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Toshiba 37X3030D Review |
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Reviewed: 28 April 2007
Design
Along with other LCD TV manufacturers, Toshiba obviously equates 'Glossy' with desirability. The entry level Toshiba 'C' series LCD TVs are finished in matte black while the 37X3030D along with its stablemates has a high gloss black finish. Very few consumers however will consider the 37X3030D brash, as a minimalist appearance and classic claw like pedestal combine to produce a piece of kit that will grace any living space.
Features
Along with the rest of Toshiba's 'X' series, connectivity is good rather than outstanding. 2 HDMI, 2 Scarts, Composite input, Component input, PC input and built-in Freeview and analogue receivers complete a fairly standard set of connections.
Screen size & shape: 37in 16:9 Tuner: Digital Sound system: Stereo Resolution: 1920x1080 HD Ready: Yes Contrast Ratio: 3200:1 Brightness: 500cd/m2 OTHER FEATURES: Acive Vision LCD, DNR SOCKETS: 2 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, S-Video, Composite, PC input, Sub-woofer terminal.
Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) differentiates all 'X' series models from the entry level 'C' range. 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 HD DVD discs and Sony's PS3 games console.
Picture processing technology comes courtesy of '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 37X3030D'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 37X3030D 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 37X3030D 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 37X3030D, like the 42X3030D 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.
Having experienced the awe inspiring High Definition (HD) performance of the 42X3030D, we were expecting the same from the 37X3030D. We weren't disappointed as the pictures again are outstanding, with a sharpness and clarity that we have not seen bettered by any 37in LCD. 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 37in 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. Our one concern is that Freeview SD pictures are noticeably poorer than Sky's SD pictures. The fact is that for 1080 format screens, Freeview’s video must be artificially boosted to fill the screen, and this would be a concern for consumers who's majority of viewing is through Freeview.
The audio capabilities of the Toshiba 37X3030D 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 Toshiba 37X3030D is a great all round performer for the 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 arguments in favour of a 37X3030D are hard to resist.
