Built-in Freeview HD may be all the rage in the flat TV world, but to millions of Brits it�s a complete waste of time. Many UK homes have either a Sky+HD or Virgin V+ box that already supply plenty of high definition channels, so Toshiba has relented from packing its latest 32-inch LCD TV with the very latest tech – and instead has put it on sale for a paltry ?379.
Even more impressive is that Toshiba has hit that startlingly low price point while retaining a relatively mid-range look, although the curved gloss black screen surround is a tad wider than we�d like.
The budget star of Toshiba�s LV2 Series features a Full HD resolution and a decent haul of ins and outs. Three HDMI inputs should be enough for most, while inputs for a PC and Component video are useful – the latter will please Xboxers with enough high-def gear to otherwise occupy this set�s HDMI inputs. Also on the back are two Scarts and a digital optical audio output, while a side-panel contains the third HDMI, a USB 2.0 port and a CAM slot to hold a Top-Up TV viewing card.
Regza Link is a standard Toshiba tech that can see the 32LV713�s remote work other Tosh gear, while Active Vision picture processing is also on board.
There are compromises, but they�re few. The lack of a fourth HDMI input is one, and the basic Freeview tuner another, and though the 32LV713 does include a USB port and the set�s software can play back JPEG photos and MP3 music, it can�t cope with video files.
Play a Blu-ray disc through the 32LV713 and what�s immediately striking is the set�s decent contrast. Black areas of the picture – so often tinged with blur or grey on budget LCD TVs – appear a lot more convincing on this LCD panel. Detail is also high and a clean image is studded with natural, well saturated colours if Cinema Mode is engaged. We did notice a touch of judder during fast camera pans and some blur over fast moving footage, but neither problem is a deal breaker. And for a TV with an 8ms response time and no 100Hz option, SD pictures are surprisingly watchable.
Freeview pictures also impress, though a reference-level this TV is not; note some jagged edges and picture noise applies to both Freeview and DVD. Meanwhile the set�s floating 8-day electronic programme guide is well presented, easy to use and quick to respond to commands from the distinctly budget-looking remote control.
Sadly we can�t remain as upbeat when it comes to the 32LV713�s 10W Nicam Stereo speakers, which are about half as powerful as they need to be and include a surround option that merely amplifies; a home cinema is an absolute must-have accessory – though at this low price that�s a financial possibility.?
Verdict
The 32LV713 is proof once again that if you�re simply after a good quality flatscreen TV there�s no reason to be cajoled into spending money on features you don�t need; this 32-incher�s combination of good value LCD pictures from all sources and a low price make it a set worth searching out if you�ve already got (or plan to buy) a home cinema system, though it�s worth noting that a 40-inch 40LV713 version of this same model costs just a ?100 or so more.
Related posts: