The Toshiba DLP (HM/HMX) Owners Thread [Text View] - Page 5

Mr. Tracy

12-07-04, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by SpeedFactory

....

I have been looking at the Toshiba DLP units for the past week in stores here in the Seattle area, and currently favor the 52HMX84 which I saw at Video Only. However, they have another Toshiba model which I have not seen anywhere else, the 44NHM84. The Video Only store I went to says it is a model exclusive to their stores. Does anyone own this model, or know anything about it? ...
Thanks in advance,
Wayne

Hi, the 44NHM84 is acutually a rebranded LG set (very similar, if not identical to the LG RU-44SZ51D), see these:

http://us.lge.com/download/product/image/1000000205/ru52sz51d_ru44sz51d_l_f.jpg

http://us.lge.com/download/product/file/1000000205/RU-44SZ51D.pdf

http://pages.infinit.net/bobois/44NHM84.pdf

http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=2&group=6&product=3910

We have them up here in the Great White North to, in at least two different chains locally. I asked a sales guy here about the Tosh model, and the first thing he said was "It's made by LG."

I don't think there's anything "worse" about it just 'cause it's LG, search the fourms for RU-44SZ51D, or LG DLP, etc. Also, it has the HD2+ chip in it.

I never trust "chain store" sales people, most of them don't know/care anything about what they're selling. It's amazing how much BS I've overheard being told to customers whose only research has obviously been to look at the store's flyer!

Good luck!

SpeedFactory

12-08-04, 11:07 AM

Thank you Mr. Tracy for the info and links. I think I will pass on that 44" model. I wonder why Toshiba would have LG build that model for them - I thought Toshiba was one of the few companies that made their own DLP's. I don't think I've come across any LG televisions in my local shopping in Seattle.

I have to agree with you about chain store sales people. Sometimes they are so convincing with their "knowledge", but then you go home and look things up on the internet and find out differently. I also hate it when, upon showing interest in a particular model, the guy says "this is the TV I have at home" or "this is the next TV I'm going to get". Truth or not, it wears pretty thin because I've heard it too much.

Shaner1

12-08-04, 11:14 AM

Just an update on my picture that looks like it's off center to the left.

A service tech came out today and adjusted the picture, when he did we had a black bar on the left side. He did see what I was talking about with the THX box and Riddick menu so he is going to call Toshiba to inform them about this. Hopefully they will look into it and have an answer.

wmcneil

12-08-04, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by KC38
TV 62HMX84 11/7/04 with sharpness set to 0.

Ghosting with all HDMI/DVI inputs (Up conversion DVD from Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, Denon and LG; Motorola cable HDSTB)

minor Ghosting with component inputs from Moxi cable HDSTB and Motorola cable HDSTB.

minor Ghosting with DVD component inputs from Go.Video. LG and Panasonic.

Ghosting with RCA Directv TIVO.

My service tech has agreed this is a problem and he has started to ordered 3 I/F cards from Toshiba this week. No word from Toshiba yet.

I went to retail store and found similiar issue in their sets. I think it is a general problem. I never look at the 94.

KC38,

Do you by any chance have any model numbers and/or description of the cards your technician ordered from Toshiba? I had a technician look at my set today, and he is trying to gather as much info as possible to help him deal with Toshiba.

wmcneil

Bill G

12-09-04, 05:47 AM

I am having a 62hmx94 shipped from Lebonon TN to Painted Post NY and I am going to have to bring the last 33.2 miles in my Expedition and will need to lay it down on its front or back. Is this a safe way to tranport this TV. Thanks for input.

Bill G

dsr15

12-09-04, 10:00 AM

I got a call back from the Toshiba CSR (Sharon) that's been helping me with my TV Guide On Screen problem. She said that she received a memo yesterday that the TV Guide should receive a fix in 7-10 days, and should then start populating with data. This pretty much matches up with what dtomlinson was told (though his rep said last week of december). I asked her how is it going to receive a fix if it currently doesn't receive data, but she didn't have an answer to that.

Hopefully this takes care of things!

dsr

KC38

12-09-04, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by wmcneil
KC38,

Do you by any chance have any model numbers and/or description of the cards your technician ordered from Toshiba? I had a technician look at my set today, and he is trying to gather as much info as possible to help him deal with Toshiba.

wmcneil

I don't know the detail of I/F cards. I haven't heard from the techs for more than a week. I include more photos for my ghost problem. I would appreciate for those happy owners to compare their static pictures and tell me that mine is worse or not. The PC input is a Dell note book at 800x600. I don't have driver for 720P.

Ghost pictures (http://mysite.verizon.net/res79oxf)

Gwhiz

12-09-04, 03:06 PM

I posted this in the wrong thread yesterday:

I’ve had my Tosh 52HMX94 for three weeks now.

Picture was too green. People looked green, yellow looked green. All inputs. Analog cable, and S-Video (from std res Tivo) worst about green color.
Guide wouldn’t work.
Called Crutchfield, they sent me to Toshiba, Toshiba sent me to local service.
Service tech came out, suggested I try putting OTA antenna on Ant 1 to see if it would load guide, no luck.
Service tech called Toshiba, they had no suggestions for green problem. Tech suggested have Crutchfield exchange it (Crutchfield is OUTSTANDING!). They apologized it wasn’t satisfactory, sent a replacement, had first one picked up.

New unit came yesterday. So far no guide.
Not as green, but still too green. Yellows tend to look green, faces tend to look like they have hepatitus, pasty pale, slightly green. If the tint control is shoved towards red, faces get better, but frequently turn slightly purple.
When you change the color balance from normal to warm, I noticed the screen actually gets both redder (good) and also greener (not good).
Both sets had perfect DMDs, no bad pixels. They both had some lint or small particles on the back of the screen, which you only see up close. Second set has a large particle that made me think I had a pixel stuck black, but if you turn off the TV and shine a flashlight on the front of the screen, you can see the particle on the back through the screen.
The set has a couple of lock up modes, I got it confused once and it had black screen, but sound was ok on all channels, had to unplug it and plug it back in again to get a picture.

Overall:
Black screen delay when changing inputs/channels is annoyingly long.
Hi def looks great (using OTA only, Time Warner claims they don’t support cable card on Toshibas yet).
Guide doesn’t work yet.
Analog cable has color decoding problems, incredibly inconsistent flesh colors. Put my $79 Sharp color portable next to it, and it’s a lot better about making believable colors for faces from same inputs.
Yes I see some “ghosting”, but to me it looks like video peaking/processing artifacts, and isn’t noticeable from more than 5-6 feet away.
“Favorite scan” is almost useless, you have to wait on it to lock on the next channel to move to another or select with enter.
Behavior on “missing digital channels” is poor, (our PBS has 4, two are only on sometimes). Most of the time it shows a blank screen, and seems to not accept remote control inputs, but actually you are just being fooled by the long delay. However, pressing channel up or down when on a dead channel doesn’t seem to work.
I hope they have some serious firmware updates soon!

dtomlinson

12-09-04, 04:04 PM

Bill G
I checked the box on my 62HMX94 and got the following dimensions:

72"Wx24"Dx46-1/2"H.

The set comes packed with typical styrofoam and cardboard protection. I didn't see any warnings about transporting it on it's back or face, but (as if I really need to say it) I'd be really careful doing it.
Good luck getting your new set home. Hope you enjoy it as I am mine.

Bill G

12-09-04, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by dtomlinson
Bill G
I checked the box on my 62HMX94 and got the following dimensions:

72"Wx24"Dx46-1/2"H.

The set comes packed with typical styrofoam and cardboard protection. I didn't see any warnings about transporting it on it's back or face, but (as if I really need to say it) I'd be really careful doing it.
Good luck getting your new set home. Hope you enjoy it as I am mine.

Thanks for info, I just checked the FEDEX tracking and it left Indianapolis this afternoon I guess if it can take being on a bouncey old truck, my Expedition will be okie dokie. I have a Toshiba TW65h80 and am looking forward to the DLP TV.

Bill G

whjeffs

12-09-04, 06:56 PM

Originally posted by Shaner1
Just an update on my picture that looks like it's off center to the left.

A service tech came out today and adjusted the picture, when he did we had a black bar on the left side. He did see what I was talking about with the THX box and Riddick menu so he is going to call Toshiba to inform them about this. Hopefully they will look into it and have an answer.

I thought mine was off center too but after further checking it seems to be a source problem. Using the "Natural" picture size, 4:3 material on DVD is perfectly centered. On Fox HD and NBC HD either through the HD cablebox or the Toshiba's tuner they are both shifted to the right about an inch. ESPN HD is shifted about 1/4 inch to the right. The SD versions of those same channels are centered, as are all other channels I checked.

Is yours shifted on all sources and channels? Did the tech access the service menu and if so was there a way to center it there?

Jeff

whjeffs

12-10-04, 06:38 AM

I checked the centering of the picture with the DVE disc and found it was off. But it's not off in how the picture is projected onto the screen but in the signal itself. This can be seen in the pic I've attached. The sidebars in this pic are the same width but the image within the 4:3 box is not centered. This is with a Panasonic DMR-E85 DVD/HDD recorder in progressive scan mode through the component inputs. I tried an older Pioneer DVD player using the S-Video input on the side panel Video 3 connections and got the same results.
I'd like to find out if there is a way to center this. It's not enough of a problem for me now to warrant a call to Toshiba. If someone finds out how to get into the service menu on these TVs and adjust it I would do that.

Jeff

Shaner1

12-10-04, 06:56 AM

I also have DVE, the picture through Component is only slightly off. Nothing that I would worry about, in fact I don't remember if it was to the left or right or what. That's how little it was off.

The picture through HDMI is off to the left, you can really tell on movies with the older THX opening where it has the blue box around the logo. During the opening the blue box is about 1" from the left side of the screen and around 3" from the right side of the screen.

The service guy came out on Wednesday and tried to adjust this through the service menu. When he did that it shifted the picture to the right but then we had a bar on the left side. He put it back to the original settings and we are working with Toshiba to find out what to do.

Monday Night Football looked as if it was to the left but then the next night I watched a show about killer whales on PBS which looked perfectly centered. Well, centered in relation to where the PBS and HD logo's were located. So I might have just thought the ABC logo was shifted left, it may have been exactly where it was supposed to be.

Toshiba is supposed to call me by the end of the day today to let me know what they are going to do next.

I'm very happy with the set, and hope that just some adjustment can be made so that I can keep the one I have. Everything else is great about it, I don't have the TV Guide problems or ghosting issues(that I can tell).

Do a search in this thread, someone a while back posted how to get into the service menu. I think you have to press mute 3 times(on the remote), on the third time you hold it down then press menu on the TV set and it will display a S. Press menu again and it will say RCUT (or something like that) on the right side of the screen.

maritimer

12-10-04, 07:10 AM

well after having my 52hm84 for two weeks it is now dead, the way the led's are flashing on the front it looks like the bulb is gone. All I had was about 40 hrs on the tv, I am not impressed with this at all. Calling the store I bought it from this morning so will keep you posted.

Shaner1

12-10-04, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by maritimer
well after having my 52hm84 for two weeks it is now dead, the way the led's are flashing on the front it looks like the bulb is gone. All I had was about 40 hrs on the tv, I am not impressed with this at all. Calling the store I bought it from this morning so will keep you posted.

Keep in mind that the light bulb is a light bulb, it can go out early on any of these bulb based TV's. Search the forum and you will find that this has happened on all the brands.

It's too bad that it went out early but since it's only 2 weeks you should have no problem getting a replacement.

This is the main reason I bought the extended 5 year warranty.

maritimer

12-10-04, 06:08 PM

Update:

dealer was real good (same day) and I am up and watching tv again. Replaced the bulb, as it was blown. lets hope this one goes the distance lol

kriore

12-10-04, 07:24 PM

My saga with broken 52HM84 continues:

The light engine was delivered a few days back. The tech showed up yesterday to fix it. After he opened the box and TV, he started looking pale. I asked him what the deal was. Basically, he was feeling too nervous to install it after seeing it upclose and left without installing it. :D

Called Bestbuy and told my sobbing story all over again. Finally, it looks like they authorized to replace my TV. We'll see how long that takes and who else (may be the CEO of bestbuy) needs to authorize it personally. Good God, bestbuy is so uptight; they dont want to replace a 2 month old TV that has been consistently riddled with problems. And this is all after I paid top dollar for buying it locally and a $400/- service plan.

I don't understand what the big deal is, unless the idea is to make the customer feel like a weasel ?? Toshiba, will eat the loss any way right ???

The saga continues...

sayanythingrock

12-11-04, 12:44 AM

Yes, I am playing HalfLife 2 and it looks absolutely perfect. I'm using the ATI 9800pro with ATI DVI>component dongle and I can get 1152X648 (720p - 60Hz) or 1920X1080 (1080i 30Hz) with virtually no overscan. NOTE: I'm still searching this thread to see if anyone was ever able to get the HDMI input working. I couldn't get HDMI looking good at all, but the dongle looks virtually perfect at the resolutions above. I'll post some pict when I get some time.

Bill

yea i hooked my ati 9600xt via dvi to hdmi and was running 1280x720 and it looked awesome in widescreen, im gonna try your settings cause i was getting overscan on my desktop. but man valve went the extra mile for us widescreen users, they actually added objects to the game in widescreen format. btw all the talk of dvd's going automatically 4:3 and 16:9 just turn off auto aspect in the menu. man i love this tv! the only problem is you can really notice bad transfers on dvd's when you watch them cause the tosh and any hdtv pick up the crappy quality of some dvd's out there.

Olivenhain

12-11-04, 02:31 AM

Loving our new 62HM84. Upgraded to digital cable this week, and have a little question; cable box is Motorola 6200. They included a remote control, which seems OK. I would prefer to use the original Toshiba remote though. The Toshiba owners manual does not list a code to program for the Motorola DCT 6200. Got code?

Ed

NathanE

12-11-04, 03:09 AM

All,
Perhaps this is unrelated to the issues so many have been having, but I just discovered something completely interesting. If you've followed this thread, you may have noticed that I have been trying to connect a PC to my 52HM84 via a DVI <--> HDMI cable. For the last several weeks I've been messing with this thing on and off - as patience permitted. But no matter what I did, the picture looked TERRIBLE - even in the screen's native 720p! The ghosting I was seeing was just horrid! Anyway, after messing with Powerstrip, my ATI drivers, and just about everything possible on the on the PC side, I finally started looking at the TV's menu itself. (Believe it or not, b/c of the limited options in the Tosh's menu, I really never even thought about looking there. Since I hadn't ever adjusted the HDMI port's settings, I just assumed they would be at the default - "Standard.") Anyway, on my TV, I found that my HDMI port was configured to use "Preference" as its mode. When I switched that to "Standard" or even "Movie", much of the ghosting went away. I was amazed the difference it made. (I didn't compare what my "Preference" was set to, so I can't speak to what was causing the ghosting, but my guess is that my sharpness was turned up quite a bit.)
I certainly don't want to imply that this is the cure-all to all of the issues others have been having in this thread. Certainly most of the users in this thread are smarter than me on this stuff, so I don't doubt the significance of their issues. And, I will say that configuring this TV to work (reasonably well) with a PC hasn't been easy. It's definitely much harder than I expected/hoped. Anyway, if your having a similar issue with your HDMI port, perhaps give this a check...

Good Luck!
NathanE

Josey_Wales

12-11-04, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by NathanE
All,
Perhaps this is unrelated to the issues so many have been having, but I just discovered something completely interesting. If you've followed this thread, you may have noticed that I have been trying to connect a PC to my 52HM84 via a DVI <--> HDMI cable. For the last several weeks I've been messing with this thing on and off - as patience permitted. But no matter what I did, the picture looked TERRIBLE - even in the screen's native 720p! The ghosting I was seeing was just horrid! Anyway, after messing with Powerstrip, my ATI drivers, and just about everything possible on the on the PC side, I finally started looking at the TV's menu itself. (Believe it or not, b/c of the limited options in the Tosh's menu, I really never even thought about looking there. Since I hadn't ever adjusted the HDMI port's settings, I just assumed they would be at the default - "Standard.") Anyway, on my TV, I found that my HDMI port was configured to use "Preference" as its mode. When I switched that to "Standard" or even "Movie", much of the ghosting went away. I was amazed the difference it made. (I didn't compare what my "Preference" was set to, so I can't speak to what was causing the ghosting, but my guess is that my sharpness was turned up quite a bit.)
I certainly don't want to imply that this is the cure-all to all of the issues others have been having in this thread. Certainly most of the users in this thread are smarter than me on this stuff, so I don't doubt the significance of their issues. And, I will say that configuring this TV to work (reasonably well) with a PC hasn't been easy. It's definitely much harder than I expected/hoped. Anyway, if your having a similar issue with your HDMI port, perhaps give this a check...

Good Luck!
NathanE

Nice work NathanE, I never tried this myself (I traded my Toshiba for a panasonic DLP)...you might be on to something.

Bill G

12-12-04, 07:11 AM

62HMX94

Arrived on Friday the 10th. Picture is quite good. I don't see any ghosting or rainbows. Overall is excellent compared to my TW65H80. One problem though is the geometry seems to be a bit off. For example the Dish Network guide is not perfectly square or rectangular, it seems to be bowed slightly. Also when there is a black bar across the top it seems to be bowed and slightly curved up on the right side. Are there adjustments that can correct that? Fortunately I don't watch the guide much and otherwise it is not noticeable. Thanks for help.

Bill G

moman19

12-12-04, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by NathanE
All,
Perhaps this is unrelated to the issues so many have been having, but I just discovered something completely interesting. If you've followed this thread, you may have noticed that I have been trying to connect a PC to my 52HM84 via a DVI <--> HDMI cable. For the last several weeks I've been messing with this thing on and off - as patience permitted. But no matter what I did, the picture looked TERRIBLE - even in the screen's native 720p! The ghosting I was seeing was just horrid! Anyway, after messing with Powerstrip, my ATI drivers, and just about everything possible on the on the PC side, I finally started looking at the TV's menu itself. (Believe it or not, b/c of the limited options in the Tosh's menu, I really never even thought about looking there. Since I hadn't ever adjusted the HDMI port's settings, I just assumed they would be at the default - "Standard.") Anyway, on my TV, I found that my HDMI port was configured to use "Preference" as its mode. When I switched that to "Standard" or even "Movie", much of the ghosting went away. I was amazed the difference it made. (I didn't compare what my "Preference" was set to, so I can't speak to what was causing the ghosting, but my guess is that my sharpness was turned up quite a bit.)
I certainly don't want to imply that this is the cure-all to all of the issues others have been having in this thread. Certainly most of the users in this thread are smarter than me on this stuff, so I don't doubt the significance of their issues. And, I will say that configuring this TV to work (reasonably well) with a PC hasn't been easy. It's definitely much harder than I expected/hoped. Anyway, if your having a similar issue with your HDMI port, perhaps give this a check...

Good Luck!
NathanE

Sorry to flame you NathanE, but POPPYCOCK!

If you change ANY video setting (tint, color, sharpness, etc) you will see "PREFERENCE". If you hit SAVE, it will then be the default setting for that aprticulat input.

Reducing sharpness to "fix" the ghosting issue is the same remedy as crossing your eyes or smearing up your eyeglasses. The ghosting won't be as noticeable, but what have you really accomplished??????

tcimpidis

12-12-04, 12:47 PM

I haven't seen a rear projection DLP yet that did not do that...

Originally posted by Bill G
62HMX94

Arrived on Friday the 10th. Picture is quite good. I don't see any ghosting or rainbows. Overall is excellent compared to my TW65H80. One problem though is the geometry seems to be a bit off. For example the Dish Network guide is not perfectly square or rectangular, it seems to be bowed slightly. Also when there is a black bar across the top it seems to be bowed and slightly curved up on the right side. Are there adjustments that can correct that? Fortunately I don't watch the guide much and otherwise it is not noticeable. Thanks for help.

Bill G

videobruce

12-12-04, 01:08 PM

I thought this was long, but the Panny DLP beats it.
After printing out 350+ pages and reading most of them it is apparent that these issues are the downfall of the set:

Worst set for a computer display,
Grey side bars,
HDMI ringing/ghosting/processing issue.

Has anyone got 1:1 mapping using a computer or gotten an acceptable image for text?
Has anyone tried a transcoder (VGA to RGB) for the computer input?
Has anyone got some answer from Toshiba even admitting the possibility of the HDMI problem?

This really needs to be closed and a new one started from here!

Rudy1

12-12-04, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by videobruce
I thought this was long, but the Panny DLP beats it.
After printing out 350+ pages and reading most of them it is apparent that these issues are the downfall of the set:

Worst set for a computer display,
Grey side bars,
HDMI ringing/ghosting/processing issue.

Has anyone got 1:1 mapping using a computer or gotten an acceptable image for text?
Has anyone tried a transcoder (VGA to RGB) for the computer input?
Has anyone got some answer from Toshiba even admitting the possibility of the HDMI problem?

This really needs to be closed and a new one started from here!

On page 15 of the user's manual for the HM series:

"Note: This TV is not intended for connection to
and should not be used with a PC (personal
computer)."

moman19

12-12-04, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Rudy1
On page 15 of the user's manual for the HM series:

"Note: This TV is not intended for connection to
and should not be used with a PC (personal
computer)."

True, but the other two issues (gray side bars & HDMI ghosting) are very valid. Although picture quality of the Tosh is outstanding, I'm sorry I didn't wait just a wee tad longer.

Talking to Toshiba about either is like taling to a brick wall. They don't care.

Rudy1

12-12-04, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by moman19
True, but the other two issues (gray side bars & HDMI ghosting) are very valid. Although picture quality of the Tosh is outstanding, I'm sorry I didn't wait just a wee tad longer.

Talking to Toshiba about either is like taling to a brick wall. They don't care.

Don't rely on the CSR's to address your concerns. Got to this website and contact Toshiba headquarters directly: http://www.planetfeedback.com/consumer/

They should be able to provide some assistance in resolving these issues. Encourage them by telling them you'll tell others not to buy their products, and be sure to post your complaint to them online at the site. It would also help if you copy the entire FCC.

videobruce

12-12-04, 10:40 PM

On page 15 of the user's manual for the HM series: "Note: This TV is not intended for connection to and should not be used with a PC (personal computer)." BS! That is the typical cop-out answer because they don't want to deal with computer issues!
Toshiba isn't the only one that spreads that crap!

There is no VALID reason these displays can't and shouldn't display a computer output!

Snills

12-13-04, 04:51 AM

OK, I hope this proves that this TV can be used with HTPC quite well....at least with the $30 DVI->Component dongle. HDMI is close but is hard to work with custom Resolutions(to eliminate overscan) and has alot of Ghosting. The dongle solves everything.

These are Large Hi Res photos. Please *Zoom in* to see the true detail of the TV screen and keep in mind that the real thing looks even better:

Here are a few "clear text" examples:
https://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/yahoo2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/Clear_Text_.jpg.JPG

Here are a shot at 1080! (actually reduced to 1776X1000i to eliminate overscan)
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/1776x1000i_pic.JPG

Here are examples of the HDMI vs component "Ghosting":
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/Ghosting_and_overscan__with_HDMI_2.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/No_Ghost_with_DVI_to_Component_2.JPG

Some HalfLife 2 pics:
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/Halflife_2_1.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/HalfLife_2_2.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~wblack3/files/HalfLife_2_3.JPG

I would love to get HDMI working through the PC, but I'm not going to return my TV if I can't!!!

NathanE,
I agree that simple TV tweaks have a suprising affect on hiding the ghosting when using HDMI(good find). However, The real problem I have with HDMI is trying to reduce overscan. The picture was not stable at all when tweaking in PowerStrip. Let me know if you make any more progress on it.

I keep hearing that nearly ALL TV's have problems with PC -> HDMI

Thanks
Bill
52hmx84, ATI9800pro with ATI DVI>Component dongle

Update:
Hmm I just updated my ATI drivers and noticed a premade resolution 1776X1000i (reduced version of 1080i). I tried it and it works perfect on my 52hmx84. Very little overscan. I just posted the screen shot above.

Not sure if it's the new Catalyst drivers or just that I didn't look hard enough but I can use all of the resoultions in the Catalyst control panel just fine.

I also notice that on some resolutions you can use your TV's "Picture size" settings in combination with these Catalyst resolutions to get some great HTPC screen setups. And on other resolutions you can't! Not sure why I never noticed this before. And on top of it all, I don't have to use Powerstrip at all!!!

NOTE: to use these Interlaced resolutions I had to enable it in "Catalyst control center\Component video properties\Formats" I put a check by "Use custom settings" and then checked all custom settings resolutions and 16X9. NOTE after sevaral hours playing around in the catalyst drivers I started noticing strange things happening with the Catalyst quick menu(by the clock). It wouldn't open..etc. A reboot fixxed it.

maritimer

12-13-04, 08:11 AM

I am also using an all in wonder 9800 pro video card with component hooked up to tv with res set at 1152x648 and find it is excellent, with no ghosting at all and the text is very good, hell looks better on the toshiba than on my computer monitor as there both on at the same time. the dongle you speak of does not attach to the dvi, it plugs into tv out on the video card.

mcoughlin

12-13-04, 09:30 AM

I have a question regarding the HDMI ghosting issue mentioned here....
Is it primarily an issue with text from a PC or does it also affect the video images from sources such as HD digital cable, DVD, etc...

I have read all 52 pages of this forum and am anxious to take the plunge and buy the 52hm84 but am curious as to the ghosting issue without PC input and didn't see a clear answer to this question in any of the earlier posts.

--Sclaws

12-13-04, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by mcoughlin
I have a question regarding the HDMI ghosting issue mentioned here....
Is it primarily an issue with text from a PC or does it also affect the video images from sources such as HD digital cable, DVD, etc...

I have read all 52 pages of this forum and am anxious to take the plunge and buy the 52hm84 but am curious as to the ghosting issue without PC input and didn't see a clear answer to this question in any of the earlier posts.

I know some are having a ghosting problem w/HDMI video sources. I was concerned about this but my set does not exhibit this problem w/HDMI video (I've only tried it with my HD sat receiver--I dont have a DVD player w/HDMI or DVI).

There is a posting earlier in this thread that shows some good pics of what the problem looks like, but I'm not sure how far back it is.

moman19

12-13-04, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by mcoughlin
I have a question regarding the HDMI ghosting issue mentioned here....
Is it primarily an issue with text from a PC or does it also affect the video images from sources such as HD digital cable, DVD, etc...

I have read all 52 pages of this forum and am anxious to take the plunge and buy the 52hm84 but am curious as to the ghosting issue without PC input and didn't see a clear answer to this question in any of the earlier posts.

I have an 52HMX84 experiencing severe ghosting via my Dish Network 811 receiver connected to onr HDMI port. Connecting a DVD player to the 2nd HDMI port has ZERO ghosting. So go figure. I resolved the problem by connecting the receiver via Component cables. But I paid extra for the HMX so that I would have two HDMI ports.

gcoppa

12-13-04, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by maritimer
I am also using an all in wonder 9800 pro video card with component hooked up to tv with res set at 1152x648 and find it is excellent, with no ghosting at all and the text is very good, hell looks better on the toshiba than on my computer monitor as there both on at the same time. the dongle you speak of does not attach to the dvi, it plugs into tv out on the video card.

Can you share all your settings with those of us who would like to try this also?

Are you running ffdshow? How about one of the software DVD players?

Thanks for sharing.

videobruce

12-13-04, 12:52 PM

Snills; thanks for the pics.
It appears by the amount of text of lack of it sure looks as it is the equivalent of 640x480 on a regular computer screen. I looked at the height of the page and especially the title & menu bars and there is very little text shown. The example of my post only shows my post with 19 lines of text shown.
On the 19" LCD I have now I can view 3 posts the size of mine. I realize that 1280x1024 is not what you have here, but it surely seems to be a big trade off by loosing all that height.
Hope that made sense. Set a monitor to 640x480, then switch to 1024x768 and look at the area you gain (on a web page).

As far as the 'ghosting' the HDMI was greater (longer reflection), but the component still showed it, but more a 'cartoon outline' edge enhancement effect.

Yes, it is clear, but at what cost?

sixty2hm84

12-13-04, 01:15 PM

I got my 62HM84 3 weeks ago. The final price I paid is $2867 + Taxes + $400 for 4 year warranty including bulb replacement.
I got this in my local BestBuy store after doing some serious bargain and price matching.

I haven't spent much time watching the TV, but so far I am very impressed with the quality of the picture from what I have seen.
I watched couple of DVD's using a Toshiba progressive scan DVD player. I have comcast HD with StarZ and HBO in HD, they all look very impressive.

mightytaco

12-14-04, 12:23 AM

maritimer:

Can you post pics of your 1152 x 648 setup (maybe a microsoft word screen or something)? I have about 2 weeks left to decide whether I can live with this set (I bought a 62HM84) and was going to change it for the Panny 60" DLP, when I saw hope in your post. Is the text really "crisp"?

Thanks,
MT

maritimer

12-14-04, 08:04 AM

will have to get digital camera and get some pic's, but the text is very crisp and easy to read, colour is very,very good, better than my nec monitor. As far as settings, I just go into display properties/advanced and go to displays, you will see four squares, one for monitor, one for tv, one for component and FPD. click on the component and enable it, then click other tab and you will see format, adjustments and advanced. set things up the way you want and you are good to go.

mightytaco

12-14-04, 09:23 AM

Thanks, Maritimer.

Alternatively, Snills, would you mind setting your resolution to 1152 x 8XX and posting a picture of Internet Explorer Yahoo window again?

Thanks a bundle. I am also in the process of putting together a HTPC and can get the ATI 9800/9600 which seems to work or get the Nvidia chips that were described in previous post for the "leaked driver".

Thanks again all,
MT

Shaner1

12-14-04, 10:00 AM

Toshiba called me back today, they are having trouble getting ahold of the service tech but they are supposed to call me back today or tomorrow with an update. Hopefully a solution to the screen being shifted to the left through HDMI.

I just talked to them. They are sending the service tech back out to check all the inputs on the TV to see if they are within the specs Toshiba puts out. I assume this means within the range Toshiba feels the picture is centered. If it passes then they see nothing wrong with the TV.

I don't think this is going to turn out well at all.

Also:

I have started to have problems with TV guide. Twice now when I have turned the TV on it has prompted me to input which cable service I use. This wipes out TV Guide and then the next time I turn the set on it is populated again.

I don't know why this is happening but since I hardly use TV Guide I'm not bothered by it too much.

Just wanted to let you guys know since some have trouble with it.

maritimer

12-14-04, 11:26 AM

ok here is a pic of internet explorer , but bear in mind that this is a very cheap digital camera and not very good quality at all, but its all I have access to right now.

mightytaco

12-14-04, 12:37 PM

Thanks, maritimer!

The text looks like it would be fairly legible!

maddogFool

12-14-04, 02:18 PM

Has anyone had a successful install of a Motorola CableCARD on a HM94 set (46HM94)? I had a CC-expert Comcast tech at my house on Sunday who was unable to get it to decrypt any channels (HD or SD digital package), although the in-the-clear HD channels are viewable. The setup menu status displays "CA disabled" on channels I'm supposed to be authorized to receive. My account setup at the headend appears correct. A firmware issue between TV and card is suspected--this is the first HM94 he's encountered. In my area, Comcast is using 256-QAM.

henrywh

12-14-04, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by maddogFool
Has anyone had a successful install of a Motorola CableCARD on a HM94 set (46HM94)? I had a CC-expert Comcast tech at my house on Sunday who was unable to get it to decrypt any channels (HD or SD digital package), although the in-the-clear HD channels are viewable. The setup menu status displays "CA disabled" on channels I'm supposed to be authorized to receive. My account setup at the headend appears correct. A firmware issue between TV and card is suspected--this is the first HM94 he's encountered. In my area, Comcast is using 256-QAM.

Yes, see earlier response to this issue. Comcast cable card (Motorola) will not function in HMX model. Toshiba is aware of issue, but to date does not have a response other than to refer one to local Toshiba authorized repair. The local shop has had similar complaints and has requested Toshiba technical support for assistance on how to correct. To date, nothing has happened.

I have had three different cards, multiple service calls. Problem for me is slightly different. Without card I am able to view basic channels. With card, unable to change channel from picture that was present when card was inserted. Comcast says it is a Toshiba issue; Toshiba says .........

maddogFool

12-14-04, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by henrywh
Yes, see earlier response to this issue. Comcast cable card (Motorola) will not function in HMX model. Toshiba is aware of issue, but to date does not have a response other than to refer one to local Toshiba authorized repair. The local shop has had similar complaints and has requested Toshiba technical support for assistance on how to correct. To date, nothing has happened.

I have had three different cards, multiple service calls. Problem for me is slightly different. Without card I am able to view basic channels. With card, unable to change channel from picture that was present when card was inserted. Comcast says it is a Toshiba issue; Toshiba says .........

I searched and found the response to which you refer. I didn't realize your system was Comcast/Motorola, as your original reply was to a TWC/SA system customer and assumed that was your situation as well. Did you find this out from Comcast or Toshiba? I am due to call the 800 number, but have been dragging my feet because of the run-around they have been known to employ.

From my search I noticed that you are one of the people who got TV Guide On Screen to populate OTA. I too was unable to obtain any guide info from the cable connection on ANT1, so I connected rabbit ears to ANT2 and was successful. I wasn't sure whether Comcast was stripping out the VBI data or there is a problem with the TV. Other posts has said that TVG will transmit something to fix a problem with guide data not populating. Does anyone know if the problem they are going to fix is specific to cable? Or is it hit or miss and I'm getting lucky with the antenna.

I've observed that any time I try and edit the channel display order in the TVG setup screen, all channel and guide data dumps and must be reloaded over the 24/48 hour cycle, including selecting which channel map to use. Anyone else notice this?

whjeffs

12-15-04, 06:24 AM

Originally posted by maddogFool
I've observed that any time I try and edit the channel display order in the TVG setup screen, all channel and guide data dumps and must be reloaded over the 24/48 hour cycle, including selecting which channel map to use. Anyone else notice this?

Same here. I edited my channel lineup Sunday afternoon resequencing the channels and removing ones I don't watch. It has not loaded any info since. I just tried selecting "No Match" from the list of cable providers to see if that corrects anything. Maybe when you select a cable provider from the list the guide might only work right if the channel list and order stays the same as how it is loaded? So maybe "no match" will work. I do notice that when I go to the channel editor that there are A LOT of channels in the list that are not even on my cable system (Millennium Digital Media) but are on the competition (Comcast) and some other OTA and cable channels that are not on either system. I'll post back in a couple days if it works or not.

Jeff

stiplit

12-15-04, 08:16 AM

I have had my cable card from TWC NYC functioning in my 52HM94 for 2 weeks and still no TV Guide on Screen Data?!?!?

moman19

12-15-04, 08:30 AM

It looks like this is turning into the TV Guide Thread. No problem there, but after 200+ pages, I'm wondering if anyone who has experienced the HDMI ghosting issue has had it completely remedied by Toshiba. Either by TV swap or field repair. Just wondering if it's worth the effort to persist.

Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?????

videobruce

12-15-04, 08:52 AM

maritimer; was are your display settings?
You can reduce the size of the tool bar (in half) to give you more viewing area by right clicking on it, customise, then use small icons and selected text on right.
Better yet, have you tried Opera (not to change the subject)?:

http://nontroppo.org/wiki/WhyOpera

videobruce

12-15-04, 08:59 AM

mightytaco

12-15-04, 09:16 AM

I got my set delivered today, but noticed that the box took a visible beating. Unfortunately, it was the side of the box (corner, actually) with the screen closest to it. I'm not sure what caused it, but the impact was sufficient to break a hole in the box and crush the underlying styrofoam. The TV powers on, but I cannot comment on whether the picture has been affected (it looks grainy, though and I've noticed that there is a lot stronger "burning" smell than my friend's 52HM84). It could be paranoia, but I spent Cdn. $4k on this set and I want to be sure that nothing got "rattled".

I bought at Best Buy and they have said that I *could* exchange it, but to try it out for a week. My 30-day return period is fast-expiring, so I have to make the call. I was initially more worried about the non-HTPC compatibility (and thinking of going with the Panny DLP, but I went through that thread and a number have problems with the fan noise, which sucks), but based on the above 20-30 messages, I think it is something I can resolve so now I'm concerned about what the impact did (might have done).

Any advice? How sensitive are these sets to damage?

Would you return the set for a new one that didn't look like it had been hit by anything?

Thanks,
MT

mightytaco

12-15-04, 09:18 AM

For anyone debating between the two, the 62" Toshiba "feels" a lot bigger than the Panny 60" and while I initially thought the Panny had the nicer PQ in the store, you have to keep in mind that the Panny is set to a "vivid" mode out of the box, making it seem like it has a better picture, whereas the Toshiba has to be adjusted to run the same "mode". The colors on the Panny also initially appeared my vibrant, but part of me thinks that it is the optical illusion created by the black bezel (giving your eye more of a contrast). If you ignore the bezel and look close, the PQ of the Toshiba has the slight edge, IMHO.

mightytaco

12-15-04, 09:19 AM

I forgot to post pictures of the hit to the box, but here they are:

http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0001.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0002.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0003.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0004.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0005.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0006.JPG
http://www.zenkei.com/dlpdamage/DSCF0007.JPG

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
MT

videobruce

12-15-04, 09:42 AM

Something fell on top of the box unless the box was left upside down and it was dropped.
I would worry about the mirror since that is the closest 'fragile' item.

See, if those damn airplane wings weren't there that wouldn't of happened!:D

Hey, Victor Nowik, I PM'ed you.

mightytaco

12-15-04, 09:47 AM

Thanks, Bruce (I guess you'd exchange it for a new one?)

I didn't like the airplane wings in the store, but in my apartment and on the stand, I must say I don't mind them so much (I might even say I like them!). And the speakers are a lot better than I had originally expected (or maybe I just had low expectations).

videobruce

12-15-04, 09:57 AM

Not necessarily. Check it out. See if there is anything wrong. I don't think it is a smoking gun. You do have 30 days.
I wouldn't just exchange it because of the damaged box, you might get another one with REAL issues.

maddogFool

12-15-04, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by whjeffs
Same here. I edited my channel lineup Sunday afternoon resequencing the channels and removing ones I don't watch. It has not loaded any info since. I just tried selecting "No Match" from the list of cable providers to see if that corrects anything. Maybe when you select a cable provider from the list the guide might only work right if the channel list and order stays the same as how it is loaded? So maybe "no match" will work. I do notice that when I go to the channel editor that there are A LOT of channels in the list that are not even on my cable system (Millennium Digital Media) but are on the competition (Comcast) and some other OTA and cable channels that are not on either system. I'll post back in a couple days if it works or not.

It makes me feel better that someone else has the same behavior. I always re-selected the same cable provider map after each reload. Not sure what will happen with selecting "No Match". You may never get anything to reload. Mine always did after at most 48 hours. I noticed that it retained the positions of the channels I moved that caused the dump. It's normal to see many channels not on your system in the edit list. I'm in the Philly market, but I see New York and Lancaster, PA broadcast channels in my list (disabled), I guess because I'm using an antenna and it's theoretically possible for me to receive them.

What I think is happening is this. I suspect TVG implemented their data structures in a boneheaded way, such that schedule data is directly tied to channel position in the list. When you move a channel, the associated schedule data is unable to be moved with it, so the firmware has no choice but to flag the entire guide data as invalid, forcing a dump and reload. Not a user-friendly experience. I've dealt with Gemstar in a previous VOD job, and I can tell you they aren't always the most elegent programmers.

I only know this behavior to be true on Toshiba DLP's, which is why I'm posting in this thread. The guide data dumping should be unrelated to failure to obtain data from a cable only RF input. I haven't seen posts on either issues with other brands. I'm curious how/if a TVG broadcasted firmware update will fix cable no data problem. If they're being truthful about it, it implies that the cable input can receive the TVG data stream, but for some reason can't parse the channel info.

maritimer

12-15-04, 11:49 AM

I am running pc res at 1152x648 and find it works best for gaming, when I am on the net with I.E. I usually run in full screen mode, just didn't have in the pic. trust me the camera does no justice as it truely looks so much better in real than in the pic. haven't tried opera but might, looks good.

I agree that if its not working bad (anything noticable) I wouldn't return it right away anyhow, my box was also damaged a bit (not as bad as yours) and the top peice of styrofoam was broke on one side, but it worked good right out of the box....... until about 50hrs when the bulb blew.... but don't know for sure if it was caused by that or just a bad bulb. and I had a new one in same day, so I am still very happy with my 52hm84.

videobruce

12-15-04, 12:08 PM

Can't believe you have to drop it down from 1280x720 to 1152x648 just to get rid of the overscan.:confused:

KieronQ

12-15-04, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by moman19
It looks like this is turning into the TV Guide Thread. No problem there, but after 200+ pages, I'm wondering if anyone who has experienced the HDMI ghosting issue has had it completely remedied by Toshiba. Either by TV swap or field repair. Just wondering if it's worth the effort to persist.

Anyone? Anyone? Beuller?????

This I would also like to find out more on. I have the 52HMX84 and haven't moved to an HDMI DVD player yet. I am considering..

Sony 975
Toshiba 5970
Samsung HD945
Panasonic DVD-S97
V Bravo D2
(others?)

Are their members with direct experience related to any of these players on the Toshiba 52/62 HM/HMX units?

As for PC display, are their members running PC signal into the TV via a transcoded component signal (using what make of adapter)? I am leaning towards the Key Digital KD-VTCA3 as it has a loop-through and specifically states it outputs the HD color matrix.

Kieron

---
52HMX84
Marantx SR8200
Energy Encore System
Mac G5 II-2.5

henrywh

12-15-04, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by KieronQ
This I would also like to find out more on. I have the 52HMX84 and haven't moved to an HDMI DVD player yet. I am considering..

Sony 975
Toshiba 5970
Samsung HD945
Panasonic DVD-S97
V Bravo D2
(others?)

Are their members with direct experience related to any of these players on the Toshiba 52/62 HM/HMX units?

As for PC display, are their members running PC signal into the TV via a transcoded component signal (using what make of adapter)? I am leaning towards the Key Digital KD-VTCA3 as it has a loop-through and specifically states it outputs the HD color matrix.

Kieron

---
52HMX84
Marantx SR8200
Energy Encore System
Mac G5 II-2.5

I have the Denon 2910 (S); it works very well with the Toshiba HMX. No problems with HDMI connection. However, it may be at a higher price point than the ones you listed. Not sure if the Denon 1910 has similar video quality; others reading this thread might know.

Ragingbull2380

12-15-04, 05:02 PM

Hey I saw the 52HMX94 for $2899 at Plasmaplanet.com...anyone ever hear of this site or have any experience with it? How's the price? All my local retailers either don't carry it or it takes 1-2 weeks to get it from ABT and ABT says its $3600 for the same model. At least with Plasmaplanet they say it takes 3-5 days to ship.

kdog044

12-15-04, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by Shaner1
optical Can you tell me if this is true for all XXHMX94's? The manual for the XXHMX84's do not show any digital audio outputs. I am considering the 52HMX94 and it would be helpful to know if it does have a digital audio output. Also, if I purchased a HDMI DVD player would it be better to connect the digital output of the DVD directly to the receiver or from the TV to the receiver. If using the TV will it pass DTS as well as Dolby Digital?

fishinwuf

12-15-04, 08:36 PM

I'm about ready to get my first big screen. Already have a 36" Tosh hdtv (4:3) and get all content from Time Warner (digital & HD). Have considered pretty much all technologies (CRT RP; LCD, LCOS, DLP, Plasma), done too much reading on the web (Information overload!!) and seen most of the sets in the chain stores (CC, BB & Sears) as well as a few local mid-high end shops.

Set will be used in a bonus room over my garage with several windows, but most of the light can be controlled. Will get a 50" + screen and have pretty much decided on a DLP. Will be used for watching HDTV including sports, some DVD's and some SD TV. No gaming or PC now - maybe later when kids get older.

I have narrowed my choice down to a 52HM84, 52HMX84 or the Panny 50DL54. I know about the ghosting issues and HDMI issues on the Tosh and the fan noise on the Panny. PQ on both seems very good to me - obiously they can be tweaked from what is seen in the stores.

So, if it were your $$, between those 2 sets only, which do you get & why?

mightytaco

12-15-04, 09:16 PM

Fishinwuf: I wrote about this briefly on page 53. I am in my 30-day period with the Toshiba and was thinking about trading in for the Panny DLP. I think I've decided to just keep the Toshiba. The Panny is nice, but I have no regrets with the Toshiba--and I intended on using it as a computer monitor/gaming (I don't have cable yet)--just DVDs, XBOX and my PC. Ultimately, I guess it will come down to personal preference, but with the Toshiba, you get 2 more inches for the same price, and many will tell you that the Toshiba has the slight edge in PQ. Its only downfall is the HDMI ghosting, which I'm hoping Toshiba takes care of, and the unfortunate fact that it sucks as a computer monitor (but with maritimer's posts, I'm hoping to get around this).

Snills

12-15-04, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by videobruce
Snills; thanks for the pics.
It appears by the amount of text of lack of it sure looks as it is the equivalent of 640x480 on a regular computer screen. I looked at the height of the page and especially the title & menu bars and there is very little text shown. The example of my post only shows my post with 19 lines of text shown.
On the 19" LCD I have now I can view 3 posts the size of mine. I realize that 1280x1024 is not what you have here, but it surely seems to be a big trade off by loosing all that height.
Hope that made sense. Set a monitor to 640x480, then switch to 1024x768 and look at the area you gain (on a web page).

As far as the 'ghosting' the HDMI was greater (longer reflection), but the component still showed it, but more a 'cartoon outline' edge enhancement effect.

Yes, it is clear, but at what cost?

I take it you don't actually have an HTPC setup yet. I can use 1920X1080(1080i), but my resolution is 1184X648 (which is equavalt to a 720P reduced to eliminate overscan). I have also enabled EXTRA LARGE FONTs. When you set yours up, you'll see that you have to enable "EXTRA LARGE FONTS" or use some other trick (low resolution..etc..) to comfortably read text from the couch...10Ft for my setup. Thats why things look so large in my screen shots. I'll post some more screen shots of 1920X1080i and 1184X648 with normal size fonts so you can get a better idea of what the TV can do.

Bill

mightytaco

12-15-04, 10:15 PM

Snills. I noticed you were using the ATI DVI --> Component Dongle. I was going to get a 9600 and I read on another website that the appropriate Dongle would be the VGA --> Component Dongle (not sure why the DVI --> Component Dongle is not the Dongle of choice for the 9600...), but do you think there would be any significant difference?

I'd love to see your pics at the higher res, just so I can see what this bad boy can do.

Thanks,
MT

Snills

12-15-04, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by mightytaco
Snills. I noticed you were using the ATI DVI --> Component Dongle. I was going to get a 9600 and I read on another website that the appropriate Dongle would be the VGA --> Component Dongle (not sure why the DVI --> Component Dongle is not the Dongle of choice for the 9600...), but do you think there would be any significant difference?

I'd love to see your pics at the higher res, just so I can see what this bad boy can do.

Thanks,
MT

that's funny you mention that...I'm trying one out tonight. what info do you have on this..can you send me a link?

KieronQ

12-15-04, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by fishinwuf
I'm about ready to get my first big screen. Already have a 36" Tosh hdtv (4:3) and get all content from Time Warner (digital & HD). Have considered pretty much all technologies (CRT RP; LCD, LCOS, DLP, Plasma), done too much reading on the web (Information overload!!) and seen most of the sets in the chain stores (CC, BB & Sears) as well as a few local mid-high end shops.

Set will be used in a bonus room over my garage with several windows, but most of the light can be controlled. Will get a 50" + screen and have pretty much decided on a DLP. Will be used for watching HDTV including sports, some DVD's and some SD TV. No gaming or PC now - maybe later when kids get older.

I have narrowed my choice down to a 52HM84, 52HMX84 or the Panny 50DL54. I know about the ghosting issues and HDMI issues on the Tosh and the fan noise on the Panny. PQ on both seems very good to me - obiously they can be tweaked from what is seen in the stores.

So, if it were your $$, between those 2 sets only, which do you get & why?

I like the 2 HDMI ports on the HMX series myself. That and the black screen beziel were the deciding factors for me on the HMX vs. HM series. I am not sure about the Panny.

Kieron

whjeffs

12-15-04, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by kdog044
Can you tell me if this is true for all XXHMX94's? The manual for the XXHMX84's do not show any digital audio outputs. I am considering the 52HMX94 and it would be helpful to know if it does have a digital audio output. Also, if I purchased a HDMI DVD player would it be better to connect the digital output of the DVD directly to the receiver or from the TV to the receiver. If using the TV will it pass DTS as well as Dolby Digital?

The '84' series does not have the optical digital audio out because it does not have a built in HD tuner. The '94' series has the built in HD tuner so they have the optical digital audio out to send the 5.1 surround signal from the tv to your receiver. I don't have an HDMI DVD player yet and I don't remember if anyone posted whether or not the Dolby and DTS signal from the HDMI is passed through to the optical out. I'd like to know also as this would simplify things for me.

Jeff

mightytaco

12-15-04, 11:14 PM

Hi Snills,

Here is a link:
http://htpcnews.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=595

Hope it helps!

moman19

12-16-04, 12:20 AM

Originally posted by KieronQ
This I would also like to find out more on. I have the 52HMX84 and haven't moved to an HDMI DVD player yet. I am considering..

Sony 975
Toshiba 5970
Samsung HD945
Panasonic DVD-S97
V Bravo D2
(others?)

Are their members with direct experience related to any of these players on the Toshiba 52/62 HM/HMX units?

As for PC display, are their members running PC signal into the TV via a transcoded component signal (using what make of adapter)? I am leaning towards the Key Digital KD-VTCA3 as it has a loop-through and specifically states it outputs the HD color matrix.

Kieron

I have the Tosh 5970 connected to my 52HMX84. Great picture. No ghosting. Plug in the Dish 811 receiver and ghosting is very obvious.

---
52HMX84
Marantx SR8200
Energy Encore System
Mac G5 II-2.5

moman19

12-16-04, 12:24 AM

I've notice slight overscan on top & bittom of my 52HMX84 and would like to tighten this up. I'm not doing any PC interfacing, just watching TV. But it's obviously not right (heads cut off/text crawls). What are my options? Must I call Toshiba for a service call? Is there any way a user can tweak settings? Would this be covered under warranty?

Julio Bro!

12-16-04, 06:21 AM

HI:

Got my 52HM84 yesterday, haven't tested it yet, but opened the box and it looks beautiful.

I've read here some people asking about the FILM or VIDEO for the Cinema Mode setting. In the manual it says to improve "motions", hows that?

Does FILM improves anything on DVDs, VCRs, or cable broadcasts? What about the "Cable Clear" setting? Are any of these useful at all?

And regarding my previous convex/distortion post; I'll be able to test it myself soon, but still would like to know if any of you have seen this effect on any of the widescreen modes.

videobruce

12-16-04, 08:48 AM

I take it you don't actually have an HTPC setup yet Correct, my HD is limited to OTA on a 19" LCD computer monitor. My 16x9 is a 15.4" Laptop.

mightytaco

12-16-04, 09:07 AM

Snills,

Do you have any idea as to why the DVI --> Component wouldn't also work for the 9600?

henrywh

12-16-04, 10:24 AM

Re: Comcast cable card (or others possibly)

Toshiba now recognizes they have a problem with cable cards and are working on a solution for the HMX94 series per authorized repair shop. Do not know if this applies to other models.

skb.885

12-16-04, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by whjeffs
The '84' series does not have the optical digital audio out because it does not have a built in HD tuner. The '94' series has the built in HD tuner so they have the optical digital audio out to send the 5.1 surround signal from the tv to your receiver. I don't have an HDMI DVD player yet and I don't remember if anyone posted whether or not the Dolby and DTS signal from the HDMI is passed through to the optical out. I'd like to know also as this would simplify things for me.

Jeff

Yes I'm running the HDMI from my Sony DVP-975 through the 52HM94 Then optical to the Sony STR-DE995 receiver and the 7 channel surround is great. And NO gosting!

kdog044

12-16-04, 09:47 PM

Originally posted by skb.885
Yes I'm running the HDMI from my Sony DVP-975 through the 52HM94 Then optical to the Sony STR-DE995 receiver and the 7 channel surround is great. And NO gosting! That's great to hear. If I am understanding correctly I can use the HDMI from the DVD to the Toshiba and the optical out to the receiver and it will pass the DD and DTS. Now if only the HD STB's the cable company uses will have a HDMI instead of DVI connection I won't need to run a separate optical to the receiver. By the way, how do you like your receiver? I have an older model STR-DE935 that has served me well for the last few years.

whjeffs

12-16-04, 10:48 PM

Bill G

12-17-04, 02:33 PM

Hi,

Got the Toshiba 62HMX94 and would like to buy a DVD player with HDMI output, is the Toshiba SD5970 a good match or is there something better and is picture quality better than component out on my SD9200. Thanks for input.

Bill G

Trypt

12-17-04, 03:03 PM

I would just like to thank everyone in this thread, it was very helpful in my decision. I opted for the 62hm84 and am very happy with it. Indeed even the grey bars don't bother me, as I use Theater Wide 1 for it and it looks find. I also find the connections more then adequate, 2 component and 1 HDMI is more then enough for high end appliances, and the three composite connections are good for anything else I may need.

I have not used the tv-out on my computer on it yet, i will try that instead of connecting the TV as a real monitor via HDMI, the quality won't be the same but it should work.

The quality for SD is excellent here, I use expressvu satellite, but am going with HDTV Rogers Digital on Monday, which should improve it even further.

The only thing is that my DVDs so far look about as good as SD digital, I thought dvd would look a bit better (not bad by any standard). Of course, this is my dvd problem, not the TV. I have the Samsung progressive, but its old (can't find the model anywhere on the thing), I have it set on 480p, but don't even know if its doing this. May be time for a new player, but really, when are 720p dvd players comming out? What is the native resolution of dvd movies? 480p or more? I would expect them to be at least HDTV quality but obviously I was wrong.

Snills

12-17-04, 04:57 PM

Originally posted by mightytaco
Snills,

Do you have any idea as to why the DVI --> Component wouldn't also work for the 9600?

ATI says you can use both DVI>component and the VGA>component adapters for your 9600 card...see here: http://shop.ati.com/searchresults.asp?search_id=10&hidden=0&page=2
I tried a vga>component cable on my 9800pro and it didn't work(everything is pinkish and won't sinc well), now I know why! Not even ATI's VGA adapter is supposed to work with my 9800pro just the Dvi works for me.

cbell2112

12-17-04, 05:57 PM

Curious as to how people are handling their center channel speaker with this set up. I have Rocket Speakers on order and the center channel is 12" high X 25" wide and weighs 46 lbs. My only thought is to suspend it from the ceiling on a shelf or build a shelf that would mount to the wall.

kdog044

12-17-04, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by Bill G
Hi,

Got the Toshiba 62HMX94 and would like to buy a DVD player with HDMI output, is the Toshiba SD5970 a good match or is there something better and is picture quality better than component out on my SD9200. Thanks for input.

Bill G I've been doing some research on this as well on the DVD forum. For upscaling players there are a few choices and they all have pros and cons. The overall consensus is to stay away from that Toshiba. The review is poor PQ not to mention failure to support other audio sources such as DVD-A and SACD. The Denon 2910 get good reviews but it's around $650. For the $300 and under you want to look at the following players:

Sony DVP-NS975V
Panasonic DVD-S97
Samsung DVD-HD941

These all have HDMI and upconvert to 720P. Good Luck.

moman19

12-17-04, 06:36 PM

Originally posted by AkaStp
If you pillar-box 4:3 material on the Toshiba DLP and you get bars at the sides (or at the top and bottom for 2.35:1 aspect ration DVDs) what is the color of those bars and can you change their color (to Black if not Black by default)?

This is a sore subject around here. The bars are a middle to light gray....almost silver, like the cabinet. And there is no way (at least a published way) to make them black. Dumb feature that Toshiba is either unable to fix or just goesn't give a toot. If you hear other wiise, please share it with the rest.

moman19

12-17-04, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by kdog044
I've been doing some research on this as well on the DVD forum. For upscaling players there are a few choices and they all have pros and cons. The overall consensus is to stay away from that Toshiba. The review is poor PQ not to mention failure to support other audio sources such as DVD-A and SACD. The Denon 2910 get good reviews but it's around $650. For the $300 and under you want to look at the following players:

Sony DVP-NS975V
Panasonic DVD-S97
Samsung DVD-HD941

These all have HDMI and upconvert to 720P. Good Luck.

I beg to differ. I own a Toshiba 5970 DVD player and the Picture quality is fantastic. It is often amazing how much detail it squeezes out of 480 lines. Good DVDs look near-HD. I read one comment a while back about "reported Pic problems" with this player but could never confirm the issue or the source. I'm a very picky person by nature and see no problems with it. My biggest criticism is that the device is too darn shallowl (depth) preventing me from placing another device on top of it.

kdog044

12-17-04, 07:42 PM

Originally posted by moman19
I beg to differ. I own a Toshiba 5970 DVD player and the Picture quality is fantastic. It is often amazing how much detail it squeezes out of 480 lines. Good DVDs look near-HD. Hey, don't shoot the messenger I'm just reporting what I read. Here's one example.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=447994&highlight=Toshiba

Obviously we need to decide for ourselves but I have researched all these players as I am in the market myself. This player had the most negative reviews of the ones I mentioned. If it works great for you then that's all that matters. I was always a big fan of Toshiba in TV's and DVD Players (I currently have an old 3109). I do know that times change and models can vary in performance. From what I read the 5970 was a replacement for the 5960 that was so bad it was recalled. That's why I recommend researching whatever model you are interested in and make your decision.

maritimer

12-17-04, 09:56 PM

I had a 5970 and after one week with it I took it back as I found it to be a very poor dvd player

sharonf

12-17-04, 11:06 PM

After over a year of looking at DLP TVs and changing my mind from a Samsung to a Toshiba I finally made a decision and purchased a Toshiba 62HM94 and it should be here by Christmas! I found a really good price at Amazon.com that I couldn't pass up. They also have the 62HMX94 available but I couldn't justify spending twelve hundred dollars more to get the HMX. I'm excited!:p

BJMoose

12-17-04, 11:13 PM

I've read that it's a real pain to change the bulbs in the HM(X)84s. Is that true also of the HM(X)94s? Thanks.

Snills

12-18-04, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by maritimer
I had a 5970 and after one week with it I took it back as I found it to be a very poor dvd player

I've nothing but bad reviews as well ...My 5970 (HDMI connection to 52hmx84) doesn't seem to show major problems with PQ so much but Remote control and general response time of the unit is irritatingly SLOW sometimes. I sometimes have to hit the remote buttoms 2-3 times before the damn thing responds.

Again, regarding picture quality, some DVD's look incredible i.e. Shrek2, while others show "clayface" effects sometime..Spiderman 2.

I plan to do some side by side comparisons before I return my unit.

Bill

Trypt

12-18-04, 05:07 PM

Guys, I need help with cleaning the screen on my 62HM84.. I read the manual, it says to only use a dry cloth, but the screen out of the box is dirty, but not from dust, it looks like it has been touched by oily hands or something. Its definitely removable, but not with a dry cloth. Anyone have any ideas what to use? What do you guys use to clean the screen that is safe? What is the screen made out of anyway?

Snills

12-18-04, 05:23 PM

Hmm I just updated my ATI drivers and noticed a premade resolution 1776X1000i (reduced version of 1080i). I tried it and it works perfect on my 52hmx84. Very little overscan. I posted the screen shot back at my origional post.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4801815#post4801815

Not sure if it's the new Catalyst drivers or just that I didn't look hard enough but I can use all of the resoultions in the Catalyst control panel just fine.

I also notice that on some resolutions you can use your TV's "Picture size" settings in combination with these Catalyst resolutions to get some great HTPC screen setups. And on other resolutions you can't! Not sure why I never noticed this before. And on top of it all, I don't have to use Powerstrip at all!!!

NOTE: to use these Interlaced resolutions I had to enable it in "Catalyst control center\Component video properties\Formats" I put a check by "Use custom settings" and then checked all custom settings resolutions and 16X9. NOTE after sevaral hours playing around in the catalyst drivers I started noticing strange things happening with the Catalyst quick menu(by the clock). It wouldn't open..etc. A reboot fixxed it.

SmX

12-18-04, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by Trypt
Guys, I need help with cleaning the screen on my 62HM84.. I read the manual, it says to only use a dry cloth, but the screen out of the box is dirty, but not from dust, it looks like it has been touched by oily hands or something. Its definitely removable, but not with a dry cloth. Anyone have any ideas what to use? What do you guys use to clean the screen that is safe? What is the screen made out of anyway?

Use a Damp cloth with some mild dish washing liquid (Like Ivory Soap). Just don't use anything that contains Amonia or Alcohol.

Trypt

12-18-04, 07:06 PM

I haven't compared any of the displays but I can tell you that SD looks great on my 62", even though I am as of now only using composite cables (good quality composites, but still). Tomorrow I am getting digital cable instead of satellite as I have now and will use component cables, which should improve the quality even further, however as I said, on my set SD looks as good as DVD on most channels, there are some that are lesser quality. This is from ExpressVu satellite which is the same type of broadcast as DirectTV

SmX

12-18-04, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by AkaStp
How well do the 52HM84 (or 52HMX84 or 52HMX94) sets display (digital) SD (DirectTV) material? Good, bad or average? Has anyone compared the display of (digital) SD (DirectTV) material by this set with the Samsung HLP-5063? If so, how do they compare?

I have the 62hm84 with HD Zenith Sat Box and there are SD channels that look Good and some that look bad. A Majority of the Channels that are SD on my set look pretty decent. I've previously Owned the Sammy 52 DLP, Hitachi 60" LCD and this Set is the best to me for SD Display and HD as well. I also noticed that after having the set for 2 months the SD channels look better than when I first purchased it, like if the set broke in or something.

I think with all the current DLP and LCD sets available right now, this is best set.

tcimpidis

12-19-04, 12:06 AM

I pulled the lamp out of my 62HMX94 out of curiosity to look at it, and it was a piece of cake to do so.

Originally posted by BJMoose
I've read that it's a real pain to change the bulbs in the HM(X)84s. Is that true also of the HM(X)94s? Thanks.

SmX

12-19-04, 01:06 AM

Originally posted by AkaStp
Could someone tell me what is the difference between the HM and the HMX models? According to the Toshiba web site the HMX models are "Cinema Series" but it is not clear what extra you get in the HMX over the HM models aside from an extra HDMI input. In particular, are there any differences in PQ for SD or HD sources in the "Cinema Series" HMX models?

This has been answered many times in this thread...

Picture Quality is the same.

The HM84's have one HDMI input

The HMX84 & 94 Series has 2 HDMI inputs.

The HMX94's has 2 HDMI inputs also have built in tuners and Firewire Port.

Bill G

12-19-04, 08:27 AM

My Turn,

I have a 62HMX94 and just hooked up a Toshiba SD5970. There does appear to be an improvement in PQ compared to my Toshiba SD9200. Wondering if a better quality HDMI cable (IE: Monster) would make even more improvement in PQ. Cabinet, what there is of it is cheap cheaper cheapest and the remote is sometimes slow to respond. Any input on cable would be appreciated.

Thank You

Bill G

maritimer

12-19-04, 08:28 AM

I changed the bulb in my 52hm84 in about 5 min, all you need is a phillips screw driver, and you have to lift the tv off the stand to open the door on the left side, there is a thumb screw to open it, then two screws that hold the lamp unit in. Remove those then just pull straight out, remember never touch the lamp (front glass) unit with your hands or fingers.

maritimer

12-19-04, 11:21 AM

when I had the toshiba 5970 dvd player and didn't like it, I went back to the audio store where I got it and they gave me the panasonic s97 $380 and the yamaha s1500 $550cdn , so I hooked up the panasonic and it clearly blew the toshiba 5970 away in picture quality, both have HDMI. I then hooked up the yamaha s1500 thru component (has no hdmi) and it clearly blew the panasonic away in pq and in features. so my point is though hdmi is nice, it does not mean that just because a player has it that it is going to be the best or better than component on some players. Now I have to admit that on the players with hdmi and component, the hdmi had a better pq than the component did (on same player). I guess the point I am trying to make is just because a player has hdmi out on it does not mean it is a more superiour player as I learned. anyway I kept the yamaha and returned the toshiba and the panasonic, but the panasonic clearly was a better player than the toshiba.

SmX

12-19-04, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by Bill G
My Turn,

I have a 62HMX94 and just hooked up a Toshiba SD5970. There does appear to be an improvement in PQ compared to my Toshiba SD9200. Wondering if a better quality HDMI cable (IE: Monster) would make even more improvement in PQ. Cabinet, what there is of it is cheap cheaper cheapest and the remote is sometimes slow to respond. Any input on cable would be appreciated.

Thank You

Bill G

Save your money and Go to Radio Shack and get a $10.00 HDMI cable. The Picture Quality doesn't change. I had $150.00 Monster HDMI Cable and a Radio Shack HDMI cable and they both look the exact same. Also when it comes to digital Signals Video signals, cables don't make a difference. Digital is Digital and No Monster Reference Digital cable is going to look better than a Radio Shack. Same goes with DVI cables as well.

As far as Component Cables, I've seen differences from Using a Cheap Component cable supplied with a DVD player compared to a Good Monster Component cable and Component is where you want to spend more money on cables.

I personally like the look of Component over HDMI on the 62HM84. Component looks much warmer than HDMI. I use a $1,000.00 DVD Player (Pioneer Elite DV-59avi) and it looks amazing.

moman19

12-19-04, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by SandmanX

......I personally like the look of Component over HDMI on the 62HM84. Component looks much warmer than HDMI. I use a $1,000.00 DVD Player (Pioneer Elite DV-59avi) and it looks amazing.

I agree. Component simply looks better. I cannot describe it, and specs may prove otherwise, but it just looks better with Component .

novacoaster

12-19-04, 04:25 PM

I just got my 62HM84 on Friday. The SD is OK, I don't have HD yet to compare but the DVD through component is incredible. I have it in a room with a few big windows and it is very bright even in low power mode. I only have a cheap panasonic Dual DVD/VCR but am looking forward to finding a DVD player that wll really shine with this TV. Very Glad I went with the 62" instead of the 52" JVC for the same price. The Toshiba is every bit as clear and vivid as the JVC and 10" bigger for the same price.

By the way I live in Edmonton Canada and found this TV for WAY below the MSRP of $5000. with a free stand.

KieronQ

12-19-04, 06:02 PM

Originally posted by novacoaster
I just got my 62HM84 on Friday. The SD is OK, I don't have HD yet to compare but the DVD through component is incredible. I have it in a room with a few big windows and it is very bright even in low power mode. I only have a cheap panasonic Dual DVD/VCR but am looking forward to finding a DVD player that wll really shine with this TV. Very Glad I went with the 62" instead of the 52" JVC for the same price. The Toshiba is every bit as clear and vivid as the JVC and 10" bigger for the same price.

By the way I live in Edmonton Canada and found this TV for WAY below the MSRP of $5000. with a free stand.

I also am looking at a DVD player (I have the 52HMX84 and am also in Edmonton) and recently tried the Samsung HD841 from the local London Drugs. It has a DVI port, not HDMI, so I interconnected them with the Monster DVI-Female to HDMI-Male adapter ($45). The player was listed at $250 but in-store the price was fifty less.

The picture quality was poor. Very dark, minimal shadow details on difficult scenes. Over component, it was much better but still not outstanding. I will be returning the DVD nonetheless.

I am also considering the HD941 (HDMI-HDMI seems OK) and the Panasonic DVD-S97S. The Denon 2910 is very nice but carries a steep buy-in.

SBbob

12-19-04, 07:00 PM

Hello everyone, This is my first post but I've been lurking on this thread for a couple months while I decided which DLP to buy. Thanks for all your posted experiences and opinions, they really helped me make an informed decision. I've had my 52HM94 for about 3 weeks and couldn't have been happier...until today! As I was watching a movie a "white spot" appeared in about the center of the picture. Upon closed inspection, it turns out to be several stuck pixels. There is a box of 4 pixels(2 wide x 2 high) that is white, above these is another similar size box of normal pixels, then above these is another strip (2 wide x 3 high) also white. When viewing, the area looks like a 1/8"w x 3/8"h white line in on the darker image areas. I have tried everything I can think of to "reset" the picture but with no luck. Has anyone had this happen to them? I'll be calling a local authorized service center tomorrow to see what they might be able to do and post any results I may get. Please let me know if you have any ideas...thanks.

moman19

12-19-04, 08:46 PM

I have not seen any stuck pixels on my set, nor have I seen mention of this issue on the forum. Is this really noticeable from your normal viewing distanmce, or must you be on top of the screen to see this? If you can count 2 X 2 pixels, I assume you're right on top of it. I assume we all have a few stuck pixels if one looks close enough. Having them appear in groups the way you describe would certainly make them more visible and would definitely concern me too.

Please keep us posted.

fishinwuf

12-19-04, 09:06 PM

I was looking at the xxHM84's at a local dealer. The 62 he had on display had one white pixel in the field of the picture. He actually spotted it before me, but he said it was a defect in the chip and the entire unit would be returned to Tosh as defective. This was an independent, authorized dealer (i.e not CC or BB or similar) and I was talking to the owner, so I have to think he knows what he is talking about.

Hope they treat you right - good luck.;)

Julio Bro!

12-20-04, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by AkaStp
If you pillar-box 4:3 material on the Toshiba DLP and you get bars at the sides (or at the top and bottom for 2.35:1 aspect ration DVDs) what is the color of those bars and can you change their color (to Black if not Black by default)?

Hello AkaStp:

Last night I did the first testing of my 52HM84. I used the Episode I DVD which is 2.35:1 and the features are 4:3. I have a JVC progressive scan player which I set for 16:9 fixed display and progressive auto mode. Connection were component video cables to HD-1, including analog audio cables.

To say the least the movie looked fantastic, and that was only changing the temperature setting to "medium". I left DNR on and Cinema mode in FILM because I didn't see any visible change and each are for improving the quality of image, not the colors. The Auto Size feature is on, although what the system chose for viewing the different material didn't satisfy me, I'll probably turn this off if it always works like this.

I found that the best size for the 2.35:1 movie was Theater Wide 3, which is the setting for subtitled material. Why? The monitor produced a letterboxed image which had like 1" bars...literally; it was almost perfect. The other sizes hided something or got a bit distorted. Supposedly Full has the correct proportions, but it maintains the letterbox bars.

For the 4:3 features in this DVD I found that the Full size was expectacular, it only hided like .5"-1" of the image at the sides, the height is not affected and the image occupied the whole screen without distortion. Man, that's so coool. I expect this size to be the one to use with Cable TV material, because most is 4:3; I don't expect to use Natural ever, I think image was a bit distorted and I don't like the gray side bars.

I sat at about 9 feet from the screen, which will be my normal position in the home theater area. Everything looked OK, maybe some jagged edges on curved objects, but not much...I was really very impressed.

The only bad thing I found is that, for close caption settings you have to do like 10 steps. Unless the system stays with the last menu on memory, which I didn't test, this is a long path for me. Of course, most people don't use this, but there are some TV series with complicated or fast dialog.

I hope there is a way to get just one button or maybe 2 steps to set the closed caption on or off.

I suggest, and maybe this has been talked about here, that people test the different material and take note of which size is the best for each viewing. Then prepare a small paper or label to stick to the remote, that way you'll always know what to choose and not begin playing. It's a good thing that there is one button to access picture size.

Starc

12-20-04, 01:13 PM

There are no PQ difference only small minor things like looks and a better Remote, Virtual Dolby etc.

see AVS Toshiba comparison table (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4551443#post4551443)

Originally posted by AkaStp
So the only thing that the "Cinema Series" gets you between the HM84 and HMX84 is an extra HDMI input? Thats not much for $300 price increase! I was rather hoping that the phrase "Cinema Series" would mean some differences (improvements) in the picture and maybe some other additional features. Unfortunately, the Toshiba web site is rather incomplete and lacking in detail or comparisons, especially for the newer models. It needs work!

Trypt

12-20-04, 07:32 PM

Guys, i really need some help here.. I just connected the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD PVR HD receiver to my Toshiba. It was set to convert everything to 1080i by the cable guy. Everthing was fine when this is the case.

I went into the advanced menu on the box, and changed the signal to 720p since that is the native resolution of my tv, so that the tv itself doesn't have to convert anything.

However, once I do that, I can no longer select any "pic size", when I push the button (or in the menu) on my toshiba, it says NOT AVAILABLE. It works just fine in 1080i (I like Theatrewide 1 for 4:3 programming and NATURAL for 16:9 programming), but I cannot change it to anything in 720p mode (on the box), it is just stuck on NATURAL (although it doesn't say NATURAL, it just says NOT AVAILABLE if I try to change it).. I called my cable company and they said its the TV problem, is this a Toshiba problem or what? Is it a problem at all?

The reason I am worried is because when watching sports broadcasts on HDTV, I don't want it converted from 720p to 1080i by my box then back to 720p by my tv, that makes no sense to me (maybe I am wrong here, maybe there is no quality loss).

My provider says they automatically change everything to 1080i before it even gets to my box which of course makes my problem obsolete, but I just don't believe them.

Sonic45

12-21-04, 10:53 AM

It works just fine in 1080i (I like Theatrewide 1 for 4:3 programming and NATURAL for 16:9 programming), but I cannot change it to anything in 720p mode (on the box), it is just stuck on NATURAL (although it doesn't say NATURAL, it just says NOT AVAILABLE if I try to change it)..

I have the 52HM84 and on page 30 of the owners manual (in the notes section) it states that for some program formats such as 720p that the picture size feature is not available and the TV will default to the Natural setting.

Gwhiz

12-21-04, 11:00 AM

You really don't need to worry about scaling.
The owners manual says use 1080i for best quality.
Also, keep in mind, when you "resize" the picture using any of the theatre wide modes you are actually re-scaling. This is a fixed pixel display, so the only way to make the picture wider, taller, or non-linear (like theatre wide 1) is by re-scaling all or part of the picture.

So if you are going to re-scale anyway, you should get the best results by starting with the highest resolution before re-scaling.

One can argue that if you are NOT going to resize the picture, using 1280x720 would work best for the reason you mentioned (no additional scaling required) but if you are going to use any mode other than natural, start at 1080i.

Gary

sharonf

12-21-04, 02:55 PM

I though that I had already posted this but maybe I accidentally posted it in the wrong place.

Does anyone know if there is an online manual available for the Toshiba 62Hm94? I can't find one on the toshiba site. We are purchasing one and my husband would like to see the manual before the TV arrives.

Sharon

Sonic45

12-21-04, 05:35 PM

Does anyone know if there is an online manual available for the Toshiba 62Hm94? I can't find one on the toshiba site.
We are purchasing one and my husband would like to see the manual before the TV arrives.

I downloaded the manual from here...
http://tacpservice.toshiba.com/ConsumerProductSupport/Manuals/TV/2004/46_52_62HM84.pdf

Right click and save target....

Bill G

12-21-04, 05:44 PM

I have the Toshiba 62HMX94 and have a Dish Network 6000u receiver. Should I change the output on the receiver to 720P. Has anyone done this? Also I am seriously considering the Samsung HD 941 DVD player, comments please!

Thanks for info

Bill G

tcrandal

12-22-04, 01:55 AM

I have a Toshiba 27" TV's on each side of my 62hmx84 in the wall cabinet, and I need to somehow change the IR code for the power on of the TVs. Is there any way to do that on the 62hmx84?

I'm not sure how else I can fix the problem where I want to turn on my DLP screen only, and the other two go on. If I setup an IR network would there be any way to route the signal only to the destination that I want?

See my gallery for a pic of the setup.

Thanks,
Tom

maritimer

12-22-04, 07:49 AM

I asked my dealer about changing the remote code for the 52hm84 and he said ya can't do it.
I find the best picture on my tv when I have my bell sat receiver (6120) set to 1080i output.

colorgrafx

12-22-04, 08:35 AM

As stated in my previous post, when viewing any image (especially 4:3 formatted video) in the Natural mode (with grey bars on the sides), the image bows out at the top & bottom of the screen. After multiple phone calls to Toshiba, the dealer and a local service tech - the service tech came out to view the problem. He had another customer complain of the same issue, and Toshiba's tech service response was "It's only a consumer level product, you shouldn't expect professional quality." According to the tech rep, due to the short focal length of the lens-screen and the acute angle of focus, the image is going to be distorted. If you push in on the screen the image bowing increases. After closer look the screen on my display is not flush with the exterior frame, indicating a manufacturing defect. While having the service tech at my house & Toshiba on speakerphone for 30 minutes, nothing was accomplished.

Here is Toshiba's response to my email about the results:

Thanks for writing!

I apologize for the inconvenience.

I reviewed your file. As stated in your file, replacement is not an option. These units are made to display primarily 16x9 pictures. If tech support says this is normal then there is nothing further that we can do.

I recommend contacting our Customer Relations Department directly for assistance with your issue.

Their number is 1-800-631-3811. Be sure to press prompt #1 and then #3.

Please write back if I can assist you further.

Josh
Toshiba Customer Service

moman19

12-22-04, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by Bill G
I have the Toshiba 62HMX94 and have a Dish Network 6000u receiver. Should I change the output on the receiver to 720P. Has anyone done this? Also I am seriously considering the Samsung HD 941 DVD player, comments please!

Thanks for info

Bill G

I find that the picture looks better when I set my Dish Network 811 to 1080i. The TV will downconvert the signal to 720p with no problems.

bisache

12-22-04, 01:31 PM

Does the hm84 have the game mode or is it just in the hm94?

kdog044

12-22-04, 03:17 PM

It's not listed in the manual for the 52HM84 or 52HMX84. I'm nost sure on the HM94. The only one I know for sure is the 52HMX94.

sharonf

12-23-04, 12:03 AM

:mad:

My new Toshiba 62HM94 was delivered today....DOA. When plugged in it came on briefly and then went out. Now all we have are red and green blinking lights.
We called Toshiba and they will send a new bulb but it will take 8 to 10 business days. We offered to pay for overnight shipping but they said they don't ship that way. We waited all this time and spent all that money and then end up with a set that doesn't work out of the box. I'm really bummed.

Trypt

12-23-04, 01:00 AM

That must suck, sorry to hear that. I wouldn't blame Toshiba (except for refusing to ship overnight), it was probably the delivery guys tossing the TV around. When mine was delivered, the two guys were basically playing catch with this thing, and just threw it into the elevator. At that point I took over and told them to just stand aside, didn't let them touch it. Hopefully the bulb is all that is wrong with your TV! Enjoy it when it comes.

whjeffs

12-23-04, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by SandmanX
Use a Damp cloth with some mild dish washing liquid (Like Ivory Soap). Just don't use anything that contains Amonia or Alcohol.

What will alcohol do to the screen? I was getting a lot of dust on my 52HMX94 especially on the clear cover over the black border. I found these Anti-Static cleaning wipes at WalMart made by Nice-Pak ( www.nicepak.com) that worked well. Here is what it says about them:

Safe and effective for use on: TV's, VCRs, Computers - including non-glare and laptops, keyboards, monitor screens, printers, scanners, video recorders, telephones, fax machines, and stereo equipment.
-Low alcohol formula is safe for most electronic surfaces
-Reduced dust and fog buildup
-Surfaces stay clean longer
-Leaves no residue
-Evaporates quickly
-Ammonia free
-Non-Abrasive

I have used them once so far on the screen and the border and they seem to be working very well at keeping dust off so I don't think I will have to use them very often. Before using them I was getting a lot of dust buildup daily. But is there any long-term problems with using them since they do contain some alcohol?

Jeff

BJMoose

12-23-04, 08:25 AM

Jeff,

Too much alcohol and ammonia (I stay away from these at as much as possible) can remove the shiny finish on plastic, leave stains similar to water stains on a shower door, and eat away at the coating of the TV screen. For non-glass surfaces like your TV, you can find at any store that sells laptop computers, static free cloths that are designed precisely for that purpose (a company named Kensington comes to mind). They may contain some kind of alcohol, but it is minimal.

For 'in between' cleaning, I use one of those static cling feather dusters and that seems to work fine. As with LCD monitors etc., try to keep from leaving fingerprints on the screen (difficult if you have young children). The oil from your fingers can embed itself into the screen material and be difficult to remove. They can be very distracting when watching TV because the oil causes the light to defract differently which can look like blur spots on the TV. Hope this helps.

Shaner1

12-23-04, 01:37 PM

Update on my problem with the HDMI input having the picture shifted to the left.

The service tech was out again today, this time I was home and showed him exactly what the problem was. The last time it was my wife and the guy only checked through component.

He called Toshiba and they said that they will send him a new HDMI module, hopefully this will fix it but I'm worried that it will give me the ghosting that others have. I'll update again once he comes out and installs the module.

I also showed him how the audio went out on the digital channels he was puzzled by this but took notes and is going to work with Toshiba on it. We can fix it by reseting the TV and maybe by just unplugging it which is what I'm going to try next.

I'll also post an update on this issue when I have one, just in case anyone else runs into these problems.

Boogie7910

12-23-04, 07:12 PM

Hey does 52HM94 have good PQ? Is it better than the Optoma RD50? Does it have HDCP?

Help, I need a TV soon.

Ragingbull2380

12-24-04, 12:56 AM

I just got my 52HM94 today and it's great. I also got the Panny S97 up-converting dvd player and the Panny SC-HT07 HTIB.

SmX

12-24-04, 01:35 AM

Originally posted by AkaStp
How about Windex - is that bad?

Windex has Ammonia from all the ones I used in the Past. These TV's are made out of Plastic. You have to treat Plastic like Acrylic and No Abrasive Cleaners should be used. I experienced this the hard way, I had an acrylic fish tank that my wife use to clean with an Ammonia based glass cleaner a couple times a week and it removed the Shine of the Acrylic (Plastic) after a month of using it. It looked as the tank had a unremovable fog on it. I had to hire a guy to come out and repolish the whole tank.

The Bottom line is, if it's not glass, don't use glass cleaner on it. You can buy special plastic spray cleaners by Novus at most Pet Stores and pool supply places like http://www.acrylicbirdcages.com/cleaning_supplies.htm to Clean and shine your Plastic TV if you want to be extreme. These cleaners also help keep dust away as well. But a Damp clean terry cloth with a small amount of diluted Ivory Soap will serve as well.

Also, stay away from using dry paper towels on your TV as well. Dry Paper towels are known for scratching plastic as well over time.

flyrealfast

12-25-04, 03:24 PM

Just saw a message asking about settings on the 8300 HDVR box limiting the "picture size" option on the Toshiba HDTV.

FWIW I have the 62HMX94 and I don't have the same problem - used the following setup procedure on the cable box:

- Turn off the power on the 8300 and the TV

- Push the two buttons on the left side of the display to enter setup mode (I'm not home at the moment, can't remember which two but I assume the cable guy showed you)

- Turn on the TV

- You should get a series of screens asking you if you can see the various HD content formats format and giving you the option to accept or deny each format

- Keep the ones that look OK, don't keep the others.

After this is complete, the cable box should auto-select the right format (depending on the content source), the TV should sync with the various content formats, and the 'picture size" control on the TV should work.

At least this worked for us, your milage may vary... Good luck!:)

flyrealfast

12-25-04, 03:56 PM

Hi folks,

Just got our 62HMX94 last week and wanted to share some feedback. What an amazing TV! This is our first true HDTV and our first experience with DLP - maybe they are all good sets but I must admit that my jaw dropped the first time I saw a real HD show on this TV - a tour of Jamaica on one of the HD Discovery channels in 1080i format. The vivid colors and clarity of the picture were unbelievable.

We're using the set with a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HDVR cable box and Toshiba DVD/VCR combo unit, HDMI connections to both. When changing channels on the cable box, the TV seems to sense the content format and adjust the picture size automatically, takes about 3-4 seconds when the format changes. The cable box has an indicator which shows the format of the content, sometimes the 720p format won't fill the whole screen so we just change the picture size selector on the TV and it's fixed. 720 and 1080 HDTV content are just amazing, while watching the footbal game the other day you could see the different sizes of grass maybe 1/4" or less in actual size sticking to the uniforms.... Unreal. Anyway it's highly recommended set in one man's opinion!

Now I'd like to hook-up a HTPC but the manual has numerous bold print warnings saying DO NOT CONNECT THIS TV TO A PC. Wonder why? Anyway, I need a recommendation on a compatible video card, component vs. DVI/HDMI connection, PC and TV settings, etc. Also would like to know which HTPC software would enable HDTV recording via the firewire ports, or any other useful applications with the firewire ports. All input is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Pat

Bill G

12-26-04, 07:44 AM

Originally posted by flyrealfast
Hi folks,

We're using the set with a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HDVR cable box and Toshiba DVD/VCR combo unit, HDMI connections to both.
Pat

What model Toshiba DVD-VCR combo are you using and does it upconvert the VCR side as well as DVD?

Bill G

Rudy1

12-26-04, 09:22 AM

Originally posted by AkaStp
How about Windex - is that bad?

Try the products at this URL: http://www.klearscreen.com/
I've used these for years and never had a problem. The cloths are ammonia and alcohol free, and do an excellent job of removing dust as well as preventing rapid buildup afterwards.

DanofNJ

12-26-04, 12:20 PM

Has anyone been using the Monster Brand cleaner on their screens? I just got my 52HMX92 and will need to clean at some point in the future.

Dan

tomcc

12-26-04, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by Shaner1
Update on my problem with the HDMI input having the picture shifted to the left.

The service tech was out again today, this time I was home and showed him exactly what the problem was. The last time it was my wife and the guy only checked through component.

He called Toshiba and they said that they will send him a new HDMI module, hopefully this will fix it but I'm worried that it will give me the ghosting that others have. I'll update again once he comes out and installs the module.

I also showed him how the audio went out on the digital channels he was puzzled by this but took notes and is going to work with Toshiba on it. We can fix it by reseting the TV and maybe by just unplugging it which is what I'm going to try next.

I'll also post an update on this issue when I have one, just in case anyone else runs into these problems.

Thanks for the update. Please let us know if the replacement HDMI module fix the ghosting. Thank again.

Shaner1

12-26-04, 09:52 PM

I don't have the ghosting, that's why I said I was worried that the ghosting will appear with the new module, that would be my luck. :)

flyrealfast

12-26-04, 11:09 PM

What model Toshiba DVD-VCR combo are you using and does it upconvert the VCR side as well as DVD?

Bill G

We have the SD-594, not sure about the VCR upconvert but I think it does.

Pat

simplyTron

12-27-04, 09:48 AM

Hey all,

This is my first post, I've been reading these forums for a couple months now and just received my 46HM84 last week. Here are my first thoughts/impressions:

HDTV:

Absolutely fantastic. I cannot wait until more programming is offerred in HD. I am hooked. Football never looked so good. This is my absolute favorite thing about this tv right now. You can truly tell the difference between material that is and isn't HD, even on the HD channels. I find myself watching programs on HDNet just because they're HD. I currently have it hooked up to the Scientific Atlanta HD8300 STB, connected via component cables. I haven't tried HDMI yet, but will probably in the near future (hopefully I don't encounter ghosting problems as others have). But there are no problems with component hookup, it looks great, and I have yet to make any adjustments to the TV.

SDTV/Cable:

I guess it's as good as can be expected. Cable isn't a quality signal so I'm not getting a quality picture, especially being blown up to the big screen. But I expected this from what I have read on here. I really don't spend too much time watching regular TV anymore, I usually watch something on the HD channels. Digital Cable channels are a bit better than standard channels, but still nothing fantastic. It really doesn't bother me though, I didn't buy this TV for SD viewing.

DVD:

I have a standard progressive scan DVD player hooked up via component. There's nothing fancy about the player, but DVD's look amazing. Not as good as HD, but right up there. Shrek 2 looked stunning on this set, as have the other DVD's I have watched. The combination of this TV with surround sound is a truly awesome experience when watching movies.

XBOX:

This is where I encountered my first negative with this TV. I set up my XBOX to accept all signals (480p, 720p, and 1080i). I also set it to view in wide screen. My XBOX is hooked up with the Hi Def Pack and component cables. The graphics looked very good, but I noticed some pretty severe "ghosting" on all the text displayed. It made all the words seem blurry and hard to read. (I also noticed some ghosting on my Digital Cable music channels, all the text on those channels had severe ghosting as well) However this morning I tried something before I left for work and it seemed to have cured the ghosting effect. I altered the settings in the XBOX to only use 1080i, and seleceted no for 480p and 720p. All the text appears clear now, but I really haven't had time to determine if this has affected the graphics or not. Has anyone else seen this ghosting issue with the XBOX?

Final Thoughts:

I like the set very much. I was considering returning it due to the ghosting issue on XBOX, as I like to do a lot of game playing. But since i seemed to have found a fix for it, I think I can deal with it. The only other thing I have noticed is that I have a small greenish blob that shows up along the bottom edge near center when it is displaying black. Do you think this is a problem that needs to be fixed by exchanging the set for a new one? I'm hoping it is nothing too serious, but I don't want to take any chances. Any help on this issue and the XBOX ghosting issue would be greatly appreciated.

GmasterB

12-27-04, 04:25 PM

How do you alter the settings on the XBOX??? I also have the HD hookups on my XBOX (component cables), along with a digital toslink cable for audio. Is there some sort of settings mode you enter on the XBOX itself? I don't remember seeing anything in the manual about changing settings to 1080i. Please explain how you did this, please, please, please!!

Lodey

12-27-04, 05:07 PM

Just turn on your xbox without a game in it, and go to display settings, and you can choose which inputs 480p, 720p, and 1080i your TV can display... easy as that.

GmasterB

12-27-04, 07:07 PM

Thanks. I messed around with it after I read Tron's post and got it all set up for Digital Audio and 480, 720 and 1080. Too bad the games only support 480, at least the games I have anyway. Anyone know of a game that is in 1080? I have several new games and they only support 480. :(

simplyTron

12-28-04, 08:43 AM

GMaster, glad you got it up and working. I don't really think there are too many games out there that are made higher than 480p. I think if you do a search on the forums here you might be able to find a list. I still seem to be having the problem of ghosting however when I activate the 480p option in the settings menu. If I just have 1080i set to yes, then there is no ghosting whatsoever. I feel though that since most games are in 480p, I'm losing some graphic quality by not having that option turned on. Has anyone else seen this kind of ghosting? I do believe I have the option to exchange the set due to the greenish spot that I have at the bottom of the set, do you think the ghosting might be a defect of the set as well? Thanks!

videobruce

12-28-04, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by flyrealfast
Now I'd like to hook-up a HTPC but the manual has numerous bold print warnings saying DO NOT CONNECT THIS TV TO A PC. Wonder why? Anyway, I need a recommendation on a compatible video card, component vs. DVI/HDMI connection, PC and TV settings, etc.Pat Unless something has changed in the past month or so, take a look back in this thread and you will see this TV is one, if not the worst for a PC monitor!

simplyTron; Hello neighbor and welcome to the forums. Do you plan on hooking your computer up to it?

simplyTron

12-28-04, 09:28 AM

Hey Bruce, wonderful weather we're having huh? haha. I don't really have any plans of hooking it up to my PC. HDTV, Gaming, and DVD's were the main reason for my purchase.

videobruce

12-28-04, 09:45 AM

In case any of you haven't seen it take a look here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=486365

zj4x4

12-28-04, 10:49 PM

All XBox games are required to support 480p. Check out www.xbox.com/en-us/expertguide/hdtv for a list of games that support higher resolutions. I have a couple that do 720p, and they look amazing (Amped 2 is a great example).

z

xb1032

12-29-04, 12:02 PM

Ghosting update. The HDMI module finally came in and after a snow delay in Cinci HH Gregg was able to come out and replace mine to try to correct the ghosting issue. Unfortunately, it didn't fix the issue. The HDMI module looked like nothing more than and HDMI connector that attached to a system board. HH Gregg will try again. Hopefully Toshiba will have an answer this time.

Lodey

12-29-04, 02:47 PM

Hi folks! I wanted to thank everyone here for all the great advice over the months, and had a couple questions now that my 52HMX84 is "burned in" and comfortable in my home.

Two things I notice, which I know have been discussed off and on here:

1. Light grey textures appear pinkish - this is very noticeable in the form of clouds or dust clouds - pinkish hue.
2. Blue banding - watching movies or HDTV, anytime they show sky that is 1/2 or more of the screen, you can see very bad blue banding.

Can someone recommend setting tweaks to minimize this or get rid of it?

After 2 months, a few comments:

Love the TV, and actually, the rainbows have lessened as I got used to the screen, and I don't notice them quite as much anymore. The picture is great, and I love the look of it, and am starting to not be too bothered by the clay faces/textures that occur anytime there is a camera pan.

I think for a 52" HD picture, the rainbows, crappy SD [SD not on HD channels], blue banding, claymation, and some pink hues on grey are worth the glory.

Thanks for your help!

tomcc

12-29-04, 03:23 PM

Ad-Rok

12-29-04, 05:28 PM

Hi All,

I think I posted this to the wrong thread, but here are my first 52HM84 impressions and HTPC plans. Thoughts / advice on HTPC setup and/or calibration specific to our Toshibas would be much appreciated.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4885407#post4885407

Best,
Adam

KC38

12-30-04, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by xb1032
Ghosting update. The HDMI module finally came in and after a snow delay in Cinci HH Gregg was able to come out and replace mine to try to correct the ghosting issue. Unfortunately, it didn't fix the issue. The HDMI module looked like nothing more than and HDMI connector that attached to a system board. HH Gregg will try again. Hopefully Toshiba will have an answer this time.

After two months, the local technician told me that Toshiba has informed them the cause of the issue. They have to wait for an updated card from Toshiba and the card is not available until mid February.

I dropped by a local store with 62HM94 and 62HM84 on display. Both models have the same ghost issue. By the side of these two models is a Mit62725 with the same problem. The Sony LCD and Samsung DLP are better. I guess the incumbent digital models from Sony and Samsung has improved. The smaller 52" models are definitely better than the 62" models. I think the warning of not using the TV as a PC monitor is related to this issue. They might have a fix later.

I found that the Samsung HD941 is now available last week and I bought one. The PQ is better than Sony and LG and is comparable to the more expensive Denon 2610. I recommend this DVD player. Unless I pay close attention, the ghosting problem is not very noticeable with HDMI input and 0 sharpness.

At the same resolution, the component inputs has about the same PQ as HDMI inputs. But all the up-covert DVD player would not send out higher resolution data through component because of copyright. The HDMI input is the only way to go for future DVD players. Toshiba must fix this problem or their price would continue to drop more than others.

--Sclaws

12-30-04, 12:22 PM

If there's any way you can post specific details to what this card is and what it does, that may help the rest of us explain to local Toshiba techs what the problem is and how to resolve it.

Victor Nowik

12-30-04, 01:33 PM

>>After two months, the local technician told me that Toshiba has informed >>them the cause of the issue. They have to wait for an updated card from >>Toshiba and the card is not available until mid February.

KC38...you are the Man. Excellent Work!!! If this indeed fixes the
PC input issue your persistent efforts will bring joy to many!!!
Way to go!! Please Keep us Informed.

Victor

Ad-Rok

12-30-04, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by KC38
After two months, the local technician told me that Toshiba has informed them the cause of the issue. They have to wait for an updated card from Toshiba and the card is not available until mid February.

WOW, this is BIG news. Combined with the recent review of the 52HM84 in the Perfect Vision in which Randy Tomlinson says that Toshiba was "concerned he might have a defective HDMI port" and SENT HIM A NEW TV, I think we can safely assume that Toshiba's July 16 2004 firmware has HDMI processing errors that they know about, and have since fixed via a new "card" or "flash" with better software code on it.

Quick update on my rig:

I calibrated my settings per the Avia settings posts from above, with Sharpness around 25 (factory setting was 50) and this reduced DVD artifacting heavily.

I am typing this on my 52HM84 as I speak in the so-called "native" resolution that my ATI Radeon 9800 card detected and set for it, 1280 x 720 @ 60Hz, and I can't even see the taskbar at all. Overscan is enormous. Text looks blurry, "ghosting" and false shadowing all over. I had to shrink my browser window to type this. I am furious that I only found out this would happen after I opened the box and read the "flyer."

However, when I fire up Zoom player using AnyDVD with Dscaler for processing and ffdshow thrown in there (no idea if it's working), and switch to fullscreen, the DVD output looks AMAZING. That's right, I have a HOME-BUILT UPCONVERTING DVD PLAYER going into my HDMI port. When I switch the resolution via ATI's Catalyst drivers to 1080i, it looks EVEN BETTER! So I'm pretty confident that when I get my MyHD-120 card the HDTV picture will look equally as stunning, per Victor's comments.

But, I DEFINITELY would like to get any new Toshiba "card" or "firmware update" that could fix this overscan issue and make the desktop appear usable, per the comments in the main Tosh thread. There is simply no reason to have a near-$3k TV not handle PC output decently.

My dilemma is, do I live with not using this thing for PC gaming etc. (not a big deal) and hope for an HDMI interface fix from Toshiba, or do I return it and wait for something better when this HDMI interface has been fixed in the firmware that drives it?

Opinions welcome...

Best,
Adam

Neo42

12-30-04, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by Ad-Rok
WOW, this is BIG news. Combined with the recent review of the 52HM84 in the Perfect Vision in which Randy Tomlinson says that Toshiba was "concerned he might have a defective HDMI port" and SENT HIM A NEW TV, I think we can safely assume that Toshiba's July 16 2004 firmware has HDMI processing errors that they know about, and have since fixed via a new "card" or "flash" with better software code on it.

Quick update on my rig:

I calibrated my settings per the Avia settings posts from above, with Sharpness around 25 (factory setting was 50) and this reduced DVD artifacting heavily.

I am typing this on my 52HM84 as I speak in the so-called "native" resolution that my ATI Radeon 9800 card detected and set for it, 1280 x 720 @ 60Hz, and I can't even see the taskbar at all. Overscan is enormous. Text looks blurry, "ghosting" and false shadowing all over. I had to shrink my browser window to type this. I am furious that I only found out this would happen after I opened the box and read the "flyer."

However, when I fire up Zoom player using AnyDVD with Dscaler for processing and ffdshow thrown in there (no idea if it's working), and switch to fullscreen, the DVD output looks AMAZING. That's right, I have a HOME-BUILT UPCONVERTING DVD PLAYER going into my HDMI port. When I switch the resolution via ATI's Catalyst drivers to 1080i, it looks EVEN BETTER! So I'm pretty confident that when I get my MyHD-120 card the HDTV picture will look equally as stunning, per Victor's comments.

But, I DEFINITELY would like to get any new Toshiba "card" or "firmware update" that could fix this overscan issue and make the desktop appear usable, per the comments in the main Tosh thread. There is simply no reason to have a near-$3k TV not handle PC output decently.

My dilemma is, do I live with not using this thing for PC gaming etc. (not a big deal) and hope for an HDMI interface fix from Toshiba, or do I return it and wait for something better when this HDMI interface has been fixed in the firmware that drives it?

Opinions welcome...

Best,
Adam

Adam.. this is another Adam (heheh). Sadly I must say, that if I had the power to go back in time, I would DEFINATELY return my 52HM84 and buy something else.. perhaps not a DLP.

I am upset about paying so much for something that does so little. Digital TV? What a sham! if you can't do 1-to-1 pixel from a PC then you have no direct control over the 'internal' pixelization. Aside from the overscanning (which effectively means taking your PC signal, analog-izing it, then digitizing it again after blowing it up), the HDMI input is a joke. Does anyone else realize that the TV is overscanning all of your material? unless your player has overscan compensation, all your material is overscanned. I guess I am the only one bothered by this.

If you really want to use a PC, try looking for a TV with an RGB input.

-A

jesyjames

12-30-04, 04:43 PM

These boards are a marvelous thing. I read enough good stuff to order a 46hm84, will show up Tuesday. And since I didn't stop reading, I've now read enough bad stuff to regret the decision and it's hasn't even shown up yet :P

I have two questions-- this ghosting thing-- it sounds like it was a problem with earlier models and has potentially been fixed on current models? I read something about a July firmware up above.. Is there hope for my set to not be "ghosting" through the HDMI? Bought it through onecall. And say it does ghost, how bad is it? Is it like playing a fps shooter on a high ms response time lcd?

Relating to that, I'm strongly considering the Sony 975 DVD player. It seems like such a bad idea though if the HDMI port ghosts and there will be a 15 percent desaturation in green from the dvd player. Any experience with this player on this tv? I currently have a two year old Sony progressive scan model(about $99 bucks) and am wondering if there is any benefit to getting one of these upscaling players. My brain says "the tv upscales anyway and probably better" but then you get these posts where people say "amazing, almost looks like true HD" and I start thinking I need it. If not the sony player, do you have another recommendation?

Also, since it's "curb side" delivery.. what are the odds my wife and I can carry it in the door by ourselves?

Victor Nowik

12-30-04, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by jesyjames
These boards are a marvelous thing. I read enough good stuff to order a 46hm84, will show up Tuesday. And since I didn't stop reading, I've now read enough bad stuff to regret the decision and it's hasn't even shown up yet :P

I have two questions-- this ghosting thing-- it sounds like it was a problem with earlier models and has potentially been fixed on current models? I read something about a July firmware up above.. Is there hope for my set to not be "ghosting" through the HDMI? Bought it through onecall. And say it does ghost, how bad is it? Is it like playing a fps shooter on a high ms response time lcd?

Relating to that, I'm strongly considering the Sony 975 DVD player. It seems like such a bad idea though if the HDMI port ghosts and there will be a 15 percent desaturation in green from the dvd player. Any experience with this player on this tv? I currently have a two year old Sony progressive scan model(about $99 bucks) and am wondering if there is any benefit to getting one of these upscaling players. My brain says "the tv upscales anyway and probably better" but then you get these posts where people say "amazing, almost looks like true HD" and I start thinking I need it. If not the sony player, do you have another recommendation?

Also, since it's "curb side" delivery.. what are the odds my wife and I can carry it in the door by ourselves?

As for as making the right decision.....well you did read this thread and we
did bring up the problems with HDMI (me being the first). I too got it from
onecall and could not return. This situation helped me to concentrate on
the better aspectes of the display and find workarounds for the rest.
One thing you will not ever regret is the looks of a high quality HD signal on
your screen...almost everyone agrees there.

As for games...it boils down to
1. How picky you are.
2. How close you sit to the screen.

From reading inbetween the lines....and seeing some of the pictures
submitted in the ghosting thread it seems like the bigger the screen
the worse the ghosting. With your small screen version...hope for the best.
I have only seen some slight ghosting (HD tivo over composite) and then
only when very close to the screen and only when I am really looking for it.

As far as carying it in...I (and the very friendly Fedex guy) carried my
52hm84 in with no problem. You should have much less problem.

Victor

eze88

12-30-04, 05:55 PM

Hello All

I have the Toshiba 46HM84 and trying to get my Denon 1910 DVD player to work throught the HDMI port.

I plugged in the cable (DVI to HDMI), turned on the TV then turned on the DVD player and selected the DVI option on the player. Next swithched to the HDMI input on the TV and nothing. The screen blinks back and forth but no images.

The DVD player works with componet cables. I have shut down both - started the TV then the DVD player. Same results.

My big problem is I don't know if it's the TV, DVD player or Radio Shack cable.:(

Thanks for any input

sharonf

12-30-04, 06:07 PM

I am unfamiliar with firmware on televisions. If the firmware needs to be updated, how will we know and how is it done?

Ragingbull2380

12-30-04, 09:01 PM

I have the 52HM94 and use the HDMI input with my Panasonic S97 (has HDMI output and comes w/cable) up converting DVD player and I see no ghosting at all.

sharonf

12-30-04, 09:35 PM

Has anyone hooked up their set to the Motorola 6208 DVR using the DVI connection on the Motorola box and a HMDI-to-DVI adapter cable from the HMDI connection on the TV? I'm wondering how the picture looks when connected that way as compared to using components.:confused:

Lodey

12-31-04, 12:09 PM

I have the 52HMX84 and use the HDMI input with my Panasonic S97 (has HDMI output and comes w/cable) up converting DVD player and I see no ghosting at all.

sharonf

12-31-04, 12:46 PM

Can anyone point me to some information and diagrams for connecting video components to get the whole kit and caboodle to work together with this TV? Besides the Toshiba 62HM94, we have a new Yamaha Rx-V2500 receiver, Onix Rocket speakers, a Motorola 6208 DVR, an older JVC VCR and a Toshiba DVD player that is a few years old. All of the manuals have conflicting information regarding the connections and we are having difficulty getting everything to work together the way that they should. We finally got the DVd player to work but then when we switched to regular TV we just got snow on the screen so obviously we are doing something wrong. To complicate matters the TV will only stay on for a short period before turning off . Our set was apparently damaged during shipment and it arrived with a small crack in one corner of the speakers and a damaged bulb. Luckily the store is sending us a replacement set since this one was damaged in shipment, but we are trying to figure out how to get everything set up now so we'll be ready when the new set gets here.

twocanucks

12-31-04, 03:55 PM

Originally posted by Ad-Rok
WOW, this is BIG news. Combined with the recent review of the 52HM84 in the Perfect Vision in which Randy Tomlinson says that Toshiba was "concerned he might have a defective HDMI port" and SENT HIM A NEW TV, I think we can safely assume that Toshiba's July 16 2004 firmware has HDMI processing errors that they know about, and have since fixed via a new "card" or "flash" with better software code on it.

Quick update on my rig:

I calibrated my settings per the Avia settings posts from above, with Sharpness around 25 (factory setting was 50) and this reduced DVD artifacting heavily.

I am typing this on my 52HM84 as I speak in the so-called "native" resolution that my ATI Radeon 9800 card detected and set for it, 1280 x 720 @ 60Hz, and I can't even see the taskbar at all. Overscan is enormous. Text looks blurry, "ghosting" and false shadowing all over. I had to shrink my browser window to type this. I am furious that I only found out this would happen after I opened the box and read the "flyer."

However, when I fire up Zoom player using AnyDVD with Dscaler for processing and ffdshow thrown in there (no idea if it's working), and switch to fullscreen, the DVD output looks AMAZING. That's right, I have a HOME-BUILT UPCONVERTING DVD PLAYER going into my HDMI port. When I switch the resolution via ATI's Catalyst drivers to 1080i, it looks EVEN BETTER! So I'm pretty confident that when I get my MyHD-120 card the HDTV picture will look equally as stunning, per Victor's comments.

But, I DEFINITELY would like to get any new Toshiba "card" or "firmware update" that could fix this overscan issue and make the desktop appear usable, per the comments in the main Tosh thread. There is simply no reason to have a near-$3k TV not handle PC output decently.

My dilemma is, do I live with not using this thing for PC gaming etc. (not a big deal) and hope for an HDMI interface fix from Toshiba, or do I return it and wait for something better when this HDMI interface has been fixed in the firmware that drives it?

Opinions welcome...

Best,
Adam

Hi all...
Does anybody have the results from "The Perfect Vision"
article comparing the Sony with the Toshi? Who won?

Also, do I now have to wait untill mid Feb for a "ghost" fix?
Tkx.

xb1032

12-31-04, 06:34 PM

Grrreeeeatt. Now I have a problem. I mentioned earlier that my HDMI module was replaced. Right before this happened I returned my ATI ALL IN WONDER 9800 and got another because a new ALL IN WONDER may be out soon. I just tried using it last night and now using a DVI-> DHMI adapter, my PC detects my TV as a 1920*540 display instead of a 1280*720 display as it did before. Now everything is squeezed together and my games say my native resolution is 540p instead of 720p. Now the question is did the update screw things up or is it the video card? Since I had this issue I used the component connection and it works well however my display settings output differently from what actual game resolutions display. As mentioned earlier I can use 1700*1000 (not exactly sure what the exact resolution was) and get almost the whole desktop on the screen. I then set my display to 1920*1080i and popped in NBA Live 2005 and set the game to 1280*1024 and it looks awesome. However, about a third of the bottom half of the screen is cut off. I can't even see the score displayed. Not sure if this is going to work or not. I now noticed that I have a slight bow on my TV. the upped left hand corner bows up. This is partially because the tilt is off. If someone could get into the service menu we could probably correct some of the overscan. If I ring up the THX video settings (on any THX certified DVd like all the Disney Pixar movies have), if I view the screen geometry test with the circle surrounded by 2 squares, I lose the left line of the outer square on both 4:3 and 16:9 tests. It'd be nice if someone could get into the SM.

Shaner1

12-31-04, 07:40 PM

Does anyone else have the problem with the screen being off center through HDMI like I do?

An easy way to see this is to load up any movie with the old THX opening that has the text inside a blue box. Or go into the THX video optimizer menu and look at the 16:9 test screen.

The picture is shifted to the left on mine, you can really tell with the THX stuff. Especially when I switch it back and forth from HDMI to component. Component is centered fine.

sc0ri0n

12-31-04, 07:43 PM

Hi All,

I've just bought my 52HM84 from BestBuy near to my house in Rutherford,NJ for $2500. I've been on these forums for just 3 days and started with Samsung. Hearing all these light engine/bulb problems really turned me off.

Then I moved to JVC D-ILA. I've seen that even the most JVC fanatics respected Toshiba and after reading tons of messages I decided to go with Toshiba.

I was not decided if I should go with HM94 or should settle for HM84 but as tuner is not really necessary for me, and it was difficult to locate a large dealer with HM94 model, I went for HM84.

As anyone in NY/NJ area would not, B&H & J&R provided the least expensive prices (2350 & 2300 respectively). However, B&H could not really convince me with their Extended Warranty. The guy I talked on the phone had no idea what was covered. J&R claimed that they could provide it but did not have it in the store.

So, I printed out these and visited 3 local Buys & a Sears store. Best Buy guys would not match the price. Sears said they could match the price mentioned + the shipment. Ie. something around 2420. Circuit City or CompUSa does not have it and 6th Ave. had a very high price. To make the long story short, I dediced to go 1 of the best buys (1 of the others offered to match 2420, and the other to take of 10% off 2800). What I learnt is that it all depends on the Sales Manager. If they do not want to match the price, they simply say no.

I've also purchased the stand for 300 & Extended 4 yrs warranty for 4 yrs. NOW, question for people here. Do I REALLY need the stand? I already have a wooden stand that it mobile and I like it that I can move it around a little bit if I want.

Is the Toshiba stand needed! I remember someone mentioning that it was necessary for ventilation(?). Is it advised?

Thank you all for sharing your experiences!
Adil

dtomlinson

12-31-04, 08:24 PM

Adil,
Other than the Toshiba stand physically matching the set, I know of no reason not to use another stand you like better. As long as the stand is substantial enough to hold the weight, you should be fine. I do find that my 62HMX94 is a bit top heavy and tips pretty easily on the rolling stand I bought from Ikea, so be careful when you roll the set.

GmasterB

12-31-04, 08:26 PM

I don't use the Toshiba stand, I went to Ikea and bought a stand from there for ~140. Fits the tv perfectly (it's 42 inches across) and has 4 spots for my DVD player, DVR player, Xbox and receiver.

sc0ri0n

12-31-04, 10:08 PM

This is good news! I really like the stand I have so, I guess I'll keep it for the time being.

Please forgive my anxiety, I'm sure this has been replied but I would really appreciate if someone could suggest what kind of cables would be suggested for best quality to connect my DVD player and Comcast HD box.

I've called Comcast and learnt that I am not gonna pay anything extra for HD box as I am already a Digital+ subscriber. However, she could not tell me if they will also give me any cables with the box to hook it up.

Thanks,
Adil

jescobar

01-01-05, 05:53 AM

I just connected the HDMI cable, and I have no sound on HD channels, the others aren fine, I am using Directv HD DVR on 1080i and the tv on natural. If anyone have an idea about that kind of problem?

Shaner1

01-01-05, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by jescobar
I just connected the HDMI cable, and I have no sound on HD channels, the others aren fine, I am using Directv HD DVR on 1080i and the tv on natural. If anyone have an idea about that kind of problem?

Try shutting the TV off, wait for the green light to become solid (full shutdown). Then unplug it, wait a few seconds, plug it back in and turn it on when the green light is solid again.

If I leave my TV on a digital station and shut it off, when I turn it back on I have no sound to the digital stations. I get sound to the analog cable stations and analog OTA stations but not the OTA digital stations. So I have to make sure I have the TV on an analog station when I turn it off.

I have the 52HMX94 and am getting the digital / HD stations through a Silver Sensor antenna.

Hope this helps.

mjensen

01-02-05, 08:50 PM

I have been reading this forum for at least 6 months trying to pick up on any information that might guide me to the "right"choice in RPTV. First let me say that the information on this forum has been amazingly helpful. It has steered me away from some poor choices and towards some good ones too.

I have been looking around for about 8 months. As of 2 months ago i was about to buy the Sony 42" LCD although the screen door effect really bothered me. The problem I faced was finding a good selection of tv's in the same store with appropriate broadcast material. After speaking to several reputable e-sellers and viewing all of the models that met my criteria, I decided on the Toshiba 46HM94 (build date end Oct '04) from oneCall (curbside delivery). Could have gotten it slightly cheaper, but wanted an authorized dealer, and liked the 3yr $189 warranty (with 50% back if not used). My choice of 46" was based on comfort level for my 9 foot viewing distance. I have HDTV through RCN, with a Motorola 6280 DVR/cable box.

After setting up the TV and using THX optimiser (on Star Wars 1) the picture on SD was pretty crappy, but the first time I hooked up a DVD (component) my purchase was justified. HD (1080i) via component looks spectacular. Just a note, even calibration with the THX optimiser made a significant difference. I cannot believe how amazingly vivid but realistic the colors are, the detail is rather incredible too. This TV really is very good with good feeds. Funny thing though, you become acutely aware of variations in "HD" recording quality with this TV. Ironically, Hogan's heroes remastered in HD look better than some of the broadcast's sent out by the networks. I have not had any ghosting, no green hue problem, dark "crush" etc.. I have seen the rainbows only once ( i think it has more to do with the recording and the fatigue state of my eyes), and have noted only slight pixelation on "poorer" HD recording with rapid panning of the camera.

When I hook up my Apple Powerbook to the Toshiba via DVI to HDMI I get harldy any overscan ( I can read my top menu and pop-up dock on the bottom. The picture is pretty good set at 1280x720, text is average but readable, but I prefer the 23" Apple Cinema Display. Gaming on the Toshiba (Call of Duty, Medal of Honor) is quite good with no delay and rather high quality image. Also for those wondering, it is quiet. I do not hear the fans at all, although I live in NYC with rather elevated backgroud noise.

Of the complaints mentioned on this board, I do have a faint milky white vertical bar about 3" width down the center of the screen that disappears when the TV is on. My TV guide service also has not captured any data despite variations with cable box, direct antenna connection to TV, etc... I am working on this. Interestingly, horizontal viewing angles are very good. Vertically however, the screen darkens at a smaller angle when rising up above the TV than when lowering (people laying on the carpet can still see without change, standing up causes it to darken). This makes getting a TV stand that is a little too high much less critical than one that sits too low. Also despite proving that my HDMI port works (via laptop), as does the DVI-HDMI adapter, my Motorola 6280 DVI port is giving me problems ie. it doesn't work. Once or twice by repeatedly unplugging and plugging it back in the picture would show up, but as soon as the input was change (to DVD for example) or the TV turned off, it no longer works. As an aside, I saw no appreciable amelioration of the picture with DVI over component, although it certainly looked no worse ( no ghosting, no softening, no change in colors...) I have had the cable company over several times and they have no idea. Under the motorola box service menu (d11) the DVI is disabled, RCN claims it is working, the cable guy says DVI doesn't carry HD signals (what a load of crap!). Needless to say RCN can't help me out here. I am trying to get in touch with Motorola. Anyone with some advice? Just for the info, current cable cards in this area are still one-way devices, thus precluding the use of pay-per-view/VOD services and recording DV. Also I like the DVR in my box until Tivo decides to wake up and build an HD Tivo.

All of the above I can really live with. When I purchased this TV i knew that the technology was still new and that there would be compromises. I just wanted to get into HD early and have a big screen TV (relatively of course). I really have no regrets about this TV, I love the picture (check out Jay Leno, Wow!), it seems well built and the guides are well laid out. I am a little dissapointed in the SD picture as I still watch a fair amount (can't wait for all HD content in 10+ years). Some channels are not bad, some are unwatchable. Of note, with the cable hooked straight into Ant 1, the picture is noticeably better than through the cable box, via component cables to the TV. Go figure!

Anyway sorry to ramble, hope this helps someone else on the fence about the Toshiba. I love it and have absolutely no regrets about the TV. The key to spending 8 months tearing your hair out and driving your wife nut, is that you feel satisfied and justified with your purchase. Most of my issues are inherent to the early state of this technology, not the TV itself.
Thanks for all the info, any further suggestions are always welcome.
Mike

DanofNJ

01-03-05, 09:49 AM

Just wanted to drop everyone a note on my 52HMX94. I have had no problems with it so far (3 weeks), no ghosting and picture is terrific. I will not use it with my computer. I had quite an argument with the cable company re: cable card and dvr being hooked up at the same time. It WORKS fine. Picture from cable is far superior with the cable card, with some SD TV looking almost -but not quite- HD. Of course HD is wonderful and DVD's with HDMI hookup are terrific with Toshiba SD 5970. I now use the POP on regular cable to see channels, then switch to Cablecard for the show.

No complaints so far. In a previous post, I was wondering what screen cleaner people are using. I have "Monster" screen cleaning kit but haven't had to use it so far.

Dan

mcoughlin

01-03-05, 10:17 AM

Hey DanofNJ...

You really see a difference in using the cable card vs. the cablebox huh?
I have a Comcast DVR and have not bit the bullet yet but am drooling over the Toshiba DLP's. I am interested more so in the 52hmx84 but if the cablecard makes that much difference in PQ I may change my mind.

You mentioned that you used the POP for the channels..you were referring to using the CableBox for the guide right? Than swapped over to watch that channel? I have read there are guide issues with the card right now.

I think that would be fine if I was the only one using the TV. Wow what a concept! That wouldn't work with my wife though...or my kids to have to swap over to see the guide.

Anyhow let me know if you were using a HD box when using the comparison.

Thanks,

Mitch

meps1968

01-03-05, 12:11 PM

Looking to Calibrate my 52 Toshiba DLP...Any rules of thumb to go by?

mafoo

01-03-05, 09:12 PM

Has anyone who has posted on problems w/ TV Guide (dsr15, whjeffs, dtomlinson, et. al.) had any luck in getting issues resolved (ie. firmware update of some kind)?

Has anyone had TV Guide working consistently?

I had listings at one time, but none lately. I'll probably return the Symbio if this isn't cleaned up soon. For someone like me who was weaned on Tivo's version of DVR, this TV guide interface is like going back to the dark ages!

DanofNJ

01-03-05, 11:19 PM

Hi Mcoughlin,

Yes, the Cablecard absolutely makes a huge difference..well worth the extra money. I'm still trying to get the TV Guide to work, but I'm to far from NYC (Empire State Building) to get a signal in south Jersey. I really recommend the Cablecard option if it is in the budget.

Yes, switching back and forth is a bit of an issue, but I can manage that for now. I may just go for printed TV guide and deal with it that way in the future. I do have the listings if I use the Scientific Atlantis DVR...

BTW, when the cable guy came to give me the card (he didn't know how to install it himself on the set..lol, he said that Comcast told him to forget even trying if it was a Panny, they don't work with comcast cable card system, so we all have one up on the Panny at the moment.

Regards,

Dan

GmasterB

01-04-05, 12:01 AM

My TV Guide works just fine. It took about 4 days to populate on regular broadcast (TV antenna), and 1 day to populate when I got cable. It's been working ever since, with no hiccups. I've had my 52hm94 for about a month now...

kriore

01-04-05, 03:49 AM

I am not sure if this has already been mentioned in this thread. Anyways, I found that if you hit '9' on the remote after entering service menu, the TV runs a self test on all inputs and ports. It then shows if anything is obviously wrong and lots of other info. The total lamp hours is also displayed. Hope this helps.

There's lots of cool stuff in the service manual CD of this TV. I tried to get my hands on it from the tech who came to repair my TV. He would not give it saying that Toshiba would fire him if they knew about it.

whjeffs

01-04-05, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by mafoo
Has anyone who has posted on problems w/ TV Guide (dsr15, whjeffs, dtomlinson, et. al.) had any luck in getting issues resolved (ie. firmware update of some kind)?

Has anyone had TV Guide working consistently?

I had listings at one time, but none lately. I'll probably return the Symbio if this isn't cleaned up soon. For someone like me who was weaned on Tivo's version of DVR, this TV guide interface is like going back to the dark ages!

I'm still having problems with mine. It works for awhile then it loses all the listings AND the channels listed in the guide. I get "There is no data" on the guide and have to go through the setup process all over again. Last time I did this was over a week ago and I went out of town for a week so it was off but plugged in the whole time and never loaded any info. So I ran the setup again and the next day I had the channel lists back after choosing my cable provider but still waiting to load listings again. I do not have a cablecard yet but I am running the cable directly into ANT1 and also it is split to the cable box which is connected via component for my premium channels for now.

I wish they would get these problems resolved. I want to buy a Symbio but it will be useless to me if the guide doesn't work. I haven't been in contact with Toshiba about this yet since I expect to get a cablecard sometime this month and I will see what happens with it after I have that. I am anticipating a lot of problems with getting the cablecard to work right as others have experienced but I am hoping it can all be worked out.

Technology has become such a love/hate relationship!

Jeff

dsr15

01-04-05, 09:37 AM

My problem with the TV Guide On Screen is that it has never populated. I was told by Sharon (Toshiba CSR) that it should automatically download a fix sometime in the last 1/2 of December. Well, that has come and gone and it still doesn't work. Time to get her back on the horn...

dsr

tboo

01-04-05, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by dsr15
My problem with the TV Guide On Screen is that it has never populated. I was told by Sharon (Toshiba CSR) that it should automatically download a fix sometime in the last 1/2 of December. Well, that has come and gone and it still doesn't work. Time to get her back on the horn...

dsr

The TVguide on my 52hmx94 works great-all my channels are present & accounted for

sharonf

01-04-05, 11:59 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by whjeffs
I do not have a cablecard yet but I am running the cable directly into ANT1 and also it is split to the cable box which is connected via component for my premium channels for now.

Is there supposed to be a splitter between the TV and cable box to run the cable into each? We're still trying to figure out the best way to hook everything up. Every manual (TV, Cable box, Receiver) has conflicting instructions.

mcoughlin

01-04-05, 12:08 PM

Thanks DanofNJ...

I will have to make up my mind whether to spend the extra bucks on the cablecard when the time comes to shell out the dough.

It seems there are still issues with it so its hard to spend the extra when you cant be sure it will work.

Mitch

JohnnyHardware

01-04-05, 01:51 PM

Hello all! I am a fist time poster and 52HM84 owner. I have had this unit for about 3 weeks now and I am totally blown away with the picture that this TV can produce. With that said, I have one issue that I find quite distracting. From an earlier post from another forum member whose name I have forgotten (sorry):

************************************
1. Light grey textures appear pinkish - this is very noticeable in the form of clouds or dust clouds - pinkish hue.

Can someone recommend setting tweaks to minimize this or get rid of it?
**************************************

I too have experienced this and have gone through 4 DVD players trying to mitigate this issue as it only seems to be prevalent from that source. I have tried a couple of HDMI up-scaler players, one component progressive and my original component interlaced player. All have basically the same issue to varying degrees.

Does anyone know the source of this pink/purple tone to grey textures? is this strictly something that can be removed by tweaking the TV settings or is there a larger problem here?

Regards!

sc0ri0n

01-04-05, 03:00 PM

Comcast technician installed the Motorola 6200 HD box today. I was very excited so I forgot to ask him what he said the input types to.

I've seen him pressing some keys to go to a menu. After he left I actually found out that he was shutting down the cable and pressing OK/Select to bring up the hidden menu.

In that menu, I browsed to User Settings Status. Current settings are below:
TV Type: 16:9
YPbPr Output: 1080i
4:3 Override: 480i
Closed Caption: Disabled.
Everything else: Auto

Are these the correct settings. I recall some people mentioning that some output should be set to 1080i and then TV would convert it to, I guess, 720p which would produce better results than upconverting from 480i. I am not sure if I need to change that Override to something else. Of course, the other problem is that I can view the options but I can not change them! It looks like they are locked.

2nd question is about splitting the cable. Currently, my cable connection is split into 2, 1 for internet and 1 for HDTV. My wife is nagging me to split it to 3 so that we can hook up the other TV. Cable guy told me that anytime we split, we lose 5db but I can not make sense of that figure. What is the total db for an unsplit cable connection? Is the loss going to effect he quality big time? Is there anyway to avoid losing quality while splitting?

Thanks a lot
Adil

Ad-Rok

01-04-05, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by Neo42
Adam.. this is another Adam (heheh). Sadly I must say, that if I had the power to go back in time, I would DEFINATELY return my 52HM84 and buy something else.. perhaps not a DLP.

I am upset about paying so much for something that does so little. Digital TV? What a sham! if you can't do 1-to-1 pixel from a PC then you have no direct control over the 'internal' pixelization. Aside from the overscanning (which effectively means taking your PC signal, analog-izing it, then digitizing it again after blowing it up), the HDMI input is a joke. Does anyone else realize that the TV is overscanning all of your material? unless your player has overscan compensation, all your material is overscanned. I guess I am the only one bothered by this.

If you really want to use a PC, try looking for a TV with an RGB input.
-A

Hi Adam! Thanks for your input. As I posted in the "What's inside" thread, I have finally decided to return my 52HM84, as the PQ over HDMI is just unacceptable, especially via PC but I've lately found that even HDTV or DVD are not too hot either. This one is going back and I am going to seriously consider the Sony 50" XS-series LCD RPTV even though it has a non-standard native resolution. Wish I could afford a pure LCD but I can't, and I think Plasma stinks, so it's back to square one.

Thanks for your help!

Best,
Other Adam ;-)

Carbo

01-04-05, 03:25 PM

What is the difference between the Toshiba 62HM84 and Toshiba 62HMX84?

Outside of cosmetic differences and the inputs, is there any difference underneath in the parts? That would make a difference picture wise? I don't care about sound wise because I will probably never use the speakers.

sc0ri0n

01-04-05, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by Carbo
What is the difference between the Toshiba 62HM84 and Toshiba 62HMX84?

Outside of cosmetic differences and the inputs, is there any difference underneath in the parts? That would make a difference picture wise? I don't care about sound wise because I will probably never use the speakers.

I can not submit urls here so, a few pages back (post#4551443 - Page 25) There is a comparison. Have a look at it.

Adil

meps1968

01-05-05, 12:10 AM

What is the native resolution on the Toshiba DLP 52HM84?

Is there any adujustments that I should make to the TV settings or does the TV adjust automatically?

Thanks,

Meps 1968 in Oakville

David Scott

01-05-05, 02:46 AM

Originally posted by Carbo
What is the difference between the Toshiba 62HM84 and Toshiba 62HMX84?

Outside of cosmetic differences and the inputs, is there any difference underneath in the parts? That would make a difference picture wise? I don't care about sound wise because I will probably never use the speakers.

The main difference is two hdmi inputs instead of one

David Scott

01-05-05, 02:46 AM

Originally posted by Carbo
What is the difference between the Toshiba 62HM84 and Toshiba 62HMX84?

Outside of cosmetic differences and the inputs, is there any difference underneath in the parts? That would make a difference picture wise? I don't care about sound wise because I will probably never use the speakers.

The main difference is two hdmi inputs instead of one

simplyTron

01-05-05, 01:16 PM

Does anyone have any updates or info on possible tweaks that can be made via the service menu? I know at the beginning of this thread a few people were exploring it, but never posted any findings. I'm also curious if there is any settings in the service menu to change the grey side bars to black?

CosmoVI

01-05-05, 03:20 PM

Brand new member, here. This thread has been a Godsend. Thanks for all of the excellent opinions and info. I'll be pulling the trigger on a new 52HM94 in the near future and will pair it with Samsung's HD-DVD941 using the HDMI connection.

I am a bit concerned about ghosting, so is there a way to tell what firmware version is installed in the TV?

Thanks!!

tboo

01-05-05, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by CosmoVI
Brand new member, here. This thread has been a Godsend. Thanks for all of the excellent opinions and info. I'll be pulling the trigger on a new 52HM94 in the near future and will pair it with Samsung's HD-DVD941 using the HDMI connection.

I am a bit concerned about ghosting, so is there a way to tell what firmware version is installed in the TV?

Thanks!!

Yes-there is a informational screen within the TV menus that will give a firmware date & revision

Julio Bro!

01-05-05, 06:19 PM

Hi:

I'm modifying my current TV furniture for the 52HM84 and would like to know what should be the height from the floor to the TV shelf of this unit.

I read that for the 46HM84 it's 17" and for the 52" apparently is 15" (sounds too low), but you may have a better suggestion for the appropiate height of the stand.

Please advice as I can adjust this height.

Thanks in advance.

brianmw

01-05-05, 10:27 PM

Originally posted by Julio Bro!
I read that for the 46HM84 it's 17" and for the 52" apparently is 15" (sounds too low), but you may have a better suggestion for the appropiate height of the stand.

The Toshiba stand 52HM84 is 17.25". The vertical center of the screen is 21.75" from the bottom of the TV. The Toshiba stand makes the screen center 39" (21.75" + 17.25") from the floor.

I would make a stand which places the centerpoint of the screen at the same height as your eyes in your main seating position.

tboo

01-06-05, 08:21 AM

The TVGuide onscreen is starting to tick me off. It lists all of my channels & the shows on them but it has other glitches. When I hit the info button on a highlighted show it doesnt expand the box for more information-it sort of just splits the listings in half with the 1st half listing channels(lets use for example) "y-z" & the second half listing the same "y-z" channels. If i hit the info button again it splits the screen into thirds-each third with the "y-z" listing.

I also cant access the TVGOS menus. If I hit the menu button it locks up the TVGOS & the only key that works is to exit it. This better get resolved before my Symbio arrives

dsr15

01-06-05, 09:40 AM

For those of you who have the TVGOS problem of no data...

I got a call back from Sharon (Toshiba CSR). She said that the december fix that was supposed to go through didn't work. She also stated that they have a TV there that has the same problem. They are waiting for another fix attempt and will let me know when to expect this.

Not much of an update, but I am glad that she has a TV there with the same behavior.

dsr

kdog044

01-06-05, 11:18 AM

Do any of you that have this set know if the TV will pass audio from a HDMI capable device (i.e. DVD player) out the digital optical audio connection? I read on another site that no TV's pass the digital audio out from anything but digital TV channels. Since digital inputs to my receiver are at a minumum it would be nice to know if it will pass the digital audio or not. The only information I could find in the manual is that some digital audio sources may not output due to copy restrictions.

jesyjames

01-06-05, 12:09 PM

T.V. finally arrived and got it all set up with a Denon 2910. Overall am pretty happy.

I am having one issue though. I've read through this thread regarding the ghosting, and I'm not sure if what i'm seeing is exactly the same thing.

Anyhow, I'm running hdmi-hdmi(noticed the same thing connected through component). Say in Gladiator, at the start, when Maximus is walking down the line of Soldiers.. the image severly ghosts. He trails. It's the exact same thing you would see on an LCD monitor with a slow ms response in a first person shooter.

Gladiator is by far the worst of the movies I've tested, but it's cropped up in almost all the movies I've watched. What's interesting, is that fast action scenes seem fine, it's slow camera pans where things get out of control.

Any ideas on what is going on? Is this the same ghosting issue people are talking about?

----
Also, how do you guys calibrate your contrast? Using Avia, DVE, and any THX optimizer, I seem to be able to put contrast at 100 percent and not notice a difference in regard to whatever parameter I'm supposed to be watching for. There's no blooming. I still have all the greyscale gradations. What am I missing?

Julio Bro!

01-06-05, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by brianmw
The Toshiba stand 52HM84 is 17.25". The vertical center of the screen is 21.75" from the bottom of the TV. The Toshiba stand makes the screen center 39" (21.75" + 17.25") from the floor.

I would make a stand which places the centerpoint of the screen at the same height as your eyes in your main seating position.

Thanks for the info; I'm aiming at eye level, but I would have to put all the equipment almost at floor level and I don't like that.

With your numbers and some calculations here, I'll say it will be like 1 or 2 inches higher than eye level...I hope it's not too high so as to affect the viewing angle.

kdog044

01-06-05, 03:19 PM

sc0ri0n

01-06-05, 09:38 PM

Hi All,

It's been a week since I got my 52HM84. Up-to-now, I really enjoy the HD channels on Comcast cable. The problem is with the Standard Channels. The resolution is not really good.

I've called Comcast a few times but they were not really helpful. I've tried the suggested change to turn off 4:3 Override which was supposed to send the 1080i signal to TV over YPbPr cable but that really did not make any difference and picture is still grainy.

The interesting thing is that if I by-pass the Motorola DCT6200 and connect the cable directly to my TV, then the picture is better but still very good. I've even split the input into 3: 1 for internet connection, 1 going to Motorola DCT6200 and the last one going directly to TV.

This way, I was able to use Picture-Out-Picture to compare direct cable connection to the one coming from cable box and as I said above, direct cable connection is a bit better.

I wanted to see if splitting makes the picture worse but I really did not see a big difference. I've noticed some pixelarization on 1 of the HD channels although I am not sure if that was just a coincidence.

Comcast technician is coming tomorrow and I am running out of ideas. Would a signal amplifier connected directly to cable input make any difference? Any suggestions to improve SD picture?

Thanks,
Adil

sayanythingrock

01-06-05, 09:44 PM

i want to try the motorola signla booster, it supposidely works really good

JohnnyHardware

01-07-05, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by JohnnyHardware
Hello all! I am a fist time poster and 52HM84 owner. I have had this unit for about 3 weeks now and I am totally blown away with the picture that this TV can produce. With that said, I have one issue that I find quite distracting. From an earlier post from another forum member whose name I have forgotten (sorry):

************************************
1. Light grey textures appear pinkish - this is very noticeable in the form of clouds or dust clouds - pinkish hue.

Can someone recommend setting tweaks to minimize this or get rid of it?
**************************************

I too have experienced this and have gone through 4 DVD players trying to mitigate this issue as it only seems to be prevalent from that source. I have tried a couple of HDMI up-scaler players, one component progressive and my original component interlaced player. All have basically the same issue to varying degrees.

Does anyone know the source of this pink/purple tone to grey textures? is this strictly something that can be removed by tweaking the TV settings or is there a larger problem here?

Regards!

Anyone have any ideas/thoughs about this issue of grey's looking pink/purple?

Cheers

JohnnyHardware

01-07-05, 08:39 AM

Originally posted by meps1968
What is the native resolution on the Toshiba DLP 52HM84?

Is there any adujustments that I should make to the TV settings or does the TV adjust automatically?

Thanks,

Meps 1968 in Oakville

From my understanding the native resolution of the 52HM84 is 1280 x 720. I have, however, read somewhere that it will automatically upconvert all signals to 1080i. Can anyone confirm this?

Regards

Shaner1

01-07-05, 09:37 AM

Update on my HDMI DVD player image being shifted to the left.

Ends up that the problem is not the TV like the service tech thought, it's the DVD player. The player is the Toshiba SD-V592 and SD-V596 (same player with the 596 having an updated case, the guts are the same). I have the 596. Component output is fine but HDMI is shifted to the left.

Toshiba's response was not a very good one. They offered to swap it out for another player. Which won't fix the problem because I tested 2 players on 3 different TV's, both players had the problem. Another member here told me in a different thread that his 592 is shifted to the left as well. Which leads me to believe they are all like this.

I am going to a different store today to check their 592 units but I expect the same results.

kdog044

01-07-05, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by JohnnyHardware
From my understanding the native resolution of the 52HM84 is 1280 x 720. I have, however, read somewhere that it will automatically upconvert all signals to 1080i. Can anyone confirm this?

Regards This makes no sense and I have not heard that. The TV should downconvert 1080i and upconvert lower signals to it's native 720p.

kdog044

01-07-05, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by kdog044
Do any of you that have this set know if the TV will pass audio from a HDMI capable device (i.e. DVD player) out the digital optical audio connection? I read on another site that no TV's pass the digital audio out from anything but digital TV channels. Since digital inputs to my receiver are at a minumum it would be nice to know if it will pass the digital audio or not. The only information I could find in the manual is that some digital audio sources may not output due to copy restrictions. Since I didn't receive a response on this I sent the question to Toshiba. here was my question and their response.

I am looking at purchasing the 52HMX94 and have a question related to audio. I know the set has an optical digital audio output and I was wondering if I connect a HDMI capable DVD Player to the TV if it will pass the digital audio signal (i.e. Dolby Digital or DTS) from the DVD player using the HDMI connection through the optical output of the TV. I am trying to limit the amount of digital inputs into my receiver. I know it passes audio from digital TV signals but am unclear whether it holds true for any HDMI capable input to the TV. Any help in this matter would be appreciated.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thanks for writing!

We appreciate your interest in Toshiba.

Yes, that would be able to pass the digital signal.
Rick
Toshiba Customer Service

Now if only someone on this board could validate this for me.

;)

paulpoteat

01-08-05, 09:23 AM

Hello all....

quick summary of what I've got.
Toshiba 46HM84
DirecTV HD package (component)
Toshiba SD-3960 DVD (component)

Took delivery of my HM84 and I'm relatively pleased.
The picture isn't quite what I expected however. I have a 32" Toshiba tube in the living room and I was expecting an upgraded picture with a newly purchased HD DirecTV receiver.

On some broadcasts the picture is good, but it's never awesome. Perhaps I was expecting too much. When I hit the quide channel and the picture shrinks to show me my channel listings, then the picture looks like what I thought it would, but once it takes over the whole screen, it's just "ok".

I hooked up the HD satellite to another 20" Toshiba that I own and the picture (it's a regular tube, not HDTV) looked better.

Is this something I just have to expect since it's a projection TV? I sort of knew that a tube TV couldn't be beat, but with the HD channels I should be getting an upgrade no?

Another quick question.....when I play widescreen DVD's on my progressive DVD player, why does the image show up in 4:3 in "natural" mode. I have to change it to "full" in order to fill the screen or set the TV to "auto aspect" so that it sets it to "full" for me. Is that right? I would have thought that natural for a wide screen DVD would fill the screen. I think my understanding of 16:9 versus 4:3 is off....

Thanks in advance

kdog044

01-08-05, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by paulpoteat
Another quick question.....when I play widescreen DVD's on my progressive DVD player, why does the image show up in 4:3 in "natural" mode. I have to change it to "full" in order to fill the screen or set the TV to "auto aspect" so that it sets it to "full" for me. Is that right? I would have thought that natural for a wide screen DVD would fill the screen. I think my understanding of 16:9 versus 4:3 is off....

Thanks in advance Full is the CORRECT setting for displaying 16:9. It should state that in the manual.

kdog044

01-08-05, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by paulpoteat
I hooked up the HD satellite to another 20" Toshiba that I own and the picture (it's a regular tube, not HDTV) looked better.

Is this something I just have to expect since it's a projection TV? I sort of knew that a tube TV couldn't be beat, but with the HD channels I should be getting an upgrade no? What type of video connection are you using from the satellite? (i.e. component, HDMI, etc) You should definitely get a better picture of a HD broadcast on your new TV so something doesn't sound right.

kybred

01-08-05, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by paulpoteat
On some broadcasts the picture is good, but it's never awesome. Perhaps I was expecting too much. When I hit the quide channel and the picture shrinks to show me my channel listings, then the picture looks like what I thought it would, but once it takes over the whole screen, it's just "ok".

If you are using the component connection to the Toshiba and are watching something in HD, like Jay Leno, the picture should be awesome! Or if you get InHD or InHD2, one of those shows.

On my 46" Toshiba, the HD shows generally look great, the SD shows look good, and the NTSC shows vary. This is via Comcast digital cable with the Motorola 6208 STB/DVR. The only thing that sometimes looks bad are analog, but I think that's partially the 6208. If I watch them using the TVs RF input they look a little better.

Another quick question.....when I play widescreen DVD's on my progressive DVD player, why does the image show up in 4:3 in "natural" mode. I have to change it to "full" in order to fill the screen or set the TV to "auto aspect" so that it sets it to "full" for me. Is that right? I would have thought that natural for a wide screen DVD would fill the screen. I think my understanding of 16:9 versus 4:3 is off....

What is the DVD Player set to? It has a setting for the output format. It should be set to 16:9.

When I first got the digital cable installed, the installer set the box to output 1080i. Things looked good, but not as good as I expected. When he left I played with the settings. When I hit 720p things looked great. You might check your satellite receiver and see if it has settings like that. You should see that the HD shows can look BETTER than a DVD!

kybred

tboo

01-08-05, 12:00 PM

Okay, it loks like I spoke too soon when I said I dont have any problems with the TVguide onscreen. At first it worked great-all my listings were present. Then I statred having lockup problems with the guide & finally, one day, when I hit the tvguide button m tv shut off. When I restarted all of my listings were gone. I though it lost then, but after some digging I found that in the channel setup every channel was there but was set to do not display-so I had to turn every one of them back one. I am really starting to worry, because my Symbio is on its way & it will be a $500 piece of junk if the tvguide doesnt work

w4man

01-08-05, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by sixty2hm84
My friend has a 62HM84 and I tried a lot to look for ghosting and could not find it. He has Comcast HDTV service, the reciever is connected using a Momnster DVI-HDMI cable.

But I think this might be related to the MENU screens for Direct TV and other MENU screens. Maybe the way these menus were designed / created is causing the ghosting. I am guessing the menus were created in a very low resolution graphics and the BIG screen TV's are just showing you the defects of the design.

Have you guys noticed any ghosting on Images other than MENU screens? Have you noticed it in movies and other programs?

I have read an article on VOOM High-Def service and they claim to have a TV-Menu which was designed in High-Def resolution.

Maybe this is the difference, Can someone with VOOM service confirm if they are seeing GHOST images on the VOOM menu?

I have been using Voom for about a month, I have the 52HM84 and not seen any ghost images. My only issue is that if I use the DVI output to HDMI, the video blinks out for a moment every so often. When using the same HDMI input from the DVD player, no problems. I and others agreed that the component output on the Voom box produces a better HD picture than the DVI on this TV. Otherwise I am very satisfied with the TV and Voom, (21 channels of HD but programming does leave a bit to be desired)

whjeffs

01-08-05, 05:13 PM

Check out this easy fix for making the gray sidebars black. This may also work for other tv's and cable/satellite boxes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=493011

Jeff

sayanythingrock

01-08-05, 05:44 PM

yea it works thats great, the grey bars did get annoying
thanks for the post now if i could only get my ati card to display the full desktop on my screen

Boogie7910

01-08-05, 07:29 PM

Hi all,

I just received my 52hm94 the other day.

HD channels look simply amazing and my jaw was left hanging. That said, all the other channels look like crap.

1. I'm using a cable box with component output currently until my cable company restocks its cablecards. Will there be a significant difference in both HD PQ and SD PQ? Why do the channels look worse than on my old picture tube TV and is there a fix for this?

2. I've noticed that all TVs of this sort have a kind of grainy screen door look if your looking for it rather than my old TV in which the picture was crystal clear. Why is this? I assume this is just the TV screen itself that I'm looking at... Couldn't they of made a screen that was perfectly clear?

3. I get a ringing noise coming from my TV speakers. It sounds like morse code or something with static in the background. Anyone else have this problem or know what it is?

4. I'm disappointed the TV didn't have 2 HDMI inputs as I had originally thought. Some sites says 2 some say 1. I really didn't know. It's not too much of a set back though.

5. How the hell do I set up TV guide? It seems like a never ending process... Am I supposed to see some sort of information on the TV guide screen as I see nothing now or when it's all over, will it then all show up.

Other than that, I'm loving the TV and HD channels. I never knew what I was missing. I can see every crevice and blemish in someone's face. You feel like your right there.

Thx

sharonf

01-09-05, 01:21 AM

Two and a half weeks ago my new Toshiba 62HM94 was delivered to me DOA. The delivery men unboxed it before they brought it into my house and apparently damaged it in the process. There was a crack in one corner of a speaker and the set would not work . It would come on, but then go out after a couple of minutes. When that happened we would have two blinking lights...one red and one green. Toshiba said that indicated a bad or broken bulb. We were very lucky in that the online store where we purchased it made an exception to their policy on not allowing returns on TVs and agreed to send us a new set and have the damaged one picked up at the same time. This was because the delivery men did not follow the correct delivery procedure. The store agreement with the shipping company is to carry the TV into the house still boxed, unpack it and remove the boxes. I also talked to the shipping company who admitted that procedure was not followed. The replacement set finally arrived yesterday. My husband went out to the truck to personally supervise the unloading of the set. We examined the set very carefully while the guys were still here to make sure there was no visible damage and also plugged in the set to make sure it would come on. After one day we are very pleased with the set. The out-of-the-box picture is surprisingly good on analog channels, very good on DVD and superb on HDTV channels....and this is all without any calibration of any kind yet. I am attaching a picture I just took of a screen shot of the Discovery channel. We obviously need to do some tweaking but I think that this is pretty good for an out-of-the-box picture.We have things hooked up with component cables and are using the set with a Motorola 6208 DVR. We have a new Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver and new Onix Rocket speakers and the sound is out of this world! So, my first impressions are very positive. One thing I should mention in case anyone else has a similar problem. Before the store agreed to replace the set Toshiba sent us a replacement bulb, which just arrived a couple of days before the new set. We put it in and it DID NOT solve the blinking light problem with the set, so the blinking light problem does not always indicate a bulb problem alone. We think there was a problem with the fans not working properly. We tried an experiment and used a portable house fan and pointed it right at the back of the TV where the bulb is located. That time the TV stayed on a half hour before going out instead of the usual couple of minutes.

kdog044

01-09-05, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by Boogie7910
HD channels look simply amazing and my jaw was left hanging. That said, all the other channels look like crap.

1. I'm using a cable box with component output currently until my cable company restocks its cablecards. Will there be a significant difference in both HD PQ and SD PQ? Why do the channels look worse than on my old picture tube TV and is there a fix for this? I don't have this set but from what I've read the tuners in your set are probably better than the STB. If you didn't have cable card inputs it is recommended to split the coax and run one to the input on the TV for SD channels.

Originally posted by Boogie7910

4. I'm disappointed the TV didn't have 2 HDMI inputs as I had originally thought. Some sites says 2 some say 1. I really didn't know. It's not too much of a set back though. Only the HMX series have two HDMI inputs.;)

tristanc

01-09-05, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by sharonf
The out-of-the-box picture is surprisingly good on analog channels, very good on DVD and superb on HDTV channels....and this is all without any calibration of any kind yet.
I had the same experience and this is exactly why I love this set. I would add that video games look sharp, vibrant, and amazing (and I do a lot of gaming on this set, with all 3 major consoles).

Glad to see that the bad tv was cleared up with no (minimal?) hassles...

--T.

PS Another reason I love this set? The other day I needed to plug in a component cable and couldn't quite reach, so I one-handed slid the set away from the wall about a foot.

paulpoteat

01-09-05, 08:38 PM

Anyone else trying to watch "24" on FOX right now?
I'm using DirecTV HD and the dialogue is about a good 2 second slower then the screen. Unwatchable. I'm thinking it might be my reciever. My regular satellite box upstairs is coming in fine.

flyrealfast

01-09-05, 10:49 PM

Hi folks,

For anyone who is interested - We now have the 62HMX94 working with our HTPC and the image quality is unbelievable! Using an ATI All-in-Wonder 9800 video board with component video connections to the HDTV - ATI setting is 720p res, set the Windows display to 1280/720 - the TV auto-senses this config and displays the Windows XP desktop perfectly! The PC text is amazingly clear (as good as a Viewsonic 19" LCD w/DVI) digital pics are stunning - THANK YOU to everyone who recommended this TV!

Using iTunes to manage the audio system, works very well - looking for a good DVD archiving and HDTV recording/archive solution, does anyone have ideas/suggestions on this?

I posted a message a few weeks ago about a warning in the manual about using a PC with this monitor - apparently this was bad info.... Sorry.

Pat:)

flyrealfast

01-09-05, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by kdog044
Since I didn't receive a response on this I sent the question to Toshiba. here was my question and their response.

I am looking at purchasing the 52HMX94 and have a question related to audio. I know the set has an optical digital audio output and I was wondering if I connect a HDMI capable DVD Player to the TV if it will pass the digital audio signal (i.e. Dolby Digital or DTS) from the DVD player using the HDMI connection through the optical output of the TV. I am trying to limit the amount of digital inputs into my receiver. I know it passes audio from digital TV signals but am unclear whether it holds true for any HDMI capable input to the TV. Any help in this matter would be appreciated.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thanks for writing!

We appreciate your interest in Toshiba.

Yes, that would be able to pass the digital signal.
Rick
Toshiba Customer Service

Now if only someone on this board could validate this for me.

;)

Kdog,

I'll test it for you but it might take me a while as I'm traveling for the next two weeks. I use a Toshiba DVD w/HDMI so I'll just patch a fiber cable from the digital out on the TV to one of the optical inputs on the Denon and we'll see if it works.

Pat

sharonf

01-10-05, 12:06 AM

Has anyone else noticed an annoying channel change delay with this set? When ever I change channels there is delay between tuning in a new channel which is about 4 to 5 seconds. The picture on the current screen freezes for a moment and then I get a black screen for a moment before the new channel is tuned in. Is there anything that can be done to change that?

whjeffs

01-10-05, 07:08 AM

Yes it is annoyingly slow. Fortunately I am not much of a channel surfer. I use the guide to find what I want to watch and go there. For someone who likes to flip through the channels this would be a big drawback. For now I am still using a digital cable box until my cable company gets its inventory of cablecards. The box changes channels much faster than the tv. Also I am still using the guide in the cable box as the TV Guide in the TV is still not working right.

Jeff

flyrealfast

01-10-05, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by whjeffs
[

For now I am still using a digital cable box until my cable company gets its inventory of cablecards. The box changes channels much faster than the tv. Also I am still using the guide in the cable box as the TV Guide in the TV is still not working right.

Jeff [/B]

Can anyone comment on the other pros/cons of using the CabelCard vs. the cable box? We have the SA 8300 HDTVR box from Bright House, BH has the CableCards but I'm wondering if we loose anything by switching (other than the AWESOME HD recording capabaility, which I'm told we can do with the FireWire ports...)

DanofNJ

01-10-05, 09:39 AM

I have found that the cablecard/built in tuner gives a superior PQ compared to the SA 8300. I use both, the SA for channel guide and recording, the Cablecard for viewing non recorded shows. I have Comcast and they do not offer the TV guide service yet on their system. The SA is merely a "componet" to the set and can be used together with the cablecard.

Dan

HT Jake

01-10-05, 11:21 AM

Hi,
I have taken the leap and purchased my first HT setup, including the 52hm84. To save money, I've order everything online. The only problem is, I'm not sure what I'm going to need to wire the whole thing together. It would be awesome if someone could tell me what I need to connect everything. Also any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated as I am new to this.

TV:
~ Toshiba 52HM84 52" HD Monitor DLP Projection TV

Receiver:
~ Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K THX Select A/V Receiver with MCACC

Center Channel:
~ Athena Dual 5.5" 2-Way 125 Watt Center Channel Speaker AS-C1

Left and Right:
~ (2x) Athena Dual 8" 2-Way 200 Watt Floor Standing Speaker AS-F2

Rear Left and Right:
~ (2x) Athena AS-R1 bipole Speaker

Thanks,
Jake

riedling

01-10-05, 01:44 PM

I like others have the 62hm84 set and experience the same issues with "grainy" pictures. My local cable company (Insight) uses the Motorola 6208 cable box and admits that Motorola has told them the analog tuner is causing part of the problem (they hope the 6412 box solves this). Having said that, when i run the cable straight into the TV, the picture is better, but not what it should be... it reminds me of an old projection TV with one of the guns slightly out of alignment. I know that there is a service menu with basically just settings (non-user friendly), but is a "calibration" on this set possible (with a Toshiba repair person of course). I don't want to chase a solution that won't help the issue.

Thanks!

mhong33

01-10-05, 05:37 PM

Hi - I just ordered a Toshiba 52HM84 as a surprise birthday present for my fiance. I would like to order all the right accessories but I don't know what's really recommended, vs. just marketing.

I gather I need the following:

special surge protector - what kind? The guy at J&R Electrics (where I bought the TV) was trying to talk me into some sort of power regulator that costs $400 or so. Is this really necessary?

HDTV box from cable company - I have ordered this

cable connecting HDTV box to TV - what kind? We live in Philly and have Comcast Digital Cable.

cable connecting DVD player to TV - what kind? our DVD player is about 2 years old and I doubt it is DVI or anything else that is special.

we do not have a sound system yet. Any recommendations? We would like to keep it under $1,000.

Is there anything else I am forgetting?

If there is already a post on here that covers all of these basic setup questions, could somebody please point me to it?

Thank you very much. This stuff makes me so nervous!

- Michelle.

kdog044

01-10-05, 08:21 PM

Originally posted by flyrealfast
Kdog,

I'll test it for you but it might take me a while as I'm traveling for the next two weeks. I use a Toshiba DVD w/HDMI so I'll just patch a fiber cable from the digital out on the TV to one of the optical inputs on the Denon and we'll see if it works.

Pat Thanks, I appreciate it. Take your time and I will check back here periodically.

sc0ri0n

01-10-05, 09:42 PM

As I posted earlier, I live in Rutherford, NJ & I was not happy with Comcast SD. So, a technician came by last Saturday. He checked the signal and said it was very good then explained me that DCT6200 expects digital signal and therefore first 72 channels will not be good as they are analog. He said comcast is going to broadcast all digital soon.

Then, I asked why the others channels above 72 look grainy. He did not have an answer for it and called his manager. On the radio he told him that I was having 'the same' grainy pictures problem others were having. He told him that he would call me later when he gets to office (of course he did not).

It's clear that this motorola box is buggy but even when I connect the cable directly to my HM84, it is only slightly better.

I've asked to my friends living close by and they too were not happy with the reception at all. This is very frustrating as Comcast it is clear that they are screwing us and we can't anything about it as there is no other competing cable company!

Adil

flyrealfast

01-10-05, 11:06 PM

Originally posted by mhong33
Hi - I just ordered a Toshiba 52HM84 as a surprise birthday present for my fiance. I would like to order all the right accessories but I don't know what's really recommended, vs. just marketing.

I gather I need the following:

special surge protector - what kind? The guy at J&R Electrics (where I bought the TV) was trying to talk me into some sort of power regulator that costs $400 or so. Is this really necessary?

HDTV box from cable company - I have ordered this

cable connecting HDTV box to TV - what kind? We live in Philly and have Comcast Digital Cable.

cable connecting DVD player to TV - what kind? our DVD player is about 2 years old and I doubt it is DVI or anything else that is special.

we do not have a sound system yet. Any recommendations? We would like to keep it under $1,000.

Is there anything else I am forgetting?

If there is already a post on here that covers all of these basic setup questions, could somebody please point me to it?

Thank you very much. This stuff makes me so nervous!

- Michelle.

Hi Michelle,

What a lucky fiance!! We need to arrange for you to spend some quality time with MY better half... <grin> A few suggestions:

- Forget the $400 surge protector, good ones are available for $50-100.

- Cable between the TV and cable box - it's called a "component video" cable (three colors red, green, blue) and the cable guy will probably give you one.... You'll need another one for the DVD.

- Sound system - Too many choices, put a gift certificate in a box and let him pick it out! $1K buys a very nice system.

Pat

sharonf

01-10-05, 11:12 PM

Originally posted by whjeffs
Check out this easy fix for making the gray sidebars black. This may also work for other tv's and cable/satellite boxes.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=493011

Jeff

This does work but setting the 4:3 Override to off seems to degrade the picture quality...at least to our eyes.

Bill G

01-11-05, 06:09 AM

Is everyone still having "bowing issues". I have a 62HMX94 with bowing of the picture accross the top and both sides. The bottom is perfect. Anyone found a cure yet?

Bill G

whjeffs

01-11-05, 06:19 AM

Originally posted by sharonf
This does work but setting the 4:3 Override to off seems to degrade the picture quality...at least to our eyes.

I just did a comparison on mine and could not tell any difference in picture quality. What I have noticed though is changing this setting to OFF only changes the gray sidebars to black on the SD channels. One channel in particular on my system that broadcasts with gray sidebars also does so on their HD channel and this setting does not affect the sidebars on HD channels.

Jeff

196thLIB

01-11-05, 11:51 AM

TV guide has finally loaded and appears to be working correctly, after about three weeks of playing with it. Channel line up and several days of listings loaded last night with about a three day gap after the first two days. This should fill in over the next twenty-four hours. I've experienced the same problems as many others with the info box options and had it dump everything and lock up so have decided not to mess with anything other than "small".

Have an older Tosh VCR connected with A/V cable as illustrated in the manual and G-linked. VCR output to TV Video 1, TV Video out to L1 input on VCR. When changing TV display to Video 1 and playing a pre-recorded tape everything is normal. When input to TV is on Video 1 and VCR is selected to L1 there is nothing but noise like an encrypted signal. L2 and channel selection on the VCR just shows a blue screen. Setting up a recording through the TV Guide On Screen works as slick as can be but when the recording starts, the TV locks to the channel the the VCR is recording? Any attempt to change the TV input results in a message box that tuner is locked.

I guess my question is how can you record one channel while watching another? Is this just the way it's designed when using CableCard? I feel like such a rookie!

Background: 52HMX94 with CableCard(SA) connected directly to ANT 1 which appears to be the only input cable card allows.

Generally, very happy with this set, HD is awesome, DVD is near HD quality even with an older DVD (non-progressive) player(S-video connected), especially with a quality DVD like the Star Wars trilogy.