Toshiba 40RV525R 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

by Toshiba

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10 x 39.3 x 26 inches
• Shipping Weight: 46 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001TA1DOC
• Item model number: 40RV525R
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,855 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Manufacturer's Review (March 12, 2009)
Strikingly gorgeous in high-gloss piano black, the 40-inch Toshiba 40RV525R HDTV offers a step up to 1080p Full HD while still maintaining excellent value. It features Toshiba's DynaLight dynamic backlight control for deeper black levels, a fast 8ms response time CineSpeed LCD panel, and three 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 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 40RV525R 1080 HDTV (see larger image).

In addition to this 40-inch 1080p model, Toshiba also offers these 720p models from the AV502 series: 26-inch 26AV502R, 32-inch 32AV502R, and 37-inch 37AV502R. (Learn more about what size TV should you get.)

Key Features

• 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080)
• 60Hz video scan rate
• 10-bit video processor offers more colors
• CineSpeed LCD panel has an 8ms response speed necessary for cleaner high-action home theater images. A wide viewing angle ensures that you'll have the best seat in the house.
• 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): 3
• 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: 39.3 x 26.9 x 10.9 inches (WxHxD) TV without stand: 39.3 x 25 x 3.8 inches (WxHxD) Weight: 42.1 pounds VESA mounting pattern: 300mm x 400mm What size TV should you get?

What's in the Box 40-inch Toshiba 40RV525R 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

The RV525 series combines a 1080p Full HD CineSpeed LCD Display with DynaLightâ"¢ dynamic backlight control and a High-Res PC Input for true home theater picture quality, and enhanced PC Gaming.

1080p Full HD CineSpeedâ"¢ LCD Display -- Todayâ?TMs highest resolution video content is 1920 x 1080 for over 2,000,000 pixels. A standard 720p HD display has less than 1,000,000 display pixels, and must discard half of the original video content, resulting in decreased picture detail. On the other hand, a 1080p Full HD Display has over 2,000,000 display pixels, maintaining the full video resolution and clarity. A CineSpeedâ"¢ Display has an LCD Response Time of 8ms or less to ensure that the display is also fast enough for high quality home theater.

DynaLightâ"¢ Dynamic Backlight -- Utilizes advanced histogram image processing to monitor the brightness level of each video frame and automatically adjusts the backlight intensity based on the image content. This precise signal analysis allows for 256 levels of backlight control and can create a Dynamic Contrast that is 7 to 10 times that of the original panel contrast. The result is a powerful picture with deep blacks for increased detail and incredible depth.

Gaming Mode -- Enhances the gaming experience by reducing game controller delay. The Gaming Mode allows the video signal to bypass select picture circuitry to shorten the overall signal to screen time. This provides an approximate 33 millisecond response improvement for 60Hz models and 48 millisecond response improvement for 120 Hz models virtually eliminating controller delay.

High-Res PC Input (15-Pin D-Sub) -- For connecting to computers, perfect for the true PC Gamer who likes a big screen. In the world of the video game enthusiast, the better the view, the better the experience.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

137 of 151 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great HDTV for its price, but..., July 6, 2009

By 

Kiyo M. - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba 40RV525R 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

Length:: 6:57 Mins

I uploaded a video of the Toshiba 40RV525R displaying some TV, Blu-Ray, and video game. (Just a small reference... obviously not going to be exactly how you see it in real life from a recorded video camera; on top of that, an internet video/low resolution/etc...)

This was my first real HDTV (supporting 1080p). Anyone can get super excited over their first HDTV and rate it a 5 star immediately (going from a standard definition to HDTV is definitely a major upgrade to anyone). However, if you're very PICKY like me, you'll be *somewhat* disappointed with the video quality.

If you're like me and have been drooling over the image quality from several of the high-end HDTV models (you know, the ones that cost over $1500-$2000+), on display in retail stores -- and then expecting to get the same quality out of this (okay, it was wishful thinking but you never always know just from prices...), well you'll be disappointed.

When I see those TV, I'd be blown away like I'm seeing directly through a window instead of a TV screen. Naively, I was hoping for that same effect. Don't get me wrong, it's not horrible that I would want to return this TV, but "you get what you pay for". (well, technically, it's still a little better than what you pay for... did that make any sense?) Just keep that in mind. For the price, though, I can't really complain so I'm keeping it.

You just won't get that super super sharpness with this. You need to be a couple feet away; up close, for the very picky eyes, you will easily notice the grainy/fuzzy-like-paintbrush/interpolated effect (I hate this...), muddled together than every object being 100% sharp to the minute detail.

The potential of the Blu-Ray image quality is definitely not there. Animation like Wall-E / Final Fantasy Spirits Within Blu-ray looks pretty good, but I'm just not that impressed when watching Dark Knight/Iron Man/Transformers/Black Hawk Down/The Matrix -- even tested it with Planet Earth and Baraka...to list a few. The graininess is just really obvious in all of them. Although, again, I am very picky in image quality.

The D-Sub connection for the PC is really worthless and waste of potential on the monitor; it only supports 1360x768 max. To get full 1920x1080 resolution from a PC, you first need a video card that has a DVI-out and supporting that resolution (or if it has an HDMI out then great).

Second, you need a HDMI male-to-DVI male cable to connect the TV to the PC's video card. I'm quite impressed with how PC games on this TV look at 1080; it easily beats from how games look on PS3. Definitely makes a great Media PC monitor.

Some other thoughts:
* I'm using the regular "rabbit ears" antenna and 1080i shows/channels still look pretty good with it.
* DVDs won't look as sharp like on a standard definition. However, again, if you're far away enough it can look okay. The contrast/blacks are definitely better/more feeling of depth in the picture. *updated thoughts at very below*
* The speakers aren't as bad as I thought. There is some surround sound. The bass is weak, but most built-in speakers are.
* When I first turned it on, 40" seemed really big to me. But after a couple weeks, it's not as big as I thought. It's good enough for a small room, but for a main TV in a large living room, you'll soon definitely want to have something larger. The screen does reflect a little bit.
* I think it's nice that it has 3 HDMI ports, which is more than enough for me. (PS3, PC thru HDMI)
* I really can't tell the difference having the benefit of "game mode" on when I play games.
* I usually turn the auto contrast mode off because it's apparent when it changes its brightness than being subtle. It's pretty annoying.

Pros:
- Good entry level HDTV at an affordable price (I can't believe I paid close to this amount for a small 19" PC monitor just a few years ago... ugh technology)
- Black finish/stand Toshiba logo glows (it can also be turned off through the menu)
- Games look good. (PS3/PC at 1920)
- Excellent for a Media PC monitor (using HDMI)

Cons:
- Doesn't look that great up close. It's not really sharp. It seems to interpolate/very grainy smudgy/"paintbrush"-like effect. (for us really picky-eye buyers)
- D-Sub is essentially worthless at 1360x768 resolution (use DVI-HDMI to connect to your PC!)

Considering this isn't Toshiba's higher REGZA model and the price, it's definitely a good entry level HDTV. Definitely far from a perfect 5 star, but if you're on a budget and not overly picky like me, you should be happy with this.

I recommend getting a HDMI cable too (don't be spending over ten dollars on it!)

Update: I was using the PS3 to playback DVD (it's supposed to upscale). However, I've recently tried playing a DVD back on a Philips DVP5982 (it has 1080p upscaling function also via HDMI) and it did A LOT better job upscaling than the PS3. The difference was quite noticeable. Of course Blu-ray video still has more detail, but the DVD looked almost as good! (depending on the DVD, the compression is still apparent, but properly upscaling that resolution really makes the difference) So I take my comment back about DVD looking not as sharp. Your mileage will definitely vary depending on what player you use, so if you have a better Blu-Ray player than the PS3 (what I used to playback Blu-Ray movies), you may get slightly better results than what I see.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tv and value for the price!, July 8, 2009

By 

A. Vittini (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 40RV525R 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I bought this television at best buy a few weeks ago, and I am incredibly happy with it. As stated by other reviewers, this is a SOLID entry level hdtv with only minor drawbacks.

Picture Quality: is GREAT. Those with INCREDIBLY picky eyes will be the ones that sit there and analyze each pixel, but the bottom line is this is a 1080p television and the blu-rays and video games I play through my PS3 (playstation 3) look fantastic. Absolutely can't beat the quality for the price!!

Sound Quality: this is where the tv gets shaky. the sound isn't great, just average. A different reviewer said that flat televisions don't become flat by getting large speakers, very true. you'll want to buy some sort of speaker system to go with the television to get that true theater experience. PERSONALLY, I just use the tv in my 10x12 room so the sound is adequate for me, but i'm still thinking of getting speakers.

Features: the tv has great black levels and colors. you will want to do alot of tweeking right out of the box because all of the factory levels are set so high. Once you get the tv to a good spot, just sit back and enjoy looking at all the cracks and crevices on people's faces. there are some features that I don't think do much, like "game mode" specifically, but they are nice to have.

OVERALL: If this is your first foray into the HDTV world, like it was for me, I would HIGHLY recommend this television. This is especially recommended for those of us on a budget, but wanting to make the move to HD.

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a solid entry-level LCD..., April 21, 2009

By 

lazza (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba 40RV525R 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

If you are, like I was, looking for a 40"-42" flat screen television for a secondary room (bedroom/den) then this Toshiba is worthy of consideration. The picture quality is very good, its digital tuner is sensitive (ie, brings in lots of stations), and its priced very competitively. My only complaints are:

- you will need to fiddle plenty with the color controls to get something that looks decent. Out of the box I found flesh tones looked very orange-y.
- the audio is fairly weak. Hooking the system up to a stereo/av receiver is almost a necessity.

So when price is considered this Toshiba unit is very good. Take price out of the equation and it is only fair/good. Buying this for a secondary room makes perfect sense.