Toshiba SL400U Series 720p LED HDTV Review

The Toshiba SL400U series is a well featured, competitively priced HD (720p) LED backlit LCD HDTV. It’s Compared side-by-side with other leading brands they display an equally impressive picture yet hold a lower price sticker. The Toshiba SL400U series has four smaller screen size models; the 32 inch 32SL400U, 26 inch 26SL400U, 22 inch 22SL400U and the 19 inch 19SL400U.

Toshiba SL400U LED LCD HDTV

The Toshiba SL400U series has edge LED backlighting which delivers a much higher dynamic contrast ratio (3,000,000:1) and deeper blacks than conventionally backlit CCFL LCD HDTVs.

Video Processor

Each generation of HDTVs reveals continual improvement in the power of the video processing chip and this is true of Toshiba’s 5th generation PixelPure video processing system. Software constantly monitors changes in signal quality (noise), content, and motion across frames to enhance sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction. The digital video processor runs at an impressive 333Mhz. The PixelPure 5G 14-bit internal digital video processor increases gradation levels to 4,096 levels or 16x the numer for a standard 8-bit processor) creating smoother, clearer images. Resolution+ super resolution technology upconverts and enhances 480i/p and 720p input signals for a more detailed picture.

Gaming Mode

SL400U models have a Gaming Mode to improve the gaming experience by reducing game control delay. Just as important as using Gaming Mode when using a gaming console is to match the game console output resolution to the native resolution of the HDTV (720p in this case).

Toshiba’s Cinema Mode 24fps Technology

The Toshiba SL400U models will perform 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. This is a sophisticated feature seen only on premium HDTVs such as the Sony NX800. Movies are shot at 24 fps and broadcasters and many DVD players convert 24 fps movies by 3:2 pulldown to play on an 60 interlaced fields per second (similar process with PAL TVs). The pulldown process can introduce a form of judder called Telecine judder. Toshiba’s Cinema Mode 24fps Technology, in an impressive feat of sophisticated number crunching by the video processor, reverses the process so you can watch a movie in its native 24p. A couple of points to note however; 1) you will still have the judder resulting from the film being shot at 24 fps and 2) Telecine judder can actually reduce the harshness of the worst of the 24p judder. For more in-depth explanation read our technology guide on judder.

For 24p film video sources Toshiba have provided 5:5 Pull-Down whereby to maintain the cinema quality each frame is repeated by a multiple of 5. Frames being repeated rather than performing any sort of pulldown means no associated judder is introduced. In cinemas it is common for the each of the 24 fps to be shown twice for an overall frame rate of 48. Any judder that results from filming at the slow 24 frames per second will still be present. However, that said, some much prefer 24p playback to what they see as the unnaturally smooth motion produced by smoothing by the video processor.

Read our Technology Guide on 24p playback vs 3:2 pulldown for more background information.

Digital Image Viewing

Digital multimedia files (photos – JPEG, movies – DivX, or music – MP3) can be uploaded to the HDTV using the USB port. There are a number of options for looking at digital images including:

Multi View mode: A grid of photo thumbnails in a grid layout allows for quick searching

Single View mode: For viewing a large version of any photo.

Slideshow mode: Creates slideshow of photos from the digital files in the selected directory.

Other Features

DynaLight Backlight Control brightness of each video frame is monitored by an advanced image processing algorithm and the backlight intensity adjusted to create seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis.
Picture Size: Extensive range of choices is available for sizing image to match the display size and includes: Natural, Theater Wide 1, Theater Wide 2, Theater Wide 3, Full, 4:3 HD, 4:3 Stretch, Native and Dot-by-Dot.
Picture Modes: Matches the picture optimisation to the video source and includes: Sports, Standard, Movie, PC and preference.
Color Temperature: three preset color temperatures – Cool (bluish), Medium (neutral), or Warm (reddish). Levels of greens and blues can be adjusted for each preset temperature.
DNR: noise reduction effect for weak signals
Static Gamma Adjustment: adjust picture black levels
Auto Aspect Control: automatically selects the picture size

Connectivity

The Toshiba SL400U LCD HDTV has an excellent range of connection options including;

HDMI: 2
Component: 1 (on the side)
Composite A/V: 1 (on the side)
RF (antenna): 1
PC input (15-pin, D-Sub): 1
Digital audio output: 1 optical
Analog audio input: 3 pair (for each component and composite video input)
USB: 1

REGZA-LINK is Toshiba’s name for its implementation of CEC which allows basic control over HDMI connected A/V devices using the remote control. An added convenience is the ability to select input sources from the remote and switch them on and off. The typical 5 second or so delay when switching between connected HDMI A/V components is eliminated by Toahiba’s InstaPort.

A PC can be connected using the 15-pin, D-Sub or a HDMI to DVI adapter and audio cable. A convenient helper feature is REGZA-LINK PC Link which automatically sets suitable widescreen formats and picture preferences when the TV is connected.

Built into the SL400U models are ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuners for tuning of standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts, in addition to digital “cable-in-the-clear” broadcasts.