Toshiba 40RV753 LCD TV Review

The Toshiba 40RV753 is the successor to the company’s Regza RV635 series of LCD TV back in 2009. Sadly, due to the economic turmoil and recent high net losses, Toshiba has withdrawn its traditional premium quality HDTV range from the western market, following in the footsteps of Sharp, JVC and Hitachi to concentrate their efforts in Japan and other Asian countries. The Japanese TV maker also transferred manufacturing from Plymouth to Poland in an effort to cut labour costs.

With these points in mind, we were not really expecting the Toshiba 40RV753 to surpass its South Korean competitors, but thankfully our reservations failed to materialise. In fact, the 40RV753B could be one of the best 40-inch LCD displays on the market. So without further ado, let’s move on to the review.

Note: The specific model we tested was the Toshiba 40RV753B, which denotes the 3-pin-plug British version, even though the same LCD television may be marketed by major retailers/ etailers as Toshiba 40RV753, 40RV753B, 40RV753D or 40RV753DB. Because the LCD TV is in direct competition with the Samsung LE40C580 in terms of features, performance and price, they will be compared against each other from time to time in this article.

Design

Thankfully the design and build quality of the Toshiba 40RV753 have not been sacrificed in comparison to the RV635 range. The ultra-tough plastic shell and piano-black finish are all too familiar. Despite cost-cutting, the company still managed to preserve the illuminated Toshiba Logo at the front, which complements the overall design and elevates its status. In fact, one could mistake the 40RV753B to be of higher value (akin to the previous models).

Toshiba 40RV753

In addition, just like its predecessor, the Toshiba 40RV753 features a hard power switch for complete shutdown during prolonged absence.

Connections

The location of the AV ports and the build quality are in keeping with today’s standards. The PSU is located in the middle, and the mainboard (which contains the processing elements) is located on the right. It might have been better to place the PSU on the left to prevent interference and heat build-up, as the mainboard is quite large and has less room to breathe compared to the Samsung LE40C580.

Rear connections on Toshiba 40RV753

It is also worth noting that the power cord is attached to the LCD TV, which could pose a problem to some users.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The Toshiba 40RV753’s GUI is identical to the 32RV635 we reviewed in August 2009, with all the features intact. The GUI’s performance is also similar, which is not bad to say the least, but its responsiveness could probably be improved to enhance user experience.

Picture submenu

The user menu is filled with both basic and advanced options, which may confuse some users, but it is better to offer such picture-affecting controls than not. Unfortunately, the 3D CMS (colour management system) remains broken: some relabelling is required since [Saturation] controls the luminance, and [Luminance] seems to control the gamma. Thankfully gamma and greyscale controls are well implemented.

The 40RV753B also features independent source and resolution settings, allowing users to customise the image according to the source and resolution.

Note: [Picture Mode], [Aspect Ratio], [Sleep Timer] and [Media Player] can be accessed via the [Quick Menu].

Remote

Remote control

The supplied remote is essentially the mid-range 2007 model that has been reintroduced into circulation, which is certainly better than the low-end remote that is often bundled with budget Toshiba sets. Responsiveness could be improved, but overall the performance is comparable to others we have tested thus far.

Calibration

Greyscale and Gamma accuracy is vital for portraying any given image correctly. Therefore, the display must be calibrated to a set of standards used by the industry. In the case of HDTV, the set standard for colour space is Rec. 709, (which is similar to sRGB). Both standards share the identical white point (D65), and we chose the gamma value of 2.2.

Greyscale calibration ensures all greys between black and white are free from colour dominance, which is achieved by assigning the RGB values to 6500K Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT). Regrettably, it is not possible for a television display to yield 100% accuracy, so the goal is to maintain errors within acceptable levels (as indicated by Delta E values).

Unfortunately we were unable to obtain flat 6500K CCT and 2.2 Gamma via any of the default presets. However, setting Colour Temperature to 2 and Static Gamma to -5 did yield acceptable level of quality. Akin to previous Toshiba models, the 3D CMS is flawed, but thankfully it can be used to set the correct luminance levels of primary and secondary colours.

Note: The results below were obtained by placing the colorimeter at the centre of the LCD screen to ensure error values are kept to a safe minimum.

Greyscale

Pre-calibration CCT
Pre-calibration CCT in [Movie] mode
Pre-calibration RGB Tracking
Pre-calibration RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs)
Post-calibration CCT in [Movie] mode
Post-calibration CCT in [Movie] mode
Post-calibration RGB Tracking in [Movie] mode
Post-calibration RGB tracking and dEs in [Movie] mode

Gamma

Gamma curve in [Movie] mode Gamma tracking in [Movie] mode
Gamma curve in [Cinema] mode Corresponding gamma tracking

Colour

Post-calibration CIE chart in [Movie] mode
Post-calibration CIE chart with reference to HD Rec.709
Post-calibration Luminance levels in [Movie] mode
Post-calibration colour luminance (coloured bars = targets; black bars = measured values)

Benchmark Test Results

Benchmark test results

Uniformity

The Samsung LTA400HM02 LCD panel embedded within the Toshiba 40RV753 produced excellent overall uniformity, which is quite remarkable for SPVA panel. During the pure white test (100IRE), the classic red and green tinting commonly found on LCDs was absent. Backlight bleeding was well controlled (non-existent to the human eye), and the panel uniformity was typical for a consumer-grade display. There were few visible defects and imperfections across the panel (e.g. transparent vertical bars), which hinder calibration accuracy somewhat. However, such errors are common to most consumer-grade LCD TVs, and are extremely difficult to avoid.

Black uniformity

Grey uniformity

Contrast Ratio

The Toshiba 40RV753B in [Movie Mode] with white level (contrast) set to 100 yielded a dynamic range of 2167:1 (BL: 45) and ANSI of ~2167:1 (BL: 45), which is rather average for a 2010 SPVA panel since the LTF400HM01 embedded within the Samsung 40C580 managed to surpass 4000:1 without the help of backlight dimming. Then again, we haven’t seen any S-PVA out side of Samsung yielding such deep blacks.

Black level on Toshiba 40RV753

Black level on Samsung LE40C580

Motion Performance

Upon testing via PixPerAn, it was immediately apparent that the motion signature of the LTA400HM01 is identical to LTF400HM01. Thankfully, unlike the LTF400HM01, the LTA400HM02 does not suffer from inverse ghosting, which means the Toshiba 40RV753 is an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate this artefact.

Motion blur inherent to LCDs is widely regarded as a negative attribute. In truth, the detrimental effect is exclusive to High-Motion Contents (48, 50 and 60i/p) as it obscures fine details during motion. Low-Motion contents (24, 25 and 30p) however benefit from the inherent blur, as it helps to reduce frame judder caused by prolonged latency between individual frames thus creating the illusion of continuous free-flowing motion, which appears easier on the eye. Some refer to it as soft motion as opposed to hard motion where continuous images appear as series of stills due to the lack of blur. Since the majority of today’s contents are based on Low-Motion (which includes the majority of Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 titles), a standard 60Hz LCD is more than sufficient. However, fans of fast-paced contents and 60p games should avoid LCD and invest in a plasma TV instead.

Overscanning: The aspect ratio can be configured via the Quick Menu, which offers wide range modes to choose from.

Blacker than Black (HDMI): The Toshiba 40RV753B accepts both 0-255 and 16-235 formats via HDMI (RGB).

Pixel structure

Viewing Angle: The viewing angle of the LTA400HM02 LCD module is identical to the LTF400HM01 found on the 40C580, which is quite average and suffers from excessive gamma shift. On bright contents, visible evidence of off-angle gamma shifts and desaturated colours are kept to a bare minimum. However, on dark contents, off-angle gamma shifts highlighted portions of the image that should remain invisible to the viewer. It also highlighted noise and dithering artefacts caused by heavy compression, which could pose a problem if the owner’s friends are highly critical concerning image quality. Thankfully, viewing the unit dead-on from the recommended distance of two meters did amend the imperfections. If one requires a HDTV display with wide viewing angles, it is best to opt for a plasma television or an IPS LCD (preferably locally-dimmed for deeper blacks).

Sharpness: The Toshiba Regza 40RV753 fully supports full 1:1 pixel mapping.

Picture Quality

To evaluate the picture quality rendered by the LCD TV, a couple of carefully chosen images are used to detect visible artefacts/errors. Image Aeon is used to detect errors in skin-tone, luminance and depth, while Acela Express is used to detect greyscale and gamma error in addition to black crush.

Aeon

The Toshiba RV753 yielded good results following basic calibration in Movie Mode. The preset greyscale was slightly shifted towards green, which can only be rectified via colorimeter.

Once calibrated to Rec. 709 and 6500k, the mass shades of warm colours that envelop Charlize Theron’s face, neck and chest were clearly visible (close to a calibrated display). A sense of depth was also present.

Acela Express

As predicted, the performance of the Toshiba 40RV753B was excellent and comparable to the calibrated Dell 2209WA once calibrated. There was no evidence of any serious black crush or any form of gamma error.

HD & SD

As expected, both high-definition and standard-def materials were beautifully rendered via HDMI on the Toshiba 40RV753, thanks to the HDTV’s outstanding 10-bit processor. I failed to spot any form of error that would normally destroy or severely impact the picture quality (even though the colour chromaticity wasn’t perfect). The three secondary colors and the primary green color failed to conform to the Rec. 709 standard, but thankfully, we couldn’t spot any errors without a reference display and even then, we only noticed minor difference when paused or displaying still images. The most notable difference was the skin tone, which appeared to be slightly recessed, but it did help create natural and convincing look (unlike the C580, which had heightened magenta that can only be reduce to tolerable levels by adjusting the tint and flash tone).

Even though the 3D CMS was flawed, it did help us obtain the correct colour luminance for all primary and secondary colours.  However, it is worth noting that it will only benefit those who own a colorimeter and possess the necessary skills. The 40RV753 also fully supports 4:4:4 and 10-bit  in Game and PC mode, which is ideal for those who wish to use the display as a monitor.

It is a shame that the Regza 40RV753 is fitted with an LCD panel with slightly inferior black level that failed to match the black-level performance of the S-LCD 40C580 with its plasma-beating blacks (excluding 2nd-Gen NeoPDP screens). However, the black level was still sufficient to render dark scenes with a certain degree of depth.

On the negative side, the Toshiba 40RV753B lacks true 24p support. During testing, the LCD television accepted 1080p/24 video signal, but it was converted to 60p via 2:3 (Telecine Pull-Down). We do not believe this to be an error, as previous standard LCDs from Toshiba did not feature true 24p support.

Console Gaming

The input lag of the 40RV75B is similar to that measured on the Samsung 40C580 (both yielding around 35ms in Game Mode), so the Toshiba LCD HDTV is ideal for console games. However, gamers who often play 60p games may want to invest in a Panasonic NeoPDP plasma for smear/blur-free motion with ultra-low input lag, but make sure to factor in phosphor trailing as this phenomenon may annoy users who are sensitive to uneven phosphor decay.

Audio Performance

Previous Toshiba TV sets were praised for their acoustic performance, but unfortunately the sound quality of the Toshiba 40RV753 is only comparable to last year’s Samsung flat-screen LCD models. Simply put, it is merely suitable for dialogue, which is rather bizarre considering the 40RV753 is fitted with the same-size speakers as the 40C580. Fortunately the audio can be outsourced to a pair of Active Speakers or a surround sound system.

The cheapest solution is to purchase the Creative T20 Series II and connect it via the 3.5mm Headphone Jack on the TV. It will allow the user to directly control the sound via the LCD television’s remote.

Conclusion

Pros

  • Excellent HD Performance
  • Excellent Design and Built Quality
  • Accepts Blacker than Black (HDMI-RGB)
  • Excellent Greyscale (Post-Cal)
  • Excellent GUI and User Configurable Options
  • Inaudible Transformer Noise
  • Quality Remote
  • Excellent Overall Uniformity
  • Relatively Low Input Lag
  • Free from Overdrive Artifacts
  • Good Dynamic Range and ANSI Contrast Ratio
  • Full 4:4:4 Support
  • 10-bit Processing (even in Game and PC Mode)

Cons

  • Viewing Angles (Excessive Gamma Shift)
  • Lack of True 24p Support
  • Pixel Response (Room for Improvement)
  • Poor Sound Quality (in Comparison to 2009 Model)

Summary

Initially we were not expecting the Toshiba 40RV753 to perform well in any category, but boy are we glad to discover that our expectations were misplaced, because the LCD TV is really an excellent alternative to the Samsung LE40C580. In fact, the Toshiba is superior to the Samsung in all aspects except for the black level and the on-board audio.

Between the 40RV753B and the LE40C580, opt for the former (Toshiba) if you don’t fancy your chance of obtaining an A-MVA panel with the Samsung C580, or if you place greater value on image accuracy over deeper blacks. On the other hand, if you are after more stylish aesthetics, plasma-beating blacks and integrated media capabilities at the cost of minor colour inaccuracy, then opt for the Samsung.

Highly Recommended

21 comments

  1. Nice review. Hopefully 2011 will bring some better TV’s.

    For those wanting a better gaming alternative at this size check out the Philips 40PFL8605H which is reported to have 16ms on input lag by Digital Versus.

  2. You write that the tv has excellent uniformity. That does not seem to be the case with the picture I’m seeing – the one you have posted.

    Sure, it can be due to my computer screen, or the low image quality of the picture you have posted, but something is definitely wrong. Just look at the two images of the Samsung 580 and the Toshiba. The 580 shows excellent uniformity, whereas the Toshiba does not, at all. Its screen is much lighter around the edges, especially the right-hand side. This does not show “Excellent Overall Uniformity”.

    You should look into this, since your review loses credibility.

  3. @ Dean

    The camera’s sensor detects low light much better than the human eye, so it will highlight imperfection that are not visible to humans; and if you’re viewing it on an uncalibrated display, it will highlight the imperfections further.

    Also, I used the same image I used for the C580’s comparison, which means the exposure was set higher than usual.

    Simply put, when you view it (even in a pitch black room), you won’t notice any bleed or clouding.

  4. This review does not read like a ‘highly recommended’ to me, more like a simple ‘recommended’.

    Also, It seems as you are being a bit less critical when it comes to imput lag recently. 35ms is still quite high and needs to be reduced in new TV’s I would of thought?

  5. @ Benzi

    This is the only budget TV (£350-400) that has 10-bit processor with native 10-bit support, full 4:4:4 support, effective grayscale option and 3D CMS. Even though the 3D CMS is broken, it does allow users to set the correct luminance level. Also, in Game Mode, the TV retains its 10-bit processing and 4:4:4, which is amazing to say the least.

    It is why we gave it Highly Recommended Award. There’s also no major issues associated with the 40RV753 (e.g. excessive banding) and it’s the ideal TV for PC use.

    As for the input lag, I do agree, but it’s tolerable for most games. But tbh, I don’t see how Samsung can improve the lag on S-PVA panel without drastically altering its technology.

  6. Thanks for the reply. I probably should of considered the price before commenting.

    As for input lag, I hope more people become educated in this issue so forcing the manufacturers to make this more of a priority, and recognise low input lag as a major selling point. Seems to me that a lot of the TV buying public (not regulars to this site obviously) think response time and input lag are the same.

    Keep up the great work guys.

  7. Yes that is very true and I bet manufactures would want to keep it that way. Having stated that, I believe Toshiba did take the initiative to lower input lag. But here’s the problem, even if they create an LSI with lag of <5ms, they still have to source the panel and each mode has it own lag. For an example, IPS is faster than S-PVA but it has poor black level. A-MVA is the best option, but the quality control isn't as good as S-PVA. So it's difficult to for manufactures to lower input lag since they do not manufacture the core components (except for Samsung, LG and Sharp, which doesn't apply to all models)

  8. Did not expect such a quick follow up after the Sony Review, thanks. Some questions though.

    –So what about Panel Lottery for Toshiba? And how to verify it?
    –4:4:4, how to test if your Set got it right?
    –10Bit Processing, how to test that too?

    And yeah. In Germany (where I’m from), of course there is no RV753 Model. We have one called RV743 (God, i hate that). So you can’t be sure if that’s the exact same Model do you?

    Best Regards.

  9. David Reviewed the Sony and I reviewed the Tosh some time ago ^_^

    – As far as I’m aware, there’s no panel lottery issues.

    – You can use the simple Microsoft Paint (e.g. red text over green background).

    – You’ll need modern ATI card to output 10-bit color. The RV753 will inform you of the source data :)

    Unfortunately I don’t if the Germany and UK models are identical. There’s very little information regarding Toshiba sets these days.

  10. Quote: “As expected, both high-definition and standard-def materials were beautifully rendered via HDMI on the Toshiba 40RV753, thanks to the HDTV’s outstanding 10-bit processor”

    But you have to use a PC with a modern ATI Card to use it? Reading that line makes one think it would be a “general” advantage. I mean most people wont output they (either Lo or Hi Def) Material under these circumstances. Looks like that’s one of the more forgettable features then.

    —————————————————————————-

    Black level, Uniformity and Input Lag are my top criteria for choosing a TV. Sounds like a Plasma call, but i still fear image retention. My primary source would be a modern PC via HDMI, but fitted with an NVIDIA card (GTX460). I’d just hate to let the TV control my habits. :(

    The best to you guys.

  11. There are many devices that support 10-bit colors (including the PS3). Also, 10-bit processor is essential for processing 8-bit source as it provides space for round-up quantization errors for band free image.

    I think the 460 should be able to output 10-bit (but have to double check on that). Plasma would be the better option, it it has its own set of issues.

  12. Just a quick question is this LCD panel the same on the 37RV753?

    Thanks

  13. I believe the 37″ has AUO’s A-MVA panel, and some have reported the dreaded buzzing issue.

  14. I may be little off-topic but you have much more experience – so do you know any good 37″ LCD TV ? There are good 32″ and 40″ (like this Toshiba) but all 37″ as I am aware are those controversial A-MVA… Thanks in advance.

  15. No sorry

    It’s odd how 37″ is ignored by all brands

  16. Hi,

    Thanks for the awesome review. Just a couple of quick questions :

    Do you know if the review will also apply to the 32″ version? (32RV753)?

    Also, you say that : “This is the only budget TV (£350-400) that has 10-bit processor with native 10-bit support, full 4:4:4 support”.

    Can you think of other less budget TVs that have these features? I’ve been trying to trawl the reviews to find some but haven’t had any luck.

    Thanks a lot

    Dan

  17. the 32″ should have all the features, but I’m not sure about the panel though. If it is anything like the last years model, then it would be a problem.

    And no, there is not other set with such features.

    PS; sorry for the late replay

  18. Hey Nielo, thanks a lot for that.

  19. Hi Nielo, I now have this tv after taking back a faulty Panasonic Plasma. I must say I am very pleased with the whole package, compared to my previous Sony 40 inch Lcd this Toshiba picture brings out a superb Hd picture from Ps3 and Sky Hd which we have just got. Just wondered if you could help me out with the settings as there seems to be none on the internet anywhere!! I have tried a couple of calibration discs but to no real effect… how do I get it as close to D6500 as possible?

    Any help would be much appreciated.

    Regards

  20. Can I just say watch out for the low end Toshiba sets found in Argos, Currys and catalogue shops etc which are rebadged Vestels. The tell-tale sign of a Vestel LCD set is a “subwoofer out” phono socket on the back. They are really poor TVs.

  21. Hey Nielo,

    could you share the calibration settings for this TV?

    Thanks a lot

    Janis

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