The Toshiba DLP (HM/HMX) Owners Thread [Text View] - Page 12

Kompleat

08-12-05, 01:53 AM

I should take a picture but I have made my own center speaker stand. It's kind of an extension to the tv stand.

I:
- screwed a wide piece of MDF to the back of the tv stand that was just a tad taller than the top of the screen
- screwed a wide peice of MDF to the top of the first peice and let it rest on the top of the tv screen
- this peice is waht the speaker sits on
- so 1 end of the surface teh speaker is on is resting on the screen and the other end is screwed into the MDF peice that is screwed onto the tv stand way below

make sense?

------------
|............ | <----- Center Speaker
----------- <----- The MDF the speaker is stitting on
| ........ | |
| ........ | |
| ........ | |<----- TV
| ........ | |
----------- <---- TV stand

(ignore the periods, i needed them because spaces would not show up right here)

I covered it in matching grey fabric and it looks good.

My center speaker has a huge box and its very solid up there.

Kompleat

08-12-05, 01:54 AM

the drawing isnt the greatest but i could take a pic if needed

Kompleat

08-12-05, 02:21 AM

I read and searched this thread for awhile but im not sure if people are doing this the same way I am.. it's super easy

This is for the 44H80 but should be the same for all others
I have an NVidia 6600 GT but hopefully ATI will have similar options

How to get 1:1 pixel mapping
-------------------------------------
Must be using DVI
Set resolution to 1280x720 in Windows
Hold MENU on your remote and your TV at the same time
Keep holding untill service menu comes up
- it takes about 10 seconds or so
- the first option on the list is DLP driver
Go down to "Main win size"
Press right arrow on remote to enter this category

Change settings to:
- IN H Offset: 33
- IN V Offset: 0
- IN H Size: 1280
- IN V Size: 720
- OUT H Offset: 0
- OUT V Offset: 0
- OUT H Size: 1280
- OUT V Size: 720

Exit the menu
Text is now ***PERFECT***

(I also am at 0 sharpness)

For no overscan once you are 1:1 pixel mapped
-------------------------------------------------------------
Setting your Windows resolution to 1216x676......
Right click desktop >> NVidia display >> HD Overscan compensation
(Going from memory here)
(you will need to remap to 1:1 because it changes resolution)
Use the arrows to adjust to 0 overscan
Keep the settings (or something)
(you will probably need to go to 1:1 again, not sure)
Check to see if your new resolution is 1216x676, which is perfect for my screen once its 1:1 pixel mapped

The bummer is that you need to do this any time you:
- change inputs
- turn off the tv
- change resolution
- ANY time you see the DTV text on the bottom of your screen (from the tv, not windows)

It becomes very easy to do.
With a universal or programable remote you can get to the menu with one push of the remote.

I hope this helps and isn't a duplicate :)

I set all my games to run at 1216x676 so that they do not change my resolution at all.. they look awesome!!

If you have anything to add let me know... and spread the word!

cubenruben

08-12-05, 07:11 AM

i would love a pic

gkrykewy

08-12-05, 09:49 AM

This is my third post concerning the picture on my 46hm84 being roughly 1/2" off-center (toward the right). Note that I don't have a 1/2" black bar or anything on the left - I guess I'm just losing 1/2" on the right. Anyway, I noted previously that ESPN HD is perfectly centered, whereas a lot of other signals are not. After learning that ESPN HD is broadcast in 720p rather than 1080i, I think there's my answer. The set seems to be slightly off-center when converting from signals other than its native resolution (which I believe is 720p). Any thoughts?

Kompleat

08-12-05, 12:51 PM

On the 44H80 if you are connecting with the RGB (VGA looking) connection you can adjust the position of the picture in the regular menu (although I doubt this is how you are connecting it). Otherwise you can move the picture around using my directions in my post above about 1:1 pixel mapping. In the "Main win size" section of the serivce menu.

gkrykewy

08-12-05, 01:11 PM

Thanks - I didn't know you were replying to me. I'm not sure those steps will work for the 46hm84, as the method of getting into the service menu is very different (hitting mute 3 times, etc), and the service menu doesn't seem to have any options as clear as "main win size" - it's just got a bunch of numeric codes you can change values for. Also, it's a shame that you have to redo everything whenever you turn the set off (per your directions).

rmm2112

08-12-05, 02:13 PM

the drawing isnt the greatest but i could take a pic if needed

I would love to see a pic as well - I too have only room for my center channel to go back on top - right now, and no don't cringe too much - it is just resting on the top of the bezel since it is slightly bowed -- But i want to fix that before my luck runs out and the speaker comes crashing down.

--Sclaws

08-12-05, 03:45 PM

http://www.infinitysystems.com/homeaudio/product_detail.aspx?cat=HCS&series=TSS&prod=TSS-450CHR&Status=

This set of speakers is the first set of, well, really small speakers I've ever purchased for home theater...and IMO they are a great match w/the Tosh DLP sets! My room is about 18x24 w/ the center resting comfortably on top of the TV, the Front/rears are ceiling-mounted w/the sub up front (This system is not the most powerful offered, but it has two rubber feet on the center speaker that adjust very well to sitting on the top-center lip of the TV).

I know its a bit of a variation on the questions above, but I think this system (under $500 online easy) is surprisingly dynamic and full for the size and price, as well as dealing with the space issues of larger speakers.

If anyone cares, I'd be happy to snap a pic or two...otherwise, carry on ;)

cubenruben

08-12-05, 08:37 PM

also thinking of getting a new dvd player that upscales
I am between these two
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7024622&type=product&id=1099394611091

or this one

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7006394&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03013&id=1099392227847

Anyone have an opion on these two? I want the Toshiba bc of name and I heard from Toshiba site it will have the color stream technology so it is made for my tv I am getting. But I want to get the samsung so I can make it region free. whats the quality of both and what have you noticed one which one upscales better and which is overall better?

I will be using them both via hdmi. is it even worth it?

kregstrong

08-13-05, 01:31 AM

anyone know how the toshiba dlp's handle video games? i want to buy one but i cant have any lag in video games, anyone have any info on that>?

mdeligny

08-13-05, 03:22 AM

kdog044

08-13-05, 10:23 AM

toenail

08-13-05, 12:20 PM

What is an HTPC? I've read this thread for over an hour and I think it's a PC that you hook up to your TV, but for what? I have a powerful Nvidia video card with a DVI output on my video card...what can I do with that? What are people using on their PC or watching when they hook it to their PC??? Is it a better picture or some thing like that? What gives?

Home Theater Personal Computer. Don't quote me on this but I'd guess it refers to using parts of your Home Theater as a Personal Computer- audio through your AV receiver, video through your nice big HDTV. You can use it for whatever you please.

riz

08-13-05, 12:53 PM

I'm considering the Toshiba 62HMX84 but as i'm looking over the specs from Toshiba's website (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=62hmx84), in one place is says:

Full 1280 x 720 Mirrors for Enhanced Sharpness which obviously means 720p native right?

but then it says:

This component inputs are capable of receiving 480i, 480p and 1080i HDTV signals. All Toshiba HDTV compatible models feature two sets of these high definition capable inputs, providing your customer with an increased level of connectivity and future readiness for progressive DVD players and set-top boxes. ummm, where's the 720p output via component??? since one of my component hookups will be the xbox 360 and the most likely native res for games will be 720p, i need to know if this is a misprint or that the components don't actually do 720p?

Official specs info here (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=62hmx84), I absolutely want to buy a 720 native resolution dlp (x360!) and am still in the infancy of doing my research on which is best even though i am really leaning towards tosh

Any help is appreciated,
thx riz

--Sclaws

08-13-05, 01:29 PM

gkrykewy

08-13-05, 02:28 PM

cubenruben

08-13-05, 06:08 PM

Rudy1

08-13-05, 07:08 PM

I've noticed that certain HD channels (comcast digital cable) display aligned about 1/2" to the right (see my previous posts on this). I had previously noticed the same symptoms on DVD (connected with s-video), which led me to believe it was an issue with the TV. However, I notice now that where channels are misaligned, the comcast tv-guide on-screen guide is perfectly centered. In addition, I now have component for my dvd, which is centered. I guess this means it's a source issue? (with the strange anomaly of the s-video). Comments would be appreciated.

If you're using one of the Motorola STBs from Comcast, you can go into the menu system and adjust the position of the image (on the DCT6412 DVR, it's under SETUP/SCREEN POSITION SETUP). And it would be a good idea to set the output on your cable STB to the TV's native resolution (720p) so the TV doesn't have to do any additional scaling (scaling up or down almost always introduces artifacts).

Rudy1

08-13-05, 07:14 PM

no answer yewt to my question yet.

also thinking of getting a new dvd player that upscales
I am between these two
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...d=1099394611091

or this one

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...d=1099392227847

Anyone have an opion on these two? I want the Toshiba bc of name and I heard from Toshiba site it will have the color stream technology so it is made for my tv I am getting. But I want to get the samsung so I can make it region free. whats the quality of both and what have you noticed one which one upscales better and which is overall better?

I will be using them both via hdmi. is it even worth it?
cubenruben is online now Report Bad Post Report Post
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"ColorStream" is Toshiba's name for component video, so it won't matter if you're connecting the player through HDMI. I am using the Oppo OPDV971H with a DVI to HDMI cable on my 46HM84, and the PQ is excellent with my partcular setup (most of the people encountering problems with this player are using it with front projectors). But you should really go to BB and purchase both players and try them with your set...then return the one you like the least.

betstevens

08-14-05, 06:02 AM

I just started experiencing a strange problem and I am wondering if it is related to the 1.5.2 firmware I added about a week or so ago. Periodically, I will turn on the TV and the audio is distorted. It almost sounds like it's under water. if I turn off the TV and then turn it back on again it is fine. I know it is the TV as I have a STB with audio connected directly to my receiver and the audio is fine. Anyone else experience this problem?

I had the same problem the first 2 months of ownership using a Dish 505 connected to the 46hm94 with component. It happened 4 or 5 times and corrected itself with a re-start. Posted question on several boards with no response but for the past 3 months it has not repeated itself. I suspected a mis-match of satellite signal and now let the set warm up 30-45 secs before turning on the box.

kregstrong

08-14-05, 10:21 AM

i just would love to know how the video game lag is on this tv, i decided against the sammy 6168 i heard there is lots of lag, how about the toshiba does anyone know anything about it?

CountZero75

08-14-05, 04:27 PM

I've been playing Halo 2 on my set for about 3 weeks now and I haven't noticed any lag at all. YMMV.

Shaner1

08-15-05, 08:40 AM

i just would love to know how the video game lag is on this tv, i decided against the sammy 6168 i heard there is lots of lag, how about the toshiba does anyone know anything about it?

Kregstrong,

It was posted early in this thread about video game lag, if you do a search you will find it.

The quick version is that if you buy a 52HMX94 or 62HMX94 model you will have Game Mode on the TV. Game Mode works great, you turn it on and it eliminates the lag. I have tested this on many different games, it works as advertised and I couldn't be happier with it.

kdog044

08-15-05, 09:00 AM

I had the same problem the first 2 months of ownership using a Dish 505 connected to the 46hm94 with component. It happened 4 or 5 times and corrected itself with a re-start. Posted question on several boards with no response but for the past 3 months it has not repeated itself. I suspected a mis-match of satellite signal and now let the set warm up 30-45 secs before turning on the box.Thanks for the response. The wierd thing is I have had the same STB and cable card connection and never had the problem before. Also, it has to be related to the TV because the audio from the STB to my receiver is fine, it's only audio from the TV. I wasn't the one who turned on the TV yesterday so I don't know if it recoccured then but it did the same thing today. Once you turn off the TV and then back on again the audio is fine. :confused:

cubenruben

08-15-05, 05:22 PM

At Best Buy we just got the the 52hm95 and the 46hm95. my tv that I ordered will be in at friday. I bought the 52hm85. Well I want to know some of the difference between this tv vs mine. anything in video quality?
Things I have noticed are
2 hdmi ports, cable card port, digital media card reader, black and grey cabinet and some other little differnces. should I cancel my order and get the 95 series? I will be using it for gaming also.

gkrykewy

08-15-05, 06:59 PM

If you're using one of the Motorola STBs from Comcast, you can go into the menu system and adjust the position of the image (on the DCT6412 DVR, it's under SETUP/SCREEN POSITION SETUP). And it would be a good idea to set the output on your cable STB to the TV's native resolution (720p) so the TV doesn't have to do any additional scaling (scaling up or down almost always introduces artifacts).

I have the box without DVR, and I couldn't find any options pertaining to screen position. In terms of the output, I initially had the same thoughts as you (720p). However, when I change from 1080i to 720p, even in the setup menu, I can immediately see that 1080i is more crisp. 720p is slightly fuzzier, and the picture seems less steady - a minor visual 'swimming' or waviness is apparent even in the menu screen. I've also noticed, as referenced earlier in this thread, that the TV manual recommends 1080i input for the hdmi port to maximize quality (despite the native resolution). I'm connecting via component, but it seems like the same may hold true.

c391376

08-15-05, 07:04 PM

I'm having a nuisance issue and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this. I have the 62HM84 and a Dish Network 921. With the HDMI port connected from the 921 to the TV, the TV will not start up correctly...the red light goes solid at first, but then starts blinking steadily and no picture comes on. If, however, I unplug the TV, unplug the 921, plug the TV back in, turn it on, THEN plug in/turn on the 921, the set works fine.

I have a startup sequence programmed into my pronto to turn the TV on first, wait a second, then turn on the 921...same issue. I also tried it the other way (against the recommendation of the Toshiba user manual) with the 921 on first, then the TV, but same result. Am I missing something here with the pickiness of the HDMI port, or does this seem like a possible hardware issue? Any thoughts?I am having the same problem with my 62HMX84 when connecting my Dish 921 PVR from the DVI to the HDMI ports. I can only get the TV to turn on after unplugging it from the wall. I've had Toshiba authorized service techs come out three times now and they still haven't fixed it. The first time they replace the whole lamp assembly, the second they changed out the HDMI board. Now they want to take it in shop for two weeks but guarantee it will be fixed. I told them they can't have it until I have researched the problem on the internet. This is how I came upon this site and found other owners with the same problem. The tech told me not use the HDMI interface but rather the component instead but I already have both these ports used by my DVD & Xbox.

Can someone please help me? Is it the 62HMX84 or the Dish 921? Should I let the service techs take it for two weeks? Can Toshiba really fix it or will they just have my TV for two weeks then blame it on the 921? Is there a resolution to this problem?

Benear

08-15-05, 08:47 PM

I've been wanting a new high def big screen for awhile but my Mitsubishi has been doing well for seven years now. With the new football season coming up, I finally decided to go ahead. Since then I've been researching which set is the best for me, and I stumbled on this site.

I initially was leaning towards a Samsung 1080p, but all I read is more of problems not how great the set is.

I knew I had to get the latest and the other maker that's coming out with the 1080p is Toshiba, however, none here have a new set yet to talk about.

In any case, without ever looking at the display, I place an order for a 62HMX195. I can't wait! I hope to receive it in two weeks--as I was told. I made my decision based on the specs and reputation. I hope I did not made a mistake.

If any members out there have any comments on this set, please post them.

This is a great place to learn about anything about AV information and I hope to learn more from you all. Thanks.

--Sclaws

08-15-05, 09:20 PM

I am having the same problem with my 62HMX84 when connecting my Dish 921 PVR from the DVI to the HDMI ports. I can only get the TV to turn on after unplugging it from the wall. I've had Toshiba authorized service techs come out three times now and they still haven't fixed it. The first time they replace the whole lamp assembly, the second they changed out the HDMI board. Now they want to take it in shop for two weeks but guarantee it will be fixed. I told them they can't have it until I have researched the problem on the internet. This is how I came upon this site and found other owners with the same problem. The tech told me not use the HDMI interface but rather the component instead but I already have both these ports used by my DVD & Xbox.

Can someone please help me? Is it the 62HMX84 or the Dish 921? Should I let the service techs take it for two weeks? Can Toshiba really fix it or will they just have my TV for two weeks then blame it on the 921? Is there a resolution to this problem?

My 921 and 62HM84 do the same thing, and awhile back (at DBSForums) this issue came up and its supposedly known by Toshiba and Dish. I have not heard of a fix yet. My workaround has been to use a Zektor DVI switcher (DVI->HDMI cable from the switch to the TV). Using macros for startup/shutdown, I turn the TV on first followed by the Zektor switch when using HDM...this works fine so long as the switch is active AFTER the TV turns on. Otherwise, the TV won't start properly and requires a hard reset (unplug--wait--plug in).

Another thing to try is turn the TV on without the HDMI cable plugged in to the set, then turn on the 921 and connect the HDMI cable--should work that way as well instead of power-cycling the TV every time.

Using the Zektor a stupid workaround but I was going to get a switcher eventually anyhow :)

riz

08-16-05, 02:02 AM

Is it just me or can other people see the screen itself in really bright scenes? It looks really sparkly and very distracting.

I have been laboring between the tosh 62hmx84 and the mits wd-62525 I i have to say right now that I can easily see the sparkly screen in bright scenes on the tosh but cannot see this effect on the mits... the newer sammys seem to have the sparkle effect too (but not the older sammys) It's got to be the screen type that is similar between the tosh and new sammys but not on the mits...

This effect has me torn, I absolutely love the tosh, the cabinet is so sweet, the pq (other than thie sparkle effect) is amazing and the price is right... the mits has a much more realistic (read: duller) look to it... not nearly as eye popping but the screen is so smooth and i absolutely do not see the screen sparkle...

So, tell me tosh owners, if you see this sparkle effect do you get used to it? Since I am just at a store for 10 or 15 minutes, I seem to fixate on this effect and i'm sure at home i would simply forget about it? please, be honest, if you can see this effect does it bother you still? This is a BIG deal to me but i really want the tosh it's just this sparkle effect really, really bugs me! Your opinions and thoughts are appreciated, thx

kdog044

08-16-05, 08:12 AM

This effect has me torn, I absolutely love the tosh, the cabinet is so sweet, the pq (other than thie sparkle effect) is amazing and the price is right... the mits has a much more realistic (read: duller) look to it... not nearly as eye popping but the screen is so smooth and i absolutely do not see the screen sparkle...effect really, really bugs me! I'm surprised you feel the Mits has a duller look to it. I found the mirror like screen on the Mits annoying and liked the anti-glare screen of the Toshiba much better. I'm not sure what you mean by the sparkle effect. I have had my set for 5 months and haven't noticed anything like what you are referring to. Of course, I have never seen a rainbow either. :D

--Sclaws

08-16-05, 09:50 AM

...So, tell me tosh owners, if you see this sparkle effect do you get used to it? Since I am just at a store for 10 or 15 minutes, I seem to fixate on this effect and i'm sure at home i would simply forget about it? please, be honest, if you can see this effect does it bother you still? This is a BIG deal to me but i really want the tosh it's just this sparkle effect really, really bugs me! Your opinions and thoughts are appreciated, thx

I know the effect you're referring to. I only notice it if I'm looking at it(usually dead-center of the screen). However, most of the time while watching program material its non-existant, at least for me.

CountZero75

08-16-05, 10:52 AM

riz,

I can see the effect too. Though only when my floor lamp is on at night (the lamp is behind the sofa. I know, I know, it's not at the best position...) and with a bright solid colour pattern on the TV screen. So you can see, the frequency of this occurring is low for me. Even when I see the effect it doesn't bother me now anymore. I've moved passed the "watch the TV for its PQ" phase into the "enjoy the HD programme" phase ;-)

riz

08-16-05, 11:21 AM

kdog044

08-16-05, 11:48 AM

Back to the sparkle effect that I'm seeing.. well, it's actually the screen material that I am seeing when whites are present.. it has a sparkle look to it and again, doubtful after owning this set would i notice it but since i'm just staring at it in the stores, i am really fixated on it and i have no idea if i will ever not notice it... I wonder if room lighting has any affect on the ability to see this or be bothered by it. I usually sit about 13' away from my TV and it is in the family room where the blinds are usually closed. The windows are on the right side wall of the room in relation to the TV.

riz

08-16-05, 12:16 PM

CountZero75

08-16-05, 01:23 PM

^^^ absolutely, 13feet away definitely helps... i have no choice but to be 10.5 feet away (unless i knock out the bar :) so, the closer you are, the more likely to see it since it is actually the screen material that shows itself under bright scene conditions...

My advice is don't bother looking for it as if you see it, maybe it won't ever go away... it's kinda like sd intelaced lines, most never knew they were flickering all over the place but once you notice them, wow, they really hurt the eyes...

No, the effect won't go away :) And yes, the lighting of the room matters. During day time with the window to the right of the TV I don't see any sparkle at all. But during the evening when my lamp to the right and behind my sofa is on, the sparkle effect is easily seem when a solid white patch is on the TV. Again, my eyes/brain have gotten used to the effect and I only notice it when I am not concentrating on the TV programme.

NewDLPOwner

08-16-05, 04:27 PM

I just received my new 52HM84 and can anyone tell me what i need to do to get the best picture possible on the SD channels? Any settings or tricks i need to do to get a better picture?

toenail

08-16-05, 04:30 PM

kdog, i guess what i mean on the mits being 'duller' is that the colors are more realistic, less vibrant... the mits also seems to be less bright and generally the mits imagery seems to be softer where as the tosh seems to be almost 3d like in it's vibrance

Back to the sparkle effect that I'm seeing.. well, it's actually the screen material that I am seeing when whites are present.. it has a sparkle look to it and again, doubtful after owning this set would i notice it but since i'm just staring at it in the stores, i am really fixated on it and i have no idea if i will ever not notice it... my room will be 11 feet away and that's the viewing distance i am viewing at the stores, the farther you are, the less obvious it is but at 11 feet, i clearly can see the screen material and what is best described as sparkly :(

to all that see what i'm referring to, please chime in as well and let me know your annoyance factor, thx again

I also know the "sparkle". Caught me off guard when I first got the set. I hardly notice it now. With bright whites on the screen as a backdrop the portion of the screen that is directly at eye level and straight in front will show a cellular physical structure. If you move your head you can see that the structure remains in place. It almost looks like liquid residue on the inside of the screen, except for the perfect geometric shapes. Go spray a shot of Windex on the front of your CRT direct view to get an idea of what it looks like.

plumdum

08-16-05, 07:11 PM

JackLT

08-16-05, 08:47 PM

I can't comment on the 62HMX195 but i have had the 62HM95 for a few weeks and am very impressed with the improvements in picture quality from the 84's and 94's. It seems Toshiba has addressed and solved the problems from the previous models. The HD picture quality on the 150 watt light engine is amazing.

Have you tried a PC @ 720p over HDMI, wondering if any improvements for PC users?

vishaljoshi

08-17-05, 12:32 AM

Hello All,
I am seriously considering going for a Toshiba 52HMxx.
i believe is say the 52HM95 today at sears and liked it.
i am getting a good price for the 84 and 95 models.
ofcourse 95 is mroe expensive..
can someone suggest out of experience which one is better adn in what way.
if the difference is not more than a couple of hundered is it worth going for the 52hm95 model? and why.

Also how does this Toshiba compare to Samsungs HLrXX67W series.
Why is Toshiba coming almost 800 cheaper?

Thanks

Hoops2U

08-17-05, 10:42 AM

I just received my new 52HM84 and can anyone tell me what i need to do to get the best picture possible on the SD channels? Any settings or tricks i need to do to get a better picture?

Go to HDTVoice.com and read the FAQ's on this subject.

sd5444

08-17-05, 01:11 PM

Hello everyone. I just recently purchased a 52HM95 and it works great except for one small problem. The channels labels do not match the TV Guide channels? For example - If I go to (SD) channel 33, the on screen display shows me FSOH3 (Fox Sports Ohio). It should say ESPN. The TV Guide has the correct information, I just can't figure out how to syncronize the two together. Any ideas?

Benear

08-17-05, 02:27 PM

I can't comment on the 62HMX195 but i have had the 62HM95 for a few weeks and am very impressed with the improvements in picture quality from the 84's and 94's. It seems Toshiba has addressed and solved the problems from the previous models. The HD picture quality on the 150 watt light engine is amazing.

Where have you seen the TV? I haven't seen it anywhere in AZ. I went through Ultimate Electronics for the order. I checked with them yesterday, but no new status--none in stock but on order since I'm the first customer to order this TV.

meka

08-17-05, 06:19 PM

kregstrong

08-17-05, 07:54 PM

hows video game lag on the 95 models?

gahans

08-17-05, 08:01 PM

So, tell me tosh owners, if you see this sparkle effect do you get used to it? Since I am just at a store for 10 or 15 minutes, I seem to fixate on this effect and i'm sure at home i would simply forget about it? please, be honest, if you can see this effect does it bother you still? This is a BIG deal to me but i really want the tosh it's just this sparkle effect really, really bugs me! Your opinions and thoughts are appreciated, thx

I have the 46hm94 and must say the "sparkle" has been annoying the crap out of me lately, more so than it used to for whatever reason. Hopefully the feeling will pass, but right now I'm bothered by it and on any bright or panning scene its annoying me... I'm even seeing it in the home white uniforms when watching baseball in HD. It almost seems as though its gotten worse, as if a "dirty" sparkle, although thats probably my imagination and like I said I hopefully the feeling will pass. Some video "noise" (dithering?) in dark backgrounds is another minor annoyance on occasion.

But all in all I'm happy with the tv.

glennh73

08-17-05, 08:12 PM

sd5444

08-17-05, 09:10 PM

I use a Panasonic HOme Theater System with a built-in DVD player and the picture is spectacular on my 52HM95! It originally looked poor until I changed the output settings for the DVD player, so maybe experiment with the output settings on the DVD player and see what you get. I will tell you that if you're looking for a DVD that uses HDMI, you're not likely to get one for under $100. I would recommend at least a DVD player that has S-Video out.

TheGrub

08-17-05, 11:37 PM

Forget the s-video out.

You will get decent PQ with a cheap Progressive unit hooked up via component cables.

I tried these on my 52HM84

5 years old sony dvd player non progressive
cheap Nova progressive scan dvd player
moded xbox
LG 7832nxc upconverting dvd player

The winner is definitly the LG upconverting dvd player.

To someone who does not realy care about getting the best of the best PQ, he will still see a big difference between s-video and component.

The difference between non progressive and cheap progressive is there too but not as much as the connection type difference.

And for me, the LG7832NXC is a clear winner !!! The PQ difference is still pretty big IMO, but was not so much noticable by my wife. She still think the PQ is better with the upconverting DVD player, but was not worth the 200$ CAN i payed for it.

I think it was well worth the 200$CAN.

So it all depends where you stand in PQ comparaison. I would suggest you try a upconverting DVD player. Mine is one of the few that upconverts via hdmi AND component cables.

Shaner1

08-18-05, 06:48 AM

Now that the new sets take different bulbs (150), are we going to have a hard time getting replacements years down the road when the bulbs in the 84 and 94 models go out?

I was thinking about this last night after seeing that some of the stores have the 95's online now.

--Sclaws

08-18-05, 08:03 AM

Forget the s-video out.

Enough said. Any composite or y/c connection into these TVs is a waste of the set's advantages.

Benear

08-18-05, 12:43 PM

Any Toshiba insider on this forum who has any info when Toshiba releases th new 1080p models?

I just got a call from Ultimate Elec that these sets are not due out until mid-Sep.

If that's the case, is it worth the wait or should I get a Sammy instead. Any comments? I got a scraming deal on the HMX. A comparable Samsung 6178 model cost about 1K more.

I'm disappointed but what can you do. I'd like to get it ASAP but Toshiba is delaying release. Could they be having manufacturing or shipping problems?

mathrandir

08-18-05, 02:01 PM

hey everyone i just purchased a 62hm84 and have a question.. when i run 720p games like mvp baseball 2k5 it runs in widescreen and 720p and i cant change the pic size settings which is good.. but when i run xbox games in 420p that are supposedly widescreen.. i have to change pic size to full and i think it may be stretching it? Any idea whats going on and should that happen.. halo2 for instance i must set my tv to full to get the widescreen working even though it claims to be a widescreen game.

also.. my dvds that are supposedly widescreen (good will hunting, braveheart) still have the letter box.. what is going on?

In regards to the xbox games, you can get more details on this in the HT gaming forum, but basically the xbox does not correctly send the ws flag. I have the same issue with Halo2 & NFL 2K5. Set the TV picture size to "Full" and you will get the correct ratio. It's a little screwy because it may skew certain parts in funny ways (intro/menu screens, the HUD in Halo), but the in game world will be the correct ratio. Like I said, search the gaming forum for Halo & widescreen and you can get more details there.

mathrandir

08-18-05, 03:31 PM

First time post! so hello everyone.

I have a 52hm94 DLP coming in a week and been looking at DVD players cause the one i have is an old Apex non Progressive.

What im caught up on is either get a cheap Progressive unit or an Oppo or Panny Upconverters.

For those whom have this tv , have any of you checked out an Oppo or Panny and is it any better than what a 50 or 100 dollar Progressive DVD unit would do.

Ive seen from other boards of people with dvd players hooked up to dlps and the pq looks bad and that worries me. I thought if the pq looks good on a regular tv then why on a dlp would it look bad.

So with those with Oppo or Panny experience let me know what u think.

Thank you...

I have a Panny S97. My previous player (Cyberhome 500 - cheapo progressive player) died at the same time I got my 52hm84. I did try an older non-progressive player and it was horrible (MAJOR JAGGIES).

Picture quality on the S97 is excellent, at either 480p or 720p. I think it's slightly sharper/better at 720p, but I don't know that I could consistently tell the difference. I did try both the Toshiba 5980 and the Samsung HD850 as well. They were both pretty close in picture quality, and would have been good enough for me. There were, however, numerous little quirks with each of the other players that caused me to return them. You may want to check the DVD players forum for more opinions on different players. I suspect you will get pretty good results with any decent progressive player on your TV, but being fairly new to HT, I'm probably not the most critical viewer.

One note about the S97 if you decide to go that route. Check out the S97 firmware thread in the DVD forum to make sure you have the latest firmware. The reason I tested the other players was with the firmware that shipped on my player (back in April) resulted in terrible macroblocking artifacts. The 540 firmware greatly reduced it for me. I still see it from time to time, but not nearly as bad and as often as before.

Doug_Parsons

08-19-05, 01:06 PM

I am having the same problem with my 62HMX84 when connecting my Dish 921 PVR from the DVI to the HDMI ports. The tech told me not use the HDMI interface but rather the component instead but I already have both these ports used by my DVD & Xbox.

This is interesting - I was seeing this problem 2 weeks ago and started looking here and a few other sites for others with the same problem but couldn't find anyone. Nw I've found 3 in the past week.

I'm in Australia using the equivalent model called the 62JM9UA. I have the same problem with the hdmi port connected to my PC. (THe PC is supported in this model).

I haven't called an authorised service centre yet because they'll just do standard things then give up and probably tell me not to use the hdmi port. Yeah, right. The hdmi port is why I bought this TV. And saying "well, live without it" is ignorant.

I believe the problem is to do with the hdmi circuitry not (yet) quite conforming to proper hdmi signaling from other devices, or an incompatibility with dvi-hdmi connections. I don't know if this is related, but I noticed a slight voltage on my dvi-hdmi cable - it actually makes a small spark when I touch the dvi end to an earth. I've measured it at 11.7Volts, which is interesting because that's about the right voltage for a normal +12V line on a computer board, which is probably what's inside the Toshiba. The fact that it's measurable on the outer shielding, which is (I thought) traditionaly the earth/ground is wierd as well.

I don't have an answer yet, but I have noticed something important:

- I hooked up a PC to the TV on Day 1. It didn't have any problems.
- The PC has been connected for about 2 months. It is now having the problem.
- I have disconnected the PC entirely from the cable and am not using the hdmi port right now. The TV is now struggling to turn on. It takes about 6 goes then it comes on.

This tells me that the problem has got worse over time, and that it will probably continue getting worse until the TV will refuse to turn on. At that point I will get it repaired, and hopefully they will replace the hdmi circuit/turning on circuit and the problem will go away again for a couple of months.

I'm hoping that enough people have this problem that we can get through to Toshiba and get them to acknowledge this as a class problem, and work on a fix (or replacement!) in the same way that LG did with their rptvs last year (fyi, LG went into denial for 6 months then recapitulated and offered the squeakiest wheels a complete rptv replacement to a newer, better TV.)

We need to keep tracking the people having this problem because it's not going to go away, and it is robbing us of the enjoyment of having a TV with hdmi. Avoiding use of hdmi is NOT an acceptable workaround.

Anyone have any way to contact Toshiba bench repair/lab people directly and bypass the nice, friendly, but useless service centres that we're forced to go to? (Useless in helping diagnose and drive the underlying problem I mean)

Dir

kdog044

08-19-05, 01:54 PM

toenail

08-19-05, 04:56 PM

I finally had an opportunity to check out the new 52HM95 at Sears the other day. I was able to fiddle with the remote for about a half hour to compare settings against my current set at home. Using identical user adjustable settings, the picture appeared exactly the same to my eyes in all regards except brightness, with the newer set being considerably brighter than mine at home.

It left me with one question though. I saw the same red push on the Sears display as on my set at home. I know these sets supposedly push green (or at least that's what I've read) and I can clearly see that when using the "sports" "standard" and "movie" pre-set modes etc, but after adjusting my set to near perfection (all relative) it's some of the reds I can't seem to quite tame. I'm not talking about so bad that there is too much red in everything like fleshtones and such, just stuff that's supposed to be red is a little too vibrant. You can see it on color bar patterns as well. The whole pattern looks very sharp except the red bar, which is slightly bloomed(?) and a bit too vivid.

Does anyone else see this? Is there a service menu adjustment for backing down the red?

I was a bit jealous after fiddling with the Sammy 5067w while at Sears because I noticed it had a menu option for individual control of green, blue, red (though labeled as pink)

Doug_Parsons

08-19-05, 08:21 PM

Dir,

I'm not sure I understand what the problem you're having is. :confused: I use both my HDMI inputs on my TV. One is the Comcast 6412 DVR connected with a DVI>HDMI cable. The other is the Sony DVP-NS975V upconverting DVD player connected via HDMI>HDMI.

Kdog -
You're not experiencing the problem that a few others are having. The problem is that for some people, having a device connected to the hdmi input causes the TV to not turn on properly. The symptom is that you can turn off the TV, but when you go to turn it back on, the green light flashes, you can hear a relay clicking, you can see the bulb turn on momentarily, but the TV never properly turns on. After about 6 tries over about 20 seconds, the TV then gives up and the green light then blinks steadily. The only way to get the TV to turn on is to unplug the hdmi cable out of the TV and powercycle (unplug from the wall then plug in again). The TV then turns on immediately.

It might be that the reason it's only happening to a few people is:
A - it's dependent on the kind of device you have connected to your hdmi input
B - it's a rare quality control issue and only a very few sets are affected
C- it's a broad quality control issue but not many people are using hdmi
D - it's a configuration issue with either the hdmi device or the TV.
E - relatively few people experiencing it read this, or other, forums

What would be ideal is to eliminate as many of the above possibilities as possilble by people stating how long they've used their hdmi input(s), if at all, and what device they've had connected.

Dir

toenail

08-19-05, 08:53 PM

I've used component since day one, but I did purchase a DVI/HDMI cable just to try out that connection and see if the Moto 6412 had better PQ this way. I had the same wierd issues with TV not wanting to power up correctly. Out of frustration I unplugged it from the wall, reconnected my components and plugged it back into the wall. All was fine. I then returned the cable.

HarleyMyler

08-20-05, 07:59 AM

It might be that the reason it's only happening to a few people is:
A - it's dependent on the kind of device you have connected to your hdmi input
B - it's a rare quality control issue and only a very few sets are affected
C- it's a broad quality control issue but not many people are using hdmi
D - it's a configuration issue with either the hdmi device or the TV.
E - relatively few people experiencing it read this, or other, forums
Dir

From my reading of the posts, I would say A & F <g>. My conjecture is that most of the problems sit with weak implementation of the standard by the component manufacturer. HDMI is a 5 Gbps serial channel and when dealing at that level things have to be right. My 'F' is bad or marginal cables, again this speaks to the high bandwidth.

Toshiba uses their own (TC90700FG) HDMI decoder chip in the HM series DLP's (and probably everything else they sell with HDMI) and since they market it to others, I would say it is no doubt robust in terms of the standard.

Doug_Parsons

08-20-05, 08:56 PM

When I get the TV repaired (it has now completed gone haywire, with the screen now in a wierd 4-colour solarised mode like watching 24-bit movies on a dithered CGA screen!) I will try hooking it back up with a shorter hdmi cable. I bought 2 cables when the TV was new - a 1.5m and a 4m dvi-hdmi belkin Pure Video. I have been using the 4m one. I was informed they were excellent cables, but perhaps I should have not been using such a long one.

BTW, I finally found a few people that have had this problem on the US-equivalent model TV in another forum, back in Feb/March 05. The workarounds appeared to be to switch the TV's inputs away from hdmi before turning it off. I'll incorporate that as well. However, I really think I need to push Toshiba hard on this issue. I expect they will have had to work out the bugs, idiosyncracies, or handshaking/timing issues by now for all their products and hopefully can incorporate their findings in this TV.

I specifically bought this particular TV because it had HDMI. My home theatre system is built with this in mind and I can't accept a workaround of "don't use hdmi, use component instead" because I'm already using all the other component inputs.

Dir

cubenruben

08-20-05, 10:30 PM

got my tv yesterday! 52hm84. I love it. I got my cable box hooked up via hdmi but I was wondering if I should buy a upscaling dvd player and hook the up via hdmi instead? will I notice a difference in my cable service via component and HDMI? I watch more movies then cable. my old mitsubishi player is nice and all but I hooked up my friends upscaling player via hdmi and then hooked up my mitsubishi I was in heaven with his dvd player, upscaling acutally looks better. I also heard to upscale you do need to use the dvd player via hdmi insted of component, is that true? if not what playter can I buy that will upscale via component?

kdog044

08-20-05, 11:51 PM

I got my cable box hooked up via hdmi but I was wondering if I should buy a upscaling dvd player and hook the up via hdmi instead? will I notice a difference in my cable service via component and HDMI? I watch more movies then cable. my old mitsubishi player is nice and all but I hooked up my friends upscaling player via hdmi and then hooked up my mitsubishi I was in heaven with his dvd player, upscaling acutally looks better. I also heard to upscale you do need to use the dvd player via hdmi insted of component, is that true? if not what playter can I buy that will upscale via component?IMO you will be better off using your HDMI input on a good upscaling DVD player. I don't notice much difference between component and DVI with my Motorola 6412 DVR. There are a few players that upscale over component but the majority use DVI or HDMI. Check the DVD Player forum for a list of the most popular depending on your bank account. I am happy with my Sony DVP-NS975V but it did have early problems with "tray lock". The other most recommended in the <$300 range is the Panasonic S-97.

HarleyMyler

08-21-05, 10:17 AM

BTW, I finally found a few people that have had this problem on the US-equivalent model TV in another forum, back in Feb/March 05. The workarounds appeared to be to switch the TV's inputs away from hdmi before turning it off. I'll incorporate that as well. However, I really think I need to push Toshiba hard on this issue. I expect they will have had to work out the bugs, idiosyncracies, or handshaking/timing issues by now for all their products and hopefully can incorporate their findings in this TV.

I specifically bought this particular TV because it had HDMI. My home theatre system is built with this in mind and I can't accept a workaround of "don't use hdmi, use component instead" because I'm already using all the other component inputs.
Dir

I have to confess that I am using a Toshiba Progressive Scan DVD with my HMX. I am also using the HDMI cable that came with it. The pair work flawlessly, even down to the remote.

The HMX manual states--"For proper operation, it is recommended that you use as short an HDMI cable as possible. You should not encounter difficulty if you use an HDMI cable shorter than16.4ft (5m)." Although 16+ feet is a hefty length and the HDMI standard was set up to allow for a bit of looseness in cable manufacture (www.hdmi.com), the bandwidth and manufacturing quality of the channel is going to dictate the limits.

I could not agree more about the component vs HDMI debate. A major factor behind the HDMI interface was the "all-in-one" concept and I like the idea of not having a cable rats nest behind my set and five remotes on the endtable.

HomeGuy

08-22-05, 12:08 AM

I hope this is not to but has anyone compred the new Toshiba sets the new Sony sets? If so what were your impressions? Also, is the Toshiba evenly lit or is it like the older CRT sets that had a sweet spot?

mwaarna

08-22-05, 11:00 AM

rmm2112

08-22-05, 11:15 AM

I've been reading this thread for quite a while before i decided to get my HD TV.

This past week end I purchased the Toshiba 62hm15 from costco which is a rebadged 62hm94 TV.

One question i have is the blinking lights. In the manual i see it says solid red is on. Solid green is off.

After i turn my tv off all it does is just blinks green once every second and doesnt stop. And i checked the back of the TV the lamp light is definately still on.

In the manual it doesnt say anything about a blinking green light only... Any one have any ideas.

Because the lamp stayed on i did unplug it for the night and day and i am going to see if it still does it today once i get back from work.

But if any one else has run into this problem please reply.

thanks.

Check your manual - I think you have your TV set to "quick restart" - or a similar name. Basically when you power off the tv the green light will blink and you will hear the fan run for several minutes. Basically it IS powering off but it is allowing you to turn the tv back on within a few minutes without needing the lamp to get back up to temp - it will be a good 2 to 3 minutes before complete shutdown -- Hope this helps ----

vishaljoshi

08-22-05, 11:27 AM

Hello all,
Thanks for sharing all your inputs which has made me order the 52HM84 unit from buydig good price.

I am going to recive the unit pretty soon.
I am going to hook up HD DVR from Cox via HDMI and Philips DVP642 via Yamaha RX 757.

Is there any basic inputs or calibration info that anyone who has had this set for some time can share with me.
There are 2000 messages in this thread my hair will grow white if i try to read all of em.

Thanks

mpalmieri1203

08-22-05, 11:42 AM

Give the unit a good five minutes after you turn it off....Then check the lamp. Unpluging it while the lamp is cooling down(which is what it is doing) is very bad for the lamp and can shorten its life.

mwaarna

08-22-05, 11:43 AM

Check your manual - I think you have your TV set to "quick restart" - or a similar name. Basically when you power off the tv the green light will blink and you will hear the fan run for several minutes. Basically it IS powering off but it is allowing you to turn the tv back on within a few minutes without needing the lamp to get back up to temp - it will be a good 2 to 3 minutes before complete shutdown -- Hope this helps ----

Thanks alot.. I think that that maybe the issue. It could be just some option that allows for a quickrestart and leaves the lamp on for a couple of minutes before actually turning off. I shall have to do some testing to make sure.

thanks.

bearcat13444

08-22-05, 12:17 PM

I'm interested in the new lineup by Toshiba, especially the 62" 95 and 195. I have not been able to find any reviews on these products. IF ANYBODY knows of sites, it would be appreciated.

cubenruben

08-22-05, 12:25 PM

kdog044

08-22-05, 12:53 PM

I'm interested in the new lineup by Toshiba, especially the 62" 95 and 195. I have not been able to find any reviews on these products. IF ANYBODY knows of sites, it would be appreciated.The 95's just came out and the 195's are not even shipping yet so review information is going to be difficult to find for a while.

kdog044

08-22-05, 01:00 PM

okay now since I have my tv up and running and I am picking up the hdmi player today. I was wondering what setting you have your tv on? I havent been able to get it to a level I want it at. so I was wondering what color setting and contrast and other setting set at? I was also wondering if you have different setting for video games and for movie, if so let me know. what ever any body has there tv set at I will try the same settings.

edit: BTW I have the 52hm84 :)cubruben, I recommend you look at purchasing calibration software such as DVE (Digital Video Essentials) or Avia to calibrate your display. The settings will not only vary by model but by the actual TV. What is good for mine maybe totally different for you. Also, the settings today may also be different after about three or four weeks as your TV gets used for a while. The calibration software allows you to adjust your DVD input (i.e. component or HDMI) and you can use those as a baseline for your other inputs (each input can have separate settings). For what it's worth here are my current settings using the HDMI input from my Sony DVD player:

Color Temperature: Medium
Low Lamp Mode
Contrast 65
Brightness 47
Color 44
Tint 0
Sharpness 0

P.S. You can't set the "movie" or other pre-defined settings. Once you start with one of these and change any options they become your "preference" setting for that input.

cubenruben

08-22-05, 01:21 PM

i played around with avia and thx video settings and I have the glasses. I am not good at doing setting myself so I was wondering what everyone else have it at.
I was wondering what people have the video games setting at bc I know it should be different then movies

bobapett

08-22-05, 04:51 PM

Help!
I've had the 52HM94 since Thursday, with HDMI connected to a SA HD8300 STB. Today, the TV won't power up. I tried the suggestion above of unplugging the HDMI, then unplugging the TV (I left it unplugged for several minutes)- no go. The green light just keeps blinking.

mondo

08-22-05, 08:54 PM

I have a 4 year old toshiba dvd player without hdmi. I am purchasing thos 52hm84 this week, do I also need a new dvd player?

mondo

08-22-05, 08:55 PM

sorry, forgot to mention my dvd player is progressive scan

OnslaughtNEM

08-22-05, 10:05 PM

Hey all, Im new here so forgive me if this has been addressed before. I looked but I could not find answers. If someone has the time could they please answer the following? Im seriously interest in buying a 52hm94 or 95.

1. What is the difference between the 52hm94 and 52hm95? I know the hmx series is a sort of dealer exclusive with an extra hdmi port, right? So whats the deal with the 94/95?

2. I will certainly be playing a ton of videogames on here. Does this tv have the toshiba "game mode?" If so, does it eliminate the lag caused by the Samsung models? Do these sets suffer from audio/video lag at all?

3. I will be hooking up a Panasonic dvd player through Component cables. The dvd player only supports 480p though. I know these tvs are native 720. Will this give me audio sync issues since i will not be hooking the sound through the tv? Or is this an issue of the past? Or am I totally wrong in my train of thought here?

4. I will be watching normal cable for a while, not HDtv or anything. While this is mainly a tv for videogames and movies, will normal tv be unwatchably bad? How is the 4:3 to 16:9 conversion for normal tv? Is it bad stretching or not really noticeable? I ask because many Ps2 games I own do not support 16:9, so I dont want a horribly stretched picture.

Thanks all for your time. I know Im being nitpicky, but this is a large investment and I want to do it right the first time. (To think I started with RP CRT, but man... I thought of the burn in... woooo) Cheers!

TheGrub

08-22-05, 10:50 PM

The difference between the 94 and the 95 is pretty big. The 94 is the 2004 model, the 95 is the new 2005 model. the 94 used the HD2+ DMD while the 95 uses the HD4 DMD i think. Search a bit on the DMD difference, there is alot of info in here for this.

The game mode, i am not quite sure.... but i think it has it. Remember that if you play xbox or you will buy a ps3 or xbox 360, you will probably not have game lag as the games are and will be 480p. current xbox games are 95% 480p games at least and the lag is only there with 480i games. I have a 52HM84 and a xbox hooked up with component cables and have never seen game lag. PS2 games with game mode are supposedly great.

480p should not give you video lag. Just like 480p xbox games. Picture might be better with an upscaler dvd player, but if your happy with the 480p picture you dvd player will offer, then it's all good.

4:3 to 16:9 conversion is great on toshiba's. Toshiba have IMO the best stretch modes. a lot better then the HLN samsung i had for 1 month. 4:3 content not streched will show grey bars and a bit of bowing. So that might be a minus on this set. But remember that any microdisplay will show some amount of bowing.

Hope this helps....

cubenruben

08-22-05, 11:06 PM

I am trading in my 52hm84 for the 52hm95. I will get an extra hdmi port

c_hernandez32

08-22-05, 11:10 PM

I got the 95 about a week ago and love it. I haven't calibrated it yet, but even now the picture looks awesome over HDMI. I have the Sony 995 400 disc player. No problems with HDMI yet. I've noticed that picture quality isn't that sharp over s-video. My wife almost made me return it after she saw the horrible quality of a local channel through DTV. I was really surpised by the jaggies and blocking. I kept the picture on Natural to prevent any further distortions. Cartoons and animation look pretty sharp with minimal quality loss. It may be because I got the 62" and I am about 7' away. I love that the built in tuner uses the cell phone signal bars (4/5 bars) to show signal strength when channel surfing. What does a red signal mean?

The one thing that worried me is the fact that the manual says not to connect a PC or to use 3-rd party IR transmitters. Will this cause problems or just Toshibas way of pushing the Symbio?

mondo

08-23-05, 07:36 AM

my hd cable box just has component out which looks great on my old toshiba 42h81. I am going to purchase the 52hm84, The new boxes have dvi out. Shall I upgrade the box and get a dvi to hdmi cable.

jdant

08-23-05, 08:23 AM

Hoops2U

08-23-05, 11:05 AM

my hd cable box just has component out which looks great on my old toshiba 42h81. I am going to purchase the 52hm84, The new boxes have dvi out. Shall I upgrade the box and get a dvi to hdmi cable.

I saw no difference between component and dvi/hdmi. I use the hdmi connection for my upconverting dvd player. But try it and then return cable if no difference.

Hoops2U

08-23-05, 11:09 AM

I have a 4 year old toshiba dvd player without hdmi. I am purchasing thos 52hm84 this week, do I also need a new dvd player?

Your old player will still work, if that is what you mean. Try it out and see how it looks and then decide if you want to upgrade.

kdog044

08-23-05, 11:10 AM

I'm thinking about getting the 62hmx84. I will be sitting back about 12 feet from the TV. Is this going to blind me or should I get the 52".

Are the new TV's black or just have a black frame around them like the ones at HH Gregg and BB.

I would appreciate any help!!!! Thanks You should be fine. I have two viewing areas at approximately 8' and 13' feet and either are fine for HD and DVD viewing. When watching SD programs I prefer the farther distance but with HD I watch as little as possible of these programs. I originally had thought about the 52" but I am glad I went with the 62".

kdog044

08-23-05, 11:24 AM

Are the new TV's black or just have a black frame around them like the ones at HH Gregg and BB.

I would appreciate any help!!!! Thanks I believe all XXHM85's and XXHM95's are grey with grey bezel. The XXHMX85's and XXHMX95's are all black and the XXMX195's have black bezels with the speakers underneath in grey. If any of this information is inaccurate let me know.

OnslaughtNEM

08-23-05, 12:59 PM

TheGrub, thanks for the quick replies. They are a big help.

Lord Flatus

08-23-05, 05:24 PM

I am just about ready to get a big screen, and now the 62HMX95 is waiting in the wings. This set looks like the one to make me completely happy with the better looking all-black styling and the better connectivity with 2 HDMI and a PC VGA input.

Are there more differences than just that between the 62HM95 and the 62HMX95? That is, if I shop the 62HM95 for picture comparisons and personal preference on that, can I be reasonably sure that the 62HMX95 will look the same picture-wise? TIA.

brokat

08-24-05, 10:26 AM

I was thinking of purchasing a Toshiba 62HM94 . How much do replacement bulbs cost. And does anyone here know, will the new bulbs for the 62HM195 be about the same price?

russws

08-24-05, 11:41 AM

What a runaround.

I had some service issues with my 46HM94, including picture settings that reset after the set gets turned off, and some spots on the screen. Local repair center comes out, of course I have to spend 2 hours helping hime take apart my set. Well, at least we got the spots taken care of, and luckily the scratch he put in the bottom corner of the screen isn't visible. He has "no idea" about the settings. I mention an eeprom upgrade. He says I can call Toshiba to get one. So, I call Toshiba this morning, and of course they won't help me, and tell me to call my dealer................................

kdog044

08-24-05, 01:07 PM

I mention an eeprom upgrade. He says I can call Toshiba to get one. So, I call Toshiba this morning, and of course they won't help me, and tell me to call my dealer................................What version of firmware do you have? The latest is 1.5.2 and if you can't get it from Toshiba PM with your e-mail address and I can send it to you. All you need is the ability to copy the file to either SD or CF.

cubenruben

08-24-05, 02:14 PM

Finally I have completed my HT for now. I got my TV and new dvd player today.
I have
DLPTV Toshiba 52hm95
Yamaha Reciever HTR-5650
Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD Box/DVR connected VIA Monster HDMI and optical
Samsung DVD player DVD-HD8500 connected via Monster HDMI and Optical set to 720p since DLP is native 720p.
Klipsch 500 watt sub ksw-12 connected via Monster sub wire
JBL Center Channel EC25
JBL Rear Speakers N24
JBL Front Speakers E20
Xbox connected Via Monster Component and Optical Cables
Gamecube Via Component by Nintendo Brand

Future Add ons are
Denon Reciever with HDMI switching
XBOX 360 HD bundle
HD-DVD player and Blu Ray Player

Reason why I got samsung dvd player over oppo is bc I am going to hack it and I got it for 100 dollars with my discount.

Will get pics up ASAP. I love the picture on the 52hm95 plus all the features it has. I love it alot. I totaly recommend it. I also disconnected the PS2 and put that in the room since most games are interlaced. and will be putting the GC in bedroom when 360 comes out. Also I was wondering if I should upgrade my front speakers and put the current front in the rear?
What do you rate my HT setup ?

kdog044

08-24-05, 02:20 PM

What do you rate my HT setup ?Sounds like some nice equipment. Did Toshiba change things up and add the second HDMI input on the 95's? Last year only the XXHMX's had two inputs and the XXHM's only had one. I've seen two different sites advertising the 52HM95 and one indicated two HDMI inputs and one had one.

cubenruben

08-24-05, 02:44 PM

it does have 2 hdmi

cubenruben

08-24-05, 02:47 PM

I am stupid but whats the difference between the 52hm95 and the 52hmx95? they both look the same but such a big difference in price

edit
the hm95 series has firewire ports for connection to mp3 players, cameras, external harddrives and etc.

kdog044

08-24-05, 03:53 PM

I am stupid but whats the difference between the 52hm95 and the 52hmx95? they both look the same but such a big difference in priceIt used to be the second input and the black bezel. Now I think the Cinema Series is all black has the addition of PC input and the following:

All new Cinema Series DLP™ PTV models will include THINC™ (Toshiba Home Interactive Network Connection) home entertainment networking. This revolutionary feature allows consumers to connect their TV to their PC and playback MP3 audio files and JPEG pictures using only the TV remote.

kregstrong

08-24-05, 07:23 PM

anyone know how xbox games run on the toshiba, any lag whatsoever? or anything i should know about before i buy a toshiba since i am mainly a gamer

nkanter

08-25-05, 07:54 AM

Woot has a refurbished Toshiba 44NHM84 44-inch Digital Widescreen DLP TV available for any that may be interested.

cubenruben

08-25-05, 08:16 AM

yes Toshiba works great with xbox. just make sure that the xbox has component cables and set the xbox to widescreen, 480p,720p and 1080i res. and you will have no issues. most xbox games run at least 480p. like 95 percents. other games that don't support progressive scan will lag, just like most ps2 games will. but if you get the new toshiba series of tvs they will not lag with interlaced games when you put it on game mode

uh2

08-25-05, 10:14 AM

kdog044

08-25-05, 11:06 AM

Has anyone been able to get the TV GUIDE working on a xxHMX94 after a firmware upgrade? I had my 52HMX94 upgraded to 1.5.2 about two weeks ago. Still no guide. I have 1.5.2 but my TVGOS has always worked somewhat since 1.4.3. Early on I had problems with the listings dumping but that hasn't happened since I believe 1.5.0 and the only remaining issues I have with TVGOS are:

1. Edits to the channel listing reverted back to default. This hasn't happened for me since the 1.5.2 version.

2. Channels that I don't subscribe to (i.e. Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel, Starz, etc) are turned on in the channel lineup even though there is no video or audio on these channels. This problem is still existing even with 1.5.2 and Gemstar can't explain to me why that happens. I used to have a number of channels I subscribe to being turned off when they should be on but after sending Gemstar a list of these I am now down to one channel where that is still a problem.

I have Comcast and use the cable card on the ANT1 input.

kdog044

08-25-05, 11:16 AM

What version of firmware do you have? The latest is 1.5.2 and if you can't get it from Toshiba PM with your e-mail address and I can send it to you. All you need is the ability to copy the file to either SD or CF.I've had two requests for this firmware from HM84 and HMX84 users. Before I get any more let me state it's specific to the 94's. One of the main problems is there is no way for you to update firmware. With the 94's, they have built in card readers (CF, SD, and Sony) to easily update the firmware. It's a great feature that I never even thought about when deciding on a TV. I can tell you that all of the updates were for problems with cable cards and the TVGOS, neither of which affects your display.

cubenruben

08-25-05, 11:23 AM

I been thinking of bring in my dvr cable box in and getting a cable card. but I have several questions first.
I want to add a hard drive to my tv and I was wondering if I could add any hard drive or do I have to use the Toshiba Symbio™ A/V Hard Drive Recorder. Also I dont do ondemand or anything but I was wondering how cable card hooks up. DO i use up a port on my tv besides the cable card slot?
I have the Toshiba 52hm95
Also does anyone have a hard drive hooked up to there tv, and how does it work? I would like to record shows and stuff to the hard drive. I was also thinking of DL high Def movies to the hard drive off my computer. Is it possible to do that?

slubu

08-25-05, 05:19 PM

kdog044

08-25-05, 05:29 PM

I Also I dont do ondemand or anything but I was wondering how cable card hooks up. DO i use up a port on my tv besides the cable card slot?
I have the Toshiba 52hm95The ANT1 input would be used to connect to your cable company and the cable card would be used to decrypt the premium channels.

mpalmieri1203

08-25-05, 06:40 PM

Slubu...one great choice in this price range.... the Panasonic S77 check it out in the DVD Player forum

Hello all I wanted to see if you can help a newbie with some recommendations. I just bought the 52HM84, and wanted to get a DVD player for it that is under $200. Any recommendations? I've read up on the DVD forum and each one seems to have some issue or another. I think I narrowed it down to:

LG 418
LG 511
Sammy 850
Sammy 941

Also some toshiba I saw at Best Buy for about $130.

Any thoughts?

kregstrong

08-25-05, 06:52 PM

does the game mode lower quality or does it still display in say 720p? or so on

mpalmieri1203

08-25-05, 07:09 PM

The game mode is just some preset color, contrast, etc settings...It's really nothing special...You'll probably want to just calibrate using avia

Shaner1

08-25-05, 08:48 PM

The game mode is just some preset color, contrast, etc settings...It's really nothing special...You'll probably want to just calibrate using avia

Game Mode has nothing to do with the color or contrast.

You can use the Game Mode feature for shorter frame delays when playing a video game requiring split-second timing between the on-screen display and input from the controller (such as music creation and high-action games).

It still displays in 720p, that's the native resolution of the TV.

The display looks no different with game mode on.

Nuffguffer

08-25-05, 09:38 PM

Not sure if anyone has discovered this but on every THX certified DVD is a THX optimizer for sound and video. I haven't had an opportunity to use these on my Toshiba yet (I'm in Canada and getting the 46HMX85), but once I get it I'm definitely going to give it a go.

I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried the THX Optimizer to calibrate their DLP, and if so how did it work. Also, if anyone has tried both the THX Optimizer and the Digital Video Essentials DVD, do the final results of the calibration come close to each other?

New Tosh owner...

cubenruben

08-25-05, 11:23 PM

Hello all I wanted to see if you can help a newbie with some recommendations. I just bought the 52HM84, and wanted to get a DVD player for it that is under $200. Any recommendations? I've read up on the DVD forum and each one seems to have some issue or another. I think I narrowed it down to:

LG 418
LG 511
Sammy 850
Sammy 941

Also some toshiba I saw at Best Buy for about $130.

Any thoughts?

Well I went with the Sammy 850 for 4 reasons, I get a great picture out of it, I got it for a great discount on it, it upscales and most important I plan on hacking it to make it region free. go here to find out how to hack it http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks.php?dvdplayer=hd850&hits=50&Search=Search

:)

Manhigh

08-25-05, 11:48 PM

Has anyone been able to get the TV GUIDE working on a xxHMX94 after a firmware upgrade? I had my 52HMX94 upgraded to 1.5.2 about two weeks ago. Still no guide. I live in Lorain, OH and I subscribe to Adelphia. I am also using a Scientific Atlanta cable card. I verified that I AM getting closed captions. After going through the usual steps w/ Toshiba, they put me off on TV Guide's support, with the caveat that it could take a few months for them to call me back. WTF?!?!

uh2

I've been doing research on DLP's, and I'm planning on buying one of the new 1080p Toshiba's.

It looks like Adelphia's tv guide technology isnt compatible with CableCARD at this time. You can receive programming, but you cant send requests for things like TVGuide and Pay Per View. Do a google search for "Adelphia Cablecard" and it will come up with Adelphia's tech support page on the topic. (Sorry I cant post the URL myself, not enough posts yet)

kdog044

08-26-05, 12:20 AM

It looks like Adelphia's tv guide technology isnt compatible with CableCARD at this time. You can receive programming, but you cant send requests for things like TVGuide and Pay Per View. Do a google search for "Adelphia Cablecard" and it will come up with Adelphia's tech support page on the topic. (Sorry I cant post the URL myself, not enough posts yet) This has nothing to do with Adelphia but the fact that cable cards are currently one-way devices. Since the integrated Toshiba's like the HM94, HMX94's, HM95's, HMX95's and MX195's all have TVGOS the guide isn't an issue. The only thing you lose is the PPV and sports packages. Depending on the provider some of these features can be ordered over the phone so you only lose the automated selection.

kdog044

08-26-05, 12:22 AM

I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried the THX Optimizer to calibrate their DLP, and if so how did it work. Also, if anyone has tried both the THX Optimizer and the Digital Video Essentials DVD, do the final results of the calibration come close to each other?

New Tosh owner...THX Optimizer would be better than nothing at all but not as good as AVIA or DVE. One of the problems is there isn't consistency on DVD transfers so your calibration can be hit or miss.

betstevens

08-26-05, 06:52 AM

Thanks for the response. The wierd thing is I have had the same STB and cable card connection and never had the problem before. Also, it has to be related to the TV because the audio from the STB to my receiver is fine, it's only audio from the TV. I wasn't the one who turned on the TV yesterday so I don't know if it recoccured then but it did the same thing today. Once you turn off the TV and then back on again the audio is fine. :confused:
KDog: Spoke with the service guy that sold me the set and he has seen the audio gurgling problem on Toshiba and Mits, something to do with delays in the component input section of the tv. The only fix he was aware of was to turn the tv on first and let it warm up a bit then fire up the STB. Welcome to the twilight zone I suppose.

vishaljoshi

08-26-05, 07:55 AM

Hello all,

I have ordered a 52HM84 from buydig but they sent a 52HM94 instead for the same price. Great no problems i will take that.
But now i notice, when the rptv is switch off it seems to reflect some light from the middle.
Very very strange. the reflection seems to grow small and large with difference of angle and height.
Any body seen that.
Although once i start the set, there is no visilbe abberation in color.

toenail

08-26-05, 08:19 AM

ru4real

08-26-05, 08:20 AM

^^Uh, mirrors reflect light. What you're seeing is normal.

slubu

08-26-05, 10:49 AM

For my 52HM84, has anyone found an alternative to the Toshiba Stand, or a good price on it? I don't know if its worth paying the $250 cost for just a stand...

Manhigh

08-26-05, 11:30 AM

This has nothing to do with Adelphia but the fact that cable cards are currently one-way devices. Since the integrated Toshiba's like the HM94, HMX94's, HM95's, HMX95's and MX195's all have TVGOS the guide isn't an issue. The only thing you lose is the PPV and sports packages. Depending on the provider some of these features can be ordered over the phone so you only lose the automated selection.

Thanks. I'm admittedly a noob on this stuff.

TheGrub

08-26-05, 01:37 PM

For my 52HM84, has anyone found an alternative to the Toshiba Stand, or a good price on it? I don't know if its worth paying the $250 cost for just a stand...

I found this stand at ikea, and alot of people have opted for that stand too.

http://www.creationspapillonbleu.com/52HM84/sd2.jpg
http://www.creationspapillonbleu.com/52HM84/nemo2.jpg

IKEA LINK:

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12&langId=-1&catalogId=10101&productId=11149

HarleyMyler

08-26-05, 03:02 PM

Has anyone been able to get the TV GUIDE working on a xxHMX94 after a firmware upgrade? I had my 52HMX94 upgraded to 1.5.2 about two weeks ago. Still no guide. I live in Lorain, OH and I subscribe to Adelphia. I am also using a Scientific Atlanta cable card. I verified that I AM getting closed captions. After going through the usual steps w/ Toshiba, they put me off on TV Guide's support, with the caveat that it could take a few months for them to call me back. WTF?!?!

uh2

I have a 52HMX94 w/1.5.2 software and a Motorola CableCard. I could only get the guide (TVGOS) to work by adding an antenna to ANT 2 (rabbit ears). There is some sort of problem with either the CC or Time-Warner Cable or the Toshiba. The digital TWC lineup comes in fine over the analog channels (I don't know how long that will work, but it does now).

swirvin

08-26-05, 04:35 PM

i recently picked up the toshiba 52" dlp. i have OTA HD and it looks great. what shoud be the first thing i should do to get the best picture possible?

kdog044

08-26-05, 04:45 PM

I have a 52HMX94 w/1.5.2 software and a Motorola CableCard. I could only get the guide (TVGOS) to work by adding an antenna to ANT 2 (rabbit ears). There is some sort of problem with either the CC or Time-Warner Cable or the Toshiba. The digital TWC lineup comes in fine over the analog channels (I don't know how long that will work, but it does now).Since I have the same setup and mine works it has to be your cable provider. I have Comcast with the Motorola card and TVGOS works fine without any other ANT connection other than the one with the cable card.

phenderson

08-26-05, 10:34 PM

Question about viewing Distance from DLP TV's

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK folks here is my please, please help me out here...

I owned a nice Panasonic 45LC12 for about a year before I sold it to my older brother. Beautiful picture, no problems, the TV was wonderful. Looked awesome.
Let me repeat... AWESOME. Very good black levels, and picture was very sharp and crisp. DVD's and HD looked nice on it, albeit it did not have a Built-in HD tuners.

Here is the good thing, the awesome thing about the TV. I could walk up to the TV and the picture would be as crisp and clear up close as it was far away. 480p and other analog cable channels looked good. 720 HD signals looked awesome and clear.

My normal viewing distance from that TV was about 11 feet.

ANyways... Today, I bought a Toshiba 52hm95... Folks, this TV looks like crap
literally, unless I sit 18-20 feet away.

Is that the secret to these TV's, DLP's or maybe the Toshiba... is that you have to sit at least 18-20 feet away. It is only 7 inches bigger than my beloved 45lc12

Even the HD looks terrible from 11 feet away.

That is my question to you guys?
Is there an optimum required viewing distance for TV's larger than 45 inches, or is this it...

I guess I am going to return the TV tommorrow... cuz it sucks... I will just grab up something that has LCD in it... or get my money back and go somewhere else...

phenderson

08-26-05, 10:37 PM

Or I would appreciate any tuning tips if anyone has any.

mpalmieri1203

08-27-05, 12:28 AM

I would suggest calibrating with avia...I sit about 9 feet from my 46" Tv and it looks incredible and supperior to most LCDs I have seen. My HD looks incredible, My DVDs Look VERY GOOD, and my SD looks ok to awful....You deffinately can't get right up to the TV and watch it though...otherwise then it will look like crap.

kdog044

08-27-05, 05:59 AM

I have two viewing distances at 8' and 13' and HD and DVD's look fine at either distance but watching SD programs (which I do as little as possible) is preferable at the farther distance. You do need to calibrate the set though as any defaults would probably look like crap. If you still have PQ issues then it must be your cable service as I love the PQ on mine.

FLBuckeye

08-27-05, 08:47 AM

Question about viewing Distance from DLP TV's

ANyways... Today, I bought a Toshiba 52hm95... Folks, this TV looks like crap
literally, unless I sit 18-20 feet away.

Define "crap"

If you mean the picture looks soft then I agree from what I have seen in the stores of the new 95 series. It has lost a lot of sharpness or crispness from 84/94 series which I love. This is attributed to the wobulated DLP chip in the 95 series I guess. I am waiting to see the 195 series to see if 1080P resolution returns the sharpness I like. If not I'll be looking at LCDs - I saw the new Mits LCD this past weekend and it was impressive. It was sitting right next to the 62HM95 and both were displaying ESPN HD and the Mits was so much crisper.

HarleyMyler

08-27-05, 10:01 AM

Since I have the same setup and mine works it has to be your cable provider. I have Comcast with the Motorola card and TVGOS works fine without any other ANT connection other than the one with the cable card.

I still suspect that my Motorola CC was the problem, but it's good to know that TVGOS works with a CC. Yesterday afternoon I received the call I'd been dreading--that the cableguy was coming out with a working card and would be taking back the test card. I've been enjoying every channel available and have been recording movies to the Symbio like crazy. Anyway, I now have the new card and all the HBO's, Showtimes, etc. are gone. I plan to unplug the rabbit ears (since they look like h*ll) and see if TVGOS comes through on this card. The test card that I had was a bit screwy and caused two streams of WGN to come through and blocked out one of the local stations, which i think was why I wasn't getting TVGOS. We'll see.

slubu

08-27-05, 12:20 PM

[QUOTE=TheGrub]I found this stand at ikea, and alot of people have opted for that stand too.

sweet, i'm gonna go check it out.

tjdean

08-27-05, 12:23 PM

Define "crap"

If you mean the picture looks soft then I agree from what I have seen in the stores of the new 95 series. It has lost a lot of sharpness or crispness from 84/94 series which I love. This is attributed to the wobulated DLP chip in the 95 series I guess. I am waiting to see the 195 series to see if 1080P resolution returns the sharpness I like. If not I'll be looking at LCDs - I saw the new Mits LCD this past weekend and it was impressive. It was sitting right next to the 62HM95 and both were displaying ESPN HD and the Mits was so much crisper.

FLBuckeye, I assume you are talking about a Mits LCD RPTV. I'm not aware that there are new models out - do you know what model Mits you saw?

uh2

08-27-05, 04:12 PM

I have a 52HMX94 w/1.5.2 software and a Motorola CableCard. I could only get the guide (TVGOS) to work by adding an antenna to ANT 2 (rabbit ears). There is some sort of problem with either the CC or Time-Warner Cable or the Toshiba. The digital TWC lineup comes in fine over the analog channels (I don't know how long that will work, but it does now).

Did you leave your TVGOS settings the same as before you added the rabbit ears, or did you modify them afterwards?

uh2

FLBuckeye

08-27-05, 11:59 PM

FLBuckeye, I assume you are talking about a Mits LCD RPTV. I'm not aware that there are new models out - do you know what model Mits you saw?
WD-62528 http://www.mitsubishitv.com/televisions/details.asp?id=185

sd5444

08-28-05, 12:06 AM

Define "crap"

If you mean the picture looks soft then I agree from what I have seen in the stores of the new 95 series. It has lost a lot of sharpness or crispness from 84/94 series which I love. This is attributed to the wobulated DLP chip in the 95 series I guess. I am waiting to see the 195 series to see if 1080P resolution returns the sharpness I like. If not I'll be looking at LCDs - I saw the new Mits LCD this past weekend and it was impressive. It was sitting right next to the 62HM95 and both were displaying ESPN HD and the Mits was so much crisper.

I do not agree, I have a 95 and its awesome! Its very sharp and clear and I sit about 10 feet from mine. I know when I looked at Best Buy before I bought this TV, their TV was so horrible adjusted would even consider buying it. They were pusing the Samsungs at that time...which I liked but the 95 blew the Sammy's away once I saw one that was set to factory settings.

phenderson

08-28-05, 12:18 AM

OK, I turned down all the settings, but I think the TV still needs to be callibrated. If I could find an HM94 here in town that I could buy for the same amount, then I would jump on it. I am assuming that the HM94's also have the built-in guide.

I am sort of irked that none of the TV's have PC\RGB output. I have a few HD movies on my PC that I could transfer over.

I watched a nice HS game here in Lex, Ky while flipping back and forth to the Indy\Denver game in HD.

Likes:

-I love the way you can flip back and forth between the Antennae's.
-I like the Picture viewer its slow but neat.
-I love the child-proof buttons on the front of the TV that are touch buttons
-I love that even though my local cable carrier (Insight) does not carry NBC and ABC HD, that I can pick them up via the OTA antennae, which means that I can watch HD ABC programs on all 4 major Channels
-I really want to connect my computer to the TV via the software in the other forums and the firewire ports, just to see about streaming HD content to my harddrive for recording purposes, eventhough the User Manual states several times not to connect the TV to my PC.
-I love the way DVD's look, and would love to see how they look via HDMI upverting...

Dis-likes:

-I don't like the fact that the TV has a soft "clay" like look on all of the Analog channels. This makes the image look like crap. Seeing as how I am a basketball and football fan, many games will be on ESPN2 and and will not be broadcast in HD or Digital. THere in lies the strength of LCD RPTV's. I guess their strengths are sharpness and their weaknesses are contrast, and vice versa with DLP's.
-I don't like the fact that there is not a VGA\RGB port
-I don't like the fact that I have gotten 2 different cable cards from the cable company, and to this point, all I can get is analog channels 1-70 and 2 HD channels, 771(CBS) and 772(Fox). I am supposed to be getting the digital channels (family pack) all of the Showtime and TMC channels and their HD counterparts and the HD channels as well (HDNET, HD ESPN, HD Movies, HD Discovery). So Now I have to wait, on Monday, for the cable folks to come out.

Hates:

-I hate the big long complicated remote. I guess all of my life I have owned Magnavox's, RCA's, and my dearly departed Panny 45lc12
-I hate the fact that the TV looks like crap unless I am sitting 11-20 feet away. The picture looks pixelated and blocky up close. I can also see how bad the black levels are in Analog Channels.
-No Picture in Picture...
-MY guide does not appear to be working no matter what I do. I was told by the guys at a local Appliance Store, that the Guide would not work with Digital Cable and the Cable card. I really do hope they are wrong, but it does not seem to be working on either the OTA Antennae (Ant 2) nor the DIgital Channel (Ant1) even though I let it sit over night. TV has been hooked up for 24 hours, and has been off for about 16.
-Some scenes in the DVD's look like total crap no matter how far away you sit or stand. The seen at the end of Kill Bill where Thurman and Lucy Liu are about to duke it out, are one of those scenes...which I have included in the attached pictures.
-I hate that my TV might be to big for my house and that I will need to go to a smaller unit.

Conclusion: The TV plays HD and DVD content just fine, if you are sitting 12 feet away that is. I guess, if the cable folks can't get the cable card to work, I will haul it back to Best Buy, get a refund, and buy a Panasonic LCD RPTV.

Anyways, I have included some pictures of the set

phenderson

08-28-05, 12:23 AM

Actually the best TV's in Bestbuy here in Lexington, that I saw (and I sat down and watched all of the TV's in the "Darkroom" for about an hour), were the JVC 52 inch ILA, and the Toshiba 46 inch 46hm94 (could have been and 84).

On another note, just in case I do decide to keep this TV, could someone post the link to where I can buy the AVIA callibration DVD.

Although I took the pictures with only a 2.1mp Casio, I made sure to turn and tone down most of the settings on the display itself.

DOes anyone know if the 94's have the TV Guide?

mpalmieri1203

08-28-05, 12:23 AM

Try your contrast at like 65 and try your brightness around....45. Turn OFF all Sharpness. Just set it to 0...Set the cinema mode to film. Now what DVD player are you using....I use a Panasonic S77 thru HDMI I DO NOT Upconvert....the 480P picture is sometimes on Par with HBOHD.....Do you have Avia?? The only true way to get at least decent picture is to use something like Avia and make sure you are using a progressive scan dvd player...

mpalmieri1203

08-28-05, 12:26 AM

Also Kill Bill has poor video quality...Check out The Incredibles or Million Dollar Baby or Empire Strikes Back.... You can get Avia at Crutchfield.com or Amazon.com.....This TV can look amazing but you do need to take the time to calibrate it....and I sit anywhere from 6-10 feet from my TV and it looks great...and unpixilated....I have no sharpness on and I use film mode...My DVDs give me an extremely film like quality...while HD just looks surreal...Let us know how it turns out and I really hope you can work it out with this TV

ghostF98

08-28-05, 02:03 AM

I am trading in my 52hm84 for the 52hm95. I will get an extra hdmi port

Are you sure?? The specs just say 1. If there are two ports, great!! I just purchased my 52HM95 today and am looking forward to it.

cubenruben

08-28-05, 08:36 AM

yes. I have the tv right now and I have my dvd player via hdmi and my cable box via hdmi

centking

08-28-05, 11:41 AM

Does the 62hm95 also have 2 HDMI ports ? Its specs only say one port also. Thanks.

cubenruben

08-28-05, 01:24 PM

oh great. I was just setting up my harmoney remote and the website only says the tv only has one hdmi and it will not let me adjust my settings the right way. I am getting so pissed waiting on the phone right now with harmoney. The tv has 2 hdmi. 52hm95 :(

cubenruben

08-28-05, 01:25 PM

Does the 62hm95 also have 2 HDMI ports ? Its specs only say one port also. Thanks.

I believe so

mpalmieri1203

08-28-05, 01:46 PM

cubenruben

08-28-05, 01:47 PM

I got a great picture from it. I tried my regular dvd player and it sucked. It was time for a new dvd player, and it works great, I actually do notice a difference

Kali77

08-28-05, 01:58 PM

Cuben I saw on a previous post you have your DVD player set to upconvert to 720p..On my Toshiba when I set the player to upconvert it generally produces an awful picture. that is because the scaler in the TV does a better job upconverting the signal to 720p than the cheap DVD player. I think you may want to start by sending the TV a 420p signal and let the toshiba do the upconverting for you.

What DVD player? I am using the Oppo on my 46hm84, and the PQ is very nice. Quick question, if I wanted to let my TV do the upconverting, how would I go about setting that up. Does the Oppo automatically upconvert? Sorry I am a newbie. Just received the TV and Oppo a two days ago.

cubenruben

08-28-05, 02:08 PM

mpalmieri1203

08-28-05, 03:11 PM

I am using the Panasonic S77.....

Kali your TV is already upconverting the signal...I have the same TV as you and use the panasonic S77. If I were you I would set the Oppo to 480p(I also used an Oppo before I returned it). I find that the 480P on the Oppo and Panasonic S77 looks remarkably better then the upconverted signal due to the limited Macroblocking present in the 480p signal. The 720p and 1080i signals from both players created a discolored, oversharpened, macroblockie mess that I had just grown used to. once I calibrated at 480p I couldn't believe the difference. Also it is so important for anyone spending all this money on DVD players and TVs to invest in Avia or Digital Video Essentials. It is the only way to get great performance aside from an ISF calibration I suppose.

Kali77

08-28-05, 03:23 PM

mpalmieri1203

08-28-05, 04:16 PM

Off of the top of my head I just can't remember...It might already be set into 480p by default....I returned the player for the Panasonic S77.....

NaSnake

08-28-05, 07:44 PM

is there anyone that can email me the 1.5.2 firmware for Toshiba or maybe there's someone that hosts it somewhere.. Toshiba took 2 weeks last time to send me the 1.5.1..

phenderson

08-28-05, 11:28 PM

Can someone please help me get the TV Guide working. I let it set for 16 hours straight with no activity, and the Guide still does not work.

I did some of the callibration settings that were suggested. Some of my DVD's looked awesome, some still look like, well, junk (Starwars Episode II).

Everyone's help is greatly appreciated.

kared

08-29-05, 01:29 AM

After much research into RPTVs (DLP, LCD, and LCOS) I had originally decided on a Samsung HLR-5064 (the 5067W in the US). But after doing more extensive reading on possible audio lag and video game (480i) issues with the Samsung, I decided to look into Toshibas latest DLP line.

Well after lots of thought, I bought a Toshiba 52HMX85 today from A&B Sound (NOTE: this is the same as the 52HMX95 in the US).

Its listed here at all places (Bestbuy Canada, Fshop, A&B) for $3199 Can. After haggling awhile (45mins or so) at A&B Sound, I was able to reduce the TV price by $400 (to $2799 Can) and got the Toshiba model stand thrown in free. Delivery was also reasonable at $40Can, as was A&B 5 year on site warranty ($300Can much cheaper than Bestbuy/Fshop ones, etc). The stand won't be in for 2 weeks, but their giving me a loaner stand until it arrives to be swapped out.

I have to phone tomorrow to schedule its delivery. I also dumped my cable and am getting Bell Expressvu HD receiver/dish installed on in 2 days (the best HD sat company here in Canada with 27 HD channels....as opposed to Starchoice with only 11).

For TV, I'll be hooking up to Sat - Bell Expressvu HDTV 6120 series via a DVI to HDMI cable.

For DVD: I have a new LG LDA-531 Upconverting HD DVD player (Can model not yet in the US) that I purchased this weekend that will be setup using HDMI cable.

Since the 52HMX85 has 2 HDMI ports I'll be using both for my component devices.

For Gaming: I'll be using component video (Xbox)

For Audio: I'll be using fibre out of the HD Sat receiver and Xbox, and Digital Coax for the DVD player hooked up to a Yahama RX-V596 Amp (DD 5.1 w/ THX) with centre rear and front Mission Speakers, and Jensen sub.

I'll keep everyone posted as to my results and the quality overall of everything (how it turns out).

This thread was really helpful in helping me make my decision.

Cheers,

Kared

phenderson

08-29-05, 08:36 AM

Are you sure?? The specs just say 1. If there are two ports, great!! I just purchased my 52HM95 today and am looking forward to it.

Ghostf98, does your 52hm84 have the TV Guide, and does your guide work?

phenderson

08-29-05, 08:49 AM

kdog044

08-29-05, 09:00 AM

Ghostf98, does your 52hm84 have the TV Guide, and does your guide work?None of the 84 or 85 series have integrated tuners and thus no need for TVGOS.

kdog044

08-29-05, 09:11 AM

Can someone please help me get the TV Guide working. I let it set for 16 hours straight with no activity, and the Guide still does not work.Can you tell us what you are using for input, where it is connected, who your provider is and what you have done so far? There are some diagnostic screens you can check to see what is happening with your set. Access the guide and go into setup. Highlight (but don't press enter) the change system settings option and press "753159852" which will get you to the screens. The left and right arrows will move you into the sub screens and the up and down arrow will move into the different menus. Pressing exit will take you out of the diagnostics menu. Some of the key menus are:

Section System - System Info
Section System - Statistics

Section Reset Info - Statistics
Section Reset Info - Dumps
Section Reset Info - Error Tracker

Section Reception - Slicing

Section VBI Data - VBI Info

If you peruse the TVGOS thread you get some valuable information on what you need to look for or if you have a digital camera capture the screens and post them and we can see what is going on with your set. This is probably a better thread to post problems with the TVGOS.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=510125

The key part of the TVGOS is getting the VBI information which is usually sent on the local PBS channel. There have been problems getting this with certain providers but the only one I can recall is Cablevision in the NY area.

phenderson

08-29-05, 09:21 AM

Can you tell us what you are using for input, where it is connected, who your provider is and what you have done so far? There are some diagnostic screens you can check to see what is happening with your set. Access the guide and go into setup. Highlight (but don't press enter) the change system settings option and press "753159852" which will get you to the screens. The left and right arrows will move you into the sub screens and the up and down arrow will move into the different menus. Pressing exit will take you out of the diagnostics menu. Some of the key menus are:

Section System - System Info
Section System - Statistics

Section Reset Info - Statistics
Section Reset Info - Dumps
Section Reset Info - Error Tracker

Section Reception - Slicing

Section VBI Data - VBI Info

If you peruse the TVGOS thread you get some valuable information on what you need to look for or if you have a digital camera capture the screens and post them and we can see what is going on with your set. This is probably a better thread to post problems with the TVGOS.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=510125

The key part of the TVGOS is getting the VBI information which is usually sent on the local PBS channel. There have been problems getting this with certain providers but the only one I can recall is Cablevision in the NY area.

Hmmmm I will try those. The TVGOS, the firewire, the Built-in HD tuner, and the new engine, are the main reasons why I bought this TV.

What am I using for input?
On Ant 1, I have the Cable Card
On Ant 2, I have a paper clip, which is all I need to get Digital and HD NBC, and ABC which is all I care for, seeing as how Inisght carries Digital Fox and CBS.

c_hernandez32

08-29-05, 11:19 AM

kdog044,

Thanks for the quicktip about TVGOS being sent through PBS. I was wondering why I had lost all data. I moved my antanea and I lost PBS. Still kept the rest of my channels. For me it gathered data, but not on any of the digital channels. When I watch a digital channel and turn on TV Guide I get a message saying no information. Then when I try to search for HD programming it says that there are none available. This was all before I moved the antanea and lost the guide.

As for DVDs I have a Sony 995 set to output 720p. For most newer DVDs the picture looks sharp and clear. Very little macroblocking and sharp colors. Tested the Incredibles, Matrix Revolutions, and Empire Strikes Back. They were all breath-taking. I tried the original Matrix and noticed grainess and weaker colors. Then I tried the non-anamorphic The American President and it looked horrible. So I left it as natural which left me with a smaller picture, but on my 62" it was still pretty big. I need to try LotR and SW II to see any washed out colors or obvious effects.

mwaarna

08-29-05, 01:07 PM

HTPC on Toshiba 62HM94 .

I bought a DVI to HDMI cable and hooked my pc upto it.
I have a ATI 9800XT card and the tv looks great hooked up to my TV. I played some video game son my PC on the bigscreen and then decided to watch some tv. I had left my pc on for propably an hour.

After i flipped the tv back to the HDMI input i received no signal. No matter what i did i could not receive a signal. The only way i found to fix this problem was to restart my PC. There has to be a better way. Could my screen saver kill the signal or any one have any ideas whats going on?

I am using 1280x720 resolution.

thanks for your help

kdog044

08-29-05, 01:38 PM

kdog044,

As for DVDs I have a Sony 995 set to output 720p. For most newer DVDs the picture looks sharp and clear. Very little macroblocking and sharp colors. I assume you mean the 975. You will not have ANY macroblocking with this player as it doesn't use the Faroudja chip that causes it. Sony uses their own proprietary chip for scaling. I have the same player. ;)

kdog044

08-29-05, 01:43 PM

Hmmmm I will try those. The TVGOS, the firewire, the Built-in HD tuner, and the new engine, are the main reasons why I bought this TV.

What am I using for input?
On Ant 1, I have the Cable Card
On Ant 2, I have a paper clip, which is all I need to get Digital and HD NBC, and ABC which is all I care for, seeing as how Inisght carries Digital Fox and CBS.Okay, so in the TVGOS setup you input your area code. Selected YES for cable service and NO for not having a cable box connected. What channel is the analog PBS channel come in on? This should be the channel that shows up in the VBI channel and should look like this if it was channel 13.

VBI Channel 0:13

toenail

08-29-05, 05:59 PM

Popped in a couple of DVD's last night to check them out on the 52HM95...

Starwars...looked horrible. There just was no sharpness at all. For some reason, the TV brought out the obvious Digital affects making them look rather cheap. It was confusing. Watching Annakin Jump on the beast and being able to see where he was super-imposed over the actual animation...

I then popped in "Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers" and got an even more rude awakening. (this after making various changes to the Picture Settings). I was treated to dull washed out colors, and rather soft looking images. Its almost like watching highly detailed Claymation...

Its as if here is no sharpness to my TV at all.
To date the best looking DVD to ever grace my set, has been I' Robot. It looks awesome, better than it has every looked...

What DVD player am I using, one might ask? I am using the Panasonic s27U with the 480p turned on via the component cables.

I must contend that the strengths of this TV are its vast variety of amenities, but its lack of quality, I guess, should be accepted. Jack of all trades, master of none.

I am going to call Best buy today and see if they have the 52hm94, of which, I am hoping to trade my 95 in for it.

I'm curious about your decision to exchange sets. Are you sure that the image quality will improve by going with last years model? I own the 94 and have seen the 95 up close at Sears. I can tell you there is very little if any difference between them regarding picture quality. The newer set was brighter than mine at home but I believe it has a higher output lamp so that is to be expected. You may want to fiddle with the user adjustable settings further to see if you can get the image a little more to your liking. Out of the box I was sorely disappointed with DVD PQ. After a lot of tweaking I've gotten to where good source looks pretty good on the TV. Star Wars is not considered "good source" BTW and looks like crap on my set regardless of any adjusted settings. No HDTV is capable of taking a bad 480i and making it look good through scaling and de-interlacing, at least not at that price point.

phenderson

08-29-05, 07:32 PM

Well, here is what I will do, I will grab some DVD's, take them with me to Bestbuy and Circuit City, toss them into the DVD players there and see what they look like.

Cable guy came out, and was able to get all the Digital Channels and Showtime\TMC working. I now get all of my HD channels.

Still can't get the guide to work,
kdog044 I have included a screen shot of my VBI-Data and the Section System Statistics...

Strange, the VBI Channel is 1:0-63... Is that correct.

Here is something else, wonder if anyone can answer this question.
I disconnected the Coax-Cable (the cable) from Ant 1 (remember my setup was Ant1 = Cable card and Cable connection, Ant2= Twist-tie for OTA\Terrestrial Digital Channels) and plugged it into Ant2 and plugged the Twist-Tie (My makeshift antennae) into Ant1. All of the sudden, I was receiving my digital music channels (79-1 through 79-30) on Ant2, but no digital channels outside of that. What does that mean? Of course I did not receive any OTA channels on Ant1. I guess the Toshiba set forces all CC connections to Ant-1 and will not flip it over to antennae 2, which is weird. I wish I could come up with $1000.00 more, of which I would spend on a nice Panasonic Plasma with Dual HD tuners.

As I have said over and over again, the FEatures on this Toshiba are awesome but PQ... well...

Given the info posted in the attached files, can someone help me with my Guide?

HarleyMyler

08-29-05, 09:04 PM

Can someone please help me get the TV Guide working. I let it set for 16 hours straight with no activity, and the Guide still does not work.

Everyone's help is greatly appreciated.

Sixteen hours is too long. The channel that captures VBI data is one of the most frustrating things about the system--you have no way to control it, but you can help it. It took TWC four CableCards before I got one that worked.

Host Chan: When you go into the diagnostics menu, one of the most important parameters is the "Host Chan" (ignore VBI Chan) on the Section System-Statistics page. If that shows nothing, well, then you have nothing. What happens is that when the set is powered down, it goes "looking" for TVGOS data. It will cycle though all of the channels that are enabled on the system installation menu. If you have an OTA antenna attached, be sure to have the system find the channels(Setup->Installation->Channel Program).

Zip Code: This can be an insidious issue. The zipcode where I live (77702) does not work, but a nearby one does (77705). The TVGOS folks should be able to tell you which one has your data. I guessed mine based on population. If this is not set correctly, then TVGOS will not find a line-up--simple as that.

Time: Do not be tempted to set the TV time manually from the install menus. TVGOS must get time on it's own. In fact, the time set will be the first thing that appears, long before program data. If you are not getting time, you will not get TVGOS.

I called around to my local stations and found out which ones were transmitting TVGOS. Ask for an engineer. PBS does not necessarily send out TVGOS. Also, if you are not getting closed captions, you won't get TVGOS.

HarleyMyler

08-29-05, 09:18 PM

Strange, the VBI Channel is 1:0-63... Is that correct.

Here is something else, wonder if anyone can answer this question.
I disconnected the Coax-Cable (the cable) from Ant 1 (remember my setup was Ant1 = Cable card and Cable connection, Ant2= Twist-tie for OTA\Terrestrial Digital Channels) and plugged it into Ant2 and plugged the Twist-Tie (My makeshift antennae) into Ant1. All of the sudden, I was receiving my digital music channels (79-1 through 79-30) on Ant2, but no digital channels outside of that. What does that mean? Of course I did not receive any OTA channels on Ant1. I guess the Toshiba set forces all CC connections to Ant-1 and will not flip it over to antennae 2, which is weird.

Given the info posted in the attached files, can someone help me with my Guide?

Forget the VBI Chan--when you get host channel then it will start working. I am guessing that your CableCard has issues. I recommend the following:

Disconnect CableCard (just press it's pop-out button, leave it in the slot). Put a rabbit ear or other OTA on ANT 2, leave your cable in ANT 1.

Cold boot the set.

Let it search for channels in the installation menu, both cable and antenna.

Set up TVGOS, be sure to use a "good" zipcode. Tell it cable on ANT 1 and antenna on ANT 2.

Turn off TV and wait awhile. Look for time to appear first. When it does, see what Host Chan says. If you get x:y-z, I believe it means that the TVGOS dats comes in on ANT x, over channels y through z.

If the above does not work, then no TVGOS data is getting to the set. If it does work, then the set is working, TVGOS is working and something else is wrong. Try another cold boot and put the Cablecard back in, or tell the set to ignore the OTA (Ant 2) and see if data comes in off the cable, etc.

BTW, the set is awesome when it works...

phenderson

08-29-05, 09:31 PM

THanks for the info.
Yeah, the TV is sort of growing on me. Especially watching Monday Night FB in high def.... never thought that I would be able to do that in Lexington....

phenderson

08-29-05, 09:51 PM

Forget the VBI Chan--when you get host channel then it will start working. I am guessing that your CableCard has issues. I recommend the following:

Disconnect CableCard (just press it's pop-out button, leave it in the slot). Put a rabbit ear or other OTA on ANT 2, leave your cable in ANT 1.

Cold boot the set.

Let it search for channels in the installation menu, both cable and antenna.

Set up TVGOS, be sure to use a "good" zipcode. Tell it cable on ANT 1 and antenna on ANT 2.

Turn off TV and wait awhile. Look for time to appear first. When it does, see what Host Chan says. If you get x:y-z, I believe it means that the TVGOS dats comes in on ANT x, over channels y through z.

If the above does not work, then no TVGOS data is getting to the set. If it does work, then the set is working, TVGOS is working and something else is wrong. Try another cold boot and put the Cablecard back in, or tell the set to ignore the OTA (Ant 2) and see if data comes in off the cable, etc.

BTW, the set is awesome when it works...

I do get close captioning, that is for sure. I tried it now. I guess the next thing to do is go ahead and try the trick without my cable card in...

phenderson

08-29-05, 09:53 PM

How do I cold boot the TV set?

glennh73

08-29-05, 10:37 PM

Benear

08-30-05, 12:50 AM

Any time frame? I've been waiting too long. This TV better be worth the wait because I could have jumped on a Samsung 1080p instead.

Any comments on the Toshiba SD-5980? I don't see a lot of it in combo with a Toshiba DLP. Is this not a good player? I have it waiting for my MX195.

kdog044

08-30-05, 01:11 AM

Any comments on the Toshiba SD-5980? I don't see a lot of it in combo with a Toshiba DLP. Is this not a good player? I have it waiting for my MX195.There are definitely better upconverting players in the $300 range such as Panasonic, Oppo and Sony. Check the DVD forum for more information on the other players.

kdog044

08-30-05, 01:24 AM

Time: Do not be tempted to set the TV time manually from the install menus. TVGOS must get time on it's own. In fact, the time set will be the first thing that appears, long before program data. If you are not getting time, you will not get TVGOS.

I called around to my local stations and found out which ones were transmitting TVGOS. Ask for an engineer. PBS does not necessarily send out TVGOS. Also, if you are not getting closed captions, you won't get TVGOS.The time is definitely the first thing that should show up and if it's not then the TVGOS is not getting the VBI data. That could mean your provider is blocking the VBI information or the TV is not finding the correct channel. Your provider should be able to tell you what channel it is on but for me it is the local analog PBS channel. Make sure your TV has this channel in it's listings. With the cable card you can't manually edit the channels but you could try leaving the cable connected to ANT1 and removing the card and see what channels are found automatically. Within a day you should be able to check the diagnostic screens and see if the date and time are populated or by looking at the TVGOS screen in the upper corner. Once you have the time and are getting VBI data you should get the option to select your cable provider from a list when you access the guide and it should start populating. Using the direct cable feed will at least tell you if the cable card is the problem or the VBI data is not being sent.

phenderson

08-30-05, 09:12 AM

The time is definitely the first thing that should show up and if it's not then the TVGOS is not getting the VBI data. That could mean your provider is blocking the VBI information or the TV is not finding the correct channel. Your provider should be able to tell you what channel it is on but for me it is the local analog PBS channel. Make sure your TV has this channel in it's listings. With the cable card you can't manually edit the channels but you could try leaving the cable connected to ANT1 and removing the card and see what channels are found automatically. Within a day you should be able to check the diagnostic screens and see if the date and time are populated or by looking at the TVGOS screen in the upper corner. Once you have the time and are getting VBI data you should get the option to select your cable provider from a list when you access the guide and it should start populating. Using the direct cable feed will at least tell you if the cable card is the problem or the VBI data is not being sent.

Unfortunately, maybe two hours before I read HarleyMyler's post, I set the clock manually. I removed the Cable Card, for maybe an hour and powered the TV back on, but it did not prompt me for setup or anything.

c_hernandez32

08-30-05, 10:15 AM

I assume you mean the 975. You will not have ANY macroblocking with this player as it doesn't use the Faroudja chip that causes it. Sony uses their own proprietary chip for scaling. I have the same player. ;)

I have the 995 400 Disc megachanger. It gives a great picture.

bearcat13444

08-30-05, 10:52 AM

Can anybody give some info on bulb experiences with Toshiba TV's. I was planning to buy Tos195, but I have been reading some disturbing post on other models.

Mracacia

08-30-05, 10:56 AM

I have the 52hm94 Toshiba and i tried watching Star Wars EP2 threw my OPPO and its god awlful. I thought these tvs where to suppose to be good for DVD's and so far except for 5th Element, most movies looked bad threw my oppo threw the dvi-hdmi cable.

So are these tvs not worth it, was i fooled or what?

Make sure your OPPO player is set to 480P output. Let the set upconvert the signal to 720P. I found that you will get better results that way.

TheGrub

08-30-05, 10:57 AM

Can anybody give some info on bulb experiences with Toshiba TV's. I was planning to buy Tos195, but I have been reading some disturbing post on other models.

1 year done and close to 2600 hours. All on the same original bulb.

Not too many complains of the bulb blowing on the tosh in here compared to other brands.

mpalmieri1203

08-30-05, 01:17 PM

Glen I had the same problem with the Oppo...imo it looks awful....sell it and get a panasonic S77....Much better picture...And also make sure you have it set at 480p

mpalmieri1203

08-30-05, 01:27 PM

Hey PT I noticed you said you were getting overly soft pictures that looked crappy on DVD....I would really reccomend a Panasonic S77 to you. I purchased one of these and after properly setting it up and calibrating with Avia I get pictures that are on Par with HD HBO....Just to let you know SW EP2 is not the best looking DVD there is lots of Macroblock and digital artifacting on the print. I'd again reccomend The Incredibles Or The Empire Strikes Back.....They both look amazing. If you have the EP2 dvd...on the Setup menu for the DVD is the THX Optimizer....this will really help you calibrate the set! Whatever you do though keep that sharpness setting down to 0 and don't use the preprogramed picture viewing modes the TV offers they are all awful.

c_hernandez32

08-30-05, 02:22 PM

1 year done and close to 2600 hours. All on the same original bulb.

Not too many complains of the bulb blowing on the tosh in here compared to other brands.

Is there a service menu that lets you know the hours on the bulb? I scared my wife when I read her the part in the manual with the mercury bulb exploding inside. I know that the hours is an estimate, but do you count the number of hours the tv was off but left on a black channel. I was watching a DVD on HDMI and I left for a few hours and then came back to find that the TV was left on. The screen goes completely black when on the HDMI input and the DVD player off. Just wondering if it caused more wear to the TV?

phenderson

08-30-05, 02:26 PM

Mracacia

08-30-05, 03:02 PM

Glen I had the same problem with the Oppo...imo it looks awful....sell it and get a panasonic S77....Much better picture...And also make sure you have it set at 480p

I also have the panasonic s77. Great DVD player with the Toshiba DLP. But as said, set the dvd player to 480P output for best picture. Also check out the review of the s77 in this months Sound and Vision mag. It got the editors choice.

TheGrub

08-30-05, 03:09 PM

Is there a service menu that lets you know the hours on the bulb?

When you see the S on screen for the Service menu, hit 9, there is a diagnostic screen that will show you the hour count.

And yes, even if the screen is black but the TV is ON, it still counts because the bulb is on.

Mracacia

08-30-05, 03:19 PM

Does Toshiba, not make good DVD' players?
I started to buy an upverting DVD player from them when I bought my 52hm95 at Bestbuy, but decided not to in the end.

I am the type of person who likes to buy all matching appliances which means my Panasonic Receiver and DVD player need to be replaced... Any ideas? Anyone?

I feel the same way. I always bought matching equipment. When I bought the s77 last month it was the first time my tv and dvd brands didn't match. I hate to admit it but I fell for the "Colorstream" hype. I found out that it isn't like cars, you can't put a Chevy transmission in a Ford car and have it run right, but you can put Toshiba 52hm94 and a Panasonic s77 together and get a great picture. From now on I plan to buy the best compontent available in my price range instead of matching the brands. While it doesn't look as nice on the shelf (i.e a hodgepodge of different brands), its the TV picture that I watch.

Mutnat

08-30-05, 07:07 PM

HTPC on Toshiba 62HM94 .

I bought a DVI to HDMI cable and hooked my pc upto it.

I'm not sure about the 9x series but the 8x series defintiely says very explicity in the manual that you should NOT attach a computer or video game system to those TVs. I would assume since the 9x series just adds integrated tuning, it would be the same.

phenderson

08-30-05, 07:42 PM

In the case of the 9x series (take my 52hm95), the no attaching Computer to the TV is stated in regards to the ieee1394 on the TV. It is stated 3 different times...
Personally, I am going to attach my computer, tonight, and give it a whirl, just to see...

revilo78

08-30-05, 08:30 PM

Have my HTPC hooked up to my 52HM84 for over a month now and no problems. I keep my resolution at 1152 x 648, and get no overscan at all. It’s my opinion that the warning to in the manual “not to connect to a PC” is there to stop people from calling about overscan issues. Keep your refresh rate below 60hz and you won’t have any problems.

Gotta say, I don’t know why people spend $300+ on upscaling DVD players when they could put that money into a HTPC and get the quality of $1000+ DVD players with tons of more features like music server, DVR, picture viewer, video games, and surf the web. Zoomplayer with ffdshow makes my Star Wars, Nemo, Riddick DVDs look better than most HD broadcasts.

Manhigh

08-30-05, 08:31 PM

I'm not sure about the 9x series but the 8x series defintiely says very explicity in the manual that you should NOT attach a computer or video game system to those TVs. I would assume since the 9x series just adds integrated tuning, it would be the same.

There seems to have been lots of people with video game consoles attached to the 8x's. Wonder why Toshiba warns against it.

Kali77

08-30-05, 11:07 PM

Make sure your OPPO player is set to 480P output. Let the set upconvert the signal to 720P. I found that you will get better results that way.

I am also using the Oppo, but with a 46hm84. How do I know if the output of the Oppo is 480p?? It is hooked up DVI-HDMI.

Thanks

TheGrub

08-31-05, 12:34 AM

There seems to have been lots of people with video game consoles attached to the 8x's. Wonder why Toshiba warns against it.
Thanks

The answer i got from toshiba customer support was:

"Please be aware that we do not recommend hooking an Xbox up
to this expensive TV. Although the bulb for this unit is rated for 8,000
hours, it has a warranty of one year. The bulb is very expensive when you
have to replace it. How much of the bulb's time will you be using for the
Xbox?"

Like they where telling me i was wasting money and time gaming.

Other than that, there was no problems given by toshiba about hooking up an xbox to the TV.

** Edited ** Sorry Kali77 for the confusion...

Shaner1

08-31-05, 07:41 AM

I'm not sure about the 9x series but the 8x series defintiely says very explicity in the manual that you should NOT attach a computer or video game system to those TVs. I would assume since the 9x series just adds integrated tuning, it would be the same.

That is very odd... Why would the 94 series have the game mode setting if they didn't want you to play games on it?

Something isn't right...

Kali77

08-31-05, 07:55 AM

The answer i got from toshiba customer support was:

"Please be aware that we do not recommend hooking an Xbox up
to this expensive TV. Although the bulb for this unit is rated for 8,000
hours, it has a warranty of one year. The bulb is very expensive when you
have to replace it. How much of the bulb's time will you be using for the
Xbox?"

Like they where telling me i was wasting money and time gaming.

Other than that, there was no problems given by toshiba about hooking up an xbox to the TV.

Wow! That had no relevance what so ever to the question I asked and you quoted :D Hopefully you can answer my question as I thinkyou just answered someone above mine.

mcoughlin

08-31-05, 10:09 AM

Shaner1

08-31-05, 10:20 AM

TheGrub

08-31-05, 10:23 AM

So..who would buy a Toshiba again if you bought today?

I would for sure.

And i would definitely choose a 52'' DLP over a 42'' Plasma.

phenderson

08-31-05, 11:01 AM

Curious if all the 52hm84's, 94's and hmx's owners out there would buy the same Toshiba again or even the new 95's?

Now that the plasma's are coming down in price I have a dilemma. Buy a 42" HD plasma for $2500 or a 52hm95 DLP?

I have read every post in this thread and looked at a few dlp's at stores like sears, and BB and pretty much decided the Toshiba would be the DLP I would buy.

I have a 50" RP Sony KLW-9000 anybody remember these?
Its just not that bright especially in the daytime in a bright room.

I would rather replace with similar size but 50" plasma is out of my price range.

So..who would buy a Toshiba again if you bought today?

You know what, I am going to go out on a limb here.
I have to believe that Toshiba has some good quality stuff, even though Sound and Video states their DVD payer with HDMI was basically junk.

I love the fact that the TV has a ton of options... That in itself is awesome.
HDMI x 2, Firewire x2, Built-in HD tuner, Cable Card.

My guide is now working... works fine now, and I love the way it flip flops back and forth between the two different tuners.

No the Picture Quality is not as nice as my old 45LC12, but I have to say that when I was in Best Buy they had this 27 inch Toshiba LCD TV hooked up to a PC. The TV had a Guide Sticker on it, so I have to say it had built-in tuners. Basically it was best picture that I had ever seen, bar-non, on a PC.I was completely blow away and was in shock....

I bought my TV, a couple of days ago, for a little over 2 grand, from Best Buy.
And I would have to say that for the features and the Guide alone, it is worth it.
If you are looking for a Plasma kilelr, this aint it...

MY new major Gripe with the TV is the slowness of the Menu system, both for the Guide and for the TV's own menu system. It can get to be very frustrating... Anyone have a remedy for this?
I am going to play around with the TV for a few more days. Eventually, if it does not knock me over with PQ, I will go ahead and jump on the JVC ILA bandwagon and grab one of those nice colorful 52 inch JVC's.

Would I get the Toshiba again, wait until after the AVIA DVD arrives from Netflix (should be Today or Tommorrow) and after I have callibrated the set itself, then I will tell you.

So far I am wayyy impressed with the features and for the most part, the functionality is good as well. What does not impress me is PQ, and I am dissappointed with the Slowness of the Menu, the lack of a PC\VGA\RGB port.

Kali77

08-31-05, 11:30 AM

I am also using the Oppo, but with a 46hm84. How do I know if the output of the Oppo is 480p?? It is hooked up DVI-HDMI.

Thanks

I know this is a stupid question but do you think someone could answer it for me :) Thanks.

tsulliv

08-31-05, 11:46 AM

I just bought my 62HM95 two weeks ago and love it. These types of forums were essential in my research to by a "big TV" and I think is also essential that if you use these forums you should "give back" once you have made a purchase - so this is me giving back -

Bought mine from BuyDig off PriceGrabber and got a great deal - with the Stand and 4 years in-home warranty on the TV & the Bulb. I wouldn't have bought the warranty, but after reading the horror stories about bulb replacement in the other forums - though it necessary.

I really like the the Toshiba Stand - really finishes the look off.
My 62HM95 so far has been nothing short of outstanding! The HD picture is absolutely stunning. As expected, the SD reception is grainy but watchable. I have done no calibration as of yet and am beginning to wonder if I should. TV warm up is quicker than i anticipated. I bought an LG 418 DVD player with upconversion through the HDMI port but was stunned at the price of HDMI cables - Best Buy would be glad to sell me a Monster one for $112, no thanks!. But I was able to find one at CyberGuys for $13 and should arrive next week, will update then if the cable sucks or not.

Can anyone explain to me about these Virtual Digital Channels? Comcast couldn't give me a translation table of what channel matches up with the Virtual Channels.
The Tuners in the TV are really good, i don't have much experience with other tuners but once you are locked onto a digital channel - it is very stable.

Just wanted everyone to know that I appreciate all the discussions in this thread, it helped alot!

ghostF98

08-31-05, 12:14 PM

"Please be aware that we do not recommend hooking an Xbox up
to this expensive TV. Although the bulb for this unit is rated for 8,000
hours, it has a warranty of one year. The bulb is very expensive when you
have to replace it. How much of the bulb's time will you be using for the
Xbox?"

Does that even matter if you have a service plan? I don't plan on playing my Xbox all the time; I barely play it now, if at all. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem, right?

On another note, I just bought the 52hm95. It will be delievered on 9/18. What things should I have before it arrives? Basically, all I have is the tv now. My roommate and I are moving out to different apartments, so I won't have the use of his DVD player. Before, I was just using my Xbox, but I guess that won't fly with the 52hm95.

Oh yeah, I have an old Yahama receiver (once top of the line I am sure) and some Boston Acoustics compact referrence speakers. Will they suffice or should I upgrade them as well? I know I will need to at some point, but I don't know if my "budget" will allow for it at the moment.

Any suggestions?? What else should I get before the tv arrives?

kared

08-31-05, 02:06 PM

Curious if all the 52hm84's, 94's and hmx's owners out there would buy the same Toshiba again or even the new 95's?

Now that the plasma's are coming down in price I have a dilemma. Buy a 42" HD plasma for $2500 or a 52hm95 DLP?

I have read every post in this thread and looked at a few dlp's at stores like sears, and BB and pretty much decided the Toshiba would be the DLP I would buy.

I have a 50" RP Sony KLW-9000 anybody remember these?
Its just not that bright especially in the daytime in a bright room.

I would rather replace with similar size but 50" plasma is out of my price range.

So..who would buy a Toshiba again if you bought today?

Hi there. My new Toshiba 52HXM95 (52" DLPTV) arrived yesterday (stand is coming later - its on backorder). You will absolutely LOVE the brightness on this DLP! Its so bright that i had to turn the bulb to low power or my eyes would have bugged out. The 95 series are even brighter than last years DLP models (now 150watt bulb). Even though I've watched HDTV before I was completely blown away by the quality of it on this TV (and I havent even calibrated it yet!). I too looked at several different DLPs and decided on the Toshiba and am glad I made that choice.

Some Samsung DLP users and other users of LCD projection and Plasma have complained of audio lag issues using audio out from devices to amplifiers (because of the processing time required on these new TVs) but Ive noticed no such issues on the Toshiba's in either DVD or from the Satellite HDTV receiver.

I would avoid the plasmas in general, esp ones at the lower price range you are looking at (most of them are EDTVs (480i/p) and not true HDTV ones). I would recommend this DLPTV in a heartbeat to anyone looking for an affordable, high quality bigscreen TV.

Kared

TheGrub

08-31-05, 02:42 PM

Does that even matter if you have a service plan? I don't plan on playing my Xbox all the time; I barely play it now, if at all. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem, right?

On another note, I just bought the 52hm95. It will be delievered on 9/18. What things should I have before it arrives? Basically, all I have is the tv now. My roommate and I are moving out to different apartments, so I won't have the use of his DVD player. Before, I was just using my Xbox, but I guess that won't fly with the 52hm95.

Don't worry about the xbox on the TV. I have had my xbox connected to my 52HM84 for 1 year. And i use the xbox at least 1 hour a day. Never had any problems what so ever.

You can use it as a DVD player without any problem, but it's not a great dvd player for PQ.

I suggest you invest in a good upconverting dvd player like the panasonic to get much better PQ.

ghostF98

08-31-05, 02:55 PM

You can use it as a DVD player without any problem, but it's not a great dvd player for PQ.

I suggest you invest in a good upconverting dvd player like the panasonic to get much better PQ.

That's what I figured. I need a DVD player that can also play +R and +RW, as I have done some home recordings on them. My DVD burner on my Dell only works with +R/+RW. I saw that the Samsung 850 meets my needs. What are your thoughts on it? I assume you have the Panasonic?

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out. I have gotten a lot of useful information from this forum.

glennh73

08-31-05, 03:19 PM

I also have the panasonic s77. Great DVD player with the Toshiba DLP. But as said, set the dvd player to 480P output for best picture. Also check out the review of the s77 in this months Sound and Vision mag. It got the editors choice.

I have a couple of questions here.

Was told to leave the Sharpness at 0 while using the Oppo or anything using the HDMI port. IS that Correct? And why?

I leave the OPPO at 480p instead of 720P, ok do i still use the DVI to HDMI connectors?

(EDit) ived tried the dvds at 480 on the oppo and i get a 4:3 screen and then have to set my tv to full to get the best widescreen, but with that im losing bottom of pic,atleast in thx setup . But still it streches the pic to fit the screen.

Still have to much red in the faces of people even after using thx set up.!

And what options for pic settings do i turn off from the tv and from the OPPO itself?

Ived tried using the Sound an Vision cal disk but for some reason my Oppo will no longer read it but my old apex does.

But i cant get the sharpness to change at all when i use the disk with the apex or when it did work with the OPPO.

And with the contrast, i couldnt really go to high or low with that setting, seemed to be in the middle, though i still dont get what blooming is.

Brightness, well that worked, though that to me depends on the movie as i sometimes hate things that are too dark. I like to see all of my movie and hate dark sceens.

Now my tv has way to much red in it, so do i just turn dwn the color for that.

IF i go out and get the AVIA disk, if used on the oppo, does that just work on the HDMi input or could i use that for ant 1 and directv or what ever i use on the other inputs ?

I thought the oppo settings are saved on the preference setting and i use that instead of movie setting.

If i get this set Cailibrated does that ruin the warrenty?
Thanks guys.

Thank you everyone.

cjlawson

08-31-05, 06:59 PM

Mracacia

08-31-05, 07:09 PM

I am about to purchase either a 62HM94 or 62HM84. I just returned a Samsung HLR-6167w because of the video game delay. Is there lag on these tvs? Does any one know the contrast ratio? Any one compare them to the new HLR6167 series?

What is the difference between the 62HM94 and 62HM84?

The 94 series Toshiba's have a "game mode" to eliminate delay. I play on xbox on my 52hm94 and haven't noticed any lag, but I have no reflexes left in my old age so that could be it also. :D

Lord Flatus

08-31-05, 07:24 PM

I just returned a Samsung HLR-6167w because of the video game delay. Is there lag on these tvs?
The lag issue is only supposed to show up on 480i games. Are you using a PS2? Almost all the Xbox games support at least 480p and the lag is supposed to be a non-issue there.

I'm asking because I'd like a little moer confirmation about the lag really being only a 480i deal. I plan on getting an Xbox 360 and all the games will be required to support 720p at the least, so I'm not too worried about the lag myself.

cjlawson

08-31-05, 07:29 PM

Is gaming mode only on the 94 series? If so is there lag on the 84 series?

Mracacia

08-31-05, 07:43 PM

I leave the OPPO at 480p instead of 720P, ok do i still use the DVI to HDMI connectors?

Yes, the HDMI connector on the Toshiba will accept 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. From what I understand, it is always best to use 480p and let the tv upconvert the image to 720p.

Mracacia

08-31-05, 07:55 PM

Is gaming mode only on the 94 series? If so is there lag on the 84 series?

It is only on the 94 series. I don't know if the 84 series has lag or not. I use the Component Video Cable, and I almost never turn on the game mode. I can't tell the difference when its on or off.

cjlawson

08-31-05, 07:55 PM

The lag issue is only supposed to show up on 480i games. Are you using a PS2? Almost all the Xbox games support at least 480p and the lag is supposed to be a non-issue there.

I'm asking because I'd like a little moer confirmation about the lag really being only a 480i deal. I plan on getting an Xbox 360 and all the games will be required to support 720p at the least, so I'm not too worried about the lag myself.

The lag is there with Xbox at 480p. Samsung even confirmed it with me. MVP baseball is 720p and still has lag. I hear if you hook up the Xbox 360 to the pc input or HDMI there will not be lag because it is connected to the digital board. If it is hooked up through component then there could be lag. Going from analog to digital is where the lag occurs along with having to scale.

Kali77

08-31-05, 08:23 PM

Yes, the HDMI connector on the Toshiba will accept 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. From what I understand, it is always best to use 480p and let the tv upconvert the image to 720p.

I have asked like 3-4 times in this thread with no answer, how do you know if the Oppo is set to play 480p or 720p. Is it due to how it is connected??

TheGrub

08-31-05, 09:13 PM

That's what I figured. I need a DVD player that can also play +R and +RW, as I have done some home recordings on them. My DVD burner on my Dell only works with +R/+RW. I saw that the Samsung 850 meets my needs. What are your thoughts on it? I assume you have the Panasonic?

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out. I have gotten a lot of useful information from this forum.

I actually don't have the panasonic. I have the LG 7832NXC. It's the Canadian clone for the Zenith DVB318. The good thing about this player is that it can upscale through components and not only HDMI. 1080i on this player is a major difference with my xbox (dongle or XMBC@1080I)

The only other players i've tried where one crappy 39$ progressive scan player and my old sony. The LG beats them hands down !!

Check in the DVD player forum, you will find very usefull info on different players...

Mracacia

08-31-05, 09:42 PM

I have asked like 3-4 times in this thread with no answer, how do you know if the Oppo is set to play 480p or 720p. Is it due to how it is connected??

I don't have the Oppo so I'm not sure, you should look in the manual to see how to it. If you don't have the manual here is link to Amazon. The manual is listed part way down. Link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00078GLJY/104-1957632-1408706?v=glance)

Shaner1

09-01-05, 07:00 AM

I have asked like 3-4 times in this thread with no answer, how do you know if the Oppo is set to play 480p or 720p. Is it due to how it is connected??

If you know for sure that someone here has the Oppo ask them in a Private Message as they might not be looking at this thread.

Otherwise go to the forum where this would be covered and ask the question, you'll have better luck getting an answer there.

Kali77

09-01-05, 07:41 AM

Thanks guys. Went to the Oppo thread and got the answer :D

phenderson

09-01-05, 12:27 PM

I am getting massive artifacts on all of my Showtime channels and a few of my HD ones, making them impossible to watch, any ideas, anyone?

mpalmieri1203

09-01-05, 12:44 PM

I thought there was only one Showtime offered in HD....regardless....is your box set to 1080i? And have you calibrated with AVIA yet?

tsulliv

09-01-05, 01:10 PM

The lag issue is only supposed to show up on 480i games. Are you using a PS2? Almost all the Xbox games support at least 480p and the lag is supposed to be a non-issue there.

I'm asking because I'd like a little moer confirmation about the lag really being only a 480i deal. I plan on getting an Xbox 360 and all the games will be required to support 720p at the least, so I'm not too worried about the lag myself.

I was using a PS2 through the composite inputs and the kids were complaining like crazy when they were playing Dance Dance Revolution. I turned on Game Mode and the lag is gone. Didn't experience any using an XBox with the HD-component cable from Microsoft.

-Tim

glennh73

09-01-05, 10:52 PM

ISF Calibration question, has anyone had this none on there 52hm94? is it worth it and does it void the warrenty?

I was thinking of getting it done from www.Avical.com

Julio Bro!

09-02-05, 12:12 PM

I received my 511 2 weeks ago and I returned it the next day for exchange. The OEM box was kind of banged and problems with the unit were a flashing or flickering display, for which I tried different settings, and the first DVD I inserted was difficult for it to "swallow" and didn't came out. The disc played, but the image kept flickering all the time.

I called LG and they said the player was probably defective and that a possible way to pop out the disc was disconnecting and re-connecting; this worked it was also difficult for the player to expell the DVD.

During that painful test, I managed to set the screen, which is either 4:3 or 16:9, with no additional settings on 16:9. This was new for me, my other players had some "auto" or other settings for the wide format. Also, when switched to 720p, the native of the Toshiba, there were no zoom options from the TV. Maybe it's because the processed image fit was correct, but to me it looked like when you use FULL with 4:3 material, image gets kind of squashed. Could this mean the player is stretching the image, could it be better to set for the 4:3 letterboxed format?

Any comments on this? Which screen options you get with your players? When I switched the 511 to 1080i, then the Toshiba offered some zoom options...why?

Anyway, the new unit is coming, I expect it to be OK as I specifically indicated that the box be brand new and carefully handled.

TheGrub

09-02-05, 01:46 PM

The toshiba's aspect ratios go like this:

480i / 480p: Every option available
720p: Because it's the set's native resolution, everything is disabled and you have no Aspect ration option
1080i: the Full option is disabled

All Toshibas are like that. It has nothing to do with the device that's connected to it.

phenderson

09-02-05, 05:44 PM

I thought there was only one Showtime offered in HD....regardless....is your box set to 1080i? And have you calibrated with AVIA yet?

I get one Showtime HD channel, but what I was saying was that all of my Digital SHowtime channels were messed up fairly bad.

Anyways, I got the DVD today. I went to Best Buy today... and lo and behold, they had the new 52 inch Mitsubishi LCD RPTV and the current 52 inch DLP. I have to say the LCD blew the socks off of the DLP unit (maybe because the colors were to bright and they needed to be turned down). It was also a tad bit sharper. Basically, the LCD was right up there with the SOny LCD's... and it being the first LCD that I know of (PANASONIC TAKE NOTES) with a built-in TV Guide, and IEEE1394 ports, says a lot to me as well... I just wish I had the extra $500.00 to buy one.... alas, I did not... so I am taking my Toshiba back in for a cross trade for the Mitsubishi DLP which has a sharper picture... and is rated fairly good by CNET... It also has HDMI and PC \RGB slot. Now I have to rush to get my TV loaded into the car and get it back to the store before the last Clearance model is snapped up...

In the store they had the Toshiba HM95 series, the 52 inch sitting next to the 62 inche, and you could see the lack of sharpness.

I also liked the Mitsu's faster loading menu...
And the guide was faster too..
I checked the new RCA unit out as well... It looks nice, at least the case does, but the picture was worse than the Toshiba's. Alas, I guess because RCA is the first manufacturer to start using the Guide system, their Guide would snap right open... no 2-5 second delay as in the Toshiba's and the Mitsu's guide and menu system was faster than the Toshiba's....

phenderson

09-02-05, 11:47 PM

OK, I got the Mitsubishi 52525, for the same amount as the Toshiba 52hm95...

All I can say is... WOW

PROS:
-The color is better.
-The Sharpness, IE PQ is better up closer
-IT has a built in Picture viewer (probably minor to a lot of folks...that just looks AWESOME...
-I read on the net on Mitsu's site, and in the instruction book, that one of the Built in RF\Antennae's was for HD\DIGITAL\ATSC and the other would only to Analog, but for some reason, that is not the case.
-Analog Cable looks SOOOOOOO much better...
-OUt ofthe box the TV looks good, but I will need to tune it using the AVIA DVD, anyways, just so that I can turn down some of the color saturation.
-HD looks AWESOME on this TV. I am watching it, and it is almost perfect
-Black levels are great.....
For a year old TV, it sure looks good...
-If you are looking for something that has all of the options, (well almost) as the TOSHIBA, but has better PQ and colors... then the MITSUBISHI 52525 is the TV for you.

CONS:

-The reset button on the Front, speaks in LOUD volumes... THE TV has locked up on my twice...and I have had to use the reset button, which, just should not be.

-NO TVGOS...but it does have "Channel View" which is a quick TV schedule that shows 12 hours in advanced, worth of programing... not 8 days like TVGOS

-Although the PQ is just 20x better than the "callibrated Tosh's", certain things still lack a level of sharpness found only in LCD's RPTV's. If you a little closer, you can see the splotchy clay-like look of things on the screen, although not as profound as that on the Toshiba's.

-HEAVY, this thing was HEAVY. I hurt my 31 year old back dragging it up the stairs, with my wife helping....

-Stretch mode is CRAP... JUNK... on these TV's... it distorts the edges almost as if you are watching the TV through a weird mirror or magnifying glass.

-My cable card is fussing every step of the way. I think I just need to get a new one... sometimes it just will not tune to ESPN HD... it stops dead... or gives me pixels, or just chokes... I had to have the insight folks reset it twice and then initialize it...

FINAL NOTES....

If I could get my hands on the nice 52527 or the 52528 LCD RPTV's I would be perfectly happy. THOSE are the BEST... I just could not help drooling all over he 52527 LCD RPTV (whose short comings included the lack of RGB inputs and lack of memory card slots). Picture quality was AWESOME.... colors even more vivid than the 52525's.... and has built-in TVGOS. BUT THE TV LOOKED AWESOME with my face an INCH away from the screen as well as with my face 12 feet away....

erbowman

09-03-05, 12:47 AM

I need some advice. Would you rather have the 52HM95, or the 52HMX94 for $300 more? I am really close to making my purchase, but can't decide whether the 52HMX94 is worth the extra money. I can get the 52HMX94 for the same price as the 52HM94, but based on what I've read the HMX models are superior... so that seems like a no-brainer.

My primary purpose for purchasing the TV is to watch sports in HD. Any advice would be appreciated... thanks.

phenderson

09-03-05, 01:54 AM

erbowman

09-03-05, 02:05 AM

You prefer the 52HM94 over the 52HMX94 for the same price? Why is that?

phenderson

09-03-05, 03:23 AM

HM94 uses a different chip, older yet more polished HD2....or perhaps it uses the HD2+....

THose chips are more expensive to make, but are better quality...

toenail

09-03-05, 04:38 AM

You prefer the 52HM94 over the 52HMX94 for the same price? Why is that?

These two units use the same chip, HD2+. The HMX offers some connectivity upgrades. For the same money the HMX is a better value.

kdog044

09-03-05, 09:07 AM

-Although the PQ is just 20x better than the "callibrated Tosh's", certain things still lack a level of sharpness found only in LCD's RPTV's.C,mon 20X better? You finally got Avia and then took the TV back the same day. I looked at the Mits and it's definitely not 20x better, if at all. I also couldn't stand the annoying screen that reflects any light that most people end up removing it. I can't comment on the 95's and there seems to be a difference of opinion on the HD4's compared to the HD2+ but the 94's PQ is just as good if not better than the Mits. Perhaps you just had a defective set.

phenderson

09-03-05, 11:04 AM

C,mon 20X better? You finally got Avia and then took the TV back the same day. I looked at the Mits and it's definitely not 20x better, if at all. I also couldn't stand the annoying screen that reflects any light that most people end up removing it. I can't comment on the 95's and there seems to be a difference of opinion on the HD4's compared to the HD2+ but the 94's PQ is just as good if not better than the Mits. Perhaps you just had a defective set.

Well see... here is what I think, and I ain't no expert (hence my english), but the HM95's are junk. Sorry... that is just my experience. I had the Mitsubishi out of the box for perhaps an hour, and already it looks awesome... not aweful. Yes, it needs to be callibrated because White folks look like red folks, and redfolks look like black folks and black folks look like mud, and the blues are too blue (watched Kung-Fu hustle, and it looked a little too blue in certain sections), but the TV made my jaws drop, and the LCD just continually blew me away.... Best Buy is clearing out the old 94 Mitsubishi DLP's (52525) to make way for the 05 LCD's.

I am sorry, but from Day 1 I was dissappointed with the Toshiba's PQ...just the facts. No reason for me to lie, and I am not biased. I want the best bang for my buck.... no doubt about it.

I will take some pictures of the same movies and HD content (well not the exact same, hard to replay Colts versus Lions)... but my 2.1 MP camera will not do the pictures nor the TV, and justice.

AS I stated before...
The TV has better color (folks at CNET agree with me)
The TV is sharper
The TV does have an RGB input
The TV does have quality control issues, hence the "reset button".
The TV does not like my cable card...
I can sit far away or walk up close to the TV and it does not look like muddy blotchy junk. It looks good.

I got the AVIA callibration DVD and tried my best to fine tune the TV.
Guess what, DVD's still look like crap on the Mitsu too (need better component cables).

FOr what its worth, the HM94's and the HM95's, per Toshiba's site, use the same HD2+ chip. So there is really no help there either.

I don't know why my PQ was so bad on my TV.
But when I took it back to Best Buy, because my Mitsubishi 52525 was the last in the store (since they had been running them on Clearance to get them out of the store) I had to sit there and wait for about 40 minutes, so I stared at all of the TV's real good. The LCD was right on par with the Sony LCD's, but a few TV's over they had the 62HM95 and the 52HM95 side by side. In the darkened room, the HM95's looked good, but still not as good as the Mitsubishi unit. They looked better than the new LG and the RCA. But they did not look better than the 52525.

kdog044

09-03-05, 11:18 AM

phenderson

09-03-05, 11:26 AM

You also stated three weeks ago that the Samsungs were the best PQ you had seen. :confused: If you were so blown away by the LCD's why did you buy the DLP model? If you want to do a fair comparison to the Mits why not compare it to the 94's which have the same HD2+ chip?

No HM94's are being sold locally...I would have had to have waited for an HM94. (I could have ordered one from Van's with free shipping and a free AVio harddrive to boot, for the same price that I spent locally, but alas, I would have had to have waited.)

See my post up top for added edited content.

Also, I still do feel good about the Samsung's, but localled they are too expensive.
And none of them had the built in ieee1394...which was frustrating...except for the 5688 which costs $4000.00 online and $5000.00 in the stores.

I would have bought the LCD but I did not have the money for it ($500.00 more), plus it did not have RGB, nor did it have the Card reader.

And by the way, I love the glass. Yes it does reflect alot... but it is neat...

Displaced Husker

09-03-05, 12:07 PM

[QUOTE=phenderson]Well see... here is what I think, and I ain't no expert (hence my english), but the HM95's are junk. Sorry... that is just my experience. I had the Mitsubishi out of the box for perhaps an hour, and already it looks awesome... not aweful. Yes, it needs to be callibrated because White folks look like red folks, and redfolks look like black folks and black folks look like mud, and the blues are too blue

So you are not going to be posting on this thread anymore? It looks as though you have some things to start posting on the Mitsubishi thread.

Shaner1

09-03-05, 01:18 PM

The TV has better color (folks at CNET agree with me)

lol

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, if the Mits looked better to you then you did the right thing by getting it.

Though comments like 20x better, sharpness being better (most on here probably have their sharpness on the Toshiba at 30 or below... if they followed avia or DVE instructions and really looked at the picture.), and the above quoted text are going in invite comments and questions regarding said opinions.

I for one took a year and a half before deciding on the 52HXM94... I looked at Mits, Samsung and Toshiba DLPs... side by side I couldn't say that any of them had picture quality that was above and beyond the other. Which is why my decision boiled down to features that best suited me. The Mits was out right away because of the glare, then the Samsung because of game lag and audio sync. The Toshiba has been great for me and I couldn't be happier.

Good luck with the Mits....

phenderson

09-03-05, 01:41 PM

lol

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, if the Mits looked better to you then you did the right thing by getting it.

Though comments like 20x better, sharpness being better (most on here probably have their sharpness on the Toshiba at 30 or below... if they followed avia or DVE instructions and really looked at the picture.), and the above quoted text are going in invite comments and questions regarding said opinions.

I for one took a year and a half before deciding on the 52HXM94... I looked at Mits, Samsung and Toshiba DLPs... side by side I couldn't say that any of them had picture quality that was above and beyond the other. Which is why my decision boiled down to features that best suited me. The Mits was out right away because of the glare, then the Samsung because of game lag and audio sync. The Toshiba has been great for me and I couldn't be happier.

Good luck with the Mits....

Thanks Shaner1....
All I know, is that I had the Toshiba (yes I turned the Sharpness wayyyyy down), before I got it, I was excited to get it... I did about 3-6 months worth of research on TV's 42-50 inches, including plasmas.

I wanted the Toshiba and I wanted it to work, which is why I kept it for a week.
Alas, things did not work out. I grabbed the Mistubishi and am happy with it.

kared

09-03-05, 03:47 PM

Well see... here is what I think, and I ain't no expert (hence my english), but the HM95's are junk. Sorry... that is just my experience. I had the Mitsubishi out of the box for perhaps an hour, and already it looks awesome... not aweful. Yes, it needs to be callibrated because White folks look like red folks, and redfolks look like black folks and black folks look like mud, and the blues are too blue (watched Kung-Fu hustle, and it looked a little too blue in certain sections), but the TV made my jaws drop, and the LCD just continually blew me away.... Best Buy is clearing out the old 94 Mitsubishi DLP's (52525) to make way for the 05 LCD's.
.

Sorry but you don't know what your talking about... I just purchased a 52HMX85 (the Canadian eq. of the HMX95) also after months of research and it runs CIRCLES around the Mitsubishi models when directly compared with HDMI cabling.

I really enjoyed your crazy wide-eyed exaggerations too (20x better, sharper....come on...please). They all look pretty awesome (Samsung, Toshiba, and Mits).

The samsung has lag issues in gaming and audio, and the Mits has quality control problems and the WORST DLP screen around. That leaves the Toshiba the CLEAR winner in my book.

I can't believe how bad the Mit screen is.... it has the most HORRILE reflections/glare that come off of it (totally defeats the purpose of DLP TV's imho) and its quality is slightly worse compared to the Toshiba when your running HDMI cables on the Toshiba. Plus Toshiba reliability is far superior to the Mits too. I think you just made a BIG mistake but your entitled to your opinion.

I'm glad you like your new Mits but you couldn't give one of those models away to me.... no offense lol.

Guess you can stop posting on this thread now and you can start hating your new Mits instead lol.... see you back here in a few weeks....

Cheers,

Kared

phenderson

09-03-05, 04:49 PM

Sorry but you don't know what your talking about... I just purchased a 52HMX85 (the Canadian eq. of the HMX95) also after months of research and it runs CIRCLES around the Mitsubishi models when directly compared with HDMI cabling.

I really enjoyed your crazy wide-eyed exaggerations too (20x better, sharper....come on...please). They all look pretty awesome (Samsung, Toshiba, and Mits).

The samsung has lag issues in gaming and audio, and the Mits has quality control problems and the WORST DLP screen around. That leaves the Toshiba the CLEAR winner in my book.

I can't believe how bad the Mit screen is.... it has the most HORRILE reflections/glare that come off of it (totally defeats the purpose of DLP TV's imho) and its quality is slightly worse compared to the Toshiba when your running HDMI cables on the Toshiba. Plus Toshiba reliability is far superior to the Mits too. I think you just made a BIG mistake but your entitled to your opinion.

I'm glad you like your new Mits but you couldn't give one of those models away to me.... no offense lol.

Guess you can stop posting on this thread now and you can start hating your new Mits instead lol.... see you back here in a few weeks....

Cheers,

Kared

I can possibly agree with you on the reliablity part...but ummm as for quality and overall PQ... Gee, the guys at Sound and Video and CNET and even its 7.2\Very Good rating from amongst the common people (gee not all of them could be A\V idiots) speak in my favor. As for the Toshiba... they thought highly of the 52HM95...

So far, I am not hating the Mitsubishi... but that can change. If I can find the LCD online for around the same price shipped, I will take my set in and grab the LCD.