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Toshiba 42X3030D: Final Conclusion

by Vincent Teoh & Colin Tang
17 May 2007

SUMMARY
The 42X3030D is Toshiba's latest effort in the 1080 LCD arena, holding it's own where colour and low-light detail is concerned.

PROS
> True 1080p panel, accepts and displays 1080p source.
> Excellent colour after calibration
> Attractive, gloss frame design

CONS
> Greyscale behaviour inconsistent
> No greyscale or gamma controls
> Mild digital noise

Pros

  • 1080 native resolution
  • 1080p HDMI input
  • 24 FPS (not tested)
  • Exactscan for 1080p source on HDMI and component
  • Smooth, refined colours after calibration
  • Good shadow detail
  • Effective deinterlacing
  • 3D colour management (only if you have good eyes or colorimeter)
  • Ample connections
  • Generous audio output – subwoofer, digital, analogue and headphone
  • PC aspect ratio to fit 1366x768 resolution on 1080 screen
  • 42 inches
  • Simple, elegant gloss frame design
  • SRS WOW sound
  • Fast setup with swiveling stand attached
  • Non-reflective screen

Cons

  • Gamma tracking not smooth
  • Mild digital noise
  • Below average viewing angle
  • No greyscale / gamma controls
  • May need service menu calibration
  • No PIP
  • Unattractive EPG
  • VGA supported resolution at only 1366x768

"Fortune favours the prepared mind"; in the end, this is what our reviews are all about. You get invited into our geeky little world and see what makes a TV tick. You may not care or feel that this is all too technical, but since a TV is probably the third or fourth most expensive purchase you'll ever make, it's probably wise to spend a little time researching it. We haven't found a TV this side of £2000 that has all the boxes ticked, but if we did, I guess we'd be selling them.

Which brings us to the Toshiba 42X3030DBuy this for £749.99 at Dixons
Free delivery for a limited time only. 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.

Qualified Recommendation


Back To: 42X3030D Review

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