I posted this on the Toshiba thread, but havent gotten a response, so I thought I would throw it out to the rest of the group (and please excuse if there is a very basic resolution to this issue as I am a PDP virgin):

Just picked up my Tosh 42HP95 on Tuesday and, even though I am nowhere near a videophile and have not had a lot of time to apply the little knowledge that I do have to calibrating the picture, I have mostly been very impressed with this model.

I am having one issue though:

Sometimes, when there are areas of bright white (or similar light/bright colors), they often become pixelated with bright, fluorescent green and reddish-purple "sparkles" (mostly green). I have a DVR, so, a couple of times when I have noticed the above effects, I have paused the picture and tried to adjust it out with picture settings corrections. Oddly enough, sometimes when I begin adjusting the settings, the green/red "sparkles" just move in the direction towards which I am adjusting (if I am increasing a setting the effect just moves to the right, if I am decreasing a setting, the effect moves to the left). When I come across a setting that makes the "sparkles" disappear on that particular screen, the "sparkles" inevitably return a few minutes/hours later. I have tried many different settings that are appropriate during the "break-in" period and still continue to get this effect.

Applicable info:

Since I have not received my HDMI cable yet, I am running component from my SA 8300 to the PDP.

Upon first turning on the set, I adjusted the contrast, brightness, color and sharpness down in the low 40's (for non-tosh owners, the setting parameters go from 0-100).

It occurs both while watching cable and DVD's (DVD player currently hooked up thru composite until HDMI arrives).

Any ideas what may be causing this? Is there potentially a technical issue with my set?

I purchased from a B&M with a 30 day return policy...should I just take it back?

Bueller?

Even if I am an idiot and there is a very obvious solution, dont be afraid to give input.

i am only running HDMI: cable DVR and OPPO dvd player. none of the above mentioned problems.

maybe go down to your local store and get a good cable to see if that resolves the issue?

good luck!

BillyMC

I haven't seen that problem either. I would also try different cables and see if that corrects the issue.

-Jody

Thanks for the input. I would be surprised if it were related to the cables since the same effect occurs on two different sources using two different cables and cable types (i.e. it would seem that both cables would have to have the same defect if they are both producing the same effect). That being said, however, it cant hurt to try (and maybe I can convince my store to give some freebies since I am having issues!).

BTW, here is a still shot of the effect if that helps anyone with a solution/diagnosis (red/green effect is above and below the "V" on the white sign).

Here are some pictures that show the effect more clearly:

Hey BillyMC, something just popped into mind.... is your dynamic contrast on? It is in the advanced picture settings in the menu. If it is on, disable it and let us know if it helps.

I usually have the Dynamic contrast set to "off," however, I have tried viewing on both settings and the effect persists regardless of dynamic contrast being active or not.

I went and talked to my B&M today and they are sending a tech out to look at the unit. One of the guys in the store wa sure it was a dysfunctional set, the other blamed it on my cables....so we shall see.

I usually have the Dynamic contrast set to "off," however, I have tried viewing on both settings and the effect persists regardless of dynamic contrast being active or not.

I went and talked to my B&M today and they are sending a tech out to look at the unit. One of the guys in the store wa sure it was a dysfunctional set, the other blamed it on my cables....so we shall see.

It doesn't sound like cables to me if it's doing it with two different cables and two different inputs.

Let us know what the tech discovers.

I usually have the Dynamic contrast set to "off," however, I have tried viewing on both settings and the effect persists regardless of dynamic contrast being active or not.

I went and talked to my B&M today and they are sending a tech out to look at the unit. One of the guys in the store wa sure it was a dysfunctional set, the other blamed it on my cables....so we shall see.


my set is now giving me red sparkles. from rare to not so rare and even sustained periods now :confused:

it is not a cable or source problem (i experimented) so it must be a bad TV?

here is an example of some red sparkle action while i am watching COPS.

here is an example of some red sparkle action while i am watching COPS.

I have a toshiba 50hp95 and I'm getting the same red and green sparkles that you are. Seems like I see it more and more lately too. I've tried using component and HDMI cables, and it happens on my DVD and DVR (2 different inputs on the TV). I've tried tweaking the settings but nothing seems to help. Happens a bunch on video games too. I'm out of the 30 day return period but still within the 1 year warranty. May try contacting Toshiba but was wondering if you've had any luck with anything. :(

I have a toshiba 50hp95 and I'm getting the same red and green sparkles that you are...was wondering if you've had any luck with anything. :(

i finally got mine to a toshiba repair center. it needed a new glass panel. apparently none are available.

so it can't be fixed.

but it can be refunded -- thank you toshiba :)

i'm not sure if i will get another hdtv since most programming is sdtv (and seems like it will be for years to come) but it was fun while it lasted. i saw a new pioneer plasma at BB that was as good as the toshiba; tosh's new plasmas are a step down.

good luck with your refund and next choice in a tv.

I had the same pic issue with my 42HP95.

Red sparkles on the screen, mainly in dark sections of the screen.

After several calls to Toshiba and 2 service calls, the service center determined that it needed a new display panel and they took my TV to order the part. 2 Month's later, they were still waiting for the part that they ordered.

An intersting note: The service center told me that they see more Toshiba plasmas than any other brand and they service them all.

After many calls to Toshiba, they finally agreed on a refund.

I'm now shopping for a new set. I can promise that I will not buy another Toshiba product after the hassle in dealing with their customer service department. I'm still waiting on my refund check!

I also had the red and green pixilation problem. I also had the exact same experience with service calls, including replacing the signal board. Needless to say, that did not work and was told the panel needed to be replaced but they did not have the part. The set went back to Toshiba and I now have the 1080P 42HL196 LCD...no problems at all. The problems with the HP plasmas HAS to be known by Toshiba and they should recall the sets. One observation....when the problem ocurrs and with the set on, if you unplug the unit and plug it back in, letting the set reboot, that temporarily solves the problem. Something tells me that it's not the panel but rather some software/hardware problem they have NOT been able to diagnose. A lot of people have said their service tech or Toshiba said they needed a new panel but has anyone here actually had it replaced and the problem solved? Likely not.

I also had the red and green pixilation problem. I also had the exact same experience with service calls, including replacing the signal board. Needless to say, that did not work and was told the panel needed to be replaced but they did not have the part. The set went back to Toshiba and I now have the 1080P 42HL196 LCD...no problems at all. The problems with the HP plasmas HAS to be known by Toshiba and they should recall the sets. One observation....when the problem ocurrs and with the set on, if you unplug the unit and plug it back in, letting the set reboot, that temporarily solves the problem. Something tells me that it's not the panel but rather some software/hardware problem they have NOT been able to diagnose. A lot of people have said their service tech or Toshiba said they needed a new panel but has anyone here actually had it replaced and the problem solved? Likely not.


The reply back I got from Toshiba was to try unplugging it and powering it back on. And exactly like you said, that seemed to fix it temporarily. The issue came back so I unplugged again and let it reboot after powering it back on and since then (about a month now), I have not seen it come back. It's definitely a problem but I can live with unplugging and plugging back in every couple months if that's all it takes. Don't want to deal with service calls and refunds. Hope this helps someone out there!

sorry to bring back an old thread, but i've been having this issue as well for the past couple of months. I figured it was a signal issue, but then found this thread. I just unplugged and rebooted the TV (50HP95), and all is well.

Should I be contacting my B&M's service to come look at the TV if it happens again? It looks like Toshiba is buying back these TV's, correct?

If Toshiba does buy back the TV from me, how is the $$ figured? Do they give me what I pay for it, or do they pro-rate it somehow?

Frustrating. This was not a cheap TV. ;)