The REGZA ZV650 Series is one of Toshiba's top-shelf 2009 LCD lines, so it employs most of the company's advanced features and imaging technologies, with the exception of the LED backlighting found in the SV650 Series. The line includes screen sizes of 42, 47, and 55 inches. We have not performed a hands-on review of the 47ZV650U, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 47-inch, 1080p LCD uses a traditional fluorescent backlight and features Toshiba's new ClearScan 240 technology, which combines the company's ClearFrame 120Hz system with a scanning backlight to create a 240Hz effect designed to more effectively reduce motion blur and film judder. (In other words, this TV does not actually have a refresh rate of 240Hz.) The 47ZV650U uses Toshiba's PixelPure 5G engine with 14-bit video processing and the CineSpeed panel, as well as Resolution+ scaling technology to help lower-resolution sources seem more detailed (formerly called SVT). This model is EnergyStar 3.0-compliant and supports Divx playback through USB.

The thorough connection panel includes four HDMI, two component video, and one PC input, plus a single RF input to access the internal NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuners. The HDMI inputs accept both a 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signal, and one is located on the side panel for easy access. The 47ZV650U lacks picture-in-picture functionality and a program guide for the internal tuners, but it does offer a nicely conceived Channel Browser that shows thumbnails of inputs, channels, and favorites along the bottom of the screen. This TV has both an SD card slot for JPEG viewing and a USB port for playback of digital media files (JPEG, MP3, MPEG-1/2 video, and Divx), but it does not have an Ethernet port for network connectivity and/or media streaming. An IR output is also provided.

The 47ZV650U offers an excellent assortment of picture adjustments, beginning with five picture modes. The AutoView picture mode automatically adjusts the picture quality based on ambient room light and source content, while the gaming mode improves response time when mating the TV with a gaming console. The menu includes three preset color-temperature options, as well as complete white-balance controls. There are several ways to adjust the TV's backlight: a fixed backlight control, a DynaLight mode that automatically tailors the backlight to suit the source content, and an Auto Brightness sensor that adjusts the backlight based on the room's ambient light, with a Backlight Adjustment Pro menu to set parameters. You can choose between multiple Resolution+ levels, and the setup menu also offers an eight-step gamma adjustment and digital/MPEG noise reduction. The ClearScan function is divided into two controls: The ClearScan 240 setting (on/off) helps reduce motion blur, while the Film Stabilization mode (off/standard/high) specifically addresses the problem of judder in film sources, using various levels of frame interpolation to produce smoother movement. The ColorMaster feature lets you adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of the six main color points, and the Expert mode isolates red, green or blue in the signal to help adjust color and tint. Finally, the TV has eight aspect-ratio options, including a Native mode for viewing 1080i/1080p signals with no overscan.

Toshiba's new Deep Lagoon aesthetic includes a glossy black frame with curved edges, a rounded base, and invisible speakers. This is one of the first Toshiba models to incorporate Dolby Volume, designed to even out the inconsistent volume levels between commercials and TV content, with low, high and off modes in the setup menu. The audio menu also includes bass, treble and balance settings, plus surround, voice enhancement and dynamic bass boost controls.

High Points
• This TV has a 1080p resolution and will accept 24p sources via its HDMI inputs.
• ClearScan 240 technology effectively reduces motion blur, with a separate Film Stabilization mode to address film judder.
• LCDs can be very bright, which makes them a good choice for a brightly lit viewing environment.
• The TV has an attractive design and numerous connection options and picture adjustments.
• Dolby Volume is available to level out volume variations.
• The 47ZV650U has both a USB port and SD card slot to play digital media files, including Divx.

Low Points
• This LCD uses a traditional fluorescent backlight, so its black level is not as good as that of a higher-end LED-based LCD.
• LCD viewing angles are only average.
• The TV lacks an Ethernet port for Web connectivity and media streaming.

Conclusion
The 47ZV650U is a well-endowed 1080p LCD with worthwhile features like ClearScan 240 and Dolby Volume, yet it still falls at the lower end of the price range compared with other "240Hz" HDTVs.