Mick Howen

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
In my opinion, I was wrongly convinced to buy this Toshiba 52HM84 by Brothers Main in Madison, Wisconsin. Once they made the sale, I was on my own. The original bulb lasted one year. I've actually lost count, but I'm pretty sure I'm going on my fourth bulb. My first replacement was approximately $250. To my knowledge, Toshiba lost a Class Action Suit on this unit (bulb). However, it doesn't really help you when you have to replace it over and over and over again. I haven't seen a dime from the Class Action Suit. Anyway, the bulb that I'm waiting for is $180. I tried the cheaper replacement or "like" bulb for $130, but after two of them, the supplier suggested I try the original bulb. I hope it will work. However, I'm not completely convinced it will and even if it does, for how long? Is it the original class action law suit bulb? Now, I'm told that it might be my balast or the light engine. If it is, it's most likely time to haul the whole thing to the curb or to a site that will most likely charge me to give it to them as trash! I have to be honest I HATE this experience that I have had with this product. I was a Toshiba fan before now. I'm not a fan of Brothers Main or Toshiba any longer. In 2004, I was wrongly convinced to spend thousands of dollars and that I wanted this DLP model over a plasma because after years when the bulb burns out I can replace the bulb and it will be as good as new. Once a plasma goes, it's gone! Well, now I have this BIG unit and stand and I'm somewhat stuck with it. What's it worth...nothing really. I think I would have rather spent more money on a smaller plasma (body) with a large screent, put it on the wall, and then used it until it needed replacing. Brothers Main and Toshiba --- shame on you!

kfilly

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $2500.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I purchased this TV over a year ago. I use Dish Network as a satellite provider, and I subscribe to HD package. I love this TV! Great picture quality. It is easy to use. Some pretty nice features (Like volume stabalizer for commercials). Above average sound quality. I read a review on this site that stated how unhappy they were with the TV. I would be to if I payed that much money for something, and it broke. In all fairness to the TV, what happened to this individual was that a light bulb burned out which can happen in any DLP projection technology TV. I also question a few things about this person's set up. The reason I mentioned that I use a satellite provider is because digital cable is not even a pure digital signal. Therefore, picture and sound quality will be inferior to that of satellite or over the air digital signals. On a larger screen TV, picture imperfections will be a lot more noticeable as well. What type/quality of AV connection cables were used? These things affect picture quality as well. Did the individual protect his/her TV with a high quality surge protector? I am not referring to the $5 dollar model you can buy at any hardware store, but a high quality surge protector made specifically to protect sensitive AV equipment. Even power spikes in the US electrical grid, can wreak havoc on sensitive electronic gear. These power fluctuations in the energy grid are more the norm as demand is by far outpacing production capactity--Think of all the brown outs in big cities for example. I have followed all of the tips that I described, and all of my friends rant and rave over my TV and audio system. After reading that other person's review, I would have to agree with something. Toshiba's customer support seems to be the bigger issue this person had than the TV itself.

Strengths:
Picture quality. Volume stabilizer. Plenty of inputs. Easy to use and set up. Light weight for its size.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Sony 27" Vega TV

sound4bargain

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $2800.00 from PC Richards

Summary:
TOSHIBA WARRANTY STINKS - I have a 52HM84 the bulb is bust after 8 months about 600 hours instead of the estimated 8,000 and Toshiba has no bulb for the last 25 days and still waiting a bit extreme for $3000 TV and warranty repair - I wonder if Toshiba has some defect that the bulbs are going after about 6 months and they are running short on them. Want to buy a TV that it needs a new bulb ($275) every 600 hours instead of every 8,000 say every 6 months rather than 6 years and Oh you don't have a TV for a month while Toshiba finds a lamp. AFTER MY EXPERIENCE I WOULD NOT BUY THIS TV EVEN THOUGH THE PICTURE IS GOOD - I BOUGHT DLP FOR RELIABILITY HELL I COULD GET A PLASMA IF I WANTED A HEADACHE

Strengths:
Good Picture

Weaknesses:
Reliability, Support, Service, Downtime, cost of operations

LEAFS264

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Price Paid:  $2999.00 from Future shop

Summary:
Superior picture from my Pioneer Elite DV-59AVI when used with the HDMI cable. Detail is just stunning!!! But, I'm not very impressed with the picture from my High def sat feed. Can't really tell much of a difference from the regular channels. Speakers that are built into the unit,are the best I've heard yet from a T.V set.

Strengths:
Fantastic picture from progressive DVD player via HDMI. Stock speakers are great!!

Weaknesses:
Very unnatural picture when using Sat hi-def source. But if your using for mostly movies as I am,you won't be dissapointed!!