct CC button on the Remote, so you'll have to go into the Menu Settings to turn this feature on or off when you want to. However, when you press the Mute button twice (the first press lowers the Volume to one-half), Closed Captioning is automatically activated. Closed Captioning is not available for the three HDMI Inputs, unless that feature is encoded in the DVD (under language options).
The TV is very slow changing channels. When using the Channel Up and Down button, there is a delay of about 3 seconds to display the next channel (already too long), but when you punch in a Channel Number using the number buttons, there is a much longer delay (about 6 seconds). However, you can cut this time in half if you press the Enter button right after the Channel Number. Turning the TV on can be slow or fast, depending on how you set your Power-Up Mode option in the Setup Menu screen. But switching Input Sources is very fast using a single scroll button for all choices.
Overall, I highly recommend this Toshiba TV. It is an excellent value and the picture quality is fantastic. We can get a really clear and sharp image on analog broadcast (we do not subscribe to Digital or High Definition Channels) after some Picture adjustments (even without accessing the Expert Mode under the Advanced Picture Settings menu). Okay, so we can't get the same colour depth and accuracy as with the Pioneer plasma, no matter how much we try to adjust the Picture, but you will not go wrong with this TV overall. Excellent high contrast, non-glare, super clear picture!
One bonus we've noticed with this Toshiba is that during the Auto Tuning Setup, the TV also picked up some Audio Only Digital Channels (from our analog cable service) through which we can listen to radio stations. And the Toshiba's speakers even sound a little better on these digital channels! Our much more expensive Pioneer plasma can't access these music channels at all (as far as we can tell).
One last thing: If you want to install this Toshiba on a wall, it needs a Vesa 200 x 400 mm plate (screw holes located at the corners of a 7.87-inch by 15.75-inch rectangle). Many of the available wall mounting arms don't accommodate that size and you will need to find or make an adapter for it.
Update on 29Jul2010: The Closed Captioning feature stopped working around 3 weeks ago - no display of any text. Since the TV was still under the one-year warranty (nearly 11 months into it), we called Toshiba and they put us through the usual disconnect the TV from its power source and allow it to reset itself. This did not solve the problem, so they referred us to the local authorized service shop. A service man came over the next day and examined the set, to make sure the problem is really with the TV and not just us not knowing how to turn the Closed Captioning On. He ordered a new circuit board and in less than 2 weeks later, came back and replaced the old one with the new board for free in our home.
The original board had a software version dating back to May 2009. The new board shows a newer, higher version number software of September 2009. Interestingly, the speakers have more fullness to them now and the picture is more colourful too. A nice improvement to an already great TV! This Toshiba 40XV645U TV now deserves a 5-star rating.
After all this time, we are still very impressed with this TV (and even more so now) and can highly recommend it with confidence. The picture quality is excellent - the blacks are black with great detail and the picture is very clear and vibrant. And we are still watching only standard definition analog TV broadcasts on this set! The sound is very good too for a flat panel TV. Even today, with all the newer LED TVs available, there is not one other TV out there with such a great picture and perfect screen finish - not too shiny and not too matte. And this TV has a truly excellent Tuner too. It is too bad Toshiba no longer makes or sales this model.
|
No Buyer's Remorse Here
|
| Review Date: June 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Rususeruru, Wyoming USA |
So far this set has very pleasing. My only complaint is the clunky remote control which has a physical switch to change modes (TV, Cable/Sat, AV1, AV2). The set has 3 HDMI inputs which is nice though many in this price range seem to have 4.
During initial set-up the set asks a few questions most of which are basic like if the set will be connected to antenna or cable before automatically scanning and adding channels. The first question though is unusual. It prompts for whether the set will be used in a home or as a store display. Selecting home reduces the backlight to 50% power though this can be adjusted later through the video configuration menu.
The set also features advances picture controls many of which I have not had time adjust but should provide enough control to satisfy any one who considers themselves a video guru. Also this TV features basic audio controls (treble bass & balance) as well as features like stable sound, voice enhancing, and bass boost so the control over audio is pleasing.
I chose this set for two reasons. I have a standard-def Toshiba set that I've always liked the picture on and the Toshiba HDTV's don't seem to create (or maybe they have the ability to correct) some artifacts on some HD content.
I was considering another brand, but I had an opportunity to watch Planet Earth on a set with spec's similar to this one and noticed the other brand displayed artifacts when a subject (bird) was moving rapidly across a solid color field (sky). I watched the same clip on an older Toshiba Regza model a member of my family owned and didn't see the artifacts so I chose to stick with Toshiba and have noticed no artifacts on similar video with this set.
Bottom line: I'm very pleased with this TV |
As a PC Display
|
| Review Date: July 13, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. DANIELSON, MN, USA |
I just got this TV a few days ago. I don't watch much television, only a movie now and then, LOST, and a few subtitled anime shows I download a few days after they air in Japan. I bought this mostly to be my PC monitor for games, internet, and photoshop art.
I used a DVI-D to HDMI cable to connect it, however, I couldn't use it in any widescreen resolution but 1280x720. 1600x1200 was the best resolution I could get, but that wasn't widescreen. It was only a gpu drivers issue, and a quick update of the drivers and Catalyst Control Center was enough to take care of the problem. Now I'm running 1920x1080 in Windows, which is awesome on this display. World of Warcraft on max graphics settings in 1080p looks amazing. The colors and the blacks just pop! I can't wait to try out a newer game with more cutting edge graphics!
I highly recommend this TV for anyone who wants a 40" PC display. To think I almost spent 300 dollars more for a similar Sony or Samsung. As long as this thing lasts, this TV is way better than I could have imagined and I think it was absolutely the right choice amongst my options.
Other things to note-
To be honest, the sound might not blow your socks off, but it's solid and clear. The Sony and Samsung cases/frames look better IMO too, but that's purely cosmetic.
Picture is surprisingly good with normal non HD cable in 480.
|
Great TV
|
| Review Date: January 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Schiffer, Outside of Nashville |
My choices in a 40" TV narrowed down to this set or the equivalent Samsung. The Samsungs were generally rated better then the Toshiba, but the price was also quite a bit higher.
Picture quality on this set is amazing. The sound is decent, though nothing to write home about. I hooked up a a fairly cheap home theatre surround sound system to use while watching a movie, but for normal TV, the built in sound from the Toshiba is acceptable.
The only issue I had with the TV, was that it apparantly gives off some IR signals that interfere with the remote control from Direct TV. The direct tv reciever did not respond to the remote control when the tv went to screensaver mode. Even though I could not believe this was the problem, I set the Dirct TV remote to work in RF mode (very easy to do actually!!) and everything worked perfectly. This is a problem with LCD TV's in general, not just Toshiba. The only other issue I have is that occasionally the sound sounds garbled, in which case i turn the tv off and then right back on..problem goes away. This may happen once every two or three weeks, and is not really an issue.
To summarize, I'm VERY pleased with this set and glad I saved the few hundred dollars over the Samsung set. |
Don't hesitate!!
|
| Review Date: March 31, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Gambo384, Buffalo |
Pros: -Sleek design (Slim and clean looking)
-Great picture (Requires some tweeking but to be expected. I am using Rosewill HDMI cables I purchased for $15 a piece)
-Side viewing angles are terrific
-120Hz is perfect without the soap opera, "realistic" look
-40'' is solid, not too big not too small (In my opinion)
-Ports, Ports and more ports (Everything you need++)
-Tons of menu features/options (Easy to use)
-Respectable sound (They're TV speakers, don't expect the moon)
-Instruction manual that's helpful and not over-jargoned
-Packaged for battle (UPS & Toshiba did a great job, flawless)
Cons: -Stand didn't come with instructions and was a bit tricky. Also does not swivel
-The Toshiba "logo light" turns off permanently in an easy to find menu option, had to throw that in here because people actually complained about it! HAHA
Other Thoughts: After weeks of research and reviews, I started to drive myself crazy, paralysis by analysis. I finally pulled the trigger when it hit $599 and I'm so glad I did!! Please, if this is in your price range you should PURCHASE THIS TV, don't settle for less. The TV is in my bedroom which is about 12x12 and the audio is very satisfying. If you went into a bigger living/family room, of course you'll want a surround sound setup. I connect to my laptop through HDMI and this baby makes a great monitor to surf, game and watch movies!! One note, if you experience trouble with audio from PC to HDMI go to Menu-->Setup-->AV Settings-->HDMI settings and switch LipSync and Instaport to OFF. I spent a full day trying to figure out why my audio was delayed but troubleshooting did the trick. I was a bit scared after reading some audio distortion reviews but either you get a set that doesn't have a problem like I did or Toshiba will send you a USB drive with updates that fix the problem. The risk of inconvenience is worth the hassle, trust me =) |
|
