Toshiba 26AV615DB review

There are some plus points to this Toshiba's performance, but it falls down when held up against its peers Tested at £325.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It might have its plus points, but the Toshiba doesn't shine in this competitive class

Pros

  • +

    Reasonably clear sound

  • +

    good blacks

  • +

    decent all-round picture

Cons

  • -

    Intermittent buzzing

  • -

    some instability

  • -

    lacks detailing

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

In recent years we've become accustomed to Toshiba tellies that rarely push the envelope in terms of performance and technology, but that often prove solid and affordable. The 26AV615DB continues that trend.

There's little to write home about in styling terms or features. There are three HDMI inputs but no 1080p support or digital media-friendly connections.

And abundant picture options combine with obtrusive menus to make calibration difficult.

A watchable, enjoyable picture
Play the Doubt Blu-ray and the set's black performance is impressive, with the moody interiors and Sisters' habits appearing deep yet revealing.

There's strong punch too, even if whites aren't quite the purest we've seen. It's not the most detailed picture, though, and colour reproduction isn't subtle enough to reproduce the pale skin tones perfectly.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
shows similar traits: a touch soft and unsubtle compared with the very best, and with a minor amount of instability at times, but generally watchable and enjoyable.

Images suffer from instability
The instability remains when you put the Toshiba through the horror of showing the Bargain Hunt presenter's bow tie and tightly stitched jacket, but the picture is decent all-round.

As for sound, there's a delivery with reasonable clarity that's let down by an intermittent buzzing from within the cabinet.

If the Toshiba was the cheapest set in its class it might be worth four stars, but given the price and performance of its peers, three will have to do.

See all our 21-26in TV reviews

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test