Toshiba 42HPX95

Toshiba 42HPX95 Plasma TV Review

Toshiba 42HPX95 42 Inch Cinema Series® Plasma TV

Introduced in 2005 the Toshiba 42HPX95 42-inch plasma TV turned a lot of heads with its 720p true HD panel resolution and sleek, high-tech design. It's not the cheapest set you can buy, but it does offer an amazing image quality and a host of features worth considering if you're about to upgrade your current set.

As mentioned, this TV features 720p (720-pixel progressive) true HD resolution. This is a major step up, not only from Toshiba's lower end systems that display 480p, but from much of the competition's sets as well. In addition, the Toshiba 42HPX95 has a contrast ratio of 3000:1. A high contrast ratio means that the TV can display more subtle color schemes and image details that don't become washed out when hit by other light sources in the room. In addition, this set employs a picture in picture display so viewers can watch two programs simultaneously. Brightness is set at 1000 cd/m2 (candela per square meter).

This TVs 42-inch display is ideal for a home theater setup thanks to its native 1024X768 resolution, 160-degree viewing angle and 16:9 aspect ratio. Also, like its siblings, this set utilizes Toshiba's PixelPure AT (Adaptive Technology). PixelPure includes Motion Adaptive De-Interlacing, Adaptive MPEG Processing, Adaptive Contrast Enhancement and Adaptive Color Enhancement all work together to ensure the highest quality picture at all times. And while the Toshiba 42HPX95 comes standard with a tabletop stand the set can easily be mounted on a wall with an optional VESA compatible kit. Be warned though. At around 83 lbs. this set is one of the heavier units on the market.
With this set Toshiba introduced its new SoundStrip Speaker System. This allows the TV to produce higher sound quality in a more compact design. Enclosed in the housing are two speakers that put out 10 watts of power each for a total of 20 watts. The Toshiba 42HPX95's sound system also includes MTS Stereo with DBX® Noise Reduction as well as SRS WOW sound. Listeners will also feel as if they have a surround sound system thanks to the Virtual Dolby Sound, which emulates 3D sound from only two speakers. If you have a larger room or just want a real 5:1 surround system, the Toshiba could ideally be used as the center channel.

A PC input and IEEE 1394 (DTVLINK) for an optional Symbio HD recorder comes standard on the TV as well as these input/output connections:

• A/V (Composite)

• Analog Coaxial (RF)

• Component Video

• Front A/V (Composite)

• Front S-Video

• HDMI

• IEEE 1394 - FireWire (Unspecified)

• S-Video

• VGA

• A/V (RCA Composite)

• Audio - Digital Optical

• Audio - Line Out (1/8" Mini)

• Variable/Fixed Audio

In addition to the standard input/output connectors the Toshiba 42HPX95 features the following slots: CableCARD, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, MultiMedia Card (MMC), SD Card and SmartMedia.

If there’s one shortcoming with this TV, it’s in the area of screen burn. Screen burn affects most plasma displays and can ruin a very expensive piece of hardware if you’re not careful.

Conclusion

HDTV is here to stay and will soon become the new standard in TV viewing. The Toshiba 42HPX95 is a bit pricier than other plasma television sets on the market, but you really get a lot of machine for you dollar. Pros include the lifelike sound system that sounds like true surround sound and the awesome picture quality. Cons are few and include the set’s weight and lower than average contrast ratio.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

9/10

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Toshiba 42HPX95 Plasma TV Review
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