Customer Reviews

Toshiba 46HM95 46-Inch Diagonal 16:9 Integrated HD DLP Projection TV with HDMI

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I bought this tv as an upgrade from an analog set. I was aiming at getting a screen that was big enough (but not TOO big) for me to not feel as though I should have gotten the bigger size. To date, I am 90% satisfied with the purchase.

It's very convenient that the HD tuner is integrated into the television. When I brought this set home from the store I was able to plug in my set of amplified rabbit ears and immediately receive the local HD broadcasts. Ironically, even though I have a digital cable subscription, I still use my rabbit ears intermittently because Comcast hasn't negotiated a contract with CBS for their HD signal. Strange, but true.

I had no problems with the construction of the TV when it was unboxed. There were no noticable flaws or defects, and I haven't noticed any sort of physical flaws or defects over the course of my initial ownership. The size and weight of this set is excellent. Carrying it up and down stairs is only a two-man job because it weighs just under 80lbs. It's also very slender at only 15.25 inches (387mm) deep, which gives my lots of placement options.

The picture quality is excellent when viewing from a distance greater than six feet - any closer than that and the clarity breaks down a bit. Due to the size of the picture, the standard (NTSC) resolution images are rather grainy, but the HD images are excellent. There are clear edges, good color saturation, and off-axis viewing is surprisingly good too. It takes a second or so for the processor to switch formats if you're changing from an analog signal to a HD signal, but I'm getting used to that. I just love the depth of color and brightness that you get with a DLP set - better than current LCD and just a notch below plasma, IMHO.

There are plenty of inputs for my home theater equipment, and the built in multi-format flash card reader was a nice surprise. The front accessible panel also has both standard A/V inputs and an S-video input, which is also quite convenient. The layout of the rear inputs is easy to negotiate, and I was able to find connections for all of my home theater devices (digital receiver, digital cable box, DVD player) with no problems. And the owner's manual provides setup suggestions for various combinations of components. At the current time I am only using the component and optical digital signal inputs, and have nothing to comment on regarding the HDMI or IEEE1394 connections.

Due to my digital cable with HDTV package subscription I have to use a cable box supplied by my provider. I was advised that I wouldn't be able to receive premium services if I opted to use the Cable Card slot.

The remote is large and kind of confusing to navigate, and there seems to be a low level high-pitched whine when the backlight buttons feature is active. And though I've made a few different attempts to set up the TheaterNet device control system, I haven't been able to get it to work as smoothly as I'd have liked (but this point would be moot if you plan to use a universal remote.)

Now on the negative side of things; I've had to completely reboot the processor several times over the first few months that I've owned this TV. The HD signal processing software seems to be a mite touchy at times and can go into complete brainlock, which is what forces the reboot. Also, there seemed to be an issue with the POP (picture-outside-of-picture) feature that caused a similar lockup when I tried to view two broadcast HDTV signals simultaneously. This could have been due to user error in retrospect, and all problems have been solved without having to contact tech support.

Because this is a rear-projection set, I will eventually have to replace the projection bulb assembly. I've heard other owners say that they've had problems in ordering a replacement bulb because Toshiba is backordered at the present time. I can't confirm or deny this rumor. However, it appears that the bulb assembly replacement procedure is simple enough, and the access hatch is conveniently located so I won't have to move the set in order to get to it.

All in all, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase and would definitely recommend this particular model to anybody who is shopping for an entry-level widescreen HDTV. The price, size, and features are all very good in comparison to other TVs of similar size and design.

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Since I have written my review, I have had to replace the projection bulb assembly. This was covered under warranty and done via the Toshiba Customer Service working through a local service rep. It took a reasonable amount of time to get my set back up and running and their online/telephone service was very helpful and courteous. I hope that the replacement bulb assembly lasts longer than the first one did though...

I have talked with Toshiba Direct about the numerous reports about lamps blowing after only 3 or 4 months and they admit they had been given defective lamps from A company that was manufacturing them for Toshiba DLP TVS. Toshbia told me that these "bad Lamps" were in DLP models manufactured in August and early Sept.05 Toshiba also said they were getting lamps from a new company and the problem had been fixed. I purchased the 46HM95 on black Friday at BB and i LOVE the TV, DVD and HD are bright and crisp, much brighter than plasma or LCD with outstanding black levels . BTW Toshiba will replace the lamp IF it gos during the 1 year warranty.

I compared to 42 Sony LCD, 44 Panasonic LCD, 42 and 46 Samsung DLP. Have a small viewing location and larger TVs upclose won't look as good. Liked the 44" Panasonic chassis by far the best, 42" Sony didn't come with PIP or POP but had a nice compact size. The picture quality of the two Samsungs at 3 stores seemed grainy (SDE)and poor overall but in a very nice chassis. Panasonic complaints about bulb ($300) are rampant (but now 18 mo. warranty,) Samsung quality issues seemed common also. That left me with the $1,900 Toshiba with POP and the $1,600 Sony. LCD rear projections just "don't do black" as well as DLPs.(Surprisingly even the $4,000 Sony XBR isn't as good in black level as a 1080P DLP.) I ordered the Toshiba on-line from Best Buy but they screwed up the order so I cancelled and bought locally.

Very, very happy with the picture quality with OTA inputs. Much better than anything I saw in ANY store. DVDs with or without an upconverting Toshiba XS52/50 DVD-HDD are excellent. Sound is very acceptable, menus are comprehensive but not mind boggling. Fan noise is noticable (could be better Toshiba), overall chassis appearance design is just fair - 3 year old design. TWO (2) HDMI inputs (only TV in its price range). 2 level lamp ($200)with hi-lo setting is supposed to give 8,000 hrs in lo setting. (Hi would give you radiation burns) Lamp back orders seem to be a problem for everyone (except Sony?) Wide viewing angle, very bright, excellent blacks, no rainbow for me, TV guide works perfectly (I know that's a surprise), superb picture quality . Remote can be back lit (low level high-pitched whine is designed to remind you its on). Over-all very pleased. I've seen the 56" Toshiba 1080p and the 50" Samsung 1080p and they are better so 5 stars for them and 4 to the 46hm95. (Former Circuit City manager)

The bulb burned out in less than two months! Toshiba doesn't have any replacements in stock and they are not sure when their next shipment is coming in!? Did these people ever hear of tracking information? It's a great tv if you remove the front screen and host puppet shows inside. Very roomy. But if you want to actually watch tv, this product can't help you. Toshiba's customer service line is one of those that makes you key your phone number, zip code and favorite color into the phone before someone answers, then, when someone finally does answer they ask for your phone number, zip code and favorite color! Didn't I just do this? Didn't I just do this?

TV still doesn't work...

Like many others, I bought this DLP on Black Friday '05.

I did my research and found DLP's to have a more sufficient lifetime and video gaming capability. So, when I saw this I was directly attracted to it.

I took it home and gave it to my father as an X-Mas gift. I went ahead and got DishNetworks HD package Ultra.

I paired this set up with my old PC speaker Logitech Z-5500 and WOW!

The whole setup blends in.

The TV's quality at 720p is amazing.

I also purchased a Toshiba Upconverter DVD player and the movies are amazingly & vivrantly displayed in this DLP.

Unlike many of the DLP's at that time, this one also comes with 2 HMDI connectors.

Giving the image a more pure source for audio and video.

There has been rumours about the rainbow effect. Well I've experienced it only while loading PS2 for the first time.

The only thing confusing about the DLP is the control. It has a lot of buttons I've even yet to use.

My dad has an older Toshiba Projector that comes in a cabinet. It's about 52-56's and it's from the early 90's.

When he saw the color quality of the 46' he gladly did the downgrade in size and upgraded to the newer technology.

I did read about the bulb factor and I've had this unit for 6 months and i've yet to experience any issues. I have had to reset the set once. By unplugging it, and plugging it back in.

PS. with all electronics over $1k I dd get a 3-4 yr warranty from Best Buy. Figured it's better to be safe than sorry.

All of our entertainment units in our house are Toshiba (dvds, vcrs and tvs). Not a regret yet.

I bought my TV at best buy for $1499 on Black Friday 2005. So far I've been lucky and the bulb hasn't burned out.

The array of inputs is outstanding, including 2 HDMI inputs and an integrated HD ATSC tuner. I hooked up a $27 powered antenna from Target and receive flawless over-the-air HD signal for free. I've also been able to split screen the HD CBS signal, and standard analog CBS signal to watch two different NCAA tournament games at the same time.

Xbox looks great on the TV as well, and DLP is the only screen technology that doesn't suffer from screen burn in (Don't play Halo 2 on a plasma TV because you'll eventually burn the radar map into the bottom left of your screen. Likewise if you watch alot of ESPN2 or CNN with the ticker constantly on the bottom of the screen.)

I only give the set 4 stars instead of 5 if:

1.) You paid over $2000 for the set

2.) Your bulb dies short of 6,000 hours of usage.

My bulb is still doing fine, but it's only been 4 months or so. If it lasts about 3 years, then I'll be 5-star happy with it.

I bought this TV the day after Christmas 2005. I have enjoyed the tv so far up to this point.

Pros:

I take advantage of the split screen feature all the time. It isn't a picture inside a picture thing...its 2 pictures side by side. Granted the images are not the large 46 inch widescreen size, but I find it perfectly fine for what I use it for. I like to watch sports or shows while playing a video game at the same time. This is very usefull.

The image quality overall is great. An HD image is really needed to reap the full benefits. DVD's look great also using the component cables. The PS2 looks ok if you have regular A/V composite cables. (I use the component ones I got for $5 I got off ebay and they seem to look better) The screen size is not extended all 46 inches however. There are visible black spaces on both sides of the image. (not a big deal but its a PS2 thing and not the TV)

The built in flash media reader is really cool to look at your pictures. I haven't used it too often but when I did it was fun to share pictures with the family this way.

Cons:

I've had this for 3 months now and the original bulb is still ok...whew! I've read that there could be a 4 month failure so I'll just have to wait and see. I also read somewhere that some of the later models were sold with corrected bulbs so I am hoping I got one of those. I'm not sure if switching to low bulb power has any effect on it but I did so just in case. The image still looks just as great anyway.

There is a fan that is continuously running 24 hours a day. The fan is loudest right when you shut off the TV for about 5 minutes or so. Afterwards, it becomes much quieter, but still noticable. I live in a small and very quiet apartment and if I stand still I can hear from just about anywhwere. Does this really bother me? Not really. The place is not sooo quiet that you can't hear anything besides your own breathing. So the fan won't drive me insane or anything.

Becareful of cables that have connectors that are almost too durable. I have some audio cables (forgot the brand) that have thick metal on the ends. They were kind of tough to pull out of the tv and when they did come out they also pulled the plastic color indicators on the back of the TV. They may just be the cables themselves that caused this, but fortunately the inputs still work.

There is a quick rainbow effect when you shift your eyes quickly from one side to another when you are watching something. It happens for about a split second but you can tell. This is something I just got used to and there is nothing I can really do about it.

Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase. If there are any reasons to really give bad remarks it's because of the several minor things that occur. They are noticable but unless you have some deep compulsive issues about minute details, they really won't be a problem. Besides, watching the Superbowl in HD was well worth it. I can't wait for baseball in HD. I am still waiting to see if the bulb will fail anytimes soon. I certainly hope I will be waiting for a long time.

REVIEW EDIT: 1 year later...During the summer, the bulb finally blew out. I believe you can tell when it's about to happen when the image tends to blink for a couple minutes once the set is turned on. It looks like the image is flickering before it finally gets to "normal". A couple weeks later it blew, about 6 months after purchase.

I was able to get a replacement bulb from Toshiba (under warranty) in about 1 week. I replaced it myself with no problem.

However, now the picture engine that others are talking about is malfunctioning. The set will shut off by itself multiple times. It would work fine again after turning it back on, but one time it wouldn't stay on at all. Call to Toshiba was not helpful because they told me to call a local repair guy. Once the guy came, it worked without him doing anything to it. hmmm.

It works now but it did shut off twice after the repair visit.

If I could change my rating from 4 stars...it would be more like 2 now. Avoid this heap.

I purchased my 46hm95 2 months ago and have been very satisfied. My xbox 360 running in 720p looks AWESOME and the Olympics never looked so good as they do in HD. The best part is that with its integrated HD tuner I pull the signals off the air for free(with a $30 - $50 antennae, I purchased a TERK for $50). ALL HD is broadcasted in Dolby Digital Sound and this TV has DIGITAL OPTICAL AUDIO out to hook up to a surround receiver. Watching the show "24" in HD and Surround Sound is a cinematic experience. This TV has a good variety of hook ups including two HDMI to prepare for the next generation DVD players.

I just purchased a HD DVR and am eager to try it out via the toshiba's firewire (IEEE 1394) hook ups however I haven't tested them out yet.

I have heard many concerns online about the light bulb burning out however after visiting Toshiba's website most TVs manufactured under this model number are including an additional year warranty (so two years on the bulb altogether). This gives me the peace of mind not to have to worry about the bulb. If the bulb is bad most reports are saying that it happens before the year is up so knowing that you are covered for free for two years, makes me happy, especially when considering the cost of extended warranties. If you buy this tv go to toshiba's website and enter your model number to see if you qualify.

Another good thing is that its native resolution is exactly 720p meaning that all 720p materials are shown as is and no adjusting is needed. 1080i material is converted to 720p and looks just as good on this tv. I have not been able to tell a difference on this tv between the two resolutions.

DVD video looks good as well when played on a Progressive DVD player using Compenent cables.

The only annoyance that I have is with the fan - being that it runs 24/7. It doesn't consume much power, I just want something to be OFF when I turn it OFF, but if it prolongs the life of the bulb I guess I won't let it bother me.

Overall, great screen size for the money and this TV is loaded with features and tweaks. Be prepared to sit atleast 6 feet away from the screen to get the best image. You won't be disappointed if you love HD and have HD channels available to you. I hope Toshiba's HD-DVD technology wins this generations format war so that I can pair it with this great tv.

I also purchased this toshiba dlp tv on black friday from best buy. What a deal i thought. Great piture with the hdmi input and an upconverted dvd at 1081i. And an even better picture with the built in hd tuner. I always wandered if the deal was too good to be true, and well, now in march the bulb on my set has now gone out too. It looks like mine made it longer than some, but i still didn't make it to the 4 month mark. I have just started the process of trying to get a replacement bulb, so we will see how long it takes. Overall, I loved the tv.... while it had picture.

So far I am happy with this set.

Pro's:

It has excellent, color, contrast, brightness. Blacks are BLACK! Over the air HD broadcasts look fantastic with an indoor amplified antenna (treka). DVDs look excellent also. SD is better than I expected, but you cant be too close to the set. I was blown away by over the air HD quality --too bad there are not enough channels yet. I have been watching some of my kids DVDs (Incredibles, Nemo, Shrek) and I am amazed at the little details I had never noticed before! This is on an "older" Toshiba 480p DVD player, nonetheless.

Con's:

Bulb life may be an issue; I am concerned based what others are saying. There is fan noise. It may be unacceptable to some, but it is less than the noise coming from my DishNetwork DVR harddisk. TV Guide automatically comes on when you start the TV which is annoying to me. I wish the 46" came with a black bezel.

Other comments:

I tried hooking up my DVD player with expensive component cables ($70) and with cheapo ones ($10) and I could not tell the difference.

Because of the bulb issues others were having, some concurred that it is worthwile to get a line conditioner to preserve bulb life. I purchased the Monster3500 and it seems like it has also improved picture quality. Previously, I thought these power conditioners were a scam. Live and learn.