Toshiba 26AV502R 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 26.4 x 19.8 inches ; 21.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 25 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001TA8B4W
• Item model number: 26AV502R
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,120 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Review (March 12, 2009)
Strikingly gorgeous in high-gloss piano black, the 26-inch Toshiba 26AV502R 720p HDTV combines quality, style, and value. It features Toshiba's DynaLight dynamic backlight control for deeper black levels and two HDMI digital inputs for simple high quality connection to cable/satellite boxes, DVD players and more. It includes a PC Input for use as a PC monitor or gaming TV, and--unlike other smaller TVs--it also features a Gaming Mode to shorten the signal to screen time for faster game controller response. And this HDTV, like all Toshiba 2009 TV models, meets Energy Star 3.0 certifications for reducing energy consumption by up to 25 percent compared with standard TVs.

The elegant Toshiba 26AV502R 720p HDTV (see larger image).

In addition to this 26-inch model, the Toshiba AV502 series also includes the 32-inch 32AV502R and 37-inch 37AV502R. For a step up to 1080p resolution, check out the RV525 series 40-inch 40RV525R. (Learn more about what size TV should you get.)

Key Features

• 720p resolution (1366 x 768)
• 60Hz video scan rate
• 10-bit video processor offers more colors
• DynaLight Backlight Control utilizes advanced image processing to monitor the brightness of each video frame, and adjust the backlight intensity accordingly. This precision creates seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis.
• Native Mode restores the size of the picture by the 3-5 percent that is generally lost during the normal over-scanning that occurs on traditional sets.
• Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuning allows for tuning of standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts, in addition to digital "cable-in-the-clear" broadcasts.
• Cinema Mode 24 fps (3:2 Pulldown): This HDTV performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal, too-- a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. To adapt 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video, frames in the original movie must be duplicated; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this duplication by removing the redundant information to display a frame-accurate picture.
• Color Temperature Control: Most Toshiba televisions provide three user-selectable Color Temperature settings affect the sets overall white balance. The "Warm" setting reduces the color temperature to an NTSC standard 6500 degrees Kelvin and delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room. "Medium" and "Cool" provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.
• TheaterWide: Sets with TheaterWide modes are ideal for displaying HDTV signals as well as enhanced for widescreen television DVDs.
  • TheaterWide 1:Letterboxed image is digitally expanded 33 percent horizontally and vertically. Useful for reproducing Academy Standard (1.85:1) formatted software.
  • TheaterWide 2:Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 42 percent vertically. Particularly of use when viewing narrow letterboxed images originally filmed in Panavision or CinemaScope.
  • TheaterWide 3:Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 24 percent vertically. Can be utilized when displaying letterboxed images that incorporate narrow bands at the top and bottom of the picture.
• Gaming Mode enhances the gaming experience by reducing the amount of time it takes for the signal to travel from the game controller to the TV.
• Channel Browser allows you to easily scan through the last 32 channels you have viewed, with screen images for the last five channels displayed, by channel, by favorites, and by input, at the touch of a button.
• Channel Labeling allows you to put station call letters on the screen along with the station numbers, so you always know what channel you're watching.
• Energy Star 3.0 compliant
• Warranty: 12 months for parts and labor

Connections

• HDMI (version 1.3): 2
• Component: 2
• Composite A/V: 2 (1 front, 1 side)
• S-Video: 1
• PC input (15-pin, D-Sub): 1
• Digital audio output: 1 optical

Dimensions TV with stand: 26.4 x 19.8 x 9.2 inches (WxHxD) TV without stand: 26.4 x 18 x 3.7 inches (WxHxD) Weight: 21.8 pounds VESA mounting pattern: 100mm x 200mm What size TV should you get?

What's in the Box 26-inch Toshiba 26AV502R HDTV Removable stand Power cord 4-unit universal remote control (with batteries) Printed documentation

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Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

Product Description

26" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio)

High-gloss black finish

Built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required)

Built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required)

CineSpeed 8-bit LCD panel (1366 x 768 pixels)

10-bit digital video processing

DynaLight dynamic backlight control for improved contrast and black level

Built-in stereo speakers (10 watts x 2)

multibrand remote control

picture settings memory for each video input

2 composite video (1 rear, 1 side)

1 S-video

2 component video (accepts signals up to 1080i)

2 HDMI (accepts signals up to 1080i)

PC input: analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin)

RF input for antenna/cable signals

Optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital

Energy Star compliant (new standard) see our article on TV power consumption for more info about this and other testing standards

Detachable stand

Wall-mountable (bracket not included)

Dimensions: (WHD) 26-1/2 x 18 x 3-3/4 In.

Dimensions: (WHD on stand) 26-1/2 x 19-7/8 x 9-1/4 In.

Weight: 21.8 lbs. with stand

Warranty: 1 year parts & labor carry-in service

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good TV Value, with great sound, easy to use controls and superb remote, July 9, 2009

By 

Blair "blair52" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba 26AV502R 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

Note: I purchased this 26" LCD TV one week ago. As I am waiting for the cable company to upgrade my service, this set is simply receiving a standard cable signal without benefit of a converter box or High Def signal. Many LCD owners consider the signal source a major factor in image quality -- so I want to be clear on this point at the outset. Also, my DVD player is more than 5 years old and does not upconvert.

PROS:

Easy to install base pedestal. Four screws (provided) and a phillips head screwdriver are all that's needed. Instructions were clear and straight forward. Hooking up the coax cable took only a minute.

Superb remote control. Layout is intelligent and intuitive -- a pleasure to use. Glows in the dark (bright!) Sleep timer button is well placed on the upper corner and easy to access without even looking. Easily one the best designed remotes on the market and a pleasure to use.

Picture and sound set-up controls are very easy to understand. Owners manual instruction very clear and straightforward.

Sound is excellent. Very good quality and volume. Treble, Bass, and Balance controls are easy to use if you choose. For it's size and likely application -- a bedroom or a small den -- the sound is really quite good. This set has forward facing speakers -- not down firing as many LCD sets have.

Picture is fair to good. Live TV broadcasts such as news programs and talk shows appear brighter and with better, cleaner colors than movies -- especially films with dark scenes. DVD programs appear much better. (Please note again the standard coax cable signal source I am presently receiving)

2 HDMI inputs and multiple others. More than enough for most applications.

CONS:

Picture not as sharp as I would like, especially broadcast TV as opposed to DVD (standard DVD). Also, I am noticing scenes go from dark to light and back for no apparent reason. This could be due to a setting which may be improperly set .. but I've tried it both ways but see the same effect.

One other frustrating scenario for example: multiple camera shows. For example, a news program where you have an anchor in the studio and a reporter in the field. The anchor looks pretty good but the field reporter might look a bit green or orange. Other sets even this out, the Toshiba does not.

Conclusion:

For the money, this is probably the best value on a 26" LCD TV on the market today. Prices under $[...] are out there. If you are an "average" TV viewer, you may find this set to be just the ticket for your bedroom. But, if you have a critical eye, you may find the tuner or signal processing unit on this set a bit under par compared to Sony and Samsung -- perhaps more sophisticated technology, but which also carry price tags of $[...] and more higher.

Once I get a better cable signal, I may amend this review. Indeed, I will decide whether I am keeping the Toshiba or spending the extra money for the Samsung 26". So please "stay tuned".

UPDATE: Yesterday I installed a Panamax PM8-HT 8-Outlet Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector. The image quality of this TV increased markedly! Panamax PM8-HT 8-Outlet Power Line Conditioner and Surge Protector

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toshiba stands tall with 26av502R, March 17, 2009

By 

Jim Agliata - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 26AV502R 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I bought the 26av502r (no diff in the "u" except menu style from what I'm told from Toshiba CS. They are required to change model numbers if alterations of any kind are made). This TV surprised the S*&^ out of me. Colors were beautiful right out of the box. HD is top notch and SD is strong (I have ATT-Uverse). Sound is great as speakers point straight toward you ( not like some that point down [Samsung]}. Set up was a breeze. Menu's are easy to follow. I have a a Sharp D64U and a Sony XBR2 and this set holds up against these two brands. Anyway, I got the set on sale from Fry's for $349 and for the price it's a steal.

EDIT 3/21/09: Moved this set to my office where I am hooked up without a set top box to Time Warner cable. Well the channel changeing is now extremely slow. 5 full seconds after last digit input before channel appears (if you have a set top box you will probably be fine like I was with the ATT-U connection). 3 seconds when surfing up/down button. It's like dial up on a computer. It Sucks!!! I called Toshiba and they say there is no cure for it except go back to set top box. I'll see if I can put up with it up as I have about 3wks left on the 30 day return policy at BB. I would change the star rating to 3 stars but couldn't find a way to do that.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 26-inch Toshiba--Good Picture, Limited Sound, September 14, 2009

By 

John Bartoli (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba 26AV502R 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I bought this 26-inch Toshiba LCD to replace a much older TV. The picture is adequate though tending towards the red spectrum and the 720p makes for some rather watery movements. It has the full array of connections, and I love connecting my laptop and using the big screen as a monitor. However, the sound is not loud enough. When I turn the volume up all the way we should be blasted out of the small bedroom where it is but it's nowhere near that loud. I've "fixed" it by adding some old external computer speakers but it was a disappointment. Picture also shows some crazy "paint box" like display on startup that goes away if you push any button ont he remote. But, hey, it was cheap enough and serves its purpose.