Toshiba LCD HDTV

Toshiba has taken a different road than many of its competitors by offering more affordable LCD HDTV models packed with features, even bundling some with DVD players, instead of focusing on making the best high-end set out there. While this puts other brands like Panasonic and Samsung ahead in the overall picture quality game, Toshiba has focused on making respectable sets that may be 1080p and have similar features, but don’t always touch the processing power of the higher-end Sony BRAVIA or Samsung LUXIA lines. With the new REGAZA line, they not only created a model with a 240Hz refresh rate, but it’s also LED backlit, something Sony and Samsung have struggled with until very recently.

General Overview of Toshiba 2009 Models

Toshiba’s 2009 line of LCD HDTVs is comprised of several different product lines that are all different in unique ways. The high-end REGZA line is comprised of several different models, the XV645 series, the ZV650 series, and the SV670 series. Also introduced is the lower-end AV600 series, an entry-level, small sized LCD. Introduced last year and still on the market is the RV525 series, XF series, and the LV series.

The XV645 series is the entry-level model HDTV in the REGZA line. With 1080p resolution and Toshiba’s patented ClearScan 120Hz refresh rate technology, this model seems to be the successor to 2008’s Cinema Series XV545. The biggest improvement comes from the XV645’s use of Toshiba’s PixelPure image processing technology that’s in its fifth generation. The XV545s used last year’s 4th generation image processor. The XV645 series comes in screen sizes 40, 46, and 52 inches.

The REGZA ZV650 is more of a mid-level line of the REGZA LCDs. They are also the first sets from Toshiba that build on its ClearScan technology, pushing the refresh rate from 120Hz to 240Hz. They also are equipped with the Resolution+ upscaling capability and the fifth generation PixelPure 5G image-processing chip. This line improves on the XV645 with the new Dolby Volume normalization feature, as a fourth HDMI port, and allowing digital media playback over the USB port. The company also created a new InstaPort technology for this model that is designed to replicate fast video switching between the HDTVs HDMI ports. The ZV650 series is available in 42, 47, and 52 inch screens.

A step up from the ZV650 series is the SV670 series, another LED backlit LCD HDTV. The company’s FocaLight is a full LED backlight solution that uses a grid orientation of LED lights to power this display. The ZV650 series has LED backlighting with localized dimming that allows parts of the backlight to be dimmed or turned off, assisting better black levels and contrast ratios. While it’s quite powerful, it doesn’t quite touch Sony’s TriLuminious LED technology that features three colors of LED. The SV670 line is very similar to the ZV650 line feature-wise, using the same ClearScan 240Hz technology, and USB digital media reading. The SV670 series can be bought in a 46 or 55 inch model.

The AV600 line is comprised of small sized LCD HDTVs. Each model is Energy Star 3.0 rated and is equipped with a native resolution of 720p. There are PC and HDMI inputs included and the sets each have DynaLight dynamic backlight controls for richer black levels. There’s also a dedicated Gaming mode that decreases the signal to screen time for quicker controller reaction. The AV600 series is an upgrade to the 2008 AV500 series comes in 19- and 22-inch screen sizes.

Replacing Toshiba’s 530 Series as the entry-level 1080p line, the RV525 Series was launched in the fall of 2008. The 525s are missing many of the classier features of the more high-end models, such as the motion smoothing technology and 120Hz refresh rate. The 525s are considered a step-down from the 530s upon the removal of its 4th HDMI input, as well as replacing the 530’s 14-bit processor with a 10-bit video processor. The RV525 comes in 40 and 46 inch models.

The XF series is top set of Toshiba’s 2008 line. The XF sets all feature 1080p native resolution and 120Hz refresh rate with Toshiba’s Clear Frame technology. Unlike the top of the hill models of other brands, Toshiba puts more of an emphasis on the television’s picture itself instead of adding extras like ethernet ports or digital media support. The XF series comes in 40, 46 and 52 inch screen sizes.

The LV series stands apart from the rest of the models because Toshiba equipped them with DVD players. Suited for more of a personal entertainment need, the 19 and 22 inch LV611 models replace last year’s LV550’s. The new models give HD resolutions, HDMI inputs, PC inputs, and DivX and MP3 playback.

Toshiba 2009 LCD HDTV Models

• Toshiba REGZA XV645 series – 1080p, 40, 46, & 52 inch, ClearScan 120Hz technology, fluorescent backlighting
• Toshiba REGZA ZV650 series – 1080p, 42, 47, & 52 inch, ClearScan 240Hz technology, fluorescent backlighting
• Toshiba REGZA SV670 series – 1080p, 46 & 55 inch, ClearScan 240Hz technology, FocaLight LED backlighting
• Toshiba AV600 series – 720p, 19 & 22 inch, ClearScan 120Hz technology, fluorescent backlighting
• Toshiba RV525 series – 1080p, 40 & 46 inch, 60Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Toshiba XF series – 1080p, 40-, 46 & 52 inch, 60Hz refresh rate, fluorescent backlighting
• Toshiba LV series – 720p, 19 & 22 inch, ClearScan 120Hz technology, fluorescent backlighting

Toshiba REGZA XV645 Series

The entry-level model in the REGZA line, the XV645 uses Toshiba’s ClearScan 120Hz refresh rate technology. The XV645 uses Resolution+, Toshiba’s next generation of SRT technology. While contrast can be impaired at certain angles, the XV645 contains an efficient anti glare screen, which may add to side angle viewing issues.

The XV645’s FocaLight LED backlight technology can adjust the backlight on the LCD depending on light conditions. There’s also a new feature called half mute, which cuts the volume output in half. Toshiba included a tabletop stand, though it does not swivel.

Toshiba REGZA XV645 Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 50000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: PixelPure image processing, ClearScan 120Hz technology, Energy Star rated

Toshiba REGZA XV645 Models

• Toshiba REGZA 40XV645U (40-inch)
• Toshiba REGZA 46XV645U (46-inch)
• Toshiba REGZA 52XV645U (52-inch)

Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series

The ZV670 series includes many new features, like a dejudder processing called Film Stabilization. The new video processing technology, Resolution+ processing, uses a fifth generation chip. The ZV650 line uses the same ClearScan 240Hz technology as its higher-end sibling, the SV670 series.

The ZV670 also includes a USB digital media reading input. Like the rest of the REGZA models, this set includes an AutoView feature that detects incoming video signal and routinely adjusts the resulting picture settings to optimize the image quality.

Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES (1 on side)
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: PixelPure image processing, ClearScan 240Hz technology, Energy Star rated

Toshiba REGZA ZV650 Models

• Toshiba REGZA 42ZV650U (42-inch)
• Toshiba REGZA 46ZV650U (47-inch)
• Toshiba REGZA 52ZV650U (52-inch)

Toshiba REGZA SV670 Series

The SV670 series includes Toshiba’s new Dolby Volume normalization feature and allows digital media playback over a USB port. Its new InstaPort technology is designed to replicate quicker video switching between HDMI ports, while the set features the company’s FocaLight LED backlighting. It uses a grid orientation of LED lights to power this display with localized dimming that allows parts of the backlight to be dimmed or turned off, assisting better black levels and contrast ratios.

The SV670 also uses ClearScan 240Hz technology and has an SD card slot for playback of digital picture files. Like the rest of the REGZA line, the SV670 has a Dolby Volume normalization feature and allows digital media playback over the USB port.

Toshiba REGZA SV670 Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: YES
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: PixelPure image processing, ClearScan 240Hz technology, Energy Star rated

Toshiba REGZA SV670 Models

• Toshiba REGZA 46XV670U (46-inch)
• Toshiba REGZA 55XV670U (55-inch)

Toshiba AV600 Series

The AV600 line is made up of more consumer-oriented, small sets. They utilize Toshiba’s DynaLight backlight controls for better contrast and black levels. The AV600 features a dedicated Gaming mode that can decrease a signal’s path to the screen for smoother reaction from a game controller.

The AV600 is Energy Star rated and provides a 4000:1 contrast ratio. They also have a native resolution of 720p and include a PC and HDMI inputs.

Toshiba AV600 Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 720p (standard) / 1280×720 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 4000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: Gaming mode, ClearScan 60Hz technology, Energy Star rated

Toshiba AV600 Series Models

• Toshiba 19AV600U (19-inch)
• Toshiba 22AV600U (22-inch)

Toshiba RV525 Series

The RV525 Series was launched in the fall of 2008 to replace the 530 Series as the entry-level 1080p line. The 525s don’t have the motion smoothing technology and 120Hz refresh rate and are somewhat of a step-down from the 530s with their 10-bit video processor.

The RV525 series is missing a lot of the company’s usual features, including a USB input and certain onscreen controls, but it’s still Energy Rated for those concerned about their energy bills.

Toshiba RV525 Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 15000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: Gaming mode, 60Hz refresh rate, Energy Star rated

Toshiba RV525 Models

• 40RV525U (40-inch)
• 46RV525U (46-inch)

Toshiba XF Series

XF series topped of Toshiba’s 2008 line with its 1080p native resolution and 120Hz.

Clear Frame technology. It doesn’t have much interactivity, not including Ethernet ports or digital media support. The connection panel features three HDMI, two component video and one PC input.

The XF is Energy Star rated, and its DynaLight mode automatically modifies the HDTV’s backlight to go with the source content’s brightness. Its Game mode also improves response time with a gaming console.

Toshiba XF Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 1080p (standard) / 1920×1080 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 100,000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: YES
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: Gaming mode, 60Hz refresh rate, Energy Star rated

Toshiba XF Models

• 40XF550U (40-inch)
• 46XF550U (46-inch)
• 52RV550U (52-inch)

Toshiba LV Series

LV series features a DVD player installed in the set. Toshiba has aimed this model at more of a personal entertainment need by only creating 19- and 22-inch models to replace last year’s LV550’s. With HD resolutions, PC and HDMI inputs, DivX and MP3 playback, and an Energy Star rating, the LV series is versatile.

The LV series is designed with a high gloss white bezel and has a bottom mounted stereo speaker. It also includes a one year warranty.

Toshiba LV Series Specs at a Glance

• Resolution: 720p (standard) / 1280×720 (exact)
• Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (dynamic)
• Anti-glare filter: NO
• 24p cinema mode: YES
• USB: NO
• Ethernet: NO
• WiFi (802.11): NO
• AutoView: YES
• Other: PC input, 60Hz refresh rate, Energy Star rated

Toshiba LV Models

• Toshiba 19LV611U (19-inch)
• Toshiba 22LV611U (22-inch)