Vertically Flat, Extremely crisp image, sound surprising good "for a TV", Auto Sound works well (especially when different cable channels have VERY different volumes- a problem in our town). Hook-up was a breeze. PRICE- after all discounts got it for 971.19 + $30 at Sears (10% coupon, 10% rebate).

Doesn't have same "wow" as Wega XBR, but it's 1/2 the price! Weight (this puppy is h-e-a-v-y). Screen isn't as black as Panablack, but not objectionably so. The only regret is no S-link control interface for connecting to the receiver (it's on the KV35V68 model, for an extra $300 or so).

Some folks have complained about 1 S-vid input - it's not a big deal here, since I prefer to do the switching from the STR-930 receiver.

I really ached about this decision - many trips to Tweeter, Sears, and Circuit City. I spent HOURS comparing, justifying, and researching. Here's the result of my labor:

WEGA XBR 36 is the most incredible screen that's not HDTV. At $1700, it was too much, considering I'll (a) get a bigger house and (b) get HDTV w/in the next 5 years.

Panasonic SuperFlat 36 is the next best thing, but the price $1500 makes it a little more than I'd like to spend for a 5-year TV.

Lots of folks have pooh-ed the sound on most Sonys, but I must say it "doesn't suck" ... perfectly acceptable for everyday viewing (not VCR or DVD) with decent bass and an interesting "virtual surround" that does make a difference.

The KV35V42 was priced at $971 and, for the same dollars, had no equal. Everyone else (Tosh, PanaBlack, etc.) had way too much curve, or wasn't sharp enough, for my taste.

Watching DVD on this is awesome. I'll be happy for the next few years. Our cable system goes digital (with S-vid!!!) in the next month or so, so I'm sure I'll be REALLY happy for a while.

Similar Products Used:

Replaces Tosh 27" (nice in the bedrm). Compared to Wega ($$), Panasonic SF (32" SF was nice, but 36 SF was too $ - went with this model for same price as 32 SF).

I've owned this product for about 6 months now. It's my first "Big Screen" TV and it has been great. No problems at all, just a little heavy to move around.
I have a playstation and a DVD player, I use S-video for both and the picture is outstanding.

Now, looking at the Wega, I wish I had one but can't rationalize spending $1200 more when this TV is already more than I need. I recommend it to anyone.

size, dual tuner PIP is easy to use.

only 12 customizable channel labels? Get serious.
No customizable video input labels

Like the vertical flatness of the tube.

I can't believe Sony only gives you 12 customizable channel labels. The Panasonic GAOO gives you I think about 50 or so, but I got the Sony because the Panasonic had an ugly speckled paint finish.

As well, you can only use the preset video input labels that they give you (ie. Receiver, Beta, Game, etc.). It would've been handy to be able to program Nintendo, Playstation, etc.

The clock uses a quartz crystal, which isn't as accurate as using the 60 Hz AC current frequency from the mains.

SRS and auto level control have a little bit of hiss. So what I do is use SRS, but turn off the auto level control.

When you random access a station using the numbered keypad, you have to wait a couple of seconds before the TV will actually change channels, which is annoying. I realize that this is so you can choose channels in the 100's, but Sony could have installed a 100 button on the remote for that purpose.

The dual tuner PIP is very easy to use. It can be used to switch between your different video sources, etc. You can even choose which audio you want to listen to. Very nice.

The Sony's front panel buttons are on the top of the TV, which is great, so you can switch on/off the TV, change channels, without having to go down on your hands and knees to press the buttons.

Everything else works great too.

I give 4 stars because of the above limitations and annoyances. The video performance isn't any better or worse than other big tube TV's (it's great just like any other TV I've seen). The audio performance doesn't matter to me, because I run the sound through a home theatre set-up (although I have tried listening to the built-in speakers, and they sound awful, as expected for any built-in TV speakers).