Toshiba 42 ins 1080p HD Ready LCD TV with Built In Freeview 42X3030D

The 42X3030D from Toshiba is a beautiful looking set with integrated Freeview receiver, no need for an additional box at digital switchover. With a true 1080p HD panel you can be sure you are getting the very best in HD resolutionWith 2 HDMI connections there is the opportunity to achieve outstanding high definition viewing and gaming, hook up a PS3 for HD Gaming and the results will be truly stunning. The 42X3030D is from Toshiba's REGZA range, offering a high level of reality to the viewing experience. With unbelievably stylish and quality finish it continues Toshiba's tradition of building excellent quality TV's for the modern home. REGZA TVs have been specially created to display every tiny detail of the new High Definition standards and packed with image enhancing technology to make the pictures clearer, sharper and more realistic than ever before.Here's the technical bit:16:9 widescreen aspect1920 x 1080p true HD panel3500:1 dynamic contrast ratioExact scan mode500 cdm brightnessMPEG noise reduction3d digital comb filter4 FPS processingDigital textElectronic Programme Guide (EPG)Favourite channel memoryFastextText page memoryNICAM stereoSound output 20W RMSSRS WOWTMBass boostAnalogue tunerPanel lockIntegrated signal amplifierVESA standard wall mount screw holes2 HDMI socketsComponent videoRGB (via SCART): 1 SCART: 2Side AV inputPC Input: WXGAAnalogue audio inputFixed/ Variable audio outputSub woofer outputHeadphoneDVB Common InterfaceMeasures 66.1H x 92.0W x 28.5D cm1 years manufacturers warranty

http://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/catalogue/toshiba_42_ins-36.asp

Toshiba 42X3030 - 42" Widescreen 1080P Full HD Ready LCD TV

Manufacturer's Description

Active Vision LCD Picture Processing

Vibrant colours, sharp detail, realistic images.

Active Vision LCD is Toshiba’s high performance picture processing system that produces high quality images by enhancing the four core elements of the television picture:

DETAIL

Three times more pixels produced than with a conventional LCD for superior fine images across all colour tones.

COLOUR

Four times more colour tones produced than with a conventional LCD TV, creating smooth colour progression for a more realistic image.

MOVEMENT

Real Speed Progressive technology increases picture sharpness during fast moving scenes by reducing jagged edges on lines and detail. Real Speed Progressive technology delivers super smooth motion of fast moving objects, a fact that will not be lost on sports fans. The range possesses a suite of technologies designed to get the very best from programmes, whether they are standard definition of high definition.

CONTRAST

Continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment of the contrast ratio, enhances detail and increases the ability of the C Series to show subtle shade changes. The appearance of skin tones are particularly improved, a great benefit when it comes to tense movie close-ups.

SRS WOW
Toshiba have ensured the audio quality matches the superior performance of its REGZA LCD TV range, with the inclusion of SRS WOW audio technology. This improves the dynamic audio performance of compressed audio content, expanding the size of the audio image and improving the perception of bass effects. The audio image is extended horizontally and vertically, usefully elevating the virtual sound field to the optimal speaker position which is ear level.

Manufacturer's Description
Toshiba's state-of-the-art REGZA 1080HD X series LCD TV is designed to be at the forefront of the High Definition revolution. With a native panel resolution of 1920x1080p the REGZA X Series models offer 1 million additional pixels over a standard WXGA resolution HD Ready LCD TV to reproduce crisp, vibrant images in stunning detail.

When these additional pixels are combined with Toshiba's acclaimed Active Vision LCD high performance picture processing technology, the results really have to be seen to be believed.

With standard features including a built-in Freeview Digital tuner, twin HDMI sockets and Dynamic Contrast it is easy to see why Toshiba's REGZA X Series LCD TVs lead the way in the High Definition entertainment revolution. When fed with a 1080p source the X Series can display 24 frames per second to match the original movie footage frame for frame. A must for film lovers.

Box Contents

Toshiba 42X3030D

pedestal stand not attached to TV

remote control

batteries

instruction manual

quick set up guide.

Product Description
The 42X3030D LCD television from Toshiba displays your films and TV programmes on its impressive 42" high-definition screen. The 42X3030D employs Active Vision LCD technology and has a brightness level of 500 cd/m² to guarantee high-quality images. It also produces excellent quality sound with its SRS Surround sound system, and it has an extensive connection system so you can connect different video devices via its double HDMI connection and two scart sockets. Finally, its digital tuner gives you free access to digital TV channels for even more entertainment options. Enter the world of high-definition images with the 42X3030D television!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-42X3030-Widescreen-1080P-Freeview/dp/product-description/B000P0IW0A

Toshiba 42X3030D HDTV

Toshiba has always been a trusted and well-respected electornics manufacturer. May it be their laptop, mobile phones or TV’s, Toshiba always brings out the best. Particularly, Toshiba has always been a popular brand among LCD TV buyers. Toshiba is now offering the Regza Toshiba 42X3030D. On this set, Toshiba’s proprietary Active Vision picture processing system adorns what finally are full HD 1080p panels. This set comes into the market with an ultra-thin frame boasting three HDMI 1.3 ports, 1080p/24 compatibility, and 100Hz motion technology.

This set from Toshiba is definitely overwhelming, its hard not to. With its imposing dimensions, exaggerated by a broad, piano-black surround and a substantial boomerang-shaped stand, it certainly catches attention. The screen is reasonably well assembled with a slim speaker system neatly integrated beneath the clean, glossy front panel. It looks luxurious from the front but the rear panel is cased in cut-price plastic, and the unsteady stand isn’t the most supportive.

Primary controls are hidden away at the right side and can be used to adjust channels and volume or access the main menu system. The rear panel connections appear impressive, however the digital video connections, including two HDMI inputs, are awkwardly arranged across the underside, along with a CI Card slot and a PC input that supports WXGA signals.

The Toshiba 42X3030D features a lot of connectivity options like the twin HDMI ports and VGA connection. Also, there is a digital optical audio output, RF aerial input and Common Interface slot.

The screen’s Full HD resolution (1,920×1,080 pixels) is compatible with all high-definition signals including the latest 1080p format used by next-generation DVD players and games consoles. Blu-ray and HD DVD movies can also be watched as they were intended using 24p scanning, which produces more realistic images without any audio distortion.

The 42X3030D seemed quite capable of delivering all subtlety in shadowy scenes. There is Colour is perhaps this TVs strongest asset, with fidelity and balance closely matching plasma TVs. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come like that from the factory. You (or someone else) will need to work at it to make it perfect. That’s what the 3D colour management system will do for you, if you are willing to stick to your guns.

The Toshiba 42X3030D speaker system is rated at 20W RMS like the C series, except that it’s in a much bigger enclosure this time. While a leap in sonic performance is never expected, the Toshiba 42X3030D will do for your usual programming. With SRS WOW enhancements and 3-range basic equalizer adjustments, you’ve got some room to mould the sound into something you will like. For bass nuts, you get to play with TruBass and bass level control to pump a little more juice out of the low end. Or you could try to connect an external bass unit to the subwoofer output that comes with the TV.

Overall, Toshiba 42X3030’s strong points are in the colour department, shadow detail, rich connection and competent video processing. Greyscale inaccuracies and mild digital noise prevent me from giving the all clear, but these are not grave flaws and is something you could live with. Amateur calibrators with instruments may relish the chance at having a go at the 3D colour management system, which is probably the most advanced CMS system we have seen in a consumer digital display.

http://www.hdtv-news.co.uk/2007/08/22/toshiba-42x3030d-hdtv/

Toshiba 42X3030D Intro

Toshiba has always been a well-respected and popular brand among LCD TV buyers since it introduced the Regza series more than 1 year ago, but the single most glaring omission from the lineup was – until now – one that was capable of transmitting 1080p signals. With other manufacturers seeking to capture the public's attention through an ever-escalating set of numbers and specifications, Toshiba simply cannot afford to sit back and watch its market share being slowly eroded.

The solution? Say hello to the Regza X series, where Toshiba's proprietary Active Vision picture processing system adorns what finally are full HD 1080p panels. Not content with this, over the coming months Toshiba will continue its onslaught on the LCD TV market by releasing the ultra-thin "Picture Frame" X series variant, and the mouth-watering Z series boasting three HDMI 1.3 ports, 1080p/24 compatability, and 100Hz motion technology.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, because today we're reviewing the Toshiba 42X3030D, the largest LCD TV within the X series range at the time of writing. Despite being 6-month late to the 1080p party, can it compete with – or perhaps even overtake – the rest of the field? Find out as we run our usual array of tests on the Toshiba 42X3030D...

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Toshiba-42X3030D/

Toshiba 42X3030D Review

42in LCD TV Picture Sound Features Usability Value Fantastic High Definition pictures good connectivity and all-round performance make this LCD a serious proposition. 88% 1920x1080 HD Ready

Design

A glossy black finish marks the Toshiba 42X3030D as a step above the matte black 'C' entry level series. While not to everyone's tastes, the 42X3030D with its minimalist approach to design with only a couple of LED lights at the front, manages to avoid the garish look of some flat panel TVs. Its claw like base in brushed alloy look actually combines with the main unit to create a stylish and relatively discreet piece of kit that will bring admiring glances from friends and neighbours alike.

Features

With 2 HDMI, 2 Scarts, Composite input, Component input, PC input and built-in Freeview and analogue receivers, connectivity on the Toshiba 42X3030D is good rather than outstanding.

	Details Screen size & shape: 42in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Stereo Resolution: 1920x1080 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 6000:1 Brightness: 500cd/m2 OTHER FEATURES: Acive Vision LCD, DNR SOCKETS: 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, S-Video, Composite, PC input, Sub-woofer terminal.

Features of the Toshiba 42X3030D are almost identical in every way to its little brother the 37X3030D. The 42X3030D has a higher contrast ratio of 6000:1 (as opposed to the 37X3030D's 3200:1) and it will be interesting to discover whether this has any noticeable effect on performance.

The single most important feature of the Toshiba 'X' series, which differentiates it from the entry level 'C' series is Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080). Not such an important consideration until quite recently, this feature is starting to come into its own with the greater availability of 1080p sources such as various HD DVD discs and Sony's PS3 games console.

The 42X3030D sports Toshiba's Active Vision LCD picture processing system which addresses four core elements of a TV image: detail, colour, movement and contrast.

The 'movement' part of this equation, 'Real Speed Progressive technology' is claimed by Toshiba to significantly reduce jagged edges on lines and detail during fast-moving scenes. Active Vision M100 100 Hz scanning system however, is not part of the Toshiba 42X3030D's spec - you will have to wait for the top of the range 'Z' series for this feature.

The other main technological element within the 42X3030D is 'Digital Noise Reduction' (DNR) which by "cleaning" images and reducing picture "noise" has been designed to enhance the picture quality of all sources, but in particular Standard Definition (SD) sources.

DNR is one of a number of features on the Toshiba 42X3030D which you can choose to switch on or off. In addition, 'Active Backlight Control' has been designed to give lower black luminance for darker scenes. MPEG Noise Reduction is a technology Toshiba claims reduces MPEG artefacts and 'Black Stretch' is a feature designed to improve apparent image contrast.

On the audio front, 2 x 25w speakers combined with the latest SRS TruSurround XT technology promise a powerful audio experience, with simulated 3D effect, enhanced dialog and powerful bass to give what Toshiba would have us believe is something akin to a home movie experience.

Performance

To get the negative out of the way quickly, colour on the Toshiba 42X3030D, like the 37X3030D was the major cause for concern. Colours were often over-saturated depending on the source, and although we tweaked settings to achieve good results for any particular source, we could not find a setting we were content with in all situations.

We expect High Definition performance on mid level screens such as the 42X3030D to be good, and this Toshiba does not disappoint. In fact HD pictures are quite sumptuous, with a sharpness and clarity that we have not seen bettered by any LCD screen to date. Fast action sporting or movie action shows just how capable a screen this is. There is almost a total lack of motion judder, with one of the most natural looking fast action displays we have seen. Colours were deep and vibrant with a naturalism that was impressive in all situations whether the scenes were dark or bright.

Of course, unless you are addicted to Sky's HD Discovery channel, you will be just as interested in how this panel handles Standard Definition (SD) sources. The story here however is not quite as positive. Sky's 1080i broadcasts are by far the best source of SD content although there were traces of noise and smearing on all but the slowest of screen movement. The picture definitely benefits from the one-to-one mapping of Sky's 1080i output to the screens 1080 lines of resolution with a clarity that is rare on a screen of this size.

Again, Freeview terrestrial picture on a 42in screen just shows how unsuited a large LCD screen is for displaying content in 576 format. Detail and sharpness begin to suffer, not to an unacceptable degree, but noticeable all the same. We found that the 6000:1 contrast ratio did make a difference on the 42X3030D when comparing terrestrial performance to that of the 37X3030D. Although the capabilities of both screens in this respect are about the same, we expected the bigger 42in screen to suffer more from a 576 source which was not the case.

The audio capabilities of the Toshiba 42X3030D are another plus point. The two 25W speakers produce a powerful acoustic performance which combined with SRS TruSurround XT while not quite producing a home cinema quality performance are up there with the best of the standard setups.

Conclusion

The all-round capabilities of the Toshiba 42X3030D makes this screen a serious proposition for consumers who want good performance at a reasonable price. Its not the best LCD out there, but the price to performance ratio is compelling. If the majority of your viewing is HD and you've just bought a PS3 then the argument becomes even more compelling.

http://www.hdtvorg.co.uk/reviews/lcd/toshiba_42x3030d.htm