Toshiba 50H81 50-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV

by Toshiba

Product Details

Product Manual [2.79mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 21.9 x 43.5 x 50.8 inches ; 240 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 265 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00005NGRU
• Item model number: 50H81
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #416,959 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

For this set, Toshiba has focused on image-enhancing features including: new PowerFocus HC Optics for sharper images with higher contrast; new IDSC Pro scan conversion for the best possible high-resolution images; TouchFocus auto-convergence for faster, more accurate digital convergence at the touch of a button; a special Ambient Light Sensor for optimum home theater enjoyment in all room lighting conditions; and a new Dynamic Contrast feature for near film-like image quality.

Toshiba HD-Compatible projection TVs benefit from a significant image-enhancing technology called TouchFocus. This automatic digital convergence system makes it faster and easier to accurately adjust all three CRTs for the sharpest, clearest image possible in any home theater. TouchFocus utilizes four optical sensors (located behind the projection TV screen) and advanced chip technology to create perfect convergence at the touch of a button. Unlike conventional manual convergence systems, TouchFocus automatically adjusts for variances in natural and man-made magnetic fields from sources such as speakers, offering total flexibility in a wide variety of home theater configurations.

For the ultimate in high-definition image quality, this set features a unique new image-enhancing technology called Cinema Mode (3:2 pulldown). Using the onscreen display, consumers may select a special "Cinema Mode" which allows the TV to display a more realistic and detailed reconstruction of film-based (24 fps) video content such as that found on DVD movies, eliminating the image-degrading artifacts caused by improper processing of film-based content. When viewing original video source material (such as camcorder footage), this feature can be turned off to avoid unnecessary processing.

To maintain optimum home theater viewing in all room lighting conditions, all Toshiba widescreen projection TVs include a specially designed photo-electric Ambient Light Sensor built into the front panel of the set. Using a total of 60 different contrast gradations, this provides an automatic adjustment of the contrast level, based on ambient room lighting conditions. This ensures that the picture will never be too dark in the daytime or too bright at night. This may be turned off using the onscreen display, if desired.

To improve image quality even further, all Toshiba HD-compatible projection TVs include a new Dynamic Contrast feature. Dynamic Contrast significantly improves the set's contrast ratio, enhancing color reproduction and saturation for near film-like quality.

For the ultimate in placement flexibility, all Toshiba projection TVs are designed to display the screen at the proper viewing height without the need for a separate TV stand.

The company has also improved on its advanced IDSC II (Intelligent Digital Scan Conversion) technology, which utilizes Advanced Digital Video Noise Reduction to automatically analyze the on-screen image and apply the precise amount of noise reduction necessary for absolute image clarity and crispness. This set offers all the image-enhancing benefits of IDSC II, but is optimized for improved projection TV performance.

IDSC Pro automatically converts 480i and 480p images to 540p, and directly passes through 1080i images. Like IDSC II, the IDSC Pro system employs vertical line doubling and frame doubling, plus horizontal pixel doubling technologies to achieve optimum picture quality. These processes have also been significantly improved in IDSC Pro with the addition of a significant new technological advancement - Hyper Progressive Scanning, which doubles the size of the memory buffer (sampling 13,600 points), eliminating all motion artifacts and jagged lines caused by on-screen motion. The new IDSC Pro system significantly improves both focus and convergence accuracy.

Toshiba's TheaterBright HD high-contrast projection screens, included in all HDTV-compatible projection TV models, increase corner brightness, resulting in more uniform brightness across the screen. All new Toshiba HD-compatible projection TVs include a new Dynamic Contrast feature. Dynamic Contrast significantly improves the set's contrast ratio and enhances color reproduction and saturation. The resulting 480i source images are enhanced to near film-like quality.

Toshiba's new line of HDTV-compatible TVs also feature a host of convenience features. For example, an improved color icon-based on-screen display with bitmap graphics makes it easier than ever before to navigate through the entire range of TV functions. Additional features on all HDTV-compatible models include speed surf, 2-level mute, direct video input selection, video lock, video labeling, PIP sound and more.

To provide consumers with the ultimate in flexibility and performance, all Toshiba HDTV-compatible TVs feature two sets of ColorStream HD high-definition component video inputs. This high-resolution connection is the optimum way to connect a DVD player or digital set-top box.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best bet for your money....., January 3, 2002

By 

Eric Humphreys (Modesto, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba 50H81 50-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV (Electronics)

I just purchased this TV, and after a lot of homework, I think it's the best deal for an HDTV. You get every major feature that's offerd for a set in this price range. My parents and sister both have Toshiba TV's and never had a problem with them. The picture quality, at least in my opinion, is the best. I compared it side by side with Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung. The only brand that produced a better picture was Pioneer, but for a lot more money. Hope this was helpful....

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good picture, inexpensive, bad company., December 15, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba 50H81 50-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV (Electronics)

I purchased this TV because I liked the picture quality and the price. It is less expensive than others with the same picture quality. However it is true, you get what you pay for. It seems this TV has some manufacturing issues. The first TV that Amazon sent would not turn on. I called Toshiba, hoping they would simply fix it, and discovered what a poor company they are. First they refused to immediately fix the TV. They explained they needed to ensure it was a new TV and under warranty.. even though it is a 2001 model? Wow. This process was going to take a couple of weeks and require hours of waiting to speak to someone at Toshiba.

So... I used Amazon's online return. Luckly Amazon understands the concept of customer service and immediatly sent a new TV.

The new TV has a good picture (after it warmed up a couple of hours). I only hope it holds up.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 7 years and still looking good, December 11, 2008

By 

W. W. Stone "Wylie" (Cleveland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 50H81 50-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV (Electronics)

I got this beast back in December of 2001. It's worked without a hitch for 7 years and one major move. Yeah, the new lcd and plasmas are better, but until she goes I have no reason to even shop. That from a self-professed HT nut.