-stunning picture quality with higher resolution sources such as HD, DVD -design is beautiful (depends on your perspective, though) and my wife loves it -stand, receiver unit and cables come with the unit -very easy to use -twin view is better than traditional PiP -LCD technology considered by some to be "more reliable" than plasma at this stage and picture quality is equally compelling as plasma

-price, price, price -price is much higher than its primary competitor: Sharp -however, you get what you pay for - don't get me wrong, the Sharp is also an excellent unit but aesthetics and overall combination of features of Sony were a great lure at this price point

Excellent product overall considering picture, ease of use, features and stunning aesthetics. LCD is bright, contrast ratio is exceptional (considering LCD's history) and picture quality is top-notch. 30" design does not bring out any of the concerns of LCD at higher screen size. Compared this screen against Sharp 30" and the XBR blew the Sharp away. Compares very favourably against higher-end 42" plasmas (Pioneer Elite, NEC, Fujitsu). This unit is not cheap, though, but LCD technology should provide a reasonable viewing return over a longer-term horizon. In my view, I went with LCD given my "greater comfort" with this technology over plasma. We were not ready to make the price jump to the larger sized plasmas. Will take a more wait and see approach with this technology. Additionally, no screen burn in issues with LCD. Rating rationale: 4 stars on overall product - for 5, I'd have to be blown away, but instead I got what I expected - very good quality 3 stars on value - this unit, although stunning, is pricey.

Similar Products Used:

Sharp 30" LCD widescreen Sony 36" XBR trinitron (not the most appropriate comparison, however) -other 42" plasmas - NEC, Fujitsu, Pioneer Elite

Looks great. Perfect for the post-modern home.

Give me a break --- $350 for the wall-mount?! Also, I have not been happy with Sony's customer service at all. I have a digital camera and a DV camcorder that were trashed by their "authorized repair" center but I get no help from Sony. This is a big problem (but I bought this TV anyway --- what does that tell you about the economics of customer service?).

This is the best styled television on the market. The viewing screen is framed in black glass which in turn is surrounded by clear glass, giving an enhanced "floating glass" effect. The picture is supposed to be better than plasma but I did not see a difference other than a more matte viewing surface than the glossy plasma look. LCD is supposed to last longer and look better but it is more expensive. You want this puppy wall-mounted with the cable outlet being moved up behind it so that it floats off the wall with no apparent source of signal.

Similar Products Used:

Uses memory stick media so you can view photos directly on the TV.