Pioneer 64" vs Toshiba 65"

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Any opinions on these three sets:

Toshiba 65H81 16:9 65"
Toshiba 65HX81 16:9 65"
Pioneer (non-elite) 533HD5 16:9 64"

From reading Toshiba's web site, I still can't figure out what the difference is between the two Toshibas above.

I wonder if Toshiba has fixed the "drifting convergence" issue that was in the 'G' (1997) and 'H' (1998) series of RPTVs. Does the convergence drift for the first 30 to 45 minutes on any of the newer Toshibas?

Are there any opinions on which set has the better line doubler/3:2 pulldown? I understand that the Pioneer's line doubler is much improved over last year's non-elite, but still isn't as good at the PRO-510/610/710 elite line (but who can afford those elites?).

Decisions, decisions...

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Just a (small) heads up... At one of my local dealers, I was watching Days Of Thunder from DVD on last year's non-Elite 53" (???) set. The line doubler was so bad that if I were shopping for that set, I would have changed my mind instantly. It was so obvious what it was doing to the picture. If the new model is not notably better, I would either (A) convince yourself that you can live with it after careful examination, or (B) budget for the Elite model if you need a Pioneer set. Either that or add a DVDO iScan Pro (which is probably cheaper than the upgrade to the Elite from the non-Elite).

Just my $0.02...

[Dede]

If you're worried about the line doubler in the HX81, they are very good. I did a small "shoutout" between my lowly Toshiba SD-1600 (480i) and a Panasonic RP56 (480p). Both hooked up via component. The difference is just about non-existant... the internal line-doubler of the new Toshiba's are very good.

[JohnnyG]

highwire, I can instantly simplify the Toshiba's for you. The 65H81 is not avaialble in Canada.

The difference though, is that the HX has better CRTs, better lenses, a 'Blackstripe' lenticular for better blacks (it works), a better sound system, better remote and different cabinet costmetics.

In my experience, any minor misconvergence seen when the TV is first turned on is gone within 5 minutes.

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JohnnyG,

Thanks for the response. I wasn't aware that the 65H81 didn't make it to Canada. As for the convergence drift, if it only takes 5 minutes, that's a significant improvement over the 30 minutes for my TP61G90.

P.S. Does anybody fix Pronto remotes in Canada? Mine took an unexpected trip from the arm of my couch to the hardwood floor, and the display light no longer works...