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Toshiba REGZA 55ZV650U

*Est. $1,650

Reviewed November 2009
Toshiba REGZA 55ZV650U

pros
  • Value
  • Good colors
  • Energy efficient
  • Decent features
cons
  • Weak blacks
  • No Internet access
  • Reflective screen
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Vanns.com

    for $1,649.97

  • Crutchfield

    for $2,199.99

  • TigerDirect.com

    for $1,649.99

 
 
 

The 55-inch Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U is a great value choice among big-screen LCD TVs, though the picture quality doesn't quite measure up to the best, such as the considerably more costly 55-inch Samsung UN55B8000 (*Est. $3,010). The biggest shortfall is in the black levels, which are poorer than competing sets. The TV also has a screen that's more prone to reflections than some others. On the other hand, colors are accurate, and except for the lack of Internet access or network features, the feature set is reasonably rich. Toshiba uses a little technical slight-of-hand to transform the set's 120 Hz refresh rate into a simulated 240 Hz, but reviews say it's just as effective as true 240 Hz. However, most also add that the jump from 120 Hz to 240 Hz provides little benefit.

PCMag.com doesn't test a lot of LCD TVs, but its detailed and fairly technical report on the 55-inch Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U is among the best available. CNET also provides a comprehensive review, though its evaluation is based on hands-on testing of a smaller TV in the ZV650U series. ConsumerReports.org also weighs in on the TV, though you'll need to be a subscriber to read it. Owner reviews are hard to come by, but there's a small handful at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
Vanns.comVanns.com rated 4.50 (549 reviews)549 store reviewsIn Stock. New$1,649.97
CrutchfieldCrutchfield rated 5.00 (3850 reviews)3850 store reviewsIn Stock. Free delivery on all TVs$2,199.99
TigerDirect.comTigerDirect.com rated 4.50 (5264 reviews)5264 store reviewsIn Stock. Order Today, Ships Today NEW$1,649.99
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

Reviewer Robert Heron rates the Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U as "very good" in this relatively technical report. Despite a reflective screen, Heron says the light black levels translate to best performance in well-lit rooms. Energy efficiency is excellent, and so is value.

Review: Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U, Robert Heron, June 18, 2009

2. CNET

Reviewer David Katzmaier rates the Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U as "good," saying it's a decent value for the price. However, black tones are a bit washed out and there are some glare problems in bright lighting. The review is based on a hands-on evaluation of a smaller TV in the series, but performance should be similar.

Review: Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U, David Katzmaier, May 19, 2009

3. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org includes the 55-inch Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U in its most recent update. Testing is fair, but descriptions are short compared to most other professional reviewers. Regardless, you'll need a subscription to see how the TV fares relative to the competition.

Review: LCD TV Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

4. Amazon.com

Just a few owners weigh in on the Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U. Only one review is negative. That reviewer complains about the high cost of Toshiba repairs in general, and it's unclear if that's directed specifically at the Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U.

Review: Toshiba Regza 55ZV650U, Contributors to Amazon.com

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