It is true that non-HDTV signal looks bad in the Toshiba. I purchased a 52HM94 a few months ago. I'm quite happy with the HDTV picture and I would say comparable to the Samsung. I was disappointed though on the quality of non-HDTV signals. So expect a not so good picture quality from your DVD, analog, or any digital signal.
Another thing I found out with Toshiba is that they don't have enough good technicians out there. Plus, customer support is really bad. My Toshiba went berserk after a week I bought it. It was zooming all the signals from the HDMI, component, etc. Hissing sound was coming out of the speakers. Called Toshiba for a warranty service. I waited for about two weeks for an authorize technician to see my TV. He ruled out that it has a light engine problem. Later, I found out from Toshiba that the part is back ordered until end of Feb. of 2005. And they can't do anything about it.
Well, good luck on whatever DLP you choose. I hope I'm not too late to warn you.
(Sorry if this is the wrong place to post the following message. Newbie here. Lots of questions. Not sure where to turn. Haven't found any other forums to ask these types of questions.)
I've been drooling over DLP TVs at Best Buy and elsewhere--the the 52" Toshiba 52HM84 and the 50" Samsung HL-P5063W, in particular.
I've seen both of the above models new at online retailers for as low as $2300. Sears (in store, I think) has the Toshiba for $2850 and Circuit City (in store) has the Samsung for $2700. Best Buy says it will match these prices. Through this Saturday, Best Buy has 24-months same-as-cash 0% financing, which is nice.
Although I probably can't go wrong with either model, I like the appearance of the Toshiba better. It also gets great reviews. A friend who delivers for Best Buy just purchased a Toshiba. He said it has much less glare than the Samsung in rooms with windows--a concern of mine, since the room where this will be placed has windows. OTOH, a Best Buy salesman said the Samsung handles non-HD content (cable, satellite) much better than the Toshiba. In fact, he said that the Toshiba is very poor with non-HD content. The Samsungs get good reviews, too, but nowhere near the great reviews of the Toshiba--at least, from what I've found.
It seems like everyone recommends going with an extended warranty. The online retailers appear to charge considerably more for their contracts. Best Buy's four-year is $399, but apparently is only available if you buy the TV from them.
I'm wondering when is a good time to buy. Are the prices about to take yet another fall or will they remain relatively fixed for the foreseeable future?
Appreciate any comments on the above. I'm trying to get up to speed on this stuff. Reading online reviews of both models, etc. I appreciate hearing any particular web sites, message forums, magazines, etc. that others have found to be particularly helpful.

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