What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
19 MAY 2008
Toshiba 37CV505D
Being the cheapest in a Group Test automatically enamours a TV to us. We love a good bargain, so we’re always hopeful that the cheapo unit turns out to be better than the higher-priced opposition. Though not entirely true of the 37CV505D, it’s still a good set at a very reasonable price.
There’s nothing very exciting about the way this Toshiba looks. However, it’s by no means ugly, and its stylistic subtlety should make it fairly incognito in situ.
24fps motion is nice and smooth
In action, the Toshiba is very impressive for the price. The Beowulf Blu-ray is sharp and detailed (though obviously not to the degree of the more premium sets here) while 24fps motion is pleasantly smooth. Colours aren’t quite as nuanced as those from some of the competition and blacks aren’t as deep, but the ‘505D is remarkably competitive given the price tag.
The quite brilliant Dexter – Season 1 DVD is also treated very well. Detail levels are impressive, and there’s a slight richness to colours that’s not unpleasant. The scaler also does a marvellous job of keeping the action largely shimmer-free. The presentation could do with a little more punch and zing, but again, considering the price this is decent stuff.
Thankfully, the Tosh’s Freeview performance doesn’t let it down either. It’s a touch softer than the best, but images are mostly very clean and stable, and scrolling text from channel like Sky Sports News and BBC News 24 flows cleanly across the bottom of the screen.
It might not be great surprise to find out that the speakers here aren’t brilliant. They offer an admirable level of bass, but the overall presentation is a little muggy and vague compared to the more expensive competition.
Were it not for the presence of at least one very competitive rival, the ‘505D would be getting the nod as the default budget choice. Look out for discounts, though.
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