Isn’t it so difficult to settle on a new TV these days? There are so many out newbies there. Each with their own unique selling point. Curved screens, full high definition, ultra high definition, 4K. Smart screens, gaming screens, ones that go with your surround sound. It can be so hard to figure out what is the right one for you. This is when it is a good time to take things back to basics, and go for something that is both a great price, and with some pretty nifty features. Allow us, then, to present to you the Toshiba 24WL3A63DB. A smart TV that is as ready as you are!
We dive into what makes this a great budget option, what HD ready means, and all those additional features that could make this your diamond in the rough. We also talk Freeview, On Demand and streaming services, as well as something to make the gamers interested.
Keeping it simple allows you to take some time to assess what you really need, right?
Are Toshiba Smart TVs any good?
There are a wide range of Toshiba Smart TVs, covering a broad spectrum of customer requirements. Toshiba were actually instrumental in rolling out the first examples of HD TVs, so they have some pretty decent technology behind them. Newer options are premium, with Ultra HD, 4K ready. Generally with a screen large enough to make it the centre piece of the room. These are generally well received, with both audio and picture quality smooth and satisfying. All in all, Toshiba have a good reputation in the market.
Some of the lower price options, however, have faced criticism as they don’t quite match up to today’s high spec offerings. But this all comes down to preference and budget. And Toshiba have thought about all of this, which is why their range does include Smart TVs without all the latest bells and whistles.
Smart TVs are predominantly useful for their ability to connect to the internet, allowing users to browse online as well as using streaming services. Many are also able to connect to other smart home devices, though this varies between device and maker. Such budget options as the Toshiba 24WL3A63DB have a bit of a mix. You might be surprised at the features and functions of this Smart TV, as well as it audio-visual capabilities. Lets take a look.
Toshiba 24WL3A63DB: Specifications
When it comes to a device like this Toshiba Smart TV, the emphasis is on affordability without compromising on quality. This 24 inch, and its 32 inch sister, are the benchmark for this, and do fairly well at hitting both. The LED screen has a resolution of 1366 x 768 px, so is classified as an HD ready television, rather than a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 px. This results in a screen that is less densely populated with pixels, leading to less detail in the images you see. The max refresh rate is 50Hz.
And with this screen, you can do all manner of things. The Toshiba 24WL3A63DB comes with a range of On Demand and streaming service applications already installed. Netflix and Amazon Prime even have their own remote buttons. It also comes pre-loaded with both Freeview HD and Freeview Play, meaning you have the full range of channels (region and signal dependent) and catch up services for free! No monthly subscriptions for you.
This also comes with Miracast screen sharing capability, which means you can share your phone or laptop screen with the press of a button. This is a great function that allows you to share your home video, photos and even stream YouTube from Smart device to TV.
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More into gaming? No problem, with two HDMI ports and one USB port you can connect your favourite console, and additional peripherals if needed. It is also bluetooth compatible And, if that wasn’t enough, it’s also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa assistant! So you can use voice controls when needed.
Toshiba have also amped up their speaker system a little, with a 5W set designed by Onkyo and with Dolby Audio processing, which is a really nice touch actually. But more on this later!
With all this in mind, Toshiba tread the line between affordable and desirable fairly well. Whilst the whole device is encased in plastic, and can feel a little insecure on its plastic mount, the technical elements are redeeming. If you have energetic kids or pets, the build quality could cause a problem, as it seems a little wobbly when large vibrations occur. However, this can be avoided by mounting it to a wall.
This are all first impressions, however. Lets dive a little deeper into this Toshiba 24WL3A63DB review and see what it really has to offer.
What to Watch on Toshiba 24WL3A63DB
As we have already noted, this deice has a wealth of viewing options. From Freeview HD—offering a full range of 70 channels with 15 HD options and a radio stations—to Freeview Play, On Demand and streaming services too! Freeview is an excellent service. It allows you to watch a great range of epic channels for free, without having to pay a monthly subscription! However, there are some regions where not all channels are covered. You can check out our handy Freeview guide for more information.
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This means the likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5 can all be found next to your full electronic programming guide (EPG). And if you need to add an App, simply head to the Freeview store to find more. Amazon Prime and Netflix are already installed as standard, and with Alexa assistant at your behest, you can go straight for voice commands as and when you need them.
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The TV remote includes buttons for both these Apps, giving you quick access. Whilst the overall look and feel of the remote control isn’t all that modern or futuristic, it is simple to use and well designed. Buttons like pause play, and rewind buttons arranged at the bottom of the controller, and you have a big blue ‘Home’ button that takes you back to the main menu. You can also play with settings from here too.
And as you have those pause and play buttons, and Freeview Play, you can record and store as much TV as you want, so long as you have an external hard drive! Simply connect via the USB port, and contain all the entertainment you need.
In terms of wi fi connectivity, this HD ready LED TV is pretty decent, though we have to report that there were some instances of it dropping out. This seems to be an issue with some users, though often can be fixed with a system update. In fact, most Toshiba devices will perform system updates periodically anyway. However, it can be a little frustrating having to fiddle with settings when getting used to your new TV.
To avoid this, it is worth ensuring you have a strong wi fi connection in your home. Or perhaps connecting via ethernet. Or alternatively invest in a wi fi extender.
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Toshiba 24WL3A63DB Gaming Mode
You do have the option of Toshiba Gaming Mode. This useful little tool optimises the potency of gameplay via image and audio control. Minor tweaks in the coloration does give a little boost. Though with a 50Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t do too much to reduce the minimal blurring. In shortening the latency of your games controller through bypassing the internal circuitry of the TV, it also boost speeds and responses. Which means more accuracy in game for you!
Whilst the 1366 x 768 px resolution of the LED screen isn’t the optimum for playing the most up to date games, it can still pack a punch. It is HD ready after all, and can support some pretty high octane gaming with little blurring or ghosting. Plus, those two HDMI ports and one USB port mean you can plug and play whenever you are ready. It would have been nice to get an additional USB port (or even a USB-C), though we aren’t about to look a gift-horse in the mouth these days.
The contrast and colour rendering of the screen is pretty decent. Vibrant colours and contrast blend well with passable detail on those HD channels, games and movies. However, we wouldn’t expect miracles with a resolution of 768p. That the 50Hz refresh rate isn’t entirely optimal either. Expect a little bit of blurring and some minor detail loss, and you wont be disappointed.
With an average power consumption or around 27 kWh, this is actually a fairly efficient smart TV. This is based about 4 hours use per day. So you can get well into a binge or boost that gaming session knowing that you wont be boosting your power bills.
Dolby Processing and Onkyo Speakers
We must talk about those speakers. Whilst most flat screen TVs compromise on their speakers as a matter of course (space is at a premium), these speakers actually deliver an impressive range. Combining Dolby Audio with those 5W speakers designed by Onkyo gives you a richness without ever having to add a soundbar. It includes a subwoofer, giving added depth and boosts those cinematic screen moments.
The buzzword here is immersion. And this is what Toshiba had in mind when they worked with Onkyo to bring these speakers to life. Though admittedly we have not tested them with more meaty cinematic films with real bass and hefty action scenes. But overall, the quality is better than we were expecting!
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sound quality is really great for such a reasonable price for the product, with great depth and separation between dialogue and peripheral sounds. This being the case, an external set of speakers may not be necessary. Though if you are wanting more rumble in your base, it is always wise to have an external hookup. Just in case!
Is the Toshiba 24WL3A63DB Worth your Money?
The Toshiba 24WL3A63DB has some downsides. The wi fi connectivity can sometimes be a little off, though this can be fixed with system updates. And to be honest, Toshiba are good with their customer service. According to customer reviews, they are quick to resolve issues or order a new device if there are issues.
Another caveat is the overall feel of the product. The plastic casing feels slightly flimsy, as does the stand. This can lead to some wobble when you walk past or cause vibration. In turn, this could cause worries about the placement of the item, and perhaps even cause some damage if it falls from its stand. However, you could always purchase a wall-mount to avoid issues like this.
The amount of connectivity is ok. Though with two HDMI and one USB port it is not exactly flush with options. However, this is ample enough to connect an external hard drive and games console. And having a TV with Freeview Play is handy to record your favourite films and TV shows from the range of 70+ Freeview channels on offer. Simply connect to an external hard drive, and you’re good to go! Please note, however, that the external hard drive is sold separately.
You also have the benefit of all those streaming services. Netflix, Amazon Prime, both come pre-loaded and with their own remote buttons for quick access. Miracast also allows you to share your smartphone screen with your TV. This becomes the ultimate viewing platform for your recorded video, photos, and watching YouTube.
With Freeview included as standard, you are getting a pretty good deal. A range of free channels, and you can say goodbye to those expensive Sky or Virgin packages too. Whilst the size of this device isn’t overly big, you can opt for the 32 inch version. However, whilst both are HD ready, they still only support a 768p resolution, meaning those HD shows may come over as a little less crisp than other models.
These are all minor caveats, however, and no match for the incredibly pleasing price. With a decent picture quality, with fairly good colour rendering, and that great sound quality too, this is a great option as a second TV. Perhaps something to tide you over while you save for that big centre piece smart TV!
It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, and it wont be winning any prizes for overall quality. But, what is does have is Freeview HD and Play, all your favourite streaming services, as well as On Demand and catch up TV. And all for an impressively low price.
Keeping things simple, yet with some pretty diverse and interesting features the whole family will love. Toshiba have a good thing going here!
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