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 46LX177 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV

Toshiba’s Cinema Series has produced some of the best looking and high performing sets for the HDTV market. The 46LX177 46″ 1080p LCD is a part of this series, and same as the other members of this series, is something that would no doubt impress a lot of users.

You may notice that we have been talking about sets that features 120 Hz display component. The 46LX177 is no different. This HDTV has been labeled by Toshiba as a 120 Hz monster and includes other features such as ClearFrame; the increased color gamut, ColorBurst; and the 14-bit internal digital video processing, PixelPure 3G.

Out of the box, the Toshiba set features a two inch glossy black bezel. Its a pretty common design so there’s not a lot to be amazed of here - its just a black box. The 46LX177 measures at about 45″W x 28″H x 5″D and weighs 77 pounds. It comes in with a swivel stand which allows you some room to reach for whatever cables you have at the back.

Its connection panels are located, of course, at the back and includes three HDMI 1.3 compatible inputs, two Component (YPbPr) with matching stereo Audio Ins, one Composite (with Audio), one VGA (15 pin D-Sub) and an S-Video. Also included is an input for a wired remote control receiver. One set of L/R Stereo Ins are included, which is also the audio connection if you are hooking your laptop or PC up with a VGA cable.

Now comes the surprising part. Most HDTV sets in the market gives you all these standard inputs. However, the 46LX177 includes another input that is quite surprising. Beside the HDMI inputs is an Ethernet port, (RJ 45), that allows you to connect to your home network. I know some sets already have Wifi that let’s them connect to the internet/home network, and you would even say that its a bit “low-tech” to have wired connections when people are going for wireless convenience. But still, wouldn’t it be great to have these options? I mean just like a laptop or a desktop, you have an option to go wireless or just plug-in your available network cable.

This TV is great as an entertainment system. I said this cause the 46LX177 cannot only display movies/TV, but can also display JPEG pictures. Its Toshiba Home Interactive Network Connection or THINC lets you access JPEGs and MP3s located on your hard drive and play them back through the TV. Toshiba has also implemented a way to read emails on your TV. But that’s about it, letting you browse through the internet is a bit too much, but who knows, maybe soon that time will come.

As far as performance goes, the sets image quality needs a bit more tweaking. It doesn’t give you the out of the box perfection as other TVs have. You can fine tune its pictures with settings such as DynaLight, Dynamic Contrast, and Static Gamma.

Adjusting these settings will definitely improve the TVs black levels. Of course, they are not the same as plasmas but its respectable overall. Video images then becomes really good. The detail is 1080p sharp with rich colorful images.

You can also use the set as a computer monitor. To do this, you have to find a PC with a DVI Output, which you can connect to an HDMI Input on the TV. Then you should be able to display full 1080p resolution if your video card can support it.

Overall, users will appreciate the provided tools and features on the 46LX177. You do however need a little bit of tinkering with the settings for you to get the best picture quality you desire from this TV.

http://www.hdtv-news.co.uk/2008/03/03/toshiba-46lx177-46-1080p-lcd-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/

Panasonic TH42PX80 Review

Even though it sports only a 1024x768 rather than true HD native resolution, I wasted no time in acquiring the Panasonic TH42PX80 to review, simply because it is the first of the 2008 Viera plasmas to hit the United Kingdom. With Pioneer announcing that it will no longer sell 42-inch plasma televisions (i.e. the excellent Kuro 428XD and 4280XD) after next year, let's see if the Panasonic TH42PX80 has the potential to fill the void...

Design

The somewhat muted (presumably due to anti-glare filter) plasma glass of Panasonic TH42PX80 is framed by a polished black bezel that is adorned only by inscriptions of "Viera" on the top left and "Panasonic" at the bottom centre. The bottom border of the bezel curves slightly upwards, and is separated from the base of the cabinet by a similarly-arced metallic grey strip.

Along this base section (which is raked backwards subtly) you will find a power button, some LED indicators and sensors, a central plastic flap which can be lifted open to reveal some control buttons and more connection ports, and perforations at either end concealing the speakers within the cabinet.

Recessed handgrip at back of TV	Perforated speaker grille

While the wedge-shaped pedestal stand is included inside the shipping box, some assembly is required before it is ready for use. Considering that its task is to support a 26kg plasma screen, its lightweight plastic material doesn't really inspire confidence... but at least its glossy black coating matches the bezel of the Panasonic TH42PX80 perfectly.

To assist with handling the heavy plasma television, Panasonic has generously added a pair of recessed handgrips at the back of the panel. The quality of construction and finishing on the Panasonic TH42PX80 is excellent, rivalling that found on their supposedly superior commercial panels.

Connections

All three HDMI inputs on the Panasonic TH42PX80 are located at the back of the panel. As with the previous generation of Panasonic plasmas, the Panasonic TH42PX80 would automatically switch source when a device (e.g. Playstation 3 or DVD player) connected to HDMI input 1 is turned on (and off).

Rear: 3 x HDMI, VGA, component, VGA, 2 x Scarts, aerial, CI slot, audio out

Front control buttons, headphone jack, S-video, composite, SD card slot

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/Panasonic-TH42PX80/

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