Toshiba 32" 32AV636DB - Any Good?

LarryPlane · 07-09-2009, 15:37

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-4103.aspx

Was thinking of getting one of the "starter" TV's (sub 250) but now I am thinking that this might not be such a good idea. So now I am looking at this one from Tesco.

With delivery, this is about the best price around. I could get it slightly cheaper with Amazon, but they have stopped the Credit Card points thing, so I am of a mind to get some Tesco points instead.

What say you all?

Apologies that I have asked similar questions in other threads, thought it better to place it in one of my own.

P

degsyhufc · 07-09-2009, 17:39

I recently got one and overall the quality is pretty decent. I previously tried the LG "2000" model from Tesco and the picture quality was no where near as good imo.

Mine does have a couple of glitches though. As you saw in the other thread with the Sky Remote, but that is probably just personal preference and habit.

The other is not though. The one I've got has developed a habit of not turning on from Stand By after being on Stand By for a undetermined amount of time.
I'm keeping the TV for a few days to make sure that it's a glitch and not a "design feature" that I haven't worked out yet.

On general TV the picture is very good. I haven't had it long enough to watch many sporting events or movies so I can't really comment on that yet.

The sound could be better but then again my last TV had surround sound and external speaker whereas this one doesn't.
Note that it doesn't have component audio out, only a headphone out (if you want to plug in to a standard external amp/speakers). It does have optical out for a surround sound system though.

I'd say buy it and see how it goes as you have the 28 days. You can take it back to any Tesco Direct store if it's not to your liking.

LarryPlane · 08-09-2009, 21:44

Looks like I am now going to find out for myself. Ordered one of these earlier today!

frasera · 08-09-2009, 23:26

just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image.

degsyhufc · 09-09-2009, 02:07

I'd disagree. I was replacing a Sony 4:3 29" TV and did the measurements and thought I needed a 37". In the stores 32" look small and 37" did look the more appropriate size but after getting the 32" Widescreen home and setting it up it is the perfect size.

I did notice that the Toshiba fills the screen more than the LG did. For some reason the LG still had black bars on most channels (BBC etc.) and some films got vertically squished the same as on my old 4:3. I tried different settings on the TV and it's possible I missed one as I only had it a day, but the picture quality wasn't that impressive either.

The Toshiba is excellent picture quality on most of the stuff i've watched so far.

btw, That Stand By issue doesn't seem to be a problem. I contacted Toshiba and they said that it can take upto 8 seconds to turn on in certain circumstances due to the power saving features.

Anyway, I haven't witnessed the problem since. Maybe I was just button happy with the remote and not allowing it enough time to come on.

LarryPlane · 09-09-2009, 06:48

I have a freeview box like that. I hit the on button and it starts to come out of standby, but I get fed up with waiting, hit the button again, usually JUST as the green light pops up, and of course the box turns itself off again

But I'll watch out for this with the Toshiba.

I read a lot on the forums about Calibration... Did you do any of that?

And this set will replace a 21in CRT (4:3), so it should be both taller and wider, but not too much I hope as we have a smaller living room.

Actually, when I popped up to Tesco it did look a little on the small side, but that might have been because it had several big monsters TV's on either side and top and bottom. At the end of the row was a 26in set and boy did that look tiny

While I was there, several other people popped by that alleyway and all of them seemed to be on the look out for this particular Toshiba - I could see them checking the model numbers then stopping when they got to this one. I later saw all these same people gathered around the games consoles (where I happened to go next) but for some reason I didn't see them by the cheese counter

Set arrives on Thursday!!!

Nigel Goodwin · 09-09-2009, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by frasera

just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image.

A 32 inch is the same height as a 25 inch 4:3 set.

Fatwaz · 09-09-2009, 11:00

i liked last years toshibas(the xv/cv series) but not this years,they have gone backwards with a pretty poor panel that even after calibration gives poor blacks and colours and motion bluring

LarryPlane · 09-09-2009, 11:45

Oh Dear

Let's hope I don't think so

Fatwaz · 09-09-2009, 12:01

dont misunderstand me its fine for a basic 32 inch lcd for the price but last years were better and they are pretty average now

LarryPlane · 09-09-2009, 12:51

Well, that doesn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm for the "basic" price I just dropped on this unit! But then I am just an average user, so maybe it will be fine for me!

Pugwash69 · 09-09-2009, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by frasera

just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image.

When I replaced a 28" 4:3 CRT I worked out I'd need a 36" 16:9 to keep the height. It was a beast of a thing to lift also!

degsyhufc · 09-09-2009, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryPlane

I have a freeview box like that. I hit the on button and it starts to come out of standby, but I get fed up with waiting, hit the button again, usually JUST as the green light pops up, and of course the box turns itself off again

But I'll watch out for this with the Toshiba.

I read a lot on the forums about Calibration... Did you do any of that?

And this set will replace a 21in CRT (4:3), so it should be both taller and wider, but not too much I hope as we have a smaller living room.

Actually, when I popped up to Tesco it did look a little on the small side, but that might have been because it had several big monsters TV's on either side and top and bottom. At the end of the row was a 26in set and boy did that look tiny

While I was there, several other people popped by that alleyway and all of them seemed to be on the look out for this particular Toshiba - I could see them checking the model numbers then stopping when they got to this one. I later saw all these same people gathered around the games consoles (where I happened to go next) but for some reason I didn't see them by the cheese counter

Set arrives on Thursday!!!

They are probably all looking at the Toshiba as it's on special offer.

That's the problem with big stores. The TVs always look small because of the space they are in and also you have 42" screens next to them.

I haven't done much calibration. Just the Colour, Contrast and Brightness on the main Picture screen. I looked into the Advanced settings but haven't fiddled with any of them.

LarryPlane · 09-09-2009, 21:49

Apparently it will arrive between 7 am and 7 pm tomorrow!!!

ResidentSD · 09-09-2009, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryPlane

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-4103.aspx

Was thinking of getting one of the "starter" TV's (sub 250) but now I am thinking that this might not be such a good idea. So now I am looking at this one from Tesco.

With delivery, this is about the best price around. I could get it slightly cheaper with Amazon, but they have stopped the Credit Card points thing, so I am of a mind to get some Tesco points instead.

What say you all?

Apologies that I have asked similar questions in other threads, thought it better to place it in one of my own.

P

I bought that exact TV from my local Tesco Extra two weeks ago and I'm very happy with it so far. The Freeview picture is pretty good, and the picture from my Sky+ box looked as you'd expect from a HDTV. However, I had a Sky+HD box installed at the weekend, and the picture from that is very good indeed.

Very happy with my purchase so far.

LarryPlane · 19-09-2009, 10:07

A week in and I am pretty impressed by this unit. Picture quality is pretty good on SD and super fantastic with my xbox 360, and very cool when watching dvd'd via the Xbox.

So far, I am very happy with my purchase.

07-09-2009, 15:37	#1
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	Toshiba 32" 32AV636DB - Any Good? http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-4103.aspx Was thinking of getting one of the "starter" TV's (sub 250) but now I am thinking that this might not be such a good idea. So now I am looking at this one from Tesco. With delivery, this is about the best price around. I could get it slightly cheaper with Amazon, but they have stopped the Credit Card points thing, so I am of a mind to get some Tesco points instead. What say you all? Apologies that I have asked similar questions in other threads, thought it better to place it in one of my own. P

07-09-2009, 17:39	#2
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	I recently got one and overall the quality is pretty decent. I previously tried the LG "2000" model from Tesco and the picture quality was no where near as good imo. Mine does have a couple of glitches though. As you saw in the other thread with the Sky Remote, but that is probably just personal preference and habit. The other is not though. The one I've got has developed a habit of not turning on from Stand By after being on Stand By for a undetermined amount of time. I'm keeping the TV for a few days to make sure that it's a glitch and not a "design feature" that I haven't worked out yet. On general TV the picture is very good. I haven't had it long enough to watch many sporting events or movies so I can't really comment on that yet. The sound could be better but then again my last TV had surround sound and external speaker whereas this one doesn't. Note that it doesn't have component audio out, only a headphone out (if you want to plug in to a standard external amp/speakers). It does have optical out for a surround sound system though. I'd say buy it and see how it goes as you have the 28 days. You can take it back to any Tesco Direct store if it's not to your liking.

08-09-2009, 21:44	#3
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	Looks like I am now going to find out for myself. Ordered one of these earlier today!

08-09-2009, 23:26	#4
frasera Inactive Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,063	just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image.

09-09-2009, 02:07	#5
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	I'd disagree. I was replacing a Sony 4:3 29" TV and did the measurements and thought I needed a 37". In the stores 32" look small and 37" did look the more appropriate size but after getting the 32" Widescreen home and setting it up it is the perfect size. I did notice that the Toshiba fills the screen more than the LG did. For some reason the LG still had black bars on most channels (BBC etc.) and some films got vertically squished the same as on my old 4:3. I tried different settings on the TV and it's possible I missed one as I only had it a day, but the picture quality wasn't that impressive either. The Toshiba is excellent picture quality on most of the stuff i've watched so far. btw, That Stand By issue doesn't seem to be a problem. I contacted Toshiba and they said that it can take upto 8 seconds to turn on in certain circumstances due to the power saving features. Anyway, I haven't witnessed the problem since. Maybe I was just button happy with the remote and not allowing it enough time to come on.

09-09-2009, 06:48	#6
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	I have a freeview box like that. I hit the on button and it starts to come out of standby, but I get fed up with waiting, hit the button again, usually JUST as the green light pops up, and of course the box turns itself off again But I'll watch out for this with the Toshiba. I read a lot on the forums about Calibration... Did you do any of that? And this set will replace a 21in CRT (4:3), so it should be both taller and wider, but not too much I hope as we have a smaller living room. Actually, when I popped up to Tesco it did look a little on the small side, but that might have been because it had several big monsters TV's on either side and top and bottom. At the end of the row was a 26in set and boy did that look tiny While I was there, several other people popped by that alleyway and all of them seemed to be on the look out for this particular Toshiba - I could see them checking the model numbers then stopping when they got to this one. I later saw all these same people gathered around the games consoles (where I happened to go next) but for some reason I didn't see them by the cheese counter Set arrives on Thursday!!!

09-09-2009, 09:20	#7
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by frasera just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image. A 32 inch is the same height as a 25 inch 4:3 set.

09-09-2009, 11:00	#8
Fatwaz Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Essex Posts: 1,992	i liked last years toshibas(the xv/cv series) but not this years,they have gone backwards with a pretty poor panel that even after calibration gives poor blacks and colours and motion bluring

09-09-2009, 11:45	#9
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	Oh Dear Let's hope I don't think so

09-09-2009, 12:01	#10
Fatwaz Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Essex Posts: 1,992	dont misunderstand me its fine for a basic 32 inch lcd for the price but last years were better and they are pretty average now

09-09-2009, 12:51	#11
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	Well, that doesn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm for the "basic" price I just dropped on this unit! But then I am just an average user, so maybe it will be fine for me!

09-09-2009, 14:19	#12
Pugwash69 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: The Sticks Posts: 3,720	Quote: Originally Posted by frasera just realize that 32" is very small, image is only tall as an old 4:3 26" tv, and slightly wider. wide screen inch measurement is funky, u need much higher numbers to get a "big" image. When I replaced a 28" 4:3 CRT I worked out I'd need a 36" 16:9 to keep the height. It was a beast of a thing to lift also!

09-09-2009, 17:22	#13
degsyhufc Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 58,791	Quote: Originally Posted by LarryPlane I have a freeview box like that. I hit the on button and it starts to come out of standby, but I get fed up with waiting, hit the button again, usually JUST as the green light pops up, and of course the box turns itself off again But I'll watch out for this with the Toshiba. I read a lot on the forums about Calibration... Did you do any of that? And this set will replace a 21in CRT (4:3), so it should be both taller and wider, but not too much I hope as we have a smaller living room. Actually, when I popped up to Tesco it did look a little on the small side, but that might have been because it had several big monsters TV's on either side and top and bottom. At the end of the row was a 26in set and boy did that look tiny While I was there, several other people popped by that alleyway and all of them seemed to be on the look out for this particular Toshiba - I could see them checking the model numbers then stopping when they got to this one. I later saw all these same people gathered around the games consoles (where I happened to go next) but for some reason I didn't see them by the cheese counter Set arrives on Thursday!!! They are probably all looking at the Toshiba as it's on special offer. That's the problem with big stores. The TVs always look small because of the space they are in and also you have 42" screens next to them. I haven't done much calibration. Just the Colour, Contrast and Brightness on the main Picture screen. I looked into the Advanced settings but haven't fiddled with any of them.

09-09-2009, 21:49	#14
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	Apparently it will arrive between 7 am and 7 pm tomorrow!!!

09-09-2009, 22:26	#15
ResidentSD Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dudley, West Midlands Posts: 1,016	Quote: Originally Posted by LarryPlane http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-4103.aspx Was thinking of getting one of the "starter" TV's (sub 250) but now I am thinking that this might not be such a good idea. So now I am looking at this one from Tesco. With delivery, this is about the best price around. I could get it slightly cheaper with Amazon, but they have stopped the Credit Card points thing, so I am of a mind to get some Tesco points instead. What say you all? Apologies that I have asked similar questions in other threads, thought it better to place it in one of my own. P I bought that exact TV from my local Tesco Extra two weeks ago and I'm very happy with it so far. The Freeview picture is pretty good, and the picture from my Sky+ box looked as you'd expect from a HDTV. However, I had a Sky+HD box installed at the weekend, and the picture from that is very good indeed. Very happy with my purchase so far.

19-09-2009, 10:07	#16
LarryPlane Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 390	A week in and I am pretty impressed by this unit. Picture quality is pretty good on SD and super fantastic with my xbox 360, and very cool when watching dvd'd via the Xbox. So far, I am very happy with my purchase.

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Toshiba 32" 32AV636DB - Any Good?