Summary: 2007-05-17 17:13:29 LCD flat screen TVs are still very, very expensive even for the small screen sizes. The Toshiba 27D47 is an excellent "priced-right" 27 inch CRT television with excellent picture quality! With its built-in ATSC Tuner (for future digital-only broadcasting) the Toshiba 27D47 is a good purchase for the budget minded.
Basics Specs:
This digital and analog Toshiba 27 inch Theater View SD black-tubed CRT TV set is compactly housed inside a case sized at 29.2 X 22.5 with a fairly shallow depth of only 19.4 inches. Although a tubed CRT unit, the Toshiba 27D47 uses flat screen technology, so the tube does not bulge out like old-styled TVs. The picture quality is excellent due 3 Comb Super Tube technology with 4:3 picture aspect ratio that can be adjusted to 16:9 (wide screen) from remote. Inputs include RCA Composite and S-Video! Included are stereo MTS speakers/ 5 watt power with DBX noise reduction within the tuner. This model includes on-screen menu, Channel labeling, ColorStream Component Video Input. And as standard you get parental lock and V-chip controls. The remote, while somewhat plain is easy to use, and for game users there are front and back inputs.
Real time use: So far very good - excellent picture quality!
Broadcast format includes 1080i (HDTV), 480i (SDTV), 480p (EDTV)
and 720p (HDTV). This is an excellent model for the price and technology you receive. The set up is easy - you can add delete channels you don't want to watch easily. The on-screen programming is easy to understand and navigate in conjunction with the simply designed remote. The on-screen text is clear for older eyes and the size can be adjusted though I've had no need to do so. You get a wide variety of audio input selections including the new Digital Color Stream mode option. This CRT unit it has the ATSC tuner which will allow future switching to digital-only format without the need and purchase of an adapter. Changing the picture ratio switch from digital to analog is quick from the remote. Changing channels is slow -- there's a blank screen pause for a second or so between channels, but it's tolerable for the price and performance otherwise.
Regarding connectivity and sound, in addition to optional front inputs, the Toshiba 27D47 has ample input options in the back for advance video and audio options. The sound quality is very good for average use and the speakers can be easily switched from mono to stereo. The speakers housed either side of the cabinet offer good performance and detectable stereo sound for average use, but somewhat lackluster for true theatrical sound. Sports enthusiasts may find speakers inadequate in a room full of loud enthusiastic viewers. Thankfully you can hook up a stereo surround-sound system if desired. I find the speakers adequate, but an adjustable sound mode (music vs. talk enhancement etc.) would be useful.
The Theater View SD SmartTube 3 Comb filter technology renders excellent picture quality in the price category! The on-screen color, contrast, tint etc. adjustments work well and effectively. SAP option is available where applicable, and the tuner quality is superb with very little line distortion you see on lesser quality tube televisions. I was hesitant in purchasing a large TV as some models have huge cases which detract from viewing actual screen and look really ugly when unit is turned off, unless the TV is in a cabinet. The sleek silver case of the Toshiba 27D47 is slim format - your really get the focus on the screen you do not get with other large CRT brands. The flat tube is attractive and is the picture image fills the screen nicely.
As a 27 inch, this model is a heavy TV as CRTs units go, but the form factor is shallow (only 19.4 inches deep) so it fits well inside a cabinet or on a shallow stand. This is good for limited space environments such as apartments if you cannot yet afford a true flat screen LCD TV. Be aware however, the cabinet base of the Toshiba 27D47 is a bit unstable -- it can be easily rocked back and forth. In concern for TV tipping forward, I would only place it on a real wood, or metal heavy-duty cabinet or heavy duty stand. I have my unit pushed back a bit due to the design instability. Don't put this TV on those cheap artificial wood rickety open-based TV stands, especially if children are using it.
This model comes with handy cuff pockets in the back to help lift and move it when you have to. These affordable CRT units are getting hard to find as the very expensive flat screen LCDs TVs have taken predominance. This is an excellent high quality television for the price.
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