Product Face-Offs
Toshiba Regza 26A3030DG
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| Screen size | 26 inches (66 cm) | ||
| Resolution | 1366 X 768 pixels | ||
| HD compatibility (1080i/720p) | Oui | ||
| HD Ready certification | Oui | ||
| Brightness | 500 cd/m² | ||
 See all specifications | |||
| Contrast ratio | 700:1 |
| Viewing angles (H+V) | 178° / 178° |
| Response time | 8 ms |
| Sound level | 2 x 10 Watt RMS |
| Connectivity |
VGA • HDMI • Péritel (x2) YUV • S-Vidéo • Composite |
| Dimensions (LxHxW) | 666 x 514 x 275 mm |
| Weight | 14.30 Kg |
 Hide specifications | |
With a PC
With a definition of 1360x768 and HDMI connection, the image produced by a PC is perfectly sharp on this TV. On the other hand, the VGA only allows a 4/3 display which is impossible to enlarge due to the minimal adjustment options that come in this category.
Slight afterglow is visible and limits the use of this TV to the slowest games.
Slight afterglow is visible and limits the use of this TV to the slowest games.
Vincent Lheur
Updated: April 16, 2008 - Test date: April 02, 2008
Updated: April 16, 2008 - Test date: April 02, 2008
Available in 26 to 42 inches via the 32 and 37 inch models, the Toshiba’s A3030DG series is mainly intended for tight budgets or for those looking for a secondary TV. The fact that it is one of the rare models to which offers a single HDMI is proof.
Measurements
The first results in standard mode made us fear for the worst as far as the display quality that can be found on a model in this category. The gamma curb barely attains a weak 1.72, color temperature reaches an extreme 12000 K and brightness at 400 cd/m² in white is hard to bear in a moderately lighted room.
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After having adopted settings that are more adapted to home cinema, we found more satisfactory measurements. The average attains a good 2.23 while being homogenous on the entire gray scale. Color temperature oscillates between 5500 and 6500 K and the quality of tones becomes more acceptable. As for contrast, it varies between 550 and 700:1 depending on the brightness/contrast setting you choose, which of course depends on your lighting conditions. However, note that black has difficulty going under 0.60 cd/m², proof of a lack of depth and the fact that it leans more towards gray.
In practice
With the new settings, our Regza 26A3030DG displayed a nice image but the excessive saturation was surprising. Skin tones are reddish and rendering isn’t too realistic. This was confirmed by our measurements and we were forced to lower the value from 50% - the default setting - to 35% in order to improve display. New color measurements were not perfect but well in the average. It’s not the first time encountering this exaggerated saturation and we don’t understand why Toshiba insists on using such gaudy settings.
While HD movies were very well rendered we couldn’t help noticing the grayish black and small viewing angles. From 2.5 m, only 2 or 3 people have access to the best image. Otherwise, those on the sides will see blacks that turn blue but other colors remain normal.
Disappointing SD
In SD, it's an entirely different story. While we find the same qualities and defects (lack of depth in black, narrow viewing angles) as in HD, now add poor rescaling. The image notably lacks sharpness and we should point that this is only a 26 inch. The result should be worse with 32 and 37 inches and all the more so on the 42 inch.
Finally, sound isn’t extraordinary but good enough for less ‘’sensitive’’ ears.
Measurements
The first results in standard mode made us fear for the worst as far as the display quality that can be found on a model in this category. The gamma curb barely attains a weak 1.72, color temperature reaches an extreme 12000 K and brightness at 400 cd/m² in white is hard to bear in a moderately lighted room.
After finding better adapted settings, the Regza 26A3030DG’s gamma curve has a much nicer form (bottom).
After having adopted settings that are more adapted to home cinema, we found more satisfactory measurements. The average attains a good 2.23 while being homogenous on the entire gray scale. Color temperature oscillates between 5500 and 6500 K and the quality of tones becomes more acceptable. As for contrast, it varies between 550 and 700:1 depending on the brightness/contrast setting you choose, which of course depends on your lighting conditions. However, note that black has difficulty going under 0.60 cd/m², proof of a lack of depth and the fact that it leans more towards gray.
In practice
With the new settings, our Regza 26A3030DG displayed a nice image but the excessive saturation was surprising. Skin tones are reddish and rendering isn’t too realistic. This was confirmed by our measurements and we were forced to lower the value from 50% - the default setting - to 35% in order to improve display. New color measurements were not perfect but well in the average. It’s not the first time encountering this exaggerated saturation and we don’t understand why Toshiba insists on using such gaudy settings.
While HD movies were very well rendered we couldn’t help noticing the grayish black and small viewing angles. From 2.5 m, only 2 or 3 people have access to the best image. Otherwise, those on the sides will see blacks that turn blue but other colors remain normal.
Disappointing SD
In SD, it's an entirely different story. While we find the same qualities and defects (lack of depth in black, narrow viewing angles) as in HD, now add poor rescaling. The image notably lacks sharpness and we should point that this is only a 26 inch. The result should be worse with 32 and 37 inches and all the more so on the 42 inch.
Finally, sound isn’t extraordinary but good enough for less ‘’sensitive’’ ears.
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Display is nice once we refine factory presettings
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A single HDMI
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No TNT HD tuner
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Black too faded
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Mediocre presettings
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Poorly distributed
Just an average TV, the A3030DG doesn't offer satisfactory rescaling of SD sources. Also, it demands profound readjustments of factory settings to get the best image.
