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TVS ELECTRONICS
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Hitachi.
The regular list price is $895.00.
Sells new for $906.21.
There are some available for $993.72.
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No comments about CP-X401 LCD Proj XGA 400:1 2600 Lumens 7.7LBS 7WATT Spkr Hybrd Fltr.
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Toshiba.
There are some available for $600.00.
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5 comments about Toshiba 30HF83 30" TheaterWide HD-Ready TV with PURE Flat Screen.
- Great entry level, easy to use, with phenominal sound and perfect HD picture....only 24'' deep. Would strongly reccomend. No problems, right out of the box...ALSO Have made extended checks, re: horizontal jitter in HD mode. I have no such problem referred to in earlier reviews.
- I wanted a TV that would fit in my existing entertainment system, so the options were very easy between this Toshiba 30HF84 (the replacement for the 30HF83) and Samsung TXN3098, both which were less than 33" wide. The decision on which one, however, was excruciating for me. I had a difficult time finding either of them in person to compare side by side, researched every possible feature down to the smallest detail, ending up looking at the Samsung 26" or a similar model Toshiba in the store for comparison purposes, and read all the online reviews you could imagine. Yes, I'm one of those types of people. In the end, I chose the Toshiba based on the following:
Pros on Toshiba
- Less money
- I bought it locally so it got here in time for football season
- Generally thought of as better product than Samsung
Cons on Toshiba
- Does not have PiP
- Silver case instead of charcoal (my preference)
Pros on Samsung
- In the store, seemed to have a brighter picture
- Had PiP
Cons on Samsung
- An issue - as seen in reviews and confirmed by their tech support - where if you go in and set the picture to wide, stretched, etc, it doesn't remember it and you have to reset it each time you turn on the tv.
- Generally thought of as a lower end product, but I had differing stories that they were making TVs for Sony, they were up and coming, etc etc.
The Decision
I was going back and forth for 2 weeks. Was I stupid to get the Toshiba if the Samsung picture looked better? Did I need PiP? There were pros and cons on each. In the end, I realized that I would be getting a great TV no matter what. I called tech support for both companies and got right through. So in the end, the switching-modes issue for Samsung was a slight factor, but the Toshiba was $200 cheaper and I could have it 2 days later (I consider this a 'filler' TV anyway for a year or two until I'm ready to step up to a 42" plasma when prices come down).
Here's what sucks... while I was concerned because of the Samsung issue in switching modes, this feature is not usable AT ALL for me on the Toshiba. I have Time Warner in NYC and HD channels work fine widescreen in that mode. But non-HD channels show up as 4:3 and I guess they're broadcasting at 1080 or 720, because I can't stretch a 4:3 show into wide mode. Toshiba only can take 480 signals and stretch them. Could be a setting I'm missing, but that's me. However, I'm finding I mostly watch the main networks and DVDs anyway. Right now I hooked up my 'regular' DVD player through digital audio cables and component video, and it looks and sounds spectacular. Not sure how much better it can get with a progressive scan player, but they're only $65 so I'm going to get one anyway and hope there's at least a noticeable difference.
Bottom Line
Both TVs are sweet, and I am very very happy so far with the Toshiba. I have it hooked up through an HDTV digital cable box with DVR built in using component video, and to my receiver with Digital Audio Coaxial cables for sound. Ten seconds watching Discovery Channel HD Theater and you'll be in heaven. I recorded the Patriots-Colts NFL kickoff game and have been using that as a demo to show my friends how good the signal and picture are. I'm looking forward to a great fall of football, baseball playoffs and am currently buying some 'surround sound widescreen' DVDs off Amazon (True Lies, Ronin, Braveheart, Gladiator, True Romance, The Fugitive, Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Carribbean, etc) to build up a little collection.
- I purchased a Toshiba HDTV and had it fail just after the 2 year warranty expired. Toshiba explained there was nothing they would do back up their product. No TV should fail after 2 years. I recommend selecting another brand, you can get the same performance and price, and end up with a more reliable product.
- Incredible picture. The cable guy who installed our new HD box commented that it was the best picture he'd seen, and all he DOES is install High Definition boxes for our cable company!
Regular TV is much worse than a decent analog TV, though. Not a problem, as all the affiliates around here broadcast in Hi-Def as well as standard. Separate channels on the cable box for the Hi-Def signal. Unfortunately, you can only get about 10 HD channels currently. I have noticed that the channels below #100 on our cable look worse than they did with the old set. All the channels above 100 look much better than on the old set. All the HD channels look incredible!
Speaker system is outstanding for a TV. The sub-woofer really kicks out the bass!
I've had no problems with jitter or anything like that.
DVD movies look best with progressive scan OFF. Explained to me by a guy who owns a specialty auio/video store, this is because the chipset in the TV itself is much higher end than most progressive-scan DVD players, therefore producing a better picture without the progressive scan on than with it on.
Instead of Picture In Picture, this has Picture Out Picture (at least, I think that's what POP stands for), which is two pictures side by side. Highlight the one you want to hear. You can also program "favorites", and this will get you a bunch of different pictures surrounding the main one, if you choose, with each smaller picture a still shot. Pretty neat. From what I understand, these features don't work with a DVI input. Why, I don't know. They may also not work with some cable boxes and satellite boxes, but they work with just the regular cable into the back of the set.
I haven't used the DVI input, but the composite cable picture is incredible.
- Purchased the 30HF85 01/02/06 -- We were out looking for the 'best buy' on this particular TV as we researched top pics through consumers and other opinion rated sites such as this. Salesman said they had 2 left - I asked it they can do better on the price -- he checked and said yes. I was really surprised they lowered the price by $ 124.00! They were asking $799.99 for it -receipt says $124.00 Pkg Price Discount (whatever that means) so out the door with tax I paid $726.69.
I really like the Wide, Flat screen, the digital picture, sound & geat color. We have been very pleased with our purchase & everything was working fine & in an instant it turned off and would not turn back on.
To summarize this review: TV went bad after 6 months. Found out today it has a bad Horizontal Output Transistor & needs a Fly Back. Have to order the part -- it takes week to 10 days & then they will call to reschedule coming out to install it.
Stores WILL NOT take back TV's. You are at the mercy of the manufacturer. No one cares that you spent whatever on a TV & now do not have one to watch. I was told TVs are not made like they used to -- yet we pay more. I researched many months before making my decision to buy the 30HF85. Main point for writing is to share my experience in buying a new set that went bad. Yes, it is under warranty but that does not make the entire experience worth the time it took for me to get my TV set to work - which I am still waiting to see. It was a real eye opener. So in a nut shell, if you buy a new TV & it goes bad...don't expect to return it....you have to deal with the manufacturer.
Background Info.:
Two weeks ago during a great movie the TV shut off. I thought my leg hit the remote but it would not go back on. I tried to turn it on by pushing power button on set -- no luck. Unplugged it, let it sit, and tried another outlet -- still no luck. How bizarre!
When this happened I called the store I purchsed it from. The first thing they ask is: Did you buy extended warranty? I did not. The salesman said, " well that is why you should buy Ext. Warranty". I was not happy. My last Toshiba lasted 13 years -- with no problems. I was told two different times by staff at the store that they do not make sets like they used to.
I was told to call the manufacturer. So I called Toshiba. Was quickly told I needed the receipt to get warranty work done & that I would have to call a certified-authorized Toshiba Repair Center. They gave me a number close to my zipcode. I called, got an answering machine for 3 days. I left a message. I never got a call back. Called again & was told they are short-handed and can not help me. They referred me to another Certified Toshiba Repair Center. I called & was greeted by a rude lady. I was scheduled a week later & just today had the technician come and take a look. So maybe in 2 weeks I will have my TV working.
Both my hubby & I have been pleased with this set. But never believed it would go bad already. Just thought I would share.
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Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Panasonic.
Sells new for $989.95.
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No comments about Panasonic TH-42PX6U 42" Class (41.6" Diagonal) Plasma HDTV with Built-In ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners and HDMI Terminals.
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By ViewSonic.
The regular list price is $2,035.73.
Sells new for $1,424.87.
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No comments about 42" 1080P LCD Tv.
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By LG.
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No comments about LG 52LBX 52" black LCD HDTV.
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By BenQ.
Sells new for $950.00.
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No comments about BenQ MP612c - DLP projector - 2200 ANSI lumens - SVGA (800 x 600) - 4:3.
Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Toshiba.
There are some available for $923.99.
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5 comments about Toshiba 50A61 50-Inch Projection TV.
- I just purchased my first Big screen TV. I would like to say I did a lot of investigative work before i settled on the Toshiba 50A61. For the price ,quality looks workmanship I'm very happy about my purchse. I looked at HDTV,Wide Screen and all brands checked Best Buy, Sears, Wal-mart you name it ..But the picture is so clear and the features are some of the best for this price range.. I would suggest this television to anyone not looking to spend on the high end and still have a tv set that is top notch..you can't go wrong ...
- Its great!!! No fantastic sitting and watching this set. We are the envy of many. I can't wait to watch world cup soccer on this. The new improved screen will prevent my kids fromscratching etc. Wow the 160 degree veiwing is unbelievable. I could not ask for anything better. The person in line wating to buy mine, can keep on waiting!!!! My next door neighbour wants to buy one too. I am happy I picked this. I will soon be looking to buy a surround system for it.
Thanks for a good item....
- Picture Quality is Superb,stero sound is good to very good.Remote control layout is also good to very good,but wish the bottom of remote was flat,so it would be less likely,to roll off the arms of furniture.The many hookups is a plus,with the convience of front audio and video hookups.Setup was fairly easy with the owners manual,with easy on screeen menu's which are selected with the remote control.Overall after reseaching and comparing features,with the other brands,Toshiba,was a standout value for the money.
- Until I move on to a HDTV this TV will suffice very well. The picture quality is excellent and watching my digital Direct TV system gives me a very nice picture. I have movie nights at my house with the suround sound setup and everyone is throughly impressed with the picture quality and size...
- I purchase this as my first big screen ,and after looking @ hdtv i notice the cost of this tv is by far the best in price and quality..Everytime i watch movies on this tv i'm more impressed with each viewing..to anyone thinking of buying a big screen; seriously consider this one @ the top of your list..******
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Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Samsung.
There are some available for $6,247.40.
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1 comments about Samsung PPM63H3Q 63-Inch HD-Ready Flat-Panel Plasma TV.
- I thought long and hard before buying this screen and it's one of the best decisions I ever made. I've owned 42" screens for years - but this 63" screen is just out of this World. I'm very sensitive to sound from fans or electronics and this screen makes no noise - none. I hooked up a pair of Monitor Audio speakers and a set of cables to the back, through the wall - it has connections for everything including PC, DVI, Composite Video, S Video, and 2 Component Video Inputs. I have 2 Tivo's hooked up to it as well. It's just an awesome piece of gear that transforms the room and makes viewing like having your own movie screen - very, very cool. The price has come down quite a bit while I was trying to make up my mind. It's a real nice deal. Get them to deliver it inside your front door (not the kerb) - it weighs nearly 200 lbs. I can't imagine ever going back to watching anything less than this now. You only live once! Enjoy!
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Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By Sharp.
There are some available for $699.99.
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5 comments about Sharp Aquos LC32D40U 32-Inch LCD HDTV with Integrated ATSC Tuner.
- Initially we were very happy about our purchase. We believed we had purchased a quality product from a reliable company.
If we'd known then what we now know about this model (Sharp Aquos LC32D40U) we would have NEVER ever bought this over priced piece of junk. Sharp should be ashamed of itself for ever allowing consumers to believe they were purchasing a first tier, quality Sharp product.
The first time we bought this set (yes you read that right) we had to return it to the store because half of the sets inputs were defective (this was verified by the repair guy that did an on site call). Because less than 2 weeks had passed from the time of purchase the store exchanged the set with little problems. We simply chalked it up to bad luck of the draw.
This second set lasted a little over 1 year before we started to expereince the following.
CONS:
1. Diagonal line appeared across the corner of the set (very visable) and never went away.
2. Display cut out (audio remained). We could "reset" it by turning the set off and waiting a while before turing it back on again but what a hassle! Especially when it would cut out repeatedly.
3. Color balance began to be very inconsistant.
This time getting a service call wasn't so easy. We spent over 45 days calling customer service for assitance. After all was said and done we were told by a Sharp customer service agent to return the set to the store where it would be exchanged. That turned out to NOT be true.
That was the worst insult of all, finding Sharps customer service people were deceitful in telling us what we needed to do to have the set repaired, then replaced. Once we figured out what was going on and confronted them all they had to say was "I'm sorry you feel that way". WOW! What stunning customer service (NOT). Like others who have been screwed by Sharp on this model we will NEVER buy another Sharp product.
Normally we don't bother with extended warranties but fortunately we had opted for one at the store where we had purchased this set. We were eventually able to return the defective set and exchange it for a different set; a SONY Bravia (KDL32XBR4).
PROS
Simply put, there are none. I don't care how nice a set looks or what great features it claims to have. For the amount of money you spend for this model you should rightfully expect that it be manufactured at Sharps main plant with a 100% authentic, first tier quality Sharp products. The fact that Sharp isn't willing to fully disclose that this set does NOT fit that criteria is unethical and simply wrong.
If you recently bought this set, good luck to you because the bloom will be off the rose soon. For those considering this Sharp model, DON'T! For the money you can do so much better.
- -Ordered TV 2/11
-Delivered 2/22-box was severely damaged-torn open exposing TV but it did power up o.k..
After a few hours of use screen blacks out on all inputs, audio stays on. Called Sharp-As of today TV ordered 4 weeks ago has been unusable since day 1. Amazon and Circuit City
website reviews of same TV complain of same issue.
TV has a serious issue right out of the box, extremely disappointed at the actions of Sharp and the AA Reliable. If this
matter cannot be resolved in a timely matter I will need to dispute the charge since the TV
does not work out of the box and I don't think waiting weeks for a repair is reasonable on a
new TV. Reliable picked up TV 2/26, I demostrated this issue to the AA tech at pickup.
-Followed up with AA Reliable on 3/6, was told they cannot reproduce issue, I should contact
Sharp. I called Sharp 3 times and was told conflicting actions. Was first told AA Reliable
needs to call Sharp TAC, then that Sharp will call Sharp TAC, then that I should call AA Reliable.
Don't know if he documented, did not receive any paperwork from AA Reliable. I demonstrated
the issue on 2/27 pickup to AA Reliable tech using a HD cable box, DVD player and PS2. I
switched between all 3 inputs and audio worked, video was blacked out. If you try to use
the OE Sharp remote to bring up the menu or input choices you did not see them although the
worked. Shutting the TV off then back on fixes the problem for a period of time.
- like many others, I had trouble with the LC-32D40U. For the first twelve months, the set was well behaved and performed well. However, not one week after the year's warranty expired, I began to have the same problems as others, in terms of powering the unit up but seeing no picture.
I contacted Sharp who suggested taking it to a nearby repair center, which I did. Luckily, I had a warranty extension through my credit card provider, so I only had to front the repair cost (and was later reimbursed). Not six months later, however, the problem recurred. I telephoned Sharp and expressed my discontent, and they authorized a replacement with a different model. Unfortunately, I've been without my HD TV since March 1 (so more than four weeks!), and expect to be without it for at least another week.
I did have to kick up some fuss with Sharp and had to have them escalate it. To give them some credit, they were clearly aware of the problems with the 32D40U, as I didn't have to ask more than once to have the unit replaced with another model (of the same size). They were also willing to continue repairing it at no cost to me, even though it was out of the warranty period. Obviously, that wasn't acceptable.
I had such high hopes of the 32D40U, but while the 32D43U (the replacement) has better reviews, I'm still somewhat nervous given my experience with the original unit.
If you're having trouble with this model, call Sharp, and don't take "no" for an answer.
- I used to be employed by an electronics retail store. When I got ready to buy a flat panel TV, I really wanted a samsung, but settled for this model because of budget. After a 1 1/2 years of use, I too am having trouble with the backlight. It just goes dark religiously at start up every time. After about 30 minutes of hassle (beating it) it will generally stay on for the rest of the day. Luckily, we bought the extended warranty, and will probably be getting a store credit to get a new model. Hopefully, a samsung.
- I have had the same issue with my Sharp. When I can get the tv to turn on, sometimes after 30 tries or so. yes patience is helpful. I have found a way to keep it working. Go to the menu button on the remote, when the setup appears, look for the option 'back lighting' on the setup option. turn it to Zero. this is the back lighting not the screen. then go to the brightness and color options and turn them up. This works for me. I can now turn the thing on consistantly. Granted the back light option is gone. I suspect the back light has something to do with the issue of the Please wait then the black screen. My set started to be unreliable at about 18 months. I did not contact Sharp, I was out of warranty. The TV I had before the Sharp lasted for 14 years. I don't plan on purchasing a Sharp product again. I hope this works you.
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Posted in TVs (Thursday, July 24, 2008)
By SANYO.
Sells new for $1,059.00.
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No comments about Sanyo PLC XU84 - LCD projector - 2000 ANSI lumens - XGA (1024 x 768) - 4:3.
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CP-X401 LCD Proj XGA 400:1 2600 Lumens 7.7LBS 7WATT Spkr Hybrd Fltr
Toshiba 30HF83 30" TheaterWide HD-Ready TV with PURE Flat Screen
Panasonic TH-42PX6U 42" Class (41.6" Diagonal) Plasma HDTV with Built-In ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners and HDMI Terminals
42" 1080P LCD Tv
LG 52LBX 52" black LCD HDTV
BenQ MP612c - DLP projector - 2200 ANSI lumens - SVGA (800 x 600) - 4:3
Toshiba 50A61 50-Inch Projection TV
Samsung PPM63H3Q 63-Inch HD-Ready Flat-Panel Plasma TV
Sharp Aquos LC32D40U 32-Inch LCD HDTV with Integrated ATSC Tuner
Sanyo PLC XU84 - LCD projector - 2000 ANSI lumens - XGA (1024 x 768) - 4:3
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