I'm replacing my old Samsung 40" projector for a Toshiba 56" DLP projection tv. I wanted a 50" or larger for around 2K. I've googled to find reviews on it but to no avail. I believe the model is 56HM66 widescreen theater. Does anyone here own one and how is the quality and durability of this brand?
Tahnks
Tony

 

I looked at the Toshiba's and did some research on AVSForum.com. Overall they got pretty good reviews, however, their prices weren't really that far off from Samsung... and with Samsung really being the DLP leader (and better then Toshiba), I just went with a Sammy DLP.

FYI, this was for a 50" DLP... but I would apply the same logic to any size DLP.

 

Good to know. I'm hoping to get one of these in a couple months.

 

Thanks Jniorbean. Both are Korean brand correct?

 

Toshiba = Japanese
Samsung = Korean

 

Also FWIW, I started looking at their (Toshiba's) 1080p DLPs as well. When the time comes, we're going to upgrade the downstairs TV (and move the 50" to the bonus room). Right now it's between Toshiba and Sammy, with Sony's XRD lagging in third... but I haven't done any serious research since we're probably going to wait until next year...

 

JB,
I think I'm going to return the Toshiba and get the Samsung HL-s5686W 56" DLP instead. Thanks to you, I read the AVS website on the Toshiba and many have had blown bulbs within 2 months of purchase and other issues as well.
What do you think of this model samsung?

 

^ Well, I'm a Samsung "fanboy", so my opinion may be biased

I have the 50" and I love it. Got it last April and it's been great. The 56" and 61" 1080p DLP's are on my list as the next TV's. It looks like the model number of the Sammy you posted is the 720p set which was their last model. You can get a killer price on those things and they are similar to the set I have (except that one is bigger). Again, I love mine and would highly recommend it to anyone.

If you search this sub-forum you'll see that historically I recommend the Sammy's. You'll also see that those who went ahead and bought them also love them. So while I may just be a "fanboy", Samsung is obviously doing something right!

 

JB, after a little thinking, I actually went with the Sony Grand Wega 55" rear projection. The samsung I wanted (1080p) is a bit more money than I wanted to spend, so I chose sony for their "great" reputation with quality and durability.
I was told that all of the DLP and rear projections have very similar picture quality. Is this correct?

 

Well, you may not want to read my reply .

I had the 60" Sony Grand Wega for one month (well, 30 days), then I returned it b/c I hated it. Since the Grand Wega is only 720p/1080i I got A LOT of artifacting in the picture. Basically anytime there was action on the screen it got very pixelized. Didn't matter if I was watching NFL or Discovery Channel, and it could be HD or SD (although it was more pronounced on HD programming since imperfections were easier to spot on the clearer picture). Between that and the Screen-Door Effect (if you don't see it, don't ask what it is, b/c once you see it you always see it and it will drive you nuts), I returned it. If you read my replies I generally recommend against the Sony LCD projections for those reasons. Actually I ususally recommend against all LCD projections, but specifically the Sony b/c I owned one so I have first hand experience with it. FYI, my DLP has none of the above problems, which is why I typically recommend DLP and why I'll only buy DLP myself (unless Sony's new XRD models are improved, but the new one's aren't out yet, so too early to tell).

That said, there are many people on here who have that TV (55" and 60") and love it. So let your own eyes be the judge. I personally did not like it at all, which is why it went back to the store after 30-days (boy was lugging that back fun)... but if you like it, that's all that matters ...

 

JB, you're killing me. Now I'm getting paranoid and am thinking of going back to BB to exchange it. It is scheduled to deliver in 2 months when I move to Cali.

The heck with it! I'll just wait and see how it goes. Thanks for the info JB.

 

^ Yeah, if you can still return it after you get it (should be 30-days from delivery), then just wait. You may end up loving it. Remember, those are just MY opinions of their TVs... but many may disagree.

So wait to take delivery, then let YOUR eyes be the judge