Customer Reviews

Toshiba 50H81 50-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection TV

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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....

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.

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.

I got my TV in Feb. 2002. My screen went black in April 2002 with a blinking red light on the front, I had the warranty and they replaced the power supply and cord, or so the tech told me and they had the TV for 2 weeks. Works fine again. Jan. 2003, picture is extremely grainy, the tech comes out and takes my tv and replaces one of the boards on the tv works fine again, tv gone for 2 weeks again. October 2006 warranty if up, and I have a convergence problem, the touch focus does not work, and I can't manually move the red convergence, $450 for repairs, tv gone 3 weeks. Jan, 2007, screen goes black, blinking red light. Time for a new tv. I think I'll get an old reliable CRT TV. The Toshiba had a great picture when it worked, but not worth all of the problems. My advise would be b4 you buy, pick which one you want and search through forums to see what problems others may be having.

I bought this TV in may of 2002 and paid over $2000 at the time for it and it lasted 7 months. The authorized repair center said it was the driver board and Toshiba denied the repair to the repair center. My TV has been gone out of my house now for over three weeks and I see no end in sight. Customer service was no help either and looks like they are not motivated to repair it. Don't buy a Toshiba Product. Oh yeah its still under warranty but I have not had my TV in my house for over three weeks. I know thats repetitive but think about it?

Andy

After considerable research I puchased the 50HX81, which is the newer model. The claimed differences from the 50H81 include some picture and sound enhancements and a better non-relective screen; it may well be worth the [$$$] or so greater price though I have not compared the units ....

Some points to consider:

-- In its price range it is regarded as one of the best rear projection TVs -- see, for example, the current [written in spring 2002]review in CNET, which gives it an eight out of ten and is in all respects positive.

-- Keep in mind that a projection tv picture is not as good as a CRT television of similar (HDTV, DVD) caliber. My own set tends to be a bit too contrasty, with blacks rendered with few nuances. This may improve as I learn how to adjust it.

-- Some features are of little value. The SBS sound, for example, provides a painful droaning base and must be turned off. We were actually considering returning the unit until we learned how to handle this. The automatic adjustment to ambient light is in a similar category in that it does not seem to help very much.

-- The remote, which is nicely back lit, has many small confusing buttons.

-- Cabinetry has a somewhat cheap particle board feel to it.

-- HDTV can now be obtained in many cities through Comcast, for $[...] month additional subscriptionwithout purchasing an additional tuner. The quality is excellent, even better than DVD (which is very good) but do not expect movie quality pictures.

-- Check prices in "big box" local stores; they will often meet internet prices, even taking into account local taxes.

Our occasional complaints do not detract from our overall satisfaction with the unit, which has given us trouble free service for nearly a year. We really enjoy the large screen and movie-like format. I warmly recommend the purchase.

Good luck!

We have had our Toshiba HD-Ready HDTV for about 7 years now and the picture looks as good today as it looked when we bought it. Unlike DLP sets, or CCFL back-lit flat panel LCD's, this rear projection HDTV is built to last. Rear projection is a mature technology and we've had absolutely no problems with our Toshiba in the last 7 years. Obviously TV's have gotten a lot smaller (thinner) since this came out but I still have friends and family compliment us on the picture quality of this HDTV. Also, the sound on this TV is outstanding compared to what you get with today's thin flat screen HDTV's. The benefit of a large case for the TV is that they can actually include a legitimate speaker system. You do not need a separate receiver and surround speakers to enjoy great sound from this HDTV. Is it on par with a stand-alone surround sound system? No. Is it WAY BETTER than any currently sold HDTV's sound? Yes.

As expected for this era of HDTV there are no HDMI connections but there are 2 component connections and 3 composite connections. We purchased a 4-port component switch at Monoprice.com for appx. $25 and now can connect up to 5 component devices (currently have DVD/Blu-ray player, Tivo, Wii, HTPC and WDTV Live Plus connected). Remote for the TV is fully-backlit which is nice. This HDTV is also what they used to call "HD-ready" - meaning it does not have a built-in ATSC tuner (it does have an NTSC tuner though). We use our Tivo's OTA tuner anyway so this doesn't matter. It also won't matter if you have cable or satellite TV. However, if you want OTA digital TV and don't subscribe to cable, satellite or IPTV (U-verse, FiOS) you will need a separate digital tuner to receive OTA digital TV.

Pros: Amazing picture year after year in full 1080i, although large the TV is on rolling casters which make it easy to move around the room, multiple inputs, very reliable technology; Excellent built-in sound.

Cons: Size (compared to flat screens), no HDMI connections, no ATSC (digital) tuner (only has built-in NTSC tuner)

Don't know what happened with everyone elses screens but mine works the best. I've had every type of HD monitor and this still has the best picture. Closest to a "tube" picture you can get. No grain, no pixel pics, TRUE black levels.

Never had to change a lamp, never had to do anything other than turn it on and enjoy.

Couldn't be happier.

I purchased this TV from Best Buy...mistake number one. It broke after only 2 years. The quality of the picture is nice and clear. But I would not recommend the purchase of this TV.

I've been reading horror stories about toshiba on the web. Stay away, get a mitsubishi if u can afford it. I have a lot of friends that have them and they haven't had these kind of problems.