Summary: 2006-09-15 14:45:06 This is a HDTV WELL worth purchasing. The quality of the picture and the ease of use is superior to the Mitsubishi 73" at about 2/3rds the price. The channel acquisition, TV guide functions, and compatibility with ALL devices is stunning as I will explain below.
I purchased a Mitsubishi Diamond Series 73" DLP HDTV 1080p Model # WD-73827 for $6,854.10 in February of 2006 and had regretted it ever since. The only thing which worked properly was the actual picture itself unless you tried to change input or utilize the on screen tv- guide. You would have to wait 3-5 seconds for the tv's molasses-like electronics to find the input, decipher the signal, and finally show it to you. Just changing the channel in the tv-guide on screen cable card section would take up to 7 seconds. I know this sounds ridiculous, but that is unacceptable when you spend that much green on a HDTV that is supposed to be top of the line. There was no way to surf unless you had a cable box and used its controller (as the pre-programmed codes for the "universal" Mitsubishi remote weren't compatible with many and was designed by people who never watch tv). The internal DVR was pathetic and often failed when you tried to time record something. That and the fact that the TV would lose all input's (which are confusing as hell to program in) configurations and then not allow you to reconfigure without resetting the TV and erasing the rest of the programming. This would happen at least 2-3 times a week and was infuriating. The remote control's shortcomings coupled with the unreliability of the simple function of the tv (and no PC input) made me return it to Costco (which is the only reason I paid that much for it).
NOW, onto the Toshiba!
This Toshiba is superior in every way. The picture quality is the same if not better (depending on channel) than the 1" larger Mitsubishi. You have many more fine controls over picture clarity, contrast, and color to suit the picture to your taste. The audio is also completely superior as the sound you receive is so much more defined than the Mitsu. This television comes with Optical Digital audio for the output to the receiver and has an additional fixed L/R analog.
The color management gives you a super wide range of cool to warm basline options with complete multi-color individual control. It also comes with a sports preset which will give you a better view than the referee and a couple of others for a general use and theatre mode. It allows you to set individual characteristics for each input.
The input naming and retention is perfectly designed with the ability to change any input's title and rearrange them as you like. Its layout is simple and complete with no counter intuitive processes like the aforementioned Mitsu. Besides having the dual HDMI inputs it also comes with two "Colorstream tm" component video inputs. These are meant to easily allow your extra high definition components to be hooked up and function with their maximum potential picture quality essentially giving you 4 HD inputs of the best quality.
I'm not one for liking "universal" remotes as they are rarely such. I've just had to eat those words with this television's remote. This thing is laid out like a Cadillac! You can surf as fast as you like around normal cable and the HD acquisition is far faster than any other TV I've experienced. THIS REMOTE CONTROLS EVERYTHING!!! This remote covers even my multi-brand home theatre facility. From Panasonic AVR, to Sony 400 CD, to Motorola DigiCable (the layout is even better than the Motorola's which is great to begin with), to the Sony high end, VCR (oxymoron, yes I know), and DVD player. I have NEVER had a propriotary remote cover every piece of equipment I own. I can now give away my SONY multi-commander as I won't be needing it anymore!
This also comes with a NETWORKING solution for connection to your home network! Ethernet (CAT5) for streaming music and Jpegs and a PC link (with separate audio input) to make it a plug and play 1st monitor or a great media player monitor. I seriously don't think anyone needs a desktop this large, but it sure is fun.
Both the Gaming mode (sharp picture quality) and the sports preset (high contrast) provide you with the optimal detail while playing X-box or any other console games. Makes the details JUMP OUT at you.
This TV was made for the power user in mind. Fast communication, logical layout, and superior sound and picture. You should really treat yourself if you have the means!
You should also do some shopping around as I purchased this TV NEW IN BOX from VIDEO ONLY for only $4,351.98!!! This also included a five year warranty parts and labor IN -HOME service with lamp replacement, Acoustic Research HDMI-HDMI connectors and, AR Component dual shielded connectors, SHIPPING, DELIVERY, and SET-UP!!!! I couldn't find a better deal anywhere else.
100% of People (16/16) found this review helpful. Was this review 
Report this as 
There are no comments for this review. 
