AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › LCD Flat Panel Displays › The OFFICIAL 2006 Toshiba REGZA LCD HDTV Thread...
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

The OFFICIAL 2006 Toshiba REGZA LCD HDTV Thread... - Page 9

post #241 of 1908
9/21/06 at 10:52am
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.
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #242 of 1908
9/21/06 at 1:07pm
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?
Reply
Reply
post #243 of 1908
9/21/06 at 1:55pm
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.
Reply
Reply
post #244 of 1908
9/21/06 at 3:18pm
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.

Quote:
Originally Posted by crosby1 View Post

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
Reply
Reply
post #245 of 1908
9/22/06 at 8:12am
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.
Reply
Reply
post #246 of 1908
9/22/06 at 8:39am
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.
Reply
Reply
post #247 of 1908
9/22/06 at 10:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blindamood View Post

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
Reply
Reply
post #248 of 1908
9/22/06 at 10:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blindamood View Post

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

Toshiba Canada has a comparison application here.
Reply
Reply
post #249 of 1908
9/22/06 at 12:06pm
Thanks, Larry. Canadian models appear to be a bit different, tho. Wish I could find this feature on the U.S. site.
Reply
Reply
post #250 of 1908
9/22/06 at 1:37pm
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.
Reply
Reply
post #251 of 1908
9/22/06 at 5:13pm
OK. I went to a local Bestbuy today to test 42HL196 in the hopes of I can get at least 1366x768 resolution on my laptop.

I used powerstrip to enable 1366x768 @ 60Hz and no luck, I also tried 1920x1080 @ 60Hz and again no luck.

All it shows is 1024x768 and there are 2 black bars (almost 40% each) on both sides. I did not have access to the remote but I used its menu to expand 1024x768 to fill the screen and the text etc was crappy.

Kinda disappointed and now looking at a 40" LCD with 1366x768
KDL40S2010 or KV40S200A which are on sale this weekend.
Reply
Reply
post #252 of 1908
9/22/06 at 6:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by yatko View Post

1024x768 to fill the screen and the text etc was crappy.

I don't know why Toshiba and JVC chose to implement their VGA inputs that way. It turns out to be more of a negative than anything.
Reply
Reply
post #253 of 1908
9/22/06 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blindamood View Post

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.

And TV Guide screen that can be found in 32HL95.
Reply
Reply
post #254 of 1908
9/22/06 at 7:35pm
I purchased an open box Toshiba 42HL196 without the owners manual thinking I could get the manual off the web, which I discovered is impossible. Toshiba customer support was unable to provide me with an Owners Manual. Are any of you 42HL196 owners able to send me a soft copy?
Thank's
Allan
Reply
Reply
post #255 of 1908
9/22/06 at 8:09pm
Hi,

I just purchased the 47LX196. Overall I am satisfied with the units except for some of the little things e.g. VGA input can only display a max of 1024X768, contrast ratio is 8000:1 (would that really make such a visible difference?) ... But at least this unit is at least $1000 cheaper than the Sony or Sharp (which I was also looking at but settle on the Toshiba since it seems to be of good value ...allow me to convince myself that i have made the right decision ). I am not sure if any of the owners agree to me on that . but being a new around here I do have the following questions though:

- I guess it is now confirmed that the max. resolution via VGA input is 1024 X 768. Is there other means of displaying higher resolution e.g. 1080i from the laptop with this unit? I am not a current subscriber of any HD channels or nor do I have a upconverting DVD player (YET), so the max resolution source is basically my progressive DVD player @480p or so (so I am looking to test it out with my laptop)

- Anyone have a good set of settings for reference (I have seen the one in the other postings)


- On hindsight maybe I should wait for the LZ series Do anyone of you think the newly released LZ series (with the additional features) is worth the extra $?

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #256 of 1908
9/22/06 at 10:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lorenzow View Post

I don't know why Toshiba and JVC chose to implement their VGA inputs that way. It turns out to be more of a negative than anything.


I say it is deceptive since the units have stickers all over claiming 1920x1080.
Reply
Reply
post #257 of 1908
9/23/06 at 8:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bazan View Post

Hi,

I just purchased the 47LX196. Overall I am satisfied with the units except for some of the little things e.g. VGA input can only display a max of 1024X768, contrast ratio is 8000:1 (would that really make such a visible difference?) ... But at least this unit is at least $1000 cheaper than the Sony or Sharp (which I was also looking at but settle on the Toshiba since it seems to be of good value ...allow me to convince myself that i have made the right decision ). I am not sure if any of the owners agree to me on that . but being a new around here I do have the following questions though:

- I guess it is now confirmed that the max. resolution via VGA input is 1024 X 768. Is there other means of displaying higher resolution e.g. 1080i from the laptop with this unit? I am not a current subscriber of any HD channels or nor do I have a upconverting DVD player (YET), so the max resolution source is basically my progressive DVD player @480p or so (so I am looking to test it out with my laptop)

- Anyone have a good set of settings for reference (I have seen the one in the other postings)


- On hindsight maybe I should wait for the LZ series Do anyone of you think the newly released LZ series (with the additional features) is worth the extra $?

Thanks


I've got the 47LX and so far am very happy with it. I've had it a week and have been playing around with the settings. I was using my old Panny dvd player (non progressive) and finally bought a Sony upconvert last night (DVP-NS75H model) . It made a world of difference. Night and day over the old Panny DVD-RV32.
I've got regular cable now and it doesn't look grat, but acceptable for now.
Playing with the settings still. Backlight control is still a mystery as I am not sure what it does and if I notice any differece when adjusting it. Not using this TV for a computer monitor, so no comment there.
Like I said, so far so good...now need to upgrade mysurround reciever and speakers.
Reply
Reply
post #258 of 1908
9/23/06 at 8:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sporky11 View Post

Backlight control is still a mystery as I am not sure what it does and if I notice any differece when adjusting it.

It adjusts the brightness of the backlight.

As an added bonus on Toshiba LCD's, you will hear a light buzzing sound from inside the TV when you adjust the backlight to anything but 100 %.
Reply
Reply
post #259 of 1908
9/23/06 at 9:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nascar Dog View Post

As an added bonus on Toshiba LCD's, you will hear a light buzzing sound from inside the TV when you adjust the backlight to anything but 100 %.

That statement is simply not true. I haven't heard any buzzing since I initially reported it here, which makes it quite possible that it was a problem with the source signal. I've adjusted the backlight numerous times to all possible values, and there is absolutely no buzzing related to the blacklight. Do you own this model TV? Because nobody here that does has reported this problem.

I have contacted Toshiba for an explanation regarding the 1024x768 PC input limitation. I'll report back when I hear something. In the meantime if you are looking for a TV that will work for HTPC applications, hold off on the 196 line.

-MDR
Reply
Reply
post #260 of 1908
9/23/06 at 9:51am
I have not heard any buzzing except when I've had a few beers...

OK, yeah it adjusts the backlight, but is the backlight the control for the overall brightness of the TV???
Reply
Reply
post #261 of 1908
9/24/06 at 10:37am
First - the only buzz my 42HL196 gets is when friends come over and see the crystal clear image.

Has anyone determined if "Native" or "Natural" produces a better image on HD broadcasts? My untrained eyes prefer "Native".

Also has anyone calibrated their set yet?
Reply
Reply
post #262 of 1908
9/24/06 at 5:59pm
native is for 1080 signals, and eliminates overscan, giving you 3-5% more viewing area and no scaling...it should be the best for HD or HD DVD
Reply
Reply
post #263 of 1908
9/25/06 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdr25 View Post

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.

recently picked up the HL196 and noticed the same thing. It's weird because once you notice it, it becomes a real distraction. ive tried a million different settings and nothing ive done seems to work. overall, im pretty happy with this tv and love the picture when im not seeing that ghost bar. anyone heard anything yet as to what this may be and how to get rid of it?
Reply
Reply
post #264 of 1908
9/25/06 at 12:39pm
Using 1080i output from my cable box and setting the set to "Native" I don't see the lines/bars you are describing. However last night I was watching ABC and noticed an improvment in picture quality by allowing 720p output on the cable box.

So what I have now is the cable box outputting 480i, 480p, 1080i or 720p - then the Tosh set to Auto Aspect Ratio - "ON". This seems to produce the best results.
Reply
Reply
post #265 of 1908
9/25/06 at 1:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crosby1 View Post

when viewing high def channels in native mode, there is fine white line across the very bottom of the screen as well as a white bar at the top right and a black bar at the top left of the screen (both are about 1.5 inches long). all of them disappear if i change to natural, theaterwide 1,2, or 3.

i actually returned the first set i bought because of this, thinking it was a defective panel. since this is the second one and i have the same problem, i'm thinking there's something else going on. the channels are definitely HD (discovery HD, inHD, HBOHD).

it doesn't happen with dvd's (i assume because they're not HD).

any thoughts on this? i contacted toshiba already; they have no clue.


Since the Native mode eliminates overscan, It would appear that your incoming signal is not "perfect" which would be the situation where native mode would be used. Since your edges are compromised, I'd stick with Natural for you HD signals, and use Native for HDDVD, etc.
Reply
Reply
post #266 of 1908
9/25/06 at 6:01pm
I just got off the phone with Toshiba support. The guy I spoke with claimed the 1024 x 768 limitation on the PC input is there because the panel can't handle larger resolutions at high refresh rates that computers can output. A PC outputting 1920 x 1080 at 100 Hz, for instance, could "blow" the TV (his phrasing). Since it is a hardware-related limitation, there will never be updated firmware that will allow it to accept larger resolutions.

There is a line in the manual that states "Never connect a PC to the HDMI port." I asked him about that and he said again, the refresh rate output by the PC could be too high for the TV to handle. I asked what the maximum safe refresh rate for the panel is at 1920 x 1080 and he said 60 Hz. So setting the PC to 1920 x 1080 @60Hz and hooking it up via the HDMI should be OK, right? He told me that was unsupported and it could still damage the TV, and that such damage would not be covered under warranty.

I asked him if he thought it was misleading for a widescreen TV to be advertised as capable of accepting a PC input without explicitly stating that it only accepts non-widescreen resolutions. He wouldn't bite, giving me a stock answer that it is only advertised as accepting PC input, which it does.

But back to the HDMI thing: HDMI is a standard, so if I set the output at a resolution that the TV is documented to accept, why would it matter what the source is? I couldn't get the support guy to comment on this one way or another, beyond "It isn't supported and may damage your TV". Does anyone have any thoughts on that? I don't have the technical understanding to know if that is just cover-your-butt talk or a serious warning.
Reply
Reply
post #267 of 1908
9/26/06 at 11:41am
Is there a special hidden menu for 42HL196 that can access advance TV adjustment/checking features? I read about such menus in other TVs. Most importantly for me is how to find how many hours this TV was ON.

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #268 of 1908
9/27/06 at 1:57pm
I've looked all over for this answer and can't seem to get how to do it.
Is there a way in the service menu to adjust overscan on component
inputs? Do you access the service menu the same way as other Toshiba sets?
(I also own a Tosh RP CRT set)

BTW, I have backlight set to zero on all inputs.
Looks fine to me!
Reply
Reply
post #269 of 1908
9/28/06 at 3:26pm
HDMI CABLE

Contrast 79
Backlight 100
Brightness 53
Color 50
Tint 0
Sharpness 50
Reply
Reply
post #270 of 1908
9/28/06 at 6:25pm
My review:

Background: No previous HDTV experience, had Sony 35'' CRT TV, just analog cable, no cable box, antenna for HD OTA - still working on that, watching TV from about 8 feet.

Remote: looks big, solid and heavy but in my hands feels good. I like button setup. You can use it without looking at it, so that is very good. I would not even mention, this but few weeks ago I bought Toshiba DVD-HDD recorder and Remote on that unit is just miserable. So you do not know how important it is till you get something bad.

PQ: HDD - absolutely amazing. I had Sharp 37D40 TV for few days and would say that this TV looks better. Just my opinion.

PQ QAM: I am getting about 20 free channels. They all digital 480i, but quality very much is different between them. Some of them I swear look like HD, even input info says 480i.

PQ NTSC: depends on channel and probably on my cable. Very high numbers are very good, I would say much better than expected. Channels 2-6 are quite bad. I know there is a problem with my cable, so for you it will depend.

TV Guide: very good implementation. It is not Tivo, but for analog cable is very good. Guide responds well, location of information is very reasonable laid out. Again, TV Guide on same Toshiba DVD-HDD records is much much worse - slow response time, awkward layout.

Good things comparing to Shard 37D40U I had for a few days:
1 Bigger by 5 inces and it is very noticable.
2. It has two antenna input: one for cable and another for OTA antenna. Big big advantage.
3. Has TV Guide
5. My OTA channels came in stronger on this TV for some reason (same location, same antenna).


Now I am not an expert, but I absolutelly like this TV. Right now I am watching mostly SD channels and they are good enough for me.

Enjoy



TV 42HL196,
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: LCD Flat Panel Displays

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › LCD Flat Panel Displays › The OFFICIAL 2006 Toshiba REGZA LCD HDTV Thread...