Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV

by Toshiba

Product Details

Product Manual [3.81mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 15.2 x 58.4 x 35.1 inches ; 85 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 107 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: B0002KQR3M
• Item model number: 52HM84
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,058 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Size: 52" Screen Size

Amazon.com Product Description

Toshiba takes digital light processing (DLP) technology into the future with the 52-inch TheaterWide 52HM84 HD-ready rear-projection TV. The 16:9 52HM84 uses a proprietary system called TALEN (Toshiba Advanced Light Engine); based on the Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip, it enhances brightness and contrast while keeping the 1,280 x 720 progressive resolution (720p). Toshiba's TheaterWide TVs challenge direct-view CRT models when it comes to reproducing deep blacks and details in dark or shadowy scenes.

What is DLP? DLP, or digital light processing, is a technology that bounces a colored light beam across an array of hundreds of thousands of hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors attached to a single chip, called a micromirror device (below, pictured with the head of a pin). Each of the mirrors can be pointed toward or away from the light source thousands of times per second, providing not only minute color detail, but also sharper resolution than even LCD displays.

This set is HDTV ready (it needs an optional high-definition receiver to get HD signals), but can improve standard-definition video, thanks to Toshiba's multistep PixelPure video processing system, which optimizes the three main picture quality factors: resolution, contrast, and color. All incoming signals are converted by the built-in scaler to match the DLP chip's native 720p resolution.

PixelPure encompasses eight different processing circuits. Among its components are 6.2- million-pixel oversampling (for higher perceived resolution), real-speed progressive scanning (which uses additional sampling points to create smoother diagonal lines), a Magic Square algorithm (for smooth, natural color gradation), Dynamic Contrast Enhancer (for higher perceived contrast and increased color saturation), and Color Detail Enhancer (to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas).

DLP technology uses an optical semiconductor, known as the Digital Micromirror Device, or DMD chip, to digitally manipulate light. The chip contains a rectangular array of up to 1.3 million microscopic mirrors, each measuring less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. A DMD panel's micromirrors are mounted on tiny hinges that enable them to tilt either toward the light source (on) or away from it (off), creating a light or dark pixel on the projection surface. The bit-streamed image code entering the semiconductor directs each mirror to switch on and off up to several thousand times per second, enabling the mirrors to reflect pixels in up to 1,024 shades of gray.

The HD2+ DLP chip ensures an ultraclean image by filling in the dimples, or vias, in the mirrors to avoid stray light. It increases both brightness and contrast, resulting in an impressive color-corrected contrast ratio (2,200:1) at 1,100 ANSI lumens. The set's TheaterFine HD Super Fine Pitch screen reduces the physical space between the lines on the lenticular screen, resulting in a finer, sharper, more detailed picture.

Toshiba's DFine Hi-Speed VSM (velocity scan modulation) improves contrast and overall picture sharpness, while the CableClear DNR+ digital noise reduction optimizes poor NTSC signals from antenna or cable, further eliminating video noise ("snow") for a clean, crisp image. Cinema Mode circuitry (3:2 pulldown switch) identifies original film-based content from DVDs, then reassembles the frame sequence to more accurately reproduce the original 24-frame-per-second material.

A 3-D Y/C (4 MB, 10-bit) digital comb filter with Vertical Contour Correction helps eliminate dot crawl and color bleed and significantly reduces detail noise, seen as shimmering or flicker, in complex or intricately detailed scenes. Color temperature controls allow you to adjust white balance. The Warm setting reduces the color temperature to an NTSC standard 6,500 degrees Kelvin and delivers a redder image that is ideal for display in a dimly lit room. Medium and Cool setting provide a progressively bluer image for the best picture as room light levels are increased.

The 52HM84 has plenty of inputs for connecting all your audio and video components. In back you'll find two RF, two composite video, two S-Video, and two HD ColorStream component video, as well as a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) digital input. HDMI is an uncompressed, all-digital audio-video interface that supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus eight-channel digital audio--all on a single cable. A set of front composite and S-video inputs make hooking up a game console or camcorder a snap.

Other features include HD Window dual-tuner POP (picture-on-picture) with PIP sound for listening to two programs simultaneously, the new Radiance DC lamp with high brightness and lower power modes for extended life, individual audio-video settings by input type, sleep and wake timers, Real Speed progressive scanning to create smoother diagonal lines, the Color Transient Improver for sharp transitions on color changes without bleeding, and the Color Detail Enhancer to maintain fine image detail in color-saturated areas.

Aside from the 20-watts-per-channel stereo speaker system, the 52HM84 uses MTS for programming with stereo sound, and SAP for receiving a second audio track in another language. Meanwhile, SRS WOW combines 3-D Sound (simulated surround sound from any stereo audio) with TruBass (yet another low-frequency enhancement) and Focus (which clarifies voices). The StableSound volume leveler eliminates drastic volume spikes while changing channels or when channels go to a commercial break.

What's in the Box
52-inch 52HM84 HD-ready rear-projection DLP TV, four-item illuminated universal remote with DVD control, warranty, and user's manual.

Product Description

Toshiba takes digital light processing (DLP) technology into the future with the 52-inch TheaterWide 52HM84 HD-ready rear-projection TV. The 16:9 52HM84 uses a proprietary system called TALEN (Toshiba Advanced Light Engine); based on the Texas Instruments HD2+ DLP chip, it enhances brightness and contrast while keeping the 1,280 x 720 progressive resolution (720p). Toshiba's TheaterWide TVs challenge direct-view CRT models when it comes to reproducing deep blacks and details in dark or shadowy scenes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent set for a very reasonable price, January 4, 2005

By 

OC Resident (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV (Electronics)

I spent over two years looking at high definition televisions before settling on the Toshiba. The features that sold me were the outstanding picture quality, both brightness and clarity, as well as the very reasonable price for the size and features of the set. I spent several months watching the prices in the retail stores, but never found the price dipping much below the $3000 that every retail store seems to want to sell it for.

I have never purchased an item as large as this from Amazon, and I was a bit reluctant to do so. Given the reviews to date and comments regarding reliability, I was concerned about buying from a company that did not have a good extended warranty option available. While Amazon does sell third party contracts, I did not find them to be particularly well known. I was leaning toward buying the unit from Sears, where the extended warranty is supported by a very large service organization, and the organization is staffed by full time Sears employees who have always been very professional with other items I have needed service on. The down side was a $700 difference in price between Sears and Amazon.

What finally convinced me to choose Amazon over the local retailers was that I was able to double the warranty by charging it on my American Express card. My only other hesitation was that I needed the unit carried up a flight of stairs, and while I knew that the local Sears delivery person would carry it up, I was not sure what to expect from a trucking company contracted by Amazon.

My set was delivered yesterday by Eagle Freight. They scheduled my delivery between noon and 5:00 pm, and they showed up at 4:00 pm, after first calling to let me know they were on their way. The drivers were very friendly and professional, and they gladly carried the set up to the second floor and waited while I confirmed it was working properly. They even took away the empty packaging. Since I am familiar with electronics equipment, I knew how to quickly set it up without their help. I'm not sure they would have known how to set up an HDTV had I needed assistance, but fortunately this was not an issue for me.

The TV was up and running within 3 minutes, and the quality is absolutely breathtaking. After much trepidation about purchasing such a large item over the internet, I am quite pleased that I chose to do so. I'm still debating whether to add an extended warranty or just take a chance on it with the American Express warranty doubler as a backup. The extended warranties do not generally cover the replacement bulb, which cost approximately $300. Since this is the most likely part to fail, I suspect that I would be better off taking my chances and skipping the extended warranty option. However, it's nice to know this option exists if I need it.

For those of you thinking about purchasing this item from Amazon, I would recommend you give it a try, as long as your credit card will double the warranty, and you do not need much help in hooking up the set. I will update this review after having a few weeks to get more familiar with the TV.

3/5/2005

After having this set for a few months, I am still thoroughly impressed with it. The quality is outstanding, and I have had no issues to date with reliability. I did purchase a 4 year Warrantech warranty for around $200. This extends the warranty beyond the one year Toshiba warranty for a total of 5 years of coverage. Hopefully I will never need it, but for $200 it seemed well worth the price.

74 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING PICTURE & QUALITY, August 25, 2004

By 

H. Brake "hbrake2" (Little Rock, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV (Electronics)

I researched televisions before buying the 52HM84. I compared DLP, LCD and Plasma. I decided on the DLP due to its size and picture quality. I had narrowed my research down to the Mitsubishi and the Toshiba - since these both us the HD2+ DLP chip. The Mitsubishi had a glare on the screen and the Toshiba didn't. The quality of the picture is outstanding. The technology to clean up messy analog signals is outstanding. I could not be happier with this purchase. I highly recommend a buyer to purchase the matching Toshiba ST5284 stand for the set. Together - the set is perfect! GOOD WORK TOSHIBA!

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding performer, April 13, 2005

By 

Joseph H. Armstrong - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Toshiba 52HM84 52-Inch HDTV-Ready Projection DLP TV (Electronics)

Just dumped my Toshiba 42HP83 plasma due to failure within 10 months (see my review there) and was looking for a replacement, preferably non plasma this time. After extensive searching in my local stores and testing the DLP units, I'm convinced the only reason that you'd want a plama now is 1) you want to brag about having a plasma, and 2) need/want a flat panel to wall mount and can't afford an LCD unit yet. GET A DLP!

I narrowed my selection down to Samsung (50"), Toshiba (52"), and Mitsubishi (52"). Despite its great reviews, the Mitsu was REALLY BAD compared to the other two. Virtually every place I visited said that it was the 'Reps fault' and that they made the settings wrong. Don't believe it! Make sure you see these units with the same HD signal and you'll agree that the Mitsu is inadequate.

Thus it was down the the Samsung HLP5063W and this Toshiba 52HM84, and quite frankly I don't thinnk you'll go wrong with either one. The Samsung uses the 3rd generation of the DLP chip while Toshiba uses the HD2+ 'second generation' chip, although in some opinions the HD2+ chip is better. It took a great deal of scruitiny between the two to see any difference, and my preference leaned towards the Toshiba. As I found out, NEWER isn't always BETTER! Here's more details on the 52hm84:

Picture: AWESOME!, and this is from someone who had a plasma for almost a year! Striking color saturation (better than Samsung) and as good as my plasma before it started to die. The 2nd gen HD2+ DLP chip does better than the 3rd gen in perceived sharpness (not really sure why). Unlike the 1st generation chip, the 2nd and 3rd have the 'dimples' in the mirrors filled in and thus provide a 'flat' mirror for each pixel. Having looked at the first generation TVs before, these two were significantly better. When we got it home, we watched a DiscoveryHD program (HDMI) on the Met museum in NY and the clarity was startling, almost too good as the cracks in the paint were very visible.

One feature I liked with this unit is that you have the option of a 'quick start' mode where for several minutes after you shut down, you can turn the unit back on and the screen's back to full intensity almost instantly. Thus, if you turn it off and then turn it back on again, this circuit keeps some power going to the bulb so it's not coming up from a complete shutdown. During this time there is an eerie glow from the screen as the bulb is still on, and the green standby LED on the front will blink. The instructions say that this will prolong the bulb life (just got the unit so I don't know about that one yet).

NOTE: Be aware that DLPs require the bulb to warm up before it gets to full intensity, but as my plasma took 1 hour to warm up to see the picture, that's only a small issue for us :-) Only takes a few minutes anyway.

Sound: Can't say much here as I'm running through my sound system and the integrated speakers are off.

Inputs: Large assortment of inputs available here. HDMI works great (I'm running a DISH 811 HD with a DVI-to-HDMI adapter). If you're looking for CableCARD or direct input from cameras, etc., this one doesn't have it, but the 52HM94 model does (same light engine).

Remote/Controls: adequate but I wish they'd used the one I had for my plasma (pushbutton component selection vs a slide switch on this one). However, as I was replacing one Toshiba for another all the programmed functions in my universal remote still work fine. Menu controls are a little quirky (be careful to follow the on-screen instructions to see what you're supposed to do to get from one menu to another). However, very minor detraction from an otherwise outstanding performance.

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