Toshiba 47TL515 LED 3D TV (TPV 104)

Featuring passive 3D technology, Toshiba’s 47TL515 lets you watch 3D movies with inexpensive 3D glasses that don’t need batteries

RECOMMENDED SETTINGS

Do note that the Toshiba features independent picture memories for each input, so you’ll need to tweak the settings for each input separately.

• Color: -5
• Tint: 0
• Sharpness: 0
• Picture Mode: Movie 1
• Backlight: 40
• Color Temp: 0
• Gamma: -2 (measures 2.20)
• HD size (1:1 pixel-to-pixel): Native
• Dynamic Contrast: Off
• Color Master: Off
• Auto Brightness Sensor: Off
• DynaLight: Off
• NR: MPEG: Off; DNR: Off
• Edge Enhancement: Off
• ClearScan 240 Hz: On
• Film Stabilization: Off or Low
• ColorMaster: Off

PERFORMANCE

3D Blu-ray Evaluation: IMAX Under The Sea

Detail

The principal difference between passive polarized and active shutter 3D technologies is the reduction of vertical resolution that is part and parcel of passive polarized technology. Sit too close to the screen, and you’ll clearly see the odd/even line structure that’s inherent in the passive 3D system. From further back, it’s not so noticeable, though, but with sharp on-screen text, it never really goes away.

Color

Do trim the color back a few steps (as indicated in our recommended settings, above). You’ll be rewarded with a rich color palette that isn’t overly vivid.

Blacks

Although the TL515 features LED edgelighting with local dimming, there are some scenes with some noticeable contrast washout, which makes deep blacks fade a bit here and there.

Shadow Detail

As the camera weaves through a grove of mangoes just slightly above the waterline, there are spots where shadow details fade in and out, but not excessively so.

Artifacts/Noise

The opening credits feature crisp text that expands out and moves toward the viewer. As each line of text reaches its maximum size, noticeable ghosting becomes apparent. That’s another limitation of passive polarized 3D technology.

Also, it has to be emphasized that in order to achieve the best 3D experience, the set must be positioned so that the center of the screen is exactly in line with the viewer’s eyes. If there’s any deviation (that is, if the TV is placed too low or too high relative to the viewer), the 3D effect simply disappears and very noticeable ghosting becomes immediately apparent. And we’re not talking about a foot or too; we’re talking about mere inches here. That, too, is another limitation of passive 3D technology, which you’ll need to carefully consider before you decide to go that route.

Additional Comments

I connected a 2D Blu-ray player to the Toshiba to test out the TV’s 2D-3D upconversion capability with this disc, which features both 2D and 3D versions of the movie. The 3D effect that the Toshiba provided was quite mild—results that fall pretty much in line with what I’ve seen with other 3D TVs that have upconversion capability.

Broadcast HDTV Evaluation: The Voice (NBC)

Detail

From an HD standpoint, this show has some of the best production values that I’ve ever seen. When adjusted to our recommended settings, the TL515 puts forth a wonderfully crisp and clear picture that’s sharp as a tack.

Color

On the test bench, the TL515’s HD color gamut accuracy scored a very good B+, and the TL515 provides a wonderfully colorful picture with natural looking flesh tones.

Blacks

This episode has the host wearing a black leather jacket, which is nicely rendered. The whole show looks very good in this regard, with no evidence of black crush.

Shadow Detail

Artists waiting their turn to perform are lit from above and behind, and although they’re almost completely in the shadows, the TL515 does a good job of ensuring that details are clearly visible.

Artifacts/Noise

None noted.

BOTTOM LINE:

While Toshiba’s first generation of 3DTV’s that debuted in 2010 featured active shutter technology, the fact that they’ve now embraced RealD’s passive polarized approach indicates that they’re anxious to appeal to those consumers who are wary about purchasing expensive active shutter 3D glasses.

From a 2D standpoint, the Toshiba performs very well indeed. From a 3D standpoint, it delivers pretty much the same 3D image quality as other 3D passive polarized sets out there. If you’re not terribly fussy about achieving the best possible 3D imagery, the Toshiba has a lot going for it.