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Price: £2,099
More info: Toshiba
Size (WHD): 67x92x32cm
Weight: 27kg
Screen size: 37in
Aspect ratio: 16:9
HDTV Ready: Yes
Integrated digital tuner: Yes
Resolution: 1366x768
Contrast ratio: 800:1
Brightness: 500 cd/m
Connections: 2x HDMI, component, 3x Scart (2 RGB), S-Video, Composite, RGB PC terminal, PC audio input, 5x line level phonos
Extras: Active Vision picture processing
Plus points:
Competitive price, complete connectivity, advanced and easy to use features
Minus points:
Lacklustre design, unresponsive remote, some picture noise
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Toshiba's latest range of LCD TVs offer a future-proof specification and market-leading connectivity at an affordable price.
The WLT58 range features three large screen sizes with improved specification and performance over the preceding WLT56 series - without distancing the budget buyer. Among the most notable improvements is an integrated Freeview digital tuner and complete connectivity including previously ignored component inputs and a choice of digital video HDMI inputs.
It's the first affordable screen we've reviewed that features two HDMI inputs. This means you can simultaneously connect an HDTV receiver and an HDMI-equipped DVD player without having to switch between a single input. It's only strange that more screens haven't adopted this approach and Toshiba deserves credit for its forward thinking.
And the assortment of alternative connections is equally inspiring. There are now three Scarts, two of which are RGB-enabled for uncompromised picture performance. Component inputs supporting PAL/NTSC progressive scan have also returned and a set of standard AV inputs at the screen's side offers easy access for equipment such as camcorders and games consoles. And even computer users haven't been ignored with the inclusion of a standard RGB PC terminal with accompanying audio input. All connections are neatly hidden beneath removable panels at the rear to keep things tidy.
The design features a high-resolution (1366x768) panel that will support all high-definition formats up to 1080i so you can watch Sky's HDTV services when they arrive this year or play upscaled, hi-def quality films from a compatible DVD player. Add an integrated digital tuner with CAM card slot for receiving limited subscription services like Top Up TV and you have a fully future-proof specification.
Toshiba has also incorporated its own Active Vision picture processing technology. Simply put, Active Vision uses a range of internal processing systems to individually enhance the core elements of the picture - detail, contrast, colour and movement.
For such a competitive price, compromises had to be made somewhere and here it's build quality and styling that suffer. The straight-edged construction, featuring a dull grey frame with a new slimline speaker system at the base, looks a little bland. And closer inspection reveals a camouflage of plastic parts that give the design a lightweight feel. However, this price does include a stylish three-tiered rack stand with glass shelves that does wonders for the overall appearance of the set.
The remote shares similar shortfalls in design. Although the tall, tapered device is sensibly arranged and spacious, the controls are frustratingly unresponsive, and it's all too easy to flick the side switch between TV and DVD controls to cue some confused pressing until you realise the problem.
Nonetheless, the brightly coloured, graphic menu system is a joy to use. There's a range of surprisingly advanced picture adjustments that even allow you to customise individual colour tones and experiment with supplementary features like Black Stretch - which exaggerates dark areas to improve contrast. And the custom settings offer more control and effectiveness than the limited, unnamed presets.
Extra curricular audio settings are also included with a bass booster function and a series of SRS WOW sound effects. The effects attempt to recreate surround sound from the TV's stereo speakers with varying levels of success. And you can individually adjust the effects to sound either more spatial, focused or to add depth. So, if you're someone that likes to fiddle with features there's plenty to play with even if not all functions are obviously effective.
Performance
Only subtle weaknesses separate the Toshiba's picture performance from class-leading screens - but the competitive price makes it easier to ignore the odd compromise.
As with most flat screens, analogue broadcasts are best overlooked as they're universally plagued by picture noise and smearing colours. By comparison digital broadcasts show much more solidity using bright, balanced colours with more detail and density. There's still some instability, especially with straight edges and slow-panned movement, but that isn't unusual even with more expensive screens.
The quality of DVD pictures is dictated by the input used, with HDMI-induced images unsurprisingly offering the best performance. Upscaled 720p signals seem to work best with dense black levels exposing intricate detail and depth-defining contrast. Authentic colours provide plenty of realism without muting superficial special effects and movement is considerably smoother than when using analogue alternatives. However, even with the wealth of picture processing technology, there's no escaping a smattering of background noise, especially with colour and shadow gradations - which class-leading screens can cope with much better.
Sound-wise, the slim speaker system delivers unexpected weight and expressive definition considering its size, and using the spatial sound effects with films does a reasonable job of creating the illusion of surround sound.
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This TV offers an impressive future-proof specification and outstanding connectivity. Build quality and picture performance fall slightly short of reference models but in truth, not that much, and it's a small sacrifice considering the extremely competitive price.
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