Only HDTV ready set with aspect ratio control with progressive DVD player. Very bright picture even with low contrast. Awesome calorimetry

Reset button on remote. Slight ghosting with regular DVD players. Anamorphic 2.35:1 does not fill the screen.

Had to wait a long time time for one. Finally got one from wholesaleconnection.com(good customer service). Brought one after reading excellent reviews at etown.com & hometheater magazine. Cannot wait to hook it up to the soon to be released progressive toshiba DVD player SD9200. The picture looks big with movie theater effect when sitting 7 feet away(supposedly at this distance 30% of your vision is occupied by the image). Picture is bright even with contrast set at 45%(low contrast essential for long CRT life expectancy). This is supposedly the only HDTV ready set with aspect ratio control with progressive scan DVD player(a very important characteristic) according to Gary Mercer(Read etown.com review dated 4/24/00). Set also has good audio with subbass boast. Separate audio system combination makes it ideal with the added punch.

Picture has to be seen to be believed

None to date but just got it.

This review is actually on the newest 2001 model the 56H80 (which actually were the letters for the 1999 model oddly enough). I have posted it here for "little Dougie".

Just got this set and it is one of the first production units. Having had the previous model, TW56X81, I can definitely tell you this is visably a better set. I would give it six stars if they were available. The internal tweaks have definitely made this set better with non-DVD sources and its performance with DVD now rivals Runco quality IMHO.

Mine came directly from Toshiba as it was an exchange for the older unit for reasons that were in previous posts. The discount houses should be receiving these units very quickly, if they don't already have them. You should soon be seeing some good deals.

I posted this model here in order to inform other's that this is definitely a unit you may want to check out prior to purchasing the older model. If its a matter of money, the older unit is still a fine set, which you can be quite happy with. However, when you spending this level of money if you can at all swing it this is definitely a noticeably better picture. Toshiba definitely managed to improve this set. The remote now has direct switching access....finally! You can also set different adjustments for each input...this is very valuable. Each person will have to weigh out the cost/returns benefit of this unit vs the old. There are a number of internal tweaks that have improved this picture.

Now on to "little dougie" again. Your last juvenile post most definitely indicated that I struck you nerve! I'm sorry I hurt your little feelings. However, your post rambled on so incoherrently that I will allow it to simply speak for itself. However, at one point you rambled on about my supposedly making a claim about the CRT's. Dougie...what are you smoking? Review my old post's....there's nothing there even remotely like what your claiming? Or are you flamming so many people that you are now getting everyone confused?

Look Dougie...this is a serious forum for serious folks. Get a clue.... I have a little kid here who's is probably more sophisticated and mature than you.

Also, the individual I preveiously spoke of who got an advanced view of this new model (who I know very well) is one of the top ISF tech.'s in California. Not that I would expect you to even know what I'm talking about right now. He got an advanced showing of this set and I passed on his comments to the group in my past post, which seemed to really bother you for some reason. Why are you so afraid of other's sharing information with each other? No, on second thought don't answer that.

Dougie, I hate to bruise your little ego again...but I and most other's would trust his opinion before anyone of us trusted yours. Why do you think so many of us are contacting ISF techs to properly set up our sets? Maybe we should just call you instead huh? Joel Silverman and Joe Kane (not that I would expect you to know who any of these folks are either) of the ISF, consider him to be one of the best in their foundation. George Lucas has actually used him at his ILM facility out here in Marin County Calif. (that's Industrial Light and Magic dougie....I know I confused you with that one).

I asked him if I could post his name, but after he read you previous flames he begged me not to! I won't repeat what he had to say about your posts. He did find YOU quite entertaining though!

Now that I have the unit myself, I can echo everything he reported to me first hand. Happy now?

Personally, I don't think you would know the difference between one CRT or another if I gave you a road map, a flashlight and a head start! (on a good day)

Once again, this forum is for people interested in sharing information with each other. Get it? ..SHARING.. If this disturbs you so much then you simply shouldn't be in here posting. When you post you have to expect that other's may disagree and post another opinion. If this really bothers you then you seriously need to evaluate whether you should be here in this forum in the first place......

I fully expect another silly childish response because I injured your vanity again...so have at it.....

Similar Products Used:

TW56X81, Sony XBR2

Kick ass picture! Really good depth.

Cabinet does not look well made.

Been looking around and had it narrowed down to a Toshiba or a Pioneer wide screen, either the 56 inch toshiba or the 53 inch pioneer at the same price. Picture is unbelievable on both. I definetly don't know how much better it can get! Went to A&B Sound, found they helped me out quite a bit. I can be rather picky, but they put up with my questions until I chose. I really only went with Toshiba because I like the name better. The 16x9 format is a new dimension in dvd watching! I will never get sick of this set! Get one!

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Wide 53"

Great picture with non progressive DVD. And even better with Progressive and HDTV

Soso picture with sat. tv. Only one custom setting.

I know it's last years model and the floor model to boot, but for the price I couldn't go wrong. I did get the 5 year extended warranty for $400. I looked at the 2000 models of the Mits. Diamond, Pioneer, Sony and the Panasonic and found the picture to be as good with DVD and HDTV. And as far as cable, the only one that was slightly better was the Pioneer, but not $2000 better. My Sony DVP-S570D DVD gives me a killer picture. I can't wate to get a progressive player. I read here of alot of people complaining about the remote and how slow it is to switch inputs. I have a solution. They had lost the original remote that came with the TV, so the sales guy gave me the remote for the new 56H80. It has a input button that you just have to push once to change inputs. It's also completely backlit. The number on the remote is (CT-90047).

Similar Products Used:

none. first big screen.

This comment is in response to Rob who wrote in regarding the service on his TW56X81. The reason Toshiba was slow in servicing his product was that One-Call was likely not an authorized dealer and, most manufacturers do not have their own service techs. If One-Call is not an authorized dealer for a particular brand (a call to the manufacturer can confirm or deny this), then the manufacturer does not have to provide warranty service for their product. If you want to buy a product through unauthorized channels to save a few bucks, be prepared to suffer the consequences. In fact, Rob should have called One-Call to get an authorized service center to provide service. My guess is that One-Call is not an authorized (by the manufacturer) dealer for a lot of the products they sell. If they are, their 800 number is not a great way to provide service. CAVEAT EMPTOR - let the buyer beware!

Great picture, componet video inputs, HDTV ready, 16:9 format.

None

When used with a DVD images look almost 3D. Best RPTV image that I have seen.

Features, price

They lowered the price to the point that I bought it. :<)

I have followed the reviews here closely, and agree that these are great sets, when given a good signal. This was the set for me. I would truly have liked the 65 inch version, except it would have been too big for my apartment. The quality of these sets gave me the courage to wait for the price to drop low enough, and use mail order.

Onecall seems to have a pretty good rating on all the internet sites, so when I read Rob's review down the page, I checked out the deal.

First I went to the web page, and got a quote by email. It was for $3884. :<( Figuring I had missed out, I gave up. I called back today to check it out, and found that you have to call in to get the lower price. They had like 40 or 50 of them to sell at this price, which could only last a few days...

I have just ordered the TV. The base price was $2999.99 The total including shipping and 2 year service agreement ($100, covers lightning, voltage spikes, etc) was $3373.95. They had the 65" for $3999, but I resisted the urge to put that behemoth in my apartment.

Rob, they could not locate you by the email you listed below. :<(

The ordering process was not at all hurried, and they answered questions very thoroughly. If you do call and order, they will ask you how you heard about them. Tell them that:

Doug, order #40748,

told you to call, unless Rob updates with his info, and then take your pick. You do have to call them to get this price, though.

It is a very nice set. I have been trying to get a deal on one ever since sending back my Sony 8 months ago. I now just have to decide on which progressive dvd to get...

Similar Products Used:

Sony 36XBR250 (returned due to many problems...)

Great picture! Price was incredible.

Slow remote.

I got my TV in!!! It came within 4 days of purchase!! That was fast. I had an initial problem with the picture, which went away once the TV warmed up. However, since it is under warranty, I have the certified tech coming out today to look at it (just to make sure). All in all a great purchase. I will say more once I have adjusted the picture for optimal viewing.

BTW, updating my Onecall information... If you buy from them, tell them that Rob Jones (rjones@retrostudios.com) sent you!! Thanks.

Picture Quality, Brightness

Built-In Tuner, Remote

Until I saw this unit I swore I'd never purchase a RPTV. I went in looking for a 36" direct view. It totally changed my mind. I can never go back to 4:3 .Watching the pre-recorded HDTV source at store was like looking at moving images from a 2 megapixel digital camera

This RPTV shines most when displaying anamorphic widescreen DVD's. No need to goto the movies. I can't wait to try out progressive out DVD player
Weaknesses are built-in tuner. Very slow to change channel ,
~1 sec between channels and/or input sources. The menu system should have option or detect that there is no HD2 or Video 2 and 3 so you don't have to cycle through when switching from tuner to Colorstream inputs.
Also if you have a bad source, it will only amplify the lack of resolution. Our cable-tv signal isn't the best, but it looks even worse on this unit. I actually get better results with Tuner in 5yr old Sony VCR. TimeWarner Cable is out of digital boxes, and I don't want to commit to DSS until I can check out the DSS/HDTV tuners soon to be released.
Also for this much $$$ I would expect a better remote than what's included. It's no better than what comes with mass market TV models. Why doesn't it come preprogrammed for Toshiba DVD players!!!
Cabinet top is deep and sturdy to place A/V gear if necessary.
I've prob B&M more than would seem necessary. Once you sit down with a good program source all those nitpicking complaints dissapear. I give it 5 stars on both categories despite weaknesses

Also concerning availability- I don't know if that's all necessarily true. As time passes this will be less and less important. I purchased the unit from local AV Dealer and was delivered 10/29/99. First saw it 10/24/99 and they had several of both 56"+65"in stock at warehouse at that time. 40" version is different story.
The cabinet buidl quality seems fine, actually better than the competing Panasonic.

has more features that others in its price range.also
connection to the new toshiba progressive scan DVD players

have not got the unit yet.

i am still waiting for my toshiba TW56X81 from uncle's stereo.it looks like "NICK" the other reviewer got his name in before me.i am told i am first on the list at unclestereo.it is going on about four or five weeks sence i ordered it.i called toshiba they say they are being shiped.
but one lady said maybe by Xmas "better not be".i will give
full review on tv as soon as i receive it.oh,NICK did you
use the VIDEO ESSENTIALS DVD to adjust the tv?they tell
you to turn the sharpness all the way down for DVD's and othr material.need to use that VIDEO ESSTIALS DVD to get the best picture.or get it calibrated by a ISF certified
tech for $200 or $300.i also bought a yamaha RX2095 from uncle's stereo box was damaged a little but receiver is great no damage.