The 50-inch Toshiba 50HMX96 is an HDTV that utilizes digital light processing (DLP) technology and slim speakers to pack a lot of performance into a lightweight tabletop cabinet measuring less than 17 inches deep. The black cabinet does not distract from the flat wide-format display, and it looks great even when the TV is turned off. This model has internal NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, a PC input for surfing the internet or playing games on the big screen, a CableCARD slot so digital cable can be watched without a separate set-top box and an Ethernet connection for viewing digital images or listening to MP3 files over a home network.

With a native resolution of 1,280X720, the 50HMX96 produces a 720p picture showing , bright whites, rich blacks and sharp edges. A 3-D Y/C digital comb filter eliminates dot crawl, and a digital color management system ensures lifelike images. Split-screen viewing lets you watch two sources at once.

The compact two-way stereo speakers deliver a generous 20 watts of output per channel, and the volume can be automatically set to a steady level. Other audio options include enhanced bass, heightened treble and simulated surround sound. TV Guide On-Screen lets you check out upcoming program schedules. The 50HMX96 also has a game timer, on/off and sleep timers, a channel browser that lets you retrace the channels you had been previously watching and parental V-chip controls.

The 50HMX96 is generously outfitted with connection options to link to a range of other components. These include two RF inputs, two composite video inputs, an S-video input, two HD component video inputs, two HDMI inputs, the PC input with audio, a composite video output and an optical digital audio output, along with the Ethernet jack. The package is completed with the illuminated universal remote control.

With its PC input, Ethernet connectivity and DLP picture, the Toshiba 50HMX96 is ready to take its place at the center of a high-tech home theater system.

Pros: Extensive jack pack includes PC input, strong audio performance, relatively light and compact cabinet
Cons: No memory card slots or USB port

Warranty
1 year parts and labor