July 2007
Toshiba Regza 42HL67: First Look
We preview Toshiba's new 42-inch LCD HDTV with 720p resolution
Toshiba LCD TVs have performed very well in our tests over the last few years, and early indications are that a new 42-inch
set, the Regza 42HL67, will be no exception. Like some other new models we’ve seen, this TV has addressed key weaknesses of
LCD technology, resulting in better-than-average black levels and viewing angle, and reduced motion blur in fast-moving scenes.
In preliminary tests, we were impressed with its fine picture quality.
The 1366x768 resolution can’t match the detail of the best 1080p sets, but the benefits of that higher resolution aren’t very noticeable on screens smaller than 50 inches or so. (The exception would be if you want to use the TV as a computer monitor, in which case you might appreciate the higher resolution. For more tips on resolution and picture quality, see our report Get the best picture.)
At $1,400, the 42HL67 is relatively low cost for an LCD set of its size, making it a worthy alternative to plasma TVs. If you must have 1080p resolution and are willing to spend $400 more, check out the Regza 42HL167. It’s similar in many respects to the 42HL67 but has finer resolution and some additional features. (Can't decide what is best? Read our How to choose: LCD or Plasma HDTV? report.)
We’re testing both models and will publish full results in our next Ratings (available to .) In the meantime, you can check out other new models in our report on new big-screen LCD and plasma TV choices.
Here’s what we found in our initial look at the 42HL67.
HIGHS
Fine image quality. The 42HL67 does a lot of things right. Blacks are quite deep for an LCD, brightness and contrast are very good, and colors are rich and natural, with the warm color temperature we expect from properly calibrated TVs. Details are sharp and clear, making the most of the screen’s 720p resolution. It adds up to a terrific picture.
Wide viewing angle. With some LCD sets, the picture loses color accuracy and can look washed out or dim if you stray even a little from a front-and-center viewing position. With this TV, there was much less change in the contrast and color when viewed from the side.
Smooth motion handling. Toshiba tackled another bugaboo of many LCD screens by improving motion handling on the 42HL67. When we displayed test patterns designed to pinpoint streaking or blurring of fast motion, this TV did better than many LCD sets we’ve seen, though the problem isn’t completely eliminated.
Loads of inputs. In addition to three HDMI 1.3 inputs, this TV has two HD-capable component-video inputs, a VGA PC input, and an additional DVI/PC input.There’s a side-mounted composite-video input for easy attachment of camcorders, video games, and other devices.
LOWS
Slight color shift on video content. When watching high-definition video (most HDTV broadcasts, as opposed to film-based movies on DVD), we found that flesh tones had a greenish tinge--a minor quibble at most.
No picture-in-picture (PIP) and no CableCard. These aren’t must-have features, but if you want them, this isn’t the set for you.
BOTTOM LINE
The Toshiba Regza 42HL67 has a lot going for it. In our preliminary review, we were impressed with the picture quality, which had an almost three-dimensional appearance that made images pop off the screen. The brightness and contrast made a strong showing in bright, daytime lighting--not the best milieu for plasma sets--and in dim lighting. If the set does as well in full testing, it’s likely to wind up as one of the top performers. While marketers make much of 1080p resolution (so-called “full HD” models) don’t dismiss the 42HL67 and its 720p resolution without checking out the picture for yourself. The value of 1080p resolution is marginal with a 42-inch screen so why pay for it?
The 1366x768 resolution can’t match the detail of the best 1080p sets, but the benefits of that higher resolution aren’t very noticeable on screens smaller than 50 inches or so. (The exception would be if you want to use the TV as a computer monitor, in which case you might appreciate the higher resolution. For more tips on resolution and picture quality, see our report Get the best picture.)
At $1,400, the 42HL67 is relatively low cost for an LCD set of its size, making it a worthy alternative to plasma TVs. If you must have 1080p resolution and are willing to spend $400 more, check out the Regza 42HL167. It’s similar in many respects to the 42HL67 but has finer resolution and some additional features. (Can't decide what is best? Read our How to choose: LCD or Plasma HDTV? report.)
We’re testing both models and will publish full results in our next Ratings (available to .) In the meantime, you can check out other new models in our report on new big-screen LCD and plasma TV choices.
Here’s what we found in our initial look at the 42HL67.
HIGHS
Fine image quality. The 42HL67 does a lot of things right. Blacks are quite deep for an LCD, brightness and contrast are very good, and colors are rich and natural, with the warm color temperature we expect from properly calibrated TVs. Details are sharp and clear, making the most of the screen’s 720p resolution. It adds up to a terrific picture.
Wide viewing angle. With some LCD sets, the picture loses color accuracy and can look washed out or dim if you stray even a little from a front-and-center viewing position. With this TV, there was much less change in the contrast and color when viewed from the side.
Smooth motion handling. Toshiba tackled another bugaboo of many LCD screens by improving motion handling on the 42HL67. When we displayed test patterns designed to pinpoint streaking or blurring of fast motion, this TV did better than many LCD sets we’ve seen, though the problem isn’t completely eliminated.
Loads of inputs. In addition to three HDMI 1.3 inputs, this TV has two HD-capable component-video inputs, a VGA PC input, and an additional DVI/PC input.There’s a side-mounted composite-video input for easy attachment of camcorders, video games, and other devices.
LOWS
Slight color shift on video content. When watching high-definition video (most HDTV broadcasts, as opposed to film-based movies on DVD), we found that flesh tones had a greenish tinge--a minor quibble at most.
No picture-in-picture (PIP) and no CableCard. These aren’t must-have features, but if you want them, this isn’t the set for you.
BOTTOM LINE
The Toshiba Regza 42HL67 has a lot going for it. In our preliminary review, we were impressed with the picture quality, which had an almost three-dimensional appearance that made images pop off the screen. The brightness and contrast made a strong showing in bright, daytime lighting--not the best milieu for plasma sets--and in dim lighting. If the set does as well in full testing, it’s likely to wind up as one of the top performers. While marketers make much of 1080p resolution (so-called “full HD” models) don’t dismiss the 42HL67 and its 720p resolution without checking out the picture for yourself. The value of 1080p resolution is marginal with a 42-inch screen so why pay for it?
