Toshiba 32D46 Review

What the reviewers like:
The Toshiba 32D46 is one of the least expensive big-screen TVs available from a major manufacturer. Reviews say that this model's picture quality falls short of higher-ranked standard- definition sets such as the Sony KD-32FS170, but that overall, image quality is still pretty good. The Toshiba 32D46's sound system is also described as good, but not spectacular. However, reviewers say the StableSound feature -- which evens out sound levels between programming and commercials-- works well. The Toshiba 32D46 has limited connectivity, but there are enough inputs and outputs -- including a fixed-level audio output – to integrate it into a home-entertainment system.

What the reviewers don't like:
Aside from its QAM-compatible digital tuner and StableSound, the Toshiba 32D46 is almost devoid of features, and its picture tube is an old-fashioned, curved design (picture tubes in higher- rated TVs use an essentially flat design to reduce glare and reflections). Like all CRT TVs, the Toshiba 32D46 is fairly large and heavy.

Toshiba 32D46 review highlights

Reviewers say the 32-inch Toshiba 32D46 is the best inexpensive standard TV, even thought it lacks much in the way of features and its picture quality is a notch below that of similar but higher-rated sets, such as the Sony KD-32FS170 (*est. $545). The Toshiba 32D46 is said to deliver a reasonably good picture at a very low price. The Toshiba 32D46 does have a QAM-compatible digital tuner, so it won't become obsolete when analog broadcasts cease in February 2009. This Toshiba TV's sound system is said to be good -- but not great -- and includes simulated surround sound as well as Toshiba's StableSound, which levels out changes in volume across programs and commercials. The Toshiba 32D46 has a digital tuner and can receive HD programming, but it can only display that programming in standard definition (480i).

Consumer Reports tests 20 CRT TVs -- including the 32-inch Toshiba 32D46 (*est. $355) -- in its latest update. This publication is one of only a few remaining review resources for CRT TVs. This roundup meets Consumer Reports' usual rigorous standards, although remarks about individual TVs are limited to just a few lines. Consumer Guide's review relies heavily on Toshiba marketing copy. The Toshiba 32D46 has received only limited user feedback, but does earn a positive comment at Epinions.

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

1. Consumer Reports
Conventional TVs
Editors of Consumer Reports
Nov. 2006

Consumer Reports is currently the best source for reviews of CRT TVs. This roundup includes eight high-definition sets and 12 standard-definition TVs, including the Toshiba 32D46. Along with general buying advice, there is a ratings chart. The discussions about individual TVs are disappointingly short, but the ratings are updated regularly.

2. Consumer Guide.com
Toshiba 32D46 32-inch digital TV review
Editors of Consumer Guide.com
Aug. 25, 2006

In the past, it was hard to take Consumer Guide too seriously, as most of its reviews seemed to be based on promotional material supplied by the manufacturer. That is slowly changing for the better, thanks to the site's partnership with HowStuffWorks.com. Among current reviews, the 32-inch Toshiba 32D46 standard-definition TV gets a nod as a "Budget Buy" because it offers "DTV compatibility at an excellent price."

3. Epinions
Toshiba 32D46 32
Contributors to Epinions

Epinions allows consumers to share their opinions about products they own. Thus far, the Toshiba 32D46 has only received a single "Express Review," but it's a positive one (five out of five stars). Its strengths include "excellent picture, easy setup, and great integration with other home theater components."

4. ABT Electronics
Toshiba 32" Diagonal Color Television 32D46 Review
Contributors to ABT Electronics

ABT Electronics is one of a growing number of online retailers that allows customers to rate products they own. Unlike the case with other sites, contributors to ABT need to be verified before their reviews are posted. While this cuts down on spurious posts, we suspect it also cuts down on negative reviews. The Toshiba 32D46 receives one review here, which bestows four out of five stars.

Also see full report: Televisions

Toshiba 32D46 Review