DVD image, sound, options

some minor annoyances

I have read every single review on this page so far regarding this model. I line in Manhattan, the cable is not bad, so the picture is okay. I think that because this tv is so sensitive, it does magnify the goods and bads. Most of my cable tv stations are acceptable or good. On other TVs, you can get better cable images on your screen, but I wanted the top notch, best looking, best DVD, best sound item in the market, and I belive that I got it.

I paid $1960 for it, $50 for delivery, and $199 for extended warranty. If you live in the NYC area and want to know, email me. I am not an audiophile, just have great vision and enjoy a great picture and sound, I belive that this is the best item on the market.

Other people who have sumbitted such bad reviews, have probably done so, because of their problems. However, there are probably many people who are not as finicky, or just had good experiences and did not want to write a review. Yes there is a loud noise when you turn it on, yes it takes a few seconds longer than a regular tv to get an image, yes, it weighs way too much, but nothing is perfect,and so far, I have had this for only a week, it has performed pretty well. I am happy with it.

I guess the cable really depends on your cable service. I plan on watching DVDs, VCRs , but 98% of the time cable, and I am happy so far, even with the sports.

You do have to adjust it to your liking. I prefer the vivid, without overcoloring the screen. To each his own, good luck on purchasing this item, again, if you want a good deal, I know a store in manhattan. If you have the $, this is a great toy, if you are on a budget, you can goto any of the major chains and find a great sale on a 36 inch with very good pictures for about $600. This TV is for people who enjoy quality, and can afford to spend a little extra on their toys.

Good Luck!

Similar Products Used:

compared everything on the market

In general I am pleased. I have noticed two "scan lines" which seem to be absent. They occur seemingly where the border of a 16:9 box would appear when playing a dvd, one at the top and one at the bottom. I also notice this with regular cable as well, so I don't think it's my dvd player. They are most noticeable with a white or light colored background. The salesman has never heard of this. I am having the serviceman come out to look at it and will post a follow up. My ratings reflect the fact that I may need a replacement TV.

Picture quality with hi-res sources

Picture quality with non hi-re sources (i.e. conventional cable TV)

This TV is like having a Porsche 959 with Yugo tires and rims on it! On the one hand, the thing performs greatly with DVD's, but the picture is not good with cable. I am having the same problems some of the previous posters had with non hi-res sources. I am returning this set as well. What a hassle, considering its size, weight, and supposed Sony reputation. This whole experience has taken the wind out of my sails. Sony NEVER again.

Wealth of inputs, great up conversion of analog cable (if you have a good cable signal), auto 16:9 detection, TruSurround

Silver Cabinet, Weight, Size, Steady Sound doesn't work, manual

I just had a new KV36XBR400 (http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/wega/products/kv36xbr400.html & http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/office/television/fdtrinitronrtmwegatmxbrrtmtelevision/kv-36xbr400_specs.shtml) delivered on Saturday and I thought I'd share some of my thoughts about this TV.

Background
First of all, this set replaces a 9+ year old Sony 32" direct view (not flat) set that formerly lived in my Family Room. I was happy with my previous set, but I wanted to use it to replace a 15 year-old 19" RCA clunker in my bedroom (mono sound, only RF input, no on-screen menus, etc... - a real prize!).

I also have experience with the Sony KP-53XBR300 4:3 RPTV that I owned for 2 weeks and the Mitsubishi WS-55805 RPTV that lives in my home theater, in addition to other TV's I've owned or used in the past.

The average sitting distance from this TV is 12', but given its proximity to my kitchen it is viewed from as far away as 33'. It is also situated in a corner across from two 8'x8' windows.

I like Sony products and own several, so I have a Sony bias.

Wiring & Other Equipment
Monster Video 2 F-Type for all RF connections (in, to converter, & aux)
Monster Video 2 Composite Audio/Video kits for cable & VHS connections (Sony SLV-M11HF)
Monster Video 2 S-Video & IL 300 Audio for Video 2 Digital 8mm input (Sony DCR-TRV-820)
Monster Video 2 Component Video to DVD (pending DVD player)

AT&T Digital Cable w/ GI box (no DSS yet, but I'm wired for it and plan to get it in the future).

The Review
The first thing you notice about this set is that it is both huge (39-1/8" x 29-11/16" x 24-1/2") and heavy (235 lbs). This was an issue for me since I was putting into a cabinet that is 4' off the ground and 24-1/2" deep! However, I managed to get it in with no room to spare.

I planned for this set so I managed to get a copy of the rear-input panel before delivery. This allowed me to purchase the appropriate cables and make a wiring diagram before it arrived. This was essential for me given its location (that baby is never going to move again ). Because of these preparations setup was a snap.

It has 2 sets of Component Video inputs, 4 sets (including 1 front) of Composite Video inputs, 2 SVideo inputs, 1 Monitor A/V out, 1 Audio Out, 2 RF in's and 1 RF out. (Rating: A+)

Every time you turn on this TV it degausses (good), but it is loud so it can be startling.

I chose to input directly from cable for the primary in (unscrambled channels only), then send the output to my VCR (which then fed to the cable box). The cable box out went back down the TV for the secondary (aux) RF input. This configuration allows me to view the unscrambled channels on Antenna A and on my VCR. It also allows me to view scrambled channels via Ant B using the cable box (and Line Input 1 for the VCR). This is important because this TV has a bunch of cool features that aren't available if you primarily use scrambled (i.e., cable box decoded only) channels.

After starting the TV it went into auto-program mode (after my approval) and correctly found the good unscrambled channels. It also set up my favorites menu with the first 10 (or so) channels.

Feature-wise this TV is very impressive. Some of the big highlights are (see the web site for more details):
Auto 16:9 detect on Video 1 - 4 (this is great since my camcorder records both 4:3 & 16:9 on one tape - it changes flawlessly)
Favorites menu with station preview (list of favorites channels displayed and selecting them shows a live PIP)
Freeze frame & twin view (via side-by-side images w/ sizing to your preference)
TruSurround - Nice if you don't have externals and you want to fake surround sound (really feels like r,l & center)
Up converts 480i to 960i
480p & 1080i support via Video Input 5 & 6
Other features less important for me

(Features Rating: B+)

The picture quality from my crumby digital cable connection was amazing. Even on analog cable channels like 4 & 5, the quality is DVD-like (watched The Rock & Devil's Own on TV as a reference). I was truly amazed because my Mitsubishi looks like crap with regular cable (not even as good as my RCA!). Since this TV is used 95% of the time for viewing analog cable (usually KING 5), this is very important for me. (Rating: A+)

The default color settings are Vivid (high everything), Standard (middle everything), Movie (low everything), Pro (mixed), and one other (I think - can't remember right now). Out of the box I like Pro the best, but it needs to be tweaked. I had my old Sony & my RPTV's calibrated to VE & AVIA, so the defaults are driving me crazy (too dim or too bright). Since I don't have a DVD for this one, I can't calibrate it yet (my HT DVD is a Sony DVP-CX850D with about 150 discs, so I can't relocate safely it without removing the discs). However, I've played with it a bit and can tell that I'll be able to get color settings that I'm happy with. Each of these settings can be thought of as "memory" locations. You can set them once and use them with any of the video inputs (although you must switch manually if you want to use different ones for different inputs). I prefer this to my RPTV's 1 setting per input (with no copy between inputs - requires calibration per input - big hassle). (Rating: B+)

I use this in my family room as a daily viewer, not a movie viewer, so built-in sound is important to me. I am very pleased with the built-in speakers, and I enjoy the TruSurround feature (virtual front,left,center). While watching The Rock and Devil's Own it seemed to be much more theater-like than it did on the Sony it replaces (stereo only), and closer to a cheapo HT configuration. (Rating: A)

I connected my Digital 8mm camcorder via S-Video and played a combo of both 4:3 & 16:9 (anamorphic) video from one tape. It had no problems detecting and auto-switching to the appropriate format. I was amazed by this, and the picture quality was outstanding from this 500 line input source!

A feature that really impressed me was the channel fix on the Aux input. This basically means that when I'm watching ANT-A I can change channels up & down, but in ANT-B I can lock on channel 3 (since it is controlled via the cable box). This prevents me from accidentally changing with the wrong remote. This is a handy feature!

As I mentioned earlier, this TV makes analog cable look DVD like. In fact I can't tell the difference between digital and analog cable now (you can on any other set I own). (Rating: A++)

Overall I am very impressed with this set since it made my daily viewing experience so much better. I look forward to hooking up a DVD player and checking out its 480i to 480p up conversion. I've seen this in the store and was very impressed. It does a MUCH better job with 480i DVD input (i.e., no jaggies) than my Mitsubishi thanks to Sony's DRC.

Gripes
The rear-input panel was flimsy. Pushing in tight Monster RCA connectors caused it to bow inward. They could have used heavier duty plastic, but it was probably foregone due to weight issues.
Size - The rear portion of this TV is nearly as wide as the front so it almost didn't fit in my corner unit. FPTV's are usually much smaller in the rear, but not this one.
Weight - As heavy as a Yugo!
No "true" PIP - Secondary images and favorites are viewed in a split screen (reducing the primary screen). While reviewers have raved about this feature, I prefer overlapping pictures like the Sony KP53XBR300 RPTV. I'd also like to see a channel preview feature too.
Steady Sound doesn't really work - Commercials still sound louder than the news.
Can't control my Sony VCR with the remote (could be a defect in the remote - I'm investigating)
Default color settings suck - user (not ISF) calibration required for a reasonable picture
No built-in LaserLink for use with Sony camcorders
Clock requires manual programming (can't detect from PBS)
Manual is too basic and leaves out a bunch of useful info
No closed-captioned subtitles when muting (like my Mitsubishi)

Summary
I'd highly recommend it, even if you paid full price.

Similar Products Used:

Sony VS-32??? & Sony KP53XBR300

Information for anyone who wants the service manual:

Sony Electronics Inc.
World Repair Parts Center
8281 N.W. 107th
Terrace Kansas City, MO 64153 USA
(800) 488-7669 (USA Only)
(816) 891-7550
(816) 891-2580 (Fax)

Service manuals for your television model can be ordered from the manufactures parts department for a small cost (usually $15-50 US). Another source for a service manual might be Howard Sams http://www.hwsams.com/ (1-800-GAT-SAMS) - they publish Sams Photofacts service data for almost every model television that has ever been sold it won't be the same manual as you get from the maufacture, but if you expect to do a lot of repairs on the same model you might want both. - if you have a hard time obtaining a service manual you might want to check the local public library, as many of them subscribe to the SAM's series.
________________
This information was reprinted from Anthony W. Haukap's "FAQ: How To Adjust a TV" at http://members.accessus.net/~090/awh/how2adj.html. I recommend his site to anyone owning the XBR. I've studied the reviews at this site, and my XBR is on the way.

All the Aformentioned do nicely...

Manual doesn't get technical enough. I'm not 10.

I Was wondering if anyone knows how I can obtain the "Service Manual" for this TV.

I have a slight pincusion problem and once in the service menu the fout leter acronyms they use are not to helpful.

To get into the Service menu do the following (Start with the TV OFF)

1. Press "Display"
2. Press "5"
3. Press "Volume +"
4. Press "Power"

Once in service mode use the 1 and 4 buttons to navigate
the menu. 3 and 6 change the value for the selected item.

turn the tv off and on to see your results
A word of warning. Don't change it if you don't know what it does.... seriously.

if you screw up unplug the tv and it will reset itself to defaults.

If you press "Muting" and then "ENTER" while is service mode this will overwrite the defaults. THIS CAN NOT BE UNDONE!!!!


Try Setting the HPOS, HSIZ, VPOS and VSIZ. You will be amazed at how much of the picture you are missing.

Anyway,

If you know where I can get the "Service Menu" Please Email me.

Brian

Similar Products Used:

Older Sony's.. Proscan.

Picture quality.

Weight

I have had this set for almost 3 months now and it is without equal for a direct view TV. Yes I did have to make some adjustments to the brightness and other video options but once that was done the picture is fantastic. I did have Digital Time Warner cable but the quality was terrible so I got a dish and the picture is much better. I hooked up a JVC 723 progressive scan DVD player and a Sony home theater surround sound (I could have done better but I spent all my money on the video stuff)and I will never have to leave the apartment again.:) I have not experienced any of the problems that other people have been complaining about. I would recommend this TV to anyone.

Good: Color, geometry, convergence, line-doubler.

Audio and cabinet.

It's still early but so far do good. My greatest fear with a pictur tube this big is convergence and geometry. The Toshiba I actually tried and returned had terrible geometry and convergence. It also had a pink tint to 60% of the screen that I found annoying. This Sony TV suffers from none of these problems. I was so amazed when I turned it on in my home and could see that the stock ticker and other info boxes as well as TIVO menus where straight both vertically and horizontally. Right to the corners of a very big screen. There is no discoloration anywhere on the screen. I get nice even grey scale when viewing black & white programs. The line doubler is far superior to the one in the Toshiba. With the Toshiba, some cable channels were a blur. With the Sony, all channels are without scan lines and very well resolved. Channel surfing is super-fast. The twin picture is amazing. You've got to see it. This feature alone will make you buy it. The service menu (not the user menu)is extensive. You can even adjust the convergence there. The audio system isn't really that bad. I'm sure like all speaker systems the placement is important. But the cabinet is in a class all by itself. This TV is a yard wide. And the silver finish doesn't match anything in my house except my bicycle. I bought the 36" but was worried that it would be to big. But I was wrong. The high quality line-doubler makes for a great picture even at a few feet. This thing is real heavy. Be careful when selecting a stand for it. I also use this TV as a computer monitor. It doesn't have a DB15 connection so you need a TV-OUT card to connect up to a video input. The TV let's you set it for interlaced or non-interlaced which makes for a great computer screen image. I'm surfing the web from my recliner. I don't think a progressive scan DVD player is important with this TV. I have one but it looks fine without progressive. You can label the video inputs but you have to select from a list. You can't edit them and there is no TIVO label. While on the subject of TIVO, a TIVO box is a great little divice for recording programming for later viewing. Very sophisticated device. But it can output a picture of low quality if recorded at the maximum compression rate. I had a problem with this on the Tosiba. Because the Toshiba had a lousy line-doubler in it. But the Sony has a great line-doubler and my TIVO box looks great at all settings. So, in summary, this is a great TV. It's expensive but you only live once and you can't take it with you. This TV is _REALY_ HD Ready. Good job Sony.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba CN36X81.

Colours;detail;absence of scan lines

WEIGHT!!!;SIZE!!! Poor signals look terrible.

I have now used this television for just under a month. It is superb. Using dvds(simply unbelievable!) or satellite inputs, there are simply no flaws whatsoever. Since I installed satellite a week after delivery of the wega, I can say that those without superior sources of signal should not bother buying this set. We were having trouble with our cable signal for a long time, with the local company unable to fix it despite repeated visits.

The picture when we still had cable was mediocre. In the period of time when we had both cable and satellite, it was startling to switch from Satellite to cable and compare the program from the same (ultimate) source and have a perfect (satellite) picture and then have a flawed, pixellated image where everyone on screen seemed to be suffering from a terrible skin disease (cable).

I can't recommend the set enough. We haven't seen a single flaw in the picture, including lines and print, even without calibration.I am slightly unhappy that I purchased my satellite a few weeks before the HD satellite boxes came out here, but c'est la vie.

Similar Products Used:

nothing even remotely similar. last TV purchased 12 years ago

The line doubling is pretty decent with few artifacts. Good picture with progressive dvd

Sony's picture tube, or Sonys alignment of ot's tube.

Like every other 36" flat sreen Sony that I've seen, color purity is VERY poor. There also remains an UNCORRECTIBLE bow in the upper part of the picture. Also there is a convergence problem in the upper left portion of the screen that I've seen only in the new xbr400 model. Pretty pathetic for a top of the line product.