Toshiba 58L9363DB review

Is 4K worth having at this small (ish) size? The answer is a definite yes, though whether any so-called next-gen telly should be sold without either LED local dimming or a dual-core processor are more important questions for Toshiba.

The omission of both explains the price-cut when compared to slightly smaller sets from Samsung, Sony and LG, though the 58-inch 58L9363DB does have a three-inch advantage over its rivals.

We liked

Detail - and bags of it - is just awesome.

We were also impressed by the set's dazzling colours and thoroughly decent (though ultimately less than top-notch) contrast.

The 58L9363DB's super-slim design also puts it a mite ahead of Sony's super-wide KD-559000A, for one. Upscaling of Blu-ray discs is pleasingly pin-sharp, too.

We disliked

Weak sound, crosstalk in 3D and a wholly average contrast performance are the lowlights, though it's the 58L9363DB's lack of processing power that puts it a notch behind its rivals.

The lack of LED local dimming means little shadow detail within blocks of black, while Cloud TV is a second-rung smart TV platform. Its upscaling of SD isn't as clean as on rival sets.

Final Verdict

Excellent 4K detail, luscious colour, a very slim design and an impressive HD upscaling performance from its 4K CEVO engine are the highlights from Toshiba's smallest foray into Ultra HD, but shouldn't all 4K TVs have a dual-core processor?

A blemished reputation for usability follows, though a ponderous navigating Cloud TV only finds a small selection of must-have apps. Though it uses the Active Shutter 3D system, the 58L9363's interpretation is stained with crosstalk, while the clean upscaling of SD to fit the enormous resolution panel is beyond its 4K CEVO engine.

4K will catch on when it becomes affordable, and that era starts now with the release of the Toshiba 58L9363. One of the most affordable Ultra HD TVs around, it's nevertheless a notch behind similarly sized screens from Sony and Samsung.

Not nearly quick enough to act as a heavily used living room TV, the 58L9363 is best stuck in a home cinema room for watching movies.

Also consider

When it comes to Ultra HD TVs, we're still in the early phase where most brands are offering a first-gen set - especially at this relatively small size.

The 58-inch size is actually unique to Toshiba - as is the relatively low price - though the 55-inch sets available elsewhere will offer much the same screen real estate; search out LG's 55LA9700 (£3,299), Sony's 55X9005A (£3,299) and Samsung's UE55F9000 (£3,299) if you want the complete picture.

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All three of those brands also offer 65-inch versions of those sets, while other 65-inchers include the Philips 65PFL9708 (£4,500) and Panasonic TX-L65WT600 (£5,499).

There are a handful of 84/85-inch Ultra HDTVs, too, though since we're into footballer territory when it comes to prices, the likes of the Sony KD-84X9005 (£24,999), LG 84LM960V (£14,999), Samsung UE85S9 (£35,000), Philips 84PFL9708 (the 65-inch version reviewed here) (£1,299) and Toshiba 84L9300 (£10,799.95) aren't really in competition with the relatively bargain-priced Toshiba 58L9363DB on test here.