720p or 1080p - What's all that about?? (Toshiba 37AV615DB)

Member Name: jeffjen

Product:	Toshiba 37AV615DB
Date:	14/08/09 (150 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy set up and great quality.

Disadvantages: None for me

Having saved my Amazon vouchers for a few months from here and a few other survey and cashback sites, I finally had enough to buy a new TV!
I had spotted the Toshiba Regza 37" widescreen HD ready LCD TV on Amazon at a bargain 'hot offer' price of £448.00, its RRP being £699.

It felt great being able to order a brand new TV using my Amazon vouchers, and it felt like I was getting something free, and also a nice reward for my efforts writing reviews, completing surveys etc.

I ordered my TV last Friday with free delivery, and it arrived on Tuesday. After a few days getting used to my new TV, I now feel in a position to review it.

Now I am not the most techno-minded person, and do feel that technology is leaving me behind! My daughter was talking to me about resolution and 1080p, HDMI cables etc and I did not have a clue what she was on about!
"All I want is a new, larger TV, one of those LCD ones!" I replied after listening to her 'advice'.

I admit I did choose this TV because of the make and the price, it seemed a really good deal, and my daughter mumbled her approval, whilst still muttering about 1080p! - What????
She explained to me that the difference between 720p - which this TV is - and 1080p is the resolution (and also the price, I hasten to add!).
I nodded at her, pretending I understood, and she went on to say that 1080p is ' just better'.

I did a little online research and found that having a 1080p TV does not necessarily mean you will get a better picture than a TV with 720p. This is due to multiple broadcast formats and the varying quality of electronic components used in the TV's.
With all this information in my mind, I justified to myself it was not worth paying the substantial extra amount of money ( over £100) for the 1080p model and felt content with my choice.

The TV itself came very well packed in a large box. Once opened, it is basically just a case of attaching the stand to the bottom of the TV, which was easily done by lying the TV on a towel on the dining room table as directed in the instructions, with the bottom of the TV at the edge of the table. The stand then slots on to the TV and you are provided with four small screws to secure it.

Being 37 inches, the TV is quite large, and requires two people to carry it. I would not recommend trying to carry it alone. It weighs 20kg and because of its width is awkward to carry alone. We placed the TV where we wanted it and set about connecting the Sky box and DVD player.
This was easy, the scart cables just connect into the back of the TV. There are 2 scart sockets and also a USB port so you can plug in your pc or other electronic device. We plugged the TV in and turned it on with the remote control.

The initial set up screen appears, and after pressing 'ok' takes you through a simple and quick process, eg asking which country you are in, and which language you use. The TV then scans for channels which took a few seconds, and that was it. The TV was working. A very easy and simple process.

The picture was very clear and I was really impressed! The sound also is good. You can of course go into the menu and make changes to the settings.
There are some features on this TV such as :

Bass boost - Enhances the depth of the sound.

Stable sound - Reduces the volume level differences between channels. It automatically adjusts to the same volume level when you change channels.

Adaptive Luma Control - Automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast after analyzing the input signal.

Programme Block - Prevents children watching certain TV programmes, according to the rating limit set.
There are the other features such as a programme guide, digital noise reduction, picture mode, audio languages and favourites lists.

The TV has Freeview built in, although having Sky means it is not something I use.
There is also an EPG timer which enables you set a timer for a certain TV programme. If the TV is on standby, it will 'wake up' when the timer activates.

A remote control and cloth to clean the screen are also provided with the TV.
The remote control is easy to use and batteries are supplied.

Overall I can recommend this TV and I am very impressed with it so far. It has a clear sharp picture, good sound and very easy to use.
My partner can watch his beloved Newcastle United hopefully gain promotion back to the Premier League when games are screened on BBC and Sky, on the big screen, and is already enjoying being able to see the small print on Sky Sports News without putting his glasses on!
I am over the moon with my 'free' purchase!

I am awarding the Toshiba Regza 37" LCD TV five stars for price, quality and ease of use.

It is currently available to buy from Amazon UK at a hot offer price of £448 with free super saver delivery.
You can pay for faster delivery, but I am glad I didn't as I ordered my TV on Friday evening, and received an email on Monday morning telling me it had been dispatched. It arrived on Tuesday, so in my opinion it isn't worth paying for express delivery.

Summary: A good TV at a great price.

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