Excellent picture quality, flat screen, no visible scan lines, zillions of inputs

Slight geometry and convergence errors, some other mild oddities.

I bought this TV primarily to be a display for progressive-scan DVD. It does this exceedingly well. Best performance is attained by tweaking the parameters in the user menu and the service menu. Anamorphic DVD looks like a first-rate movie theater image (except for size, of course). You can order the service manual directly from Sony for about $15. There's also a lot of good tips on tweaking parameters in the service menu on the web (check http://www.hometheaterforum.com/).

The TV comes with 4 memories for picture settings. The "vivid" and "standard" settings look like crap, as they have highly-cranked up contrast, brightness, SVM, and certain other "enhancement" parameters accessible only from the service menu. The "movie" and "pro" settings are reasonable. After calibration with Avia and some fiddling in the service menu, they look even better.

Cable TV looks as good as I've ever seen, but of course not as good as DVD. I'm not sure why that surprises so many people. If cable and DVD look the same on your TV, that only proves that your TV is butchering the DVD image. DVD is a superior signal and it ought to look better.

I don't bother watching standard VHS tapes anymore as it's become painfully obvious just how little video bandwidth and resolution it actually has (even compared to cable!). I occasionally tape shows using SVHS, which is hard to distinguish from the original cable signal.

I don't have an HDTV tuner yet, but I suspect HDTV will look only slightly better than DVD due to the limits of the TV's resolution. Given the size of the screen, that's not really a problem. I can't see any pixel structure or jagged lines of any kind on DVDs, and I sit about 7 feet from the screen.

Problems:
1) Slight geometry errors. Vertical lines have a very slight s-shape distortion in some parts of the screen. It's mild enough that you can only see it with test patterns of straight lines, or sometimes with pans across a still image.

2) There is a slight mis-convergence of the RGB guns in the upper right corner. I've only been able to see this on a test pattern of white dots on a black background (from the Avia disk), so I don't really care.

3) On scenes with all or mostly black backgrounds (like opening title sequences), there can be some light "leaking" onto the right side of the screen. In other words, the right side looks slightly grayish rather than black. I believe Sony may have a fix for this, but I haven't called them yet.

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JCV 20"

Picture, Menus, Remote

Turn on buzz, weight

I originally intended to buy the Samsung 32" digital piece but ended upgrading to the Sony b/c of the reviews against it on this site. Thanks-

But wow, I am glad I choose this TV. It is a bit overpriced, but has a few features that make it stand out against the competitors (advanced PIP, easy Menus, smooth remote.) I can't wait to get a HD receiver or progressive scan DVD to try the denser picture options.

My only major gripe is this loud buzz it makes when it is powered up. It seems to be getting quieter as the set ages (?) If you can front the dough, this set is worth it.

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Samsung

Minor, but I wish I could get rid of the on-screen "Volume" display that pops up every time I adjust the volume

First, a big thank you to all of you who have written reviews. I have read over these reviews many times and your input has helped me make this big decision.

I had the TV delivered about 2 weeks ago, and I've been blown away by the picture quality. Toy Story is just sickening when viewed on this television! I may never go out to a movie theater again! The image I get on this TV is far superior to the image I get at the local movie theater -- well, except for the size.

As for other signals, I am very pleased with my C-Band 4DTV picture. But that is a very high quality signal. I was, however, surprised that I can't detect as much of a difference in my over the air picture between this TV and the old smaller Magnavox as I expected. I was expecting the antenna signals to be horrendous, but they aren't. They appear slightly grainier now than before, but that's just because of the size difference, I believe. And it certainly isn't so distracting that I wouldn't watch those channels any more.

As for VHS, I'm surprised at some of the negative comments I've seen. Maybe my VCR is just better, but I think those X-Files episodes I tape off C-Band every week look absolutely amazing on this set!

The sound is a step up from what I'm used to, but obviously if you're looking for really great sound, you'll be buying surround sound speakers to go with this baby.

The appearance of the TV is stunning. Some people don't like the silver cabinet, but I think it looks very nice. I got the Sony stand thrown in for free, and Crutchfield assembled it, delivered the set, and set it all up for me for free. They have terrific customer service.

Few minor complaints:

- Geometry isn't spot-on. I do notice a very slight horizontal bowing at the top and bottom of the screen at the sides. It is only noticeable when I really look for it, especially when watching letterboxed movies. I understand there isn't a service menu fix for this, so if this bothers you, you might want to check your TV out first before you buy to make sure it doesn't have the problem. Though I've heard this problem is widespread. For me, it's not that big of an issue. It's slight enough that I'm able to ignore it.

- I have noticed that the left side speaker grille is peeling very slightly around three of the edges. If it doesn't get any worse than this, I won't care. I hope it just stays like it is.

- Also, as stated above, I wish I could turn off that on-screen Volume display that comes up every time I adjust the volume. I fiddle with the volume a lot, so it can get distracting. And I don't see the point. I mean, I can hear it's getting louder; I don't need to see a visual representation of it. :)

Still, these are...so far...minor complaints and I am not at all disappointed with this purchase. In fact, I am very pleased and would recommend the set to anyone who has the money to spend and watches a lot of DVDs and satellite TV. I do believe that this IS the best consumer direct view TV on the market.

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None. Last TV was a 25" Magnavox floor model TV that was about 15 yrs old

Amazing picture even with analog cable. DVD is insane!!

When viewing black images, the right side of my screen is noticeably brighter.

Overall, I would say that this TV is worth every penny spent. I debated long and hard after reading the reviews on this site due to the fact that I have analog cable. Let me say that the picture on our split, analog cable is amazing. Far better than I have seen on any other direct view television. I need not even mention what DVD looks like on this TV...see all below reviews. Incredible!!

Here is the one problem that I have had and if anyone knows about it please send me an email. When I am viewing a DVD or any programming with a dark background, the right side of the screen is noticeably brighter. I have adjusted the set with AVIA but it did not help this problem. Any ideas?

Enjoy your 32XBR400....

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Sharp 27"

Phenomenal picture quality... Very good sound... Many connection options... Aesthetically stunning by itself, even more handsome on the matching stand (which I have, and was very easy to assemble)

Holy hernia, Batman, this thing is HEAVY!... Weight limited TV stand options... Pre-set "vivid" and "standard" settings are mostly useless/garish

Just ask my wife - I shopped and shopped and shopped for a new TV. Must have visited the reviews here two dozen times. Every Sunday, pored through circulars from The Wiz, 6th Avenue, Circuit City, Best Buy... So glad to finally purchase the dang thing! Got it through a friend who runs a mom-pop TV shop, got the Tv *with* matching stand for $1750, out the door. (Can't complain about that!)

IT'S HEAVY. No two ways about it. Despite reading that fact in EVERY review here, I - let alone my father-in-law with the handy SUV - was not quite prepared for lugging this monster up my steep, narrow front stairwell. Then, to delicately place it atop the assembled stand... Ha! Eh, no one will notice the slight gash in the stand trim.

The TV itself is everything I hoped for, and well worth the expense. I have standard cable, and at times it is stunning in its clarity, especially the HBOs, ABC and a few others. No sooner did I have this beauty in my den than I was out at 6th Avenue buying a DVD player on the cheap to REALLY test it out. What can I say? GREAT PICTURE.

Remote is fine, altho having VCR controls under the flip-up door is a clumsy hassle... My PIP isnt set up right; I thought it had to do with the cable system here (you have to have a cable box), but a guy at Radio Shack said I just need to split the cable right out of the wall and send it into the TV twice... And I love having captioning, for when wife is yammering on the phone.

Now, I'm angling to get DirecTV, ideally with the Tivo box included, but some comments below have me worried about the picture quality.

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None whatsoever - first new TV in about 10 years!

Flat screen, vivid colors, 2 component video inputs, user-friendly remote, enhanced 16:9 mode, HDTV compatible

Aperture-grill causes hour glass effect, missing picture at the sides and top/bottom, pushes red, limited color controls, manual explains no optimization procedures.

Without repeating what has already been said, I feel the Sony XBRs are very good, if not the very best flat screen DTVs out there. Disappointingly, you should definitely have a technician properly calibrate your set after you have opened the box. By comparing the DVD picture on my 17" monitor with the Sony XBR, I had noticed that the picture on the sides and top/bottom are missing for both 4:3 and 16:9 modes. Flesh tones are pushing red, and the right-side of the screen emits some light when set to THX video specs. This happens when using the S-video inputs, though I havn't tried the component video inputs. These are some of the findings I have experienced. I'm not sure if this product was ever passed through QA or not. Buy at your own risk!

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MAG 17" Diamondtron monitor

Excellent DVD pictures, many inputs

Direct TV picture, weight

I just had Direct TV installed to replace my cable service. I was very disappointed in the pixilization and artifacts that are very noticeable while viewing sports and non-premium channels.

At first I thought it was my dss receiver or my signal, but it wasn’t. My 6-year-old 27" JVC had a better picture, and the artifacts were hardly noticeable while watching sports.

The difference is slight now:

To begin with I used Avia's video essentials DVD to tweak the picture (I modified the PRO setting). This gave me a slight improvement when watching DVD’s that was already awesome using the movie setting but the picture still looked horrible with the DSS feed. What I did to correct this problem was to tweak another setting (standard) and set it specifically for the dss. While watching a basketball game I turned the sharpness and picture setting way down, selected cool for the color temperature and VM I placed on medium. Now, much of the pixels that I used to see are gone.

The line doubling plays a part in distorting the picture when using a satellite signal, but after making the above changes the TV is showing much better. For those of you who have this problem, I recommend tweaking one of the modes for DTV and have a separate mode for DVD movies.

Great Looks, Image Quality, Ease of Use

Takes up space, extremely heavy

This 32" TV fits well for a viewing distance of 10-14 feet.

I realize it's expensive, but so far I believe it's worth every penny!

Stunning picture quality! No scan lines here...DRC really works! I like the MODE functions on the TV. I use MOVIE for DVD and dark ambient settings and STANDARD for regular TV.

The Wega does have to be calibrated...I used AVIA for this and I do recommend this calibrating DVD.I figure if you are going to spend big bucks on this TV, what harm will it do spend 50$ on a calibrating DVD.

I have had no problems with this TV. I am only concerned about its longevity...such a delicate TV...how long will it last!

Make sure to get help to place the TV in your room. Ways a ton and takesup alot of space!

Remote: Is Fantastic...Love the PIP and Freeze frame modes. My wife watches alot of cooking shows...so when the ingredients and cooking directions pop-up on the screen, she freezes the screen and has the screen split in two...fantastic!

PS. Just a fabulous looking set. I bought the stand that goes with it....look great together!

Amazing Clarity, Good Looks, Fantastic Remote

Heavy, Very Deep

This is my first foray into home theater: I would like to thank all those posters who helped me choose the components to my system...

Outlaw Audio 1050 Receiver
Klipsch SF-1, SS-1, SC-1 Speakers

I am not a finicky videophile...but I do appreciate quality when I see it...and this is one QUALITY TV.

Points of mention:
1- Absolutely beautiful TV. My wife really likes the way it fits in decor.
2-Stunning picture detail...absolute clarity...I have cable reception and the quality of the images are fantastic. DRC from Sony really works...No scan lines here. DVD viewing is superb.
3- If the source of the signal is weak...it will show it.
4-Verify simple to use and connect sources to.
5- Freeze and picture in picture are great functions that we use more and more often.
6-Remote is a pleasure to use.
7- TV takes up alot of room...2 feet deep.
8-Make sure you are 2 to lift this thing...250 pounds.
9- To really appreciate this TV, have it calibrated. Menu system is very easy.
10- I found that a good viewing distance is 11-13 feet away... but that is subjective.
11-Best directview TV on market...I decided not to get cinema wide because most of our watching time is on standard 4:3 broadcasts.

My only concern is will the TV last 8-10 years. How reliable is it?

Definitely satisfied with my purchase!

Great Piture, Great sound, MANY inputs/outputs, Works great with my Stereo for sound with my THX reciever. Easy to use remote. AND the Store Great with helping in setting up. and with Follow up help with a phone call... EVERTHING ABOUT IT for the most part awsome...

None that I have found as of yet. I have found one
IT'S A TV BEFORE ITS TIME. Due to the HD

What can I say that I haven't mentioned in my Strenghts.
about the store and the TV.
A lot more exspensive. But if your into your electronics like I am I feel it's well worth it.
The picture is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Not a television for the person who just wants something to watch. But for the Junkie who want the awsome picture and the sound to go with it. In my opionion if you have the money to spend I would go with it..
I have my stereo
Play station
Dvd.
Vcr.
Nentendo 64
hooked up to it and still have another jack for a camcorder or other video equiment. There isn't High Definition (HD) in this area yet so I can't wait to try that, but if it's anything like the rest of the set WOW I can't wait.

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Proscan 32in for info LOOK at my personal review.