Toshiba REGZA 42HL167 42" LCD TV

We liked the 42" Regza so much that we decided to get the 47" model, and we are glad we did!

When looking for a new TV, we knew we had to go with an LCD because of the bright reflections in our home from lights and windows. We wanted a bigger set, as we sit about twelve feet from the screen. The decision for the Toshiba was based a mostly on the great deal we got from our local Video Only store: $1899.

This model delivers a great picture and decent sound. The picture is capable of 1080P resolution (the best picture currently available, although anything above 720P is almost impossible to tell the difference from across the room. The quality of the picture you get is also based on what the original filming is done on, so even if you are getting a 1080P signal, if they have used 720i cameras, you are seeing a 720i image. The image is evenly lit and has excellent black colors (with many models, the blacks are dark grays). The picture is great--bright enough for a very bright room, with lots of windows. There are no reflections on the screen, though the black frame around the screen is glossy, and this might be distracting for some. The image can be set to various other brightness and contrast levels (movie, sports, standard, or a custom setting) depending on your preferences. The image can easily be viewed at sharp angles without much deterioration of the picture; one could sit off to the side and only four feet from the screen and still have an excellent picture. The sound is average: small speakers mounted below the screen provide some stereo effects and little bass. They are certainly adequate for TV viewing, but not for Home Theater. Clearly, the video is the emphasis here.

Set up was a snap, with easy to follow menu-driven choices. The remote is large and capable of doing just about everything except bringing me a beer during the game. This can be a problem because, when I get thirsty, I have trouble telling which button does which function, since most of them are shaped the same. I'll get used to it, but Toshiba should us more shapes, textures, and colors to help us out. The TV is very large, weighing about 80 pounds, so two people are necessary. It comes out of the box with the stand already attached, so you can set it on a table and you're good to go, but we had to remove the stand (an easy, five screw task)in order to attach the wall mount. Because it is so large, we actually used three people to mount it on the wall. There are plenty of inputs and also audio outputs for connecting all your equipment.

Features that I appreciate the most include the picture adjustments for size, which allow any signal to fill the screen. I also set my TV to the "warm" color setting, which gives a mild reddish tint and I think improves the overall view tremendously. The TV comes with the ability to read other remotes, and control two other units using an optional wire...this is handy if you have your DVD and Audio Amplifier in another room and want to control them remotely. There is also a setting to reduce the electricity "trickle" when your set is off; if you choose to use it you have to wait about 15 seconds when you turn it on, but it saves a lot of energy for those hours you are asleep, at work, or talking with your family.

Other features that we have found useful include the universal remote, which has worked well; channel labels, which allow us to give a three-letter name to each channel; and a video input label, which lets us identify each input (VCR, DVD, CD, Game Console, etc). This is handy considering there are eight different inputs to utilize! Another digital feature we like is the info button, which allows us to see not only the resolution of the signal but also a brief TV-guide description (those of you who have cable or satellite already get such help). There are other features, as well, including one to stabilize the volume (when advertisements come on, but also when exciting explosions occur), a favorite channel browser to skip the less-used channels, and a "freeze" button to allow you to freeze the image on the screen.

Since I do not pay for cable or satellite, another very important factor was the strength of the tuner. We live 15 miles from the nearest broadcast center and we use an HD antenna located in our attic. I have been very happy with our reception, with absolutely no complaints! Both the 42" and the 47" units are able to pull in great signals and, as I mentioned in my review of the 42" model, we have nearly tripled the number of stations we can watch as broadcasters usually send two or three stations instead of one.

Toshiba's reputation for quality and a large list of additional features round out the reasons why we are so pleased. Bring on the end of analog TV--this model will be with us for years to come.