The ZF series badly needs a proper review!

[patrik_f]

I would like to vote for testing the new Toshiba ZF series. Perferably the 46 inch version (I feel 40 inch is too small for Blu-ray)
Its aesthetics are much more timeless then the OTT Sony W4000, and if it as as good then I think selecting the ZF will be a no-brainer for many.

My personal current concerns are if the blacks are as good as the W4000, and if green-push is an issue, and if 24Hz, 25/50Hz frame rates are now properly handled with matching native refresh rates. (Even my old Tosh can do that when I force it too.)

Regards

[David Mackenzie]

Review coming up

[patrik_f]

Review coming up

That's good news indeed!
Regards

[mrklaw]

not to push, but any ETA? its this or the W4000 and I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this TV before pulling the trigger one way or another.

I'm especially interested in how the motion compensation stuff works - can it smooth out movies without making them look like video, and how well does it improve motion resolution compared to the Sony (if at all)

Black levels too compared to the sony as these have been weak on Toshibas before.

cheers!

[David Mackenzie]

The deadline is in two weeks, but I'll hopefully have it up in advance. Regarding black level: you shouldn't need to worry about that here. The ZF Series uses SPVA panels from Sony/Samsung.

[mrklaw]

thanks. the sooner the better, my wallet is burning a hole in my pocket at the moment

[patrik_f]

Any chance that you will do the 46 incher?
It seems a lot of people are selecting 46 inch over 40 inch. (Not sure why many manufacturers abandoned the useful 42 inch size)

[patrik_f]

One more question:
Is posterisation a problem with today's panels? (Assuming the source is as good as it gets: Blu-ray)

[Bluestraw]

The deadline is in two weeks, but I'll hopefully have it up in advance. Regarding black level: you shouldn't need to worry about that here. The ZF Series uses SPVA panels from Sony/Samsung.

Hi Lyris,

Great to hear this review is coming soon.  I'd be very interested to hear your views on the comparison vs Samsung's 656 and Sony's W4000.  Do you plan to comment on that?

[David Mackenzie]

Bluestraw: all 3 of those TVs have received HDTVtest "Highly Recommended" awards. I think the fact that all three of them are using the same SPVA panel technology speaks for itself with regards to the quality of these panels. I think the best summary is:

Sony: slightly poorer video processing (no Film Mode detection), excellent usability/responsiveness, accurate colour, no 100hz, almost non-existent input lag

Toshiba: fantastic video processing, 100hz option, slight usability annoyance with 1:1 mapping, EPG could be faster, great looks/chassis design

Samsung: value for money, fantastic video processing, 100hz option, user accessible greyscale controls

You can't go far wrong with any of these - what would you be using it for?

[dazwaldo]

Great review, very interesting. Still struggling to make a decision on the Tosh or Sony W4000. Will be using for PS3 gaming, Blu-ray, SKY HD and SD. Both look like great sets so I guess it comes down to personal choice in the end?

I'm sure I won't be the first to ask, but any chance of posting the ZF settings you used for the review?

Also which set would you say has the best sound - Tosh or Sony?

[Bluestraw]

Bluestraw: all 3 of those TVs have received HDTVtest "Highly Recommended" awards. I think the fact that all three of them are using the same SPVA panel technology speaks for itself with regards to the quality of these panels. I think the best summary is:

Sony: slightly poorer video processing (no Film Mode detection), excellent usability/responsiveness, accurate colour, no 100hz, almost non-existent input lag

Toshiba: fantastic video processing, 100hz option, slight usability annoyance with 1:1 mapping, EPG could be faster, great looks/chassis design

Samsung: value for money, fantastic video processing, 100hz option, user accessible greyscale controls

You can't go far wrong with any of these - what would you be using it for?

Thanks for the review - it was exactly what I wanted to hear really, as space is something of a consideration here and we'll fit the 40" ZF the most easily!

From what I've read, based on personal preference it's come down to Sony vs Toshiba.  While I'd love the better responsiveness of the Sony, the styling and 100Hz for the Toshiba wins me over.

Now I can buy without worrying I'm making a mistake!

[Roman]

Hi there!

Lyris, thanks a lot for your breakdown of capabilities, I do have one question though. You mention Sony's accurate color. How are the colors with Toshiba and Samsung?

I am going to buy the tv today, and it's going to be either Samsung (bit too much glare though) or Toshiba. As you can understand, I want the colors to be vibrant ánd accurate. The main purpose will be watching movies from dvd.

Thanks!

Regards,
Roman

[alyjen]

Great review
Thou I've been wondering why it has so different motion handling than Thosiba Z, it shouldn't be any worse considering both TVs are from same manufacturer and use same 100Hz technology, is it really inferior to older Z in motion handling?

[David Mackenzie]

I've not seen the Toshiba Z, so I can't explain that. One thing though, is that the FPD Benchmark disc is in 1080i. It's possible that this could have also skewed the results, that is to say, with Progressive input there may be less of an issue.

Lyris, thanks a lot for your breakdown of capabilities, I do have one question though. You mention Sony's accurate color. How are the colors with Toshiba and Samsung?

The colour on the Sony is simply accurate to start with (on the "Normal" Colour Space setting). The Toshiba and Samsung can achieve near-accuracy with some tweaking.