electronicsme - Electronics / Televisions made easy

Print this page

Toshiba 55ZV650U: Review

Posted to Televisions 2009-08-28

The Toshiba 55ZV650U HDTV is a 55-inch full HD 1080p LCD TV, the latest in Toshiba's excellent REGZA series. It features a 240Hz refresh rate, a 14-bit digital video processor and Dolby Volume technology for consistent audio level. I/O options include 4 HDMI, 2-component video, 2 composite video, 1 S-video and a PC (VGA) input.

Additional I/O includes a USB port, an SD card slot and 1 optical audio digital output. The unit includes ClearScan 240 for smoother fast motion, built-in analog and digital tuners, a 24p cinema mode with 3:2 pulldown for displaying progressive scan content in its native mode and REGZA-link, which allows for the control of other HDMI components using the 55ZV650U remote. It also features a gaming mode and comes with a 4-device universal remote control unit.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Value

The 55ZV650U is one of the most reasonably priced 50+ inch LCD HDTVs on the market. Toshiba didn't scrimp on features to achieve this price, though. The unit has all of the features you're likely to need as the basis for a complete home theater system. The wealth of I/O options allow you to use this set with the latest digital technology, yet retain compatibility with your existing equipment.

Features

This would be 4 stars (out of 5) instead of 3, but for the lack of internet connectivity, something we've come to expect in home theater equipment. Most of the competition offer this feature, but to be fair they are priced a bit higher, too. Otherwise, the 55ZV650U has an excellent feature set that enables it to produce excellent quality images. The Dolby Volume technology is excellent, allowing you to maintain a constant level during commercials and comfortably listen to those pesky movies where the characters are whispering one moment and there's a loud action scene the next.

Summary

If you're putting together a home theater system the 55ZV650U definitely deserves a look. It has all the features you need to base a system on, has excellent image quality under a variety of lighting conditions and is reasonably priced. Couple it with a Blu-ray player and a 7.1 channel surround system, and you've got one of the best home theater experiences available.

Pros

55 inch LCD HDTV
Full 1080p resolution
240Hz refresh rate
Wealth of I/O options
Dolby Volume technology

Cons

There are no cons for this product