| Author |
Thread: Archive through September 17, 2003 |
    
Steve |
| Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:24 am: |
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Hello All,
Is anyone familiar with Sony's new Grand Wega KF-60XBR800 LCD Rear Projection set(Sony Style $4,999.00)? I believe this set replaces the KF-60DX100 (Sony Style $5,999.00). I wonder why the price drop? Is it due to the tech/manufacturing process getting cheaper? I'm debating between the 2 above sets as well as the Sony Wega 42 inch Plasma (KT42TS1). I'd appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Steve |
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Anonymous |
| Posted on Saturday, November 02, 2002 - 05:07 pm: |
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Steve,
I did a lot of research including checking out the KF-60DX100, last year's LCD rear projection TV from Sony. Good, but not as good as a DLP dealer had on floor. This year I bought the Grand Wega KF-60XBR800. On the floor next to the same DLP set and this time Sony much better. I also like it over Plasma. Bottom line contrast much better on new Wega and picture quality is extraordinary -- right up there with DLP sets, better than some. Unlike Plasma you don't have burn in problems, and you have to play xBox, Ps2, Cube games on this thing to believe it. Good luck.
David |
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| Posted on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 10:46 pm: |
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Hello. I work at Sony :-) I also just ordered the new KF-60XBR800. It's amazing, like said above better than alot of plasma tv's. Plus it's much cheaper and LCD's last forever. This years KF-60XBR800 is improved over last years model in many ways. The reason that the price is lower is because last years models were all made in Japan and then imported to the U.S. whereas this years model is being made here in the U.S. Good luck!
Greg |
Richie |
| Posted on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 02:57 pm: |
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I get my 60xbr800 on Saturday.. I will let you know how good it is.. Rich |
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| Posted on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 10:20 am: |
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I have a question. I am debating between the plasma tv vs LCD tv such as sony and the crystal tv such as sharp I am looking for 45inches and up. it is confusing which gives the best picture etc and the different pros and cons , Can anyone help??? thanks |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Thursday, December 05, 2002 - 10:24 am: |
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Any one know why SONY is not including a computer monitor feature? I'd like to use my computer on this big Screen and so far I found Zenith to be the only 60 LCD with the input included. |
Ben |
| Posted on Friday, December 06, 2002 - 11:41 pm: |
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The Sony KF-60XBR800 has a DVI in, but not VGA in, if that's whay you're wondering. I'd imagine DVI to VGA converters are pretty cheap though. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, December 08, 2002 - 11:31 am: |
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Hy Pholx,
Thanx for the input already. I've got only one question left before I try to procure a KF-60XBR800 to fit under (?) the Christmas tree. Is it possible to TURN OFF the DRC (Digital Reality Creation) feature? Believe it or not, there are actually times when I WANT to see the image in all it's NATURAL REALITY. This was one of the prime reasons that I returned the SONY 36" flat-screen a couple of years ago. The test image was simply watching a golf ball roll across the putting green... followed by it's weird shadow, followed by it's even weirder digital shadow. I own more SONY gear than anyone else I know, I just want to be proud of this set, and the dealers don't seem to know. Does anybody out there know? Thanx, Myke |
DWillens |
| Posted on Monday, December 09, 2002 - 12:49 pm: |
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I just received this set on Saturday. It looks good but there are a lot of settings and I have no idea how to set them.
1. DRC matrix ("reality" vs "clarity"?)
2. Cinemotion ON or OFF
3. Image Revision Auto or 0-3
Playing a DVD on my non-progressive scan Toshiba DVD player I see a lot of motion artifacts and "jaggies" on text look terrible. I don't know if this is the DVD player or the TV.
Anyone know how to set these options? |
Frank G |
| Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 10:15 am: |
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Just received my 60XBR-800 yesterday. I have it connected to a DirecTV HDTV receiver (Hughes). The picture on the handful of HD channels is amazing, but the regular channels is just so-so. The other problem I notice is no matter what wide screen format I use, I lose some info on the top and bottom of the screen when watching standard shows. Any suggestions? |
NICK_P |
| Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 12:42 pm: |
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Has anyone found a price better than $4200 for
the 60XBR800? I talked to a guy at ABC warehouse
they said that included free shipping. I think I'll go with this model over the KP65WV700 for $2999. Any opinions? |
John OConnor |
| Posted on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 07:07 am: |
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Are the regular Direct TV channels really just "so-so"? How are the Direct TV channels on the XBR60 vs CRT's made by Sony? Mine is coming on Monday, you're makin' me nervous! |
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| Posted on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 04:25 pm: |
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New problem...one week old, green spot appears right in the middle of the screen. About 1/32" but very noticable. Called SONY, getting a big time runaround. First they tell me that if there are less than 1% bad pixels, they do not cover it. Now I have to wait 2 weeks for someone to come look at it. |
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| Posted on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 11:36 pm: |
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I just got my set three days ago and as hot as it looks, I'm having some major picture quality issues. I hope it's something I can fix by tinkering with the settings some more but so far, no luck.
First: I agree with "DWillens". I have no idea what those setting exactly do (even though they are explained in the guide, it is still confusing). I played with them but they didn't improve quality.
Second: I now have to invest in a PROGRESSIVE SCAN DVD player since my normal DVD player (even with Monster component cables) isn't exactly the quality I would expect from a set like this.
Third: So far, watching regular cable TV is worse than I could have ever imagined. When I shrink the size of the screen down to about half (30" or so), the quality is perfect. But once you go full screen (60"), the quality is so deteriorated that it's almost depressing. Do I need to invest another $600 for an HDTV converter box? Something I really am not interested in doing.
Fourth: Playing Playstation2 on this set is nice but again, quality issues. I'm hoping that investing in Monster Component cables made specifically for the PS2 will do the trick but I won't know for a few more days.
Fifth: Regarding "frankg" and his noticable dot. I have the same thing near the upper-right hand corner. The manual says this is normal and nothing to worry about. Problem is, it's noticable and doesn't look normal - especially when I spent approx. $4500 after tax for this set!
I have the cable company coming on Friday. Maybe they can switch our current cable box with an updated one with component outputs (if there is such a thing?) to improve picture quality when watching TV. Not sure if this will do the trick but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
If anyone has any suggestions on how I can make watching regular cable television much more enjoyable, please e-mail me (or if you have to, reply to this post).
My suggestion: This television is hot - super hot and will make your mouth drop. However, before you purchase it I would ask to see a NORMAL CABLE BROADCAST through this television to see what the picture quality will be like (rather than watching a progressive scan dvd player picture, which is what I saw which made me purchase this)!
If I can't improve the quality of watching normal cable TV, this TV might have to get returned for something different which is the last thing I want to deal with. |
frankg |
| Posted on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 09:00 am: |
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Adam:
The big problem with all of these large wide screen TV's is that most of the programming sent over cable is not in the wide screen format, and this TV has to modify it to fit the screen. That is why you will see distortion and esecially blurriness. Remember, any imperfection in the picture will be magnified when it is blown up to 60". I have DirecTV with a high def receiver, and the high def stations are unbelieveable, but the regular stations are just okay, the major networks are the worse. Even though there are only a handful of HD stations, the picture is so spectacular that it is almost hard to watch at first. It is worth the 500 bucks, believe me.
As far as the dot, I don't care what the manual says, this is totally unacceptable to me. A TV at this price level should not have a noticable imperfection like this. Before I bought mine, I went to the SONY showroom in NYC and looked at it, the SONY rep never mentioned to me that there could be a green dot on the screen. The one on display was perfect. I have someone coming to look at it today, I'll let you know what they say. |
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| Posted on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 01:37 pm: |
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Frank and all - here's my update as of today (12/27/02):
Last night, I went out and upgraded my Sony DVD player (which was only 2 years old), to a new one that has Progressive Scan capabilities ($189.99). I also invested in $90 Monster Component Video cables. I used the video calibration tool that comes with the DVD: Monsters Inc. (on the main menu, go to Setup: THX: Video Set Up). I must say, there is a HUGE difference in picture quality between the non-progressive and the progressive scan DVD player (the new component cables helped as well I'm sure). The picture quality is amazing and just like it looked when I saw the demo at the store.
Note: Make sure to go into your DVD players main menu and go to "Setup". There, you should see an option to change the output to 16:9, rather than the 4:3 default (if confused, check out your DVD player's manual). I had totally forgot about this and it sure makes for better viewing of DVD's.
I also invested in the Monster Component video cables for the Playstation2. Again, a very significant improvement in picture quality (also, configuring the colors with the Monsters Inc. DVD tool helped the picture quality overall - including the quality of the Playstation2).
I had the cable company come by today to see if they could fix the reception of my cable but no good. It's exactly what you said Frank - bad signal = bad output.
I looked into purchasing a HDTV tuner ($600) but it looks like I'll also need to invest in satellite cable? I'm confused as to how the HDTV tuner's work - can it work with my regular cable that I currently get though my cable company that is an analog signal? Also, to pay $600 just to watch a couple of channels that I wouldn't normally watch probably isn't worth it, ya know?
Thanks - hope to hear some replies back. |
Chris S |
| Posted on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 07:11 am: |
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Frank,
Any news on the green dot? I am considering buying this TV but if there are possible problems like that I will have to rethink about it.
Thanks! |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 09:04 am: |
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You might want to check out www.avsforum.com and search for UMR does GWII. This thread includes information on how to tweak the user and service menu for this TV. The improvements I had were not minor.
It is under the RPTV section of the forum. |
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 01, 2003 - 03:14 pm: |
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Anonymous,
I did all of UMR's tweekings and posted up the results on my post above dated: Friday, December 27, 2002 - 01:37 pm.
However, cable TV reception is still very poor. |
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| Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 09:56 am: |
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All,
I received my 60XBR800 on 12/25 and have not seen any green dots. I agree with all previous posts that the picture from my Direct TV signal (non-HDTV receiver, regular channels) is not as sharp as I expected. I will try the "UMR does GWII" tweaks today to see if I notice any improvements.
BTW, PS2 with Component cables looks great. I'm also going to upgrade my DVD player to progressive scan and purchase the Sony SAT-HD200 HDTV Direct TV receiver and see if this improves the sharpness of the pictures.
Any other suggestions on improving overall picture quality would be appreciated. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 09:23 am: |
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AFreyre,
Depending on your player you may find going to progressive is not an improvement. The DRC circuit in this TV is very good. Try some test patterns before you jump to progressive after you implement the tweaks. |
S.Yingling |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 02:59 pm: |
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Yikes,
Well I just ordered the sony 60XBR800 and you all are scaring me!Any way my ? is how far of the deck should the center of the screen be? And did you all by the sony shelf sys of make or buy a diff one? As for the pix in Circuit City the cable pix looked good, HDTV Rec maybe??? who knows
Thanks
Steve |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 08, 2003 - 09:15 pm: |
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Don't be scared, I have had my set since November and cannot say enough great things about it. I just got the DVD of Two Towers (I'm in the Academy) and it's probably not the best they can do, but it looks fantastic. The other night I put on a very so-so DVD of Little Buddah which is has a wildly changing palate of colors and it looked great. It's an amazing set, you did right. |
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| Posted on Sunday, January 12, 2003 - 02:57 pm: |
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Some promising news (kind of): To make the most of this TV's channel surfing capabilities, you need to invest in an HDTV tuner (I purchased an over-the-air (OTA) HDTV tuner - don't invest in the Samsung SIR-T151 unless you don't mind a NOISY humming noise coming from the tuner). The picture is AMAZING - MORE THAN AMAZING. Problem is, an OTA HDTV Tuner costs $399+ (can be found at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.). However, reception is beautiful.
Note: The OTA tuner only will receive the major networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, WB, etc.). Good thing is it's free to receive these channels - it works just like the old 'rabbit ears'. Bad things is the limited choices.
Watching shows in HDTV and DTV (Digital TV which is on most of the day) is really sweet.
I recommend purchasing one of these tuners (I'm going to switch my Samsung SIR-T151 for the Zenith HDV420 which can be found at Circuit City for $399) and trying it out. If you don't like it, just bring it back to the store since most all of these stores have a 30-day return policy. I think once you see the picture you'll be all smiles as I am right now 
All in all - this TV has been quite an expensive investment. From the TV, to the new DVD player, to the Monster video cables, to the HDTV tuner box, it's become quite pricey. But we only live once, right? |
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| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 04:08 pm: |
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Adam,
Ok school me on this hdtv tuner thing... with the kf-60xbr what tunner do i need? ota or one for the cable sig or both? and from what i see i need to buy a ps dvd to? yikes the wife is gonna kill me..let me know... Also how high off the floor is your tv sitting... i am thinking the center of the screen should be about 50 inches what do ya think?
V/r
Steve |
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| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 07:17 pm: |
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S. Yingling,
You can use a variety of tuners. I purchased the Samsung SIR-T151 from Best Buy ($399) and you also need a regular over the air antenna (i.e. rabbit ears) to get the reception into the hdtv tuner box (I bought an RCA one from Best Buy for $14.99). These two items combine will allow you to receive over the air Digital TV signals and over the air HDTV signals (HDTV is INCREDIBLE, while Digital TV is really nice). The signals you will receive are those of the major networks.
Here's the scoop:
1) Do NOT purchase the SIR-T151, unless you don't mind a REALLY ANNOYING humming noise coming from the tuner. I'm returning mine ASAP to Best Buy. I did research and this seems to be a normal occurance with the unit and is not acceptable.
2) I'm going to probably purchase the Zenith HDV420 from Circuit City (same price), and I'm also going to try out the Gemini-Industries Silver Sensor Indoor Digital TV Antenna ($39.99 at Circuit City) in place of the RCA antenna I purchased to see if it allows me to get more channels in my area (I live in Boston, MA - but a stronger signal will allow me to get local channels from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, etc.).
3) Yes, I would invest in a Progressive Scan DVD player. It made a BIG DIFFERENCE in picture quality compared to my older, non-progressive scan Sony DVD player. I paid $199.99 for my new PS DVD player.
4) I purchased a TV stand made by Bush Furniture from Best Buy. It's only $130 now (I just paid $150 for mine), rather than $600+ for the piece of junk Sony stand.
Here's a link:
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11048074&m=1&cat=38&scat=39
Model: VS39736 (it has almost identical dimensions to that of the 'official' Sony stand.
5) Yes, your wife probaby will kill you as my wife would like to. However, I had a bunch of people over to watch the NFL playoffs at my place last night and not one person didn't say "Wow" when they saw how incredible HDTV looked on my TV.
Feel free to e-mail me if you need help or have any questions. |
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| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 08:26 pm: |
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Adam,
Wow what a big investment for the wife's whim. but money pit here i come! Where did ya get your TV at CC? and as for the reco's price scan here i come! now as for the stand thanks for the link! and with that stand how many componet's can ya stock in there and how hi is the middle of the tv screen from the floor with the tv on that stand! That is a big issue with the wife.. i think 50inches will make the pix look good... Now last ? until i get the decoder how does reg cable look in all of the tv's aspects norm, wide screen? and do you have the green dot's??
Again thank's for the quick post.....
Steve |
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| Posted on Monday, January 13, 2003 - 10:52 pm: |
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S. Yingling,
I purchased my 60 inch at CC. They did a price match of a local store called "Cambridge Soundworks" which was running a 15% off promotion, so I got the TV for $4250 (not including tax), with free delivery (original price $4999 + $50 or so for delivery).
The stand holds 4 components very comfortably (it has 4 compartments), but you can stack them so you can fit 8 components (2 per compartment).
I measured the center of the TV for you and my center screen is 50"-51" from the ground (I have the 60" grand wega).
Regular cable looks crappy. Very blurry and rather lousy. If you convert the screen to wide screen (full), it looks even worse.
My TV has one green dot, it's near the upper-right hand corner and is very unnoticable so I'm not worrying about it.
Hope this info helps. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 01:05 pm: |
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Hi All
Got a 60" GWII. I'm trying to get the HDTV signal for my local channels. I bought the Terk TV35 outdoor antenna, which I guess I would have to put on the roof and then run the cable down the side of the house. I am not exactly sure how to do this correctly and can't find anyone in my area to help me. From what I'm reading in the earlier posts, you can get HDTV signal for local channels with an indoor antenna? Is that correct?
That would save me a whole lot of trouble since climbing the roof in subzero weather is not my idea of fun. Does the indoor versus outdoor antenna affect the quality of the picture? I live about 35 miles north of Chicago, will the distance affect the quality? Thanks in advance for your comments. |
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 02:53 pm: |
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Anonymous,
1) I would return the Terk antenna. From what I've read, it's garbage and doesn't do any better of a job than a $15 indoor antenna.
2) Yes, you can get HDTV signals from local channels with an indoor antenna. It works with standard indoor antenna "rabbit ears", just like you used to do back in the 1980's.
3) I'm sure a powerful outdoor antenna would get a stronger signal than an indoor antenna (due to many factors including obstructions blocking the indoor antenna). I recommend putting your indoor antenna near a window, and remove the screen from the window.
4) Distance will affect how strong of a signal you can get, but not necessarily quality. The signal will be digital, so if your antenna receives picks it up, it shouldn't matter if you're 1 mile away or 30 miles away. The picture quality should be the same. Distance will affect how many channels you can pick up. If you were close to all of the towers broadcasting the digital channels, you will obviously pick up more channels than someone 100 miles away from every antenna. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 06:17 pm: |
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Adam
I appreciate all the help. Thank you.
Couple of more questions. My TV is in a room that doesn't "face" the broadcast antennas. In other words, the broadcast antennas are in the southeast direction of the house, while the TV is in the northwest corner of the house. In your opinion will that make a difference? Also, any recommendations on the antenna and receiver?
I see Zenith and Samsung...didn't know if there are any other good ones.
Thanks
Z |
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:41 pm: |
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Anonymous,
No problem. I don't think where your TV is positioned in the house makes much of a difference. Remember, the antenna you will be using are rabbit ear's, and you can point the antenna's in different directions. If you point the antenna's towards the towers, I'm assuming you would get better reception.
The answer to your antenna/receiver question I answered in my post above dated "Monday, January 13, 2003 - 07:17 pm"
Hope that helps. |
Tommy G. |
| Posted on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 01:38 pm: |
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I learned that the normal analog cable pictures are not very good. How about normal digital signal from Direct TV (not HDTV)? Does this picture rate good? How about when it is stretched into Wide Screen format? Thanks in advance! |
Tommy G |
| Posted on Friday, January 17, 2003 - 01:47 pm: |
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FrankG, I was wondering what the Sony service had to say about your green dot? You never posted that information? |
AFreyre |
| Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 09:48 am: |
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TommyG,
I currently have Directv (not HDTV) and I think the image looks fine. I normally do stretch it into Wide when watching. Although everything is stretched, I still think its a good image. Hope this helps. |
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| Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2003 - 07:54 pm: |
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I would also be interested in knowing what Sony says about bad pixels on the LCD chips. On a plasma display I can see why they would allow a couple of pixels to be damaged, because the expense is huge and everyone is right - if you sit at a proper distance you cannot tell. But the LCD is small and relatively inexpensive to replace - I would personally expect Sony to replace an LCD if any pixels were bad, and would very much like to see/hear what Sony had to say about it.
What about warranties on LCD projectors, has anyone heard of one that will replace an LCD chip if there are bad pixles?
Thanks.
Jack |
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| Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 10:23 am: |
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Jack,
I have to disagree with you. You say the LCD is "small", but the 60" is made up of 3 LCD panels. Each panel is not very small. I'm assuming the expense is not cheap, and there are so many of these TV's that have a dead pixel or two that the time it would take Sony to replace all of them would be quite a huge task. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 01:26 pm: |
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All,
Hey can any one tell me what HDTV Decoder Box will work with this tv? I have only regular cable and they say they will xmit the HDTV sig soon, do they make one for over the air and one that decode cable tv HDTV sig's? As for the above comments i was at CC and their 50/60 XBR's had no pixel spots. but i did notice when you are watching non-HDTV (reg cable/Sat) in the 4.3 mode the edges of the pix are not strait but bent in te middle What is up with that???
Thanks for the help in advance |
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| Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 06:50 pm: |
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Adam,
Perhaps I am confused about LCD RPTVs then. Sony says this is a rear projection television, and the screen is 60", but the screen is not the LCD. They say that each LCD is 1.35". That is small in my opinion, and 'very' small compared to replacing an entire screen as in a bad pixel for a plasma display. So I am assuming that the image is displayed on the LCD and then projected onto the screen. Removing and replacing something that is 1.35" should be neither difficult nor expensive. Yes, an LCD for a laptop monitor, which 'is' the screen, is pretty expensive, but that is not what we are talking about here.
Where is my confusion? |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 - 03:19 pm: |
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What screen size do most of you watch your DVDs on, Normal, Full, Zoom, or Wide Zoom. Which is considered the best for viewing in this format ? I do not yet own a PS DVD, but the one I have now always seemed to perform well with my 32" 4:3 TV. Also, a Sony rep told me that when I inserted a DVD, it was up to me as a consumer to choose which screen I preferred. With my old TV it automatically chose the letterbox visual. Thanks in advance. |
Naveed Haneef |
| Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 12:32 am: |
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Hi everyone,
I have been researching this TV for a few weeks now. I really like the looks and wanted to do a bit of research how it holds against the plasma screens. Reading the comments, sounds like I will have to invest in a HD Tuner. I have a cable connection through AT&T cable - are there many HD channels out there to make it worth while? any suggestions |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 08:13 pm: |
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Naveed, dude: I don't get cable but I do get Directv and have heard many people complain about the quality of normal satellite reception. I'm using a Samsung HD receiver and not only do I get the v. few HD satellite stations (and whatever I can pick up over the air) but this box made the ordinary stations look reasonable. So, I conclude, you'll need a decent HD receiver eventually. Yes, the Samsung has a cable "in" but I've never used it. I love the set. |
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| Posted on Friday, January 24, 2003 - 10:04 pm: |
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Since we are all either seriously comparing RPTVs, and in particular the KF60XBR800, to plasmas, or to LCOS, or some such, I found a site that explains the new chip technologies for RPTV very nicely and, for those of you who do not already know about how LCD RPTV works, its a great read:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/projection-tv10.htm |
Anthony F. |
| Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 03:24 pm: |
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I recently purchased the 60XBR (and the sony stand) and I am anxiously waiting for it to be delivered (the wait is killing me). In preparation, I purchased a progessive scan DVD player and high-end gold plated cabels. I have digital cabel from Time Warner and I swapt my standard cabel tuner with a HD cabel tuner. Can anyone think of anything else I should do and/or purchase in order to optimize my XBR viewing experience?
Thanks. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 08:27 am: |
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Read this thread and download the settings file.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=196558 |
pit |
| Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 03:18 pm: |
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Anthony,
Where did you order your tv and what was your price with shipping?
Pit |
Anthony F. |
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 10:58 am: |
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Pit,
I'm lucky that I have a relative who works for Sony so I was able to purchase the 60XBR factory direct for $3,348 + tax (delivery included). Unfortunately, I have to wait a bit until it is finally delivered. Its been 4 weeks so far and counting (patience is not one of my virtues). To make things worse, I received a telephone call from the shipping company this morning telling me that they will be delivering the TV stand alone(less the TV)- What torture!!! |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 07:19 pm: |
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All,
Any one have any reviews of the Zenith HD-Sat520?
And anthony super price!
pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 11:23 pm: |
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Anyone know what the expected life for the xl-2000u bulb is? I heard that it is rather expensive ~$200. |
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| Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 12:38 pm: |
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Everything You Want To Know About Grand Wega
Kf-60XBR800/KF50XBR800 LCD Rear Projection by Licky Oats
GREEN DOT ISSUES - No LCD screen is 100% perfect. If you stare right into your screen on a blank black image, you will eventually find green, red and blue dots. This is normal for LCD. The cool thing about the grand wega is that it has three LCD panels, so even though you may have some pixel transistors that are not connecting properly, you won't be able to notice from the recommended viewing distance when images are showing because it will only be a pixel out of hue, vs one that is 'burned out' like on a single LCD display. Best thing to do is NOT sit close and look for them.
CABLE IS SO-SO - Of course cable is so-so. An analog cable signal is pretty rough at best. Even on the oldschool 19'' set I have, you can see imperfections in the signal once you get close enough to the set. Magnifying this to 50 or 60 inches is gonna give you a serious microscopic view of bad signals. DRC works to try to make this is painless as possible, but in general, you are going to want to go digital/hdtv. Regular digital cable is still not perfect, because it is overly compressed and is generally meant for smaller televisions. HDTV, however, will floor you. Recommended advice is to go for the 50'' if you have a small apartment or home, vs the 60''. Bigger is not always better. If you are gonna watch HDTV, you can sit up close to the television. You will need to be a little further away for a DVD. And for digital cable, even further. Analog cable, you are gonna want to be in the next room. Remember, there is nothing wrong with your tv, it is your signal. Also, I recommend shelling out the big bucks for top of the line cabling. I use silver series tributaries cables. You can find them on tributariescables.com.
MY DVD PLAYER LOOKS CRAPPY - Yes, if you don't have progressive scan, you aren't even in the right ball park. Not only do you need progressive scan, but you need a high end progressive scan DVD player. You can't expect to buy a 5000 dollar TV and get away with a 70 dollar DVD player with free courtesy cables. I ran several tests on different Sony DVD players and have found that the entry level dvpns715p basically looks like sh*t on this television. The dream system is not a solution either for those who like to compress things into an all in one package. The only two DVD players that measured up, to me, were the dvpns900v which has recently been discontinued, so hurry up and find one online before they're gone. I think mine was about 700 bucks. The other is the dvpns999es. This player goes well beyond the 900v and has a much better video chip as well as ES quality audio components. Also, both of these dvd players are built much better. Each internal component is shielded, isolated, and made of much more durable materials. So, yeah they're worth the money. And the 999es retails for 1200 bucks. Don't gasp and say that's too much for a DVD player. Because when you see it on tv, you will never touch your old one again except maybe to play in the bathroom on an old 13 inch television.
I WANT TO HOOK UP MY COMPUTER - I've tried doing this directly, just for sh*ts and giggles, and even if you have cables that fit from one to the other, it won't work because there is no v-synch and h-synch. Right now, I have an ATI All-In-Wonder 32mb Radeon card with an S-Video out. This is nowhere near the quality this tv would be capable of handling a computer, but you can read text, and see with relative clarity. Supposedly, there are ways to cheat the system, but I haven't researched it enough yet to give any advice. But from what I hear, it is possible to do this and do it well, if you know what you're doing. I, unfortunately, do not as of now.
IS THIS BETTER THAN PLASMA - Plasma is going to be the Vanilla Ice of televisions. This is speculation of course, but based on what I have heard, it looks to be something we will all laugh at in ten years when commercials blare over our surround sound LCD tv's 'Remember the first of the millenium?' Plasmas suck because A) they have a lifespan a little less than half of an average CRT television. B) if you leave an image on the screen long enough, such as the CNN logo, a life energy bar on a video game, black bars when viewing a movie that does not naturally fit the 16x9 format, a DVD on pause - you can easily burn that image into your television forever, and this is NOT covered by your warranty, because YOU did it. C) Plasmas cost a lot of money. A lot. The new 50 inch from sony retails at 13 thousand dollars. You could buy two 60 inch grand wegas with that, the 1200 dollar highe end dvd player, the stand for BOTH tvs, and component video cables. D)It is rumoured that plasma tv's give off more radiation than the standard CRT. Being a new technology, I am not interested in taking the chance. E) Plasmas look brighter, yes, and have a much better depth at any angle. BUT they are grainy grainy grainy, and when you have dark images on the screen, you may as well be watching analog cable, because it will still look pretty rough. F) Plasmas are high maintainance, much more difficult to repair when something goes wrong, and if by some miracle it is reparable, it will cost thousands of dollars in most cases. G) Plasma pixels burn out, and eventually the screen will look like a star map. H) The fact that I made it to H.
I hope this clears up some of the issues you guys have been having. Buy the Grand Wega. I did, and it's awesome. And yes, get the 5 year warranty, just in case. But I think it is a definite buy. |
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| Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 12:42 pm: |
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PS - The XL2000U bulb life is average 5000-8000 hours supposedly. Estimated 5 years of viewing, I've been told, but we shall see. Still a much better buy than plasma. |
Naveed Haneef |
| Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 05:40 pm: |
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Anonymous:
Thanks for your response - it helped. I am pretty sure I am going to get this 50" or a 60" is something I need to consider. From everyone's reviews, sound like I am going to have to for sure buy a HD tuner+a good progressive DVD.
Licky Oats:
Your listing helped to answer my questions on Plasma vs. Sony's LCD - thanks. |
Da Bears |
| Posted on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 09:25 pm: |
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What Progressive DVD players work good with the 60XBR. Do I need an expensive one (LIKE A DENON 2800 OR SONY 999ES) or is the Sony NS715P good enough. I love watching movies.. |
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| Posted on Monday, February 03, 2003 - 10:05 pm: |
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Seriously considering the 60XBR but after reading the messages I have two concerns. First is the "Green dot" Pixel issue. Would expect a piece of equipment of this caliber to be free from defects like burned out pixels before Sony ships from factory. Under stand the potential expense by Sony to repair but that is what one expects when they buy the best.
Second concern is that several mentioned the contrast is not so great, more gray than black along the sides when viewing in 4x3 mode. Thought this generation fixed this problem?
Thanks for your feedback.
John B. |
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 09:57 am: |
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John B & DA Bears,
AS for john B's ? read licky oats post it talk about the green spot to a T ! if you go plasma that spot would be a burned out pixel! as for the black grey thing well it looks fine better then most non tube tv's i would adjust the view hight/distance.. and as for the 60 inch well consider your distance from the sony...50 should be good (100$$$ per inch diff for 10 more inches)
hope that helps...
************************************************
Da Bears... as for a DVD player... TV cost 4K what will another 500 or so mean? i would go with the sony DVP-NS900v it has 3:2 pull down just like the tv and the audio is super! Go to e-bay to get one on the cheap.... sony site 699.00 e-bay cheaper! And for the botth of you... HDTV tuner a must with both Over the Air capability and sat/dtv/cable also....
hope that help's
Cheers
PIT |
Da Bears |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 09:00 pm: |
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Thanks Pitrott,
What HDTV Tuner would you recommend, I live near Chi- Should I get an antenna for HD |
Ken B |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 10:29 pm: |
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Think I'll wait on e more year. Myabe they'll have it perfected by then! |
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 - 10:56 pm: |
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Thanks PIT,
I appreciate your response. After reading all of the messages and concern by some on the green pixel issue I wanted to get an affirmation that this was not a mega issue. I have had a Hitachi analog 50" projection tv for 7 years and from a distance it still looks awesome (without my glasses on) today as it did when I bought it but it is time to go digital since I prefer to see movies/tv in focus. I plan to go with a Sony SAT HD200 HDTV tuner along with the TV. Already changed out my original DirectTV dish for new one that receives HDTV satellites.
Am somewhat surprised that a high end progressive scan DVD player is necessary. Bought a high end Nakamichi DVD player (w/96-kHz/24-bit converters) a year ago on uBID for incredible price. Guess I know why they were unloading them on the cheap. Again, thanks for your input.
John |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 08:45 am: |
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Da,Bears
AS for the The HD Tunner i would get a sony,RCA,Zenith... with both Analog/Digital HDTV Reception cap... i have the Zenith Sat 520... yes get a antenna for Over the Air reception and this link will tell you what is in your area...
www.hdtvpub.com hope this helps....
pit |
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| Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 10:19 pm: |
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Can anyone tell me if the Kf-60XBR800/KF50XBR800 LCD Rear Projection TV has AVLS or auto volume control so those irriating commercials that come on about 100 decibels louder than the progam you are watching don't rocket you out of your seat? Sony dealer did not know if these models have this feature. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2003 - 10:46 pm: |
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Please check the link to the Web site below for the BEST pfice on this TV:
http://r1.east.rmi.yahoo.com/rmi/http://datavisioncomputer.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay/rmivars%3ftarget=_top?prrfnbr=1229940&prmenbr=2000&site=YAHOO |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, February 06, 2003 - 09:43 am: |
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Yamunda,
Yes |
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| Posted on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 11:05 am: |
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I'm hoping someone can help me out a bit.-
I downloaded and read the thread on the avsforum regarding the calibrating of the GWII. I'm not an electronics wiz by any stretch of the imagination, so the thread seemed and bit complicated & confusing (granted my GWII has still not been delivered from Sony yet so I have no TV) and it even scared me a bit with all the talk of possibly voiding the warranty. Any advice?
Has anyone heard about and/or used the "Avia Guide to Home Theater." This is a DVD which supposedly helps the user calibrate his/her home threater. Any thoughts as to whether or not I should purchase this? |
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| Posted on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 04:12 pm: |
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Anthony F
Dude i to look at the thread to adjust the colors... and i was not up to the task! to many changes! as for the colors on my 50xbr well depending on the tv station/dvd i am watching adjusting the picture (standard/mild/pro/vivid) i get the results that soot me fine! my thought if you need to go that far buy a plasma or tube tv! hope that helps....
*************************************************HELP any body
The HDCP in the back of the tv, has any body used this to attach to their HDTV Decoder/reciever?? with HDCP?? and will this let me view OTH/Cable HDTV?
Thanks all |
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| Posted on Friday, February 07, 2003 - 07:23 pm: |
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Is it true the Sony Grand Wega KF-60XBR800 can not display 1080i. The spec's from Sony say it only can go up to 720p? |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 08:58 am: |
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Vince,
Very few displays can really display the full 1080i and very little content comes close to this standard. The real question is can it take the input. The answer here is the KF-60XBR800 can take a 1080i, 720p,480p and 480i input. This set also has excellent resolution within its price group. I would even go so far as to say it is the best in its price range after the service menu adjustments are made at resolving picture details. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 09:00 am: |
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pitrott,
Yes, I use a DVI-HDCP connection for OTA and D-Theater. |
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| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 09:54 am: |
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Anonyous,
Where can i buy the connector???? Radio shack did not have one?
pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 03:47 pm: |
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I got mine off ebay.
Here is a link for one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3401109087&category=3668 |
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| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 06:27 pm: |
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Anonymous,
K, see the link! thanks... now this is a single link cable/ and what HDYV tunner do you have? and this cable when from the tunner to the 60xbr in the HDCP slot correct? and how many cable did you get off e bay.. that link was selling 5..
R
PiT |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, February 09, 2003 - 07:02 pm: |
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I am using a Samsung SIR-T165.
I only purchased a single cable to go from the STB to the TV. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 08:41 pm: |
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Is componet video better ten Svideo or DHCP? also is 5.1 audio hook up better then optical ?
pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 08:16 am: |
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DVI and component look the same to me for HDTV. S-Video would be much worse for HDTV. My 5.1 audio hookup is optical. I don't really understand the question here. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 09:01 am: |
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Anonymous,
Thank's for the dvi input.... now as for the 5.1 audio... from my dvd (Progressive scan/SCAD) player i have optical output for audio to my receiver OR i can use the 5.1 outputs to the 5.1 inputs on my Receiver. so my ? is which on of these hook up's will give me better sound 5.1 or optical?
Thanks
pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 07:28 am: |
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The 5.1 analog outputs from the player is your only option for SACD. Usually the receiver is your best choice for DD/DTS decoding, but in your case the player might be better.
I would look at the features and ease of use in the receiver versus the player and go with the one that will give you what you want for DD/DTS decoding. I would choose the player if that is a wash since you have a SACD deck and your DAC's on it should be very good. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 07:26 am: |
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Anonymous,
Tks for the post! well i am gonna hook up both and when i want to play a SACD (limdis) i will switch the RCVR to 5.1 and use digital coax for DVD's/// New subj... looking for an indoor antenna for HDTV. I hooked every thing up and my current Ant sucks,, any suggestions?
pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 05:28 pm: |
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I use a large antenna for HD. I am no help on that one. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 08:46 am: |
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All,
Well i am done! System up and running 6K latter and here is what i am seeing!
1. No color spots on the TV
2. Progressive scan DVD Required Sony NS 775 (220.00 E-Bay)
3. HDTV Receiver i am using the Zenith Sat-520 (620.00 Ebay)
Easy to use and program Direct TV Cap.
4. Hdtv Antenna i am using a amplified RCA FM/UHF/VHF (34.95)
5. OTH HDTV is super on some stations looks just like a dvd pix
6. Added a bose 601 pair of speakers to top out surround sound system (500.00)
So there you have it worth every penny!!!
Now a ? for any body that has direct TV how many HDTV channels do you get off that system?
Cheers
Pit |
JGovic |
| Posted on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 06:07 pm: |
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I'll be moving to an apartment soon, and I'm debating between the 50" or 60". I want the 60", but I don't want to be too close. How many feet should I be from the LCD 60" (wall to wall) for maximum viewing pleasure? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 08:38 am: |
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JGovic,
As per some of the post's above minium for the 60 is 12 feet! as for the difference well think of it this way going from the 50 to the 60 is 100.00 per inch!
pit |
JGovic |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 12:51 am: |
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Pitrott,
Is 12 feet wall to wall? I know the tv comes out about 2 feet. Plus you have to compensate from where you're sitting from the other wall. So it's about 8 feet from your eye to the screen. Is that enough? Thanks. |
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| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 07:00 am: |
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JGovic,
Well just measured the tv for ya and here is my setup tv against a main wall, one chair at 10 feet off to the left looking at the tv. Another chair 12.7 feet off to the right looking at the tv a couch to the left of the tv at 4 feet and another to the right of the tv at 3 feet and all look good at thoes distances. the center of the tv picture is 4 ft 3inches from the floor..If you like i can send you a pix of my setup(sweet)
And you can not go wrong with either the 50 or 60 , let me know
PIT |
ScottyBoy |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 11:40 am: |
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I am building a home theater in my basement. Have definitely decided on the 60XBR. Anyone care to give some feedback on what the ideal list of components should be. Sounds like progressive scan DVD is a must. Already gonna get HD DirecTV. But what about some of these other gizmo's I hear about to filter this or enhance that. Any feedback? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 01:05 pm: |
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Scottyboy,
Well first you should get a cabnet for the sony tv and the above distance per my post! Then get a progressive scan DVD player (sony) Then a HDTV Receiver i have a Zenith sat-520 or the sony one will do!Then a Receiver with at least 5.1 decoder and DTS, Then surround sound speakers i have 9 and then an antenna for OTH signals... and there u have it! you in biz... but the cost is out there mine at a min 6k any ?'s let me know
R
PIT |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 02:37 pm: |
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I would suggest a Panasonic DVD-XP30 or DVD-XP50. I just upgraded from a Sony player to a XP30 and it was definately worth it for me.
Check out the results.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1854037#post1854037 |
ScottyBoy |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 04:39 pm: |
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Thanks for the feedback folks. If I can do this for less than $6k I'll consider that one heck of a bargain. Any other equip anyone can think of? I'm not much of a technophile but I've heard something about some kind of signal filters or cleansers that are supposed to help. Also, seems like using the right cables would be important. I've heard mixed messages on using s-video inputs vs. RCA jacks vs. something else. I really appreciate the feedback. Any of yinz live in Pittsburgh? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 - 07:35 pm: |
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ScottyBoy,
Oh yea forgot to tell ya that the cables will cost ya to! I spent a lot of money at radio shack for (componet video, regular video cables,digital cables(optical/coax)and new speaker wire!) as far as filters goes well i have none and every ting looks great and sounds great! look to my post of feb 17 at 8.46am an that will tell you the gear! good luck
PIT |
ScottyBoy |
| Posted on Thursday, February 20, 2003 - 12:27 pm: |
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pitrott,
You da man! Thanks for all the feedback. It may be a few months before I get this stuff (gotta get the room construction done first-actually finishing the entire basement, nearly 1200 sq ft. Kinda like building a house within a house. 400 sq ft will be the theater) but I'll post something once I got it all together. |
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| Posted on Sunday, February 23, 2003 - 07:40 pm: |
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Licky Oats said to purcahse the 5 yr. warranty. Where are you guys seeing the best price for a warranty?? |
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 10:02 am: |
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GREEN DOT UPDATE: Sorry it took me so long to respond, but it took SONY this long to do something. After a zillion calls to customer service, and three separate technicians coming to see it, they finally replaced the entire TV. The dot in question measured nearly 1/4 inch. The bad news is that SONY knows about this problem, the last technician who came had a fax from SONY to help him diagnose the problem. I wasn't supposed to see it, but I did. I later used that info when speaking to SONY and guess what? That's when they decided to replace it. Now I have no dot, and can finally enjoy the TV, although I share some of the same issues about picture quality as the rest of you. I even find that with a PS DVD player, some older DVD's still don't look that great. But if you have DirecTV and get the HDNet channel (199) the picture is beyond spectacular. HBO-HD and Showtime-H is also awesome, but those are the only three channels in real HD. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 11:31 am: |
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FrankG,
Wow. my ? is how long did it take for the dot to show? and where on the tv is this? i have the 50XBR and so far no dot's. Now as for direct tv u speak of how many hd channels do you get and can i use that through my HDTV Reciver? and what does that run a month? Now i do get over the air HD/SD and it is Super Also for the rest of us can u post what the memo said for future use? As for DVD's my sony ps player looks wonderbar on my tv...
PIT |
Saturn |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 03:03 pm: |
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What inputs are available for the Sony 50 incher. I know there is composite and S-video. So there is no component video, DVI or computer 15 pin? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 04:09 pm: |
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Saturn,
It has the dame inputs as the 60 incher! Every thing but 15 pin for pc.....(7)video hookups)
PIT |
Saturn |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
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Too bad the 50 incher doesnt have a computer 15 input. That would solve the problem of bad cable signal. I have a video scaler processor that outputs standard cable TV to resolutions of 852x480 up to 1024x768. The picture of cable is scaled almost to the detail of HDTV but unfortunately it only has a 15 pin computer output. |
Phil D |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 07:29 pm: |
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I live in a apartment building in NYC and my cable service provider (RCN) does not have HDTV yet(and don't know when they will). Direct TV is out of the question due to building policy and not even sure where I would be able to put the dish. RCN does offer digital cable though. What is the quality like for Digital Cable? Any other suggestions? I am seriously considering investing in the set but if the quailty on digital cable I am not sure it is worth it.
Oh and can I use a tuner in addition to digital cable to get the advantages of HDTV via a signal broadcasting tower???
Thanks in adavance. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 08:00 pm: |
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Phil D,
Well first off digital tv is nothing more than cramed regular tv, what i mean is the band with can handle more channels. as far as a tunner well sure you will get over the air HDTV with an antenna. I to am waiting for cable HDTV (COX) but i can tell ya that my cable pix looks super on my tv and with a progressive scan dvd the movies look super! get the tv now HDTV will be mando here sooon and all over so prep now! if you need a super price on the tv let me know i have a contact that will hook you up! also on a tunner! any way hope that helps
cheers
PIT |
Anthony F. |
| Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 10:42 am: |
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Phil D
I live in the NY/NJ area and I am lucky to have AOL/Time Warner as my cable provider. AOL provides digital cable and also provides HDTV. All I needed to do was exchange my cable box with an HD cable box. Needless to say HDTV on the Grand Waga is fantastic! Standard digit cable is acceptable- you will find that some stations are better than others.
This is my suggestion- since HDTV and DVD movies on the Grand Waga is the best thing I have ever seen and standard digital cable is only OK, I would only purchase this TV if your planning to watch many DVD movies and plan to upgarde (somehow) to HDTV as soon as possible. |
Phil D |
| Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 12:21 pm: |
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Thanks You Both!
Do you think I will have problems getting over the air HDTV due to the fact I live on one side of a high rise building.
Pitrott,
Are you saying that the quality of digital cable is the same as standard cable on this set? Also if possible I would like to get you contact as I think I might purchase the set.
Thanks again |
Warder45 |
| Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 01:38 pm: |
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For those looking to buy you might want to wait if you can.
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-3622-8-20869783-5.html?tag=dir2
Sony's new ones are coming this september and hopefully will fix some of the problems with the current model. Plus the 60inch is $1000 cheaper than the current one. |
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| Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 04:15 pm: |
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PhilD,
As for cable-vs-digital cable what i am saying is that digital cable is nothing moe than regular cable with higer bandwith for more channels. Now with that being said until the cable companys like what anthony f has it's just like regular cable... Now my cable depending on the channel looks super on my 50XBR.
And what set did you want the 50 or 60? let me know and i shall hook u up last i checked he had 50XBR's and they white glove in your house! Let me know...
Warder45... i checked your post i believe they are cheaper without a HDTV tunner and as for their review of the set well mine is working just fine and looks super! thanks for the post....
PIT |
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| Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2003 - 07:36 pm: |
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phil D
E mail me, I have a super guy with a super price, I will give you his E-mail address...
PIT |
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| Posted on Friday, February 28, 2003 - 06:12 pm: |
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PhilD,
Or any body else... here is the deal the guy i bought my 50XBR from has the following proces for in house delivery
50XBR 3200K
60XBR 4000K
now this is cheaper than i got it for as he was telling me there was a price drop today! and yes i lost 200 dollars but any way if any one is interested i shall give you his e-mail and off ya go!
PIT |
dchao |
| Posted on Saturday, March 01, 2003 - 05:10 pm: |
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Sony's DRC is pretty good alerady, with the 3:2 pull down deinterlacer. It compare very well with the 3:2 pull-down inside the new progressive scan DVD player. My advice is not to throw away your old DVD player immediately, and wait for the next generation 720P/1080I player to come out. Because then you really getting the benefit of the internal de-interlacing in the DVD player.
To quote a review of the Sony's 3:2 pull-down processor on the C-Net:
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6342372-1305-20688347-3.html?tag=subnav
"We tested the 3:2 pull-down processing of CineMotion by watching the opening scene of Star Trek: Insurrection. Without 3:2 pull-down, the railings on the bridge, the canoes on the bank, and the eaves of the temple roofs all crawled with film-to-video transfer artifacts. With CineMotion enabled, the artifacts nearly disappeared. We also bypassed CineMotion using a Toshiba SD4800 DVD player with a progressive-scan output. In this case, the 3:2 pull-down is performed by the player, and the image was even cleaner, though not by too much." |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 02:56 pm: |
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Folks,
I've been reading the posts on this site for a few weeks while awaiting my new Sony LCD 60" Grand Wega. It is due to arrive this afternoon. I'll most certainly add some thoughts when I see it in action over the next few days.
Along with my new Sony Grand Wega, I gleamed from various comments (not only here but in other avenues as well) that I needed several things: (1)Good Cables (Monster Baby!), (2)A progressive scan DVD player (not a problem-Sony Baby!), and (3)A HDTV Decoder Box (Yikes! Somebody stop me-$500.00 later with Cox Digital Cable!).
I feel this is going to put me in the dog house until I sit down with the wife and watch "Notting Hill", "Pretty Woman", "Places In the Heart", and "On Golden Pond". (The sacrifices I make!)
So, wish me luck and if there is a 'cable-guy' reported missing in my area, please don't tell anyone that he was last seen in my living room shortly before his disappearance. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 04:31 pm: |
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Timba,
You missed the all important UMR tweaks over in the avsforum.
You might want to check out bluejeans cables they are hard to beat for the price (better value than monster). Sony progressive players are also not the best. I would get a Panasonic DVD-XP30.
Have Fun!!! |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 04:48 pm: |
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Awesome on HD, but shows all the standard TV defects. I have better luck with satellite feed rather than digital cable. Still too much compression on all broadcast stuff except HD which is superb. Only one big problem: lack of true black so all dark areas become grey mush. |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 05:20 pm: |
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I just ordered my 60 and in the market for a stand that doesn't cost so much. Any ideas?
Also, is is true that the next generation model is coming out at $1,000 cheaper.
Any votes on the best directv receiver?
Thanks
T |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 06:32 pm: |
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Ok..., the Good News: my new Grand Wega has arrived and installed. I've yet to see HDTV as the cable-guy has yet to make it over.
The BAD News: DVD quality is terrible! What is the deal? I'm fixen' to either swap out that Sony Progressive Scan DVD, DVP-NS755V, for the Panasonic that "annonymous" wrote about earlier, OR...take this set back and get an alternative to LCD. I'm extreamly dissapointed thus far in what I see. How can something so well touted turn out to be just the oposite?
The guy who installed the thing from Ultimate was very knowlegable for sure, but...even he seemed to dance around this problem too. I told him he could expect to come back with another set very soon as I'm sure to return it if an alternative DVD player doesn't solve this problem. However, I've yet to see Digital Cable or my new HDTV decoder box in action yet either, so...something has got to give here very soon, or...I'm OFF to the electronics store again for a replacement! |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 11:27 pm: |
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Timba
Download the tweak file from UMR Does GWII in the avsforum. This should fix any TV related problem with DVD quality. That DVD player should not be terrible, but it is not as good as the Panasonic. I have had problems with Monster Cables quality control so that could also be something to check out. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 11:28 pm: |
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Timba
What DVD did you use to calibrate the set with?
What DVD's are you using to judge the set with? |
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 01:25 am: |
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Timba,
Go to:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=5
and look at the Panasonic DVD RP82. It is actually quite inexpensive and has the best stats across the board, even for the Panasonic line. |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 10:10 am: |
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Ok, I took your advice and downloaded the PDF file and printed the instructions for tweaking the Grand Wega. I tried to follow the instructions as best I can without tweaking some of those settings that were "if you want" or "if this is a concern" or "if this or if that". I just did the tweaks that appeared to be recommendations by the tweaker guy that put this thing together.
I will admit that some differences occured. But, all in all, I'm not satisfied with the DVD picture quality. It just appears as though as if I'm watching the TV from about 2 feet away when I'm acctually about 10' from the screen. I see all sorts of distortion. It's almost like I'm watching a FILM at the movie theater. Ya know that kinda film quality look? The grainyness? That's what it looks like.
I've got the cable guy coming over in a few hours to hook up my HDTV decoder box and would like to compair the picture of that to what I'm seeing through the DVD player before I make any arbitrary decisions of thinking about replacing the set however. It just seems odd that my old 53" Hitachi had twice the picture quality of this HDTV widescreen.
In response to what DVD's I'm using to "Calibrate"? (I guess I'm not sure what calibrating means if it's anything different than just changing the brightness, hue, picture, and sharpness?) I've viewed different movies. "Hunt for Red October, which is horrendous!, "Gladiator", "Deep Blue Sea", "Road to Perdition", and many, many more.
Another question I would have: Why is the NORMAL view on the TV just giving me a widescreen view in the middle of the screen? And, why do I have to ZOOM the picture in order to view the full scope of the horizontal picture (from left to right). I would think that NORMAL would give me the entire width of the movie without having to switch to ZOOM or WIDE ZOOM or anything else. But, I guess perhaps NORMAL is used in reference to the 4:3 format? Very strange!
Anyway...I'm still up in the air on this thing. Any advice would be helpful or any problems that I speak of that you encounter and tell me "that's just the way it is" would also help in calming my senses too.
Thanks,
Timba |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 12:03 pm: |
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Timba,
Well that is odd that your DVD pix comes out so bad! what hook up r ya using(s-video/componet?)i have a sony DVD S775 (i love) and a zenith sat-520 hdtv decoder, all of witch i used componet video to my tv you no the red/green/blue thing! and my pix looks super in dvd hdtv. Normal is the 4.3 thing! as far as the tweak thing for my tv well that was just to complicated, i just switch between pro/mild ect.... my cable looks good to... don't give up the ship on this tv yet!
look at my post's above and licky oats post's to see what we did and what we spent to get a studio in your living room and further ?'s e-mail me
Cheers
PIT |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 01:57 pm: |
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Pitrott,
Yes, I've spent tremendous amounts of money on cableing and even bought a $500 Monster Digital Filter box too. But, I've noticed that it mostly depends on the DVD as well. It seems some are better than others. "Hunt for Red October", which is old in comparision to some of the others I've got and watched, seems to be one of the worst quality movies; as well as "The Rock". Not good at all. But, others...like some dramas or even "Saving Private Ryan" looked close to 'very good'.
And, no...I won't give up on it yet as the Cable-guy just left after installing my HDTV decoder box. While cable-HDTV isn't quite up to speed in programming, as I'm sure most others, the picture quality currently showing on HBOHD, "Knight's Tale" is fantastic! I can't agree more that the picture quality on HDTV is stunning to say the least.
I'll be playing with it more in the next week or so before I make a decision. But, I will say that I'm completely depressed about normal cable broadcasts on this thing. My wife is going to toss me out of the house if she's got to watch "Survivor" on this thing as it is right now! (So, if I come up missing for a while and don't post much here shortly, it's probably because I'm living outside with "Fighto" at his place in the backyard. (Bear in mind he's got no electricity - just a generous bowl of chilled beverages and perhaps a ball.)
So, I will go back and re-read some of your posts above as well as licky oats posts and see what I can gleam from it as well.
Later,
Timba |
Simon Le Greedy |
| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 02:04 pm: |
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Hey Timba !!
I agree with you about the tweaking. Either I'm just too stupid or that tweaking stuff is really for the experts out there. I read the instructions and decided my picture was just fine !! It almost frightened me !! I have the "Avia" DVD and it is not as confusing as the tweaks, but is still hard to understand when it comes to calibrating my set. What do the rest of you think about the "Avia" disc ? All I have is regular cable and the picture is quite good ! I watch everything on cable in the "Normal" wide mode and "Pro" for my picture mode. As far as your DVD problems, when my set first arrived, I had a "Go Video" dvd/vcr combo unit. The dvd player was not progressive scan and my dvds also looked horrible. I went out and bought the Samsung progressive scan player along with component cables and the difference is amazing !! Beautiful color and picture. I watch dvds in the "Full" widescreen mode and "Pro" picture mode. The picture mode is pretty much just personal preference. Some things look good in "Pro", others look good in "Vivid". What is the opinion of the rest of you as far as widescreen mode and picture mode. Let's start a survey. Anyway, Timba, I've also heard good things about the Panasonic XP30 DVD Player. If you want the model number of the Samsung, let me know and I'll get it for you. I got mine at Circuit City on sale for $129.00. My Simon had the lowest price for it at around $150.00 so CC was a good deal. Later !! |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 02:12 pm: |
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Pitrott,
I forgot to mention that, yes, I am using Monster Ultra Component Video 1000 Silver-Coated Conductor cables. (That set my pocket silver back somewhat too.)
I've got that Sony DVP-NS775V DVD player too. (Now, if you guys thing that spending a bit more money to get a better view than what I'm getting with another player, I'd be more than welcome to listen to an alternative to this as well. I'll take this back and get a Panasonic or something else that some of you are having good luck with.)
Thanks for any advice again,
Timba |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 04:15 pm: |
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Timba,
i have the sony ns755v and i can tell ya the dvd look super on this unitis yours the multidisc unit? ...got mine from my hook up on ebay! and for that matter my tv via ebay! bling bling
as for the cables well i went to radio shack anf bought them there prenty penny! but i must say all is well on my set!You never did say how you hooked it up componet svideo??? are you sending the signal through an amp? or strait in the back of the tv? So your cable sig provides hdtv???? lucky you we have OTH only! well let me know will check back soon!
pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 11:08 pm: |
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Pitrott,
No, the Component Video is being sent directly to the set via the "mind numbing & costly" component video cables. (Those three, red, blue, and green colored cables...[do I sound technical or what?])
However, I went ahead and swapped out my Sony NS775V for a Denon DVD-1600. (YIKES! I'm killen' myself! But, it's that or loose more of it in Tech Stocks, huh?)
What is interesting in all this is that I'm trying to get a decent picture from primarily one DVD since it's the one of my favorites and a DVD that I BELIEVE should look much better than it is. It's the "Hunt for Red October" DVD. No, I could be wrong, but...could this DVD have been created so long ago that newer technologies have surfaced that made the picture quality so much better? I don't know, but...I'm thinken' that perhaps I'm worrying about that one DVD too much in trying to use it as a "standard" in which to rate all DVD quality pictures coming into and viewed on this 60" Grand Wega. I could be just asking too much from this older DVD! I say that because now that I've had a chance to try different DVD's I don't seem to be having such a serious problem with them like I am with the "Hunt for Red October" one. In fact, I've got the Eagles - Hell Freezes Over DVD in right now and I'm actually starting to get frothy at the mouth! (Someone hand be a rag!) Perhaps I should look for an "enhanced version of 'The Hunt for Red October'? Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Plus, the more I have tuned into HDTV on HBO thus far today, and the more I seem to gravitate toward it's picture quality, the less happy I become and unfairly judge DVD's by the quality of the HDTV picture. I guess I'm asking too much here.
Bottom line is, I think this Grand Wega is probably a very good set. I think I should consider approaching it this way since the Cable-guy who left earlier today was also amazed at the quality of the sets picture. So, who am I to override the judgment of a guy who sees all sorts of sets throughout the day? Plus, the more I look back at the set I replaced the more thankful I shoud be that I've got this Wega. I just watched survivor with the wife on both sets - half on one, half on the other, and I think I'll say the Wega is by far the set to sit in front of.
So, I think I'll just hold onto it and work the bugs out as I see 'em. Just take one DVD at a time and enjoy it regardless. Because, as far as this group is concerned, we are obviously enjoying something that most people can only drool over. And, simply put, I think I'll recant my disapointment and replace it with critical optimism. (For now...)
Later,
Timba |
Gauss Godden |
| Posted on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 04:48 am: |
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you can connect to your computer using DVI output on your videocard
you don't need v-sync and h-sync for DVI, DVI automatic adjust your V and H
only VGA requires it. |
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| Posted on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 11:53 am: |
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It's amazing how all of us seem to get completely different results from our Grand Wega. Some people love this TV and some people hate this TV. I have to say this made me nervous while I was waiting for the TV to be delivered. Now that it is sitting in my living room I'm in love! HDTV looks fantastic, DVD's look great and even standard digital cable looks good (some channels better than others).
Timba, I think with a bit of patience and the correct tweeking you will find that this TV rocks. And by the way your not going crazy- some DVD's will look better than others. It' seems to me that the newer, high budget movies look the best on DVD. Since you seem to be in spending mode you may like to purchase the "Avia Home theater" DVD as Simon suggested above. You can buy this DVD for $30 -$40 and it will help you adjust your TV and sound system properly. It can be a bit confusing but if you have a few hours to spend and you can figure most of it out. I bought this DVD and it helped a little bit. As for the tread adjustments on the avsforum - I'm with Pitrot- I'm not an electronics wiz and these adjustment seemed a bit to complicated for me. I'm a bit nervous that I may screw things up! Besides, my TV looks great withgout these adjustments.
Good luck- |
Phil D |
| Posted on Friday, March 07, 2003 - 01:19 pm: |
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Anyone used widows media center on this TV. How is the quality of DVDs, HDTV, and Digital Cable when it is routed through the computer. Should it effect the quality? I am thinking of getting the VIAO with media center to go with this because it has the recordeable tv option. What do you think????? |
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| Posted on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 07:03 pm: |
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Anthony,
Yes, I've been considering purchasing this 'adjustment DVD' that you speak of. I noticed it mentioned earlier in this thread and I, somewhat, had to do some research as to what the heck it was when I saw someone first speak of it. If it indeed will help I'm not opposed to picking one up. I'm just wondering: Does this thing do more than just help you adjust the color, hue, sharpness, & contrast of the picture? Or, does it go deeper into the tweak settings of the service menu and help out there too? I ask this simply because I would think that it could be done without this DVD since there are only a hand full of "user" adjustments that can be made. But, I'm sure there is more to this thing than just helping there, huh? Anyway, is this an item that I'll have to order online? I have seen it in various places to order it that way. But, has anyone seen this thing in a retail setting that I could probably pick up locally here in Oklahoma City? Just curious. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, March 09, 2003 - 07:54 am: |
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I have used Avia to adjust the following for this display:
Color, Hue, Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, Gray Scale, YC Delay, Overscan, Red Color Decoder and the Green Color Decoder.
THX Optimizer (not Optimode) found on movies like Star Wars II can be used to set:
Color, Hue, Contrast, Brightness, Sharpness, a rough Gray Scale and Overscan if you have a blue filter for color and hue.
YC delay can be adjusted without Avia by carefully looking at displays like the DVD Menu for Star Wars II. |
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| Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 03:39 pm: |
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PIT This Tony Luna and I live in Jacksonville Fl. I have been reading all of the great information on this website about the grand wega and i have decided to get one but here in jacksonvilles circiut city they are charging 4k for the set. So if you can possibly email me that person who has them for sale at a cheaper price I will be very thankfull . My email adress is aluna921@hotmail.com if anyone one else has information on where to get this tv cheaper I would like to hear from you also. Pit for the 3200k does that innclude shipping and taxes. Thanks everyone . Hope for some good leads. |
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| Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 04:55 pm: |
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Tony,
That was for the 50 inch and it would have been a total of right around 3400.00 and that is just for the tv and in house delivery and no tax.... the 60 is 3999.00+ around 240.00 for the in house delivery which Circuit city for the 60 is 4999.00 + tax+ del, so you see you are getting a 60 for the price of a 50 and no tax! E-mail on the way! Enjoy!
Pit |
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| Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 05:36 pm: |
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Ok, So according to Licky Oats way up in the thread, bigger isn't always better (ie 50"vs60")
So I have a room 10' wide by 20' long. Should I spring for the 60 or stick with the 50? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 07:47 pm: |
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Giueppe,
Well with the price of the 60 these day's 3999.00 go with the 60, the profile of the tv is not big!!! and you will enjoy it no matter the size!
pit |
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| Posted on Monday, March 10, 2003 - 10:30 pm: |
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Pitt,
My name is Isaac and I too have decided to buy the 50XBR Grand Wega. Can you PLEASE e-mail me the info of the person who has them at that discounted price you got? My e-mail address is Isaacmaman@hotmail.com.
Thanks and I appreciate your help!
-Isaac |
Phil T. D. |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 01:37 pm: |
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Lots of people have mentioned Monster cables, someone mentioned BlueJean (I believe). Has anyone tried Cobalt ( http://www.cobaltcable.com/index.htm ) or is Monster the way to go?
Thanks,
Phil |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 03:30 pm: |
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Isaac Maman,
Info in your in box!
pit |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 03:56 pm: |
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Phil T.D.
Dude you know what i used??? Radio shack cables and my picture Q is supurb on the tv!!!!
Pit |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 04:15 pm: |
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Phil T.D.,
I don't have much for a point of reference to debate the use of Monster, Bluejean, Cobalt, or even the less expensive Radio shack variety. It seems, for most people, the money spent on these items are usually a "one time and forget it" purchase. In other words, once we decide on manufactures cables vs. anothers, we (I mean "I") don't spend a great amount of time searching for a better or more economical cable once we've installed the first ones. (Unless you're replacing something REALLY CHEAP!)
I've never plugged in a $139.00 Monster Cable and then decided, "hey, this really sucks! I'm going to throw this in a drawer and try something else...OH, YES...that's MUCH better!" No. It rarely happens. It would appear as though we buy new cables only when we install a new component, or completely upgrade an entire system. And, then we simply research again, decide on how much we want to shell out, and are probably, more than likely, satisfied with the cables. Especially since they're installed on a new entertainment system, you have nothing to compare your cables WITH!
I guess that's why we pretty much leave this decision up to the experts to review and expose themselves to all sorts of variations in this field. Then, we just make an arbitrary decision based on COST! How much can I afford? (As is evident in Pit's choice and happiness with his Radio Shack's.) After a certain point, it's just how much you want to spend.
Timba |
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 04:41 pm: |
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Timba,
Well spoken! But lets not forget that the radio shack cables after all said and done cost me about 150.00 or more i can not recall because i made so many trips! HeHe Now a ? Direct tv how many HDTV signals do ya get over that and what is the cost per month
Cheers
Pit |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 05:31 pm: |
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Pitt,
I am also looking for a 50" at a good price, could you email the place with the best price?
chilled_sanj@yahoo.com
thanks. |
pitortt |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 06:22 pm: |
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Sanj Gill,
Hi.. check your in box! Info is waiting for ya...
Cheers
Pit |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 06:44 pm: |
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thanks.....does anyone know if there is a price drop due on these set's?
Sanj |
pitrott |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 07:08 pm: |
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Sanj Gill,
Check your in box!
Pit |
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 10:20 pm: |
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I am new to this forum and find it very intersting reading. I too plan to buy the Grand Wega 60" and live in Kansas City. Could someone email me as well for the BEST price and where to get it?
My email is: rsmtith469@aol.com
Hopefully the price includes shipping and tax... |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:26 am: |
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Robert,
Check your in box.
Pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 02:28 pm: |
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Hi Everyone:
Thanks for all the great feedback in this forum. After two months of waiting for the Sony Family Center (employee disocunt)to ship my TV, I finally broke down and spent a little more. Just got things plugged in and set-up. 60" xbr800 with a pioneer elite 49txi and the pioneer 47ai DVD player with PS. The picture is absolutely amazing. Watched Triple X in DVD progressive scan the first night. Have Dish network for satellite and picture looks good/great as well. Haven't seen any defects or green dots/spots in the image, but I will be looking. I plan on doing the tweaks umr has so generously documented on various sites. Can someone tell me exactly how to get into the "service mode" Is it a sequential pressing of buttons on the remote with the TV off, TV on , etc.... That would be helpful. I will report back my findings after changing the settings. Thanks in advance. |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 03:10 pm: |
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Pitt,
I'm also in the market for a 50" GWII...
thanks,
Bill |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 03:36 pm: |
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Bill,
Check your in box!
Pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 09:34 pm: |
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Eric,
Once you've obtained the Tweak file it will give you the instructions for opening the Service Menu, and instructions for SAVING your changes with the precise series of button strokes. Once again, as mentioned above earlier, the link to this PDF file, and other conversation about this, can be found here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=196558
Good luck,
Timba |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:48 pm: |
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Hi....just been offered a deal for a 50" XBR
$3600 inc tax, deliver and installation....
is this a good deal??
thanks....Sanj. |
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| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 12:53 am: |
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Don't bother buying a Sony. My KF-60DX100 is just one month out of warranty and is experiencing problems. The picture will not clearly focus anymore and it has a crossing horizontal faint red stripe about two inches wide near the bottom of the screen and two more that swoop from the center at the top of the screen to the sides. I called Sony and discussed my concerns regarding one month out of warranty and they basically told me "too bad". I also told the rep that I am having difficulty finding a repair shop that will work on a LCD tv. They gave me a couple of names of shops. I called and they said "oh its a Sony" parts are expensive and quoted anywhere from $150 to $180 just to look at it and that was if I delivered it to their shop. This is the second Sony television that I have had that has not lasted. My previous tv made it two years. Sony Balony, I should have said Toshiba! |
pit |
| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 06:37 am: |
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Sanj,
Where? and from who? tax?
pit |
pitrott |
| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 06:41 am: |
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Sanj,
The guy i told ya about has it for 3484.00 with in house delv. 3249.00 for the tv and 235.00 in house delv.. no tax... did ya get the pix of my setup?////////////////////
Anthony,,
is that the old model? did ya change out the lamp?
Pit |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 12:55 pm: |
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Pit,
sweet set-up,
does the $3484 include the 2yrs warranty?
It's through a local sony dealer, and I think it might be price matched by good guys.
what do you think?
Sanj. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 03:45 pm: |
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Sanj,
No not that i know of for the warranty, If you are getting a 2year warrenty....AKA one extra year. sure... now just remember that when i bought mine i got an extra year warrenty from the CC company.... but all in all that is a good price, and you say it is local? also after they deliver let the tv sit for at least 3hrs before starting... as to let the lamp get room temp!
dude your getting a sony........
pit |
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| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 07:57 pm: |
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Hi All,
I was close to buying the KF-60xbr800 or the KF-50xbr800 at Circuit City for $4500 and $3500, respectively including delivery but not tax. It would be great if someone can email me the info on the guy who has the better prices mentioned above (aherlache@hotmail.com).
Also, what about the info mentioned in the cnet article:
http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-3622-8-20869783-5.html?tag=dir2
It says that that Sony is coming out with new LCD sets (the 42-inch, $2,500 KF-42WE610; the 50-inch, $3,000 KF-50WE610; and the 60-inch, $4,000 KF-60WE610). Anyone know whats up with these. Should I wait for this?
Thanks
Andy |
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| Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003 - 11:53 pm: |
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You all probably know this already, but Sony also announced (a couple weeks ago) their competitive technology to Philip's and Toshiba's LCOS chips. Theirs deliver 1080p resolution and so will Sony's. Sony says they will have products this calendar year. I suspect they will come out 'after' the new 'WE610' sets start shipping. I think this is why the change in model numbers on the grand wegas, not to mention the price drop, since they cannot come out with a set that costs more than the Toshiba set, or for that matter more than what a plasma sells for.
I too was all set to get the XBR800, but now I'll wait another generation and see what happens. It would be nice if they would have multiple presets, among other things. |
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| Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 01:33 pm: |
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Green Dot on the KF-60XBR800? How about a green SPLOTCH?
I'm not sure what constitutse a green dot, but my new Sony is experiencing something rather strange. It appears as though a "green-splotch" about the size of a quarter has developed on the LCD screen in the left-lower quadrant of the TV. You can definatly see the splotch during a dark background in the show or movie. I'm still in my first 30-days of owning this TV and I'll certainly call the retailer on Monday to see if I can't get a replacement or a fix for this problem.
Does anyone else have any ideas or similar experience with this?
Thanks,
Timba |
pitrott |
| Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2003 - 02:20 pm: |
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Timba,
go the the following post
Feb 25th 1002am
now so far i have no splotch or dot but i do have the 50... let me know how it goes...
pit |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 06:02 pm: |
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All,
finally ordered my 50" XBR, nice deal.
BUT,need some help with DVD player. Looking at the phillips DVD Q50, Harman Kardon DVD25 and Sony NS775 V or Panasonic Rp82/91
HELP.....which of these will really make this system look good?
Sanj |
pit |
| Posted on Monday, March 17, 2003 - 08:48 pm: |
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Sanj,
NS775! What was the final price on your 50?
Pit |
Sanj Gill |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 01:39 pm: |
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$4,600 from circuit, inc del, tax and installation. so not bad deal in the end -and finance (0%) if I needed it....so quite happy
Sanj |
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 - 12:01 am: |
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please e-mail where i can get the best price on 60 inch xbr...thanks |
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| Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 10:42 pm: |
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UPDATE on "Green Spots or Splotches" on the KF-60XBR800 Sony LCD Grand Wega. (as mentioned earlier-a few days ago...)
According to Sony, this particular problem with the "green spots or splotches" could be caused by magnetic interference. So, by checking to make sure that anything that can produce a magnetic field that may cause this problem (such as tapes, clocks, fans, unshielded speakers being a few sources) are relocated might remedy this. They also recommended unpluging the set for 1/2 hour and replug. In addition, verifing that all power cords are located away from any cables that transfer the source of television programming (antenna, cable or satellite) seemed to help as well.
In any event, whichever problem was the culpret, the problem with the "green splotch" (in my case) is no-more!
Timba |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 11:54 pm: |
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Where do you put your center channel?
I am considering getting a 60XBR800. My center channel is 9" tall. I measured the Sony SU-GW1 cabinet and found the lower shelf isn't tall enough. I'm wondering if the middle shelf of the cabinet is required. If it can be removed (or not installed), I'd have 11 vertical inches. Does anyone know if this is possible? Also, anyone do anything else with center channel? |
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| Posted on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 10:55 am: |
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Anonymous,
I can send ya a pix of my set wup with the center channel on top of the tv.....e-me if you like..
PIT |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 01:12 pm: |
|
I just got my KF50XBR800 and so far I'm not happy. If Sony would only have added "annoying bright red dot" in their list of features, then I might have been happier because then I would have at least expected it. I'm now getting the runaround from them. Initially I was told that the annoying red dot is a structural property of the LCD and not a malfunction. Hmm, that's what the manual says. In actuality, it is a structural property of a defective LCD matrix. They managed to get the other two working okay (green, blue).
If someone would have mentioned that to me before I took delivery of this hunk of crap, I might have been able to make a more well informed decision. I now live in fear that there is a sniper aiming over my shoulder and his red laser sight is constantly aimed at a section of my screen.
As for the person who said that small errors like these are unnoticeable from the recommended viewing distance, all I can say is perhaps they are unnoticeable if you're blind. Then again, if I were blind I would have opted for something less expensive than a $3600 radio. I can't take my eyes of that stupid dot. I can't ignore it nor can I enjoy any programming because all I see is that stupid dot.
Let's see how Sony handles this. If the continue to insist that this is indeed a feature and not a bug, I suggest you go plasma and avoid this turkey. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 02:31 pm: |
|
Lasersight,
Did you read Timbas post from march 15 133pm? i to have the 50 and i have no such spot! try his post and let us know!
Pit |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 10:30 pm: |
|
I noted on my laptop a blue spot much like what is being described about the Sony LCD. I happened to touch the screen of my laptop with a little lite preasure and the spot disappeared. I wonder if the same affect can be accomplished with the sony WEGA?
I'm no tech, but offer just a thought. I too am looking to buy the 60XBR and in interested in all the feedback. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2003 - 11:33 pm: |
|
Lasersight,
I guess you skipped reading the posts in the RPTC section of the AVS forum. There is quite a bit of discussion on stuck pixels and Sony's policy of not replacing sets with them.
I purchased mine from a dealer who accepts returns within 30 days for any reason to avoid the problem you face.
This is not easily fixed. |
|
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 06:54 am: |
|
All,
Just a thought... When i bought my 50 xbr the guy told me that when it is delivered that i was not to turn the set on and wait for about 3 to 4 hours, that way the lamp and set would aclamate to the ambiant temp of my house and to be honest i have not had a bad pixel yet! Did any of you do this or did ya turn the set on right away???
Next ? has any one found a price for the replacement lamp? and where can ya buy them?
Pit |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 09:51 am: |
|
pitrott writes:
>Lasersight,
>Did you read Timbas post from march 15 133pm? i >to have the 50 and i have no such spot! try >his post and let us know!
I read through all the posts in this thread before posting. There's nothing within 4ft of the base of the unit except the cable box. I'll try moving that tonight although I don't see that affecting a single pixel. Magnetic fields tend not to be that discriminating. |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 09:58 am: |
|
Anonymous writes:
>I noted on my laptop a blue spot much like what
>is being described about the Sony LCD. I
>happened to touch the screen of my laptop with a
>little lite preasure and the spot disappeared. I
>wonder if the same affect can be accomplished
>with the sony WEGA?
The LCD matrix on projectors are tiny. About 1.35" x .75". It'd be hard to zero in on a particular pixel. |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 10:24 am: |
|
Anonymous writes:
Lasersight,
>I guess you skipped reading the posts in the
>RPTC section of the AVS forum. There is quite a
>bit of discussion on stuck pixels and Sony's
>policy of not replacing sets with them.
Didn't know about it. Could you please provide a link?
>I purchased mine from a dealer who accepts
>returns within 30 days for any reason to avoid
>the problem you face.
Update - after further bitching and moaning to Sony, they finally sent an independent, Sony authorized, techinician out to evaluate my set. He said that this is not normal, but that he needs to contact Sony to figure out exactly what needs to be replaced. I'm waiting to hear back from him today.
My retailer informed me that if Sony comes back with an unrealistic turn around time, he'll be happy to start an RMA to get me another unit.
>This is not easily fixed.
From a brief look at the service manual, it seems that the lcd panels are contained in what's called an optical sub-unit. This module seems to be fairly easy to swap out from the rear. Did you know that these TV's also have a service mode which is accessible from the remote that allows you to do all sorts of tweaking? |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 10:30 am: |
|
pitrott writes:
>All,
>Just a thought... When i bought my 50 xbr the
>guy told me that when it is delivered that i was
>not to turn the set on and wait for about 3 to
>4 hours, that way the lamp and set would
>aclamate to the ambiant temp of my house and to
>be honest i have not had a bad pixel yet! Did
>any of you do this or did ya turn the set on
>right away???
The day I took delivery of my set the ambient temperature difference from outdoors to indoors was about 4 degrees. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 11:00 am: |
|
I am the guy (UMR) who wrote the tweaks.
Replacing the LCD's reportedly costs $2000. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 04:33 pm: |
|
2000 or 200? 2 k is close to what i paid for my tv///
pit |
|
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 09:21 pm: |
|
All,
In an inquisitive endeavor to answer the question of how much, where, and to whom can replace the Sony XL-2000U replacement bulb for the KF-60XBR800 and/or KF-50XBR800 Grand Wega I contacted Sony about this very issue with the question:
“What is the price of the XL-2000U replacement bulb for the 60" Grand Wega LCD? I haven't seen it for sale anywhere. Your site posts this item as an accessory but I'd like to know more about it availability and cost. Is this an item that the consumer can replace? Or, is it something that only a technician can replace? Is Sony the only place to obtain such an item?”
The response from Sony was:
“Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding Sony's Televisions.
You will have to contact the nearest Sony Authorized Service Center in your area to replace XL-2000U bulb of your television. You can locate Sony Authorized Service Center in your area by clicking on the following URL: http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/service/service.html
You will be able to find replacement costs at the Service Center.
The Sony Style Team is available to assist you with further inquiries.”
So, once again, Sony leaves me in the dark until such a time when a replacement is actually needed. Until such a time I’ll just keep an eye on various threads in order to draw from the experience of other owners as they find a replacement necessary. |
|
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 09:35 pm: |
|
After investigating the link Sony had referenced, http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ for the XL-2000U replacement bulb, it would appear as though it can be ordered for $200.00 directly from Sony. However, it ALSO appears as though this replacement lamp is currently NOT in stock.
Go figure... |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 06:46 am: |
|
Timba,
Sweet! and i did a search on Google with the words XL-2000U and it game me a thread from lickyoats and a store to buy the bulb from! it was 189.00 if i remember... now reading my owners manual it apears that we can change the bulb ourselves.... Now the ? is do we stock up on the bulbs???
Pit |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 09:45 am: |
|
Pitrott,
Could you post the information of this store? I did several searches for the XL-2000U and couldn't come up with much but a "brief mention" of the lamp from multiple sites. But, any reference to it's whereabouts were "little to none". It seems I remember seeing the thread you mentioned, but I guess I didn't gleam from its content that he had commented on where to locate one.
I had estimated that at an average use of about 4 hours a day, you'd need a new lamp between 16-18 months. That does indeed seem like alot of bulbs. Especially if your in a habit of turning on the set for simply 'background noise' as I often do.
As far as 'stocking up' on these lamps, I tend to want to wait until demand increases the supply of this item. It could be that we'll see more online outlets stocking this bulb on a regular basis. So, for me, I think I'll wait it out.
But, I am interested in what "lickyoats" had said, as I must have overlooked it.
Thanks,
Timba |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 11:48 am: |
|
Timba,
http://www.avsupply.com/sony_consumer_products.shtml
http://www.valleycommunications.com/MHEC_B11.pdf
here are 2 sites with the bottom one being cheaper... and it is pdf format...
As for the lickyoats the search hit his comments also... again try a google and type this xl200u just as i typed...
Now here is a ? is it better to leave the tv on or turn it off???
hope this helps and for all out there reading this i must say i love my 50 xbr!!!!!!
Pit |
chack |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 03:15 pm: |
|
My 60 was delivered on Friday. COMCAST came in later in the day and hooked up a HDTV cable box. WOW!! The picture was off the charts. I couldn't believe that it was as good as in the CC store. You folks are right, the best TV other than plasma.
I've been following this thread for the past month or so, and I've picked up some great suggestions from all of you. I already had a Sony 715 DVD, so I got the high end Monster cables. I got a great picture playing Monsters, Inc, Blue Crush and Saving Private Ryan over the weekend. I was going to look at higher end DVD players, but now I'm satisfied with the 715. It must be the cables.
I ended the weekend with the Oscars in HDTV. What a sight, Nichole Kidman as clear as if she was in the room with me. Now that's TV. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 03:56 pm: |
|
Chack,
I to watched the oscars hdtv(oth) and yes except for the peace niks she was in my room also... super tv... is the 715 progressive scan?
Pit |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 04:53 pm: |
|
Pitrott,
In regards to your question of Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 11:48 am, "Now here is a ? is it better to leave the tv on or turn it off???", I'd have to believe, given the need to periodically replace the lamp, I'm going to make every effort to keep the set off when not in use. I've found myself in the habit of turning the set on, leaving the room thinking I'll return in due time and yet find myself, a few hours later, returning and finding that I really wasn't paying attention to it or even remembering it was on.
So, for me...I'm going to turn it on when I know I'm going to devote some time watching it.
Also, as a "high-five" to your ending statement of, "and for all out there reading this i must say i love my 50 xbr!!!!!!", I've learned to appreciate the KF-60XBR800 more every day since getting it home. It's a hell of a TV! (In fact, the Academy Awards where so impressive, I think I even got a wiff of Nichole Kidman's perfume as she bumped into me the other night while I sat there and watched!)
Timba |
pitrott |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 05:10 pm: |
|
Timba,
lucky you on the wiff... As for turning off the tv i am in the navy and have been for the past 21 years and some change and the thinking on equipment in the combat info center witch we have lsd's large screen displays with lcd was they work better and last longer when on and not turned on and off. but that is navy equip...
pit |
Pit |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 08:13 pm: |
|
Timba,
Just a ? where do ya live?
Pit |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 08:30 pm: |
|
Pit,
Go Navy! Go USA!
I realize that while the Navy might have probably TWICE the budget that I've got (hehehe), and while it's probably true that an LCD screen, once the tube (lamp(s)) are warmed will produce the best image. As well, it takes a fair amount of heat to change the suitable substance of the LCD from a solid into a liquid crystal, and it only takes a little more heat to turn that same liquid crystal into a real liquid. This explains why liquid crystals are very sensitive to temperature.
Hence, LCDs require an external light source. Liquid crystal materials emit no light of their own. It is this that I'm concerned with. So, the more I keep the display backlight in use thereby decreasing its overall life, the more I'll have to invest in replacing the Lamp.
This also brings to mind the earlier problem I had with the "green spots or splotches" with my KF-60XBR800. One feature of liquid crystals is that electric current affects them to a certain extent. Applying an electric current to these liquid crystals will untwist them to varying degrees, depending on the current's voltage. LCDs use these liquid crystals because they react predictably to electric current in such a way as to control light passage. And, in some cases, act quite UNPREDICTABLY to electronic interference too. That was my original problem. Sony helped me to keep this in mind. I soon removed the source of the interference and, in my case, solved the problem.
[I don't post this for any other reason other than to plant a seed for anyone that experiences what I did with unique problems with these spots. (See an above post on what Sony advised me on this issue...)]
In any event, I'll probably end up using the set just like I've used any other. (With the small reminder that the LCD picture quality will have to be replaced, via the Lamp, in due time.) Of course, this technology is a tad different than other sets we've all had in the past. I had an RCA that I've still got in a bedroom that is close to 16 years old! I haven't given it a second thought since we bought it. But, unlike the LCD, it bears little reflection in terms of quality either. I'll just go on with life and just replace the Lamp as I would the light bulb in my ceiling fan I'm sure.
Peace,
Timba
P.S. I'm in Norman, Oklahoma. I'm a Firefighter and Computer Tech (on my off days...). |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 11:06 am: |
|
Timba,
Thanks for the extensive post and i agree on the
EMI interference with this tv.. my only fear with the replacement lamp is availability of the part when the time comes...
AHHH oklahoma open space, how is the job market? i need some land and a house after i retire...
cudo's on the firefighting! Hero's in your own right!!!!!
PIT |
|
| Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 04:49 pm: |
|
Pit,
I am back again and ready to buy the 50inch (I only have a one-bedroom apt and the 60 would be a little obnoxious don't you think). Anyway, I was hoping you could send me the info on the guy you know who sells these at a great price. My email is pdaniels66@expn.com.
I was going to go with the Panasonic DVD mentioned ealier and monster cables. I am not getting speakers yet so don't think there is any need for a reciever seeing I will only be connecting my PS2 and DVD. What do you think? Also which Monster cables should I pick up for that kind of set-up?
Thanks in advance! |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 06:25 pm: |
|
Phil D
Check your in box...
Pit |
|
| Posted on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 09:07 am: |
|
Pit,
Thanks for the contact. I was planning to run the DVD sound on the TV speakers. Can I still do that if I am using component video cables to the TV? And what are the TV speakers like?
Thanks again,
Phil |
pitrott |
| Posted on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 12:08 pm: |
|
Phil,
Yes you can use the TV speakers to run you sound with Component video.. the TV book will show you how! and the TV speakers sound super!! Let me know if you have more ?'s
Support our Troops
Pit |
Jeff Smyth |
| Posted on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 02:14 pm: |
|
Jeff
Talking to several audio/visual technicians, they inform me regular cablevision wire works as well, if not better than monster cables and the like. They seem to be of the opinion that cablevision wire is better sheilded. Has anyone seen a technical report on which is better.
Thanks |
|
| Posted on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 06:34 pm: |
|
Jeff,
I'm not sure of what "report" you may be speaking of. But, I can tell you that, after viewing both with my setup - using Monster Component Cabling, AND a Cablevision connection on optional inputs - it is apparent that there is very little to be said of opting for Cablevision over any other for your primary input. I'm using both. Depending on the input selection that I choose to watch programming of various sorts, I can say that the use of Cablevision is of little value and I rarely use it for it's lack of quality.
The "cable guy" that installed my Digital Decoder (they have to do this as they need to quantify the box with the cable co.) felt that I needed to have a Cablevision cable routed to the TV as to bypass the 4 by 3 anti-pulldown in order to keep my LCD from burn-in. HA! The fools! He soon realized what TV he was dealing with and left knowing full well that the problem would have little to do with my setup. But, nevertheless, I do have the ability to use it if I opt to.
Bottom line: Shell out some bucks for Component cables. Whether they be of the Monster variety or not, is your choice. But, to limit your viewing to simply a Cablevision pipe will not only short change your TV viewing pleasure, but give you every reason to take back your HDTV and trade down for that black and white, 13" Oritron.
Timba |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 10:33 pm: |
|
Just read a very good review on the 60XBR, but need to know what the "Scaler" is on the 60XBR. Does anyone know what the reviewer was refering to? |
pitrott |
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 07:24 am: |
|
Where is the review? send us the link!!!!!
Support OUR troops!!!!
PIT |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 01:16 pm: |
|
http://www.epinions.com/content_89288052356 |
|
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 02:02 pm: |
|
Has anyone any advice for hooking up an xbox with this tv? I purchased the monster video component cable for Xbox and enabled all the dpi settings in the menu, but it does not look good! Any advice?
Thanks,
Howard. |
Simon Le Greedy |
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 02:04 pm: |
|
I've had my XBR50 now for about 2 months and was wondering how most of you go about cleaning the screen. I realize the cloth that came with the set is supposed to be used, but was curious as to any other methods I could use. Are cleaning solutions such as Windex, etc. okay to use or should I just stick to the dry cloth provided ? Also, we have standard Charter Cable and I've noticed that during the NCAA tournament, the close-up picture is almost perfect, but when they go to another camera in the seats, the picture is pretty bad. Why does this happen ? Thanks in advance. |
pit |
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 08:50 pm: |
|
Simon,
I use the supplied cleaning cloth and i follow the direction in the sony book, and it works well with my tv... soap and water on the cloth...
Support our Troops!!
Pit |
Ed Jones |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 08:33 am: |
|
Can anyone comment on the new LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology. How does it compare to Sony's 3 LCD panel design? I will be in the market for a set early next year and will either get the 60XBR800, the new Sony 60” when it is released in the fall, or an LCOS model.
By the way, I am not sure what the model number of the new sets will be but I do not think they are XBR models. I thought they reserved the XBR designation for their best TVs. Are the new LCDs not considered one of Sony's best designs? |
darthemma |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 11:17 am: |
|
I have been reading this forum for a couple of weeks and I really appreciate your insite. I am getting ready to take the plunge and buy an xbr60. A local retailer will sell it to me for $4500 and they also service what they sell. Would those of you who own this set still recommend it? Thanks for any advice. |
|
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 07:37 pm: |
|
Darthemma,
I WOULD recommend this set, yes. However, it comes at no small cost. Obviously, if you're willing to spend the money on the XBR60, you surely won't mind spending some extra cash on the "incedentals". Don't skimp on cables. Don't skimp on your Progressive Scan DVD player. Don't skimp on programming.
If you plan to use this set watching TVLand or Nick at Night, the Nightly News or Oprah, you're waisting your money. But, if you'll plan on spending some quality time with your DVD's or jumping into the water with an HDTV decoder, my bet is that you'll enjoy this set.
After working out the kinks in mine, I can say that it is utterly enjoyable when viewing it within the perameters of its design and technology. For me, this one is a winner.
Timba |
darthemma |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 08:46 pm: |
|
Timba-Thanks. It's nice to hear you're happy with your set after having it for a while. My plan is to invest in a progressive scan DVD player at the same time I buy the TV and a whole mess of monster cables. I'm really looking forward to Gandalf and the balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dum! I do plan on upgrading my Directv equipment to high def this fall when the new high def-tivo-directv boxes come out. I already have the Dolby Digital 5.1 set up working. I'm sure I will be back to ask LOTS of questions when it comes time to "work the kinks" out of my xbr. Thanks again. |
|
| Posted on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 01:24 am: |
|
Ed,
Sony announced a competing technology for LCOS, called Silicon Crystal [X-tal] Reflective Display (SXRD), in late February. See the link below:
http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/3423
and promised the release of products using this technology in 2003. Yes, they reserve this model sequence for their top-of-the-line sets, and I think this new 1080p technology will use that model sequence. It should also compete favorably with the Toshiba sets, thought the Toshibas are available now and the Sony's aren't. Personally I am waiting.
Good luck,
Jack |
Ed Jones |
| Posted on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 08:29 am: |
|
Jack,
I think I will wait as well. Thanks for the info.
Ed |
|
| Posted on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 11:20 pm: |
|
I just ordered the 60" Monday, and it should be delivered by next week. I've been reading the messages on this thread, and I must say that I am bit worried after reading some of the posts. My primary viewing is DirectTV, and I don't have the HDTV dish or receiver. I am expecting this thing to at least look as good as my old Sony 53" from 1996 (which blew up recently). I also have an older DVD player, so I guess I will have to invest in a progressive scan player, and upgrade my DirectTV. I really don't care about Local channels out here in the stix, but I DO want the best possible picture from DirecTV.
My real question is do high-quality cables REALLY make that much difference? It wouldn't seem to me that they would, or be worth the money, unless one is dealing with high EMI fields. Also, I am a Ham radio operator, and am concerned about the possibility of causing permanent damage to the TV when running a lot of power on various HF frequencies (3-30mhz). I've not had problems before with this, but this is a new sort of animal as far as TV's go.
Have any of you directly compared the difference between standard cheap cables and those VERY expensive Monster cables, without making any other adjustments? I just can't see how spending over $100 on cables would make any noticable difference in picture quality.
Well, wish me luck. After reading all these posts here, I am going to be looking for stuck pixels. That is the one thing that I read that has me worried. If you have to look for one, that is one thing, but if it screams out at you all the time, that is TOTALLY unacceptable. Fortunately I bought the 4 year warranty for Circuit City, so if I see any really noticable stuck pixels, it WILL be replaced. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 07:07 am: |
|
GaryG,
As far as the cables go read the above posts.. I went to radio shack and got all mine and it still cost about 75.00 to 80.00 bucks depending on how much stuff ya got to hook up..Receiver/dvd/vcr/hdtv ect... As far as emi as long as the transmitter is away from the tv (read thetv book) you should not have a problem...what is the power out of your xmitter?
Just remember everyone has an opinion on this tv just like cars i have had mine for 3 months and no problems I Love it!!! yes get a progressive scan dvd!!!
Pit
Support our Troops!!!! |
|
| Posted on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 01:40 pm: |
|
Pit...thanks for the reply. I already have the cables I used on my 53", so I plan on using those rather than buy new ones.
My "radio shack" is located upstairs and well away from where the TV will be. ANd most of the antennas are well away from the house. However, I usually run the Legal Limit on power output, which is 1500 watts. Probably be OK, but one never knows for sure with new technology. I am not so worried about "interference", as I am with damage from high RF fields on a given band.
Have a good one. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 12:15 pm: |
|
GaryG -
Cables can make a big difference. I bought a high quality (entry level) Audioquest s-video cable for my first generation DTV several years ago (mid-90s). It was like night and day vs the s-video cable that came with the DTV. I later invested in two better Audioquest s-video cables (middle level and best), to use my other s-video devices - S-VHS and Laserdisc (this was pre-DVD days). I experimented with the three. The two better ones were pretty close in picture quality (I use the better one for DVD now), but the lesser one (my first purchase) was clearly not as good. (The out-of-the-box cable was unwatchable after using these other cables). When A-B'ing the cables, the lesser cable produced an image that looked like it had a layer of haze compared to the better one.
I'd highly recommend that you at least try a high quality cable. Most have 30-day money back if not satisfied. Decide for yourself. I'm thinking of trying the "BetterCables" component video silver serpent for my new TV and progressive DVD connection. |
GaryG |
| Posted on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 08:15 pm: |
|
Thanks Anon. I went ahead and bought the Monster DVI cable for the new HDTV Tuner I bought, although at $100 it hurt...LOL. Still waiting for the TV to be delivered, though. Since this TV had 2 DVI inputs, I guess I will have to buy another cable when I get a Progressive Scan DVD player. For now, I'll have to live with the cheap s-video cable for my old DVD player. No reason to upgrade the cable since from everything I read here, I won't be satisfied with anything less than a progressive scan player with DVI output to the TV.
Man, this has gotten expensive! Cutting edge always is ;)
Thanks again for your input |
David |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 11:44 am: |
|
Is there any one had been waiting for 60xbr800 longer than 3 months?
I ordered on Mar 17 form CDW. They told me I'll have it in 2weeks. But, when I called them in Feb, they told me that they'll ship to me in Mar and when I called them in Mar they told me they'll ship to me in Apr. Now they told me they possibly ship to me in May! |
David |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 02:56 pm: |
|
Sorry, I ordered on Jan( not Mar) 17 from CDW. |
pit |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 08:48 pm: |
|
All,
This TV only has 1 DVI input! and why wait the guy i bought from has them in stock....
Support our Troops!!!!
Pit |
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:35 pm: |
|
GaryG,
Yeah, pit's right. That set only has one DVI input. Although you can, just as easily, opt for the 3-cable Component Cables when you get your new Progressive Scan DVD player as well.
I mention this because, for the home-theater user, there are three competing versions of DVI that are not compatible with each other. How would you know which one your product has, let alone which version it should have to be compatible five years from now? (That was just a rhetorical question...) There are just too many variables and too much development time that will pass before the system is fully debugged and with universal compatibility.
So, with that said, the best video connection in home use today is component video. Although, since you've already acquired one DVI cable...you'll have some thoughts to share when you do some "cable swapping" and giving us your review of the picture quality in both types of cables, right? (Keep us posted on this; I am interested.)
Timba |
Phil D. |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 01:05 pm: |
|
Pit and Timba,
Got a great deal on the 50''. Only $3300 including delivery. It arrives today and I am itching to get home to try it out (and check for dead pixels). I bought the Sony 775 progressive scan also and had a question on it. What switch do you have it on on the back when playing dvds I currently have it set on 'progressive'.
Thank guys and I will let you know ho the picture turns out.
-Phil |
pit |
| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 07:19 am: |
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Phil D
I have my set on progressive and it is the S#@$! and the price is a good deal let the tv stand for about 3 hours to aclamate to the temp in you house!!! where did ya by from?
Timba, concure on the DVI cables i bought the wrong ones....
Pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 09:17 am: |
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Pit,
Had it sit. No dead pixels (yet). Have not tried out DVD player yet but watched standard cable on it last night and was very impressed. I am going to attempt the tweaks to it this weekend. Got it from 6th Ave Electronics after much wheeling and dealing.
If anyone is interested email me and I will give you the main sales guy name and extension. |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 12:12 pm: |
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I need help? I'm comparing Sony KF-60XBR800 and Samsung HLM617W. I can buy either one for the same price 3998.00 online. I also need to get cables, DVD player, HDTV tuner etc. I want to do this once and not fall into the same spending spree with my boat hahahaha. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to buy and how to connect everything? |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 08:40 pm: |
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Pit/Timba,
Thanks. You are right about only 1 DVI input, I misread the info. Since I already have the cable, I will compare it to Component in, and if I can't tell any difference, I will get my money back, and put it towards a new DVD player. I will report my findings here. I have the new Zenith SAT/HDTV receiver which I will try it with.
I gather that the Sony 775 (or is the 755?) is a good DVD unit to match this TV? If so, I probably won't be able to wait very long before getting one. Any comments on PS DVD players to go with this TV would be appreciated.
Once again, thanks for setting me straight on the DVI.
Gary |
darthemma |
| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 08:52 pm: |
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Tony- Where did you find the Samsung for that price? Thanks. |
pit |
| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 09:12 pm: |
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GaryG
It is the sony 775 and it is super!!!
Pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 09:40 pm: |
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Pit...the reason I thought it was the NS755 is that I cannot find ANY info about the NS775. It is like it doesn't exist when I do a search for it. Any suggestions where this unit can be obtained, and it's price? Also I make my own DVD+RWs that actually play on my 3 year old Sony player. I assume the 775 would play them as well?
Thanks for letting me pick your brain a bit. |
Tony |
| Posted on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 12:50 am: |
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Darthemma......I found it at HypAudio.com |
darthemma |
| Posted on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 08:15 pm: |
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Tony-
There's obviously a lot more information on the web about the Sony than the Samsung because the Samsung in so new. I did find a great article about the Samsung HLM617W at http://www.hometheatermag.com/printarchives.cgi?160
Also, I called Samsung today and they said Best Buy will start carrying the Samsung HLM617W in June. I will wait til then to decide which set to get because I want to see the picture before I buy. |
Tony |
| Posted on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 09:44 pm: |
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Darthemma....Thanx for the article it was very informative. I went to Best Buys today and seen the HLM507W the picture was fantastic. Before I buy I want to see the HLM617W's picture first. By the time we figure out which set to get they'll be outdated anyway than back to square one. |
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| Posted on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 06:04 pm: |
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Has anyone heard anything about the new 42" Sony rear projection LCD? KF-42WE610. I'm looking for something in this size range and I'm wondering what the "scoop" is on this set. Also, has anyone come across other 40"-45" rear projection LCD's that I should be considering?
Thanks for all of your past posts. There's some great info on this board. |
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| Posted on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 05:16 pm: |
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Hi all....
Just bought the 60" monster, but have a small concern. I let it stadn for 3hrs+ and then switched it on, but before doing so, there is white/greyish shadow in th middle of the screen - when it's turned on..you can still see a very light patch through the colours. the same was teh case with the 50" I swapped this for...any ideas? It's not the green dot issue. thanks |
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| Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 09:40 pm: |
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Well, I got the TV, and so far I am VERY pleased. No stuck pixels or green/red dots that are visible.
HDTV in 1080i mode is STUNNING! I am using the DVI output from my Zenith receiver, and the quality is jaw-dropping. Even without making any "service" adjustments, which I intend on reading up on before making them. I compared the 1080i DVI input to both the 720p and 1080i component input, and the DVI input IS clearer, although you really need to get close to the TV (a foot or so) to see the difference. It is most noticable on "text", especially small lettering. Both are excellent quality, but the 1080i thru the DVI input seems to have a slight edge.
I also bought the Sony 715 progressive scan player. Couldn't pass it up for 150 bucks. Going into the Component In on the TV yields the best picture I have seen from a DVD player. There is no comparison in quality compared to my old Interlace only player.
The only thing I could complain a little about is the "blacks" being a bit grey. It is noticable on Star Trek the Motion picture at the beginning where it displays a star field for a few minutes. It isn't a big deal, and perhaps I can increase the black levels with a little tweaking of the service menus when I get around to visiting the site that is mentioned on this thread.
Overall, two thumbs up from me! |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:47 pm: |
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sanj gill
That sounds like a reflection from a light source in the room. Mine gets a similar one from a coffee table at times. |
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| Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
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Sanj Gill,
Check my post on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 10:42 pm and the reply from Sony about magnetic and/or electrical interferences.
I can only suggest unplugging EVERYTHING in that facinity except the TV and one Video source (DVD Player perhaps) and checking it again. You may end up tracking down the problem if, as was in my case, is the culprit.
A digital filter might be in order in your case as well. Just a suggestion.
Timba |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 03:43 pm: |
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I have had this model for a couple months and must say it lives up the billing. The only issue I have is a "tone" that is being omitted from what appears to be the back right area of the set. It is similar to that of a real mild feedback sound. It is constant and when the set is turned down real low in the evening, you can really hear it. It is not any of the input devices as it happens regardless of the device. I have all Monster cables and a monster surge protector. I can't beleive that it is supposed to be this way, as sutle as it may seem, it is quite annoyoing. Any help or direction is appreciated. |
pitrott |
| Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 03:50 pm: |
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Ben,
If you go over the instructions it will tell you it is a cooling fan, mine does the same!! Esp when you turn it off you can hear it humming away...
Pit |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 04:05 pm: |
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Sorry, I should have been more specific. It is not the fan but another "tone". The fan makes a sound, well like a fan, and it sort of blends right in. The sound I mam talking about is not that but another. |
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| Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 08:31 pm: |
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I have a question to any of you who have tried the first 3 steps of the "tweaks" for the Service Menu. I am awaiting the AVIA test disk before progressing any further with it.
My question concerns the reccommended Sharpness setting for the Pro mode as outlined in the tweaks manual. It reccomends 23% (17 tics) for this setting. When I set the sharpness (in the User settings) to that value, the picture looks like CRAP! Blurry, with bad detail. Certainly this is not the setting to normally use, is it? Or is it just to be set this way for the purpose of going thru the alignment process?
I normally use the "vivid" mode, with the Sharpness setting around 55-60%, and am very pleased with the picture at that setting. But the settings reccomended for the Pro mode really look bad.
Thanks for any input. Bear with me, I still on the learning curve as far as adjusting the Service Menu. |
Anonymous |
| Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 11:05 pm: |
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GaryG,
Read the tweaks guide. Most of the settings are not for EVERY set. Geometry, color, brightness, picture and sharpness all require calibration for each TV. |
pit |
| Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:38 pm: |
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Ben.
I am listening for that sound will let ya know.. i do have the 50XBR so i may not have it...
Pit |
bob howard |
| Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:04 pm: |
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I had the GW2 and had to return it. I had a stuck red pixel. It did look like a sniper spot.
Sony sent out a special field engineer along with a repair person. The engineer said it was normal.
and the repair person latter told me to return the set.
He said that it would be only the begining and other spots would start showing up.
The spot I had, would be bright red and show up on the black scenes. This was especially annoying at night when the screen and room were dark.
It looked like someone had a laser pointer
very noticable from 8-10ft
The set was the the best I ever had. I am now looking for a replacement. Any thoughts? |
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| Posted on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 03:39 pm: |
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Pit,
I have the 50 as well and your assistance is appreciated. It is clearly not the fan, but somewhat of a tone.
Ben |
pitrott |
| Posted on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 12:12 pm: |
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Ben,
After the weekend i do not show sign's of that noise that you describe, Sorry.Could it be any other Equipment near the tv?I will continue to listen for you!
Pit |
LaserSight |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 10:46 am: |
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Well Sony came through, they replaced the optical sub-unit on my 50 and my red dot is gone. To be completely accurate the new unit has a number of somewhat stuck pixels (5 green, 3 red, and 1 blue) but they are so faint that you can't notice them unless your face is right up against the screen. The original red dot could be seen from across my living room. |
GaryG |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2003 - 07:30 pm: |
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This is a follow up to my previous comments about DVI vs Component In. I learned something here that I was skeptical of. Good cables CAN make a difference, even if slight. After changing out the cheap component in cable with a expensive Monster cable, the component in now looks EXACTLY the same as the DVI in. The slight difference I noted before in favor of DVI was no longer there.
I haven't gone thru all the tweaks yet, but I did try out some of the Test patterns on the AVIA disk to see where I stood. I have NEVER seen test patterns so perfect! Even with the default parameters for the TV. I almost hesitate to "tinker" with the settings, as it seems to be perfect now. But eventually, curiosity will get the best of me...LOL.
G'day |
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