Toshiba 56HM195 56-Inch Theaterwide Integrated (1080p) HD DLP Rear Projection TV
Lots of initial problems and misleading product specs
I bought this TV at the end of June 2006. Immediately, I noticed problems with it...<br /><br />-Similar to other reviews, I learned that this is NOT a true 1080p TV! The maximum accepted resolution to either the component or HDMI inputs is 1080i. It took me 3 calls to Toshiba to get them to admit that. That being said, a 1080i signal can be de-interlaced from 1080i60Hz to 1080p30Hz, but just be sure you know what you're getting.<br /><br />-I've had lots of problems with the component inputs on the TV. I know that the problem is in the TV because I've since run the same component outputs into an AV receiver, which then sends its output to the TV with and HDMI cable. The problem disappears when I do this. With both sets of component inputs (from multiple sources), I am able to see faint horizontal noise/interference lines. This noise is always evident, but is most easy to spot on darker (but not completely black) pictures. Occasionally, when turning on the TV and cable box at the same time, the picture will be completely messed up. The best way to describe the way it looks is to imagine the picture split into 6 smaller pictures, shaded pink/purple and scrolling sideways across the screen. Finally, for the first 10-15 minutes after the TV is turned on, a dark flickering pattern cycles sporadically through the picture, located towards the center and top of the picture. This flickering is most noticeable on a picture that is brightly colored. Again, all of these symptoms disappear by using an HDMI cable, but it shouldn't be necessary. I spoke with some authorized repair folks who suspect that the digital board (the board encoding the component signal to a digital signal) is at fault.<br /><br />-The fan is very loud and runs often.<br /><br />-I have also read multiple accounts of people having issues with the fan noise and interference. There is even speculation that a faulty fan could be putting out an RF interference signal, causing both of my current technical problems with the TV.<br /><br />-Less than 3 months owning this TV, the bulb blew. There was a known fault with the first round of bulbs. Toshiba sent me a new one and it has lasted for over a year. I would assume that new models come with the better bulb.<br /><br />+The picture (when there are no other problems) is very good. It's bright and crisp.<br /><br />+Many HDTVs have a latency problem with video games. This one does not, so that's a plus.<br /><br />Bottom line: I strongly caution you against purchasing this TV especially if you want a true 1080p TV. The other technical issues I've experienced might simply be the result of me receiving a lemon, but I can't say that I've been as happy as I would like with this TV.3 months owning this TV, the bulb blew. There was a known fault with the first round of bulbs. Toshiba sent me a new one and it has lasted for over a year. I would assume that new models come with the better bulb.    +The picture (when there are no other problems) is very good. It's bright and crisp.    +Many HDTVs have a latency problem with video games. This one does not, so that's a plus.    Bottom line: I strongly caution you against purchasing this TV especially if you want a true 1080p TV. The other technical issues I've experienced might simply be the result of me receiving a lemon, but I can't say that I've been as happy as I would like with this TV.