Save Energy and get a great HDTV? Toshiba claims ‘Green’ ground with its 42XV540U

Now you can save the planet, and get a good HDTV too.

The well-priced Toshiba Regza 42XV540U ($1,599.99 retail list price) features a good selection of HD-compatible video inputs and outputs and a base that swivels. Additionally, this LCD HDTV is one of a handful of sets that offer amazing (almost perfect, according to several reviews) detail with HDTV sources. Pircture contrast was noted as a weakness of the TV, but still, low power consumption made it PC Magazine’s first GreenTech Approved HDTV model.

Bezels are continuing grow thinner by the season, and that’s a design trend that helps larger screens to fit into smaller and smaller spaces. This model’s bezel measures an impressively svelte 1.4-inches wide. The trim also surrounds the thin “SoundStrip” stereo speaker bar that’s located beneath the set’s lower bezel. The swivel stand (which may require a little elbow grease to get together) offers 30 degrees of total swivel action (15 degrees to either side).

What makes it green exactly, and earned it recognition by PC Magazine? The 42XV540U exhibits amazing energy efficiency, especially for a 42-inch LCD. With default settings, the TV consumed an average of 195W during operation (average LCD’s this size usually clock in around 250-300W), making it planet-friendly (and wallet-friendly) as well as a good TV all around.