Customer Reviews

Toshiba 36A43 36" TV

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have had this set for almost three months. I came here to see how much they cost to get one for my niece as a present and had to comment on the (at this time) only other review on Amazon.

The other reviewer stated, paraphrased, "thought this was the top of the line" and should be your first notice that this reviewer is misinformed. This model and the 36A13 (both listed at [money] MSRP on Toshiba's website at this time) are Toshiba's entry level 36inch televisions. Anyone who has researched televisions and spent more than ten minutes at the electronics store shopping and comparing would know pretty quickly this is not the "top of the line" even if just by noting the price is in the lower 1/3rd of 36inch units.

I am very happy with the display on mine. The real surprise came from watching many movies and sporting events with my brother and his family on both his Sony Trinitron Wega and this Toshiba 36A43. We both agree this Toshiba has a hands down better picture than the Sony. The Sony costs about [money] more. As a degreed engineer I can assure you that we have considered, and ruled out, differences in DVD/cable equipment and spent much time tweaking the controls. When all is said and done, the Sony came up to [money] wasted.

This is *not* the cheapest 36" TV you can buy, but in my opinion is the best value for a traditional (non-HDTV) unit on the market. If one spends time researching this model you will find many more positive reviews than negative. I should also note there is no comparison to a friend's "cheap" Sharp 36inch television, in his words "I wish I would have done more research, If I knew then what I know now I would have happily spent an extra [money]"

As a side note, before my purchase I also researched manufacturer reliability from both a well known consumer publication as well as a couple repair shops around town. Every response was very positive with a "go ahead" on Toshiba for reliability.

If you're seeking a 36in or bigger TV, decide on what class of TV U want/need.

This is best for entry level class (under $600) Got mine for $569.
There was a Panasonic CT36E13 for $650 that I thought didn't look as good as this Toshiba (too dark of an image)...and the Toshiba was way better than Sharp or Magnavox sets, and a little better than the RCA.

If you want to go next level, the Sony FlatTube Wega looks hands down incredible, but starting at $900, thats close to HD ready projection TV range.

And at the HD projection range, you start at about $1300 if your lucky, and there are other costs to consider. The HD reciever, better cables, big tv stand...and do I need to pay extra from my digital cable Co. for HD programing? Not sure, but it all gives me a headache. I guess I'm not ready for HD yet. Theyll be more common/cheaper/better in 5 years.

This Toshiba is the one for me. Very pleased

After returning a 32" Sharp for poor quality and researching reviews for televisions, I opted for the Toshiba. Trying to keep my cost to $500 or below, I thought I was shopping for the 32" Toshiba. Well, well, well, when I went to Best Buy, there it was...the 36" Toshiba for $499!! I've been watching this tv for a week and I think it rocks! I keep looking for problems because it seems too good to be true but, so far, it has been perfect and the quality far exceeds the other inexpensive sets. For the money, you CANNOT beat this television!!

I was thinking about the fact that we had this tv for over 6 years and it is still in perfect working order. I am very happy with the picture and sound quality of this television compared to any tv from the past. The only reason for only giving four stars is due to the extreme weight and size of the tv compared to the new LCD tv's.

I was really happy with this TV when it was new from Best Buy. Unfortunately, just a few months into the 1-year service period, a very loud rattling vibration sound started coming from the speakers at low or moderate volumes. I noticed it only happened for certain frequencies of sound, and called a repair company. They honored the service agreement and replaced the front of the plastic case for free, but the new one had the same problem. They told me it was a design flaw and they eventually had to modify the case by placing thin foam tape between the cheap vibrating plastic and the TV tube. That solved the noise issue, but now that the warranty has expired, when the TV is in full screen mode (normal TV signal) the image on the screen is `stretched' too far to the bottom and right. Basically, the TV *thinks* it's a 42 inch TV, but can only display the top-left 36 inches, so it's cutting off the bottom and right couple inches of the picture. Also, when the screen cuts to black, the image flickers severely, and the TV randomly turns itself off and on - another `feature' proudly advertised for this model. I think it has to do with the way it processes widescreen signals compared to fullscreen. I remember reading about the model having a feature where the "black bars" on the top and bottom of a widescreen signal are not processed, producing a darker black while watching DVDs or other widescreen images. Since the TV only freaks out with fullscreen and not widescreen pictures (either through the RCA, Composite or S-Video input), or when changing between fullscreen and widescreen signals, I think that's the problem. The warranty is expired now, so I'm forced to try and repair the set at my own cost. Overall, I'm VERY disappointed with a brand name I once trusted.