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Toshiba 57H82.... should I buy it? (first time HDTV buyer) (1 Viewer)

Jason_HA

Auditioning
Joined
Apr 9, 2003
Messages
8
I am looking to by a HDTV (or a HDready TV rather), and after looking up info on the net, and visiting local electronic dealers the one I am leaning toward is the Toshiba 57H82. But information is hard to come by, and I luckily ran into this site.

This is my first experience with HDTV's and big screens, and I want to make sure this would be a good purchase. Is this a quality Projection set? Is Toshiba a good brand? Is there anything that I missed that would be a much better deal, or much higher quality?

This set sells for around $2100. That is around the price range I would like to stay around also. Looking for any info or tips anyone can provide.

Oh, and I have also heard Avia referred to alot, what exactly is it, and how does one go about getting it (from what I read you use it to calibrate the picture).

Thank you,
Jason
 

Jeff Ashforth

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Dec 20, 2000
Messages
209
Jason,

I just got the 57H82 from OneCall.com and I love it!!! There are some things we might need to know before we can give you all the answers you need (like room size, viewing distance, is it for mostly TV or DVD, etc.) but I'll try to get it started.

Is this a quality Projection set?

IMO, yes! However there are some people who have issues with Toshiba's new sets upconverting 480p signals to 540p because its supposed to cause detail to suffer. As far as quality is concerned, build quality on this set is very good and its cabinet is wood, not plastic. It has casters so its very easy to move once you get it out of the box.

My major complaint about the set is the protective screen. It is VERY reflective and makes viewing difficult in ambient light situations. I would have preferred if it was easily removeable.

Is Toshiba a good brand?

I think most people would say YES. Maybe not the undisputed best, but very good indeed.

Is there anything that I missed that would be a much better deal, or much higher quality?

Thats a tough one. Probably not at that price range, although OneCall tried to upsell me to the 57HDX82 for an extra $120 (I almost did it, but I didn't think the DVI input was a big enough deal to risk some of the problems I'd read about the HDX series). Having said that, the best advice is for you to take a look at as many sets as you can and then buy the one that looks best to YOUR EYES. Then schedule an ISF calibration. ;)

Oh, and I have also heard Avia referred to alot, what exactly is it, and how does one go about getting it (from what I read you use it to calibrate the picture).

The AVIA guide is a DVD that describes and instructs the viewer how to properly set up and calibrate a Home Theater. The test patterns on the disc are used by many industry specialists in evaluating equipment performance. You can purchase the AVIA guide at almost any home theater store like Tweeter, Best Buy etc. or you can get it online. I got my copy from OneCall.com.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.
J.
 

Jason_HA

Auditioning
Joined
Apr 9, 2003
Messages
8
Thanks for the reply Jeff. As to some of your questions I am getting digital cable hooked up, and will be mainly watching tv programs and DVD's. Also I will put the set up in my living room where the viewing distance will never be less than 5 feet (if I ever moved my couch that close) but mainly about 8 feet away or more.

Now I am most likely buying the set from Best Buy, and they said they will set it up, does this usually include what you refer to as ISF calibration, or will I have to set that up seperate? Also I plan on getting the extra warrenty on the set, but is there anything else I should buy right away (ie. protective screen, other needed accesories)? Also with the digital cable do I need any special cables or equipment that the cable company will not supply?

Thanks again for the help, the more I research on these TV's the more confused I get.

Jason
 

Paul Pratt

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Feb 23, 2003
Messages
53
Location
Wetumpka, AL.
Real Name
Paul Pratt
Howdy,
I actually work for Best Buy in the Indianapolis area and the calbrations and such will not be set up by the Delivery people themselves. The delivery people just unload, open it and stick it where you need it. They will hook it in to whatever picture source you have to verify the TV works but for the most part the delivery guys are just hired goons to muscle the television. If you purchase the performance service plan you can have them come over right after it gets delivered. Just call the number on the back of the service brochure and they will come in, access the service menus and calibrate the screen and tweak it out for best picture. They will arrive within 48 hours to do the work and it is all covered on the PSP under "Normal Wear and Tear". Then after that you want to have it calibrated between six and twelve months to keep it running nicely.

The Toshibas are nice. They are one of the better sets we carry in the stores. I think they are brighter and have better color and contrast then the Mitsubishi's (Not trying alienate mits lovers!!! Nice TV's too!). The off viewing angle is better then most others too.

If your a first time HD buyer then this set is going to be great for you. Hope everything goes well and enjoy it!
 

Paul Pratt

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Feb 23, 2003
Messages
53
Location
Wetumpka, AL.
Real Name
Paul Pratt
Sorry just a quick PS to my previous post. In terms of accessories you may want to think about some high quality cables for your DVD player (component cables), and other source components and a good surge protector with clean power from Monster.

Another thing too. Call your cable provider and ask them what it will cost to get the HD upgrade for your digital set top box. The one in my area is only 2 dollars more and i get several HD stations. If they don't have alot of channels, don't be discouraged they are still in negotiations for some of them in some markets. My cable provider adds one of two on every month. Check it out and then you'll see what your TV can really do.

Thanks again!
 

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