Toshiba 46SV670U LED LCD HDTV Review - Color Accuracy

Color Accuracy Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Toshiba 46SV670U. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other sizes in the Regza SV670U series. The Regza SV670U series includes the following models: 55SV670U.  Read here for more details on series differences.
• Smooth color curves mean better color gradation • Terrible color temperature consistency • Testing done using DisplayMate Software
	Blacks & Whites	Page 4 of 18	Motion

Color Temperature (0.1)

In this section, we look at the consistency of the color temperature across the range of brightest to darkest signals. Sadly, the Toshiba 46SV670U performed abysmally in this test. At first, we thought it might be an error, so we re-ran the test several times. Then we manually scanned the display with our chroma meter and software, examining the color temperature at various points.

The conclusion was always the same. The 46SV670U display gets warmer (more red) as the signal gets darker, so much so that we could see it with our bare eyes. The problem was so bad that the results broke through the bottom of the chart.

We don't have a definitive explanation for this, but we have some possibilities. The Toshiba 46SV670U is the first Toshiba TV we've reviewed with LED backlighting and local dimming. In other experiences with LED lighting, we've seen color temperatures shift when the signal became too low. There's also the possibility that the TV was performing some kind of auto-dimming feature, despite our manually disengaging every possible feature like this. 

Color Temperature
Compare the Toshiba 46SV670U to other HDTVs
Samsung UN46B6000 46 inches	Vizio SV471VXT 47 inches	Sony KDL-46VE5 46 inches

RGB Curves (8.33)

The RGB curves on the Toshiba 46SV670U were really good. The scientific tests we ran matched up with what our own eyes saw. There was very little color banding in any of the channels. Those little bumps towards the right side of the curve indicate that colors won't exactly be perfect in brighter portions of the screen, but you'll be hard pressed to notice anything.

RGB Curves

Among the competition, the Toshiba 46SV670U scored very well. 

Red Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Toshiba 46SV670U
Samsung UN46B6000
Vizio SV471VXT
Sony KDL-46VE5

Green Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Toshiba 46SV670U
Samsung UN46B6000
Vizio SV471VXT
Sony KDL-46VE5

Blue Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Toshiba 46SV670U
Samsung UN46B6000
Vizio SV471VXT
Sony KDL-46VE5

Color Gamut (3.57)

How well does the Toshiba 46SV670U match the exacting and international standards of color accuracy? Not too bad, to put it briefly. No TV can perfectly match the ITU Recommendation .709, but the Toshiba performance is within a healthy range. The greens are a little saturated, the blues are a little purple, and the reds are a little orange. The only really significant note here is that the white point – that circle in the middle of the graph – is off by a fair amount. This bore itself out a little in the Color Temperature test, which did not go well for the Toshiba. 

Color Gamut

Other Models in the SV670U Series
This is a review of the Toshiba 46SV670U. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.
Toshiba 46SV670U 46 inches	Toshiba 55SV670U 55 inches