Toshiba 46UX600 LED/LCD HDTV (TPV 89)

Toshiba’s latest LED HDTVs feature a bevy of Internet-enabled functions

Shadow Detail

Close-ups of the three backup singers during the opening number have them at the back of the stage, and stage elements in the shadows can be clearly seen.

Artifacts/Noise

None noted.

Broadcast HDTV Evaluation: The Pacific (HBO via Dish Network)

Detail

As you would expect from a mini-series co-developed by Stephen Spielberg and Playtone’s Tom Hanks, this excellent WWII docu-drama is redolent in lush detail, with production values as good as any blockbuster theatrical release, and is crisply presented. The opening title features a close-up of an artist’s charcoal pencil crumbling across parchment paper in slow motion and is sharp as a tack.

Color

While the movie has an ever-so-gently muted color palette that suggests that earlier era, the program is also interspersed with in-studio interviews with a number of WWII vets, shot in HD. With our recommended settings, the skin tones are completely natural and believable.

Blacks

Numerous nighttime battle scenes look better with the dynamic backlighting turned off.

Shadow Detail

Similarly, the detail in shadowy parts of nighttime scenes is improved by deactivating the dynamic backlighting and turning the dynamic contrast down to its minimum setting.

Artifacts/Noise

None noted.

BOTTOM LINE:

What a difference a year makes. Last year, Toshiba introduced their first LED backlit models, but those sets lacked internet connectivity. With their new LED edgelit UX600 series, Toshiba moves to the front of the pack in terms of internet apps functionality.

The Vudu interface is slick and colorful, and with over 100 apps/channels at launch, there’s surely something in there for everyone. Vudu claims to have more HD titles available for rental than any of the other online services, and Toshiba is to be credited for providing a Wi-Fi adapter as part of the set’s accessory kit, as opposed to making it an extra-cost option.

Where the Toshiba comes up a bit short is in the connectivity department, as the single component video input probably will have some potential buyers that own two or more legacy analog video source devices looking elsewhere.

SPECS & PRICING

Toshiba 46UX600 LED/LCD HDTV

Screen size: 46” diagonal
Pixel resolution: 1920 x 1080
1:1 Mode: Yes
Video inputs: 4 HDMI, 1 component, 1 RGB PC
Other connections: 1 stereo audio input, 1 PC audio input, 1 optical digital audio output, 1 ATSC/NTSC/ClearQAM RF input, 2 USB ports, 1 SD card slot, 1 LAN port, 1 IR output
Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.9” x 28” x 2” (w/o stand)
Weight: 46.3 lb.
Warranty: 1 year parts & labor
Price: $1,700

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