Toshiba 50hp16 Plasma

You probably saw a 50HP66, and it doesn't have a cablecard slot.

DidHeFocus you are correct....I just pulled a picture. Know anything about the plasma or Toshiba Plasmas in general.

Yes, I own a Toshiba 42HP95, which the '66 series just replaced. Here's a thread about the new '66 series.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=663754

General consensus is that last years was better and used Panasonic glass instead of LG. The only plus of the '66 models is the added HDMI port, but with the removal of a memory card reader, PIP, TV Guide, firewire, second antenna in...etc.



Quote:
Originally Posted by mrredsun /forum/post/0


Costco has a Toshiba 50HP16 (not the 50HP66). I thought I had the numbers confused when I tried to find information online about this model, but Google brought up nothing. I called Costco today for a price and inventory check, and the rep there confirmed that it was the "50HP16".


I didn't copy all the info down for it, but here's what I did get:


HD Tuner (ATSC/QAM)

2 HDMI inputs

VGA input

Other stuff


I don't remember there being a CableCard for it.


I didn't compare pictures, but it seems to match up with the 50HP66. Does anyone know if there are any differences between the two? Is one just a special code for Costco?

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its probably just a special model number for costco and identical to the 50hp66. just like they have for some philips plasmas.

I talked with a knowledgeable Costco employee today, and he said that warehouses tend to get rear projection TVs that are manufactured specifically for them. He thought that it was likely that such may be the case with plasma TVs. The essential parts of the 50HP16 (screen, video processor, etc.) should match up with the 50HP66. The Costco guy said that the differences between warehouse and retail models are usually something small like a remote control feature.



Quote:
Originally Posted by mrredsun /forum/post/0


I talked with a knowledgeable Costco employee today, and he said that warehouses tend to get rear projection TVs that are manufactured specifically for them. He thought that it was likely that such may be the case with plasma TVs. The essential parts of the 50HP16 (screen, video processor, etc.) should match up with the 50HP66. The Costco guy said that the differences between warehouse and retail models are usually something small like a remote control feature.

Click to expand...

I saw the 16 yesterday also. From the looks and features I saw, it looks identical to the HP66. I didn't see the remote or menu options, so you're probably right. Though it's probably not enough difference to justify the difference in price.

The Difference I saw was that the HP16 looked dark gray, while the HP66 is black.

Can someone PM with the price Costco is asking?

Will do. It is really quite a set.



Quote:
Originally Posted by slk231 /forum/post/0


IThe manual says extended use can cause this problem. Does anyone know how long extended use is?


Al

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Just curious, but if you look at the back cover of the manual, does it say "Printed in Thailand" at the bottom? Does it also have a bar code with the letter J at the beginning?



Quote:
Originally Posted by InYourEyes /forum/post/0


Just curious, but if you look at the back cover of the manual, does it say "Printed in Thailand" at the bottom? Does it also have a bar code with the letter J at the beginning?

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Yes to both. Why?

I am new here. What facts are you talking about?


Is this unit good or bad in your opinion?

InYourEyes has claimed on other threads that Toshiba's plasmas are now made by Orion. Orion electronics may not have the reliability of Toshiba electronics. So then the question becomes -- is the plasma a rebadged Orion brand model or does Orion manufacture the plasma under Toshiba's specifications.


One thing clear is that the new model does not have all of the features of last year's Toshiba models, and Panasonic glass is no longer used. Toshiba may have outsourced its plasma production to devote resources to SED development.


Glad to hear the picture quality is still great. And you bought it at Costco, so if reliability is a problem you can always take it back.

I like the Toshiba plamsas especially last years.One thing i cant stand though is the damn menu.Its setup just like the Sharp LCD's.



Quote:
Originally Posted by koan /forum/post/0


So then the question becomes -- is the plasma a rebadged Orion brand model or does Orion manufacture the plasma under Toshiba's specifications.

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Orion manufactures the plasma TVs within Toshiba's specifications according to the order form made by Toshiba America Consumer Products. Toshiba only designed the cosmetics, made the remote controls, created the owner's manual, and selected the plasma panel screen. Orion then is in charge of designing the schemetics, selecting the parts or components, producing the circuit boards or electronics, assembling the TVs, adjusting the picture quality from the service menu, and packaging the TVs. Orion is an OEM maker and Toshiba is their customer. After they are finished producing, Toshiba buys the plasma TVs from Orion, distributes them to stores, and resells them at a higher price. One of the good things about Orion is that they are capable to produce more units than what Toshiba can make in a year.