Toshiba 62HM196 62 in. SDTV DLP TV

Toshiba 62HM196 62" Diagonal 16:9 Integrated 1080p HD DLP TV Video Calibration & Subjective Review

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UPDATE ~ #7  - October 30, 2011.

ON August 31, 2011: The HD Tuner dies!!! :(

Only the HD Tuner dies - the analog tuner works! Also, all the INPuts work so I can play my Roku, Blu-ray, HD DVDs, DVDs & RCA DVR with no problems.

I had 2 options:

1) Repair the Tuner
2) Buy a new HDTV

I choose Option 2 & bought the ...

LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV with Smart TV and Four Pairs of 3D Glasses

... (review to come in the next week or so).


Since all the Toshiba 62HM196 INPuts works, I moved the HDTV to my cabin up in the Sierra Mountains off HW88 (approx. 45 mins to Kirkwood Skiing Resort). I don't have Cable up there & I use a Digital > Analog tuner w/indoor HD Antenna to capture the signal - so it was a win-win situation.

I have a Blu-ray & HD DVD player connected to my 62HM196 & for audio, I have a 5.1 JBL NSP1 & Audio Source 15" Power-sub / Yamaha RX-V995 AV REC HT!

Yeah, we like scattering the wild life around the house & shaking off the spiders under the base boards during movie night after a day of skiing!!! :-)

2nd Lamp was still going strong @ 12,532 (Lamp On Time / 9-21-11)
STRANGE NOTE: So, ... @ this point, the 2nd lamp when verified (9-21-11) has 6,266 hours TOTAL Hours on it.   Interestingly, the 1st lamp died after 6,266 hours of use!!!


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UPDATE ~ #6  - JULY 31, 2009: Original LAMP Fails on July 19, 2009 after 6,266 HOURS (Lamp On Time)! I have a spare (since 12/2006) and replacement was a snap! 

DLP PQ Looks like NEW (HD shows & Blu-ray) again!!!

NOTES:
1. The old LAMP did not shatter or blow-up inside, ... it just failed (stopped illuminating) while we were watching the morning News.  Picture and sound stopped and after a few moments, the sound returned, ... but the picture did not!  The Blue LED was still on but the Yellow LED was flashing On/Off.

2. Overall brightness was still very good to excellent prior to the complete Lamp failure, unlike the 56HM195 Lamp.  That one started getting darker, ... until it just was not watchable!

3. 6,266 HOURS will be my Start Time for this 2nd DLP LAMP!

For some digital pic's, copy the following link to your browser ...

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/555688755NRLYJW

... last 8 images in the Webshot's album.


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UPDATE ~ #5  - JANUARY 16, 2009: Updated my Durability Rating.

ORIGINAL LAMP HOURS (November 9, 2006 - today)

..... Power On Time:....... 4814
..... Lamp On Time:........ 4830
..... Lamp On/Off Count:... 1289
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UPDATE ~ #4  - DECEMBER 09, 2008: Finally added my Toshiba HD-A35 & Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray player to the mix and re-formatted all the Calibrated Picture settings below.
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UPDATE ~ #3 - NOVEMBER 07, 2008:

-- UPDATE NOTES: ORIGINAL LAMP HOURS

..... Power On Time:....... 4169
..... Lamp On Time:........ 4205
..... Lamp On/Off Count:... 1170

Copy the following link to see the Service Menu Screen ...


http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/7923/toshiba62hm196lamphoursqg5.jpg
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My ORIGINAL DLP LAMP is still GOING STRONG & BRIGHT!!! (NOTE: Still using "LOW POWER")

Watching the Sharp & Super CLEAR 1080p HD DVD & Blu-ray is JUST GLORIOUS!!!
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UPDATE ~ #2 - NOVEMBER 10, 2007: Look for ~NEW~2 (removed 12-09-08) below.

-- UPDATE NOTES:

1) Original LAMP HOURS - as of NOVEMBER 9, 2007 - 9:06 am PST
..... a) Power On Time:....... 2126
..... b) Lamp On Time:........ 2136
..... c) Lamp On/Off Count:... 560

2) See the following webpage for "Transformers" HD DVD
..... a) "Transformers" Movie Scenes
..... b) "Transformers" Movie Scenes w/H.U.D. - True PiP (Picture-in-Picture) Video / Commentary
..... c) "Transformers" WEB Enabled Featurettes - From Paramount / Dreamworks Website

http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/561074155YUsIfG?start=0

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------- QUICK HISTORY -------
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NOTE:: I originally purchased the 56" 1080p Toshiba 56HM195 56" 1080p DLP HDTV - Feb. 1, 2006 (Amazon.com - Authorized Dealer), but that died and Toshiba replaced that set & matching TV Stand with the 62HM196 & TV Matching Stand! Thank You Toshiba!!! 8^D

February 1, 2006: Received 56HM195 from Amazon.com
.... FYI: Read my official Epinions 56HM195 subjective review here.
September 13, 2006: 56HM195 inoperable
.... Failed Firmware update :(
September 30, 2006: Bought Westinghouse LTV-37w2 720p HDTV (Total Days without HiDef TV = 17)
.... Required creative justification skills to convince my wife that it was time to upgrade our MB 20" Panasonic CRT analog TV.
.... Used in my main HT/family room until my 1080p is repaired or replaced
.... Now in our Master Bedroom - eventually will be wall mounted, if I can tear myself away from watching my 62HM196! :-)
November 9, 2006: Received 62HM196 & Matching TV Stand
.... Total Days without 1080p HDTV = 57 :-(
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Anyway, the following is my Video Calibration & Subjective Review results using Digital Video Essentials SD DVD 16x9 Anamorphic test screens. I'll also note any new Key Features and Highlight any PQ Improvements vs. 56HM195 which was excellent 1080p DLP to begin with.

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Stunning dynamic colors w/crystal clear 1080p details!
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KEY FEATURES: 62HM96 vs. xxHM195
1) New TALEN™ xHD5™ 1080p DLP® Engine
2) PixelPure Hi-Bit™ 12-Bit Digital Video Processing
3) Improved Channel Browser (Really! vs. 56HM195)

1st Power-up Picture Settings
1) Change Picture Mode = ....... MOVIE (which Lowered Contrast & Brightness levels)
2) Turned Sharpness down = ... 0
3) Change Temperature = ....... WARM
4) Lamp Power = ................... LOW

VIDEO CALIBRATION - Digital Video Essentials SD DVD / HD DVD / Blu-ray - 16x9 Anamorphic test screens
1) Pluge test screen for "Contrast & Brightness"
2) NTSC Color test screen & BLUE Filter for "Color & Tint"
.... a) After 30 mins. or so, I calibrated the Video. The results are ...

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HD DVD Digital Video Essentials & Blu-ray DVE HD Basic
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INPUT: HDMI-1: Sony BDP-S350  (1080i > 1080p)
Picture Settings
Contrast.............................. 75
Brightness............................ 58
Color................................... 90* 
Tint.................................... 18*
Sharpness............................ 0
Advanced Picture Settings 
Dynamic Contrast:................. ON 
DNR:................................... HIGH (based on HQV Benchmark HD DVD)
MPEG Noise Reduction: ........... OFF
Color Temperature:................. Warm
Lamp Mode:.......................... Low Power
Theater Settings
Picture Size:......................... Natural
Cinema Mode:....................... Film
Auto Aspect Ratio:................ On

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INPUT HDMI-2: Toshiba HD-A35 (1080i > 1080p)
Picture Settings
Contrast.............................. 75
Brightness............................ 54
Color................................... 65* 
Tint.................................... 15*
Sharpness............................ 0
Advanced Picture Settings 
Dynamic Contrast:................. ON 
DNR:................................... HIGH (based on HQV Benchmark HD DVD)
MPEG Noise Reduction: ........... OFF
Color Temperature:................. Warm
Lamp Mode:.......................... Low Power
Theater Settings
Picture Size:......................... Natural
Cinema Mode:....................... Film
Auto Aspect Ratio:................ On

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INPUT Component #1: Samsung DVD-VR330 DVR / VCR Combo Recorder (480p):
- Picture Settings
Contrast.............................. 75
Brightness............................ 45
Color................................... 51
Tint.................................... -20
Sharpness............................ 0
- Advanced Picture Settings
Dynamic Contrast:................. ON
DNR:................................... AUTO
MPEG Noise Reduction:........... HIGH
Color Temperature:................ Warm
Lamp Mode:.......................... Low Power
- Theater Settings
Picture Size:......................... Natural
Cinema Mode:....................... Film
Auto Aspect Ratio:................ On

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INPUT Component #2: RCA DRC8030N 80GB & DVD Recorder (480p):
- Picture Settings
Contrast.............................. 70
Brightness............................ 36
Color................................... 44
Tint.................................... -10
Sharpness............................ 0
- Advanced Picture Settings
Dynamic Contrast:................. ON
DNR:................................... AUTO
MPEG Noise Reduction: .......... HIGH
Color Temperature:................ Warm
Lamp Mode:......................... Low Power
- Theater Settings
Picture Size:........................ Full (for HD widescreen) / Natural
Cinema Mode:...................... Film
Auto Aspect Ratio:................ Off

*Spot-on perfect - w/Digital Video Essentials, verified w/AVIA & the NEW HD DVD / Blu-ray Digital Video Essentials using the Blue Filters respectively.

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CABLE TV & MISC INPUTS CALIBRATION
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I initially changed all Cable TV viewing settings to = 480p DVD VE Calibrated Video Results above
.... Then , based on what I viewed, I only changed some settings as required per Input Source

Cable TV - Digital & HD**:
- Picture Settings
Contrast............................ 75
Brightness.......................... 53
Color................................. 48
Tint.................................. -13
Sharpness.......................... 0
- Advanced Picture Settings
Dynamic Contrast:............... ON
CableClear:......................... AUTO
MPEG Noise Reduction:.......... HIGH
Color Temperature:............... Warm
Lamp Mode:......................... Low Power
- Theater Settings
Picture Size:........................ Natural
Cinema Mode:...................... Film
Auto Aspect Ratio:................ Off

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SUBJECTIVE REVIEW:
Setup:
.... Relatively easy since the first screen in the TVGuide setup screens - just answer the prompts/questions - like my 56HM195.

HDTV Menu operation and structure:

1) Easily access via the remote. The screen is clear and well organized, virtually the same as my 56HM195! Highlight an Icon(s) and their section Description is displayed.

2) I located all the Picture adjustment controls / menu easily without consulting the instruction manual
........ NOTE: Previous experience with the Toshiba 50H81 / 56HM195 helped! 

3) New (vs. 50H81) Picture control options were welcome and their use was basically Input depended.


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GEOMETRY & RESOLUTION SCREEN REVIEW
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Equipment: Toshiba HD-A35 (HD-A1) & Sony BDP-S350 HDMI @ 1081i > 1080p 

Out of the box, the Overscan, Geometry and Resolution all looked excellent.

OVERSCAN: (Approx. based on Digital Video Essentials)
TOP:.......... 3-3/4%
RIGHT:....... 2%
LEFT:......... 2-3/4%
BOTTOM:.... 2-3/4%


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COLOR BALANCE, CLARITY, DEPTH & SHARPNESS
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HD DVDs:
1) Toshiba HD-A35 HDMI #2 @ 1081i > 1080p = EXCELLENT!!! Very Clear, Sharp, Smooth with the usual Outstanding HD Detail(s).

.... a) HD-DVD's = OUTSTANDING - Intricate details, close & far and dynamic colors pop because of the excellent blacks!!! :-D
........ 1. i.e. Transformers; Mission Impossible III; Aeon Flux (see pic's - link below in my signature); Sahara; Serenity; Batman Returns; Superman Returns; etc.
.... b) Blockbuster SD DVDs = Excellent (480p upconverted = 1080i > 1080p
........ 1. VG to Excellent = Newer DVD transfers, i.e. Star Wars Ep. II & III; Mr. & Mrs. Smith; two Superbit DVDs - Fifth Element & The Mask of Zorro; Cars; etc.
........ 2. Very Good = Older DVD transfers, i.e. Sum of All Fears; Bourne Identity; etc.


Blu-ray:
2) Sony BDP-S350 HDMI #1 @ 1081i > 1080p = EXCELLENT!!! Very Clear, Sharp, Smooth with the usual Outstanding HD Detail(s).

.... a) Blu-ray = OUTSTANDING - Intricate details, close & far and dynamic colors pop because of the excellent blacks!!! (PQ is identical to my HD DVD experience) ;-D
........ 1. i.e. Ironman; Wall-E (6.1 dts-HD Master Audio!!!); Transformers; Men in Black; Independence Day (ID4); Legend of Zorro; Forbidden Kingdom (7.1 dts-HD Master Audio!!!!); Nim's Island; etc.
.... b) Blockbuster SD DVDs = Excellent (480p upconverted = 1080i > 1080p
........ 1. As good as the Toshiba HD-A35 (HD-A1)


CABLE TV BROADCASTS: (Service: Comcast Limited Basic - no box)
1) Cable TV HD Broadcast = SUPER - EXCELLENT!!! Very Crystal Clear, Smooth with Outstanding Color, DETAIL & Depth!!!
.... a) CBS Channel 5-1 (1080i) / CSI - all HD broadcast flavors; NCIS; Football; etc.
.... b) NBC11 Channel 11-1 (1080i) / Sunday NITE Football; Law & Order; etc.
.... c) ABC Channel 7-1 (720p) / Desperate Housewives; Lost; etc.
.... d) HD NET/KRON 4-2 (720p) / HD programming

2) Cable TV Digital non-HD Broadcast = Very good, to sorta' near excellent!!! Clear, sometimes very smooth with very good color & details.
.... a) Pretty much program and channel depended
........ 1. Example: MoviePlex Channel 93-8 = Very good, to near excellent!!!
........ 2. i.e. Some programs and commercials = Very good, to sorta' near excellent!!!

3) Cable TV Analog Broadcast = Fair to Very good. Sometimes fuzzy with minor artifacts but clear with good color.
NOTE: I don't watch any Cable TV Analog Broadcast presently!!!
.... a) Pretty much channel depended (higher bands better vs. lowest)
........ 1. i.e. ABC Channel 7 = Very Good, sometimes fuzzy with minor artifacts but clear with good color and detail.
........ 2. i.e. KRON Channel 4 = Fair, really fuzzy with minor artifacts and video noise, somewhat clear with OK color and detail.
........ 3. i.e. KTVU Channel 2 = Fair, really fuzzy with minor artifacts and video noise, somewhat clear with OK color and detail - actually Better vs. 56hm195

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HDTV OPERATION AND DLP VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
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1) FAN NOISE = Not intrusive, barely noticeable when Audio & HDTV is off.

2) MICROBLOCKING = NONE Observed w/approx. 140 hours of use to date since Nov. 9, 2006 (same with 56HM195 after approx. 1,300 hrs. of use)

3) RAINBOW EFFECTS (RBE) = NONE Observed - why I love my DPL!!! ;)
.... a) Including all family members &
.... b) Usual once or twice a month Friday NITE DVD group - over 20 different friends have watched HD DVD & SD DVDs on my 56Hm195 & 62HM196.

4) LIP-SYNC = Not an issue - all input sources
.... a) No problems with my daughter's PS2

5) COLOR & B&W BANDING = NONE OBSERVED - Improved 98% vs. 56HM195 (all xxHM195's for that matter)
.... a) Chalk up Toshiba's inclusion of their new PixelPure Hi-Bit 12-Bit Digital Video Processing

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LAMP LIFE EXPECTANCY
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1) Excellent!!! See my UPDATES above.

(Original comment: Jury is still out based on my personal experience
........ 1. Approx. 140 hours so far since November 9, 2006 ....... )

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VISUAL HIGHLIGHTS - AFTER VIDEO CALIBRATION
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1) Glorious Large than Life Picture :D - HDTV Broadcasts, HD DVD & SD DVD / 1080i HDMI :thumb: :thumb:
.... a) Color accuracy, balance, smoothness and w/near 3D depth! (Video Color & Tint Calibration w/BLUE Filter is a must!!!)
.... b) Crystal Squeaky Clean Clear & Detailed!! - HDTV & HD DVD's specifically
.... c) Black & White programs, SD DVD's (Maltese Falcon, etc.) & HD DVD "Casablanca" are excellent with inky blacks w/super details from the subtle shades of gray up to white! (Color programs also)
........1. NO Gradation or Banding issues - 98% improved vs. previous 56HM195
.... d) Geometry near perfect horizontally & vertically out of the box - no adjustments required!
.... e) Convergence = Perfect - thank you DPL (no worries about burn-in either)
.... f) NO visible pixel or raster lines @ 8.4 feet away (even if you stare at the screen from a foot away!!! - uncanny)
.... g) Did I say, ... NO Gradation or Banding issues - 98% improved vs. previous 56HM195

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FINAL COMMENTS
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This DLP technology just exceeds my expectation! It's hard to believe everything that we are seeing and enjoying is coming from a 1-chip DPL wobulation 1080p system & color-wheel!!!

We know that the 1-chip DPL 1080p system is not perfect (future SED/LED DLP systems on the horizon) but right now, based on the price vs. picture quality performance, ... it is so far superior to my previous highly regarded CRT based RPTV Toshiba 50H81 that I bought 4-1/2 years ago and even visibly sharper, w/improved detailed PQ vs. previously owned 1080p 56HM195.

I can easily recommend the Toshiba 62HM196 62" 1080p HD DLP Projection TV to anyone!!!

NOTE:
1) Once I receive my HD DVD Digital Video Essentials (Jan/Feb 2007), I'll re-calibrate the Video and note any changes here.

2) See some 4MP digital pic's ...

.... a) HD DVD - Aeon Flux - 1080i > 1080p;
.... b) SD DVD - Digital Video Essentials - 480p upconverted to 1080i > 1080p;
.... c) Non-HD Digital Cable - KRON4 CH. 144-2 - 480i > 1080p
.... d) HD Digital Cable - ABC HD CH 117-1 720p > 1080p

... from my Toshiba 62HM196, ... copy the following link to your browser ...

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/555688755NRLYJW

2) Copy the following link to your browser to read the Toshiba 62HM196 on-line Review and Benchmark report by Hoem Theater Magazine ...

http://www.hometheater.com/content/toshiba-62hm196-rptv

Phil