Archive through May 20, 2005
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 47 Registered: Feb-05 | P.S. If you can get the 52HM94 for $2200 that's a good deal as the 52HM84 is running about $2300-$2500. |
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Jim777 Unregistered guest | Babyboomer: I have the 52HM94 and although initially was just as dissappointed as you with the SD broadcast quality am now more than satisfied. In addition to the Motorola booster and bypassing the cable box or using a cablecard slot, if you have it, you need to adjust your settings depending on your TV and the cable company signal. I am using the following settings on high lamp, color temperature cool: contrast 45 brightness 65 color 37 tint 0 sharpness 35 These settings are not my original one as I have had the set about three months now and apparently the lamp's output changes somewhat (light output drops and stabilizes), making it necessary to fine tune them. The key ones that will improve the PQ is to reduce sharpness, contrast and color. You will need to adjust them to see what looks best for your set and your color taste. My HD is stunning, digital cable is great and analog is very good for most channels. However, even so, not all analog stations are created equal, some signals are of very poor quality and the PQ is poor no matter what you do. For me they are in the minority. |
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New member Username: BetstevensCalifornia Post Number: 1 Registered: Feb-05 | I have 2 months experience with a 46HM94 and love it, BUT about every 2 weeks I turn it on and the sound crackles and pops across all inputs. I can turn off the set for 10-20 seconds and most times the crackling goes away. On the 3rd time it always goes away. I turn on set first and then Dish satellite. Anyone experienced this? |
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Anonymous | I have had the Toshiba 52HMX84 for about 3 weeks and go figure it gets damaged. I should've never ignored the slow start up from the set the first week of its arrival. Any issues shouldn't be ignored for such a big investment like this and if you're having problems then I suggest you contact Toshiba or call up a Toshiba service center and have a tech come and check it out. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Just got an 52HM94 + Symbio and am going through the setup pangs. Awesome HD picture! Also has Game Mode although I prefer not to use it and go for the full widescreen. Can't get the TVGuide to work with a Motorola HD. Toshiba Customer Service advised that TVGuide won't work with cable set top box and I have to use the Cable Card. I'll try that and keep you posted. If anybody has had success with TVGuide set up please share that experience. I am in Northern CA, Comcast is the provider and the cable box is Motorola. Interestingly, the picture from the coax cable between the cable box and ANT1 is awful. The component video connection between the boxes is awesome. Wonder if it is worth upgrading to a DVI/HDMI connection? However, if I switch from the cable box to the CableCard that issue is moot. If anybody has had any experience with the Comcast Cable Card please share your information. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 78 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, There is a problem with the Toshiba 94 series and Comcast. There is firmware (Seine 1.45) that is supposed to address this but it didn't help me. I will be calling Toshiba back today. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 79 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, There is also a problem with TVGOS and the Toshiba sets. Apparently bad packets are being processed which eventually corrupts the guide and the listings get wiped out. TVGOS is working on a update to correct the problem. I get the listings from the direct cable connection to ANT1 but periodically they get reset. What picture is awful? I get good PQ using the STB when viewing HD or digital channels. The analog channels are better directly from the cable to the display (using a splitter on the incoming feed) as opposed to viewing through the STB. I am using DVI>HDMI from the DCT6412 to the TV. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Thanks Kdog044. How do I determine my firmware version. The set was manufactured in Feb 2005 if that gives any indication. When I use the coax from the STB to the TV the HD picture is awful. The SD pictures are pretty good. When I connect the STB to the TV with component cables the HD picture is awesome - there is a significant difference in the quality. I can view the difference by just switching the input channels. Is it worth trying a CableCard to get TVGOS to work. Or just chill out and enjoy HDTV while TVG, TOshiba, Comcast, Motorola figure out the integration issues. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 81 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, To access the version select Menu, Setup, Installation, System Status, System Information and then right arrow to show the Seine version. I believe February 2005 is the date of the latest 1.45 version. I have the 6412 which doesn't have coax but the component and DVI are pretty close in PQ. You don't need a cable card to get TVGOS but you do need to connect a cable to the ANT1 input. I don't why you need TVGOS if you have a Motorola STB but if it is for Symbio just run a splitter on the incoming feed and run one to the ANT1 and the other to the STB. That's what I do. The only reason to use a cablecard is for viewing encrypted channels on the ANT1 input. There are times when I am recording two channels on my DVR and want to watch a premium channel on the ANT1 input and that is why I am trying to get mine working. You will also probably see an improvement of SD channels with the ANT1 as opposed to using the STB as the Motorola analog tuners aren't very good. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | The symbio manual says that I can only record programs if it is on TVGOS. By splitting the cable signal I'll get the basic channels directly tuned on the TV but probably not the TVGOS data. I will also not get any HD channels. Symbio still won't work for recording anything on ANT1 or ANT2 without TVGOS. I'll try this however and see how that goes. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | The symbio manual says that I can only record programs if it is on TVGOS. By splitting the cable signal I'll get the basic channels directly tuned on the TV but probably not the TVGOS data. I will also not get any HD channels. Symbio still won't work for recording anything on ANT1 or ANT2 without TVGOS. I'll try this however and see how that goes. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 82 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, Yes you CAN get TVGOS data this way as this is EXACTLY how I have it set up. I get the TVGOS listings but there is a problem with TVGOS data that is corrupt being processed by the Toshiba displays causing the listings to get wiped out periodically. Also, depending on your cable company you can ALSO get HD channels. I get NBC, FOX, CBS, and ESPN in HD connected by ANT1. The TV will need to scan the channels as they are not advertised. For example, with Comcast in my area CBS is on 76-1, FOX is on 1-1, NBC is 2-1 and ESPN is 114-1. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Kdog - Thanks much for your help. I put the splitter in and am now feeding ANT2 with direct cable and ANT1 with coax from the cable STB. If I configure ANT2 as antenna the TV tunes only 13 channels. If I configure ANT2 as cable it gets about 80 channels or so. Beyond 80 it gets into the 80-1, 80-2 etc. What is the dash concept? How does that work? It seems to happen only after channel 80 or so. At least that's what I noticed. How do I enter a dash channel using the remote. BTW, the PQ on ANT2 (direct cable) is much better but there are no HD channels which are all 3 digit in my area. No success with TVGOS so far. I think the HD channels are scrambled in my area so the TV tuner can't decode without the cable box. Where geographically are you? |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Also, I can get Symbio to pause live tv and then playback but it CANNOT record live TV. For that I guess it needs TVGuide. Is there anyway to spoof this. Also, this only works from the ANT1 or ANT2 inputs so I can't do high quality recording using the component cable input. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 83 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, You need to switch the ANT inputs and run the direct feed to ANT1 to get the TVGOS listings. You do need to configure the ANT1 input as "cable" as the "antenna" option is for OTA (Over The Air) connections using an antenna as opposed to cable. The "-100" button on your remote is for input of the dash. For example to go to "80-1" you would press "8" "0" "-100" and then "1". Make sure you let the TV scan the channels once you switch to ANT1 with the direct cable. 1. Press Menu 2. Select Setup 3. Highlight Installation and press Enter 4.Open the Terrestrial menu 5. Highlight Channel Program and press Enter 6. Highlight ANT1 and press Enter. Then just start at the first channel and press Channel Up to go through all the stations. It's a long process but the only way to find out what channels are sent by your cable company. You should have the basic HD channels such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS and possibly PBS depending on your cable company. I have Comcast and live in Michigan. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 84 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, Don't be confused by the listings the cable company uses with the STB as they will be different than what is sent via the cable without the box. For example, Comcast uses 202 for ESPN-HD and over the cable it is 114-1. CBS is 232 via the STB but 76-1 over the cable. Your number will be different based on your cable company and area but I bet you will find the basic HD channels and they will NOT be the same number as if using a STB. |
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notobe Unregistered guest | Anyone, What are the differences between TOSHIBA 62HMX94, and 62HM94. Would this be your choice for a big screen DLP TV today (April 2005).Value/performance? |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 91 Registered: Feb-05 | notobe, The main difference between the two sets is the second HDMI input and the black bezel on the HMX. Since I own the 62HMX94 it would be my choice. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Hi Kdog044 TVGuide still not working for me. Basically symbio is useless withougt TV GUide. What I have now is the direct cable signal (thru the splitter) going into ANT2 and cable box into ANT1. I can't change the ANT1 configuration from Cable BOX. The configuration is frozen. The ANT2 PQ is way better than ANT1 thru STB. Interestingly I can't tune the PBS HD channel directly. Is there anyway to reset the TV settings. Pressing the reset button on the side panel doesn't lose the settings. I would like to try your configuration of direct signal to ANT1 and STB to ANT2 and see if that helps fix my TV Guide and Symbio. Thanks for all your help. |
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SAT RULES! Unregistered guest | Oh boy....got yer splitter in? Now ya dun dropped that crappy signal down another 4db. Man o man...should look real grainy now! CABLE SUCKS! |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Actually the cable STB's decoder sucks. The signal strength is quite good and even after the splitter the PQ through Toshiba's tuner is awesome. However there is another Toshiba issue that I wonder if others are seeing. It takes 10-15 minutes for the TV to shut down and the red light keeps blinking. And the fan seems to be whirring continuously. Interesting LED indicator choice. TV On - Red LED. TV Off - Green LED. Perhaps there is a cultural element to it. |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 99 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, You can do a complete reset. It's under the MENU Setup. Select Installation, System Status, System Information then use the right arrow to navigate to the Factory defaults. If you didn't program a PIN then 0000 is the one to use. Keep in mind that this resets everything including picture settings so make sure you copy down any you want before you do the reset. |
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ARV Unregistered guest | Kdog44: Did a complete reset. However, on startup it goes to the TV guide setup and only allows ANT1 for Cable Box. Ended up setting up cablebox on ANT1 and direct split cable on ANT2. Will this get the TVGOS working?? |
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Bronze Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 100 Registered: Feb-05 | ARV, I believe that's the way you have to set it up. If you only have OTA it indicates to connect to ANT1. If you have cable and OTA the cable box needs to be connected to ANT1 and the OTA to ANT2. The thing you have to keep in mind is the "antenna" option is only for OTA and not cable connections. Even though you have a direct feed to the display you still want the "cable" option. You should be able to use either input to ANT1. If you are using the cable box then you need to use the G-Link cable to get the information. If you use the split cable on ANT1 then everything will come from the VBI data. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 1 Registered: Apr-05 | Hello, New to the site. Been about three weeks with the Tosh 52 inch HMX84. Quite pleased, especially when compared to the Phillips 27 inch tubervision. I have Dish Network and have been very pleased when compared to standard cable. I have read that many people have had problems with SD broadcast and associated graininess. I have more or less come to live with it, since the PQ changes almost channel by channel. For movies I prefer the Theaterwide 1 or 2 picture mode. Seems to be the best picture. I was at a DLP TV review site. They indicated some settings and they seem to be the best for my eyeballs anyway. The closest I sit to the TV is about 12 to 13 feet. Guest seating areas are about 18 feet away. Well, just wanted to blab on for a little bit with some other people really geeked about this technology!! I hope to hear from you all soon. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 101 Registered: Feb-05 | Joe, I recommend you get either Avia or DVE (Digital Video Essentials) to better calibrate your set. The DLP review settings are better than default but each display is different so they won't be the best you can get. I have the 62HMX94 and have been very plased with the PQ on it. I couldn't imagine sitting 18' away though. I sit between 8-13' on mine and outside of SD programs I prefer the closer setting. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 2 Registered: Apr-05 | Thanks Kdog044, I would imagine either can be purchased at a home theater oulet, or a big box electronics store? Actually, I discovered that sitting closer than about 8 to 10 feet puts quite a strain on the ole peepers, especially in low light movie viewing conditions. I have another quick question for you. The HD Sat box comes factory set at 480p and i can change to either 720p or 1080i. I messed with it a little bit and found that the 480 setting is the better of the three watching most SD programs. I find myself constantly fumbling with the menus just to see what can be done with the settings. Somewhat limited, but other than that.., pretty good. I look to hear from you again and will likely have lots of questions over the next few weeks of ownership. Did you buy the matching stand? I did and it really sets the system off!! later.... |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 1 Registered: Apr-05 | HI all, just joined the Toshiba DLP Family. Got my 46hm84 yesterday and set it up. Like most of you new guys, I was somewhat disapointed with the picture. The HDTV Box comes Friday. However, DVD and Regular channels look very Grainy. Could someone please give me some directions on how to optimize my new TV. This is all new to me and I want to do what i can to produce the absolute best picture no matter if its a DVD, HD channel, or analog channel i am watching. PLEASE HELP with any suggestions from cables and hardware to to settings to how to connect it all. Thanks so much. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 3 Registered: Apr-05 | Merbicide, I am going to take kdogoo4's advice and start out by buying the Digital Video Essentials DVD. I looked online and it is reasonably priced, $25 or so. I am new to the DLP world and also trying to optimize the investments potential. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 102 Registered: Feb-05 | Amazon has both DVE and Avia. You can also order DVE through Circuit City's web site. Joseph, I don't know what box you have but normally you want to set the output to the native resolution of the set which would be 720p unless it has a native pass-through option. If it has different settings for 4:3 programs like my Motorola 6412 your best option would be 480i or 480p as you can use the stretch modes in the Toshiba if desired. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 103 Registered: Feb-05 | Joseph, I did buy the matching stand. Because of the design of the base I don't think other stands look as good as the one designed for the set. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 4 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog044, I will check the brand and model of the box tonite. I tried the 720p and it looked like hell, so maybe it does have the pass-through option. Come to think of it, I was monkeying with the settings while I was watching a program on Comedy Central, which I am sure was SD format rather than HD. On the box, I remember stumbling across some options where you could set it at 16:9, 4:3-Type 1, or 4:3-Type 2, I think. I will let you know. As far as the picture, I am not messing with fine tuning it until I purchase DVE. In fact, as soon as I am done here, I'm ordering it from Circuit City. Thanks again for your time! |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 2 Registered: Apr-05 | Joseph, Thanks for the tip. If you get the DVE before i do, please let me know if it helped and how much the picture on your dlp improved once you used it. |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 2 Registered: Apr-05 | Joseph, Thanks for the tip. If you get the DVE before i do, please let me know if it helped and how much the picture on your dlp improved once you used it. |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 3 Registered: Apr-05 | Anyone ever use a Motorola Signal Booster to improve the digital cable picture on the DLP? I am wondering how much it helps and if it is work the $40 to $50 it is to get it? Please let me know. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 105 Registered: Feb-05 | Joseph, Normally the 16:9 vs 4:3 setting is for the type of display you have (i.e. widescreen or standard). There may be a separate setting for 4:3 output and that is what you want to adjust if possible for the SD programs. Another option is to split the signal and run one cable directly to the display for the SD programs. That's what I do because the Motorola STB I have doesn't have good analog tuners. The HD is awesome and the digital channels have good PQ using the STB. It's not a big deal for me to switch to the ANT input when watching SD as I don't watch any more than necessary. Tonight will be an exception as the Pistons are on FSN which is a SD channel. The bottom line is you DON'T want to have your HD programs being converted down to 480p or 480i. Some people don't notice much difference using 1080i or 720p. I have mine set to 1080i as most of the stations broadcast in 1080i and I would rather have my display scale the signal as opposed to the STB. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 5 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog004, I have heard others speak of this signal splitting deal. Note that my local stations also come thru the sat box. So, as I understand it, you simply take the main coax coming from the sat (prior to the sat box) put in a splitter and one run one line directly to the ANT1 jack and the other to the sat box.., is that about the jist of it? Also, again back to the 480p, 480i, 1080i jazz, Should i just set it 1080i and just leave it at that no matter what I am watching. Again, it looks like hell on most channels and I am not sure why. When I watch HD channels convert to 1080i and back to 480i for SD..., gosh, feels like a lot of screwin' around for a tv that cost nearly $3K. Thanks again Kdog004.., look forward to some more input from ya. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 6 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog004..., oh, and you can just call me joe. At least it may save a few extra finger cramps from typing the extra letters.  |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 7 Registered: Apr-05 | Merbicide, I sure will let ya know how it works. At least I am not the only one pretty new to this DLP technology. Although, I will admit, I have learned a s@#$t load from the local "hole in the wall" home theater stores, and ofcourse from the web and this forum. Kdog004 appears to be very knowlegeable. You may want to direct your concerns directly to Kdog004. Well, good luck to the two of us. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 107 Registered: Feb-05 | Joe, You understand the whole split cable concept. I would be surprised that yout STB doesn't have a different way to handle SD signals or at least a "pass-through" option which would be ideal. I want to correct one thought though. If the SD signal was converted to 1080i or 720p in the STB it will not be converted back to 480i as your display has a native resolution of 720p. If it receives a 480i signal it adds the grey bars on the sides and displays it as a 720p signal. It does allow you to use the displays stretch modes to eliminate the bars though. If it receives a 720p signal it leaves it intact and if it receives a 1080i signal it deinterlaces it scales it 720p. If your STB is converting SD programs to 1080i or 720p it has to be adding it's own bars (possibly black) to the sides to create the resolution and the display has no way of knowing the original signal resolution so it will just convert it to it's own native resolution. SD programs are never going to be as crisp as the digital versions as the signal isn't great to begin with. You then magnify this image on a large screen and the flaws are magnified. It's not that the TV is worse than your older 32" or 36" CRT's but the smaller size and resolution hides these flaws. It should be watchable though. I am going to try and upload an image of how SD looks on my display.  |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 8 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog004, I noticed the black bars on the sides of the display of the uploaded picture. The SD programs on my set actually look pretty good. Ofcourse, there are certain stations that look better than others. For example, local news is OK. But, such stations as History Channel, Food Network, The Weather Channel, for example, look pretty darn good! I forgot to get the make and model of the STB, but will try to in the next couple of days. It would be nice if it were the same as yours, as I can set the STB to your setting and that should help even more. I will also try and grab the owners manual and see if the box indeed has a "pass through" option. As for the gray bars, not seeing them unless I watch a program using the natural mode on the picture settings. Thanks again, I'm getting there..., slowly but surely. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 108 Registered: Feb-05 | Joe, The Toshiba TheaterWide I is a pretty good stretch mode and I use that for most SD programs. It leaves the center intact and slightly stretches the left and right side. Let me know when you find out what STB you have and perhaps I can assist you with the settings. Also, if you have any problems calibrating with DVE let me know. Keep in mind that DVE will allow you to calibrate your component input if you are using the ColorStream and this will be a baseline for your other inputs. You may have to adjust the other inputs to your liking based on the signal. |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 9 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog044, Ok. Again, I really appreciate your time with this and will be talking to you shortly. You mentioned watching the Pistons game, it was blaked out up here in north country (Bay City area). Are you from Michigan? |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 109 Registered: Feb-05 | Joe, Yes, I am in Michigan but unfortunately it was on an analog station (FSN) just like game 1 was (ABC, get with the program). The next two games will be on ESPN-HD so I will get to see them in all their glory. So far, there haven't been many good competitive games to watch other than the Indiana/Boston and Houston/Dallas series. The San Antonio/Denver should be a good one tonight. |
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BrianDLP Unregistered guest | Jim777, I see you're successfully using a CableCard from Cablevision with your Toshiba DLP. I have the 52HMX94 model and haven't had any luck with the CableCard install. The Cablevision tech has been out to the house three times with three different cards and it's still not working. Did you have any problems with your install? Do you know the model number of your NDS card? Do you remember your installers name? BTW I've installed the latest firmware, v. 1.4.5, from Toshiba, didn't make any difference. I'm currently on the list of the Cablevision CableCard troubleshooter. I wonder how long that will take. Thanks. Regards, Brian |
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New member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 10 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog044, I finally got the info off the STB. It is a Dish Pro DP811 HD Receiver. I do not see anything that specifically indicates a "pass-thru" feature. However, I did notice that in the owners' manual there is a 8VSB TV Antenna/Cable in jack on the back of the box. The wording in the manual follows: "This input connection receives programming signals from either local off-air broadcasts in both analog and digital broadcast formats or a cable TV system. Use a coaxial cable to make this connection to an external off-air antenna or a cable TV service. This connector is color coded black. ATTENTION: This input connection can only be used if your receiver is activated with qualifying DISH Network programming." Any thoughts, comments?? Thanks, |
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Jimiwheels Unregistered guest | I have an 52HM94 & I am using a Motorola cable card from Comcast. I am also having problems with the TVGuide On-Screen. Prior to having the Motorola cable card, I had chosen the first "comcast" I saw in the TVGOS setup. I got all of my listings. It was awesome. Ever since I got the card I can not get an TVGOS to come up. It has been about 2 weeks now. Don't think I am doing anything wrong. I have Cable direclty hooked to ANT1 +7db at the TV input Motorola Cable Card TVGOS set to "Comcast Digital" |
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Jim777 Unregistered guest | BrianDLP: My NDS Cablecard's s/w version is 3.8.24 may 23, 2004. I had Cablevision here four times for Cablecard problems. The first time in January the card was from "a bad batch" and didn't work at all. About two week later they came back and installed another card which only worked partially as not all channels came through. When they came back again it was discovered it was in backwards. The last time I had a problem I was troubleshooting the TVGOS (which still doesn't work, see thread on AVS forum) and I removed and re-inserted the the card and the TV wasn't able to reacquire the signal. Cablevision came to the house for about 2 hours trying to get it to work and finally succeeded. The two tech's that came had to call someone else who walked them through it. I wasn't home at the time so I don't know what they did or who they spoke to. I haven't had any problems since and the PQ on all channels is excellent. I would just keep pestering Cablevision on it until they send you someone who knows what they are doing. |
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Jim777 Unregistered guest | Merbicide: I use a Motorola signal booster and believe it is well worth the $40 to $50. It will improve analog signals especially. It appears to improve some of the digital as well. |
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Babyboomer Unregistered guest | I posted here early last month and was unhappy with my new Toshiba DLP. After a few weeks, and a few house calls by the cable people (whose DVR machine has had to be replaced twice) I think I have things figured out and am living with my analog signal off a splitter. I use the tv remote for it...and the cable box DVR remote for the rest. I have two questions for you experts. While watching digital shows that are not HD, the DVR box won't let me enlarge the screen to the "full" setting..only the theater ones..which are too big. I can go to the full setting when I'm watching basic cable channels through the direct line. The second question is..Why can't I get my preferred color, tint, brightness etc. settings to stay set while watching basic cable through the splitter? I set them on one channel but if I change channels, it goes right back to the defalt settings. But if I switch over to the DVR box, my presets are still there. Any help would be appreciated. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 111 Registered: Feb-05 | Babyboomer, what box do you have? If it is the 6412 you want the 4:3 override to 480i or 480p to use the stretch modes. For the picture settings you need to select the "save" option and it should maintain them for that input. The "done" option does not maintain them. |
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Colo_newbie Unregistered guest | I'm contemplating purchasing either a rear projection LCD or DLP TV in the near future. Towards that end, I've been eavesdropping on this forum for a few weeks (trying to educate myself) and am impressed with the quality of the responses. I'm looking for either a 42inch LCD or 46inch DLP set. I currently do not have cable or a dish (I'm a single parent and do not want my two teenage boys vegging out on TV while I'm at work during the day). My primary goal is to get a larger set (than my current 32inch TV) to watch a few TV shows at night and play DVDs. Although I may get cable or satelite in the future, I currently use a large antennae mounted in my garage to receive standard broadcast signals which come in fine on my regular TV. I'd be very appreciative of any input anyone can provide regarding the pros/cons of LCD vs DLP for my specific goals/needs. In particular, I've looked at the 46inch Toshiba DLP (46HM84)versus the 42inch Sony LCD rear projection TV-- they both cost about $2200. Thanks for your help! |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 4 Registered: Apr-05 | Colo, I recently purchased a Toshiba 46HM84. For the first week i didn't have High Definition service, and wasn't too happy. Friday my HD DVR came though and i can't even tell you what a difference it made. This TV was made for High Definition. Sit at any angle and the picture is perfect. Watched the Talladega race sunday and it was like i was there. Bought the TV from www.buydig.com. Payed around $1735 for that. Also bought the stand, a must have, as well as a three year, IN HOME extended warrenty. YOu can't go wrong. Just ordered a DVD UPCONVERTER PROGRESSIVE SCAN dvd player as well. Go with the 46HM84, or the 52 depending on your room size, you won't regret it. Hope this helps. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 112 Registered: Feb-05 | Colo_newbie, I would look at the 94 series (i.e.46HM94) displays if your main viewing will be OTA. They have integrated NTSC and ATSC (OTA) tuners. I would bet you could probably pick up some local HD channels with your antenna. Go to antennaweb.org and you can find out what HD OTA channels are in your area. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 113 Registered: Feb-05 | Colo_newbie, Here are a few articles on differences between the technologies. You need to decide what you find most important as any LCD owner will say get LCD and any DLP owner will say get DLP. http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/displays_LCD_DLP_plasma1.html http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1734380,00.asp |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 5 Registered: Apr-05 | Anybody using an upconverting DVD player with their DLP? I want to get one and was looking at the Toshiba SD-5980 or the Samsung HD850. Any input is appreciated. Thanks. |
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Colo_newbie Unregistered guest | Merbicide and Kdog -- Thanks for your help! |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 11 Registered: Apr-05 | Kdog, I posted a couple of quick questions on the 28th. Was curious if you were able to take a look at yet. Thanks in advance, formerly JOSEPH NOYKOS |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 12 Registered: Apr-05 | Colo, I have the Tosh 52HMX94 and I really like it. But I certainly agree with Kdog, you need to decide on an informed basis. I researched each for about 6 to 8 months before deciding on which technology I chose. The ultimate deciding component was the expected service lifes of each (DLP usually won this), and the fact that the LCD's were VERY sensitive to temperature changes, vibration, and movement. I hope this helps ya a little.., and don't be afraid to research the living heck out of each. Good Luck!! |
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New member Username: RvdPost Number: 4 Registered: May-05 | Is the Toshiba good to play videogames on? |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 114 Registered: Feb-05 | Joe, From what I can tell your receiver doesn't have a pass-through setting so you need to select 720p or 1080i for your HD progam signals. There seems to be two settings for 4:3 programming. My guess is you want #1 and this should allow you to use the Toshiba stretch modes if desired. See below. 4X3 #1 is when the TV has built in vertical compression and digitally creates the black bars at the top and bottom forcing the 1080 lines into the 16X9 (or letterbox) format giving you a very high quality HD picture. 4X3 #2 uses scan lines to create the black bars at the top and bottom leaving less than 16X9 for letterboxing thereby giving you a pircutre that is not quite as quality as the 4X3 #1. This is taken from a post in the following forum. perhaps you can get better answers on your receiver. http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=87 |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 115 Registered: Feb-05 | Dwayne, The HM94 and HMX94 series have a "game mode" that elimiinates any type of lag or delay when playing video games that require split second timing. I think either of these models would be great for video games. They even have a timer if you want to limit the game playing for those who have younger kids. |
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New member Username: JeraldbVoorhees, NJ U.S. Post Number: 3 Registered: Jan-05 | 52HMX84 I love everything about this unit except the service. When I purchased it in January, the unit will not turn on unless I unplug it to reset the internal stuff. Service came out, ordered a part, came back an said it needed another part. That was 6 weeks ago. Seems the part is back ordered. Tired of unplugging it each time I want to turn it on. |
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New member Username: RvdPost Number: 8 Registered: May-05 | Kdog044, thank you for the imput.I'm gonna check out that HDTV tonight! |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 6 Registered: Apr-05 | Anybody have suggestions for contrast brightness color tint sharpness ?? JUst curious what looks best on everyones dlp? |
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Anonymous | Here's one for ya, I purchased a Toshiba 44nhm84 from Leon's, it's not even 3 months old and POOF dead. So I called them up and said ??? They sent out a tech, he said he has not seen anything like it, so they had to transport it (about 50km) in the back of a van, with only a blanket over it up to the shop to tear it apart, I told them there is NO WAY that TV is coming back, you are giving me a brand new one, seriously over $3,000 and not even 3 months? I thought this was a no brainer, and they are saying now that Toshiba says the part is easily replaceable and they want to fix it. This is unexceptable, Leon's should flip it for a new TV, we all know it will go back and Toshiba will sell it refurbished somewhere else, so I told them no way, new TV or nothing, I can't believe this.. |
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Anonymous | We have just purchased tosh 52" DLP this thing is amazing.. Obviosly also with digital cable service for optimum picture quality as well using monster cable for best signal transfer. tried it without monster cable and there is a noticable difference. |
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Anonymous | We have just purchased tosh 52" DLP this thing is amazing.. Obviosly also with digital cable service for optimum picture quality as well using monster cable for best signal transfer. tried it without monster cable and there is a noticable difference. |
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MikeVt Unregistered guest | Can anyone give me some details on the image geometry specs for the 62" hm or hmx series? I recently (two weeks ago) took delivery of a 62hm84, and I'm not really happy with the top edge of the video image. Horizontal lines have a visible downward bow to them. It's not really noticable on regular images, but it is quite noticable on banners, letterbox video, etc. and worse at the top. Near the top of the screen, it looks like the center of a horizontal line (like in the THX optimizer screen on many DVDs) is about 1/2 in lower in the center than on the ends. Does anyone have any ideas on how this would be fixed? Do DLPs have image geometry adjustments? Or is it the screen or mirror? Any insight or ideas would be appreciated. I've already returned one set (another brand) and I'm getting sick of the return hassle - so it's not my first choice. Thanks for any help, Mike |
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Unregistered guest | Just got the 46HM84 yesterday and have a question or two. I had the cable guy over yesterday to install the HDTV/DVR box and the HD channels are incredible. I Also have a Sony Progressive Scan DVD for which I purchased Monster composite cables. I hooked up the dvd player directly to the HD2 slot on the back of the 46HM84, is this the best/correct way to do this. Some discs still seemed fairly grainy. I don't even know if there is another way, just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing something stupid. I also split the cable feed and have a direct line going into Antenna 1, for my analog channels (1-70). This seems to work well but I only get channels 1-12 to work. Anything after that is just fuzz. Any ideas??? I'm still fairly new to the whole home theatre scene....so be gentle. Thanks!! |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 116 Registered: Feb-05 | nocode, I also split the cable feed and have a direct line going into Antenna 1, for my analog channels (1-70). This seems to work well but I only get channels 1-12 to work. Anything after that is just fuzz. Any ideas??? Make sure the input is set for "cable" and not "antenna" and then have the TV rescan the channels. |
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Nocode Unregistered guest | Kdog Thanks, is this done via the on-screen menu? |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 7 Registered: Apr-05 | Nocode, I bought the same exact television and was having the same problems with the DVD. I just bought a Samsung HD-850, that was on sale at Ciruit City online, its a progressive scan upconverting dvd player. Basically it takes your dvds and converts them to a high def 1080i resolution. The reviews I have read say the dvd's played on them look almost as good as the HD channels, and some even look better. I get it friday, i'll keep you posted. AS far as using monster cables, there are great cables out there that won't burn a hole in your wallet so don't spend so much money, the difference isn't noticible. |
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nocode Unregistered guest | Merbicide, keep me posted on the performance of the Samsung HD-850. Can you give me some brand names of some lower costing cables? |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 118 Registered: Feb-05 | Nocode, yes it is done from the on-screen menu. 1. Select menu from the remote. 2. Highlight Installation and press enter. 3. Select Terrestrial menu and press enter. 4. Highlight input configuration and press enter. 5. Use the up or down arrow to select the input (ANT1 or ANT2) and use the right arrow to select the "cable" NOT "antenna" option. 6. Highlight save and press enter. |
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Silver Member Username: Kdog044Post Number: 119 Registered: Feb-05 | Nocode, Once you have the proper input configuration you need to access the channel program option from the same Terrestrial menu and highlight your input (ANT1 or ANT2) and press enter so the TV can rescan the channels. |
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nocode Unregistered guest | Excellent, thanks alot for the detailed instructions. |
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MistahWilson Unregistered guest | I also recently purchased a 46HM84. So far I love this tv, but I do notice a vertical bar about two or three inches thick on the screen when the tv is off. I think this bar might also be interfering with performance especially for HDTV. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this part of the anti-glare coating? Is there anyway to clean/fix this? Thanks in advance |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 8 Registered: Apr-05 | Nocode, you can look at the cable from I just bought a bunch of stuff from parts express to hook up my surround sound. Another great feature of the Samsung DVD upconverter is that is comes with an HDMI cable for hookup, so if you spent $100 on one, take it back. I am decent component cable from my box to my tv. Looks great and i can't tell a difference between the HDMI and component cable when it comes to the HDTV cable box. HOpe this helps, i'll keep you posted. |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 9 Registered: Apr-05 | To whom it may concern, I was interested what people thought of satellite over cable? I have cable, thinking about switching due to variety. Any input would be great. |
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New member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 10 Registered: Apr-05 | Mistah, The only vertical bars i notice on my 46HM84 is when i am watching an HD channel that is not true HD format, a vertical bar about 2 or 3 inches thick will appear on the left and right side. However, i do not notice one when the tv is off. IF its there while watching the tv, just stretch the screen. Hope this helps. |
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MistahWilson Unregistered guest | Merbicide, No it's only visible when the tv is off and it's right in the middle of the screen. It is just an area that is lighter than the rest of the screen. Does anyone know how to clean the screen, not just for this, but for anything? dust? stain? etc... Thanks |
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nocode Unregistered guest | Merbicide, Let me know what you think of the Samsung HD850 once you try out a few dvd's. I think it would be worth the investment if it plays as good as some people claim. |
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Klaus Unregistered guest | Mistah: Is the band changing with the ambient light level in the room? It is quite possible that the effect that you are seeing is ambient light entering the set via the screen area and then being reflected off the mirror in the set back onto the center of the screen. My Samsung has an ovoid shape sometimes in the center when the room is fairly bright. It does not seem to adversely affect PQ. |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 13 Registered: Apr-05 | Mistah, I have the Tosh 52HMX94 and it has the same issue. Does not appear to effect PQ whatsoever. Only see it when the TV is off. Went and checked a bunch out at the local Box store and found same issues. Hope this helps ease your concerns. Pretty nice picture though, eh? |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 14 Registered: Apr-05 | Had the TV professionally calibrated by a video engineer the other day. My advice, if you spend the money we have on these televisions.., get it calibrated!. It cost $200 and he took three hours, and I thought the picture was good to begin with. WOW!!!!! What a difference the calibration made. |
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MistahWilson Unregistered guest | Thanks Joe mann, that does ease my concern. I appreciate your feedback. |
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nocode Unregistered guest | I picked up Digital Video Essentials today, mainly want to use it to maximize PQ on HD and DVD. Any advice before I start watching it, I hear it can be a bit difficult to navigate. Are there any risks? Thanks |
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Silver Member Username: Mr_lynchSeattle, WA Post Number: 736 Registered: Sep-04 | When you first use DVE it is very easy to follow. The problem with navigation is when you try to go back later and find a certain test pattern. You can find it, it just isn't as user friendly as one would like. |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 15 Registered: Apr-05 | nocode, Let me know how DVE works for you. I would be curious on the navigation as well. |
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nrucker Unregistered guest | Mistah I was concerned about a white blotch in the middle of my screen when I first got it. It sounds like it is normal and doesn't effect the picture when the TV is on. I think it may have something to do with the light and the mirrors. Joe, How did you get your TV calibrated for $200. Can you list your settings for HD and DVD inputs? |
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Bronze Member Username: MerbicideRockledge, Florida USA Post Number: 11 Registered: Apr-05 | NOCODE, THE SAMSUNG HD850 IS REALLY WORTH IT. GOT IS FRIDAY AND WATCHED MASTER AND COMMANDER ON IT THAT NIGHT. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. |
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nocode Unregistered guest | Merbicide, Somehow I just knew you were going to say that! Did you watch any older movies on it yet, how did they look compared to the other dvd player? Are you using the hdmi cord included? Thanks for the update man, I'm itching to get one now! |
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New member Username: ForeverblueToronto, Ontario Canada Post Number: 8 Registered: Jan-05 | For any of you that concerning about the vertical bar or a white dot right in the middle of the screen when the TV is off - Do not worry about it.... that is a normal internal reflection of the ambient lighting of the room. You guys can read post #5,6,7 on the top of this page. Hope it will help. |
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nocode Unregistered guest | Joe mann, DVE was very easy to navigate through. Some areas were a little over my head, but the general settings (brightness, contrast, color, tint, sharpness) were very easy to follow. Contrast was the hardest to adjust as it was difficult to see the blooming mentioned in the dvd. Overall just by tweaking the basic settings I think my picture improved for HD and DVD quite noticably. After it was all said and done though, I still found myself tweaking the settings again slighlty for personal preference, because really isn't that what it's all about, making it look good to you. I also switched over to "medium" for my color setting instead of "cool". I liked how it looked, especially on HD. |
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nrucker Unregistered guest | PLEASE HELP- I just bought an HDMI cable to connect my Denon 2910 to my Toshiba 62HMX84. I can't get any picture or sound out of either of the two HDMI inputs. Any suggestions? Thanks, Nathan |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 16 Registered: Apr-05 | nocode, Thanks for the info on the DVE. It's funny you mention still tweaking to satisfy your own personal preferances. I had my TV calibrated and, believe or not.., even after spending $200, I am still tweaking ever so slightly. One thing I have noticed is that if you turn the sharpness down, the picture quality is better, especially on non HD channels. I have mine set at 20, temperature medium, picture setting on film, lamp setting on low (saves lamp I have been told), brightness at 67, contrast at 65, and color or tint (don't remember which one) at -2 (2 notches to the green). It looks pretty good. What did DVE end up with on your set? |
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nrucker Unregistered guest | How do you have a seperate setting for HD and Non HD programming? |
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Bronze Member Username: Joe_mannMICHIGAN USA Post Number: 17 Registered: Apr-05 | nrucker, not all programming is HD, like local channels, and many others are SD. I sometimes adjust based on the type of programming I am watching. The settings can be set for the different inputs. Just make the changes for the input you want and save them. |
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New member Username: ForeverblueToronto, Ontario Canada Post Number: 9 Registered: Jan-05 | Here is my setting for 52HMX84 Contrast: 67 Brightness: 55 Color: 38 Tint: R5 Sharpness: 20 Temperature: Medium Lamp: Low Picture: Film DNR: I don't see any differences between ON or OFF. |
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