Toshiba 26HL83 26-Inch TheaterWide High Definition LCD TV

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 83 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000AQK5L
• Item model number: 26HL83
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #249,872 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 24, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Boasting such sophisticated video-enhancing technologies as Toshiba's HD Dynamic Contrast and CrystalScan HDSC, the 26HL83 26-inch TheaterWide high-definition LCD TV stands fully apart from its CRT contemporaries. The 1280 x 768 resolution set displays true 720p HD signals, providing the ultimate in picture quality whether you're watching hockey and football or viewing a HD-filmed nature special. The HD Dynamic Contrast adds to the clarity by continually analyzing the picture information and enhancing the parts that sport the most detail, resulting in a sharper, deeper, more film-like image. The CrystalScan HDSC feature, meanwhile, upconverts all video signals (including 480i/p) to 1080i HD. This ensures a significant reduction in jagged-line artifacts, thus producing a smoother, more natural image. Users can also select 540p from the onscreen menu should they want to display a progressive scan image from a progressive scan source, such as a DVD player.

In addition to the video extras, the LCD TV offers a number of intrinsic benefits over traditional CRT monitors and TVs, including general ease of use, freedom from eye strain (no screen flickering or radiation emissions), quiet operation (no high-pitch "flyback" noise, an issue with CRT TVs), accurate image geometry (no curvature distortion or susceptibility to magnetic interference from, say, speakers), long screen life (with no risk of image burn-in), space savings, and light weight.

To guarantee a clean, sharp picture from RF sources--such as older VCRs or laserdisc players--and composite video signals, the TV employs a 3D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction. The filter processes the video information more accurately while significantly reducing motion artifacts in complex or intricately detailed scenes. The TV also offers Cinema Mode (3:2 pulldown switch) circuitry, which identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.

Other features include an HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with split-screen and multiwindow viewing (the TV also lets you watch signals with two different resolutions, such as 480p and 1080i, at the same time); TheaterLink IR (lets you operate your video components by pointing the remote at the TV screen, even if the components are hidden away); CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction (improves poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable sources); individual audio/video settings by input type; sleep and wake timers; SurfLock; and a host of parental controls, including GameTimer (restricts your kids to a set time for games), channel lock, and video input lock.

The 26HL83 is no slouch from an audio perspective, either. The 10-watts-per-channel TV's Sub-Bass System (SBS) heightens the impact of low-frequency audio, while the SRS WOW function combines SRS 3D sound (with its wide, three-dimensional sound field) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices) functions. And if that's not enough aural excitement, you can also enjoy two-channel simulated surround sound courtesy of the Virtual Dolby option.

And like most modern TVs, the 26HL83 offers a raft of high-end connectivity options, including dual ColorStream HD component video inputs (Y, Pr, Pb), which provide the ultimate in picture quality from high-res DVD players or satellite receivers (among other sources). The DVI-HDTV input with HDCP, meanwhile, affords a true, uncompressed digital video connection with High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. The two sets of rear AV inputs and set of front inputs (including an S-video input) foster easy connections to a camcorder or gaming console. Finally, the TV includes a rear audio input--choose from fixed or variable level feeds--for hooking up to a surround receiver.

The TV, which sits conveniently on a table using the supplied stand or mounts on the wall via optional brackets, measures 32.33 by 18.75 by 5.25 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
LCD TV, desk stand, remote control, warranty card, user's manual.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great TV, August 31, 2004

By 

C. Ward (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 26HL83 26-Inch TheaterWide High Definition LCD TV (Electronics)

I bought it a week ago online from Costco for $1999 plus shipping. I realize this is last year's model and that the 27HL84 is the newer one. I was attracted by what appears to be Costco's generous return policy: full refund, no time limit. If it breaks, I'll just return it to the store. We'll see how forthright they are.

The picture in HDTV and Comcast digital cable is tremendous, with HDTV having the edge by a large margin. The side stereo speakers are alkso excellent, not as good as my audio set-up but very acceptable. Remote doesn't work well with the Comcast cable box. You lose most of its functions, like stepped mute and split screen. Still there is that great picture. Toshiba phone support was responsive and knowledgable.

I highly recommend this television.