Toshiba 47LZ196 Review

What the reviewers like:
The 47-inch Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 offers one of the most comprehensive image adjustment systems of any LCD TV, according to reviews. Most notable is a Color Palette function that lets a user select a color swatch from anywhere on the TV’s screen for fine tuning. The TV is feature-rich, and it includes an Ethernet connection for making the Toshiba 47LZ196 part of a home network. Reviews say other LCD TVs offer better image quality, but some experts say that the Toshiba 47LZ196 is relatively competitive.

What the reviewers don't like:
Most reviewers conclude that the Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 isn't quite up to the performance level of the best LCD TVs. Black levels don’t match those of the leading models. Some reviewers say shadow detail is sometimes lacking and that brightness is uneven in some scenes. A few critics and owners say the image is soft for a 1080p HDTV.

Toshiba 47LZ196 review highlights

Overall, reviews of the 47-inch Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 are mixed. While some say that this LCD TV has a great picture, others say it looks relatively soft for a 1080p display. Black levels and shadow details are also less than tops in the eyes of some experts. On the upside, the Toshiba 47LZ196 is loaded with features, including an image adjustment system that is unavailable on any other LCD TV. The best LCD TV in this size class is the Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR2 (*est. $3,000), which reviewers say displays a nicer image and has a great design.

We found a few detailed, credible reviews of the 47-inch Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 LCD TV. Consumer Reports rates this TV alongside over 60 others, giving a good comparative measure of its performance on the magazine's tests. Reviews at Sound & Vision and Ultimate AV magazine are much more detailed, packed with lots of technical and practical information. But these two reviewers don't really compare the Toshiba 47LZ196 to the competition. There’s only been limited user feedback for this model, most notably at AVSForum.com, a user discussion site.

Also see full report: LCD TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
LCD TVs
Editors of Consumer Reports
Feb. 2007

Consumer Reports' editors test a large number of LCD TVs, including the Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196. Although Consumer Reports provides less detail and discussion than many other resources, the magazine updates its ratings on a regular basis. In addition, those ratings are based upon competent testing, so it remains a good source for LCD TV reviews and information.

2. Sound & Vision Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Toshiba 47LZ196 Regza 47-inch LCD HDTV
Rob Sabin
Jan. 2007

Sound & Vision Magazine doesn’t do much in the way of comparative testing, and it doesn’t provide scores or other rankings that make it easy to compare LCD TVs to each other. However, its single-set reports are detailed and insightful. In addition, LCD-TVs that it deems to be best overall are recognized with a Sound & Vision Certified and Recommended designation. Reviewer Rob Sabin evaluates the Toshiba 47LZ196, noting performance and features.

3. Ultimate AV Magazine
Toshiba Cinema Series Pro 47LZ196 LCD Flat Panel
Shane C. Buettner
Dec. 2006

While ratings are not given, Ultimate AV reviews LCD TVs on a regular basis, making recommendations in three categories -- Ultimate, Premier and Budget -- based on both performance and value. Reviewer Shane C. Buettner gives the Toshiba 47LZ196 a balanced review, noting high points as well as problems. So even though this review isn't directly comparative, the level of methodical details gives it high credibility.

4. AVSForum.com
LCD Flat Panels
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This user-to-user discussion site features lots of information about home entertainment equipment, including a forum dedicated to LCD flat panel televisions. While the Toshiba REGZA 47LZ196 does not get as much discussion as some other LCD TVs, it is discussed in several threads.

Also see full report: LCD TV

Toshiba 47LZ196 Review