Toshiba 32AV502U

Toshiba 32AV502U

When we say the Toshiba AV502U series can produce relatively deep black levels, the key word is "relatively." It's perhaps more accurate to say that its shade of black outdoes most other less-expensive, lower resolution small-screened LCDs we've seen by a narrow margin. It does fall short of the competition in terms of maintaining accurate color at every brightness level, however, and it will look best if you avoid feeding it any 1080i sources. Speaking of looks, the AV502U is also among the most boring-looking TVs we've seen when it's turned off, and that's saying something. Those caveats aside, this little LCD does do slightly better blacks for less, and that might be enough for bargain hunters. Series note: We performed a hands-on evaluation of the 32-inch Toshiba 32AV502U, but this review also applies to the 26-inch Toshiba 26AV502U and the 37-inch Toshiba 37AV502U. The three screen sizes share identical specs and should exhibit very similar picture quality. Unobtrusive bordering on unremarkable, the standard-gloss-black AV502U series lacks the rounded edges and softer curves seen on many smaller LCDs.