Toshiba 32CV510U REGZA LCD TV

Among the most important qualities of an HDTV are its contrast, color, and detail, and the 32 inch Toshiba 32CV510U REGZA LCD TV ($899.99 list) delivers a near clean sweep by producing excellent picture contrast and image detail especially with quality HD material. Nonetheless, its color quality, while above average, reveals some inconsistencies when depicting darker scenes. Still, anyone looking for a space efficient HDTV that delivers superb picture detail with quality video content such as Blu-ray movies, broadcast HD, and even the latest console game systems will find this set to be a solid choice.

The set's all black styling includes a 1.5 inch glossy bezel with rounded edges and a wrap-back design. A thin mesh covered stereo speaker bar with two 9W speakers centered below the screen provides ample volume levels for a midsize room, but the bezel that borders the bottom edge and sides of the speaker bar is a bit unsightly.

Resting upon its matte finished stand, the 32CV510U measures 22.3 by 31.0 by 9.7 inches (WHD) and weighs 28.6 pounds.

Removing the stand reduces the TV's overall height and depth to 20.7 and 3.4 inches respectively.

The flat, baton style remote control is lightweight and solid. Its glow in the dark buttons proved helpful in a dim environment but were initially intimidating, as many of them have one or more alternate function labels. Figuring out all the functions of each button took some time. The remote was responsive and precise from distances exceeding 20 feet and at off-axis angles beyond 50 degrees.

The primary input panel is located on the back of the set toward the left hand side, with the ports facing outward for easy access. HD compatible ports include two HDMI ports, two component video inputs, a VGA input, and an RF input that feeds a combo tuner that supports analog and digital broadcast formats (NTSC and ATSC) and unencrypted cable channels (Clear QAM). The left hand edge of this input panel incorporates the TV's on display controls as well as a set of side accessible inputs, including an additional HDMI port. The set's HDMI ports support lip-sync correction and consumer electronic control (CEC) functionality with compatible devices.