Unbelievable Picture! Good Remote

None

This is my first HDTV. I demoed many models including many rear projection screens (42 inch Toshiba and 43 inch Hitachi) and decided to purchase this particular unit. I also purchased an inexpensive Toshiba progressive scan DVD (3750) and linked them with high grade component cables. The picture on DVDs is outstanding. Very little if any motion artifacts, absolutely no scan lines and outstanding clarity. I was shocked at how good the DVDs can look through a TV. I have this hooked up to a Starchoice HDTV decoder and WOW! the picture is even more amazing. The movies and television syndications are as good as DVDs but when PBS has an HDTV demo, the true potential of this TV and the future of HDTV really comes out. It is like watching through a window. For normal satellite channels, the picture quality depends on the signal. Some channels are good while others are not so good. However, I have not witnessed any graininess that other people have noticed when watching cable on an HDTV. So either the TV is excellent or my Starchoice signal is very srtrong. I think it is a combination of both.

If you want the best picture possible (because direct view TV's will be brighter and tighter than RPTVs) and have limited space, then I highly recommend this HDTV. You may not be completely satisfied with the relative small size because you can get much bigger HDTVs, but you will never say that the picture can be better.

Well done Toshiba for having such a quality product and relatively inexpensive (compared to Panasonic and Philips) HDTV out on the market!

accuracy, sharpness, 16:9 format

spoils you for any non-hdtv signals

I've only had this set for a week but it is stunning. After doing some nominal calibration to adjust awful factory settings (color, brightness, tint) and hooking it up to a good source, the picture is incredible. Once I plugged in the HDTV source and watched a PBS 1080i demo loop, I just couldn't believe the detail, clarity and color. I can honestly say I've never seen a better TV picture. The built-in line doubler does a pretty good job with analog cable, but it's just difficult to watch 'plain old TV' when you have a set like this. You might as well be driving a BMW 850i at 10mph.
I can't say anything about the sound, as I don't use the TV's speakers. I'm sure they're fine as those things go.

I looked at the Panasonic and Philips widescreen direct view models and the Toshiba won hands down, especially when considering the much lower price. (note: the price here is converted to US $ - I paid $2790 Cdn before taxes)

Bottom line: this is a definite Ferris Bueller approved toy- "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up"

Similar Products Used:

Hitachi 20"

Awsome, this set is like a window on the world even with regular tv programming. DVD is something else. Can't wait for HDTV broadcast

All the other TVs in the house look awfull,
The exterior casing looks dated, (color and design)but who cares!!!

Given the limited space I had, this will be my TV for the next 5-7 years to come. Colors are so real it is almost scary. This set runs very cool, it is vary well shielded because I have my mains speakers (Totem Model 1 Signature) real close and they used to mess the color scheme on my Sony, not any more. I can't comment on the sound since I'm connected to an Denon AVR-3200. This tv has me watch all my DVD's all over again. I also love the grey color of the screen when the unit is turned off, I guess the coating of the interior of the screen is respondable, the tv dissapears and doesn't look like a big black box the way the Sony 35 inch used to.
Everybody, don't miss this one and go get one, they are already back order in Canada.
Happy listening

Similar Products Used:

Replaced a 35 inch Sony (not XBR).
Sony makes a similar set but it retails for close to 4000US.

cool

after seeing HD, going back to regular makes you wince

This is so vast an improvement that it seems to be the perfect hole in the wall from about 4 feet and likely will be for some time to come.

HDnet on DirectTv has broadcast some Olympic trials and nature stuff that are entrancing, and are about the only programs I have seen so far that take HD to the limit. The entire Winter Olympics are supposed to on HDnet 24/7.

DVDs like Gladiator are fairly close enough to HD to be worth it. HD on HBO varies but the best are about the same as DVD.

The picture quality, size, wide flat screen, price and veiwability from any angle make this the most freindly TV available, an every day TV. A bigger rear projection TV might be nice in a dark room if you can sit still. Plasma $/? Front projection $/?

Normal tv from DirectTV on this set seems about twice as good as my old 19".

I also have:
-Toshiba DST-3000 HD satellite receiver
-2-dishes with multi-switch and 4-leads
-Toshiba SD-5700 DVD
-Dolby Digital surround w/ powered sub

The Toshiba 34HF81 (probably along with similar Sony and Panasonic units) is the gorgeous state of the art portal to the world.

Similar Products Used:

none

Great picture, Looks cool and you get widescreen in a small package.

Price seems high for the size. Pansonic 47" projection is priced closely to this one.

I like the tv and I'm happy with it. I recommend it for people that dont have room for a huge tv. But if you do have the room, you might want to consider something larger.

clean/clear picture -- remote is convenient--particularly the back-lit display--owned a number of TVs this one even looks great when it is off-- no familiar black window staring back --nice touch!!

still looking -- doubt there are any!!!!

Electronics TVs and all peripheral equipment used to create a worthy "MOVIE LIKE" environment is a very subjective call--for my money you just cannot go wrong with this purchase---now for a good digital HD source -- upgrade the Denon ADV3300 -- replace B&W/JBL speaker system -- etc. etc.hope santa is an audiophile

Similar Products Used:

sony -- great product but their HD TV is a little pricey by comparison. The misses views a 27" Toshiba Cinema Series -- it is also a nice unit but doesn't hold a candle to the 34HF81---