Listed below are differences between each succeeding model for the Wega 36" TVs:

36FS12

36FS16
2-Tuner picture-in-picture
Matrix surround sound
About $100

36FV16
Steady Sound Automatic Volume Control w/ BBE Audio Enhancement
Sound Retrieval System 3D audio effect
Dynamic Accoustic Chamber speaker system (15watts x2)
2.5" more in width
1.5" less in height
1" less in depth
About $100

36FV26
"Auto" 16:9 Enhanced mode
Wireless infrared headphones
About $200

It seems that the enhancements, other than the 2-tuner pip, are related to sound. Is it worth the additional money if you use an add-on sound system? Is it the speakers that result in the change in the size? Any other comments would be appreciated.

Spnd the extra money ($300-500) and get the XBR. This will NOT be obsolete in a few years like the non XBR Wega's will be. This will take 720p and 1080i signals. Great set..From the specs....

Display of 1080i inputs: 1080i Display of 720p inputs: 1080i Display of 480p inputs: 480p Display of 480i inputs: 960i

http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer...00_specs.shtml

It's too bad the Wega upconverts 'cause many people actually prefer 720 progressive.

The qustion of 720p can be argued. But what can not is HDTV in the future. 1080i is the future and this set can handle it. How would the person who asked the question feel when $1300 is spent on a GREAT set, but it is still OBSOLETE when 720p DVD players hit and 1080i gets going? Of more immediate concern is progressive scan. If a person buys the non-XBR wega, and decides that they want a 3:2 pulldown progressive scan player, the non-XBR does not have the ability to take it. The XBR has a menu choice that lets you accept the progresive signal.

Sigh. I almost long for the old days when it was a fairly easy decision on what TV to buy.

Fact - I don't want to buy a TV that will have features that I can use in a few years. I can afford to buy another TV in say three years.

Fact - I'm in a small town and won't have access to local digital programming for many years.

Fact - I do use the dish network for programming.

Fact - I don't want to spend a lot of money on a TV AND a dvd player.

So my question is, based on the above, which unit will get me the most features for the best price. For example, what are the lines of display for the dish network? What are the lines of display for dvds? If neither are 1080i or 720p, then I don't need the xbr.

In that case, I would go for the fourth option.....

36FV26
"Auto" 16:9 Enhanced mode
Wireless infrared headphones
About $200

Best value for the money IMHO.

Like you, schodes, I bought my Vega as an interim TV. In 3-5 years I expect to buy a full blown HDTV. I got the 36FS16 and I am delighted.