Customer Reviews

Toshiba CZ36V51 36" TV

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This TV is extremely popular for all the right reasons. I own several TVs and was looking to upgrade to a large screen. I went around to many stores to compare the picture quality of several manufacturers. This model was equal or superior to all in the 35 inch or above category, except for HDTVs and WEGAs which cost thousands. I have digital cable and the picture on this Toshiba is even better than the set I replaced. My VCR was simple to hook up and, even though it is not new enough to take advantage of the S video or component video, the picture quality is superb. I can't wait to upgrade my VCR now and also purchase a DVD player to truly take advantage of all this TV has to offer.

I have owned this TV for almost month now, and am still very proud of my purchase after viewing lots of tubes and projections in the showrooms. I currently have my DSS connected to the s-video input (RCA audio), my DVD to color stream (RCA audio), my VCR to RCAs, and local TV to coax, and my camcorder to the front panel RCAs - and can switch between them all with the touch of ONE button on the remote, no more messy cable swapping. The TV itself is well-designed, all though I found the on-screen menus a bit frustrating, but I never use them, just that magic one button on the remote. This TV is loaded with inputs/outputs that similarly priced models lack - look carefully. The picture quality is stunning, I ranted and raved about it out loud the first night I watched a DVD using the Color Stream inputs. I don't have a receiver, and the built-in audio suffices with a noticeable difference when switching between normal and surround modes. Its plenty loud. I think the 170lbs weight is a misprint, my neighbor and I moaned carrying it up 6 small steps. This TV is VERY heavy and not easy to carry (it wants to tip over). The remote is a poor design, I bought a cheap universal the very next day. I kept picking it up and trying to use it backwards, cuz of its awkward weighting and couldn't find a single button in the dark. For a quality picture with plenty of integration options, this is an EXCELLENT value. Despite its minor inadequacies, I give it my highest rating. And don't forget to buck up for a delivery/setup service.

Buyers of this set should be familiar with all of its outstanding features and how to use them in order to maximize its performance.Those willing to read about color temperature,black levels,and other picture settings offered on this set can expect a picture equal to other sets that list in the 1200-1800 dollar range.This sets theater mode has been written about in home theater magizines and described as one of the best calibrated in the industry,As a die hard audiophile-videophile,I can strongly recommend this set!At this price its one of the best bargins available...anywhere!

I read all the reviews possible about all the different 36 inch tv:s (and bigger). I was either going for this one or sonys flatscreen babies. For you who are hesitating between the same tv:s. Go for this one. The screen is not flat, but it's far from as round as old tv:s. it's actually close to flat I think. The tv is heavy and BIG. It almost did not go through my door and two poor guys from Eagle USA (who deliver like no other!) dragged it up my small stairwell to my apartment. But oh the joy. Sound is absolutely above average (I'm still getting home theater system). Picture is sharp as hell! (850 lines) with no strange blurrs or sharpness problems or other things you read about on other tv:s. I haven't seen ONE flaw yet! and I've tried a lot of freaky combinations on this tv. it kicks sonys butt. Just look at all the other reviews about this tv! it works so well! I just plugged in DVD, cable tv, playstation, and poof.. there it was! This is by far the best tv I have ever owned, and as a technology freak, I highly highly recommend this tv. Just make sure it fits in your livingroom.. hehe

It's a great set a an even greater price. And with a horizontal resolution of 850 lines, you can't beat the picture at that price! Try anything under that resolution and you'll be sorry unless you're sitting 20 feet away!

I also recommend you buy the Toshiba SD2109 DVD player with Color Stream (R) technology. Since this set also has Color Stream (R), both used in combination produce an even more true-to-life picture.

I bought this unit recently (actually the V61 model, which is the same tube) and returned it because of the poor color. I'm not going to go into details here, but if you're interested, read my review on audioreview.com under the V61 unit.

Basically, the tube is incapable of producing a white color - it's pink instead. If you watch a hockey game, you'll see what I mean. The ice is pink. Look at the unit in a store and compare it to, say a nearby Sony or JVC - you'll see the pink tone in the Toshiba. What's worse - you can't adjust the pink out of the picture. Adjusting the tint control just makes everything green.

I like Toshiba as a brand, but their large direct-view TV tubes are poor (32" & 36"). However, the clarity is EXCELLENT. The clarity impresses you in the store enough to buy the set, until you get it home and all the flesh tones are pink. I adjusted the controls to no avail and even bought a DVD disc specifically for setting the sharpness, brightness, color and tint, but it didn't help.

I thought I had a bad set until I looked at all the other sets at the store. Again, if you're interested, read my review on audioreview.com ... COMPARE THE COLOR BEFORE YOU BUY THIS SET!

I consider myself somewhat of a A/V hobbyist haunting audio salons in NY and NJ since 1974 and this is one hell of a bargain. It has every feature I was looking for especially Component Video (Color Stream)which is a very visible advantage over S Video. Good Job Toshiba !

I replaced my 32 inch Mitsubishi (which I thought was one of the best pictures I had ever seen) with this set. Quite frankly, it leaves the Mitsubishi in its' dust. I run Digital Direct TV through this thing and it is remarkably razor sharp. I also run a Toshiba DVD through an "S" video hook-up and it too is flawless. (I am tempted to replace my DVD with a color stream model just to see what it looks like). The surround mode is incredible although it could use a bit more bass. The on-screen controls are somewhat clunky and the thing weighs about 300 thousand pounds, but otherwise, this TV is a fantastic addition to my home theater system and I would recommend it to anyone anywhere anytime.

This is an excellent unit at a good price...I wish there was more bass in the sound but other wise the unit is flawless and I live in NYC and priced this unit and it was $1049 at one of our big retailers.

I did extensive research and found that this Toshiba had the right balance of performance for price and I have been very pleased ever since we got it out of the box. This is the only TV in this price range that has component video inputs. But buyers should be aware that they will long for a DVD player to take advantage of those inputs.