We're in the market for a new widescreen tv...

[glfredrick]

Our taxes figured favorably for us this year due to a couple of medical expenses that we incurred.

The refund will finance a new widescreen...

We're looking at the Toshiba 37HL67 -- a 37" with a lot of features and one of the best pictures I've seen. Cost right now is about $850.

ATSC - NTSC & QAM TV Tuners / 16:9 Aspect / Stablesound / High Speed PixelPure Processing / HDMI / 1366x768 Resolution / 176-Degree View ATSC/NTSC & QAM Digital Television Tuners CineSpeed Panel with Response Time of less than 8ms Panel Resolution: 1366 x 768 PixelPure Hi-Bit12-Bit Digital Video Processing Digital Noise Reduction 3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter TheaterWide Modes (5 - Standard, Full, TW1, TW2, TW3) Cinema Mode (3:2 Pulldown) Color Temperature Control Dynamic Contrast Color Detail Enhancer MTS Stereo/SAP with dbx Audio SRS WOW (3D, Tru-bass, Focus) StableSound Tri-Lingual On-screen Display Closed Captioning on Mute V-Chip Parental Control System Individual A/V Settings by Input Type Sleep Timer Game Timer Channel Return SurfLock Channel Labeling Direct Video Input Selection Video Lock Video Labeling Two Level Mute Four-Item glow Universal Remote with DVD Control Movie and Sports Modes Discrete IR Codes Auto Aspect Detection HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 2 ColorStream HD Component Video Inputs PC Monitor Input (VGA 15 Pin D-Sub) RF Input - Rear A/V Inputs - Rear S-Video Input Side Panel A/V/S Inputs

What do you guys think?

It seems to be a great value -- sort of hard to find now, but I've found a few out there.

They are replacing this model with the Toshiba 37AV500 for the same money -- but that model, though newer, doesn't have some of the bang-for-the-buck attributes of the other model. Cost on this model right now runs to around $800. The 10 bit, versus the 12 bit processor above is what has me thinking twice, even though less $$$.

ATSC - QAM - NTSC TV Tuner / CineSpeed / DynaLight Technology / StableSound / 2 x Composite Video / 2 x HDMI / PC 15Pin (VGA) / High-Gloss Black Cabinet Get ready for watching all your favorite movies and shows with the new Toshiba 37AV500 720p HD TV. This great looking LCD TV has CineSpeed LCD panels that gives 8ms or faster response speed necessary for cleaner high-action Home Theater images, and a wide viewing angle that ensures you'll have the best seat in the house. The benefit of DynaLight Back-Light Control is that it utilizes advanced image Processing to Monitor the brightness of each Video frame, and adjust the backlight intensity accordingly based in the image content. This precision creates seamless transitions with deep blacks for increased detail and depth analysis, even in low light environments. Your ears will thank you with StableSound that maintains television volume within a preset range regardless of the source signal. Take advantage of 720p HD picture quality and an impressive feature set with the 37AV500U. This model is a great addition for any home theater, and can also be used as a Computer monitor by using the PC Input for displaying family photos or business presentations. 37" diagonal Screen Size High-Gloss Black Cabinetry 720p Display Resolution with CineSpeed Dynamic Backlight Control with DynaLight Technology 10 Bit Video Processor 60Hz Video Scan Rate SoundStrip Speaker System with StableSound Integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM TV Tuning Input Ports: 2 x HDMI, 2 x Composite Video, 1 x Rear S-Video, 1 x Front A/V, 1 x Rear A/V, 1 x PC 15Pin (VGA), Analog Audio Out, Dolby Digital Optical Out Approximate Unit Dimensions: 36.4" (W) x 26.2" (H) x 12.3" (D) with Stand Approximate Unit Weight: 45.1 pounds with Stand

The new model most similar to the one I'm checking out is the Toshiba 37RV530U which updates the first model above with 1080p and a 14 bit processor. Cost on this one runs about $1100.

The 37RV530U from Toshiba is a full HD 1080p LCD TV with impressive features for gamers and movie lovers alike. This 37" screen utilizes groundbreaking Toshiba technology for stunning visuals and multiple Input options for connecting all of your High-Definition components. DynaLight Back-Light Control processes images for seamless transitions for deeper blacks with extended detail and depth analysis. This LCD TV uses the PixelPure 4G 14-Bit Video processor and an 8-Bit display for natural pictures with up to 4096 levels of gradation. The super fast response time enhances action sequences, sports or video games with a wide viewing angle for a good seat anywhere in the room. With its 4 HDMI inputs and the PC input, the 37RV530U can handle all of your High-Definition devices plus your PC for the flexibility. The Toshiba 37RV530U 's pixel count provides fine detail for high-definition TV Programming and DVD movies in progressive scan. Enjoy your PC on this 37" 1080p screen with the available 15-Pin D-sub input. This Interface enhances Audio and video performance of the LCD TV. In addition, this interface uses one cable and one plug to simplify connections. Hidden thin-line speakers provide realistic Sound with enhanced dynamic range. 16:9 Aspect Ratio 1920 x 1080 Pixel Resolution Less than 8ms Response Time 178-Degrees Viewing Angle LCD Sync Rate: 60Hz SoundStrip Built-in Speaker System HDTV Compatibility TV Scan Lines: 480p/720p/1080p TV Tuner: NTSC, ATSC, QAM Picture in Picture (PIP) Picture Freeze Input/Output Connectors: 4x Inputs HDMI, 2x Component, 2x Composite, 1x S-Video, 1x PC, IR Pass-Through, 1x RCA Stereo Outputs, and 1x Optical Digital Dimensions: Width 36.1" x Height 25.4" x Depth 10.3" (917x645x261mm) Weight: 39.6 pounds (18kg)

So, what to you think?

Note: I've looked at about 100 different sets, and so far none can match the Toshiba set for motion without pixelation. The Samsungs have a great, bright, colorful display, but it leaves way too many pixels in fast motion, and also costs quite a bit more.

[glc]

If you are even contemplating getting a Blu-Ray player, get a 1080p television.

[perkster]

i agree, not worth getting anything other than 1080p, anythign else just isnt HD, and if you spending big money and dont want to buy another one next year, then make the right choice now. or hold off until you have some more funds to get one.

[figarowa]

It all depends on your tastes, if you want "true" high def content, get the 1080P. Personally I have 2 720 sets, and it all looks fine at 1080i, my cable provider only scales up to that resolution, and I don't have an upconverting DVD player, so..it works for me. On a side note of the Toshibas, as I was looking to install them for a client, I have read that they may have a "greening" effect, and that you may want to get a cheap calibration DVD to properly set it up once you get it in your home. Manufacturers have a "show room" setting on the tv, which cranks up the brightness and looks great out on the show floor, but you may find some tweaking in your home will bring you an even better picture.

[glc]

I don't think there is any over the air HD that is 1080p. Too much bandwidth needed. My sister has Cox Cable, and they do 1080i. I have Cable One, and they only do 720p.

[HAL9000]

Same here, ours will do 1080i or 720p user selectable through the cable box.

[glc]

I can't find a way to do that through my cable box. They must have that locked out.

[HAL9000]

Could be... or it may just be not easy to find. When we first got our boxes, I don't remember who did the software for the PVR (it sucked big time) and the only way to do it was to power off the box and then hit the settings button on the remote. The new Pioneer Passport software is much better and I can change the settings through the regular settings menu.

[glc]

This is one of those dual tuner (only one enabled) Motorola HD boxes with PVR. At least it has a HDMI output.

EDIT: Sweet! That DID work, got me into those settings - now I'm on 1080i.

[HAL9000]

Sounds like the same box I have... that's the way it was when I first got it, only one tuner worked. With the upgrade to the Pioneer Passport, they both work and the navigation/operation is far superior to the old setup.

[glfredrick]

I appreciate the info -- and IF I can afford it, I'll move up to the 1080p set.

I'm not huge on DVDs, so 1080i or 720p might be good enough for me. I only watch a couple a month, and have no immediate plans for Blueray, but as said above, the minute I don't I'll be sorry...

[glc]

I have to rephrase the dual tuner issue - the picture in picture doesn't work - but I can be recording one show while watching another or record 2 shows at the same time.

[HAL9000]

Ahh.. gotcha... when I first got mine, it was one tuner operation only... so if you were recording, you couldn't watch another channel, but you could watch a recorded channel. Ya, no picture in picture on mine either. That is for a future update... but it's been 2.5 years and waiting, so I won't hold my breath. I sure like the whole PVR thing though... a VCR is a piece of junk by comparison... and the picture on a 50" royally sucks anyway. My old VCR sits connected to the computer to transfer old VHS tapes to DVD and that's it.

[sdkfz]

780 vs 1080 - I am also a non TV person researching a purchase... to quote Consumer reports...

" Consider a 1080p TV first, but do not rule out 720p sets....the more pixels, the finer the detail a screen can display. You can appreciate that level of detail most on a 50-inch or larger TV, but you might see subtle improvements on 40-47 inch screens, especially when viewed up close" March 2008 Consumer Reports

[glc]

My VCR sits on an old TV on an analog connection in my guest bedroom. It's only used for a tuner. I have a standard digital box in my bedroom, no HD.

[nocturnx]

I would read through some of the threads on this model over at avsforum. They have alot of members that have purchased this unit. Here is one of their threads: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...toshiba+37hl67

[glfredrick]

Thanks for the feedback guys... Still waiting for the check to hit the bank account. Soon as it does -- best deal + free shipping gets the nod.

[glfredrick]

Ended up with the Toshiba 37HL67.

Only 720p, but after all the reading I've done, it seems that in a 37" model that is a non-issue.

This particular model was "last year's" best Toshiba model without spending HUGE bucks, and it has a lot of bells and whistles that the low-cost replacement model doesn't have.

The big deal maker for me was the up-converter. That seemed to be a good deal better than a lot of other models that may have had a slightly better display. I'll take slightly less glossy (and at home, nothing to compare with like at the store) with a great up-converter. Over 3/4 of our viewing will be SD television so that makes a big difference to us.

This unit also will receive native 1020p signals -- something that a LOT of other units I checked won't handle without blur.

I'll let everyone know how it works out once it arrives, sometime around Wednesday.

[XenaWP]

Hope you love it.

[glfredrick]

Update -- the Toshiba unit was out of stock and never shipped. I was able to update the order at cost to a Samsung LN37A450 unit.

Shipping was also changed to 2nd Day Fex Ex for free.

That is pretty good customer service. I am shopping LCD TV.

I've also decided on an up-converting DVD -- a Pioneer DV400 unit. Has USB2 on the deck, which can read an external hard drive. Sounds like I'll be downloading movies... :