Toshiba 52HM84 impressions

[tommy1rx]

Just got my 52HM84 on 2-22 and decided you give you some initial impressions.

Out of the box using regular cable and a new cheap Toshiba Progressive scan DVD player ($60 at BB) with component cables (Acoustic research brand). Cable quality was hit or miss. Most stations were fine though some seemed washed out and grainy. On normal setting the 4:3 picture was no better or worse than old 27 inch CRT.
When I watched "The Bourne Supremacy" I was amazed at the clarity of the picture but at the end I discovered I had not enabled Progressive scan on the DVD player. Turned it on and slipped in "Return of the King EE" at the Battle of Pelennor Fields. My jaw hit the floor. It looked even better than in the theatre and had a similar appearance to those HD broadcasts you see in Best Buy and Circuit City. No smearing at all, no pixilation, no rainbows,...perfect picture. "Spiderman 2" was another Jaw dropper. Again, almost HDTV quality. Man, this set is amazing. Btw, I was just using the standard MOVIE setting. Have not had time to adjust the set to any great degree yet.
On 2-24-05 the Dish Network installer got me hooked up with an 811 HD receiver (using Component cabling) and a wonderful signal (great open southern exposure). All SD channels immediately improved dramatically. Of course HD looked great. Found myself mesmerized by Discovery channel show on snakes just watching the amazing picture. Was able to improve to picture by changing a setting under Installation>HDTV setup. I changed the box input to 1080i and then used the Picture size setting #1 to stretch picture to fullscreen. I would not normally do this but I hate those GRAY BARS. Will be glad when a FIX is discovered or "leaked" by Toshiba.
Many SD channels now look near-DVD like (my old DVD that is). My kids mostly watch Nick and Disney Channel and those stations are a revelation. Great colors, no smearing or bleeding of reds. Changing from 480p which is default of 811 box to 1080i seems to have given a greater perceived resolution as the picture is now VERY sharp.
All in all, very pleased with this set. Only drawbacks seem to be lack of inputs. Would love to see another component input at the very least. There also needs to be a way to make the gray bars on 4:3 viewing black from a menu. Other than that, no problems. Great job Toshiba.

Pluses: no rainbows for any family member or friend who has watched it (maybe 20 people so far) so must be rare problem.
NO glare from room lamps or from French doors facing TV. If your TV will face a window you may have to leave Lamp on High but there will be NO glare at all.
Can save your preferences to each input. Very helpful. And the standard sports/standard/video/movie settings arent bad either.

I suggest paying for home delivery of this set. It is a HUGE box and hard to fit properly into most vehicles. (seems that MANY set problems with this set stem from damage during transport or delivery) Also make sure cabling is done correctly with as few splitters and connectors as possible (lose 3db per fitting). Not sure the difference between Direct TV and Dish network picture wise. Im just renting with Dish network and with local channels and HD content (with more to come I hope) and 2 extra TVs on other 2-tuner receiver, Im only paying $5.00 more than basic cable. If any problems crop up, I will let you guys know. Would love to hear what picture settings anyone is using for SD TV or any other comments as well.

[Flashjeff]

Yo, Tommy! Many thanks for the in-depth of the Toshiba 52HM84. It's currently at the top of my very short list of DLP sets I'm interested in. I'm already a Dish Network subscriber and will most likely upgrade to HD should I purchase this set. Toshiba also has a DVD player that upscales content to 720p. Best Buy sells it for $149.99 at present. I might invest in that. Once again, thanks for your insightful opinions! You may well have helped finalized what set I buy!

[tommy1rx]

Have only had Dish network 811 HD receiver a week and discovered that if you hit the format button on bottom left of remote you can change aspect ratio of TV . One of the choices makes gray bars black!! Finally, one of the things that irritated me about the Toshiba is taken care of. Is this available with Direct TV or cable? Just curious. My wife and I are both very happy about this.

[kdog044]

Have only had Dish network 811 HD receiver a week and discovered that if you hit the format button on bottom left of remote you can change aspect ratio of TV . One of the choices makes gray bars black!! Finally, one of the things that irritated me about the Toshiba is taken care of. Is this available with Direct TV or cable? Just curious. My wife and I are both very happy about this. I know if you have Comcast and use the Motorola 6412 dual tuner DVR if you set the 4:3 override to "off" it gives you the black bars as well.

[Splicer]

I know if you have Comcast and use the Motorola 6412 dual tuner DVR if you set the 4:3 override to "off" it gives you the black bars as well.


On my set, I lose the ability to stretch when I do that. The gray bars were to help prevent burn-in on the CRT RPTV's and was just carried over to the other sets as well is my guess.

[Lobstah]

I still don't understand why people don't use the excellent stretch modes that Tosh is known for.
TW1 is excellent for viewing 4:3 programming. It leaves the middle, top and bottom alone, and does a slight stretch on the sides to eliminate the bars. Even if it looks a bit "off" at first, about 10mins of watching resets your brain and it looks "normal" after that.
Ok...maybe more than 10mins for some ;)

Lob

[flyonthewall]

I may be lacking in patience but I just cannot get used to those stretch modes. And that was one of the reasons -albiet a lesser one - I chose Tosh. But I definitely could use a brain reset...

[kdog044]

I may be lacking in patience but I just cannot get used to those stretch modes. And that was one of the reasons -albiet a lesser one - I chose Tosh. But I definitely could use a brain reset...I don't understand why anyone would want to stretch a 4:3 signal. View it the way it is intended instead of distorting the image. :nono2:

[Lobstah]

Because I can't stand watching it with bars?... :)
Unless I'm IN a bar ;)

Lob

[kdog044]

Because I can't stand watching it with bars?... :)
Unless I'm IN a bar ;)

Lob Just turn off the lights and pretend you're in a bar. :D

[Lobstah]

Well...that sorta works at night.

But watching the news/weather in the morning?...it's a bit of a tough sell! :)

Point is...we're not talking about the blasphemy of watching Ben Hur in something other than the OAR. We're talking about crappy 4:3 television programming, at least in MY house.

:)

Lob

[kdog044]

Point is...we're not talking about the blasphemy of watching Ben Hur in something other than the OAR. We're talking about crappy 4:3 television programming, at least in MY house.Lob That's the point, you start with a crappy signal and make it crappier (is that a word) by stretching/distorting it.

[Splicer]

Actually, out Toshiba TV's do an outstanding job at stretching 4:3 material to 16:9. Just as you cannot understand why anyone would use the stretch modes, I cannot phathom people using a new, 16:9 widescreen TV, in 4:3 mode (bars on the sides). Makes no sense. The stretch modes are one of the features you paid for when buying the TV.

I myself did not buy a widescreen TV to watch 4:3 material in 4:3. I already have a TV for 4:3 if that is what I want to watch. DVD's that are 'full screen' also leave black bars on the sides, but not when I use Toshiba's ultimate "TheaterWide 1" setting. Not crap going in, and not crap coming out. Progressive in and a filled screen with exceptional quality picture out.

[flyonthewall]

Splicer, I gave the stretch mode another try last night. Looked pretty good on Battlestar Gallactica. Maybe because in natural mode it already looked close to 16:9. Some other shows it looked too stretched. Seems like I'lll use it on a show by show basis. To each his own, fellas...

[kdog044]

Just as you cannot understand why anyone would use the stretch modes, I cannot phathom people using a new, 16:9 widescreen TV, in 4:3 mode (bars on the sides). Makes no sense. The stretc th modes are one of the features you paid for when buying the TV. I haven't purchased anything yet although I am looking at the 62HMX94. I am not buying the TV based on anything to do with SD programs. I am looking for a TV that gives me great PQ with HD and being able to view DVD's with as close to the aspect ratio intended by the film maker. Perhaps once I get my set I may change my mind but I doubt that I will just to fill the screen unless it can preserve the image exactly. It seems to me that any stretching of the picture, no matter how well the set does it, will impart some loss of quality.

[Lobstah]

That's probably true, but when I'm watching the news anchors sitting at a desk, I don't really care what the image quality of the sides of the screen are, as they're typically dealing with out-of-focus background cr@p anyway :)

Lob

[kevinw]

First of all no reason to stretch on HMX84 sereies. It's a DLP. The only reason to stretch on the other TV's is to prevent damage from CRT burn.

It is a personal choice with DLP, with any other TV it is a neccessity to prevent damage.

[Lobstah]

I'm not sure it's necessary, kev. I do it because I like the way the image looks. I think it looks better than the bars, so I enjoy watching it that way.
With a good mix of programming, I don't think you'd have any problem avoiding burnin issues, given that the set is adjusted properly.

Just MHO :)

Lob

[kevinw]

I'm not sure it's necessary, kev. I do it because I like the way the image looks. I think it looks better than the bars, so I enjoy watching it that way.
With a good mix of programming, I don't think you'd have any problem avoiding burnin issues, given that the set is adjusted properly.

Just MHO :)

Lob
Your correct on both accounts. I stretch some and others I dont- Survivor I don't, local news I do. Nickelodeon- yes, Amazing Race -No stretch.
It is an opinion thing on appearence and mixing it keeps the Boogie( burn) Monster away. I say that because I truly do not believe CRT burn is a big deal if you stay out of factory modes and do more than watch non-stop CNN.

[El Ray]

I am considering purchasing the 46HM84. I was quite impressed with the picture in the store. I have been struggling with the issue of HDMI. This set has one. I intended to buy a DVD with HDMI but my cable box (Comcast) will have DVI and I intended to get a cable to convert it to HDMI. The Samsung DLP sets have both a DVI and HDMI. Anyone have an opinion whether the convenience of both connectors on the Samsung outweigh any advantages that sets like the Toshiba have?

[kdog044]

I am considering purchasing the 46HM84. I was quite impressed with the picture in the store. I have been struggling with the issue of HDMI. This set has one. I intended to buy a DVD with HDMI but my cable box (Comcast) will have DVI and I intended to get a cable to convert it to HDMI. The Samsung DLP sets have both a DVI and HDMI. Anyone have an opinion whether the convenience of both connectors on the Samsung outweigh any advantages that sets like the Toshiba have?Unless size is an issue you may want to consider the 52HM84 as it's only $100 more right now. To get two HDMI inputs you would need to move to the HMX84 but I don't believe that is available in the 46" only 52".

[corpkid12]

I bought the 46hm84 about a month ago and was originally very pleased with it. (I think it was the awe factor seeing as I upgraded 14") Since then I've focused more on the picture quality and I'm not really happy. I've played with settingings and calibration DVDs and I always have the same problem. When the camera moves, everything in the background gets extremely grainy. The PQ is incredible esp. in HD when the camera pans slowly or holds still but if it pans even at a medium pace the picture flat out stinks. It does the same thing on SD, HD and DVD. Could this be a defect with the TV or is there a setting that I've overlooked? Please help. I hate to have to return this TV as I bought it online. I expected from all the reviews that I read to be blown away by the quality of this TV. Now I almost wish I had bought a CRT RP for half the cost.

[kevinw]

I bought the 46hm84 about a month ago and was originally very pleased with it. (I think it was the awe factor seeing as I upgraded 14") Since then I've focused more on the picture quality and I'm not really happy. I've played with settingings and calibration DVDs and I always have the same problem. When the camera moves, everything in the background gets extremely grainy.... Now I almost wish I had bought a CRT RP for half the cost.
Is it sort of like a fast action smear? My neighbors Samsung DLP does that. Any fast motion and it seems that a portion of the picture is l eft behind.

[El Ray]

I was advised unanimously from another thread to get the Toshiba 46" over the Sony 42"
How bad is the smear? I wonder if the Sony does that.

[fudgebrown]

Anyone connect a laptop or computer to the HDMI? I read in the manual that it's not recommended. What's wrong with getting those HDMI to DVI cables and connecting a laptop?

[corpkid12]

I was advised unanimously from another thread to get the Toshiba 46" over the Sony 42"
How bad is the smear? I wonder if the Sony does that.

Mines bad enough that it bothers my eyes if you're watching something that has a lot of movement. It's not really a smear as much as the fact that it gets very grainy. If it were a smooth blur, it may not be bad to look at.

I'm not sure wether its a common characteristic of DLP TVs or if its just the toshiba or if it just happens to be the specific tv that I got. Just wondering if anyone else had heard of this and what they did to correct it or at least make it bearable.

[fudgebrown]

Anyone connect a laptop or computer to the HDMI? I read in the manual that it's not recommended. What's wrong with getting those HDMI to DVI cables and connecting a laptop?

another thing I should add: I have found on other forums people claiming to have hooked up a PC or laptop to their 52HM84 using the HDMI to DVI cable. As long as you select the correct HD resolution and 60hz refresh rate it should work fine. But as the manual states, it should not be done - i guess Toshiba just doesn't want to support it etc...

[57U]

Lots of people have connected computers to their HDTVs. It's not "recommended" by the manufacturer due to burn in concerns on some TVs, due to the fact that the images on computer are "static". See the FAQ on Burn In. Also see the section on HTPCs.

Since the TV in question is a DLP, there are no burn in concerns, but the paragraph often remains in the operating manuals anyway...

[kdog044]

Lots of people have connected computers to their HDTVs. It's not "recommended" by the manufacturer due to burn in concerns on some TVs, due to the fact that the images on computer are "static".57U, I don't think you need to worry about burn in on a DLP display. :D As far as connecting a PC to the Toshiba everyone that I have seen report success were using a DVI to component dongle and a ATI card like the 9800. See below.

http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2537967

[flyonthewall]

I am considering purchasing the 46HM84. I was quite impressed with the picture in the store. I have been struggling with the issue of HDMI. This set has one. I intended to buy a DVD with HDMI but my cable box (Comcast) will have DVI and I intended to get a cable to convert it to HDMI. The Samsung DLP sets have both a DVI and HDMI. Anyone have an opinion whether the convenience of both connectors on the Samsung outweigh any advantages that sets like the Toshiba have?

El Ray:
I have the 46HM84. When I tried hooking up the Comcast STB via DVI/HDMI I did not see any PQ improvement. But I did at times have some issues if I did not turn the TV on/off in proper sequence. I went back to comp cable connection so to me that is not an issue.
I really like the TV. I have at times seen the "blur" the other posters are talking about. I watch mostly sports and while I have seen it it is far from often. Not sure if what is the cause or if it is the TV or some other thing that causes it. It would not stop me from buying the TV again.

[El Ray]

Thanks Fly. I'm going to take the plunge this weekend on that 46".. Will use the no pay for 18 months option and hope for the best.

[tommy1rx]

Rats... After 6 weeks, my Toshiba blew a bulb. The tech got there in less than 24 hours but, alas, the part will take 7-10 days to get back to the tech. Cmon, Toshiba.

We spend $2500 on your product. You should have overnite shipping in this day and age for such an expensive and vital part. You cant expect the Mom and Pop tech shops to carry every brand of Rear projection bulb since there are so many and they cost $300 plus each.

[fudgebrown]

Rats... After 6 weeks, my Toshiba blew a bulb. The tech got there in less than 24 hours but, alas, the part will take 7-10 days to get back to the tech. Cmon, Toshiba.

We spend $2500 on your product. You should have overnite shipping in this day and age for such an expensive and vital part. You cant expect the Mom and Pop tech shops to carry every brand of Rear projection bulb since there are so many and they cost $300 plus each.

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that is not the life of my bulb! Did a Toshiba Tech come out there? Do you have an extended warranty? Were you using the hi-bright setting mostly? From what I understand, these bulbs are supposed to last two years right? I have had my 46HM84 for not quite a month yet...

[kdog044]

Rats... After 6 weeks, my Toshiba blew a bulb. The tech got there in less than 24 hours but, alas, the part will take 7-10 days to get back to the tech. Cmon, Toshiba. From what I was told by a support person Toshiba doesn't ship anything out the last three days of the month because of inventory. That may explain the reason it will take so long.

[Lobstah]

That makes no sense at all. Most places are pushing everything they possibly CAN out the door...

Lob

[tommy1rx]

My bulb blew after 6 weeks as I said. The unit faces a set of french doors so I must use High setting during the day. I turn it down at night unless someone in the room is reading or needs more ambient light. I love the fact that there is so little glare. Just angry that I have to wait so long for a part. The local technician who came out said 7 days is pretty standard. When my new one arrives I will still have to switch as lighting dictates (thank goodness for the 4 yr extended warranty from BB--definately gonna renew to make it a total of 8 yrs of warranty).
I love this TV. Toshiba just needs more up to date parts delivery (especially with warranty work).

[jpm]

El Ray, I've got a similar set up (comcast DVI to 52HM84 HDMI). I bought a DVI/HDMI cable and it works quite well. In fact I see some improvement in PQ over the component hookup, but maybe it's my imagination. Just remember, starting with DVI means you need separate audio cables to the TV's audio in jacks.

[El Ray]

jpm
Thanks.
I have an upconversion DVD so I decided to dedicate my one HDMI input on my TV to that. I'm using the component for the STB. I get a superb picture so I'm not complaining.

[tommy1rx]

Almost 3 weeks and still no bulb from Toshiba. I suspect they have had a rash of blown bulbs on these sets and have been caught off guard. 3 weeks without my brand new TV (enjoyed it for 5 weeks before it blew). I hope Toshiba finds a better supplier. Just glad I got the extended warranty. Be prepared for an extended wait if this happens to you. I've thought about investing in a backup bulb but $250-300 is crazy (will consider it when warranty gone).

[El Ray]

I wonder if the bulb is available from the bulb suppliers on the net. If it is, I would demand that Toshiba or the local company reimburse you for the cost of it or they can order it directly. Hopefully, when mine blows in a week or 2, they'll have their act together. But how long will the replacement bulb last? Six weeks?

[tommy1rx]

Finally got notice that the bulb would arrive this week. Now the local repair company will not be able to get to my house till next Wednesday (4-27). So in total, was without my brand new 5 week old Toshiba for 4 weeks. Be aware of this problem if you purchase this set. Toshiba should be getting bulbs out the door much quicker than the 3 and 1/2 weeks it took them on this one!

[wamba]

Tommy, sorry to hear about the long wait for parts. I've done some web surfing and hav efound the bulb on a couple sites, but I want to make sure it is the real Toshiba replacement. When the site doesn't clearly state that, I get nervous.

I just took possession of a 62HM94 last week. It is awesome. I think I will order a bulb to have as replacement, even though they run $200-300. It will be better than no HDTV for weeks.

Good luck with your repair

[tommy1rx]

Well, it took Toshiba 3 and 1/2 weeks to get part to my service technician and 6 days for him to finally come out and install it. I pray this bulb will last at least the minimum time listed (im running low power almost exclusively). Will DEFINATELY get the 4 yr warranty by Best Buy extended. Watched "The Right Stuff" yesterday and am back in love with this TV. If you havent seen the "special edition", you should go rent it or grab it cheap at Walmart. It is one of the best movies of the 80s in my book. Careful though if kids around. Rated PG but frequent use of F word.
Am also impressed with the stretch modes on the 52hm84. Mode 1 is excellent, especially when compared to stretch mode off the satellite HD receiver. If only I could change gray bars to black.

[El Ray]

Those of us with Toshiba DLP's who have no bulb problems should be complaining to Toshiba about the time it takes to have a bulb replaced. We could be next. I for one will contact them and lodge a complaint.

[JackNewbie]

I see a lot of you have the 46HM84. Other than size, does anyone know what the differences between it and the 44NHM84 are?

[toenail]

The 44nhm84 is made for Toshiba by LG. It does not use the Talen light engine assembly. It is usually found in Canadian markets and some specialty stores in the US. They have one at a local shop here and it looks pretty good. Cabinet design is similar to Sammy/Zenith/LG and others with speaker on the bottom. It doesn't get the type of good press that the standard Toshiba's do on the internet.

[DavidJ]

I just got my Toshiba 52HM84. I bought a Zenith E44W46LCD and got it home and it was defective. Took it back and got another one; 3 weeks later it too was defective. I saw the consumer reports were good on the Toshiba, so I decided to give it a try. I hope that I have better luck this time.
How long would you say the bulbs will last? What are the signs when a bulb burns out?

[Ratman]

How long would you say the bulbs will last? What are the signs when a bulb burns out?

Most are advertised to last 3000-5000 hours. YMMV

How do you know when a bulb burns out? It doesn't light anymore. :wow:

[DavidJ]

What is the best method for cleaning the screen on this TV? I tried using a damp rag, but it left it all smeary. Now it is worse than when I cleaned it.

[flyonthewall]

What is the best method for cleaning the screen on this TV? I tried using a damp rag, but it left it all smeary. Now it is worse than when I cleaned it.

I had been using a damp rag too and then my daughter wrote on the screen in crayon. In a panic I ran out to BB and bought a product from Monster that has a bottle of cleaner and a large rag. It was like $20 which I am sure is way too expensive, but it worked.

Does anyone know if the 46hm84 screen has a protective cover that could be replaced for less $ than say the actual screen? In case she gets a hold of a permanent marker!

[Ratman]

Just keep the permanent markers out of reach. :)
An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.

[DavidJ]

After I posted, I did what I should have done before my post and did a search. Sorry for posting something that has already been answered before.
Anyway, I used the warm water technique with a sock, and then dried with an old clean t-shirt. This did just what I needed.
Thanks for the suggestion on the Monster cleaner. I may look into that too.

[knot]

how do ou access the service menu for the 52hm84? my picture appears to be slightly off centered.

[57U]

Check out the various stickies at the top of this forum. That information may be there.