This just in...

Toshiba just announced a new comprehensive line of LCD TVs under the "REGZA" name:

http://interestalert.com/story/siteia.shtml?Story=st/sn/05190000aaa00af2.prn&Sys=siteia&Fid=HOUSEHLD&Type=News&Filter=Household

http://interestalert.com/story/siteia.shtml?Story=st/sn/05190002aaa00af2.prn&Sys=siteia&Fid=HOUSEHLD&Type=News&Filter=Household

We should start gathering all our infos regarding the new Toshiba REGZAs.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") showcased its new flat panel line at its annual dealer line show, highlighting the new REGZA sub brand, including its REGZA XHD(TM) 1080p sets. A global brand for Toshiba LCD TV, the REGZA line features state-of-the-art technology and new cosmetic designs. Utilizing Toshiba's own PixelPure Hi-Bit(TM) 12-bit Digital Video Processing and fast CineSpeed(TM) LCD Panel technologies, the REGZA line will deliver stunning lifelike images unlike anything Toshiba has offered before.

For 2006, Toshiba will offer an extensive line-up of 12 REGZA LCD TV models in home theater screen sizes ranging from 26" diagonally measured to 47" diagonally measured. REGZA series will include REGZA, REGZA LCDVD with built-in DVD player, REGZA XHD(TM) with 1080p display resolution, Cinema Series(R) REGZA, and Cinema Series REGZA XHD.

"REGZA will set the new standard for premium LCD TV," said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Marketing, Toshiba America Consumer Products TV Group. "By combining our new CineSpeed LCD panel with 33 percent faster response speed, and our new PixelPure Hi-Bit digital video processing with up to 50 percent improvement in bit rate, we have created picture quality that is truly spectacular. With 4,096 levels of gradation, our new 12-bit processing provides 16 times the gradation levels of competitors' 8 bit systems, for smoother, more natural images. As it is the variations in processing quality that create the differences between brands, we are confident that the REGZA Engine will become the clear choice for anyone who wants the best possible picture quality.

REGZA LCDVD models include a built-in DVD player for ultimate convenience. These models also feature Toshiba's innovative THINC(TM) RJ-45 network capability, allowing consumers to connect the TV to a PC and view their JPEG picture files, or listen to their MP3 audio files, using only the TV remote.

All REGZA models feature a new CineSpeed LCD panel with a fast response speed of 8ms or less, and a wide 176 degree viewing angle. These models also come equipped with ATSC/QAM digital tuning, which enables the sets to receive both digital terrestrial and digital cable-in-the-clear broadcasts. In addition, REGZA models offer complete jack packs that include a PC Input and HDMI for a direct digital connection to an A/V source device such as a digital cable box or satellite receiver. To ensure form meets function, all REGZA models feature new sleek cabinetry in black and silver.

REGZA XHD models provide 1080p full HD resolution. These models also include a CableCARD(TM) slot, and TV Guide On Screen(R), for digital cable ready (DCR) capability. XHD models also offer dual HDMI, HD Window POP, and Toshiba's new Native Mode providing clean 1080p pixel-for-pixel display without scaling or overscanning. Toshiba displayed its new 42" diagonally measured and 47" diagonally measured REGZA XHD 1080p models. XHD LCD will be available in the REGZA and Cinema Series REGZA lines, creating the perfect step-up from the 720p HD Plasma models.

Cinema Series REGZA models are wrapped in distinctive Cinema Series cabinetry, with a beautiful high-gloss black finish. This design features Toshiba's innovative SoundStrip(TM) speaker technology, enabling compact cabinetry without sacrificing big home theater sound. Cinema Series models also include Toshiba's new ColorMaster(TM) color management system which provides hue, saturation and brightness control of six individual colors. ColorMaster creates deep natural colors for increased depth and more realistic images. These models also include a new 6-item home theater remote control.

Toshiba has also reallocated final assembly sites to create increased efficiency and availability. This year, one facility will concentrate on LCD TV, and another (Orion) will concentrate on Plasma TV. This new production system will help ensure smooth availability in these key TV product categories.

LCD TV is a fast growing category, and demand for REGZA is expected to be strong. In order to ensure adequate supply, Toshiba has dedicated its TMX (Toshiba Mexico) production facility to LCD TV only, and increased LCD final assembly lines there by 200 percent.

The REGZA brand will come to life with a specially designed logo, and will be heavily promoted in a national campaign that includes print ads, literature, point-of-purchase materials, on-line and more.

Models, Expected Pricing and Expected Availability

REGZA LCD TV
26HL66 ($1,199.99, Available Now)
32HL66 ($1,599.99, Available Now)
37HL66 ($2,199.99, August 2006)

REGZA LCDVD(TM)
26HLV66 ($1,299.99, June 2006)
32HLV66 ($1,699.99, June 2006)
37HLV66 ($2,299.99, July 2006)

REGZA XHD
42HL196 ($2,999.99, July 2006)

Cinema Series REGZA
37LX96 ($2,599.99, July 2006)

Cinema Series REGZA XHD
42LX196 ($3,299.99, July 2006)
47LX196 ($4,499.99, August 2006)

* Release of Additional REGZA Models to Follow

16:9 HD LCD TV
20HL86 ($699.99, July 2006)

16:9 HD LCD RealSteel TV
20HLK86 ($799.99, July 2006)

16:9 HD LCDVD TV
23HLV86 ($899.99, June 2006)

Custom Series HD LCD True Monitors (No Tuners)
26HLC56 ($1,099.99, August 2006)
32HLC56 ($1,399.99, July 2006)
37HLC56 ($1,999.99, July 2006)

The 1080p models look sick. Anybody eyeing on them?

The 1080p models look sick.
Does this mean they look "bad", as in bad, or "bad" as in bad?

Does this mean they look "bad", as in bad, or "bad" as in bad?
No. Picture will look better on the screen than the last year models, according to Toshiba.

I'm eyeing on the 32HL66 right now. Hope the quality will match the new Sony XBRs, but for less.

No. Picture will look better on the screen than the last year models, according to Toshiba.

I'm eyeing on the 32HL66 right now. Hope the quality will match the new Sony XBRs, but for less.
One would hope the next gen panel would certainly look better, isn't that the purpose of a next gen?

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant. ;)

I own a 32" in the bedroom but the 45" puts it to shame as will the 57" LCD I upgrade to and Toshiba is absent and below what it's competitors are moving towards in 52, 57, and larger HT sizes in the months ahead leapfrogging the regza attempt. Toshiba chases Sony, Sharp and Samsung but never seems to get there. :p

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant. ;)
Actually, Toshiba will be making them after an e-mail I received from Toshiba stating that all LCD TVs sized 26 and larger are made by Toshiba in the Mexico assembly plant. Only the sets smaller than 23" are made by Orion. It is still safe to buy a Toshiba, as long as you are looking at the ones sized 26" or bigger, including the 1080p sets. Toshiba will do better than Panasonic this year because of more models and sizes.

One would hope the next gen panel would certainly look better, isn't that the purpose of a next gen?

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's. Besides that market is so crowded and a 32" so small for HT experience who cares. If Orion is building those no way I would touch them when competitive panels exist that have proven themselves - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant. ;)
Word has it that Sharp Aquos LC-32D40U is made by Orion also!
One claims by reading the spec. sticker and through the vents, it looks just like an Orion.
Judging by the PQ, I am not suprised. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=677327&page=2&pp=30&highlight=built+by+sharp

Found some info on the new 2006 Toshiba's

http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/toshiba-regza-1080p-lcd-hdtv.shtml

Quote from the page: "Being fed a High Definition 1080i source via Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, the top of the line 47-inch 47LX196 ($4299, available July, 2006) certainly looked impressive for an LCD panel with vivid color reproduction and excellent detail. Similar to what we saw in Los Angeles earlier this month from Sony's new Bravia XBR line, except of course, Toshiba's largest set is 1 inch bigger than Sony's. Coincidence? I think not. "


http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/uploads/toshiba-47lx196.jpg
"Toshiba's 47LX196 will be available in July and features 1080p full HD resolution."

I heard from a friend the 47" will be available in August.

Anyone plan on getting the Toshiba vs. the Sony?

Anyone plan on getting the Toshiba vs. the Sony?
I used to own the Sony KDL-V26XBR1 before but it was too small for my needs. I can still remember what the picture looks like today, and I should have no problem comparing the new Toshiba 32HL66.

Anyone know if the new Toshibas come with CableCard slot and TV Guide On-Screen Guide?

anybody have any more images of the 47" toshiba?

Its hard to make out how dark the frame is on the set.

This is a bit OT, but does anyone know who Syntax OEM's their panels from? I'm interested in either their current 42" or more likely, the signature line coming out.

There seems to be some knowledgeable people here with regards to sourcing.

This is a bit OT, but does anyone know who Syntax OEM's their panels from?
Either from Chi Mei Optics or Quanta Displays in Taiwan.

going1080pcrazy,

I like the look of this 47" tv over samsung's lns4696/sony's XBR3. If toshiba also has a firewire connection, comparable (or better) picture quality, I would definitely go for the slightly bigger screen which costs less.

Does anyone know how the 12 bit processing on the toshiba can improve picture quality over sony/samsung's 10 bit processing? And does the toshiba have a similar cold cathode light technology and if not is that better? Thanks.

Just a couple of more months before I get my first HDTV. Thank you AVSforum.

Either from Chi Mei Optics or Quanta Displays in Taiwan.

Thanks for the info.

Are these considered respectable sources? Do any of the 'bigger' players source from them?

Considering Orion builds these panels I believe I certainly would not expect them to match up with Sharp, Sony or Samsung LCD's.

... - Toshiba is always shooting for the Food Stamp Walmart Crowd it seems Calling an Orion a Regza isn't that brilliant. ;)



I was disappointed with Toshiba's outsourcing of their tube TV's to Orion, as well. That doesn't mean they are outsourcing everything to Orion...

From TWICE magazine: (http://www.twice.com/article/CA6341217.html)

For final assembly, Toshiba is focusing operation at its TMX plant in Mexico on 26W-inch and above LCD TV final assembly, moving circuit-board assembly and plasma assembly to separate Asian factories.

“Not only does [TMX] concentrate on LCD, but there has been a 300 percent expansion in LCD final assembly at the facility, ensuring that we have the production capacity to fulfill the needs of our retailers and consumers,” said Ramirez.

"The company is expanding its LCD sources in 2006, using Taiwanese panel manufacturers AUO and Chi Mei, to supply products worldwide. Toshiba said those deals “will prioritize Toshiba” in getting supply.

In 2007, Toshiba will open a joint venture ALPHA IPS LCD plant with Matsushita and Hitachi."
Anybody read this part? It says that ALL 2006 Toshiba LCD TVs, regardless of what size and price, are using Taiwanese LCD panel screens made by AUO and Chi Mei. That is very disappointing. :( The real Toshiba LCD TVs with Toshiba joint-venture screens don't start until next year.

Well, I finally received my new Toshiba 32HL66 today from UPS (ordered it from digital1234.com last week). I haven't powered it up yet, but I will post some opinions about it tomorrow. TV looks a little cheaply constructed (fewer components inside) and is lighter than the last year models. The buttons are located at the bottom front of the TV. Looks good so far. For some reason, it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike the last year models.

That TV looks awesome

That TV looks awesome
You mean you saw the display already? Best Buy does not even have the new Toshiba REGZAs yet. I'm probably the first one around the block to try it. And the price is not too bad from digital1234.com.

Here's my own way to buy a Toshiba LCD TV. I've decided to keep buying or uprgading to a new Toshiba 32" REGZA model every year until whenever Toshiba has decided to outsource it to Orion. I know it won't be long. :)

Anybody read this part? It says that ALL 2006 Toshiba LCD TVs, regardless of what size and price, are using Taiwanese LCD panel screens made by AUO and Chi Mei. That is very disappointing. :( The real Toshiba LCD TVs with Toshiba joint-venture screens don't start until next year.

I'm thinking of waiting for HDMI 1.3 anyway.

How do these compare to the westinghouses?

Well, I finally received my new Toshiba 32HL66 today from UPS (ordered it from digital1234.com last week). I haven't powered it up yet, but I will post some opinions about it tomorrow. TV looks a little cheaply constructed (fewer components inside) and is lighter than the last year models. The buttons are located at the bottom front of the TV. Looks good so far. For some reason, it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike the last year models.

You have not powered it up.
You say it looks a little cheaply constructed.
You say it does not tilt or turn clockwise, unlike last year models.

Yet: you still state " Looks good so far".

Aside from that, how did you enjoy the play Mrs. Lincoln?.

Powered up my new 32HL66 today and I am very impressed. It has a high contrast ratio and the blacks do not look so dark. Picture quality looks just as good from the last year HL95 models. HDMI performance is very good, although not as good as the Sony XBRs. On-screen menu display looks the same from last year. For this price (if buying from digital1234.com and not from Best Buy or Crutchfield), this is a lot better deal than picking up one of the generic LCD TV brands (Sceptre, Westinghouse, Polaroid, Sylvania, etc.).

Powered up my new 32HL66 today and I am very impressed. It has a high contrast ratio and the blacks do not look so dark. Picture quality looks just as good from the last year HL95 models. HDMI performance is very good, although not as good as the Sony XBRs. On-screen menu display looks the same from last year. For this price (if buying from digital1234.com and not from Best Buy or Crutchfield), this is a lot better deal than picking up one of the generic LCD TV brands (Sceptre, Westinghouse, Polaroid, Sylvania, etc.).

Any further impressions? I'm looking very seriously at one of the TVs in this line, and might buy as early as next Monday. I saw the model you bought in a store, and it looked good to me, but I am hardly an expert.

(And did you really mean to say that contrast was good but blacks were not so dark?)

(And did you really mean to say that contrast was good but blacks were not so dark?)
Well, I do see a backlight on the screen that is very noticable to see while viewing. The contrast is high and the black level is low. I'm not an expert on LCD TV viewing. This is what I see in my eyes.

has anyone seen the 42" in person yet?

has anyone seen the 42" in person yet?
Unfortunately, they're still in production.

Its[EDIT] at buy.com. I assume it is a great LCD

digital1234.com has the [EDIT] 32HL66. I bought my 32HL66 from them and had no problems with the transaction. They are an authorized Toshiba dealer, meaning you will get full warranty.

Powered up my new 32HL66 today and I am very impressed. It has a high contrast ratio and the blacks do not look so dark. Picture quality looks just as good from the last year HL95 models. HDMI performance is very good, although not as good as the Sony XBRs. On-screen menu display looks the same from last year. For this price (if buying from digital1234.com and not from Best Buy or Crutchfield), this is a lot better deal than picking up one of the generic LCD TV brands (Sceptre, Westinghouse, Polaroid, Sylvania, etc.).

InYourEyes,
I tried a Toshiba 37HL95 and found that when the backlight was adjusted to anything but 100% a humming/buzzing sound could be heard. :(
In a quite room with the volume down, can you hear any noise when adjusting the backlight brightness on your new TV?
This noise was the thing that kept me from purchasing a 37HL95. I tried 3 of them and they all made a noise. :(
I have tried a Sony KDL-46S200 and it is completely silent. :)

InYourEyes,
I tried a Toshiba 37HL95 and found that when the backlight was adjusted to anything but 100% a humming/buzzing sound could be heard. :(
In a quite room with the volume down, can you hear any noise when adjusting the backlight brightness on your new TV?
This noise was the thing that kept me from purchasing a 37HL95. I tried 3 of them and they all made a noise. :(
I have tried a Sony KDL-46S200 and it is completely silent. :)
There is, and it is very very hard to hear. Doesn't bother me at all.

I'm surprised to see that there are not many posts regarding the 2006 Toshiba REGZA LCDs. Where is everybody? They are made by Toshiba (26" and larger sets only).

Anybody seen one of these yet? Hopefully an alternative to Sony....

Well, I finally received my new Toshiba 32HL66 . . . .For some reason, it does not tilt or turn clockwise.....But it's still turns counter-clockwise doesn't it? Oh god i sure hope so !!

Anybody seen one of these yet? Hopefully an alternative to Sony....

The new Toshibas seem nice and packed with lots features but for some reason they decided not to support 1080p inputs on the models that have 1080p displays. :(

Sony will support 1080p inputs on their 1080p sets. :)

Just picked one up at costco yesterday. Looks awesome with my 360. Has anyone found some good settings for movies?

Just picked one up at costco yesterday. Looks awesome with my 360. Has anyone found some good settings for movies?
Really, what is the model number?

But it's still turns counter-clockwise doesn't it? Oh god i sure hope so !!
It's okay, it doesn't need to turn.

The new Toshibas seem nice and packed with lots features but for some reason they decided not to support 1080p inputs on the models that have 1080p displays. :(

Sony will support 1080p inputs on their 1080p sets. :)

Yeah that was a bummer to find out. I'm following the sony, syntax-brillian, and mitsubishis now

cool

I don't think they support video, just mp3 or jpeg. But I want a tv that can display video over its ethernet link.

At least one person here listed that as something you could.

Damn thing won't let me post the link here at avsforum for the post. Avsforum post says

"Surprisingly, the 42" 42HL196 is already out on the market, and for a price which would surprise anyone - considering that according to this article, "the 32 to 42-inch H series also have a 160GB drive, and Ethernet for streaming video..." Though it seems more likely the models the article refers to are for Japanese consumers only. "

This was a thread talking about the 2006 toshiba tvs.

Toshiba says the 42HL196 is missing the 3D color Management System (64 levels of hue saturation and tint) that is included on the 42LX196.

BB carries the lower end model (HL) which was quite nice except for a high level of blue blacks. Just as clear as the Samsung but with less side effects than Dnie. Bigger screen yet cost less $$$ than the 40" 1920*1080 Samsung. It should sell a lot better than the overpriced Sony 1366*768 models too:)

i had gotten all excited when i saw the Toshiba 42LX196 at bestbuy today(it was way under msrp).

will these tv's not play a signal when fed 1080p? if so that would really be a shame

Wow. the 32HLC56 looks really good. just set it up today.

the 42HL196 looks pretty good. Very vibrant colors, but still not the best LCD I've seen. But very very good overall value.

Turn down the backlight in the menu and you have a picture that is a window into the scene. It is beautiful to behold. Colors are among the most natural as compared to all the oversaturated crap out there. The 1920 resolution is all there too. I could live with this a picture for a long, long time. For those who don't like the Sharps, Westinghouse or no-brand name panels. I like it better overall than even the Samsungs.

I guess people do not know how to recognize exceptional quality when they see it. But if it had a Sony nameplate (and was priced $1200 more) we would have 347 pages of conjunctive drivel.
Go take a look at BB Magnolia. It is worthy of your time:)

Yep, i agree with your reincarnate....I just got back from my local BB where they had the new Toshiba 42LH196 as well as the new 46" Sony XBR and both pictures were beautiful, quite similar in fact, from what i could discern; However, the Sony was being sold for more than $1.500 above the price of the Toshiba.
I must say i was quite shocked with what i found out on this Toshiba model after googling it :
TOSHIBA 42HL196, native 1920x1080, contrast 800:1, brightness 500 cd/m2, viewing angle 176 degrees, response time 8ms, 12-bit picture processing (up to 14-bit internally) for real speed progressive scanning, DNR/MPEG DNR with cross-color suppression +chroma bug correction + dot cross color reduction, 3:2 pulldown, native mode pixel-for-pixel reproduction of HD signals, gamma controls, precise control of hue/saturation for 64 individual colors, ATSC/QUAM/NTSC tuners with cable-card, PC input, 2 HDMI inputs, TVGUIDE Onscreen, 5 widescreen modes, internet software upgrades, multi-window POP/double window, too many sound options to list, etc, etc , etc.....WOW !....But, best of all, the selling price even by BB standards !!
If memory doesn't fail me, Toshiba LCD screens usually don't get the highest marks for black level/contrast ratio after being tested by HT Magazine, however, as someone pointed out above, Toshiba is now manufacturing all their screens sized 26" and larger, and i certainly could not see any difference in contrast/black level between its picture and the Sony's XRB picture - granted, i saw both pictures inside a store that was being lit by fluorescent light bulbs....
Needless to say, i was very/very impressed, and left there wondering why are there so many people on this board still arguing and discussing ad nauseum the purchase of similar sized models from either Westinghouse or Sceptre, when you can get this Toshiba model for about the same price from such vast number of dealers ?
By the way, reincarnate, where did you get the info that the 42LH196 does not support the control for 64 individual colors correction (or, is it a control for 64 levels of hue/saturation for R/G/B ?). I donwloaded the pdf file for the model and it is still there, although with the caveat "preliminary specifications subject to change"....On Toshiba's official USA website this model is not even listed yet ! What's up with that ?
Regards >>>> Marcos

I've been looking for info on this TV, I've seen it on display (the 42HL196 model) and read the manual and it seems it will accept a 1080i input but not 1080p.

We just received our August allocation of 42LX196 and 47LX196 Cinema Series LCD flat panel HDTVs and we set both up feeding them with Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD DVD player.

These displays look absolutely fantastic and are priced very well to sell easily.

-Robert

We just received our August allocation of 42LX196 and 47LX196 Cinema Series LCD flat panel HDTVs and we set both up feeding them with Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD DVD player.

These displays look absolutely fantastic and are priced very well to sell easily.

-Robert
Hi Robert, quick question, do you know by any chance if Toshiba is continuing to make their 26" and 32" LCD TVs next year at the Mexico assembly plant, or, will they be outsourced to Orion next year to save room in the factory for the larger 1080p sets? I need to know if this is the time for me to "hug" my 32HL66 more and keep it forever. This year, I notice Toshiba is not making many 26" and 32" units, indicating to me that Toshiba may switch to Orion as the manufacturer next year. Thanks.

InYourEyes, don't know, but I would "hug" your 32HL66 as it's one of the nicest 32" flat panel HDTV's on the market.

-Robert

After an exhausting search, and several returns, I finally bought the LCD I'm keeping, a 32HLV66.

Comparing it to several others, I'd put the picture quality on par with the Sony 32S2000, and perhaps a notch below the Sony XBR and Samsung 51 series. I returned an LG, which had a nice price and fair picture, but which handled closed captions oddly, with no chance of changing it. The much praised Panasonic 32LX60 didn't look very good at all, about on par with the Phillips. The Sharp 32D4OU was ok, but not up there with the Sony, Samsung and Toshiba. Those 3, with the current models anyway, outshine the rest in the 32" LCD category.

Has anybody else compared the new Regza line to the others? There are no real reviews out there, which is a shame, as it's a nice TV.

Has anyone been able to compare these to the Samsung or Sony XBR models. I can't find a store here to be able to look at them side-by-side.

I'd rate them as just below the XBR and Samsung (all non-1080p models). I like mine so far, have it hooked up to a Comcast box via HDMI. Picture is quite nice, although it, like the Sony and Samsung, does exhibit some of the weaknesses inherent to LCD technology. I'm still convinced that rear projection displays look better overall, and more film-like.

My understanding is that the 42HL196 REGZA does not accept 1080p inputs, but rather it upconverts everything to 1080p. In a general sense, it seems logical that upconverting 1080i to 1080p will yield good results, but how about 720p to 1080p? Would one be able to see artifacts at a viewing distance of ~6 feet? Would that be any worse than converting 1080i to view on a 720p set?

Anyone have experience using the RJ45 Toshiba Home Interactive Network Connection?

With respect to 1080i vs 1080p, read this and let me know what you think.

http://blog.hometheatermag.com/geoffreymorrison/0807061080iv1080p/

He suggests that all modern digital HDTVs are incapable of displaying an interlaced image, and are thus 1080p or 768p. The ability of the TV to properly deinterlace 1080i signals is key. A normal HDTV will deinterlace to 768p and a 1080p TV will deinterlace to 1080p. Nobody is actually viewing 1080i.

With respect to 1080i vs 1080p, read this and let me know what you think.

http://blog.hometheatermag.com/geoffreymorrison/0807061080iv1080p/
Thanks for the link. That article -- and the one that it links to -- really helped me understand the 1080i/p issue.

I've been looking for info on this TV, I've seen it on display (the 42HL196 model) and read the manual and it seems it will accept a 1080i input but not 1080p.

It is 1080i only, like all the JVC's.

Not only that, it uses the CHi Mei panels, which suck.

You might as well buy the Westinghouse 47" and save even more $$.

I went through three ChiMei panel Westinghouse 42," and Chi Mei is crap. The banding is way way above what is tolerable.

With respect to 1080i vs 1080p, read this and let me know what you think.

http://blog.hometheatermag.com/geoffreymorrison/0807061080iv1080p/

He suggests that all modern digital HDTVs are incapable of displaying an interlaced image, and are thus 1080p or 768p. The ability of the TV to properly deinterlace 1080i signals is key. A normal HDTV will deinterlace to 768p and a 1080p TV will deinterlace to 1080p. Nobody is actually viewing 1080i.

Right, but having to go from 1080i to 1080p is dumb, especially when it's cheaper brother the Westinghouse can take 1080p directly from HDMI and DVI.

It's like the D sub problem. You go from the digital signal in your computer, convert it to analog via D sub, then it gets converted back to digital after it's inside the panel.

Retarded.

I just got back from the local BB and saw both the REGZA 42" and the XBR2 46". Of course the XBR2 was about $1500 more (and had 4 more inches).

The BB feed does not do well for HD viewing (they macroblock a lot). But, I could see differences between the two models.

The Sony had a better black. This was especially noticeable whenever the screen blanked between clips. The REGZA screen glowed a deep blue black, the XBR2 looked like it was turned off and was reflecting the store lighting (i.e. the backlight was low enough that the store lighting covered up the glow). Of course in a dark room I would expect the XBR2 to glow. There was no direct overhead lighting in the TV area, this was from the other parts of the store.

I liked the REGZA styling better than the XBR2. The XBR2 silver grill looked a bit cheap. I think though that the XBR3 would probably cure that, but will of course cost more $$.

The REGZA is deceptive with the 1080p sickers all over it and the XHD 2x the HD claims on it when the spec sheet http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/tacpassets-images/models/42lx196/docs/42lx196_spec.pdf shows only 1080i input and processing.

The detail on the REGZA appeared virtually identical to the XBR2 (I would probably have to feed stills to compare, the BB feed is very hard).

Off angle viewing did not appear to be as good as the XBR2.

But, Toshiba makes a good set considering the price. It is a nice compromize of features for most people with a huge savings. Also as a bonus it has cable card that the XBR2 does not have!

It is 1080i only, like all the JVC's.

Not only that, it uses the CHi Mei panels, which suck.
Has it been confirmed that the REGZA sets use the Chi Mei panels? Seems like there was conflicting info out there on that issue.


Update: This looks like confirmation to me: http://displayblog.wordpress.com/2006/07/28/quanta-computer-lands-toshiba-lcd-tv-contract/

I just got back from the local BB and saw both the REGZA 42" and the XBR2 46". Of course the XBR2 was about $1500 more (and had 4 more inches).

The BB feed does not do well for HD viewing (they macroblock a lot). But, I could see differences between the two models.

The Sony had a better black. This was especially noticeable whenever the screen blanked between clips. The REGZA screen glowed a deep blue black, the XBR2 looked like it was turned off and was reflecting the store lighting (i.e. the backlight was low enough that the store lighting covered up the glow). But, Toshiba makes a good set considering the price. It is a nice compromize of features for most people with a huge savings. Also as a bonus it has cable card that the XBR2 does not have!
Was the Toshiba backlight menu setting turned down? This makes a big difference.

Was the Toshiba backlight menu setting turned down? This makes a big difference.

No, both sets were on default. And I did think about trying to turn it down, but did not want to mess with it. Figured I could read owners reports here after they calibrated better than I could at BB.

stuka said,

"Right, but having to go from 1080i to 1080p is dumb, especially when it's cheaper brother the Westinghouse can take 1080p directly from HDMI and DVI."

Stuka, I dont think you understand 1080p vs 1080i.
Where are you taking the 1080p from?
There is no 1080p sources. Although Blu-ray can output 1080p, it does that by coverting 1080i to 1080p, just like the tv set can also do.
So as you see, it was really your comment that was dumb. Sorry, no offense.

Has it been confirmed that the REGZA sets use the Chi Mei panels? Seems like there was conflicting info out there on that issue.


Update: This looks like confirmation to me: http://displayblog.wordpress.com/2006/07/28/quanta-computer-lands-toshiba-lcd-tv-contract/
OH MY GOD. Toshiba will be outsourcing all of their LCD TV models next year to Quanta computer in Taiwan. TOSHIBA MUST BE OUT OF THEIR MINDS. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Better pick up the current 2006 REGZA models right now as they will be the last LCD TVs ever made by Toshiba. The screens are made by Chi Mei, but the TVs are assembled by Toshiba with many parts come from Toshiba Japan. I would rather get this one than getting the entire Quanta-made Toshiba TVs next year.

Now, I can hug my 32HL66 more.

Since this is Toshiba's final year manufacturing LCD TVs, I am thinking of selling my 32HL66 and upgrade to the 37LX96 Cinema Series. Anybody seen the 37LX96 yet? I could get the 42" 42LX196, but it will not fit inside my TV cabinet. :(

stuka said,

"Right, but having to go from 1080i to 1080p is dumb, especially when it's cheaper brother the Westinghouse can take 1080p directly from HDMI and DVI."

Stuka, I dont think you understand 1080p vs 1080i.
Where are you taking the 1080p from?
There is no 1080p sources. Although Blu-ray can output 1080p, it does that by coverting 1080i to 1080p, just like the tv set can also do.
So as you see, it was really your comment that was dumb. Sorry, no offense.

You're the one who does not know what you are talking about.

Today there aren't any 1080p sources (other than a PC) but some of the upcoming blu-ray players will output it - in fact the Pioneer Elite also has an option to enable 24p output on its HDMI port, which results in no cadence or other temporal conversion of blu-ray material that is encoded at 1080p 24. If you connect this way to a proper display (which none of these are, as far as I know now only the 50" Pioneer 1080p plasma can do this) it does NOT refresh at 60Hz, it refreshes at 72Hz (3x 24p) and it totally smooths out any and all 3:2 pulldown judders. Very nice, although very expensive.

I saw a 42HL196 set in BestBuy. A very nice set! I was thinking about getting 45-inch Sharp Aquos, but Toshiba is cheaper and has real 1080 resolution, though it is 3 inches smaller. Anyway, I looked into the user's manual and could not find whether it is possible to wire the speakers separately, I want to use them for the center channel in my 5.1 setup. Obviously, if I play DVD through a receiver and use component cables for video, I can wire the TV to the center channel socket on my receiver. But what if I use HDMI? It carries sound as well, right? So the TV has to have an option of selecting a certain channel of 5.1 surround to feed to built-in speakers. And I could not find such an option. Anywone has an advice? What about Sharp in regards to this issue?

I saw a 42HL196 set in BestBuy. A very nice set! I was thinking about getting 45-inch Sharp Aquos, but Toshiba is cheaper and has real 1080 resolution, though it is 3 inches smaller. Anyway, I looked into the user's manual and could not find whether it is possible to wire the speakers separately, I want to use them for the center channel in my 5.1 setup. Obviously, if I play DVD through a receiver and use component cables for video, I can wire the TV to the center channel socket on my receiver. But what if I use HDMI? It carries sound as well, right? So the TV has to have an option of selecting a certain channel of 5.1 surround to feed to built-in speakers. And I could not find such an option. Anywone has an advice? What about Sharp in regards to this issue?


Are you VERY space constrained? With SO much information coming from the center channel, it would seem a waste to use any TV speaker to try to reproduce this critical channel. Even a cheap ($150) center would outperform just about any TV I can think of.

Are you VERY space constrained? With SO much information coming from the center channel, it would seem a waste to use any TV speaker to try to reproduce this critical channel. Even a cheap ($150) center would outperform just about any TV I can think of.
What do you mean "so much information?" It is mostly the voice, isn't it?

It just seems inefficient to me to buy a dedicated center speaker while I already have speakers located right there, in the center of the picture. I don't mind buying a TV without speakers at all or at least with detachable speakers, so I can replace then with my own center speaker. It just seems like a total waste of space and it visually will be like... like something is not right :) I hate seeing things that do not perform their function. (On the other hand I would rather have a TV with a built-in tuner instead of having just a monitor).

OH MY GOD. Toshiba will be outsourcing all of their LCD TV models next year to Quanta computer in Taiwan. TOSHIBA MUST BE OUT OF THEIR MINDS. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Better pick up the current 2006 REGZA models right now as they will be the last LCD TVs ever made by Toshiba. The screens are made by Chi Mei, but the TVs are assembled by Toshiba with many parts come from Toshiba Japan. I would rather get this one than getting the entire Quanta-made Toshiba TVs next year.

Now, I can hug my 32HL66 more.

For every press release there is an equal and opposite press release :rolleyes:


TWICE - May require subscription (http://www.twice.com/article/CA6336943.html)

For final assembly, Toshiba is focusing operation at its TMX plant in Mexico on 26W-inch and larger LCD TV final assembly, moving circuit board assembly and plasma assembly to separate Asian factories.“

Not only does [TMX] concentrate on LCD, but there has been a 300 percent expansion in LCD final assembly at the facility, ensuring that we have the production capacity to fulfill the needs of our retailers and consumers,” said Ramirez.

Pravda,

Dont feel bad about not understanding this.
I know this is confusing to you, so let me try to make it simple.

1080i and 1080p have the same resolution.
tv and movie cameras shoot at 24fps, all TV's except maybe 1 are at 60hz.
So 2:3 pulldown has to occur somewhere, either at the tv or in the player.
Fortunately, most tv's can now do de-interlacing without you seeing any problems at all.

So even if your tv could accept 1080p at 24fps, your tv would still have to do the 2:3 pulldown. So you are not really seeing 1080p at 24fps anyway.

Also, there are no future plans to have 1080p sources in the next decade.

Also, there are no future plans to have 1080p sources in the next decade.

That's going to be news to Sony and its PlayStation 3 system (early games won't be 1080p but future gaming software will) as well as PC's that offer vast amount of 1080p content! :o

picture of a 42HL196 taken at BB, hd satallite feed over coax, split i dunno.
looked heads and tails above the westinghouse's flanking it.
pic taken on canon sd450, 5mp.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l220/joetrizeo/IMG_0853.jpg

Thanks mijitro, I've been dying to see a picture of this unit in action. Would you say the set looks below, even or about the same as comparable sets from Samsung, Sony, Westinghouse, JVC and Sharp? I'm on the market for a 1080p LCD but I want a quality 42" set. Sharp has a 37" (D90U), Samsung/JVC/Sony have 40"/46" and so on. Yes, I know it doesn't accept 1080p but those two extra inches are just want I'm looking for.

Cool pic.. It makes me want to drive down to New York State and buy one.

Does anyone know what resolution is accepted and displayed through the VGA port? Is it like the JVC where it only takes 1024x768 and scales it up to Full res?

What do you mean "so much information?" It is mostly the voice, isn't it?

It just seems inefficient to me to buy a dedicated center speaker while I already have speakers located right there, in the center of the picture. I don't mind buying a TV without speakers at all or at least with detachable speakers, so I can replace then with my own center speaker. It just seems like a total waste of space and it visually will be like... like something is not right :) I hate seeing things that do not perform their function. (On the other hand I would rather have a TV with a built-in tuner instead of having just a monitor).


Actually, about 80% of the sound of most sources comes from the center channel. Everything else from the mains to the rears to the sub is primarily for effects. Good article here

http://www.hometheatermag.com/subsatloudspeakers/54/

I finally checked out the 42HL196, and I was kind of disappointed. It was hooked up via HDMI directly to an HD-DVD player showing an HD-DVD movie, so it should have been able to to show its stuff. My impression is that the blacks weren't great, and backing off on the backlight intensity (which was at max) to improve blacks removed detail from the dark shaded areas of the scene. Perhaps this is because the contrast is only 800 (static), versus values of 1300 for other new 1080p sets. Also, its off-axis viewing could be better, both vertically and horizontally.

I have been trying to program my remote for discrete codes for on and off, and the Toshiba website for the 32hlv66 says that it has discrete codes as a feature. I emailed Toshiba for the codes and the reply was "discrete IR codes are available only to qualified installers". Does anyone have them? I wish to program an URC mx series remote. Thanks.

I have been trying to program my remote for discrete codes for on and off, and the Toshiba website for the 32hlv66 says that it has discrete codes as a feature. I emailed Toshiba for the codes and the reply was "discrete IR codes are available only to qualified installers". Does anyone have them? I wish to program an URC mx series remote. Thanks.

Send me an email and I'll send you the codes.

-Robert
rzohn@*********************

Anyone know if the Toshiba 32HLC56 is one of these 2006 REGAZA sets?

I think it is, but am not sure.

Also, I know the 32HLC56 is a HDTV Monitor, meaning no HD tuner of any kind.

But does it have an NTSC tuner in it, for direct connection of cable to the unit(analog channels 1-125)?

I have an LG LST-4200A(bought from Robert over 2 years ago. Still the best ever, and Robert's company made it as simple as anything to get. Call. CC info. Got it in 3-4 days. NO HASSLES. Don't mind throwing his business a plug) and would use this for HD reception, OTA and QAM.

I would use a Sony HDX-900 DVD Recorder for analog recording and playback(plus playback of DVD's) if neccessary(with regards to analog reception if the 32HLC56 has no tuner at all).

I first got the LG 32LX1D from Circuit City, and was SEVERLY DISAPPOINTED in it. The HD/SD/analog picture ranged from awesome(HD) to OK(analog) after calibrating with a DVE disc.

But the internal tuner was garbage compared to my LG LST-4200A which REALLY SURPRISED me. It LOST 3 of my CLEAR QAM HD channels because of mapping those channels with multiple subchannels as 0 for some reason. It would briefly show the correct mapping(at least what they map too on my LST-4200A) for a sceond before going back to mapping it at 0. Very weird and annoying.

Also, the sound going from a HD channel to an analog/SD one was really annoying as well. The sound would plummet on an HD channel, forcing me to turn up the volume to a high level. Then tune to an analog channel, and sound would BLAST!!! throughout the room. VERY ANNOYING!! My current setup with the LST-4200A inputed through component and RCA audio inputs does not do this through the TV speakers on my Zenith C27V36 HDTV Monitor. I was really disappointed in the 32LX1D

I am also looking at the LG 32LC2D found at Best Buy, as I think it does not suffer from these things through my tests. But I guess the only way to know is to get it and find out.

Anyway, is the Toshiba 32HLC56 a real good buy?

It appears to be, and it looks like these will be the last ones made by Toshiba.

the HLC, custom series is not REGZA because it is missing:

• ATSC/QAM tuners
Pixelpure Hi-Bit 12 bit video processing
• channel Browser
• favorite browser
• channel label
• channel return
• channel lock
• Optical out
• Front panel lock

Is the 42HL196 considered REGZA? I notice the set does not say REGZA like the LX model does.

It appears to be, and it looks like these will be the last ones made by Toshiba.
Yes it is. This year, Toshiba cannot even keep up the supply for their 2006 LCD models. Most of the parts are made in Japan but take a long time to ship to Mexico for final assembly, so they have no choice but to outsource to Quanta. At least Toshiba is saving more money on production next year.

Is the 42HL196 considered REGZA? I notice the set does not say REGZA like the LX model does.


All Toshiba integrated LCDs 26" and up are REGZAs

Does anyone know what resolution is accepted and displayed through the VGA port? Is it like the JVC where it only takes 1024x768 and scales it up to Full res?

Anybody?

I was at my local BB and saw both Sony 46" and Toshiba 42". Sony's colors looked much better to me than Toshiba but for an extra ~$1600 with gaining 4". Interestingly, they also had Westy 42" next to Toshiba playing Serenity from Toshiba HD-A1 while Toshiba was playing OTA feed HD. Sony was hooked up to Samsung Blue-ray playing a demo DVD.
Toshiba looked good but not quite good as Sony. Westinghouse was just no good compare to both Toshiba and Sony.
I was at Sam's earlier looking at 37" Westinghouse and it didn't looked good as the Magnovax, Visio(best) or Samsung on a 480p source connected with component video then I convinced manager to bring my HD-A1(purchased from robert:-). I set it up up (w/HDMI) and played around with settings for an hour and improve somewhat but I was still not impress with the colors, PQ and brightness.
Later that day I visited my local A/V store and checked out LX196 and to my disappointment, it was only hooked up to NTSC with a coax, what a waste! So don't know how it will perform against Sony. Before I go back there and set it up my way, I like to find out more about input capabilities.
Does anyone know 42LX196 support 1080p input? I can't find manual at the Toshiba site and mostly people discuss 42HL196 here. I'm ready to purchase LX196 but no 1080p input support to me is a show stopper. :(

42LX196 does not accept 1080p, via HDMI, it accepts 1080i, and does the scaling in the set. Over the "mainline" set, you also pick up Colormaster (color management system), better internal speakers and sound, and a 6 item illuminated remote control. ut of curiosity, why do you need a 1080p input, and which 1080p input are you looking for, 1080p/60, 1080p/24?

42LX196 does not accept 1080p, via HDMI, it accepts 1080i, and does the scaling in the set. Over the "mainline" set, you also pick up Colormaster (color management system), better internal speakers and sound, and a 6 item illuminated remote control. ut of curiosity, why do you need a 1080p input, and which 1080p input are you looking for, 1080p/60, 1080p/24?

I need 1080p primarily for PS3. Nice to have option for 1080p/24 but for that I would need Pioneer plasma @ 72HZ refresh for resolving 3:3 properly. It is not a requirement but ability to accept PS3 1080p is a must although games in 1080p probably won't be available until sometime next year. I figuring that if I'm paying early adapter fee at these prices I demand future compatibility. :)

42LX196 does not accept 1080p, via HDMI,

But what about the VGA port? What does it accept there?

Costco has a 32HLV16, does anyone know what the difference is between it and the 32HLV66? The 32HLV16 doesn't show up on Toshiba's website.

Costco has a 32HLV16, does anyone know what the difference is between it and the 32HLV66? The 32HLV16 doesn't show up on Toshiba's website.
There is no difference at all. It's just a different model number sold exclusively at Costco only to avoid competition.

is it confirmed that the 42HL196 won't accept a 1080p input? It seems like a good alternative to the Westy 42W2 given the addition of a tuner (a good one at that).

yes

I have been thinking about the 47LX196 and I am concerned about the 1080i/1080p, it also seems dumb to me that I can not connect a 1080p source.

The question is then, if I do connect a PC to the HDMI port.

What is the highest/best resolution I can set? (assuming I have not purchased the video card and have discretion in that matter)

I have been thinking about the 47LX196 and I am concerned about the 1080i/1080p, it also seems dumb to me that I can not connect a 1080p source.

Not so dumb when you consider Toshiba's HD-DVD player only outputs 1080i and the BD player outputs 1080p. Toshiba don't want to provide incentives to go BD.

Im went into a local store to ask when they were going to get the XBR3s in stock and the 42LX196 caught my eye. It looked pretty impressive but after reading this thread I'm now kinda turned off. :(

Im went into a local store to ask when they were going to get the XBR3s in stock and the 42LX196 caught my eye. It looked pretty impressive but after reading this thread I'm now kinda turned off. :(

yeah
stick to sony/samung and sharp LCd's. they are leaders in this space.

If it looks good to you, why worry about what others have to say? The main complaints appear to be that it uses a CMO panel and the blacks are bluish when compared to equivalent Sony/Samsung/JVC sets.

But again, if you had looked at it and found it impressive, what's stopping you?

I've been debating ordering this set too, but I haven't been able to see it in person. What I like about it is its scaler is supposed to be at least as good as JVC's. Its HD inputs also support native mode 1:1 pixel aspect ratio and it comes with QAM + TVGOS. Unfortunately no B&M in my area has a display unit.

If it looks good to you, why worry about what others have to say? The main complaints appear to be that it uses a CMO panel and the blacks are bluish when compared to equivalent Sony/Samsung/JVC sets.

But again, if you had looked at it and found it impressive, what's stopping you?

I've been debating ordering this set too, but I haven't been able to see it in person. What I like about it is its scaler is supposed to be at least as good as JVC's AND it does 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz on the VGA port. Its HD inputs also support native mode 1:1 pixel aspect ratio and it comes with QAM + TVGOS. Unfortunately no B&M in my area has a display unit.

I had a look at the 42HL196 today and I was quite impressed. I have a 30" and 34" pre-Orion Tosh CRT sets and I really like the Tosh scaling and stretch modes.

This is the first I've read that they accept 1920x1080 on the VGA port. Is that documented somewhere. If true, it's a keeper..

I did a nice calibration on our store demo 42LX196 and 47LX196 displays and they look fantastic.

We sold a good amount of these this past week. Most of the customers came in for 42" and 50" plasmas and left with Toshiba's new LCD panels. When they are set up properly they look very excellent.

-Robert

This is the first I've read that they accept 1920x1080 on the VGA port. Is that documented somewhere. If true, it's a keeper..

You know, I don't know where that came from, so don't quote me on that. I've removed that line from my post above. I've emailed Toshiba customer support to find out what the max VGA resolution is supported, and I'll post an update when/if they reply.

DTV TiVo Dealer, do you have this info?

I need 1080p primarily for PS3. Nice to have option for 1080p/24 but for that I would need Pioneer plasma @ 72HZ refresh for resolving 3:3 properly. It is not a requirement but ability to accept PS3 1080p is a must although games in 1080p probably won't be available until sometime next year. I figuring that if I'm paying early adapter fee at these prices I demand future compatibility. :)
If you have a plasma panel refreshing at 72Hz, then your PS3 game should be generating 1080p @ 72, 36 or 24 Hz (at 60 Hz there will be some judder)... ;)

does anyone own, or have even seen the 37HL66?

No one huh?

my buddy got the 37HLV66... essentially the same set with a built in DVD player, and he loves it

Another thing, since this whole thread is on Toshiba LCD's, how do they display SD content?? that's what i care about the most, please please please put some input on this.

come on please help me

Sorry, but since I already wrote before what I thought based on my (rather limited) exposure to these Tosh LCD's I can't help you anymore. Tough for someone that hasn't seen or bought these sets to offer any advice, and (if you haven't noticed) other brands command the loyalty and attention of hardcore AVS enthusiasts much more than Toshiba. :(

i have a 37hlx95, and it does a great job with sd ( they still look lousy, of course), plus it has a nice feature of automaitically change based on 480i or 1080i input. it is great

is your tv like a better or higher end model than the one i'm looking at?

same panel, this year actually has 12 bit processing, for a little better picture, look at the 37HLV66 if you want a built in DVD player, or a 37LX96 for the Cinema version

so you like the SD huh? the reason i'm asking all this is cuz i have a 15 year old toshiba that displays in my opinion GREAT SD, and i'm upgrading soon, and wonder if i should go with toshiba again.

yeah, it's "stretch" modes are very good, in particular

Anyone plan on getting the Toshiba vs. the Sony?

We just ordered the Toshiba. We were hung up between the Sony, Sammy, Hitachi, Panny and Toshiba, HD and Plasma. In the Sears store closest to us they had all the 40-50 inch plasma and LCD sets on the same wall except the Toshiba 42HL196, it's display was set up and being paid for by Toshiba and it was set up at the end of a different isle. A few sales people came over to help us and we would just say we are comparing the Toshiba to all the rest. The Toshiba was set alone with a HD DVD playing in it while all the rest had the stores main feed playing, so of corse the Toshiba looked great.
One sales person finally said I'll disconnect the Toshiba and move it over to the wall and put the same feed as all the other sets so you can compare them. When he plugged the set into the feed that all the other sets were using and they were all lined up on the same wall his first words as he turned it on was "Wow it is a better looking picture." All of us who were watching the sets said that Toshiba wasn't doing the set justice buy having it set up alone and not running the same feed. I also have to say the picture from the Toshiba HD DVD playing through the Toshiba 42HL196, was the most amazing picture I have seen yet. I dragged my wife to 2 of each of the CC, BB and Sears stores in our area at least 2 times each.
We also decided that LCD was a better choice for us because at the last CC we went to the glare on the plasmsa sets was so bad we knew it was not a good choice for us. Our living room is all windows.

Congrats on pulling the trigger on your brand-new REZGA 1080p LCD. You did know before buying it that this LCD can display 1080p resolution but not accept it as an input, right? Please post a detailed review and pictures for those of us curious about how these Tosh LCD's perform under regular home conditions.

You did know before buying it that this LCD can display 1080p resolution but not accept it as an input, right?

Yeah, same as the JVC you've been agonizing over in the other thread. Get over it. HDTV broadcast is either 1080i or 720p. HD-DVD is 1080i and I challenge anyone to distinguish the difference between 1080p output to the TV and 1080i upscaled to 1080p by the TV.

Face it, most people just watch broadcast TV, either in SD or HD. The true test is how well the TV handles 95% of what you're going to be watching, not that theoretical 5% that you could just as easily switch to 1080i output and not notice the difference.

Yeah, same as the JVC you've been agonizing over in the other thread. Get over it. HDTV broadcast is either 1080i or 720p. HD-DVD is 1080i and I challenge anyone to distinguish the difference between 1080p output to the TV and 1080i upscaled to 1080p by the TV.

Face it, most people just watch broadcast TV, either in SD or HD. The true test is how well the TV handles 95% of what you're going to be watching, not that theoretical 5% that you could just as easily switch to 1080i output and not notice the difference.


He should make his signature read: " But that set doesn't accept 1080p over HDMI, that's why I'm not getting it" It would save him alot of typing

Congrats on pulling the trigger on your brand-new REZGA 1080p LCD. You did know before buying it that this LCD can display 1080p resolution but not accept it as an input, right? Please post a detailed review and pictures for those of us curious about how these Tosh LCD's perform under regular home conditions.

Hey Pop are you just mad b/c your 23" Polaroid can only do 480p..

my neighbor just got the 37" regza w/ the dvd built-in from bby and it looks amazing.
That 12bit is no joke

yeah, it's "stretch" modes are very good, in particular


Thanks! I will be looking into this tv much more. There are so many and i can't seem to choose just one.

Hey Pop are you just mad b/c your 23" Polaroid can only do 480p..

my neighbor just got the 37" regza w/ the dvd built-in from bby and it looks amazing.
That 12bit is no joke

LOL! I was thinking just that. None of my cameras can take a picture to do the set justice.

even a pic of your setup would be cool though.

Hey Pop are you just mad b/c your 23" Polaroid can only do 480p..

my neighbor just got the 37" regza w/ the dvd built-in from bby and it looks amazing.
That 12bit is no joke

Let's face it know one believes how great it looks until they see it live. The amazing difference between it and other sets has to been seen to believe.
And then there is "It's only a Toshiba how good can it be."
When Sears came to house to condem my 14 year old RCA I asked them what sets they recommended and they said the Toshibas gave them the least problems. I never told him what sets I liked. Sony, Samsung and Hitachi were next. The Sony's he liked were the ones built with Sammy parts.

I love the design, it's plain black, what all tv's should be :) i will be looking around for the best price on the 37HL66, seems like it's getting good reviews, now it's between the LG 37LC2D and this.

If SD is important to you, IMHO the Toshiba internal scaler is better than the LG.

Then the Toshiba it is! Thanks for all your help, i'll probably come back with some more questions later though ;)

let us know if you need help...

Just pulled the trigger on the 42HL196. Very happy so far except for one inconsistency. The internal scaler does a very nice job with SD, much better that my 42" Samsung DLP.

One issue:

It did not become obvious until I was watching the US Open over the weekend. It is easy to pick up with large bands of solid colors. There is distinct brightness variation on the sides of the TV. The set is noticeably brighter near the sides. The brighter area extends to about 4" from the sides. It is not a gradual transition. The best way to describe it is that the set looks like it has pillar box burn-in. Once you pick up on it, you can't get it out of your head.

Has anyone experienced this or is it a bad panel, back-lighting issue, etc.

Thanks.

have you tried adjusting the backlight? I think it's at 100% out of the box

have you tried adjusting the backlight? I think it's at 100% out of the box

I'm using it at "Standard" which is 80% backlight I think.

Just pulled the trigger on the 42HL196. Very happy so far except for one inconsistency. The internal scaler does a very nice job with SD, much better that my 42" Samsung DLP.

One issue:

It did not become obvious until I was watching the US Open over the weekend. It is easy to pick up with large bands of solid colors. There is distinct brightness variation on the sides of the TV. The set is noticeably brighter near the sides. The brighter area extends to about 4" from the sides. It is not a gradual transition. The best way to describe it is that the set looks like it has pillar box burn-in. Once you pick up on it, you can't get it out of your head.

Has anyone experienced this or is it a bad panel, back-lighting issue, etc.

Thanks.

Thanks for your PM on this issue. I thought I would post my findings here so every one can see my response. First of all no this is not a design flaw.

I do not have the 42HL196 on my selling floor, but I do have the Cinema series 42LX196, which is the same panel. I do not see any uneven brightness whatsoever.

However, these new high resolution LCDs need a lot of fine tuning calibration to make them look fantastic. I do not think this is your problem, but spend some time on all of the video settings to get the best picture and view the TV with no reflected light on the panel.

Let us know what the end result is.

-Robert

DoobyDolby, Have you been able to resolve the backlight issue? I was in Sear's this week and the 42HL196 looked good to me. I am going to by there today and see if I notice an uneven brightness.

Where, if you dont mind my asking, did you buy the panel?

J/W, but how many of you think you need to get a calibration dvd to make this set acceptable PQ wise?

Does anyone know if the 37HLV66 will be sold at costco?

J/W, but how many of you think you need to get a calibration dvd to make this set acceptable PQ wise?


It would probably be a good idea to use a calibration DVD for any new TV. They cost around $40 (?) and it's well worth it considering how much you've invested in your new toy.

Just my .02

Robert,

Only under certain conditions, does this condition become apparent. First you need a solid color running from top to bottom and it must extend from the edge inward about 6 inches. Also the color must be bright and cool (no reds). Blue works the best.

I started up Toy Story and paused the Disney logo at the beginning. The screen is entirely blue with the logo in the middle. This is the perfect setup and reproduces the problem as I first noticed it with the blue tennis court surface at the Open.

I am starting to wonder if the problem is related to the antiglare coating and not the panel. The degree of the brightness problem varies as you move around the room.

If you get a chance, please see if you can replicate the problem.

Thanks.

These are sold out on amazon. I want to see a wider range of reviews, which should be coming in the next few weeks. The floor model at sears didnt have the backlight issue you described.

Anybody know where any reviews may have come up?

Thanks

I really like the spec/price range of this set (42HL196) 1925 shipped

2hdmi
ethernet
42"
Toshiba quality
satin black case

These are sold out on amazon. I want to see a wider range of reviews, which should be coming in the next few weeks. The floor model at sears didnt have the backlight issue you described.

Anybody know where any reviews may have come up?

Thanks

I really like the spec/price range of this set (42HL196) 1925 shipped

2hdmi
ethernet
42"
Toshiba quality
satin black case

I watched the TV for 2 days before I picked up on it. Unless you can duplicate the condition at Sears, you won't notice the problem. I will attempt to duplicate the problem at a local store and post my findings. I tried to take a digital picture, but issue doesn't show up in the photo.

Damm, now i'm hesitant, this always happens to me! Well it's not like i'll buy anything anytime soon, but it still gets me wondering if this should be a choice of mine, please report back with any findings.

Damm, now i'm hesitant, this always happens to me! Well it's not like i'll buy anything anytime soon, but it still gets me wondering if this should be a choice of mine, please report back with any findings.

I think this may be due to a particular unit, and not a design problem. There is no sign of inconsitencies at store.
Prices have gone up on this set :(

This has got to be the sharpest looking set powered off. It will set off your room where ever it is.

That, along with the perfect size. I am going to keep checking on this one. They wont plug a dvd player up for me, and they have the crappiest wires in that store. 1/2 the TVs have banding real bad, and macroblocking. I told him I could have that store top notched in one week, he laughed. The Regza had a decent feed and showed well, compared to the 40s2000 Sony it was next too.

I decked out a 50,000 sq. ft furniture store with Mitsubishi plasmas (the $5K-$7K series :)) Some of the tvs were 200 feet from the source and they are all Crystal Clear :). I made my own comp cables with high grade coax I hate talking with some of these people they kind of stress me. (especially the ones who act like they know what they are talking about).

He says "there must be a cut in one of the wires". LOL

Ok I am done.

These are sold out on amazon. I want to see a wider range of reviews, which should be coming in the next few weeks. The floor model at sears didnt have the backlight issue you described.

Anybody know where any reviews may have come up?

Thanks

I really like the spec/price range of this set (42HL196) 1925 shipped

2hdmi
ethernet
42"
Toshiba quality
satin black case

I see the Amazon price at 2157 plus shipping, which is an OK price, but not the best deal. This is a great TV.

-Robert

Do you sell, or have you seen this tv yourself hooked up to a good source? Your name seems to suggest you may be in the home theater biz. I am still waiting for some more reviews to come in.

So after all this which is a better buy

a 32HLC56 or a 32hl86. I am getting so confused. Please help!!

So after all this which is a better buy

a 32HLC56 or a 32hl86. I am getting so confused. Please help!!

Are you from Canada?

If the 86 is like the American 66 series, you get:

• ATSC/QAM tuners
• channel Browser
• favorite browser
• channel label
• channel return
• channel lock
• Optical out
• Pixelpure Hi-Bit 12 bit video processing
• Front panel lock

I am from Canada (Vancouver actually)

I just bought the ...86 but for some reason i just noticed that they gave me the ....56. I can't believe I didn't notice that on the box in the store. Anyway before IO returned it I wanted to make sure that I was not returning a better product for the money.

nope, go exchange it

Do you sell, or have you seen this tv yourself hooked up to a good source? Your name seems to suggest you may be in the home theater biz. I am still waiting for some more reviews to come in.

Yes we are authorized on-line and B&M Toshiba dealers. We have the Cinema Series version of the new 42" LCD HDTV in our showroom, but sell both models as well as the 47" LCD. The 42LX196 is connected to a DIRECTV HD feed and Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD DVD player. The image and audio quality is absolutely terrific.

-Robert

Robert,

Have you tried out my test scenario with a solid blue background yet?

Thanks.

doobydolby, I have tried, but I have not been able to recreate any density variation anywhere on the screen. We even connected an old VCR someone still had at home to get a solid blue screen and it looked terrific and perfectly even vertically and horizontally across the screen.

Regarding the max VGA signal and display resolution, I must tell you it's.....

1024x768

We connected a high end Dell PC I use for web development and using the VGA set at 1024x768 the images looked terrific. Image quality is not just based on the highest resolution.

I also connected from my Dell with a high-end DVI video card, sorry I can't remember which card it is and the image looked almost exactly the same as the 1024x768 VGA connection.

-Robert

Thanks for the VGA resolution test.

Did you do DVI -> VGA or DVI -> HDMI with the Dell? Can you verify if it supports 1920 x 1080i PC input via DVI -> HDMI?

Regarding the max VGA signal and display resolution, I must tell you it's.....

1024x768

We connected a high end Dell PC I use for web development and using the VGA set at 1024x768 the images looked terrific. -Robert

Robert,

Will the TV scale the 1024x768 to Full Screen? If so, how does it look to you?

Robert,

Will the TV scale the 1024x768 to Full Screen? If so, how does it look to you?

The 1024x768 native aspect ratio is 4:3, but it stretches to fill the 16:9 screen very nicely. At full screen stretched the PC image looked normal.

Yes, the HDMI input filled the screen and looked fantastic. I am sorry I did not check the resolution, but it looked a little better with the HDMI PC hook-up.

My high-end web development Dell PC is at my home office so I had to take it to my store to test everything and now it's setup back at home again so re-checking is not as easy as I would like it to be and I am very over-booked updating all of the new products just released and building new pages as we were just became authorized on-line partners with Toshiba so as soon as I get the pages built they go on-line linked from Toshiba's site to mine so I need to get going on my web development projects all week.

I should bring home one of these beauties so I won't need to use my reading glasses with this tiresome tedious heavy work load.

-Robert

Yes we are authorized on-line and B&M Toshiba dealers. We have the Cinema Series version of the new 42" LCD HDTV in our showroom, but sell both models as well as the 47" LCD. The 42LX196 is connected to a DIRECTV HD feed and Toshiba's HD-XA1 HD DVD player. The image and audio quality is absolutely terrific.

-Robert

How about the Lower priced 42HL196? WHat are your experiences with that?

This just in. Orion (Sansui) just opened a brand new assembly factory in China and is considering manufacturing all of Toshiba LCD and plasma TVs next year and maybe HD-DVD players, as well as making some products for the lower-end brands. Toshiba may not need Quanta computer to build their TVs next year.

What does that all mean? Better PQ, Lower prices, What?

Hi all, first I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their info on this thread. I've been looking for a new HDTV for a while and it's maddening! I went into a PC Richards (of all places) and for some reason the Toshiba 42HL196 caught my eye. It's great seeing other people's thoughts on this set. Although can someone enlighten me as to the difference between this model and the 42LX196? Is it mostly the audio?

What does that all mean? Better PQ, Lower prices, What?
It means that Toshiba will quit making TVs by the end of this year and will allow Orion to manufacture all of the flat-panel TVs for Toshiba beginning next year. Production cost will be less, meaning quantity output will increase with price drop, parts cheapen, picture quality may drop, and reliability may drop, but not always true. If you have never heard of Orion before, this is an OEM maker that currently produces TV and video products under the low-cost Broksonic, Durabrand (Wal-Mart), some Insignia and iLO, Memorex, Orion, and Sansui brands. Orion also manufactures all of Toshiba CRT tube televisions, plasma televisions, and DVD/VCR combos.

Hi all, first I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their info on this thread. I've been looking for a new HDTV for a while and it's maddening! I went into a PC Richards (of all places) and for some reason the Toshiba 42HL196 caught my eye. It's great seeing other people's thoughts on this set. Although can someone enlighten me as to the difference between this model and the 42LX196? Is it mostly the audio?


You pick up:

Colormaster color management system
Virtual Dolby (SRS TruSurround 5.1)
Soundstrip Speaker System
2-way speaker system
6-item illuminated universal remote

So some sound, some convenience with the remote (very cool for an OEM remote, and some picture, coloraster is cool

You pick up:

Colormaster color management system
Virtual Dolby (SRS TruSurround 5.1)
Soundstrip Speaker System
2-way speaker system
6-item illuminated universal remote

So some sound, some convenience with the remote (very cool for an OEM remote, and some picture, coloraster is cool



I am the ColorMaster.....
SawX...what is this colormaster you speak of......

How about the Lower priced 42HL196? WHat are your experiences with that?

The 42HL196 is very much like the Cinema 42LX196. Here are a few of the advantages the CInema Series has over the TheaterWide model.

1. 2-way speaker system.

2. Color management calibration adjustments.

3. Nicer chassis.

4. 6-item illuminated universal remote

-Robert

PS, sorry I did not see the more complete posts above.

It means that Toshiba will quit making TVs by the end of this year and will allow Orion to manufacture all of the flat-panel TVs for Toshiba beginning next year. Production cost will be less, meaning quantity output will increase with price drop, parts cheapen, picture quality may drop, and reliability may drop, but not always true. If you have never heard of Orion before, this is an OEM maker that currently produces TV and video products under the low-cost Broksonic, Durabrand (Wal-Mart), some Insignia and iLO, Memorex, Orion, and Sansui brands. Orion also manufactures all of Toshiba CRT tube televisions and DVD/VCR combos.

I do not believe you are correct about your statement regarding "picture quality and reliability may drop" Toshiba designs and developes their products to very high standards and specifications.

For example their new plasma HDTV's are excellent products in every way and priced very aggressively. They have excellent picture and audio quality, excellent specifications and a very compelling price point.

To date we have sold a high volume with zero trouble and 100% customer satisfaction.

These are not in any way low end HDTVs.

-Robert

The colormaster adds more of an "unnatural" look to the colors IMHO. The only, and I mean only thing I saw wrong with these two panels is that the LH196 Has a slightly darker panel on standard mode. On "Sports" mode the panel brightens considerably. Maybe they did this to prolong bulb life. It is certainly a natural looking panel, with no lag. I was comparing side by side with a SONY XBR1, SHARP Aquos 45". The sony has lag, the sharp has sunburn issues, and the Toshiba, well, is a very nice looking panel. I keep coming back to that one as possibly my first HDTV.

I think the colormaster seems to add the "dynamic contrast" effect. It may be good for gaming or something.

Whether or not it has 1080P input capability. I think this panel is a well kept secret, that may be discovered soon to be a great bargain even at 1080i. The bezel has that satin finish that is sought after. Has a very conservative, non-Godlike appearance.

Well I've had the set only a day and the picture is as good if not better than in the store. They told us when we picked it up, that they got in 30 sets Friday all presold in the last week. I will post pictures when I have a chance. Right now I'm trying to figure out my Digital and analog signals from Cox. See my post.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=721590

I do not believe you are correct about your statement regarding "picture quality and reliability may drop" Toshiba designs and developes their products to very high standards and specifications.

For example their new plasma HDTV's are excellent products in every way and priced very aggressively. They have excellent picture and audio quality, excellent specifications and a very compelling price point.

To date we have sold a high volume with zero trouble and 100% customer satisfaction.

These are not in any way low end HDTVs.

-Robert
Yes, I agree with you that the Toshiba HP66 plasma TVs this year are very high quality, and they appear to be made better than the last year Toshiba-made HP95 plasma series. I already mentioned "but not always true" in my previous post. Some products are made very good and some are not too good, just like all companies. I know Toshiba has been working very closely with Orion for the past five years or so for lower production cost but still maintaining the high quality build specification. They try to, but not always. If you have the time, you may also want to check out the CRT tube direct view forum section regarding the Toshiba HDTVs. After Toshiba stopped producing their HD CRT tube TVs in 2004 and let Orion make them beginning in 2005, the quality has dropped dramatically. Geometry problems, input problems, power supply problems, flickering problems, poor picture quality, screen discoloration, you name it. These TVs have a high dissatisfaction rate and are inferior to the Toshiba-built ones. If Toshiba still had made CRT tube TVs, none of these problems would occur, this thread would have never existed, and the CRT tube technology would not have extincted too fast. Orion, pretty much, killed the CRT tube technology. But, anyway, luckily, the HP66 plasmas have no such issues, so I can give credit to Orion for that one. Check out this thread and see what you have to say for yourself.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=575786

34 long pages have been about the Orion-made Toshiba CRT HDTVs, and not a single post regarding a Toshiba-made CRT HDTV yet. (Page 30 is my most favorite)

Just placed an order of a Toshiba 37LX96 Cinema Series today. Anybody has one and want to share their experience?

Well I've had the set only a day and the picture is as good if not better than in the store.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=721590

Which model did you get? The LX or the HL?

Which model did you get? The LX or the HL?
Robert (DTV TiVo Dealer) says that the LX one has the "color management calibration adjustments," so I assume the Cimema Series version is better. But don't take his word, only your eyes can judge which TV is better for you. I wonder if the 37LX96 has this feature?

Which model did you get? The LX or the HL?

Toshiba 42HL196

Robert (DTV TiVo Dealer) says that the LX one has the "color management calibration adjustments," so I assume the Cimema Series version is better. But don't take his word, only your eyes can judge which TV is better for you. I wonder if the 37LX96 has this feature?


yes it does. Be careful...with the 37", we're talking about a 720p set, with the 42", it's a 1080p set

yes it does. Be careful...with the 37", we're talking about a 720p set, with the 42", it's a 1080p set

I'm sure this has been debated endlessly and I guess the only way to decide is to go and compare for yourself, but can you really see a difference on a 42"? Some things I've read said you need to go > 50" to get any benefit from 1080p and that basically 720p = 1080i. I'm on the look out for a 40-ish TV and I'm trying to decide whether the new 1080p's are worth it or to just get the cheaper 720p (like the Bravia 40"S) or pay more for the 42HL.

Does anybody have any concerns that since this is the last year Toshiba is manufacturing their LCD HDTVs, there might be problems fulfilling warranty repairs down the road, especially if one purchases a 4-year extended warranty? Everything I've read in the thread that InYourEyes posted above seems to indicate that the problems are with the Orion-made CRTs and that Toshiba-made CRTs have minimal if any problems so perhaps my concern is unfounded.

Oh, and I like this post from the Toshiba CRT/Orion thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8012446&&#post8012446

Toshiba is a pseudo-monopoly because it is the only company producing a bottom-speaker CRT? Which causes problems in the "free-market" system? That's just too funny!

yes it does. Be careful...with the 37", we're talking about a 720p set, with the 42", it's a 1080p set
Yeah, I know. I meant to say 42".

I'm sure this has been debated endlessly and I guess the only way to decide is to go and compare for yourself, but can you really see a difference on a 42"? Some things I've read said you need to go > 50" to get any benefit from 1080p and that basically 720p = 1080i. I'm on the look out for a 40-ish TV and I'm trying to decide whether the new 1080p's are worth it or to just get the cheaper 720p (like the Bravia 40"S) or pay more for the 42HL.

The 42HL196 is actually cheaper than the s-series bravia 40's. You even get cablecard slot, 2hdmi, and 2 more inches :)

Just placed an order of a Toshiba 37LX96 Cinema Series today. Anybody has one and want to share their experience?
Well, I decided to cancel my order since I am able to go with a 42". I'll stick with my 32HL66 for now until the 42LX196 price drops to the lowest and near the end of the production line.

Does anyone know if the 37HLV66 will be sold at costco?
No, Costco will not. Costco is selling only two Toshiba LCD models, 20HLV16 and 32HLV16.

So after all this which is a better buy

a 32HLC56 or a 32hl86. I am getting so confused. Please help!!
It depends if you want the HDTV tuner built-in or not. The 32HLC56 is only a HDTV monitor. Otherwise, they are pretty much identical.

Does anybody have any concerns that since this is the last year Toshiba is manufacturing their LCD HDTVs, there might be problems fulfilling warranty repairs down the road, especially if one purchases a 4-year extended warranty?
I wouldn't worry about that. Toshiba, like all manufacturers, are required to provide parts for their units during the warranty period as well as labor. Since you have a 4-year extended warranty, if the set breaks during the warranty period, Toshiba, or maybe Best Buy, depending on who provided you the extended warranty, will repair it for free to you. If it can't be repaired, you can exchange it for a new one or get a refund.

Well, I decided to cancel my order since I am able to go with a 42". I'll stick with my 32HL66 for now until the 42LX196 price drops to the lowest and near the end of the production line.


You're also aware that you are going froma TV with a built in DVD player (37LX96)to one without (42LX196), right?

Who wants a built in DVD player :( ?

The LX series does not offer enough to justify the cost increase. The HL series 42" 1080P is a better deal IMHO.

why wouldn't someone want a built in dvd player? if you can't afford HD DVD, you have an upconverting dvd player built in, which also equeals out to more inputs you can use for different stuff.

DVD technology will begin to get obsolete starting next year. Plus, the built-in DVD player one may not have the best picture.

With mine mounted on the wall, DVD built in + Cablecard = zero wires except for power and coaxial for everything you need...This one is all about convenience

DVD technology will begin to get obsolete starting next year. Plus, the built-in DVD player one may not have the best picture.

Until then, you have a nice built in DVD player!

Can someone confirm if the 32hl66,37hl66,42hl66 can do 1920*1080 or 1360*768 resolution when hook up to a PC through VGA. Thanks...

Can someone confirm if the 32hl66,37hl66,42hl66 can do 1920*1080 or 1360*768 resolution when hook up to a PC through VGA. Thanks...

This was answered in post #150 of this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8371266&&#post8371266)

Are you using HD box, DVD player? Are you using HDMI cables, Component? Please describe what you are using, and how it is hooked in. I havetweaked this particular TV before, so maybe I can help.

This was answered in post #150 of this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8371266&&#post8371266)


From reading #150 it mentioned only 1024*768, is this max res for the pc vga connection?

hannibal,
thanks very much. i have a comcast hd box and of course this being comcast, there's no hdmi output. so i'm using the dvi output on the box to the hdmi input on the tv with a monster dvi/hdmi cable. also have a run-of-the-mill dvd player hooked up via component cables. the set is mainly used for watching hdtv and digital cable channels and the weekend movie night with the family.

thanks again.

So how do you like it? Tell me what you think about the Picture Quality? Since each person is different in their preferences, let me know what your impression is and I WIll see if I can help you from there :)

Is the DVI to HDMI looking ok? Is it possible for you to get an updated box with HDMI? I simply asked my cable company and they gave me a 160GB DVR with HDMI in place of my old box :o

And how is your DVD picture quality? You definitely want to get a newer DVD player with HDMI output. That old dvd player is taking digital image, going to analog, then back to digital in your tv. HDMI remains uncompressed for the best possible image. I recommend the OPPO OPDV971H DVD player. (You have to see it to believe it)

I have 2 Installs this week. I have noticed that the ones that use upconvert DVD players through HDMI look waaaaay better. You may consider that. Also you absolutely have to get an OTA antenna. DO not get a "directional" but get an "Omni Directional" unit. RadioShack has some that work fine. You can pick up 3-12 Free HD Channels. You will be amazed that this HD stuff is being broadcast right over your head, waiting for you to go spend $40 on an antenna :)

i currently own a jvc plasma, and i am thinking of getting a 42" lcd. i looked at the toshiba 42" 1080p set at a couple of stores, and am a little dissapointed with the pic. my jvc is only a edtv, shouldnt the pic on the toshiba be better? or do plasma displays still have a better pic than lcd? i am looking for suggestions. maybe i should go with a toshiba plasma? or are the sets at the store not adjusted properly? thanks for any input.btw, the reason i want to upgrade to an lcd over plasma is i will be hooking up a htpc. i am worried about burn in with the plasma.

[QUOTE=crosby1]my first impression is that the picture looked way better @ BB than it does in my house. QUOTE]

Unfortunately, using component will only get you so far. The compression and decompression of the signal is ok over component, but you have no compression with HDMI. If you get a DVD player get the HDMI compatible DVD players. As I said earlier, the OPPO is an excellent DVD player. It has been ranked up there with the HD DVD players.

As far as standard television goes, your not going to do much better than what you have. I am trying to dig up some exact settings for you. I was out installing a magnavox LCD on a back patio, and several small service calls and didnt have time for much else.

Did you mention you are receiving HD broadcasts? Are you using an Antenna for HD?

Also 7/10 times cable entering a house can be cheap, low quality "C" coax. I reccomend Quad Shield or RG6 with crimp on connectors. Maybe you can inspect the cable feed to your house. You can greatly reduce noise in your line which can do wonders for your tv. I once installed a $3500 1080P JVC panel, only to have a blocky, crappy looking screen :( After checking all the cables, he had to deal with cable company. At last word, he was receiving a much better signal. He had become used to watching static with his CRT tv's.

After you are satisfied you have a clean signal, and a decent dvd player, or cablebox, THEN we can get down to some tweaking :)

PS I opted for DVR last month and I am so glad I did. I was able to come home and watch "Path to 9/11" after working. I find all kinds of things to record now. I think it is worth $10 month. You get HDMI, 160GB DVR, and the latest video scaler chips with them.

shouldnt the pic on the toshiba be better?

Did you not like the Toshiba? I think it should be better than an EDTV, yes. I think this panel looks better than some of the higher end HDTVs I have seen. It is certainly better than the SPVA Sony Bravia's (KDL40S2000, KDL 46S2000).

What did you think of it?

I am new to this forum and joined as I have had the HL196 for about three weeks. I swaped a malfunctioning Toshiba 42HP95 for the HL196 and am looking for some opinions from owners or those who have previously owned a comparable size plasma, especially a Toshiba. I am viewing the set from the same location and from the same source, standard Comcast cable - no box - no cable card, from which I receive SD, non-HD digital and local HD channels.

I don't know if it's my imagination, I was expecting too much from the set, or it is just not up to par with respect to HD broadcasts as my HP95. The HD just does not appear, to me, to have the same level of precision detail. The HD just does not wow me. I have also noticed that, while the set appears to handle high speed motion very well, regular moving objects seem to lose focus or blur ever so slightly but is noticable to the eye. There is also some fuzziness around the edges of images. The transition between images is not as sharp and defined, as if the pixels on the edges cannot make up their mind as to what they are supposed to be doing. I did not notice any of this with my HP95.

I use the Preference setting most of the time, adjusted to my eye, but plan on investing in a calibration DVD. This weekend I was in a Sears store and thought the picture on the display set was noticable better than on mine. While I know store display models are set to the highest settings and are directly fed a satellite HD signal, I have to admit I just don't think the HD is as good as on the HP95.

Any opinions/help/feedback would be greatly appreciated, especially with calibration if that will help.

Thanks.

Did you not like the Toshiba? I think it should be better than an EDTV, yes. I think this panel looks better than some of the higher end HDTVs I have seen. It is certainly better than the SPVA Sony Bravia's (KDL40S2000, KDL 46S2000).

What did you think of it?


i thought it was kinda flat looking. not vivid like my jvc plasma. maybe the feed to the set wasnt that good.

AUDIO OUT / HEADPHONE QUESTIONS:

I am considering the 32" Toshiba LCD (at least one with the built in DVD player and one without). I was very disappointed to learn that these sets have no headphone jack. Since these will be part of a multi display system, I need to figure out how I can get the audio to a set of headphones without having audio from the speakers.

If I pick up a Radio shack 2-RCA male to headphone female adapter and connect to the audio outputs on the 32" toshiba will this work? Are these audio outputs fixed or variable? (i.e. does the volume through these increase and decrease with the volume control on the remote?) Can someone please test this? It is not on the specs anwhere on their site and I cannot find a Toshiba phone number on the site.

Not so dumb when you consider Toshiba's HD-DVD player only outputs 1080i and the BD player outputs 1080p. Toshiba don't want to provide incentives to go BD.

Hmm...I'm a little confused...so what does 1080p mean in this case? If it's OTA then it'll display 1080p otherwise the best you can do via input is 1080i which is basically the same as 720p?

Hmm...I'm a little confused...so what does 1080p mean in this case? If it's OTA then it'll display 1080p otherwise the best you can do via input is 1080i which is basically the same as 720p?

It means that the TV scales all input resolutions to 1080p which, if you do the math, is not the same as 720p (twice as many pixels). If you have a (true) 1080i broadcast signal, assuming the Regza uses weave and not bob deinterlacing, you'll see a full 1080 x 1920 with no loss of data.

I don't really know what's involved in scaling 1080i to 720p but I'm guessing it's scaling 540 to 720.

It means that the TV scales all input resolutions to 1080p which, if you do the math, is not the same as 720p (twice as many pixels). If you have a (true) 1080i broadcast signal, assuming the Regza uses weave and not bob deinterlacing, you'll see a full 1080 x 1920 with no loss of data.

I don't really know what's involved in scaling 1080i to 720p but I'm guessing it's scaling 540 to 720.

Thanks for the info. But does not having a 1080p input mean that the TV won't accept a 1080p input src at all?

Thanks for the info. But does not having a 1080p input mean that the TV won't accept a 1080p input src at all?

Yes, that's what it means. No passthrough, no processing, no nothin'.

Yes, that's what it means. No passthrough, no processing, no nothin'.

Is it me or does that kind of suck? It won't even downscale to 1080i? So if I have a ps3 that outputs 1080p it won't work? Or would the p3 (or whatever) also have to be able to output other resolutions for it to work on this TV? Thanks.

I guess it would suck if you could actually tell the difference.

I guess it would suck if you could actually tell the difference.

Well, I'm not really concerned with being able to see the difference between 1080p and 1080i. I doubt I would be able to on a 42", but if I buy something that outputs 1080p and the TV won't display anything, then yes, that would suck.

It is nice to be future-proof but it does limit your choices at the moment.

why advertise 1080p if it only accepts up to 1080i? seems like they are throwing the 1080p into it to make it sound like it can take it. i agree with lorenzow about being able to tell the diference on a 42" set though.

Or you can just purchase one of the two new LCD's that Toshiba just announced that appear to now accept 1080p - but do so without overscan and using 1:1 pixel mapping. Additionally a PC port....

It's the LZ series...Shipping now......

Therese

It is nice to be future-proof but it does limit your choices at the moment.

Hrm. Is this a problem specific to the Toshiba? Or do other sets have this problem? For example if a set has a lower native resolution will it downsample the signal or just not display anything at all? I'm looking at the Sony 40S2000 also. Thanks.

why advertise 1080p if it only accepts up to 1080i? seems like they are throwing the 1080p into it to make it sound like it can take it. i agree with lorenzow about being able to tell the diference on a 42" set though.

Exactly what I said in this post over on the JVC LT-40FN97 thread.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8092991&&#post8092991

I have no doubt that manufacturers are using "1080p" redundantly for their fixed-pixel 1920 x 1080 panels because it is the current buzzword, and likely to attract a buyer's attention.

why advertise 1080p if it only accepts up to 1080i? seems like they are throwing the 1080p into it to make it sound like it can take it. i agree with lorenzow about being able to tell the diference on a 42" set though.

It's common practice and not exclusive to the Regzas. JVC did it on their 1080p HD-ILA sets until this year's model came out. They still do it on their 1080p LCD FP's. Hitachi had a 720p LCD RP with "Virtual 1080p" - whatever that is.

What about so called 1080p source devices? When they're outputing a 1080p signal are they always using 1080p source material, or are they simply doing what TV's are being criticized for; upscaling 1080i or lower to 1080p? If so, what's wrong with the TV doing it for you, especially with the quality of scaler you get from JVC and Toshiba?

Or you can just purchase one of the two new LCD's that Toshiba just announced that appear to not accept 1080p - but do so without overscan and using 1:1 pixel mapping. Additionally a PC port....

It's the LZ series...Shipping now......

Therese

Therese,

"appear to NOT accept 1080p"? Is that a typo? The announcement for the new HD-DVD player states:
The new HD-XA2 HD DVD player's 1080p output capability complements Toshiba's new Cinema Series® Pro LCD TVs which provide true HD 1080p input capability via HDMI.

[B][QUOTE]Originally Posted by wpwj40e
Or you can just purchase one of the two new LCD's that Toshiba just announced that appear to not accept 1080p - but do so without overscan and using 1:1 pixel mapping. Additionally a PC port....

It's the LZ series...Shipping now......

Therese

Where can I find info on the LZ.A google search didn't turn up anything.

Originally Posted by wpwj40e
Or you can just purchase one of the two new LCD's that Toshiba just announced that appear to not accept 1080p - but do so without overscan and using 1:1 pixel mapping. Additionally a PC port....

It's the LZ series...Shipping now...

Link to info about these new sets, please? :confused:

Therese,

"appear to NOT accept 1080p"? Is that a typo? The announcement for the new HD-DVD player states:

Yes a TYPO. Gonna go fix. Thanks


Should be to NOW accept 1080p!
Thanks
Therese

Link to info about these new sets, please? :confused:

Posted this earlier...You must have missed:)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723607

Therese

[B][QUOTE]Originally Posted by wpwj40e
Or you can just purchase one of the two new LCD's that Toshiba just announced that appear to not accept 1080p - but do so without overscan and using 1:1 pixel mapping. Additionally a PC port....

It's the LZ series...Shipping now......

Therese

Where can I find info on the LZ.A google search didn't turn up anything.

Probably should have posted this in this thread. Just didn't think clearly at the time:) Sorry...Here it is:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723607

Therese

Thanks,Therese-

The Toshiba product announcements can be found here. (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/index.asp#sec1)

The Toshiba product announcements can be found here. (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/news/index.asp#sec1)
Wow, the new Cinema Series Pro, and they are priced almost the same as the LX196 series. :)

CEDIA, DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14, 2006
TOSHIBA ADDS NEW CINEMA SERIES PRO™ FLAGSHIP MODELS TO REGZA™ LINE OF PREMIUM LCD TVS
Cinema Series Pro LCD TVs offer 1080p Full HD resolution, advanced PixelPure Hi-Bit™ 12-bit digital video processing, fast CineSpeed™ LCD Panel technology, new sleek high-gloss black cabinetry, and innovative picture enhancement technology to set a new standard for Toshiba and the Industry
At the CEDIA show today, Toshiba America Consumer Products, L.L.C. ("Toshiba") announced the addition of two new, state-of-the-art Cinema Series Pro models to its premium line of REGZA LCD TVs. Cinema Series Pro models represent the highest quality high definition TVs in Toshiba's line, and set the new standard for consumers who demand the best in TV technology.

"Cinema Series Pro is designed to set the new standard for premium HDTV," said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Marketing. "Its spectacular 1080p full HD picture quality is truly second to none, and the new high-gloss black cabinetry makes a bold statement in any room. In both performance and design, Cinema Series Pro will become the one to watch."

Toshiba Cinema Series Pro - Best Class in Design and Performance
As part of the REGZA line, Cinema Series Pro models feature the new PixelPure Hi-Bit™ 12-Bit digital video processing with 4,096 levels of gradation for 16 times the gradation levels of standard 8-bit systems, and cleaner, more natural images. They also include new CineSpeed™ LCD panels with a fast response speed of 8ms or less and a wide 176 degree viewing angle, as well as Toshiba's new ColorMaster Pro™ color management system. ColorMaster Pro provides hue, saturation and brightness control of six individual colors, plus three user-selectable colors, to create deep natural colors for increased depth and more realistic images. Cinema Series Pro models also include Toshiba's new Native Mode, which provides clean 1080p pixel-for-pixel display without any scaling or overscanning.

Cinema Series Pro models come equipped with ATSC/QAM digital tuning, which enables the sets to receive both digital terrestrial and digital cable-in-the-clear broadcasts. In addition, the new models offer complete jack packs that include a PC Input and dual HDMI™ inputs for a direct digital connection to an A/V source device such as a digital cable box or satellite receiver. Cinema Series Pro models also include Discrete IR codes with an IR pass-through port, and an IR Input port for system integration.

Toshiba Cinema Series Pro LCD TVs also include a CableCARD™ slot and TV Guide On Screen® for digital cable ready (DCR) capability and HD Window POP. These models also feature Toshiba's innovative THINC™ RJ-45 network capability, allowing consumers to connect the TV to a PC and view their JPEG picture files, or listen to their MP3 audio files, using only the TV remote.

Cinema Series Pro models feature exclusive and striking high-gloss black cabinetry that brings elegance and style to any living room. As part of the Cinema Series® line, the two new models include Toshiba's unrivaled SoundStrip™ speaker technology, enabling modern compact cabinetry without sacrificing big home theater sound. Cinema Series Pro sets also include SRS® WOW™ and Virtual Dolby® technology offering superior sound quality that gives the user the feeling of using a surround sound system without having one. Both TVs come equipped with Toshiba's new 6-item Illuminated home theater universal remote control.

Expected Pricing and Expected Availability
42LZ196 ($3,399.99, September 2006)
47LZ196 ($4,599.99, September 2006)

Hello,

Can anyone who has 42HL196 or 42LX196 confirm that these two units can be hooked up to a computer screen and has a resolution of 1900x1200 @60 Hz?

Many thanks

Hello,

Can anyone who has 42HL196 or 42LX196 confirm that these two units can be hooked up to a computer screen and has a resolution of 1900x1200 @60 Hz?

Many thanks

Anyone who confirms that must be mistaken.

Anyone who confirms that must be mistaken.


So are these are 1366x768 @60 Hz via D-Sub then?

Thanks

I'd also like some settings to start out with, since my calibration disc cannot be used when viewing my regular my regular cable.

How does everyone like the 42HL196?

afghan66

As per my recent post I recently replaced a malfunctioning Toshiba 42HP95 plasma with the 42HL196. To be honest, I am a bit dissappointed with the way the unit handles moving objects within the picture frame and I'm not talking about high speed either. They blur ever so slightly but it is still noticable, especially with HD programming. On HD programming the edges of images appear a bit fuzzy as well, but it's the slight blur that is most troubling to me. HD does not appear to "pop" like with my plasma. Of course, my HP95 plasma did not encounter that problem at all. I saw a floor display of the HL196 in a Sears store and that unit did not appear to have either of these issues that I noticed. Black levels are typical of LCDs as well but can be adjusted via the picture setting menu. Connectivity and features are great. I hope this helps.

YATKO, This can be found on the bottom of Page 5 of this thread.



Regarding the max VGA signal and display resolution, I must tell you it's.....

1024x768

We connected a high end Dell PC I use for web development and using the VGA set at 1024x768 the images looked terrific. Image quality is not just based on the highest resolution.

I also connected from my Dell with a high-end DVI video card, sorry I can't remember which card it is and the image looked almost exactly the same as the 1024x768 VGA connection.

-Robert

I've been lurking in these forums for over a month now. Last week I pulled the trigger on the Toshiba 42HL196, and I think it is time I contributed to the discussion.

This is my first HDTV and my first TV over 28", so some of these opinions may be influenced by the fact that I'm simply not used to watching HD on a large TV on a regular basis. But I think this panel looks fantastic. I'm watching mostly clear QAM signals and I am really impressed by the picture quality. SD programming looks considerably better than on a friend's 50" plasma. Maybe the smaller size is helping that observation, but even compared to the HD content, the SD looks decent. The set is mounted over my fireplace, and even my wife was forced to admit that it looks pretty sweet up there, even when it is turned off.

It isn't all roses though. I've noticed a similar issue that DoobyDolby mentioned on post 129 of this thread. The panel seems slightly brighter at the extreme left and right sides. It is most apparent when there is a solid color onscreen. I noticed it during football games when the camera pans over open grass. It is pretty faint, but once you see it is easy to pick out if the conditions are right. Adjusting the backlight doesn't help. (Any update on your situation, doobydolby?)

I am also getting some intermittent buzzing from the internal speakers. It seems like it is caused by certain audio tones, but I haven't been able to reproduce it consistently yet.

I hope it is just a defect in this particular panel and not a problem with the whole line, because otherwise I'm really happy with the purchase. I'd probably just ignore the brighness issue, but the speaker problem is unacceptable. Unfortunately the return policy where I purchased it states that any post-delivery defects are the responsibility of the manufacturer, so I have to contact Toshiba directly. Does anyone have any idea what I might expect from them?

The max computer input resolution of 1028x780 seems arbitary and pointless. I'm using it as a monitor for my laptop right now and it looks pretty good from 8 feet. I just wish it would do widescreen without stretching. I'm hoping that I can get full performance out of it over an HDMI connection when I get a new computer next month.

I would still recommend that anyone interested in this panel strongly consider purchasing it, because the picture really does look great. Just make sure you buy it from someplace that has a decent return policy, as it seems there are at least a few duds out there.

-MDR

I am also getting some intermittent buzzing from the internal speakers. It seems like it is caused by certain audio tones, but I haven't been able to reproduce it consistently yet.

You should be able to hear a buzzing sound as you adjust the backlight. Anything less than 100% should produce a buzzing in the back of the TV.
This is not a feature, it is a known problem with cheaply designed LCD TV's.
This does not occur on Sony LCD TV's.

You should be able to hear a buzzing sound as you adjust the backlight. Anything less than 100% should produce a buzzing in the back of the TV.
This is not a feature, it is a known problem with cheaply designed LCD TV's.
This does not occur on Sony LCD TV's.

The buzz is very intermittent. I only heard it a few times until last night, when it was almost constant during the last 2 minutes of House (something about the closing song hitting the right tones, I suppose). I haven't heard it since. Also, the volume of the buzz varies with the TV volume, so I don't believe it is related to the cheap backlight shielding problem. But I'm not an expert so I don't really know. Any follow-up thoughts are appreciated.

The buzz is very intermittent. I only heard it a few times until last night, when it was almost constant during the last 2 minutes of House (something about the closing song hitting the right tones, I suppose). I haven't heard it since. Also, the volume of the buzz varies with the TV volume, so I don't believe it is related to the cheap backlight shielding problem. But I'm not an expert so I don't really know. Any follow-up thoughts are appreciated.

If it is intermittent, perhaps it is source related.

It's great!!! I'd like to compare settings with someone who has this set (or the 42lx196).
using an old Panny dvd (non progressive) and it looks pretty darn good just via component cables.
I'm looking to get a good upconverting dvd player...any suggestions...???

It's great!!! I'd like to compare settings with someone who has this set (or the 42lx196).
using an old Panny dvd (non progressive) and it looks pretty darn good just via component cables.
I'm looking to get a good upconverting dvd player...any suggestions...???

Could you plug it into a PC and let us know if it does 1366 x 768 @ Hz or 1920x1080 @ 60Hz?

Thanks

I just got a 32HLC56. From what I understand it's the same panel as a 66
minus tuner and a few other convenience items. Is this true?

BTW, I actually returned the first one because of a pronounced vertical
banding at the left side of the screen. The replacement seems better, but
still has an occaisional banding issue closer to the middle of the screen.
This banding occurs when theres fast action horizontally across the screen.
Like a punt or kickoff in football or a long outfield play in baseball. Is it likely
that any of these sets will exhibit this anomally to a certain degree? I think the
picture is awesome aside from that.

I may not be the person you're looking for, but I can try to put in a little something. I agree that the regular SD cable channels look horrid. I'm trying to call Charter Digital Cable tommorow to see if there is anything I can do about that or else I'll be calling DirectTV. Anyway, thanks for the settings to try out. It's certainly not the television, since upconverted DVDs on the 360 through VGA and videogames are looking fantastic. But, again, thanks.

On mine the SD looked good, but once I got Cox HD the HD was (is) amazing but now throught the HD box SD sucks.

So, this set doesn't accept 1080p as an input, it will just display it (meaning upscale, I'm guessing). So, with the Xbox 360 update that is being released in the fall, does that mean that my set will upscale the signal to 1080p or am I stuck with 1080i? Is that the same if I ever hook up a an HD-DVD player to this set? Will it just upconvert it to 1080p or stick with 1080i?

It's great!!! I'd like to compare settings with someone who has this set (or the 42lx196).
using an old Panny dvd (non progressive) and it looks pretty darn good just via component cables.
I'm looking to get a good upconverting dvd player...any suggestions...???


why not go for it and get an HD-A1, it lookks like you can pick up and HD DVD for about $400 at various places...

So, this set doesn't accept 1080p as an input, it will just display it (meaning upscale, I'm guessing). So, with the Xbox 360 update that is being released in the fall, does that mean that my set will upscale the signal to 1080p or am I stuck with 1080i? Is that the same if I ever hook up a an HD-DVD player to this set? Will it just upconvert it to 1080p or stick with 1080i?


the word you want is "deinterlace", not "upconvert" upconverting requires the device to add additional information. All you do when going from 1080i to 1080p is "reassemble" the frames to acheive a picture indistinguishable from the original source

So, this set doesn't accept 1080p as an input, it will just display it (meaning upscale, I'm guessing). So, with the Xbox 360 update that is being released in the fall, does that mean that my set will upscale the signal to 1080p or am I stuck with 1080i? Is that the same if I ever hook up a an HD-DVD player to this set? Will it just upconvert it to 1080p or stick with 1080i?

If you feed this set a 1080p signal it will not pass it through and display it; you'll get no picture or distortion. You'll have to adjust your 1080p source (Blue-Ray, PS3, computer, XBox 360, etc.) down to 1080i or 720p for your Toshiba LCD to accept it and upconvert it to 1920x1080 resolution. The Toshiba HD-A1 decks on the market right now output 1080i so they (or any upconverting DVD player that outputs 1080i or 720p) will be perfect for your new LCD TV.

Crosby,

I'm at work right now so I don't have access to the settings. I haven't calibrated it with a DVD (yet, maybe next weekend?) but the settings you listed are not dramatically different than mine. I can tell my colors are still off a tiny bit (my wife thinks I'm crazy), but I've given up trying to improve it without using a calibration disc and some filters.

My analog cable channels look pretty crappy, too, but I think it is because my coax is garbage. The digital channels all look great, even the ones broadcasting SD. Analog SD channels from my $30 RCA indoor antenna look similar to my old set (fuzzy due to poor reception). OTA HD digital channels look amazing, way better than I was expecting and at least as good as the cable. I have no reason to suspect that the analog tuner in the Toshiba is lousy, I just think I'm feeding it a bad signal.

Haven't heard any buzzing since Tuesday, maybe it was source related.

Atye wrote:
"This banding occurs when theres fast action horizontally across the screen.
Like a punt or kickoff in football or a long outfield play in baseball."

I think it is happening anyway, it is just only noticible when there is somewhat uniform color being displayed. When the camera is fixed over a patch of grass, you can't see the banding because it is indistinguishable from natural variations in light over the field. But when it pans, the banding is more obvious because the band doesn't move with the camera. If you put a true solid color it is easier to see. Someone mentioned using an old VCR that displays blue, I used my computer to display a uniform dark green. My band is only on the right side, about 2" away from the edge. Again, it is very subtle, and I wonder if I'd have noticed it at all if I hadn't read about DoobyDolby's problem. I've contacted Toshiba about it, I'll report their response when I hear from them.

why not go for it and get an HD-A1, it lookks like you can pick up and HD DVD for about $400 at various places...

Not in Canada...it's on sale at BB now for %599 can.
S U C K S

Turn down the backlight in the menu and you have a picture that is a window into the scene. It is beautiful to behold. Colors are among the most natural as compared to all the oversaturated crap out there. The 1920 resolution is all there too. I could live with this a picture for a long, long time. For those who don't like the Sharps, Westinghouse or no-brand name panels. I like it better overall than even the Samsungs.

I guess people do not know how to recognize exceptional quality when they see it. But if it had a Sony nameplate (and was priced $1200 more) we would have 347 pages of conjunctive drivel.
Go take a look at BB Magnolia. It is worthy of your time:)

Great post....what exactly is the purpose of the backlight anyways?? It should be turned down to say 50???

I thought I would add my 2 cents as I have now had my 42hl196 for about a week. THis is my second Toshiba LCD and I have been very pleased with both (I have a 23HLV84 in the bedroom). I am using Time Warners Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD Cable Box connected via HDMI. THe 42hl196 produces outstanding images in HD (no surprise) I am also very pleased with the SD quality, colors are vivid and the image (from 8-10') is very good (at least as good as my JVC 27" CRT). One dissapointment is the ugly grey bars in SD Natural (does anyone know how to make them black)! In terms of settings I am pretty happy with the "Standard" setting - I did try using a THX Optimizer and found that I could distinguish the 6 White/Grey Boxes at 100% Contrast - so that didn't really help.

Interesting.

I have no plan at this point to wall mount my 32HLC56, but
I can see how it would be difficult considering the location of the
component jacks. I guess the only solution I can see would be to
figure out a way to mount a spacer between the wall and mounting
bracket.

Then again, I think I've seen L shaped RCA adapters. You would need
one with male on one end and female on the other. Maybe check monoprice?

I wall mounted my 42hl196 using a low profile wall mount. It basically keeps the LCD about 1.5" from the wall - at the closest point - which is plenty for the cables (including my monster component video cable). Carefully train the cables through the back of the set so they all come out at the center - no problem. I did feel the cables and they are tight for sure - but like I said no problems.

Visman, my vertical bars in SD are black. Maybe it is your cable box? Try plugging the coax directly into the ANT1 or ANT2 input and see if it is still gray. I don't have an HDMI input to check it out on mine.


when i connect the component video cables, audio cables, etc., there is absolutely no space between the cables and the wall! the connections are being crushed when i try to wall mount it.


Are you sure you aren't mounting it too close to the wall? The back of the TV should be at least 1" away from the wall to ensure proper ventilation. Given the area with the connections is recessed 1 1/2 inches into the TV, you should have plenty of room for the cables.

I'm using the Sanus VMPL2B mount with a fixed 5 degree tilt, so it isn't an issue for me since the tilt gives me a bit more room that high on the TV. It is a great mount by the way. The 5 degrees is perfect for over the fireplace.

Back to the signal quality issue (which is starting to veer off topic for this thread): My cable is split at least twice, and two of the f-connections along the way are twist-ons that I put on myself. The analog signal is bad, but I only watch the digital channels so I'm not worried about it. I'd go exclusively OTA, but my internet connection is cheaper bundled with comcast's $10 cable service, and I can't receive Fox's digital OTA with my antenna at my house.

-MDR

Does anyone know the primary differences between the newer 32HL66, and the older 32HL95? It appears that both are still available, as they are both listed on Toshiba's web site. Price difference is pretty substantial between the two; don't know if this is because of feature changes, or just natural drop in technology prices.

Once thing I did notice is that the 32HL66 does not have a CableCard slot. This seems a bit odd, since the CableCard is one thing I really love about my 32HL95.

MDR25 - thanks. I think you are correct that it is a fuction of the cable box. On non-HD broadcasts on HD channels - black sidebars. On SD channels - Gray sidebars! I've checked every option on the TV and Cable Box and there is no setting for sidebar color.

Here is an interesting point , my 23HLV84 hooked up to a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3100HD has black sidebars.

Does anyone know the primary differences between the newer 32HL66, and the older 32HL95? It appears that both are still available, as they are both listed on Toshiba's web site. Price difference is pretty substantial between the two; don't know if this is because of feature changes, or just natural drop in technology prices.

Once thing I did notice is that the 32HL66 does not have a CableCard slot. This seems a bit odd, since the CableCard is one thing I really love about my 32HL95.


With the cable comapnies giving less and less support for cablecards, you'll see it less and less on TVs in years to come

Does anyone know the primary differences between the newer 32HL66, and the older 32HL95?

Toshiba Canada has a comparison application here. (http://www.toshiba.ca/web/compare?lg=en&section=2&group=6)

Thanks, Larry. Canadian models appear to be a bit different, tho. Wish I could find this feature on the U.S. site.

I just purchased a 32HLC56 last weekend. So far I'm very pleased with it. I'm dying to tinker with it and do some calibrating to get the best picture. However, I read somewhere that you should wait until about 100-200 hours of use before you fully calibrate your new TV. Is this true? Also, I noticed someone on here recommended a backlight setting of 23. That just seems awful low considering it's set at 100 out of the box. Things for any input.