
In addition to the video extras, the LCD TV offers a number of intrinsic benefits over traditional CRT monitors and TVs, including general ease of use, freedom from eye strain (no screen flickering or radiation emissions), quiet operation (no high-pitch "flyback" noise, an issue with CRT TVs), accurate image geometry (no curvature distortion or susceptibility to magnetic interference from, say, speakers), long screen life (with no risk of image burn-in), space savings, and light weight.
To guarantee a clean, sharp picture from RF sources--such as older VCRs or laserdisc players--and composite video signals, the TV employs a 3D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction. The filter processes the video information more accurately while significantly reducing motion artifacts in complex or intricately detailed scenes. The TV also offers Cinema Mode (3:2 pulldown switch) circuitry, which identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.
Other features include an HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with split-screen and multiwindow viewing (the TV also lets you watch signals with two different resolutions, such as 480p and 1080i, at the same time); TheaterLink IR (lets you operate your video components by pointing the remote at the TV screen, even if the components are hidden away); CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction (improves poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable sources); individual audio/video settings by input type; sleep and wake timers; SurfLock; and a host of parental controls, including GameTimer (restricts your kids to a set time for games), channel lock, and video input lock.
The 26HL83 is no slouch from an audio perspective, either. The 10-watts-per-channel TV's Sub-Bass System (SBS) heightens the impact of low-frequency audio, while the SRS WOW function combines SRS 3D sound (with its wide, three-dimensional sound field) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices) functions. And if that's not enough aural excitement, you can also enjoy two-channel simulated surround sound courtesy of the Virtual Dolby option.
And like most modern TVs, the 26HL83 offers a raft of high-end connectivity options, including dual ColorStream HD component video inputs (Y, Pr, Pb), which provide the ultimate in picture quality from high-res DVD players or satellite receivers (among other sources). The DVI-HDTV input with HDCP, meanwhile, affords a true, uncompressed digital video connection with High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. The two sets of rear AV inputs and set of front inputs (including an S-video input) foster easy connections to a camcorder or gaming console. Finally, the TV includes a rear audio input--choose from fixed or variable level feeds--for hooking up to a surround receiver.
The TV, which sits conveniently on a table using the supplied stand or mounts on the wall via optional brackets, measures 32.33 by 18.75 by 5.25 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
LCD TV, desk stand, remote control, warranty card, user's manual.
The picture in HDTV and Comcast digital cable is tremendous, with HDTV having the edge by a large margin. The side stereo speakers are alkso excellent, not as good as my audio set-up but very acceptable. Remote doesn't work well with the Comcast cable box. You lose most of its functions, like stepped mute and split screen. Still there is that great picture. Toshiba phone support was responsive and knowledgable.
I highly recommend this television.