| Toshiba's Regza line of TVs marry state-of-the-art technology to hip design. One feature that sets them apart is PixelPure 14-bit digital video processing, which creates more than 4,000 levels of color gradations for a smooth, natural-looking picture without posterization or image banding. Another benefit is a fast response time. Response time is the interval an LCD screen takes to from its darkest color to its lightest color and back again, measured in milliseconds (ms). This screen's response time is 8 ms, which is at the faster and better end of the spectrum. This screen is likely to display cleaner, sharper images during high-action scenes and with fewer image artifacts than other screens in its class. This technology is housed in a black gloss cabinetry that is sure to fit well with most any decor. The 26HL67 has a panel resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This qualifies it as 720 progressive-line HDTV, which is a noticeably better picture than standard definition sets, but not as detailed as the 1080 HD sets available. Its 16:9 wide screen aspect ratio delivers most movies the way they were meant to be seen in the theater, without back bars wasting the top and bottom of the screen. The Value of LCD TVs
Aside from their obvious aesthetic value, LCD TVs are much more practical in the home than CRT (tube-style) televisions. They take up a smaller footprint, and thus use up less floor space in the room. Also, LCD TVs are lighter and easier to move around when cleaning or redecorating. The 26HL67 is only 4.65 inches deep and weighs 26.5 pounds. Best of all, LCD screens use less power than CRTs and plasma screens. Connections
The set has a built-in digital television tuner, so out of the box it can receive digital broadcast ATSC signals and QAM signals used by most digital cable providers. It also has a built-in 181-channel NTSC tuner, so it can also accept traditional analog signals. It can also make these connections to your audio and video components: - HDMI inputs: 3
- ColorStream HD component video inputs: 2
- PC monitor input: 1 VGA 15 Pin D-sub
- S-video input: 1
- A/V inputs: 2
Audio
The unit's SoundStrip speaker system hides the unit's speakers in a thin strip bordering the screen. They're powerful enough to deliver big stereo sound, but they don't add significantly to the size of the set. Toshiba's StableSound feature maintains television volume within a preset range regardless of the source signal. This is an extremely useful feature when transitioning between a quiet television program and a very loud commercial advertisement or when changing channels. SRS WOW, a combination of SRS 3D, TruBass, and Focus sound-expanding systems, create a 3-D sound field with improved bass response over standard TV audio and create directed, three-dimensional audio sweet spot for maximum enjoyment. The TV also has optical digital output for connecting to your audio system. 26-inch wide screen
A general rule of thumb for selecting the right size television screen is that the screen width--not its 26-inch diagonal measurement--should be between three and five times the optimum viewing distance, such as the distance from the TV screen to where your eyes are while sitting on the couch. Less than that and you may be distracted by the scan lines of the picture. More than that, and you may lose the detail of your TV. Based on this guide, the 26HL67 is ideal for viewing distances of six to 10 feet. What's in the Box
26HL67, stand, 4-item universal remote, stand, warranty and product manuals. |
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 Toshiba vs. Samsung |
| Review Date: September 9, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Samuel Chell, Kenosha,, WI United States |
It was not that long ago that Samsung was considered the "low-end," relatively cheap consumer electronics product line compared to Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic and virtually anything Japanese. Although the Korean manufacturer has definitely established a dominating position, its current popularity seems overdone. Having recently used Sony, Toshiba, and Samsung HD LCD television sets ranging from 20" to 26" screen size, I'm most impressed by this Toshiba model. It starts with the instruction manual. The Toshiba's is twice as large yet written in clearer, more precise English (if you're hazy, for example, about things like HDMI and DVI connectors, you'll definitely appreciate the attention Toshiba gives to such matters). Proceed to attach the base to the screen. The Samsung's is all plastic, with screws that are slippery to deal with and resistant to a tight and true fit; the Toshiba's is metal, with more screws along with the right washers and even a hex wrench to insure proper attachment of the base. The Toshiba not only provides every type of connection--HDMI, DVI, component, composite, S-video, digital audio, etc.--but clearly explains the purposes, pluses and minuses of each. Next, look at the remote, beginning with the four buttons at the top (power, size, mode, sleep). Clearer and more logically laid out than the Samsung's. Moreover, I've been able to program it more successfully than the Samsung's, reducing by two the number of remotes needed to operate television, DVD and VCR.
Picture--I don't have the capabilities of comparing the Toshiba with the Samsung side by side, but the Toshiba's picture quality, after minimal tweaking, was easily the equal of the Samsung's (Consumer Reports confirmed this conclusion). Toshiba has been researching LCD screens for many years--in fact, unlike Samsung they've stopped manufacturing CRT ("tube") sets altogether. It's highly unlikely they're any the less state-of-the-art than Samsung when it comes to LCD technology, especially in this size range. The Toshiba has three "Theater-Wide" aspect ratios (among 5-6 others), the first of which is designed to fill out the entire screen when the source aspect is 4:3. Rather than the entire image being "stretched," thus producing distorted, asymmetrical shapes, the proportions in the center of the screen are normal while only the sides are extended. It's the most ingenious "compromise" I've seen on any flat panel set, making it possible to watch a 4:3 image in a 16:9 aspect ratio without sensing something is terribly wrong.
Sound--maybe the Samsung's surround sound effect is a bit more spacious but, unlike the Samsung, the Toshiba doesn't vibrate and introduce unwanted buzzes at certain select frequencies (tighter cabinetry?). In any case, the Toshiba's audio is good enough to permit anyone but an unrepentant audiophile to forget about using an external sound system.
Style--the Samsung indeed is a bit lighter, slimmer, and shinier, with less plastic around the screen. But it's only plastic, neither a deal-maker or breaker.
Extras--With the exception of the Toshiba's "Theater Wide 1" setting, the Samsung has more bells and whistles. There's a light in the remote control (nice) as well as a glowing blue light emitting from the bottom of the screen when the set is off (a novelty that soon wears out its welcome) and a fragmentary melody that is heard when the set comes on (shoot that piano player). In addition, certain variables, such as aspect ratio and input source, are automatically sensed. With just a bit of patience a Toshiba owner can automate or store the same settings, but clearly Samsung isn't placing as much trust in its customers to read the manual. In fact, after being plugged in, the Samsung sings its little melody and automatically locates and produces an image worthy of its vaunted contrast ratio. With the Toshiba, it requires an adjustment or two first to get the picture and then several more to get the "black" black's and sharply defined edges of the Samsung's picture. (Samsung clearly knows its export market better than Toshiba does.)
Durability--too early to say, but I've had worse luck with other Samsung products than I have with anything made by Toshiba. So Toshiba scores higher in the subjective peace-of-mind category.
Conclusion--price is probably the biggest determiner. If the difference is no more than $30 or so, Toshiba gets the nod. |
A Great TV
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| Review Date: June 10, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Steven L. Hirsch, Washingtonville, NY USA |
| Though only 26" this TV seems bigger, the HD channels are just stunning, I'm sorry I waited so long to get an HDTV. Easy to set up though you wind up fiddling with the controls for some time to see what they do -- eventually you find the setting that looks best for the majority of shows; you can change the format and ratio to suit any movie's format. I've got my Mac plugged in to the PC port and it works great as a computer monitor, easy to switch modes from TV to PC. Easy to understand remote. Sound defaults are too thin, you need to pump up the bass and treble settings. Nice case, good access to ports though they are not labeled effectively. I would buy Toshiba again. |
Expectations Exceeded
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| Review Date: July 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jim Horton, |
I researched 26" LCD HDTVs extensively. I wanted an excellent picture, DVD, VCR and computer hook ups. Consumers Report gave the 2006 model of this TV it's highest rating. HLMI connections are essential for the very best HD. Other connections include S, PC, and Component. This HDTV has it all plus a detailed easy to follow manual.
I have Direct TV satellite service and use thier remote to control the set. I am familiar with it and channel numbers stayed the same.
One minor negative the HLMI and PC connection faces down so you have to tilt the set to plug in.
I was surprised that regular TV programing is excellent. |
Toshiba Regza - Outstanding HDTV LCD
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| Review Date: June 2, 2007 |
| Reviewer: J. Sims, |
Love it!
Easy to set up, easy to hook up. Your choice of input. Can double as a computer monitor. Great color, sound and style. The high def stations look so good you never want to leave them. The speakers ride along the front panel, but do not stand out from the chassis, making for a sleek facade. Manual controls are on the side along with an easy input from your camcorder or digital camera. Sound is wonderful, but I think I'll hook this baby up to may digital audio syatem. Thanks Toshiba! |
Toshiba Rocks
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| Review Date: August 28, 2007 |
| Reviewer: R. Reichle, Research Triangle, NC |
After my daughter's 25 year old tv broke, I decided to replace it with a 26" LCD.
She kindly said I shouldn't spend a lot of money, so, against my better judgement, I bought a Westy. After a few minutes it was so out of A/V sync that it looked like a Japanese horror film from the '50s. I tried another one, same results. Then I tried an Olevia-- mediocre picture, HDMI dropout, and horribly over zoomed aspect ratios.
I decided enough was enough and bought a Toshiba 26HL67. What a difference!. The SD picture was extremely good and the HD was lifelike right out of the box.
What I particularly like is that it has the same generous and well engineered aspect ratio selections as my 3 year old 52" DLP. The "Theatrewide 1" mode enables my D* box to feed native mode and it will display SD in a very natural screen filling 16:9.
HD also can be shown in 1:1 which looks specacular, and DVDs through component show in proper proportion in full aspect ratio. ( A word to the wise--turn off Auto Aspect" and set each input to the one you like and it will stay that way unless you change it for a particular movie or show. Otherwise the set defaults to settings you may not like as much).
The 3 HDMI inputs are very welcome as are the 2 component inputs. You can name inputs and hide the ones you don't want to deal with.
I found the picture settings right from the box very satisfying. I could tweak it in the future, but really no rush. The Menu access is extremely easy to follow and use for all adjustments.
One thing I noticed is that the off center view angle is, perhaps more limited than advertised. It falls off (gets washed out) more in the neighborhood of 45 degrees that 80. So be sure to keep your room in mind when you see one on display, while you check it to the sides. Maybe the larger models or the 167 series are less sensitive; I don't know.
Bottom line-- I am delighted with this set. You do get what you pay for, perhaps more in this case. |
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