| Author |
Thread: Sony KDF-50WE655 |
    
FLBuckeye Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 12:30 pm: |
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Robbo,
If you don't already have a UPS on your TV I would recommend it. It will help protect your electronics and the bulb from premature failure.
If you didn't buy an extended warranty when you bought the TV consider buying one from Sony before your 1 year warranty is up. I believe Sony will sell you one up until then. These TVs are unproven technology and a large investment. Extended warranties aren't always a good buy, but in this case they are.
I have not heard short bulb life being an issue on Sony's (and I have been perusing the Home Theater message boards constantly for the last several months). From what I have read there are a few brands that have chronic short bulb life, but for all brands there are incidents of short bulb life.
Now for the good news, from what I have seen Sony has the least expensive replacement bulbs ($199 msrp) and they are readily available from many sources.
Good luck and enjoy your TV. |
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Relevant Product Info
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New member Username: Robbo
Post Number: 3
Registered: Apr-05
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| Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 06:48 pm: |
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FLBuckeye:
Sony service came out and replaced only the bulb within 72 hours. Hopefully, that's all there was to the problem. I do intend to buy a backup bulb so I can continue using the set the next time a bulb fails and I am awaiting service.
I did purchase a 3 year service contract from OneCall (4 years total coverage) with the TV. I know how valuable a service contract can be given the cost of repair calls.
I don't have a UPS, but I do use a Monster PowerCenter HTS800 surge suppressor/line conditioner with all my AV equipment. Is the battery backup of a UPS any more beneficial than surge suppression?
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Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 54
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 07:22 pm: |
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I have a Monster HTS1000 Power Center but I am thinking a UPS in addition because a UPS will allow the power to continue so that you can efectively turn off your TV and allow the cooling fans to continue to run. |
New member Username: Robbo
Post Number: 4
Registered: Apr-05
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| Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 07:55 pm: |
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Has anyone had their set professionally calibrated by an ISF or equivalent technician?
I really would like to get the best picture possible from my set. Even after using Digital Video Essentials, I can tell that the red balance needs to be backed down.
If anyone knows of a good tech in the Chicagoland area, I would really appreciate a recommendation! |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 55
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 09:22 pm: |
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I am very fussy but I'm very happy with my KDF-50WE655's color, etc so I haven't seen the need. |
New member Username: Cyfairslam
Houston,
Texas
USA
Post Number: 8
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 09:12 am: |
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Anyone have any answers for me? Any help would be appreciated.
KDF-55WF655
The owners manual states there is an advanced video. However, I cannot figure out how to access it. Is this option only available on some of the other models.
Also, still have not been able to get more than 27 analog cable stations while my other TVs in the house get 60 plus channels.
Anyone have any answers? Thanks |
New member Username: Thetinram
Post Number: 2
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 09:16 am: |
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Are you talking about the service menu? |
New member Username: Cyfairslam
Houston,
Texas
USA
Post Number: 9
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 01:22 pm: |
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Nope...it is noted in the owners manual.
However, I don't see how to access the "Advanced Vidoe Feature". But it does not say anything about which model(s) it applies to. |
New member Username: Thetinram
Post Number: 3
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 12:13 pm: |
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What page of the manual? |
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New member Username: Cyfairslam
Houston,
Texas
USA
Post Number: 10
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 01:53 pm: |
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Page 100 (From pdf file online and is probably the same on the published manual) |
New member Username: Togar1
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 07:25 pm: |
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I've had KDF55WF655 for about 1/2 year. Generally I'm happy but a bit disappointed when a DVD or TV show has dark / nighttime scenes. I think the inability to produce a deep true black results in a bit of washout in those scenes. I particularly notice this when I compare with my friends crt rp which shows better blacks, gradations, and contrast - not that I'd change sets with him. I can't seem to improve the picture with the normal video controls.
Is anyone else a little disappointed when viewing dark scenes? |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 58
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 08:12 pm: |
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Rob
I have a KDF-50WE655 and I love it. I had heard about dark scenes not doing very well on LCD RP and well, they aren't the best, are they? But it's a trade-off as I have seen no other RPs display beautiful color as do the Sonys. If a dark scene has some key lighting, it looks fine. Check out "Artificial Intelligence" and you will see beautiful night scenes filled with blacks and the glow of neon. On the other hand, the dark scenes in "Mulholland Drive" don't do very well. For me, after months of comparing TVs, I still preferred the Sony Gragas for gorgeous color and clarity of image. |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 59
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 10:41 pm: |
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Opps..."Sony Gragas" are not a new model! I meant Grand Wega, of course..... |
Jared3333 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:41 am: |
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I bought my KDF-50WE655 set 2 weeks ago. I am using the component jacks but my dvd movies I play look like they have dots and pixelation to the movies.What mode do you guys use to watch dvd movies and what do you have your settings at? |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 60
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 03:10 pm: |
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Is your DVD player set for progressive mode? It should look smooth (not as good as HD TV but at 480p, you should have a great picture). You may be noticing the screen door effect during light scenes but I don't think that's what you mean. |
Jared3333 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 04:31 pm: |
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Yes I have the dvd player in progressive mode. The faces on the people are fuzzy it does not look clear. Do you have any idea why? It looks the same when I watch my digital cable kind of like little blocks. I'm not really sure how to work all the settings the operating instructions booklet it is not real clear on how to fix this problem. |
HD Fanatic Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 04:49 pm: |
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Jared3333,
Try putting it into pro mode and turn off all the video enhancement features. That made a very big difference for me. |
Jared3333 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 05:09 pm: |
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How do you turn off all the video enhancement features? I put it into pro mode. Will I have to adjust the settings on everything? Because when I put it in pro mode it is real dark. Thanks |
HD Fanatic Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 05:31 pm: |
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I think you might be used to it being too bright, especially if you have been watching in vivid mode. Have you tried a calibration disc yet? If you have a DVD with the THX optimizer, like StarWars Episode I&II, you can use that to set up the brightness. These TV's are usually too bright with the factory settings, and it really washes out the darks.
As for the video enhancements, if it is in pro mode, I believe most of them are defaulted to off. You can check by going into the on screen menu, under video settings, and you will see them at the bottom of the list of options.
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Bronze Member Username: Cyfairslam
Houston,
Texas
USA
Post Number: 11
Registered: Dec-04
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| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 06:26 pm: |
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With no help from this group, I found the advanced video feature but it only appears in the Video 1 input. It does not show up in Video 7 input which is the HDMI input for me. I don't know why?
I also still don't know why I cannot get the analog cable stations my other TV gets. I only get 27 channels in Video 1 and see no setting that I can change to make a difference. |
New member Username: Robbo
Post Number: 5
Registered: Apr-05
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| Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:49 pm: |
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Hey Cy-Fair,
Any chance your cable is plugged into the VHF/UHF jack instead of the cable jack?
Have you tried scrolling up rather than down in the Video Menu to reach the Advanced Video selection? Seems to be a little quirk in the menu program. Give that a try. |
New member Username: Hillboy
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 08:58 am: |
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my 50 655 just started showing large yellow lines on the right side of the screen , it looks like a 10 inch square yellow print board called sony no service tech in the area....still waiting for a call back it has been 3 days no return call |
SouthernGuy Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 03:11 pm: |
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I am just about sold on the KDF-50WE655. I will have HD cable supplied by Time Warner in NC. From what I have seen (in person, reviews and on discussion boards), I feel confident that the HD signals will be fine.
What should I expect out of analog signals? Is there any suggestions on hookup/setup to enhance the picture quality when watching "regular TV"? This is probably what we will be watching 80%+ of the time...
Thanks in advanced... |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 71
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 05:18 pm: |
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I have owned the KDF-50WE655 since March and love it. I think it has an incredibly beautiful picture. Keep in mind that new models will be out soon that will display at 720p native. The KDF series display at 1080i native. I believe, but I am by far no expert, that 720p handles fast moving scenes better. But personally, I prefer the design of the KDF series.
Analog signals look OK. They don't look as good as if displayed on a standard TV but from what I hear, the Sony Grand Wega LCD RPs display analog the best. But who cares about analog? your HD channels are stunning and if you choose to not wait for the new models, you will still be very happy with your new Grand Wega. |
SouthernGuy Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 07:25 pm: |
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Thanks Steve A.
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New member Username: Thetinram
Post Number: 4
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:38 am: |
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Steve A. Is the native resolution on the 50" really 1080i? I have the KDF-55WF655 and the native res is definitly 788p.
You sure about that? |
New member Username: Hillboy
Post Number: 4
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 01:04 pm: |
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Just had my light engine replaced yesterday on the 50/655 5 months old service guy said he has seen 3 come in this way. 1800 dollar part |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 72
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 05:42 pm: |
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I checked with Sony again and all the Sony Grand Wega 2005 LCD RPs have a 1080i native resolution although they can be set to progressive. Crutchfield is incorrect in stating (regarding the KDF-50WE655)that:
"1386 x 788 pixels (all signals displayed at 788p)" That is wrong. |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 73
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 05:45 pm: |
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Martin, your Grand Wega has a native resolution of 1080i. Check with Sony and you'll see that I'm correct. The pixels are, however, 1386 X 788). |
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:31 pm: |
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Steve,
1386 x 788 or normally 1440 x 720 is not a 1080i display. All LCD Displays are commonly called 720P although the picture is scaled to 788P in a Sony. No amount of you stating otherwise is going to make any LCD display native 1080i.
Below is the link to the 132 page owners manual in a pdf format if you want to read it all:
http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KDF 50WE655.pdf
xvxvxvx |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 74
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 08:17 pm: |
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Your link is in my email but not in the post. The link doesn't work. All I know is that if you call 1 (800) 222-SONY and ask for an agent you'll be told that it's a 1080i native display. Additonally, I have printed out a link to a Sony Dealer website (which you normally can't access-it must have been in an a/v forum) and the description states that the KDF-42/50WE655 TVs have a "Hi-Scan 1080i display." The link is:
http://www.sony.com/dn
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Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 75
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 08:21 pm: |
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FX,
I have the manual for the KDF-50WE655. Exactly what page is there information on the native display? I couldn't find it.
Steve |
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 10:34 pm: |
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Steve,
I just posted the link to the manual FYI. Unless you understand how fixed pixel displays work nothing I say will be able to convince you that that minimum wage customer service rep at Sony is mistaken. If you did understand how fixed pixel displays worked you would know that ALL of them are progressive scan units, but then you would have never said it was a 1080i native display in the first place.
Lastly for any fixed pixel display to be true 1080 it would by necessity need to display 1920 x 1080. One such technology is LYCOS which has such a capability, LCD does not.
Here is a link that explains fixed pixel displays vs CRT's:
http://www.axiomaudio.com/archives/pixelcount.html
xvxvxvx |
New member Username: Hd_fanatic
Boise,
Id.
Post Number: 2
Registered: May-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 10:41 pm: |
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Steve,
Page 50 states "Note that this TV displays ALL types of picture in a resolution of 1368 X 768 lines."
The Sony TV's scale the incoming resoluution to 768P just as the manual states. Now, I know that some of the CRT Sonys have a 1080i Hi-Scan feature, but I have not seen that feature on any of the microdisplays. Furthermore, the manual makes no mention of 1080i Hi-Scan. I think that the person you talked to at Sony might have been thinking of their CRT line.
BTW, fx's link worked fine for me. You need Adobe Acrobat reader to view it.
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Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 76
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 02:43 am: |
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fx,
That link was just great and so informative . Thank you!
HD Fanatic,
thank you as well. Sony is still vague on the native display, however since the direct retailer link does say that the KDF-42/50WE655 models have Hi-Scan 1080i display. It could very well be that the information is an error. And Sony techs have been wrong on occassion(based on my other experiences with my Vaio and Aibos). Thanks all!
Steve |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 05:54 am: |
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I purchased my KDF-50WE655 a few weeks ago from Circuit City. I hooked up the Time Warner Scientific Atlanta DVR using S video because it doesn't come with component ouputs. I've read a lot of reviews about this model and majority of the owners state the picture quality is excellent. Maybe I've got a lemon or I hooked it up wrong, but a lot of stations does not come out clear. Anyone can help? Was there special setup that I missed?
Also, I decided not to purchase CC's extended warranty because it starts from the day of purchase instead of after manufacturer's warranty ends.
Anyways, I decided to shop around for warranties from other companies and came across GE Service Protection Plus being offered by 4cost.com. Their prices are very reasonable and services are available in all 50 states.
Give yourself the peace of mind you deserve with an extended service plan backed by GE Service Protection Plus.
Service Protection Plus is the largest provider of extended warranties in North America. All brands, makes and models - from appliances to home electronics. You're covered by a national network of over 180 factory-trained technicians and over 1,000 authorized service technicians. Friendly and helpful Customer Service staff are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, each and every day of the year.
I was wondering if anyone has purchased from 4cost.com before or know of other companies that offer similar plans?
Here's the link for their extended warranty:
http://www.4cost.com/index.php?cPath=6
Aloha, Nancy
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Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 05:56 am: |
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Hey Chris, that drawing you have for the entertainment center.... my KDF-50WE655 is sitting in one that looks almost identical to it  |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 78
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 06:18 am: |
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Nancy,
You NEED component video cables and a HD set top box or a cable card to get a great picture! I don't like the looks of the GE warranty. Exclusions on items include bulbs (do they mean refigerator bulbs?). I have a $499 CC warranty. Most if not all extended warranties start at the date of purchase. CC includes bulb replacement. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 02:47 am: |
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Hi Steve,
Thank you for your reply.
I do have component video cables... but what do I connect to? The Scientific Atlantic digital cable box does not have component connections in the back.
Is the Scientific Atlanta considered a HD set top box? Do I need a cable card in additional to this box?
I didn't even see the exclusion of bulbs in the GE warranty. I guess I'll have to read more on it.
Aloha! |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 02:49 am: |
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Hi Steve,
Thank you for your reply.
I do have component video cables... but what do I connect to? The Scientific Atlantic digital cable box does not have component connections in the back.
Is the Scientific Atlanta considered a HD set top box? Do I need a cable card in additional to this box?
I didn't even see the exclusion of bulbs in the GE warranty. I guess I'll have to read more on it.
Aloha! |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 02:50 am: |
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Hi Steve,
Thank you for your reply.
I do have component video cables... but what do I connect to? The Scientific Atlantic digital cable box does not have component connections in the back.
Is the Scientific Atlanta considered a HD set top box? Do I need a cable card in additional to this box?
I didn't even see the exclusion of bulbs in the GE warranty. I guess I'll have to read more on it.
Aloha! |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 79
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 05:42 am: |
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You do not have a HD set top box because you most likely didn't notify your cable company. You will need to buy several sets of component video cables to replace cables going to your TV from the set top box and all video connections from DVD player and receiver. Readomg your manual is a good place to start! |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 07:28 am: |
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Thanks Steve for your reply. I will call Time Warner in the morning and inquire about this HD set top box. So this is in addition to the Scientific DVR? |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 80
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 09:30 am: |
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No, Nancy. The HD set top box would replace your other cable box. It has everything your other set top box has plus the capacity to transmit HD channels. |
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| Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 11:28 am: |
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I would like to hear from those who have purchased the Sony Wega KDF50WE6555 since Jan. 05.
I have read so much on the boards about bulb issues in older models. Has it been resolved? I can't stomach replacing the bulb before the 2 years of payments are up. I would expect we watch about 3 hrs average per day.
I was also looking into the Mitsubishi DLP 52525 . Are the bulbs susposed to last longer on this? Does anyone know what the price of the bulbs are for this one? It looks like you can get the Sony bulbs for $200 and I assume as more people buy these TVS the prices will drop. |
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| Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 01:58 pm: |
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So I just got a call from my husband.
and he said the BB coverage covers bulbs for 4 years. As many bulbs as you need. It also covers other repairs. You figure you'll need a new bulb every two years with normal use, so I figure it is very worthwhile at $400.
This TV was $2700 just a few weeks ago (and 3k not much earliery). now it is $2370. So it's allmost like they are throwing in the warranty for free.
Also the manager said they sell the most Sony LCDS but they have the fewest complaints.
What more- you get the BB points back card for $10 and you get a $150 GC from this purchase! (Which evidently you will need to get a new DVD player to play in HD!)
He also got free delivery out of him. Not sure if that is just because my husband is a manager at another store in that shopping center. But worth a shot!
So we have till tomorrow to decide. Go for it? Anyone? Sounds like a good deal to me. |
Bronze Member Username: Mrmagoo
Hanover,
MA
USA
Post Number: 28
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 11:24 am: |
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Jill,
I got the KDF55WF655 in April and it has been great! $2370 sounds about right for this set - I paid $2999 for my set, but it is slightly larger and I believe that the "WF" models are newer than the "WE" models. I have had no issues with my set - cable card works great - SD and HD both look fantastic. |
Bend Over & Touch Your Toes Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 12:39 pm: |
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I really like the LCD picture better than the DLP. However, the problem I notice is when watching sports the LCD can't keep of with the action like the new HLR samsung series can. Does anyone know when the new Sony LCD models will be available and if they adjusted for this issue? |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 81
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 12:56 pm: |
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Some motion blur is my only complaint for my Grand Wega. I can live with it. The picture is beautiful. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 04:36 pm: |
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Just got a reply from 4cost.com regarding the GE extended warranty. The bulb replacement is covered.
The bulbs are covered under the HDTV warranty. If you want to place that order please call 1-877-654-2678 x 119 and I will be glad to set it up for you. Thanks for your time.
Jacob McCain
4Cost.com
Sales Representative
1-877-654-2678 x 119
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Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 08:01 am: |
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Steve A,
I went to CC to purchase the 4 year extended warranty but was told it only covers 1 bulb replacement in the entire 4 year period. Is this true? THanks. |
Bronze Member Username: Pugcharlie
N, E, PA
USA
Post Number: 84
Registered: Feb-05
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| Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 10:53 am: |
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That is not what I was told but I WILL check into that. |
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