The Toshiba DLP (HM/HMX) Owners Thread - Page 111

Thanks for the quick reply. The information in that link helps, but what I was really looking for is a review of the performance of the new 1080s. Primarily concerned about rainbows and how well it handles SD from cable.

Do you mean the 62"? There are only three sizes 56", 62" and 72".

I've had mine for over a week and I have not seen a rainbow. But isn't that a phenom that very few people are likely to see? Reading these forums, one would think that every person writing is part of that very small percentage. Luckily, I did not win that lotto.

As far as SD is concerned, it is not very good. If you plan on watching a lot of analog TV, you will be very disappointed. But I was disappointed for 4 years with my 43 in CRT Hitachi. I did not buy this 56HM195 for watching SD. When I watch the news or a SD football game, I keep the 4:3 ratio with black pillars and I back up an extra 5 feet or so. If you are planning on a lot of analog, you would be better off with something else. I try to watch only local channels in their digital upconverted SD format when necessary, and it is acceptable. The analog channels are pathetic when enlarged to 56 inches. I anxiously await Food Channel HD next year, and hope that one of Pittsburgh's news stations convert. That will about eliminate SD entirely for me. My wife still watches soaps and The Today Show. Hopefully they will fall in line also with GMA and The Young and Restless leading the way.

But what a glorious set for HD. What I thought to be "soft focus" HD is really an eye opener on this DLP. The technology is just stunning. Sears should have a DVR of clips connected with HDMI showing network clips. The set looks so much better in my home than in their store.

I throw these questions out knowing there could be like 50 different starting points, but I thought I would give it a shot to see if I could get some help. I put my htpc together awhile ago and bought the ATI AIW 9600 card to go with it. I hooked it up to my new 62hm95 using a composite cable and though it looked bad, I got a picture that I could at least work with. So I thought I would take the next step and buy the VGA to Component adapter for the card and hook it up using component cables instead. Well I set it up for 640x480 and I get nothing...just blank screen. I've tried so many different timings that I dont know which was is up anymore I am ready to call it quits. What I am trying to figure out is that if I can get a picture using a composite cable but nothing with component cables am I right in believing that it isnt a timing or resolution issue, but just that the tv wont accept that signal format over component? I looks like the tv is looking for a 480i signal when I choose the HD input, and I dont know if that is confusing the video card, or if there is a way to force the tv into a different format like 480p or 720p.

My next decision would be to go out and buy a new video card that has DVI so I could go DVI to HDMI, but I havent a clue if the tv would be kosher with that signal either, and dont know if it's worth the money if it isn't going to fix anything. Anything anyone could provide would be much much appreciated. Thanks!

My next decision would be to go out and buy a new video card that has DVI so I could go DVI to HDMI, but I havent a clue if the tv would be kosher with that signal either, and dont know if it's worth the money if it isn't going to fix anything. Anything anyone could provide would be much much appreciated. Thanks![/quote]

I too would like to know about running DVI to HDMI from a PC to a Toshiba DLP. I have a new 52HMX85 (the Can. equivalent of the 52HMX95 in the US - but without the PC/VGA input). Anyone have any info on this? Apparently its supposed to work but I'd like to get some feedback. Toshiba discourages ANY pc usage in their manual but thats prob. so they don't have to field any calls about overscan, etc.

Kared

[quote=wstanko]I've had mine for over a week and I not seen a rainbow. But isn't that a phenom that very few people are likely to see? Reading these forums, one would think that every person writing is part of that very small percentage. Luckily, I did not win that lotto.

Yeah before buying my DLP TV in Aug I was MEGA paranoid after reading threads about rainbows, etc. I'm happy to report that I have never seen a single rainbow after a month of watching, nor has my wife or any of my friends. The new series of Toshiba DLPs though now have a faster moving color wheel and white added to the existing 3 colors on the wheel now instead of 3 so it apparently greatly reduces the chances of seeing any rainbow effect.

Kared

Just added Directv HD, Does anyone know the device code for the Directv H10 so that I can program the universal remote or one that will work?
Thanks

I went to Sears as they were the first one in our area (South FL) to have a 56HM195 with the 1080p resolution. As luck would have it they also had a 52HM95 on display next to it, so I was able to compare the two sets. First let me say that the PQ on either is awesome and IMHO was better than any of the other sets they had on display. But the 56hm195 at 1080p was by far the winner. The PQ seems more realistic, detailed and crisp. Initially, the differences are sutle but become more noticable after watching both pictures for a while. The natural tones and blacks on either set looked great. I didn't notice any rainbow effect or ghosting. I couldn't really judge if the newer Black tech made a difference on the 195. I'm not sure what type of signal the Sears setup was generating for input to the 195 (probably a 720p?) but the set did an excellent job in up-converting it to the native 1080p resolution. I feel that 1080p resolution is the way of the future and I wanted a set that would be able to take advantage of the higher resolution.

After looking at the 95 and 195 I decided that I would "pull the trigger" and ordered the 62" model ie. the 62HM195. Sears does not have that model.

I ordered it from www.hideflifestyle.com and got the best price on the internet combined with delivery. Great company to do business with. Talk to Mike if you can. If you go to their site be aware that the description text for the 62HM195 is incorrect and they are correcting it. Their Extended Warranty program is reasonable ($308) for 4 years after the mfgr warranty expires. But if you purchase on a Master or Visa Platinum card it automatically doubles the mfgr warranty at no charge. HiDef's ext warranty can be purchased any time prior to the last 90 day expiration of the mfgr's warrranty. I would probably shop the internet for the extended warranty to find the best deal.

is there a gruop of people who think the 95 series (with the hd4 chip) is better than the 84/94 series with the hd2, or do most people lean to the 84/94.

I just viewed both this morning. The 84 (at boscov's) and the 95 (at BB). I realize it has a lot to do with the quality of the input (they were both fed HD signals), but the 95 at best buy looked better to me. the 84 looked "grainy."

I had the 52hmx84 and thought it had a slightly grain type PQ. It was almost like the screen was dusty. Since it was within the allowed return period, I took the set back and then compared the newer 52hm95 and the just out 56hm195. Decided that both had awesome PQ. I liked the PQ better than the model '84 set that I had just returned and the Sony and the Mit on display next to them. In watching the Tos 95/195's I concluded that the 195 had the better PQ, detail and brighter colors. This is probably due to it's native resolution being 1080p, the 150 watt lamp and the newer Black technology. The differences were sutle but I don't think that the input source was 1080 resolution so the 195 basically was limited to converting the original signal. Based on my comparison, I decided to go ahead and buy a 62hm195 (the technology and size) even though it was more $$. I think the 1080p is the next step in the technologyand bigger is always better - right? For the slight difference in cost at this point it was worthwhile to buy in to it now, since I expect to keep this set around for the 5 years or so. It definitely pays to shop around. I found the set on the internet and wound up with a delivered price on the 62hm195 that was $400 less than the 56hm195 that I was initially looking at in Sears. The set is being delivered today, so I'll give a follow up on the 62hm195 after I've had a chance to live with it a few days.

I want to share my experience during the weekend with a Panny S77. Many features are shared with the S97 and it's thread is the best that covers them, so I used it as reference.

I followed most initial settings, but I chose to leave color, sharpness, filters, etc at 0. Saved them in User 1 and then used AVIA for setting the TV. The first thing I noticed with regards to my previous JVC progressive player is that Sharpness was 15 and now is 35, more than double. Maybe it's an inherent thing of my TV's HDMI connection or could be the S77; what do you think?

I had to step up brightness a bit and everything else stayed about the same.

To check, I used the I Robot DVD, which I think offers one of the best transfers with solid contrasts and sharp images. At 720p, the TV's natural, the image is definitely better, without much difference at 1080i. But I like the image to cover most of the screen, so for big ratio movies I'll go with 480p and for smallers 720p, for which the TV locks at FULL.

Could there be a possibility to change the locking feature at that resolution? Or better, let the TV work the image as it does with a 480p signal? I know most prefer the bars, but when I start receiving hi-def thru my cable box, I would be happier if I could get rid of the bars. What do you think?

In general, things look better than with my previous player, and then I tried the Auto AV Enhancer. Things looked even better. I know this is not supposed to be the case, but apparently Panasonic did a good job of cleaning the image without harming color balance.

During Sonny's interrogatory scene, which is a bit dark with lots of shadows, when I compared without the Auto Enhancer, Will Smith's face was a bit grainy. I suppose the digital filters manage to clean up the image and the face looks better with the Enhancer ON.

Also, the Enhancer "lighted" some dark areas, juuust enough to get more definition of Will's face in a darker area of the room. The whole lighting of the scene looked better balanced with the Auto Enhancer.

Because of this, I did the TV calibration with the Auto Enhancer active and check on the differences. The most evident changes were on Black Level and Hue. I had to take black about 2 clicks darker, but Hue went from R2 to R6. I expected a counter balance for Color (Saturation), but surprisingly it only went down 1 click. Everything else I felt was the same.

What I expect the Enhancer is to maintain those levels, as it will apply those dynamics to every DVD. The best thing is that the filters are working all the time, probably correcting things I can't during the whole of a material.

I'm not saying "Everyone, turn your Autos ON", but you know, try it and compare. Maybe it's a good marriage between the Toshiba and the Panny, but maybe their technology approach works.

At this time, I'm satisfied with this player and I recommend both the S97 and S77 for Toshiba HDTV owners. Thanks to Paul from the S97 thread for all the technical advice.

This HMX94 vs HMX95 topic is right down my alley. If only more people could compare these models it might make me feel more comfortable in my purchase to come. I need the features of the hmx series but would hate to lose PQ on the new 95 model sporting the HD4 chip. Especially if the 94 model with the HD2+ chip could be had cheaper.

Was watching a DVD on Sat Night and Heard a Big POP, then my Screen goes Dark the LEDs on the front confirm the fact that I have a blown Bulb. Bought this set on 2/2/05, not sure how much time I have on the bulb but I find it hard to belive that I would have burnt it out that fast. I bought ext Warrenty from Sears and they are sending me out a new DIY replacement bulb. Any Luck/Horror Stories about Replacement of Bulbs?

You know I can't help but to wonder if it might be a better idea to simply buy a spare bulb instead of a bulb replacement warranty. At least then when you're right in the middle of something and the bulb goes you don't have to wait for weeks for a replacement to come in. Sure most replacement warranties outlast a single bulb & should net you several bulbs, but at least you would be down for weeks.

If you believe the set will perform flawlessly then the warranty is not necessary. JVC covers the 1st year anyway. However, I strongly encourage the extended warranty. My recent experience with the 56G886 suggests the build quality is deficient. (I've posted my travails in other threads). After the first year you will be SOL. If you bought through a retailer with a lifetime warranty (e.g. Costco) the EW may not be necessary. Be sure to clearly understand what any warranty will cover.

I was only referring to the bulb replacement warranties, not extended warranties in general.

Julio Bro
Speaking of DVD players, I just hooked up my new Sony DVP-CX995V to my 46HM95 via HDMI and all I can say is WOW. No adjustments, just perfect picture. This player works great with the Toshiba models.

Rbbnet
A full extended warrenty from your VISA card is the way to go in my opinion. It mirrors the mfg warrenty at a "very" reasonable price.

Hey DHadyk, I'm also in So. Fla and will be receiving my 62 HM 195 on Thursday from BuyDig. Also got a good price. Thanks for those informative posts. Unfortunately, BuyDig didn't have the Toshiba stand for that model in stock. Just curious. What stand did you go with?

I hate to do this but can someone list a few dvd players that will look good with my 52hmx84? I looked at the dvd threads/forums and it's exhausting. I can research after that but I need a good starting point, but want a player that excels in sound and has the hdmi. Thanks.

Hi RappWizard,

I also considered buying from BuyDig but I didn't like their return policy, so I went with a company called www.HiDefLifeStyle.com that gives a 30 day no hassle return. (Just in case I had a major problem.) Plus, I liked their lower $ price when combined with shipping. Good luck with your set. Mine is being delivered today. Can't wait. Now where's that remote?

PS re: the stand we are planning on using an existing wall entertainment setup. You might want to look at the OPPLI on sale at

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/store...roductId=11149

for $100 bucks. The set looks pretty good on it (I saw a picture with the set on it) plus it has wheels for easy moving.

Don

How do you go about getting Visa to extend a warranty? I've had extrememly good luck with my Visa Co. never paying them one red cent in interest. They probably deserve a lil $$.

According to my chase visa card since I'm a platinum member I'm automatically covered an extra year of whatever the mfg warranty is. You have to send in copies of your receipts, etc. and then after your mfg year is up your covered. However you have to pay out of pocket and submit the claim to your credit card and then they will reimburse you. Not bad. Are bulb replacements covered on the one year mfg warranty?

Seems like I've read here that Toshiba does warranty the bulb for the first year.

It's amazing how little we know about the visa cards we carry. but seeing how I've had mine for probably 10 years now it's no wonder I don't remember any of the fine print.

Can someone help me out with a nice up converting dvd player? I'm currently overwhelmed and would like to order one soon to go with my tosh dlp. I can get a decent deal on LGs but I think the consensus on this forum is that the Panny 77s? or something is the way to go and to avoid all Toshiba and Samsung dvd players. Need a good recommendation. Thanks!

Mark

Yes Thats Excatly what I was thinking when the Bulb blew! And now I am on day 4 without HD and I am Starting to have withdraw! Twitch Twitch

ps Toshiba does warrenty Bulb for the first year however , when I bought the ext Warrenty via Sears, they bought that warrenty out so I have to deal with Sears Direct for all warrenty issues.

I have the lg dvb418 I like it over all expect for the few issue that all report, ie remote control slow response and some lipSync issue with some DVDs. I have not done the firmware update that has been posted on the LG DVB418 forum Thread but some report that has fixed the LipSync issue for them. If it does fix that issue I would say its an option for you to look at. It can be had fairly cheap if you shop for it.

[quote=kwallstorm]Julio Bro
Speaking of DVD players, I just hooked up my new Sony DVP-CX995V to my 46HM95 via HDMI and all I can say is WOW. No adjustments, just perfect picture. This player works great with the Toshiba models...QUOTE]

Nice. I saw it's a 400 disc unit, big, and costs $100 more...it should do a better job, but it's out of my planned budget.

I should understand that right of the box you didn't adjust anything on the TV or the player? If so, the image didn't soften or anything?

If that is so, then your player is using it's default settings and probably it has some filters or it's version of enhancements active.

I'm happy with my Sony DVP-NS975V as the tray lock issues of the past have been corrected with firmware. The current Panasonic and the older S-97 are also good options and you may want to check into the newer Sony models as well.

Anyone noticed if when connecting to HDMI the image softens or more sharpness is needed when calibrating?

This happened when I connected my new Panny S77 and I want to know if it's an HDMI or player issue.