Showing posts with label toshiba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toshiba. Show all posts

7/27/2011

Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black Review

Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Ordered on Monday night and received on Thursday with FREE shipping from TigerDirect! The box showed a weight of 50 lbs which is pretty light for a 47" flat panel. The picture and colors are really excellent. I'm too cheap to spend $300 on a Blu player but Time Warner HD and standard DVD's look very nice. Can I say the image is better then an LG, Sharp, Samsung etc?? I think with any one of those brands, I'd probably be saying the same thing. Toshiba quality is hard to beat and I really wanted the USB/SD card slot for showing pictures. I've played MP3's from my thumbdrive and even viewed some AVI files. The JPEG picture display from my memory stick was excellent but their 'browser' seems to be a little buggy because now I'm having some trouble trying to get it to recognize the image files again.
PROS:
Not too heavy
USB/SD card slot (for JPEG, MP3, AVI etc)
4 HDMI
Swivel stand
Beautiful colors & picture
CONS:
may need a firmware update for the picture browser
this is not a 'narrow bezel' model

6-1-09: I'm a bit disappointed because the picture viewer from an SD card or USB flashdrive still does not work. I've contacted Toshiba and they say they are 'still working on it'. If you go into the store to buy one of these, take a thumbdrive (or SD card) and test this out first.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black

The ZV650 Series takes LCD TV to the next level of picture quality, design, and features. ClearScan 240™ raises the bar for picture clarity with fast motion video, the Deep Lagoon™ design creates a new level of design elegance, and the long list of new features and nextgen connectivity are more than you could ever expect.

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Click here for more information about Toshiba REGZA 47ZV650U 47-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with ClearScan 240, Black

7/12/2011

Toshiba SD-590 All region Multi-Zone Hi-Resolution Progressive Scan DVD/CD Player for worldwide use. Review

Toshiba SD-590 All region Multi-Zone Hi-Resolution Progressive Scan DVD/CD Player for worldwide use.
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I felt I needed to comment on the Toshiba SD-590KA all region DVD player, after I had read one very negative review. I've had this region free DVD player for about two weeks now, and everything has been working fine. I've tested this player using DVDs from region 1, region 2, and region 4. I've also used a region free DVD. It's a very easy to operate region free DVD player, and all you need to do is put your disc into the tray and hit play. The DVD player knows what region the disc is from, and it will play it. The only negative things I can say about this DVD player seem rather petty, and they have to do with the design of the tray. It's a very shallow tray and it's a bit difficult to see if I've put the DVD into the circular holding area. Also, it's necessary to remove the discs carefully from the tray when finished playing them, because the tray doesn't extend out as far as other players I've had. This makes it possible to bang the discs into the player while removing them. I will just have to pay attention on removing the discs carefully, and like I said these negative comments are rather petty. The price for this DVD player was fantastic! I would have bought a region free DVD player years ago if I had known everything was going to be so simple! I got excellent service from New Era Products, and the player arrived in good time via FedEx. If you are a big movie fan like I am, then it would be very beneficial to get a region free DVD player. You can then choose movies and other programs from all over the world! I would recommend this region free DVD player, and I would also recommend New Era Products.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba SD-590 All region Multi-Zone Hi-Resolution Progressive Scan DVD/CD Player for worldwide use.

Digital Cinema progressive scan (PAL/NTSC) Multi formats:DVD-video, DVD-R/RW,DVD+R/RW,CD,CD-R/RW,VCD,SVCD MP3/JPEG viewer compatible Dolby Digital & DTS compatible It's compatible with NTSC and PAL systems, and can play back DVD Video, DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R/W, MP3, and JPEG. To help re-create the thrill and realism of today's movies soundtracks at home, it offers 24-bit/192KHz processing, and a coaxial digital audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound processing. Don't worry about playback limitations with this player, it can playback a slew of formats: DVD Video, DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R/W, MP3, and JPEG. Home Theater Friendly Use the coaxial digital audio output to connect the DVD player to your home theater receiver and enjoy your favorite DVDs in surround sound. Multi-Language System You have the ability to select language or subtitle preferences. Full-Feature Remote Control 360x43x209

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Click here for more information about Toshiba SD-590 All region Multi-Zone Hi-Resolution Progressive Scan DVD/CD Player for worldwide use.

Toshiba XD-E500 Upconverting 1080p Extended Detail DVD Player Review

Toshiba XD-E500 Upconverting 1080p Extended Detail DVD Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Ever since HDTVs came on the scene DVD players have boasted they improve DVD to "HD" quality, most only delivered marginally better pictures at best. Thankfully recent players have come a long way offering some really exceptional pictures from a DVD source.
Given the history of up-processing players and the hype surrounding XD-E500 I couldn't wait to get my hands on this player. For comparison I used my best Up-processing player with Reon-VX HQV. As anyone who has one knows the Reon chip offers one of the best pictures available.
Wondering about the "Two" part of the title now? Well I didn't get carried away and buy two. What happened was the first player sent was defective. It was not obvious at first because I didn't know what to expect, but during the comparisons I and my 3 other testers noticed only a very slight difference over the Reon chip, so small it wouldn't be worth buying. I was about to write a scathing review, luckily I first contacted George, a fellow HD nut. He bought the XD the first day they were available and was surprised I was so disappointed. He then said I must have defective player because the XD blows Reon out of the water.
Long story short, I contacted Amazon and they express shipped a replacement. George was right it blows Reon right out of the water.
The Picture is impressive, very impressive. The better the DVD transfer the better the picture.
New movies like The Bank Job look extraordinary. It was difficult to remember that it was not a true HD picture.
Star War IV looked sharper than ever, the best I've seen outside the theater. The backgrounds of the ships, corridors, lighted buttons, and droids all had richer detail that really stood out. I should note while Star Wars looked sharper it was evident to me it was not HD especially in exterior shots. This probably has more to do with the age of the film, some of the flaws I noticed will probably be present in any release.
Toshiba included a Mbps meter, neat feature. Also a tool for getting an idea of what is being done.
From what I can tell the XD essentially doubles the DVDs natural Mbps.
Bank Job (13 to 14 Mbps), Star Wars IV (17 Mbps), 5th Element superbits (7-8 Mbps), Pirates of the Caribbean I (15 to 16 Mbps), *highest Mbps noticed
Is it HD? No, and it does not claim to be.
Does it look close to HD? Yes, at times it can fool the eye. The three modes (Sharp, Color, Contrast) do a very nice job compensating the picture and can add significantly to the picture.
I only gave the XD 4 out of 5 stars because I feel there are a few small flaws to be worked out and improvements to be made.
Make no mistake this is revolutionary technology. I also believe that this is just the beginning of this technology. Improvement are inevitable. Better software, improvements to the hardware and the much talked about implementation of DVD 2.0 next year.
Kaleidescape already offers a DVD player which does a similar job. In fact they claim it does a better job boasting that it makes DVD look as good as blu-ray. Doubtful, however their system connects to a server and downloads additional data to improve the picture. Maybe this is the next step for all players when DVD 2.0 & DVD DL come to fruition.
In a way this player feels rushed out, quickly put in production an configured for the easiest and most rewarding optimization. Simply put my impression is that if Toshiba tweaks the settings better quality could be achieved. Although part of impression it was rushed might be because we were told to expect this player by December and here it is available in the middle of August.
Considering the price of top of the line up-processors this one is quite a deal at the current price and is likely to get better as they become cheaper to make and as other manufactures start to make their own versions of this.
This player does what it promises. It provides unprecedented DVD picture quality and is a decent DivX player as well. This is a perfect player for anyone who has a large DVD collection, or who prefer DVD to the alternatives.
---------------------
08-25-2008
Small Update: The XD-E500 seems to have a issue with aspect ratio. It stretched 4:3 material to fit the screen. Wouldn't be a big issue except, well I prefer it in the correct aspect and the two sources were low quality classic films which look worse stretched. If I find a solution I'll update again.
---------------------
No solution yet, all settings correct, the DVDs in question display properly on another DVD player. It should be noted that this is a glitch common to a lot of players.
-----------------
Region free via remote control:
- open the tray
- type 2403960
- press 9
- close the tray
- turn the player off and back on again
Worked for me. XD is able to playback Region 2 PAL DVDs now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
09-29-2009
9 Month Update:
It is now tail of 3 XDs.
The XDE sent as a replacement by Amazon last August died over the Memorial Day weekend. During a Star Trek marathon no less. Maybe it was too much for it. ;) I don't know if it was more embarrassing to admit it was Trek Marathon or that the XD died in front of all my guests.
The symptoms were: at first it froze in the middle of show, pressed stop checked the disc (it was fine) then tried to play it again, then it was stuck at "loading", after it was turned off for awhile it would load the disc but display "bad disc" or "no disc", I unplugged it and left it alone for a day, the next day it load and played the dvd properly but for only 10 minutes then it repeated the cycle as described previously.
I almost didn't buy another one, two things swayed me. The first was the price, much more reasonable than it was last august. The second was I could not get as satisfactory dvd picture from my high end blu-ray player. I tweaked the setting and tried everything I could think of. Whatever I did the picture was not as pleasing as the XDE's.
I almost held off because I firmly believe by this time next year DVD Up-processing will be a new game. Possibly as soon as this holiday season. But I decided for the next year or so I would want another DVD player to save the wear and tear on my Blu-ray player and the XD so far has the most pleasing picture available.
New player arrived to day and I swapped it right out. This one worked properly out of the box, as the second player did. The region free code worked as before. Although it is a later build date the firmware seem to be the same. Same aspect ratio problems as noted earlier.
Among my disappointments with the XD are the lack of quality control. I am very disappointed the second player died. I had a Sony dvd player used regularly for 8 years that I gave away when I upgraded to Blu-ray and HD DVD, never a lick of trouble with it. Not to single out the Sony brand, I have other players last as well but they were not used as regularly.
My other major disappointment is the remote. It can be a bear to use. Well it is probably more the fault of the placement of the receiver in the player rather than the remote. Although when holding the flimsy remote in your hand and having nothing happen it is the remote control that gets the blame.
This is still a great player despite its faults. And still a great player for anyone with a large DVD collection.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba XD-E500 Upconverting 1080p Extended Detail DVD Player

1080P Upconverting Detail Enhanced DVD Player

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Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV Review

Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I spent over two years looking at high definition televisions before settling on the Toshiba. The features that sold me were the outstanding picture quality, both brightness and clarity, as well as the very reasonable price for the size and features of the set. I spent several months watching the prices in the retail stores, but never found the price dipping much below the $3000 that every retail store seems to want to sell it for.
I have never purchased an item as large as this from Amazon, and I was a bit reluctant to do so. Given the reviews to date and comments regarding reliability, I was concerned about buying from a company that did not have a good extended warranty option available. While Amazon does sell third party contracts, I did not find them to be particularly well known. I was leaning toward buying the unit from Sears, where the extended warranty is supported by a very large service organization, and the organization is staffed by full time Sears employees who have always been very professional with other items I have needed service on. The down side was a $700 difference in price between Sears and Amazon.
What finally convinced me to choose Amazon over the local retailers was that I was able to double the warranty by charging it on my American Express card. My only other hesitation was that I needed the unit carried up a flight of stairs, and while I knew that the local Sears delivery person would carry it up, I was not sure what to expect from a trucking company contracted by Amazon.
My set was delivered yesterday by Eagle Freight. They scheduled my delivery between noon and 5:00 pm, and they showed up at 4:00 pm, after first calling to let me know they were on their way. The drivers were very friendly and professional, and they gladly carried the set up to the second floor and waited while I confirmed it was working properly. They even took away the empty packaging. Since I am familiar with electronics equipment, I knew how to quickly set it up without their help. I'm not sure they would have known how to set up an HDTV had I needed assistance, but fortunately this was not an issue for me.
The TV was up and running within 3 minutes, and the quality is absolutely breathtaking. After much trepidation about purchasing such a large item over the internet, I am quite pleased that I chose to do so. I'm still debating whether to add an extended warranty or just take a chance on it with the American Express warranty doubler as a backup. The extended warranties do not generally cover the replacement bulb, which cost approximately $300. Since this is the most likely part to fail, I suspect that I would be better off taking my chances and skipping the extended warranty option. However, it's nice to know this option exists if I need it.
For those of you thinking about purchasing this item from Amazon, I would recommend you give it a try, as long as your credit card will double the warranty, and you do not need much help in hooking up the set. I will update this review after having a few weeks to get more familiar with the TV.
3/5/2005
After having this set for a few months, I am still thoroughly impressed with it. The quality is outstanding, and I have had no issues to date with reliability. I did purchase a 4 year Warrantech warranty for around $200. This extends the warranty beyond the one year Toshiba warranty for a total of 5 years of coverage. Hopefully I will never need it, but for $200 it seemed well worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV

Toshiba takes digital light processing (DLP) technology into the future with the 52-inch TheaterWide 52HM84 HD-ready rear-projection TV. The 16:9 52HM84 uses a proprietary system called TALEN (Toshiba Advanced Light Engine); based on the Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip, it enhances brightness and contrast while keeping the 1,280 x 720 progressive resolution (720p). Toshiba's TheaterWide TVs challenge direct-view CRT models when it comes to reproducing deep blacks and details in dark or shadowy scenes. This set is HDTV ready (it needs an optional high-definition receiver to get HD signals), but can improve standard-definition video, thanks to Toshiba's multistep PixelPure video processing system, which optimizes the three main picture quality factors: resolution, contrast, and color. All incoming signals are converted by the built-in scaler to match the DLP chip's native 720p resolution.PixelPure encompasses eight different processing circuits. Among its components are 6.2- million-pixel oversampling (for higher perceived resolution), real-speed progressive scanning (which uses additional sampling points to create smoother diagonal lines), a Magic Square algorithm (for smooth, natural color gradation), Dynamic Contrast Enhancer (for higher perceived contrast and increased color saturation), and Color Detail Enhancer (to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas).DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor, known as the Digital Micromirror Device, or DMD chip, to digitally manipulate light. The chip contains a rectangular array of up to 1.3 million microscopic mirrors, each measuring less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. A DMD panel's micromirrors are mounted on tiny hinges that enable them to tilt either toward the light source (on) or away from it (off), creating a light or dark pixel on the projection surface. The bit-streamed image code entering the semiconductor directs each mirror to switch on and off up to several thousand times per second, enabling the mirrors to reflect pixels in up to 1,024 shades of gray.The HD2+ DLP chip ensures an ultraclean image by filling in the dimples, or vias, in the mirrors to avoid stray light. It increases both brightness and contrast, resulting in an impressive color-corrected contrast ratio (2,200:1) at 1,100 ANSI lumens. The set's TheaterFine HD Super Fine Pitch screen reduces the physical space between the lines on the lenticular screen, resulting in a finer, sharper, more detailed picture.Toshiba's DFine Hi-Speed VSM (velocity scan modulation) improves contrast and overall picture sharpness, while the CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction optimizes poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable, further eliminating video noise ("snow") for a clean, crisp image. Cinema Mode circuitry (3:2 pulldown switch) identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.A 3-D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction helps eliminate dot crawl and color bleed and significantly reduces detail noise, seen as shimmering or flicker, in complex or intricately detailed scenes. Color temperature controls allow you to adjust white balance. The Warm setting reduces the color temperature to an NTSC standard 6,500 degrees Kelvin and delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room. Medium and Cool setting provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.The 52HM84 has plenty of inputs for connecting all your audio and video components. In back you'll find two RF, two composite video, two S-Video, and two HD ColorStream component video, as well as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) digital input. HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio-video interface that supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus eight-channel digital audio--all on a single cable. A set of front composite and S-video inputs make hooking up a game console or camcorder a snap.Other features include HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with PIP sound for listening to two programs simultaneously, the new Radiance DC lamp with high brightness and lower power modes for extended life, individual audio-video settings by input type, sleep and wake timers, Real Speed progressive scanning to create smoother diagonal lines, the Color Transient Improver for sharp transitions on color changes without bleeding, and the Color Detail Enhancer to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas.Aside from the 20-watts-per-channel stereo speaker system, the 52HM84 uses MTS for programming with stereo sound, and SAP for receiving a second audio track in another language. Meanwhile, SRS WOW combines 3-D Sound (simulated surround sound from any stereo audio) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices). The StableSound volume leveler eliminates drastic volume spikes while changing channels or when channels go to a commercial break.What's in the Box 52-inch 52HM84 HD-ready rear-projection DLP TV, four-item illuminated universal remote with DVD control, warranty, and user's manual.

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7/07/2011

Toshiba 62HM84 62-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV Review

Toshiba 62HM84 62-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I spent over two years looking at high definition televisions before settling on the Toshiba. The features that sold me were the outstanding picture quality, both brightness and clarity, as well as the very reasonable price for the size and features of the set. I spent several months watching the prices in the retail stores, but never found the price dipping much below the $3000 that every retail store seems to want to sell it for.
I have never purchased an item as large as this from Amazon, and I was a bit reluctant to do so. Given the reviews to date and comments regarding reliability, I was concerned about buying from a company that did not have a good extended warranty option available. While Amazon does sell third party contracts, I did not find them to be particularly well known. I was leaning toward buying the unit from Sears, where the extended warranty is supported by a very large service organization, and the organization is staffed by full time Sears employees who have always been very professional with other items I have needed service on. The down side was a $700 difference in price between Sears and Amazon.
What finally convinced me to choose Amazon over the local retailers was that I was able to double the warranty by charging it on my American Express card. My only other hesitation was that I needed the unit carried up a flight of stairs, and while I knew that the local Sears delivery person would carry it up, I was not sure what to expect from a trucking company contracted by Amazon.
My set was delivered yesterday by Eagle Freight. They scheduled my delivery between noon and 5:00 pm, and they showed up at 4:00 pm, after first calling to let me know they were on their way. The drivers were very friendly and professional, and they gladly carried the set up to the second floor and waited while I confirmed it was working properly. They even took away the empty packaging. Since I am familiar with electronics equipment, I knew how to quickly set it up without their help. I'm not sure they would have known how to set up an HDTV had I needed assistance, but fortunately this was not an issue for me.
The TV was up and running within 3 minutes, and the quality is absolutely breathtaking. After much trepidation about purchasing such a large item over the internet, I am quite pleased that I chose to do so. I'm still debating whether to add an extended warranty or just take a chance on it with the American Express warranty doubler as a backup. The extended warranties do not generally cover the replacement bulb, which cost approximately $300. Since this is the most likely part to fail, I suspect that I would be better off taking my chances and skipping the extended warranty option. However, it's nice to know this option exists if I need it.
For those of you thinking about purchasing this item from Amazon, I would recommend you give it a try, as long as your credit card will double the warranty, and you do not need much help in hooking up the set. I will update this review after having a few weeks to get more familiar with the TV.
3/5/2005
After having this set for a few months, I am still thoroughly impressed with it. The quality is outstanding, and I have had no issues to date with reliability. I did purchase a 4 year Warrantech warranty for around $200. This extends the warranty beyond the one year Toshiba warranty for a total of 5 years of coverage. Hopefully I will never need it, but for $200 it seemed well worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 62HM84 62-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV

Note: Toshiba 62HM84 62" HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV is no longer being manufactured. You may want to consider purchasing the newer Toshiba 62HM94 62" DLP Integrated HDTV with Cable Card Slot instead.
Toshiba takes digital light processing (DLP) technology into the future with the 62-inch TheaterWide 62HM84 HD-ready rear-projection TV. The 16:9 62HM84 uses a proprietary system called TALEN (Toshiba Advanced Light Engine); based on the Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip, it enhances brightness and contrast while keeping the 1,280 x 720 progressive resolution (720p). Toshiba's TheaterWide TVs challenge direct-view CRT models when it comes to reproducing deep blacks and details in dark or shadowy scenes. This set is HDTV ready (it needs an optional high-definition receiver to get HD signals), but it can improve standard-definition video, thanks to Toshiba's multistep PixelPure video processing system, which optimizes the three main picture quality factors: resolution, contrast, and color. All incoming signals are converted by the built-in scaler to match the DLP chip's native 720p resolution.PixelPure encompasses eight different processing circuits. Among its components are 6.2-million-pixel oversampling (for higher perceived resolution), real-speed progressive scanning (which uses additional sampling points to create smoother diagonal lines), a Magic Square algorithm (for smooth, natural color gradation), Dynamic Contrast Enhancer (for higher perceived contrast and increased color saturation), and Color Detail Enhancer (to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas).DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor, known as the Digital Micromirror Device, or DMD chip, to digitally manipulate light. The chip contains a rectangular array of up to 1.3 million microscopic mirrors, each measuring less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. A DMD panel's micromirrors are mounted on tiny hinges that enable them to tilt either toward the light source (on) or away from it (off), creating a light or dark pixel on the projection surface. The bit-streamed image code entering the semiconductor directs each mirror to switch on and off up to several thousand times per second, enabling the mirrors to reflect pixels in up to 1,024 shades of gray.The HD2+ DLP chip ensures an ultraclean image by filling in the dimples, or vias, in the mirrors to avoid stray light. It increases both brightness and contrast, resulting in an impressive color-corrected contrast ratio (2,200:1) at 1,100 ANSI lumens. The set's TheaterFine HD Super Fine Pitch screen reduces the physical space between the lines on the lenticular screen, resulting in a finer, sharper, more detailed picture.Toshiba's DFine Hi-Speed VSM (velocity scan modulation) improves contrast and overall picture sharpness, while the CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction optimizes poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable, further eliminating video noise ("snow") for a clean, crisp image. Cinema Mode circuitry (3:2 pulldown switch) identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.A 3-D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction helps eliminate dot crawl and color bleed and significantly reduces detail noise, seen as shimmering or flicker, in complex or intricately detailed scenes. Color temperature controls allow you to adjust white balance. The Warm setting reduces the color temperature to an NTSC standard 6,500 degrees Kelvin and delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room. Medium and Cool settings provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.The 62HM84 has plenty of inputs for connecting all your audio and video components. In back you'll find two RF, two composite video, two S-video, and two HD ColorStream component video, as well as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) digital input. HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio-video interface that supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus eight-channel digital audio--all on a single cable. A set of front composite and S-video inputs make hooking up a game console or camcorder a snap.Other features include HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with PIP sound for listening to two programs simultaneously, the new Radiance DC Lamp with high brightness and lower power modes for extended life, individual audio-video settings by input type, sleep and wake timers, Real Speed progressive scanning to create smoother diagonal lines, the Color Transient Improver for sharp transitions on color changes without bleeding, and the Color Detail Enhancer to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas.Aside from the 20-watts-per-channel stereo speaker system, the 62HM84 uses MTS for programming with stereo sound, and SAP for receiving a second audio track in another language. Meanwhile, SRS WOW combines 3-D Sound (simulated surround sound from any stereo audio) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices). The StableSound volume leveler eliminates drastic volume spikes while changing channels or during commercial breaks.What's in the Box 62-inch 62HM84 HD-ready rear-projection DLP TV, four-item illuminated universal remote with DVD control, warranty, and user's manual.

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Click here for more information about Toshiba 62HM84 62-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV

7/05/2011

Toshiba XDE600 1080p Upconverted DVD Extended Detail Review

Toshiba XDE600 1080p Upconverted DVD Extended Detail
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this one on a whim just to try out the extended detail enhancement feature. Of the three (Sharp, Color, Contrast) Sharp worked very well. I have a properly calibrated set, so the other two were pretty much of no use. On newer films Sharp added just the right amount of sharpness to scenes without additional halos or other edge enhancement artifacts (the better the film's cinematography the better it works). With older 4:3 aspect films or non-HD TV shows from the 90s the image is stretch and there is nothing I can do to fix it. My Vizio TV can't adjust for it (it just sees a 1080P image coming from the player and keeps it in its "normal" state - stretched in other words) and neither can the player. That's pretty frustrating and I may end up sending this back for that reason. Need to take stock of how many DVDs I rent that are 4:3. The audio is good/average. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable. The build quality of the unit is very light. The case of the player feels like a tin can and the remote is as tiny and lightweight as a child's toy. The buttons are very small and unintuitive.
Again, for what its basic purpose is (DVD upscaled playback), it does a great job on 16:9 widescreen material, particularly with Sharp enabled. The image quality rivals at times the Oppo DV-980H (no joke) and is slightly better than the Pioneer Elite DV-49AV. I wished Toshiba had chosen to put the XDE feature into a more quality player from a feature and build standpoint. It would have a real winner then - even at another say, $50 for that quality.
Edit: Well, after a week or so of ownership I feel I was a bit too harsh on the XDE-600, so I bumped the rating up to four stars. The image quality is so good for the low price that I can overlook the deficiencies. Plus I found a work-around of sorts for the 4:3 aspect problem. Set the HDMI resolution to 480p in the player and it will display in the proper aspect ratio on the TV. The only snag is that the XDE settings won't work in anything but 1080p, but since they are mostly older movies (that use that format) I can live with it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba XDE600 1080p Upconverted DVD Extended Detail

Upconvert 1080P DVD Player

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6/17/2011

Toshiba 55UX600U 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Net TV (Black Gloss) Review

Toshiba 55UX600U 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Net TV (Black Gloss)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was a little leary of buying this because of other reviews on the net, from professional critics. However, none of them hold water. This is a fantastic HDTV, and the extra features with internet access make it perfect (pandora radio, even youtube). The picture is excellent from any angle, multiple inputs allow connections from any source. One thing that isn't mentioned is that the set will turn itself off after four hours if there's no input, that is set as a default. It was purchased for my elderly mom, and she loves it. Oh, and it's only a couple inches thick, and so protrudes from the wall even less than a picture frame!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 55UX600U 55-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Net TV (Black Gloss)

Enjoy a stunning picture bursting with color and clarity as well as a wide variety of on-demand entertainment with the 55-inch Toshiba 55UX600U HDTV with LED backlighting (54.6-inch diagonal screen size), which features a 1080p Full HD resolution. The stunning 3M:1 dynamic contrast ratio LED backlighting produces a clearer, crisper image and is supported by Toshiba's CrystalCoat high contrast screen coating and AutoView ambient room light analyzer. It also boasts Toshiba's ClearFrame 120Hz feature, which doubles the video frames from 60 per second to 120 per second to virtually eliminate motion blur--making this a perfect set for watching fast action movies and sports.
Toshiba's Net TV provides on-demand entertainment from such Internet sources as VUDU (with over 3,000 1080p HD movies) and Pandora for streaming of personalized music channels. You can connect the set to a wired home network via the Ethernet port, or connect to a Wi-Fi network using an included Wi-Fi adapter.

This UX600U Series HDTV provides a number of convenient home entertainment options and key picture quality features, including DynaLight dynamic backlight control for deeper black levels and four HDMI digital inputs for simple high quality connection to cable/satellite boxes, DVD players and more. Plus, the HDMI ports feature fast InstaPort switching for quick changes from one source to another. With the Gaming Mode function, you'll experience reduced game control delay and improved reaction time--perfect for PC gaming--and the Photo Frame capability with Auto Slide Show enables you to display slideshows of your favorite images when not watching TV programming.

Offering an ultra-slim Air Lagoon design that's less than 2 inches deep, this UX600U Series HDTV also features MP3 playback via the integrated USB port, a PC input, a removable stand, and Energy Star 4.0 requirements.



Toshiba Net TV
Enjoy a new level of on-demand, Internet-based entertainment with the UX600U's integrated Toshiba Net TV capabilities, which includes a wide variety of entertainment and social networking applications. It provides access to VUDU Movies, which offers true 1080p HD, 5.1 surround sound and gives you access to over 3,000 HD movies on demand. And you'll be able to listen to streaming music from Pandora.

Additionally, video and photo services such as YouTube, Flickr, and Picasa Web Albums let you share content with friends and family wherever they live. News services including the New York Times, AP, National Weather, and more, provide up to the minute information about the world around you. And, the customizable Ticker available at the bottom of the screen allows you to keep up to date with information from your Facebook friends and Twitter feeds as well as News, Weather, or Stocks.

In order to provide simple and instant access to the Internet, the UX600 Series comes equipped with its own Wi-Fi adapter (compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n networks), delivering the latest content right out of the box and eliminating the need to purchase additional accessories. You can also connect to a home network via a wired Ethernet port.

Key Features
1080p HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
PixelPure 5G 14-bit internal digital video processor increases gradation levels (4,096 levels, or 16x that of a standard 8-bit processor) to create smoother, clearer images.
ClearFrame 120Hz screen refresh rate virtually eliminates motion blur, making this HDTV a great choice for fast action movies and sports. Toshiba's ClearFrame 120Hz system doubles the frame rate of an LCD TV from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second using superior Motion Vector Frame Interpolation technology.
Resolution+ super resolution technology upconverts and enhances 480i/p and 720p input signals for a more detailed picture.
CrystalCoat prevents ambient room light reflections from washing out the television picture, creating up to 30 percent better contrast in bright rooms and allowing you to enjoy a deep, high contrast picture in all lighting conditions.
AutoView helps ensure an ideal image at all times for the day by combining an ambient room light sensor with incoming video content monitoring. AutoView automatically sets most of the TV picture parameters for you.
DynaLight Backlight Control utilizes advanced image processing to monitor the brightness of each video frame, and adjust the backlight intensity accordingly. This precision creates seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis.
Photo Frame capability allows this HDTV to act as both a TV and a digital photo frame. You can showcase your favorite memories as a clear, crisp slide show on the high-resolution television screen--all controlled with just the TV remote.
Gaming Mode takes the gaming experience to a new level by reducing game control delay, thus giving the player improved reaction time and a more realistic playing experience. This is great when used with popular gaming consoles, or with PC games using the TVs PC Input.
Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuning allows for tuning of standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts, in addition to digital "cable-in-the-clear" broadcasts.
Native Mode restores the size of the picture by the 3-5 percent that is generally lost during the normal over-scanning that occurs on traditional sets.
Cinema Mode 24 fps (3:2 Pulldown): This HDTV performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal, too--a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. To adapt 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video, frames in the original movie must be duplicated; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this duplication by removing the redundant information to display a frame-accurate picture.
Color Temperature Control enables you to adjust white balance to achieve the best television picture possible in any viewing environment, or simply adjust the picture to suit your personal tastes. The "Warm" setting delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room, while "Medium" and "Cool" provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.
Three TheaterWide modes are ideal for displaying HDTV signals as well as enhanced for widescreen television DVDs.


TheaterWide 1: Letterboxed image is digitally expanded 33 percent horizontally and vertically. Useful for reproducing Academy Standard (1.85:1) formatted software.
TheaterWide 2: Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 42 percent vertically. Particularly of use when viewing narrow letterboxed images originally filmed in Panavision or CinemaScope.
TheaterWide 3: Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 24 percent vertically. Can be utilized when displaying letterboxed images that incorporate narrow bands at the top and bottom of the picture.



MP3 audio and JPEG image playback via 2 USB ports or SD memory card slot
REGZA-LINK (HDMI-CEC) allows peripheral AV devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by the remote control.
InstaPort fast HDMI switching between A/V components: Typically, when you switch HDMI inputs, there can be a five or six second delay. With InstaPort, as soon as you select an HDMI source, it will connect in a fraction of the time.
Ethernet port for connecting to wired home network.
Bottom-mounted invisible speakers integrated into stylish Horizon bezel design (20 Watts total power; 10W + 10W).
Channel Browser allows you to easily scan through the last 32 channels you have viewed, with screen images for the last five channels displayed, by channel, by favorites, and by input, at the touch of a button.
Channel Labeling allows you to put station call letters on the screen along with the station numbers, so you always know what channel you're watching
Input labeling enables you to name the individual inputs to denote usage, such as "DVD Player" (instead of having them display as just "HDMI 1" and "HDMI 2").
Removable stand for wall mounting (200mm x 400mm VESA mounting pattern)
Tri-lingual onscreen menu (English, French, Spanish)
Dual band Wi-Fi adapter (802.11a/b/g/n) plugs into USB port (security options--WEP64/128, TKIP, AES, WPA/WPA2-PSK, WPS, None)
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor

Connections
HDMI: 4 (HDMI-CEC) with 2 ports on the side
Component: 1 (on the side)
Composite A/V: 1 (on the side)
RF (antenna): 1
PC input (15-pin, D-Sub): 1
Digital audio output: 1 optical
Analog audio input: 3 pair (for each component and composite video input)
Ethernet networking: 1
USB: 2 (side)



Dimensions
TV with stand: 52.87 x 34.96 x 15.59 inches (WxHxD); 62.8 pounds
TV without stand: 52.87 x 32.95 x 1.96 inches (WxHxD); 53.4 pounds
What size TV should you get?



What's in the Box UX600U Series HDTV, remote control (with batteries), dual band WLAN adapter (WLM-10U1), removable stand, cleaning cloth, printed owner's manual
Toshiba 2010 REGZA HDTV Comparison
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6/11/2011

Toshiba 46G300U 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black Gloss) Review

Toshiba 46G300U 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black Gloss)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
A good TV at a very good price; it does have a couple of issues, which may be no big deal for you, depending on your needs.
Good: The picture is very good, comparable to much more expensive sets, in both standard and high definition. The 120Hz refresh does make a difference, although if, like me, you're accustomed to the slight jitter of high-speed motion on a 60Hz set the smooth motion will seem a little unnatural at first!
It has a good selection of input ports. No real internet connectivity, but I figure that functionality will be obsolete in a couple of year anyway, so it makes more sense for that to be built into a dedicated component or blue-ray player or something similar in any event.Bad: Power cord is hardwired into the back of the set, rather than being detachable - that was a real nuisance when I was trying to run the cables. More importantly, the internal speakers are pretty poor. Compounding this problem, it has neither analog audio out nor a headphone jack! If your external speaker system/receiver takes digital optical SPDIF ("Toslink"?) connections (most recent ones do), you're good - otherwise you'll need an adapter (Somthing like this: Digital Audio To Analog Audio Converter, although mine is still on order so I can't vouch for it yet.)
Still, if you want really good sound, no flat-panel will deliver that, and you could add a $200 soundbar to this to get a system that will have as good a picture and much better sound than more expensive sets. If you already have a good sound system (especially one with optical inputs), this is a very good option for the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 46G300U 46-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black Gloss)

Enjoy a stunning picture bursting with color and clarity with the 46-inch Toshiba 46G300U LCD HDTV (46-inch diagonal screen size), featuring a 1080p Full HD resolution that provides twice the pixel resolution of 720p HD models. It also boasts Toshiba's ClearFrame 120Hz feature, which doubles the video frames from 60 per second to 120 per second to virtually eliminate motion blur--making this a perfect set for watching fast action movies and sports.
It provides a number of convenient home entertainment options and key picture quality features, including DynaLight dynamic backlight control for deeper black levels and four HDMI digital inputs for simple high quality connection to cable/satellite boxes, DVD players and more. Plus, the HDMI ports feature fast InstaPort switching for quick changes from one source to another.
With the Gaming Mode function, you'll experience reduced game control delay and improved reaction time--perfect for PC gaming--and the Photo Frame capability with Auto Slide Show enables you to display slideshows of your favorite images when not watching TV programming.
Boasting a slimming tapered bezel and attractive front panel gradation, the new Horizon design creates a more modern, elegant appearance that also adds a subtle luminance to the logo to further its stylish appeal. Other features include MP3 playback via the integrated USB port, a PC input, and a removable stand.

Key Features
1080p HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels)
ClearFrame 120Hz screen refresh rate virtually eliminates motion blur, making this HDTV a great choice for fast action movies and sports. Toshiba's ClearFrame 120Hz system doubles the frame rate of an LCD TV from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second using superior Motion Vector Frame Interpolation technology.
DynaLight Backlight Control utilizes advanced image processing to monitor the brightness of each video frame, and adjust the backlight intensity accordingly. This precision creates seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis.
Photo Frame capability allows this HDTV to act as both a TV and a digital photo frame. You can showcase your favorite memories as a clear, crisp slide show on the high-resolution television screen--all controlled with just the TV remote.
Gaming Mode takes the gaming experience to a new level by reducing game control delay, thus giving the player improved reaction time and a more realistic playing experience. This is great when used with popular gaming consoles, or with PC games using the TVs PC Input.
Built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM digital tuning allows for tuning of standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts, in addition to digital "cable-in-the-clear" broadcasts.
Native Mode restores the size of the picture by the 3-5 percent that is generally lost during the normal over-scanning that occurs on traditional sets.
Cinema Mode 24 fps (3:2 Pulldown): This HDTV performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal, too--a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. To adapt 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video, frames in the original movie must be duplicated; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this duplication by removing the redundant information to display a frame-accurate picture.
Color Temperature Control enables you to adjust white balance to achieve the best television picture possible in any viewing environment, or simply adjust the picture to suit your personal tastes. The "Warm" setting delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room, while "Medium" and "Cool" provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.
Three TheaterWide modes are ideal for displaying HDTV signals as well as enhanced for widescreen television DVDs.

TheaterWide 1: Letterboxed image is digitally expanded 33 percent horizontally and vertically. Useful for reproducing Academy Standard (1.85:1) formatted software.
TheaterWide 2: Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 42 percent vertically. Particularly of use when viewing narrow letterboxed images originally filmed in Panavision or CinemaScope.
TheaterWide 3: Letterboxed image is expanded 33 percent horizontally and 24 percent vertically. Can be utilized when displaying letterboxed images that incorporate narrow bands at the top and bottom of the picture.


MP3 audio and JPEG image playback via USB port on the side.
REGZA-LINK (HDMI-CEC) allows peripheral AV devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by the remote control.
InstaPort fast HDMI switching between A/V components: Typically, when you switch HDMI inputs, there can be a five or six second delay. With InstaPort, as soon as you select an HDMI source, it will connect in a fraction of the time.
Ethernet port for connecting to wired home network.
Bottom-mounted invisible speakers integrated into stylish Horizon bezel design (20 Watts total power; 10W + 10W).
Channel Browser allows you to easily scan through the last 32 channels you have viewed, with screen images for the last five channels displayed, by channel, by favorites, and by input, at the touch of a button.
Channel Labeling allows you to put station call letters on the screen along with the station numbers, so you always know what channel you're watching
Input labeling enables you to name the individual inputs to denote usage, such as "DVD Player" (instead of having them display as just "HDMI 1" and "HDMI 2").
Removable stand for wall mounting (200mm x 200mm VESA mounting pattern)
Tri-lingual onscreen menu (English, French, Spanish)
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor

Toshiba 2010 REGZA HDTV Comparison
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5/24/2011

Toshiba SD-3990 Progressive Scan DVD Player Review

Toshiba SD-3990 Progressive Scan DVD Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First of all, let me say that this unit is very well worth the money. As "just a DVD player" I give it FIVE over FIVE points (or ten/ten if you wish).
The unit comes as Region Free DVD Player. Professionally modified to play any region out of the box. This feature makes it most versatile player as this player can play any region 1,2,3,4,5,6 PAL or NTSC on regular American TV just out of the Box It just works.
Good things:
it can play NTSC and PAL DVD, VCD. and when it plays PAL VCD, it will fit the image so that the image is not out of proper aspect ratio. You can even easily choose the left or right audio channel which is typical of VCD. Further, this DVD player can play DivX, MPG, mp3, jpg. It can play DivX with subtitles. When fast forwarding, it can go up to 30x and 100x (seems like not 100x but maybe 50x). When you step frame by frame, it works flawlessly. It's a great player for the price, considering all the media it plays (ours played DVD+RW too) and the quality of sound and picture it produces.
As a straight DVD player, this player excels. It has an absolutely brilliant progressive picture, with rich colors, and no prog-scan artifacts whatsoever. There are also a couple of nice digital touch-up controls, sharpness and brightness which can come in handy to boost dark images.
As a DIVX/Xvid player, also excellent. Highly compatible with divx 4/5 and vxid, not at all with divx 3.11 or ms mp4 v2 - according to my testing. plays ac3 audio on these files too. Interesting problem with divx subtitles. Very compatible, yet places them in the middle of the screen, which is weird, but oddly workable. The menu system for avi files is intuitive, but only captures the first 16 characters of the filename.
As a dvd-r player, it's also solid. It has played all media I've thrown at it (-r, -rw). The only problem is that it's picky about flaws. In fact, I have dozens of labeled dvd-r's which will break-up and not play past a certain point. unfortunate, but after I removed the labels (not an easy process) they played to the end.
Now for my favorite feature, the coup de grace: auto aspect-ratio. I have a 16:9 set. When I enable this feature (default), anamorphic titles will fill the screen, 4:3 titles will be in the middle (though zoomed in ever-so-slightly) and non-anamorphic letterbox titles will be zoomed in to fill the width of the 16:9. It makes this adjustment for dvd and divx content. And it gets it right 95% of the time - the other 5% you can adjust manually.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba SD-3990 Progressive Scan DVD Player

Nicely affordable yet packed full of powerful video and audio playback features, the Toshiba SD-3990 single-disc, progressive scan DVD player has a stylishly silver, super-slim profile that measures just 1.65 inches high. It's also compatible with a wide variety of disc and digital file formats, including DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, and VCD discs as well as MP3, WMA, and JPEG (Kodak Picture and FujiColor CDs) content burned to disc. It's also DivX Home Theater Certified, meaning that it's compatible with video burned to disc using both the DivX video format.
The SD-3990 performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal, too--a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. To adapt 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video, frames in the original movie must be duplicated; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this duplication by removing the redundant information to display a frame-accurate picture.
With the JPEG Viewer, you can easily display your favorite digital photos and create custom slideshows with a few simple clicks of the player's remote control. The interactive Digital Picture Zoom feature allows you to select an area of the video from a DVD and magnify it. Other DVD playback features include fast scan, slow motion, multi-angle selection, multi-subtitle selection, and parental lock.
You get vivid, realistic sound, thanks to Toshiba's 24-bit/192 kHz pulse code modulation (PCM) audio processor. PCM audio translates digital signals from your DVDs and CDs into warmer, natural sound. The DVD player offers Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, and you can connect to a multi-channel home theater surround sound system via the coaxial digital audio output. It also produces 3D virtual surround sound from two speakers. It features the following video and audio connections:
Composite A/V: 1
S-Video: 1
Component Video: 1
Digital audio: 1 coaxial

Tech Talk DivX is a compressed digital video format (like MP3) that's based on the MPEG-4 video compression standard. It can reduce the video from a DVD (MPEG-2) to around 10 percent of its original size while still retaining good video and audio quality, enabling you to store several two-hour length movies on burned DVD media.
Component video (also called Y/Pb/Pr) features a three-jack video input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. You will need a separate RCA left/right audio cable for sound.
What's in the Box Single-disc DVD player, remote control (with batteries), printed operating instructions

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5/23/2011

Toshiba 46HM84 46-Inch TheaterWide HD-Ready Rear-Projection DLP TV Review

Toshiba 46HM84 46-Inch TheaterWide HD-Ready Rear-Projection DLP TV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I spent over two years looking at high definition televisions before settling on the Toshiba. The features that sold me were the outstanding picture quality, both brightness and clarity, as well as the very reasonable price for the size and features of the set. I spent several months watching the prices in the retail stores, but never found the price dipping much below the $3000 that every retail store seems to want to sell it for.
I have never purchased an item as large as this from Amazon, and I was a bit reluctant to do so. Given the reviews to date and comments regarding reliability, I was concerned about buying from a company that did not have a good extended warranty option available. While Amazon does sell third party contracts, I did not find them to be particularly well known. I was leaning toward buying the unit from Sears, where the extended warranty is supported by a very large service organization, and the organization is staffed by full time Sears employees who have always been very professional with other items I have needed service on. The down side was a $700 difference in price between Sears and Amazon.
What finally convinced me to choose Amazon over the local retailers was that I was able to double the warranty by charging it on my American Express card. My only other hesitation was that I needed the unit carried up a flight of stairs, and while I knew that the local Sears delivery person would carry it up, I was not sure what to expect from a trucking company contracted by Amazon.
My set was delivered yesterday by Eagle Freight. They scheduled my delivery between noon and 5:00 pm, and they showed up at 4:00 pm, after first calling to let me know they were on their way. The drivers were very friendly and professional, and they gladly carried the set up to the second floor and waited while I confirmed it was working properly. They even took away the empty packaging. Since I am familiar with electronics equipment, I knew how to quickly set it up without their help. I'm not sure they would have known how to set up an HDTV had I needed assistance, but fortunately this was not an issue for me.
The TV was up and running within 3 minutes, and the quality is absolutely breathtaking. After much trepidation about purchasing such a large item over the internet, I am quite pleased that I chose to do so. I'm still debating whether to add an extended warranty or just take a chance on it with the American Express warranty doubler as a backup. The extended warranties do not generally cover the replacement bulb, which cost approximately $300. Since this is the most likely part to fail, I suspect that I would be better off taking my chances and skipping the extended warranty option. However, it's nice to know this option exists if I need it.
For those of you thinking about purchasing this item from Amazon, I would recommend you give it a try, as long as your credit card will double the warranty, and you do not need much help in hooking up the set. I will update this review after having a few weeks to get more familiar with the TV.
3/5/2005
After having this set for a few months, I am still thoroughly impressed with it. The quality is outstanding, and I have had no issues to date with reliability. I did purchase a 4 year Warrantech warranty for around $200. This extends the warranty beyond the one year Toshiba warranty for a total of 5 years of coverage. Hopefully I will never need it, but for $200 it seemed well worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba 46HM84 46-Inch TheaterWide HD-Ready Rear-Projection DLP TV

Toshiba takes digital light processing (DLP) technology into the future with its 46-inch TheaterWide 46HM84 HD-ready rear-projection TV. The 16:9 46HM84 uses a proprietary system called TALEN (Toshiba Advanced Light Engine); based on the Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip, it enhances brightness and contrast while keeping the 1,280 x 720 progressive resolution (720p). Toshiba's TheaterWide TVs challenge direct-view CRT models when it comes to reproducing deep blacks and details in dark or shadowy scenes. This set is HDTV-ready (it needs an optional high-definition receiver to get HD signals), but can improve standard-definition video, thanks to Toshiba's multistep PixelPure video processing system, which optimizes the three main picture quality factors: resolution, contrast, and color. All incoming signals are converted by the built-in scaler to match the DLP chip's native 720p resolution.PixelPure encompasses eight different processing circuits. Among its components are 6.2-million-pixel oversampling (for higher perceived resolution), real-speed progressive scanning (which uses additional sampling points to create smoother diagonal lines), a Magic Square algorithm (for smooth, natural color gradation), Dynamic Contrast Enhancer (for higher perceived contrast and increased color saturation), and Color Detail Enhancer (to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas).DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor, known as the Digital Micromirror Device, or DMD chip, to digitally manipulate light. The chip contains a rectangular array of up to 1.3 million microscopic mirrors, each measuring less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. A DMD panel's micromirrors are mounted on tiny hinges that enable them to tilt either toward the light source (on) or away from it (off), creating a light or dark pixel on the projection surface. The bit-streamed image code entering the semiconductor directs each mirror to switch on and off up to several thousand times per second, enabling the mirrors to reflect pixels in up to 1,024 shades of gray.The HD2+ DLP chip ensures an ultraclean image by filling in the dimples, or vias, in the mirrors to avoid stray light. It increases both brightness and contrast, resulting in an impressive color-corrected contrast ratio (2,200:1) at 1,100 ANSI lumens. The set's TheaterFine HD Super Fine Pitch screen reduces the physical space between the lines on the lenticular screen, resulting in a finer, sharper, more detailed picture.Toshiba's DFine Hi-Speed VSM (velocity scan modulation) improves contrast and overall picture sharpness, while the CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction optimizes poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable, further eliminating video noise ("snow") for a clean, crisp image. Cinema Mode circuitry (3:2 pulldown switch) identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.A 3-D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction helps eliminate dot crawl and color bleed and significantly reduces detail noise, seen as shimmering or flicker, in complex or intricately detailed scenes. Color temperature controls allow you to adjust white balance. The Warm setting reduces the color temperature to an NTSC standard 6,500 degrees Kelvin and delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room. Medium and Cool provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.The 46HM84 has plenty of inputs for connecting all your audio and video components. In back you'll find two RF, two composite video, two S-video, and two HD ColorStream component video, as well as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) digital input. HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio-video interface that supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus eight-channel digital audio--all on a single cable. A set of front composite and S-video inputs make hooking up a game console or camcorder a snap.Other features include HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with PIP sound for listening to two programs simultaneously, the new Radiance DC lamp with high brightness and lower power modes for extended life, individual audio-video settings by input type, sleep and wake timers, Real Speed progressive scanning to create smoother diagonal lines, the Color Transient Improver for sharp transitions on color changes without bleeding, and the Color Detail Enhancer to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas.Aside from the 20-watts-per-channel stereo speaker system, the 46HM84 uses MTS for programming with stereo sound, and SAP for receiving a second audio track in another language. Meanwhile, SRS WOW combines 3-D Sound (simulated surround sound from any stereo audio) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices). The StableSound volume leveler eliminates drastic volume spikes while changing channels or during commercial breaks.What's in the Box 46-inch 46HM84 HD-ready rear-projection DLP TV, four-item illuminated universal remote with DVD control, warranty, and user's manual.

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