Toshiba Regza 46LX177: A Deep Dive into Features and Performance
The Toshiba Regza 46LX177, a 1080p LCD television released in 2007, boasted innovative features like 120Hz ClearFrame technology and THINC network capabilities. This in-depth review explores its strengths and weaknesses, delving into its build quality, menu system, interactive features, calibration results, and overall viewing experience.
Toshiba Regza 46LX177: Feature-Rich and Network-Ready
The 46LX177 aimed to stand out with its 120Hz refresh rate, designed to reduce motion blur and flicker. Toshiba also emphasized its THINC system, offering Ethernet connectivity for email, photo, and music access directly on the TV. Key features included:
- 1080p resolution with Deep Color and 24p support
- Three HDMI inputs
- 120Hz ClearFrame technology
- THINC Ethernet network system
- DynaLight dynamic backlight control
- ATSC, NTSC, and QAM tuners
Build Quality and Design: A Premium Aesthetic
The 46LX177 showcased a piano-gloss black finish, giving it a sophisticated look. Inputs were conveniently located on the rear and side, including three bottom-facing HDMI ports, component, composite, S-video, and a PC input. The TV also featured an optical audio output and an RJ45 Ethernet jack for THINC functionality.
One notable advantage was the ability to store independent picture settings for each input, allowing for customized calibration per device.
Navigating the Toshiba Regza Television Menu System
The 46LX177’s menu system was generally user-friendly, with well-organized sections for picture, audio, preferences, and setup. The Channel Browser offered convenient access to recently viewed channels, antenna/cable channels, inputs, and favorites. While the integrated help system showed promise, it lacked depth and clarity.
The Video menu provided comprehensive picture adjustments, including Picture Mode, Noise Reduction, Game Mode, xvYCC (Deep Color), and Theater Settings with extensive scaling options. The inclusion of a Game Mode to reduce input lag was a significant plus for gamers.
Toshiba Regza Remote and Interactive Features: Email on Your TV?
The large backlit remote, while functional, lacked direct input selection buttons and an easily accessible backlight toggle. The standout feature was the THINC system, enabling users to check email, browse photos, and play music directly on the TV.
The email functionality worked surprisingly well, retrieving messages from a POP server. The audio player supported MP3 playback with metadata display, while the picture viewer allowed for slideshows with customizable intervals.
Calibration and Performance: Mixed Results for the Toshiba Regza TV
Calibration revealed a significant green deficiency and an unusual gamma value. While the Movie mode with Warm color temperature offered decent grayscale tracking, the lack of user RGB calibration controls hindered optimization. ANSI contrast measurements were disappointing, indicating weak black levels.
HQV benchmark testing revealed significant weaknesses in video processing, particularly with standard definition sources. While 120Hz ClearFrame technology reduced motion blur in some instances, it also introduced artifacts in test patterns. The technology was most effective in minimizing judder with 24p content.
Viewing Experience and Conclusion: A Promising but Flawed Toshiba Regza TV
Despite calibration and benchmark shortcomings, the 46LX177 delivered a generally pleasing viewing experience with high-definition content. Colors appeared vibrant, and detail was impressive. However, a noticeable halo effect around the screen edges impacted black level performance.
The Toshiba Regza 46LX177 presented a compelling blend of innovative features and stylish design. While its video processing and black levels fell short of expectations, its network capabilities and overall picture quality for high-definition content were commendable. However, its subpar performance with standard definition and its flawed video processing held it back from achieving true greatness.
