PICTURE QUALITY It generally did a very good job displaying the fine detail of HD content, but we noted some added sharpness and edge enhancement processing which we could not turn off, but it wasn't overly distracting. There was also some slight loss of fine texture likely due to noise reduction processing. Color accuracy was very good, with image content, and flesh tones in particular, looking natural. Color temperature was slightly on the cool side, lending images a bluish tone. Contrast--the difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites--was good, so images had depth and dimension, typical of most models we test. The brightness level was good, making it a suitable choice for most rooms. Black levels were generally good, though not as dark as better performers on the darkest scenes. In scenes with subtly shaded light-to-dark areas, such as a sky during sunset, the model did an excellent job producing a smooth transition without distinct, coarse bands. The deinterlacing and film mode operations were excellent on HD content; there was little or no trace of jaggies on the edges of objects for video and film-based 1080i video content, such as from cable.
VIEWING ANGLE This Toshiba has a narrow viewing angle overall, below-average performance among TVs for this attribute. Only those seated directly in front of the screen will see the best picture quality. When we viewed the TV from the sides image quality degraded significantly. The picture showed a moderate loss of color, so flesh tones looked a bit washed out, along with a moderate color shift. Black levels visibly brightened, reducing contrast especially on dark scenes. When viewing the image from above or below eye level to the screen, the vertical viewing angle was very good. The picture showed minimal change in color, contrast, and black level.
ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE Overall, falls short. This Toshiba UHD TV delivers very good 4K picture detail, and with very good HD-to-UHD upconversion. All native 4K content we played on this model, including movies and test videos, showed very good detail when played back via the TV's HDMI input, but fell short of full 4K performance. Our 4K resolution test patterns revealed visible loss on the finest detail, but on 4K videos this was not so apparent. This model also supports video streaming of 4K programs via Netflix and YouTube, and images were a bit soft on detail, not as crisp as we've seen on better performing sets. Unfortunately, picture adjustment controls are not accessible when streaming so you can't optimize image quality, though we found the default settings adequate. Using the TV's USB port, we were not able to play back any of our 4K videos stored on a flash drive, encoded in the HEVC, MP4, and VP9 formats, which was disappointing. Digital photos via USB were aggressively over-sharpened so images lacked fidelity and looked unnatural, and again, with no access to picture controls to correct this. This TV does not support HDR (high dynamic range) or extended color capability. With regular HD content, the TV's HD-to-UHD up-conversion processing was very good, with edges along diagonals of image content showing very slight jaggies, just short of the best we've seen. All three of the TV's HDMI inputs comply with the latest HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 specifications for both copy protection and 4K video play back at 60Hz, a requirement for compatibility with 4K movie play back devices such as a 4K Blu-ray player.
MOTION BLUR This Toshiba TV has only fair motion performance, with significant blurring on our motion tests. This is typical of LCD TVs with the basic 60Hz frame rate. This model does not include a blur reduction feature. The visibility of blurring on typical program content is often subtle and may not bother most people, but keen-eyed viewers may detect some loss of texture and detail on scenes with movement.
SCREEN REFLECTIVITY Though not as mirror-like as on some models, this screen surface is glossy and therefore susceptible to reflections from a nearby lamp or window. It does a good job reducing glare from ambient light and maintains contrast in a brighter room environment.
SOUND QUALITY This model has good sound quality; about average among the models we've tested. When watching a movie blockbuster, a concert, or TV show, it delivers decent performance but falls short of the better performers. With movies, dialog was generally clear and natural sounding and remained well balanced with respect to background music and other sounds. Bass was adequate, which added some fullness to the sound, but treble lacked detail, and the overall sound was closed in. The speakers produced a good volume so this model should play sufficiently loud in typical room environments and without obvious distortion. Also, at higher volume, dynamic compression kept the sound from distorting, but also limited the clarity of peaks in loudness, which can be a bit distracting on some audio content. Most people would find this sound quality acceptable.
EASE OF USE Overall, it was OK to setup and OK to do routine things. Out the box this TV is not "Smart." To access movie streaming and other advanced internet capability via Google Cast will require the use of a separate mobile device or tablet, not included with this TV. The TV does not include an on-screen guide to help you through a first time setup.
STAND ASSEMBLY The TV's base does not come pre-attached, so some assembly is required. Mounting the support stand to the TV is straightforward, though the stand requires the assembly of one part before mounting. The TV's stand extends to the far ends of the display, which means the table top you'll be setting the TV on will need to be at least as wide as the display itself.
INTERNET FEATURES This TV provides advanced Internet capabilities via its "Google Cast" portal with access to a library of applications. Movie streaming services include: Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, YouTube, HBO Go.
CONNECTIONS This model has three HDMI inputs--one supports MHL (Mobile High-definition Link), one composite input, and no component input. It also has one USB port, an optical digital audio out, a headphone out, an Ethernet port. WiFi wireless networking. Casting, to control the TV from a smartphone that has the suitable app installed. Screen mirroring, where the image on your smartphone or other compatible device can also appear on the TV. The cable connections on the rear panel are recessed with side or bottom-facing ports, so wires don't protrude beyond the display's depth.
INCLUDED IN THE BOX A quick start guide. A remote control with batteries. No printed manual is included.
ABOUT FIRMWARE VERSION: Our test results and picture settings are valid for the version of firmware indicated. If your TV's firmware differs from the one shown you either have an older or a newer version. Manufacturers may periodically upgrade the TV's firmware to enhance operation, fix bugs, or add features. Firmware upgrades may be downloadable directly to your TV via a wired or wireless network (if internet capable), or USB port, depending on your TV's capability. You can check your TV's firmware version, or upgrade to the latest firmware by pressing the menu, or home button on your remote and navigating to the appropriate submenu, typically under settings. Consult the user manual or manufacturer's website if further guidance is needed.
