Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I love this tv i got it free from work so the price was perfect im so happy to have this tv and looks beautiful with my video games

Price Paid:  $2160.00 from A&B Sound

Summary:
When I was looking to purchase, there really were only 2 contenders: the Sony Wega 36 and the Toshiba CN36X81. Both had HDTV capability and progressive scan built in. Those were the two requirements that I had when I started shopping around. No other TVs that I could find boasted these features - granted, the GAOO had a great picture, and I could have gotten an RP at the price I paid, but I wanted something HD capable (I knew I wanted progressive scan, but didn''t really know much about what it did at the time) and there was definitely nothing in my price range that had it. So, I was left to choose between the Sony and Toshiba - Sony, $4000 Toshiba, $2200.... hmmmm. That''s a tough call. In my opinion, the Toshiba offered a better picture anyway - I prefer the "blackness" of it (better contrast) as well as the fact that it offered a better sound system built in. (that''s not a high priority, but might make it easier to sell once I want to upgrade) Picture: This is obviously the most important thing to take into consideration (other than price range) when buying a set. The picture on this TV is incredible, especially from a progressive source. When used with cable, it is still very strong, but there are noticeable "jaggies" from the internal progressive scan/line doubler when viewing diagonal lines (yardlines in football) onscreen. This (to me) is pretty minor though as the overall picture is not even comparable to a standard interlaced image - it''s that good. Of course, this is assuming you sit farther back than 6 feet - any closer and you can see the effects of the line doubler and some artifacts. But, who would be sitting that close anyway? Sound: This set has a fabulous sound system built it - it has two large front firing speakers (I think rated at 30w each) and an internal subwoofer mounted in the back of the unit. However, I can''t comment pretty much at all on how it sounds; I''ve always just hooked it up to my stereo. :) Jacks: This TV is fabulous for connections. It has 2 Antenna (cable) inputs, 2 component inputs, 1 RCA inputs on the back and 1 more on the front. That is six devices! Remote: Once again, I can''t really comment on the remote - It can control several devices and even learn functions, but I own a Sony RM-VL900 which can learn the functions of any remote. I highly recommend it! Problems: None

Strengths:
Great picture HDTV compatability Progressive Scan Decent internal sound system Great price compared to Sony

Weaknesses:
Not a flat screen Heavy

Summary:
sent the stupid thing back after a couple of months, Toshiba rep could not sort out the horizontal distortion, told me I'd have to accept it.. I told him I didn't.

Price Paid:  $1800.00 from Local appliance store

Summary:
I hate this television set. Someone above called it a pig and they were exactly correct.

The picture is simply not acceptable. It is fatiguing, something I did not anticipate and no amount of adjustment corrects this. Sun or bright light on faces appear oddly incorrect---sort of blaring, especially on DirecTV.

This set actually produces less detail than our dying 1988
27" Sony Trinitron. This is apparent on facial shadows and features. It was clearly WAY out of calibration from the store. I was able to correct a massive bluish cast simply by adjusting by eye some parameters in the service menu. But I cannot correct for what I would call serious geometry problems. Hour glass distortion and upward bowing of horizontal lines near the bottom of the screen. I've been able to improve it some, but this level of distortion is simply unacceptable in a 2 grand idiot box.

Forget about such trivial issues as weight and the remote. It is simply impossible to adjust the picture on this for an enjoyable image. I find myself constantly fiddling and fatigued after about 10 minutes viewing. Maybe an ISF cal would fix it, but forget it. Toshiba costumer support blows and the service manual is shockingly limited.

Switching between sources requires endless re-adjustment. A colossal headache.

Last night I had this set and the old Sony going simultaneously. Watching "True Lies", I found myself constantly returning to the relatively diminutive Sony screen. It just looks more correct and inviting through composite inputs. (Tosh is on component inputs) If you're a golden ear and can't stand digititis on CD, for example, you'll understand the grating effect this Tosh has on one's nerves.

It is going back next week with a 200 buck re-stocking penalty. I may have another look at the Panny Taus or Sony
XBR series and get a REAL television set.

A complete and horrifying dud! Beware.

Finally---If you are discerning and hypercritical, buy from a dealer who is set up to cater to your needs. I talked to one dealer who does an ISF cal before it leaves the store. This is a must, IMO. If you're an Audiophile and new to video at this level, prepare to be as picky about images as you are about audio and find a dealer who appreciates this.
Pay extra if necessary. My dealer thinks I'm nuts and will not get anymore of my business. Many of these places typically sell to folks who tend to think any picture looks fantastic and will simply not be prepared for your level of discrimination. Shop carefully and take your time!

Strengths:
Can look superficially impressive with the best DVD sources

Weaknesses:
Everything else:
Incredibly awkward source switching arrangement.
A single picture adjustment memory
See more below

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1700.00 from Esoteric Audio

Summary:
I've had this set for more than a year now. I've been nothing but happy with it. The Sony looks nice in the showroom, but the picture cannot come close in comparison to the 36X81. Some people here have complained that the settings were all off right out of the box. Well DUH! What did you expect? If you've got about 30 minutes and the "Audio Essensials" DVD, you can fix everything that needs to be done short of hiring someone to do the real adjustments(I'll get that done once I move). Anyway, I've got this hooked up to the SD-5109, and when I'm watching DVD's, it is as close to film quality as anything I've seen. EVERYONE I've had over to watch movies have been blown away(not to mention jealous). The tuning from one TV station to another, or from one imput to another is slow, but you can get around the television tuning problem by going through your VCR for your cable stations. Then your tuning will be just as fast as your VCR will tune. The PIP is cool and has almost too many options. The sound is great for a TV sound system, but I don't use it anymore since I got my Marantz SR-19. Now all of my sounds come through my surround system. The TV is a tank, coming in at about 240 lbs. but once you get it where you want it, what does it matter WHAT it weighs? I've read most of the reviews here, and it sucks that some people gotten lemons, but I would have to say that most of the problems they were experiencing were minor and quite easily fixed. As for me, I absolutely love this set.

Strengths:
PRECISE color!, great sound, loads of inputs, price

Weaknesses:
Heavy as hell!, slow tuning(but that's VERY easy to fix)

Similar Products Used:
Mitzubishi, Sony