What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Toshiba has played it safe with the ’505 – but, at this size and price, there’s nothing wrong with that
Pros
- +
Price
- +
usability
- +
subtle colour palette
- +
good motion handling
- +
clean and stable upscaled images
Cons
- -
A little soft and lacking in dynamism
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Few manufacturers do affordable home cinema kit as well as Toshiba, and this 26in TV is a solid performer at a very reasonable price.
To keep that price down, the company has gone for basic, though not unattractive styling, and has simplified the connections by leaving-out an S-Video input and sound outputs.
We don't believe these will be significant losses for the majority of buyers; they will be more interested in HDMI inputs, of which there are two.
The menu system is a typically clear and simple affair, which guides you through the set-up process without fuss. Calibration is also straightforward, and although it has a couple of modes that you'll want to experiment with, most options are pretty self-explanatory.
With DVD the Toshiba proves itself to be a solid, if not spectacular performer. Detail levels are good and colours are very natural indeed.
Compared to the very best, the picture is a little soft and lacking in punch, but it's by no means unpleasant, and the Toshiba is a confident handler of motion.
A great little mover
This is a trait that's also apparent when it's asked to display a 1080p/24fps image from our Blood Diamond Blu-ray. Once again, motion is extremely smooth and free from smearing, and detail levels are now very close to the competition.
There is still a slight softness and lack of punch that doesn't quite bring the best out of the bright, outdoor scenes, but the subtleness of the colour palette makes for a pleasing picture overall.
Freeview is a similar story; from BBC News 24 to Scuzz, the picture is decent and clean, if not earth-shatteringly exciting.
Finally, where sound is concerned the Toshiba offers a typical flatscreen delivery – a bit shouty at the top but generally listenable.
If you're expecting excitement and wow factor, the Toshiba isn't for you; but if you're after a natural delivery and excellent usability, it's a highly recommended budget set.
