Toshiba 55HX70 Rear Projection Reviews

Price Paid:  $2000.00 from Advance

Summary:
I bought mine about a year ago and 3 or 4 times had it shut off and then pop back on again after a few seconds. It was load popping noise and my wife said that when it happened to her she smelt something burning. I also have a faint grey band running vertically down the screen. It is really noticeable on a blank screen or music channel. I get it on form all sources. The Toshiba service people here worked on the popping problem twice and it has not happened for several months. They took it to their shop for the band and claimed they couldn''t see it. I have my doubts about this TV lasting very long. I think Toshiba should recall them and or replace them.

Strengths:
good picture aside from the slight verticle defect.

Weaknesses:
reliability is doubtful given that Toshiba is obviously willing to sell a defective product.

Price Paid:  $1900.00 from home & car audio

Summary:
I exprienced 4 times that TV goes off for a couple seconds then comes back on (FLICKERS), as exprienced by several other people (see for example the recent review from Donna).
I called the service. They came to exam the TV and did not find any problem.
I believe the probelem is the systemitic defect of the model, not individual cases.

Strengths:
the price and the picture quality

Weaknesses:
see below

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from goodguys

Summary:
I am very unhappy with a product that flickers. I read another review that say's toshiba knows about the problem. I wrote this guy today to see what toshiba or the service people did to fix the problem. I liked the TV but its frustrating to have the TV turn off for no reason. The company should not sale products that have problems. If its not fix then I will not pay for it.

Strengths:
This would be a great buy, however, there is a problem.

Weaknesses:
The TV goes off for a couple seconds then comes back on (FLICKERS). I am calling the service people next week. I can not recommend a TV that has a flaw in it. If I do not get this one fixed then I want a TV that works. I was watching something important and it just turned off and on again on it's own. People get a TV that doesn't have problems. I can not recommend it. Look for a better product.

Summary:
Well...just got the thing... they delivered it...wow...nice big...hooked it up to Dishnet satilite system...well pay per veiw movies are great....but thats about it......rest of the channels...i cant make out any detail..well this t.v came with one problem..im watching a program with subtitles...and to my amusment...the writing is on a 45 degree angle...imeditaly i thought the sat reciever was responsible for it..but i later hooked up my DVD player...and...POOF...it did it again...im watching a dvd movie in cinema mode...with black bars on top and bottom...and on the left side has 30 inches of veiwng area...and the right side has 29 inches...i called for the repair guys...but i warned em...if she's comming apart...the TV is going out the door with u...i want a new one...post u later what happens..

Strengths:
Picture quality.. When a good signal is going in..

Weaknesses:
Lob sided picture..right outta the box

Price Paid:  $2050.00 from continentaltrade.com

Summary:
I've had this TV since April 2001. The picture quality is just amazing. I was rather leary of RPTV, given their history of poor viewing angles and picture quality. After spending way way way too much time researching these TVs (Sony, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Pioneer, Panasonic, Philips, etc.) it was apparent that for around $2,000 the Toshiba was the overall winner. At 1,280 scan lines, HDTV (1080i) compatible, nearly 180 degree viewing angle, 6-element HD lens system, and SRS surround sound...its a tremendous value today and its ready for future HDTV formating. I bought mine at www.continentaltrade.com for $2050...with free shipping and no tax!

I have it set-up in a room that my viewing distance is about 8 feet. Its like being at the movies. I have digital cable (Time Warner) where the lower stations are analog and the upper stations are digital (i.e. HBO). Analog stations are just OK (older broadcasts stink) but the digital feeds (i.e. HBO, pay-per-view)are sharp, vibrant, and eye-popping on this TV!

The TV comes on casters, so moving it around is not that difficult, say if your kids lose a toy under it.

In really dark rooms, I'd suggest putting a light behind it to reduce eye strain, because the brightness/intensity on this set is awesome. Go to HomeDepot and get a single bulb, natural light, florescent strip lamp ($25). You should place it behind the TV facing up. It will make a big difference.

I'm disappointed with the factory picture presets. Toshiba should abandon these and allow us to customize at least three settings instead of just one. The remote is OK, but doesn't "learn" from other remotes.

Finally the TV has the ability to transform the built-in speakers into just the center channel, so no need to buy an extra center speaker for your surround sound set-up. Just connect your receiver's "center" channel to the TV and throw the switch on the back of the TV...its that easy.

Overall...it exceeded my entire family's expectations.

Strengths:
Incredible picture quality and excellent viewing angle. Numerous input options including ColorStream Component Video. Value for Price.

Weaknesses:
Occasional artifacts. Factory picture preferences.

Similar Products Used:
Numerous 27", 32", and 36" tube TVs. First RPTV.