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-   -   Opinions on: SONY 60" 16:9 LCD... (https://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-home-theater-gear/254980-opinions-sony-60-16-9-lcd.html)

highdef 12-03-02 09:58 AM

Opinions on: SONY 60" 16:9 LCD...
 
SONY 60" 16:9 Grand Wega XBR LCD HDTV (KF60XBR800).
Does anyone own this set or have an opinion regarding it?
How is the black level and overall picture quality?
http://store4.yimg.com/I/saveandmake_1714_6289212

cowanrg 12-03-02 12:14 PM

the older model had terrible black levels, but stunningly crisp color. the new one (the one you are talking about and have pictured below), has great colors AND MUCH improved black levels. it looks damn near identical to a higher-end RPTV. the black levels really only become apparent in REALLY dark scenes, but if you spend a few minutes tweaking the brightness and contrast setting with a test dvd, it will look great.

all in all, i give it a 4.8 out of 5.0

highdef 12-03-02 12:16 PM

Excellent, thanks for your input cowanrg.

gotapex 12-03-02 04:54 PM

There was roughly a 25-30% improvement in the contrast for this year. I personally wouldn't put it in the same league as a good CRT based RPTV, but it's definitely an improvement in my eyes. The last generation one measured 267:1 contrast (corning precision lens labs, Feb 2002 Microdisplay report). This means the current one can do up to about a 350:1 contrast or so.

For reference, your average modern correctly calibrated RPTV does over 2000:1.

matome 12-06-02 01:14 PM

Does this improvement also carry over to their new 50" version of this Grand Wega? I've had my eye on that guy.

gotapex 12-06-02 03:03 PM

Yes, this improvement is for the new 50" as well.

TheKobra 12-07-02 05:43 PM

It really depends on where you go and see this tv. I have seen it look great at Ultimate Electronics and look very bad at Jerry's. They were both this years tv's. What do you guys think about DLP TV's. They sure have come down over the past 18 months.

cowanrg 12-07-02 09:17 PM

i had a customer today interested in the samsung DLP vs. the sony grand wega. we both concluded that they were pretty identical (give or take pro's and cons on each). the samsung dlp wins in some respects (contrast, size), while the sony wins in others (crispness, picture quality with bad sources).

matome 12-08-02 09:46 PM


Originally posted by gotapex
Yes, this improvement is for the new 50" as well.
Thanks for the info. I just saw that new kick ass 50" DLP tabletop from Samsung and it looked amazing. Same price as the 50" Sony too, damnit.

cowanrg 12-08-02 10:06 PM

if you watch primarily 16:9 movies from a decent dvd player, go with samsung, if you watch primarily lower quality tv (cable, "digital" cable), go with sony.

gotapex 12-08-02 11:44 PM

Or, wait for the Optoma. :)

That's where I'd place my money.

http://www.optomatv.com/images/Front_Picture_519.jpg

http://www.optomatv.com/images/slim2_100_228.gif
  • Multiple connectors (DVI, BNC RGB, Composite, S-Video, RF, VGA, YPbPr)
  • DVDO 504 Progressive Processing for artifact-free scaling
  • Non-reflective, fine-grade, 0.15 mm screen-pitch display
  • 1500:1 (typical) Contrast Ratio
  • Brightness: RD-50: 450 nits
  • Dimensions: RD-50: 46.0" (wide) x 35.5" (tall) x 14.8" (deep); 90 lbs.

http://www.optomatv.com/index.asp

cowanrg 12-08-02 11:49 PM

hum, spending $4K on someone who's nickname includes "apex"? sounds sketchy to me :-)

d2cheer 12-12-02 03:53 PM

Did you know that LCD basically only lasts about 5 years??? They are rated out at 10,000 hours of use. At 4 hours a day that is 5 years...

Something to consider...

highdef 12-12-02 04:13 PM

What do these sets cost and where are they available, gotapex?

matome 12-12-02 04:27 PM


Originally posted by d2cheer
Did you know that LCD basically only lasts about 5 years??? They are rated out at 10,000 hours of use. At 4 hours a day that is 5 years...

Something to consider...

I thought that was plasma?

gotapex 12-12-02 04:39 PM

I'm not too sure. They had projected Q4/2002 to Q1/2003, with a cost competitive with the Samsung DLP set.

highdef 12-12-02 05:25 PM

How much is the Samsung set? I'm always a bit leary about
purchasing something so new. A company rep will be contacting me as soon as they get closer to delivery: along with prices and
retailers.

d2cheer 12-13-02 01:51 PM


Originally posted by matome
I thought that was plasma?
Nope LCD is 10,000

Plasma is 20,000

matome 12-16-02 10:35 AM


Originally posted by highdef
How much is the Samsung set?
I just ordered one from The Wiz for $4000. Hopefully I get it before Christmas.

highdef 12-16-02 10:48 AM

matome, would you definitely recommend the Samsung over the Sony?

matome 12-17-02 08:51 AM


Originally posted by highdef
matome, would you definitely recommend the Samsung over the Sony?
Since this TV is going in my bedroom, I needed a table top model and there aren't too many 50" non-plasma models (i.e more affordable) around out there. I always had my eye on the Grand Wegas, since the 60" has been on display for a while and I was fairly impressed with their picture quality. However, since actually seeing the Samsung DLP on display in the same showroom I was able to make an almost side-by-side HDTV feed comparison between the two 50"ers and I would have to give the Samsung the edge in overall picture quality with better blacks, contrast and sharpness. It wasn't a HUGE difference, but it was there. I'd still prefer the 50" plasma with it's darker blacks, but can't spring for $10000. Add the fact that the Samsung has DVI and PC inputs which the Sony lacks as well as a much slimmer and space efficient cabinet made the decision a no-brainer for me since I'll be able to surf in bed now! Hope that helps.

matome 12-17-02 09:20 AM

<b>highdef,</b> I noticed in a search that you posted some stuff about blank DVD-R's in an older thread and since I know you're checking this one, I was hoping to get your opinion on the blank media. I just purchased the Panny DMR-HS2 DVD recorder with hard drive and as of now have been using Memorex DVD-R without a hitch. I was wondering if you've had any experiences with the "cheaper" blank media that meritline.com has. If I can save a couple of bucks per disc that will work just as reliably, I'd obviously switch over. Thanks.

bfrank 12-17-02 09:28 AM

I think the hour ratings are for half life. Also some plasmas have 50K hour half life.

highdef 12-17-02 10:03 AM

matome, I have not purchased the "cheaper brand" DVD-R's
from Meritline. I currently use Pioneer blanks for my PVR-9000
recorder. I would be careful and purchase a "sampler pack" and see which ones work the best with your recorder. Not all DVD-R's are created equal so I would test the waters before committing to a cheaper brand of recordables.

matome 12-17-02 12:21 PM

OK thanks for the info. I may try a sampler and see, but since I'm archiving my fave probably-will-never-be-on-DVD laserdiscs, I'll probably stick with the tried-and true ones I've been using for now.


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