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| Date Reviewed: 12/03/2005 |
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Strengths: Awesome, jaw dropping picture - Build in HD Tuner - A Bajillion (Ok... 7) source inputs - Built in Japan, not by you-know-where slave labor
Weaknesses: Hoochie mamma expensive!
But that's what the "X" in XBR means... X-pensive
Summary: After 15 years I have finally found a worthy replacement for my beloved Sony KP-27XBR10.
Many friends and family have made the jump to HD, so I'm late to the party. At least I came well heeled as this new KDL-32XBR1 puts everything else I've seen to shame.
A contract ratio of 1300:1 makes black scenes finally look black. The 9ms response time gives the LCD the smoothness I'd been searching for.
I do not have sat or digital cable so a lot of content is watched at the 4:3 aspect ratio. I know many widescreen owners use various "zoom" controls to get rid of the black lines on the side of a 4:3 content image. That drives me nuts because of the distortion added or the screen getting chopped off. With the set, you can still watch standard-width video without resorting to “zoom” controls. The jet-black video "sidebars" on the LCD screen seamlessly merge into the black cabinet material.
If you are worried about watching 1080i content on a 720p native resolution set like I was... don't be. Perhaps with a MUCH larger screen, there could be noticeable differences but at 32" there is NONE.
The built in HD over-the-air (OTA) tuner works very well. I am about 20 miles from the HD transmitters and behind a hill. I stuck a $24 Radio Shack UHF corner reflector antenna on top of the house. That gave me perfect signals from all the local HD broadcast stations.
ABC Monday night football in HD is absolutely breathtaking. I didn't really ever watch MNF before - but I do now. It's worth it.
If you are a high-brow, you'll be delighted to know your local PBS station probably broadcasts PBS-HD. The programs are IMAX quality. Spectacular scenery is standard fair for PBS-HD programs. Africa, South American Rain Forests, and undersea adventure shows have incredible HD images.
Yeah… it’s REALLY expensive. If you can keep from choking on a price that’s $500 more than anything else out there, do it. After a month, go back to the store and look at all the other LCD sets you passed up – you can thank me later.
After all…in the end, you can’t take it with you. The KDL-32XBR1… Well… I’m taking it with me.
 99% of People (88/89) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/23/2006 |
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Strengths: Best picture on the market! Built-in HD Tuner,7 source inputs, built in Mexico; other reviewers claimed TV was built in Japan-Sony must be opening new plants-hopefully not w/ slave labor.
Weaknesses: I agree... Hoochie mamma expensive! That IS what the "X" in XBR means... X-pensive. 1080i res + HD Tuner makes it worth it.
Summary: Go ahead and pay for the HD tuner - you will be glad you did. One major advantage to consider, the HD Tuner allows you to get rid of your cable box in favor of a simple card; this means less clutter and less per mo on the darn cable bill. Also, if you live in a major metro area, you can buy a $40 HD antenna and get your HD for free! Take that cable monopoly!! Can't do that with a "monitor" that relies on an HD source like a expensive cable / satellite box where the cable "man" can continue to overcharge you for a zillion useless cable channels that you will never watch anyway. Am I crazy or does anyone remember when we did not have to PAY for a TV signal? (Come on IPTV!) Now, it's commonplace to waste $100+ per month for just TV. [Off soapbox] Don't get me wrong, I was not about to buy an HD set without a clear source to see the big beautiful HD programming that is available - gotta have it (the Olympics are amazing), but the tuner gives you options that save you $$ per month on the cable bill. Wait for the new BlueRay/HD-DVD players and your entertainment world will be complete. At least until they make all this stuff obsolete next year...
97% of People (32/33) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/26/2005 |
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Strengths: Picture is great, sound is great. I would buy it again, without hesitation.
Weaknesses: Pricey, but worth it. Remote is not great-just buy a Harmony remote. 2 HDMI inputs would be nice.
Summary: You pay extra for features this set has. If you don't want them, then don't buy a set with these features. e.g., you can put in a CableCard.
92% of People (12/13) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/03/2005 |
- thugg
- Member Since:
Oct 2005
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Strengths: Picture is outstanding. Light(under 50 pounds), very sleek design. Contrast is better than expected.
Weaknesses: The remote is huge, not "Sexy". No PIP, but I run a satellite, not a issue.
Summary: With the signal split 50 ways from Tuesday, it was difficult to compare TV's in store, look at both plasma and LCD, but even in store, the contrast of the Sony was outstanding. Once the set was set up at home, it truly shined. The first program was a black and white cartoon penguin with a totally white background (kids in da house) it was stunning, the contrast was superb. Flipping channels, all programs, even the ones not broadcast in HD stand out. A Comment from the wife's friend sums sit up "My husband is NOT allowed to see the TV, he'll end up buying one"
89% of People (17/19) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/28/2005 |
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Strengths: Great picture ..Great sound for an LCD .. Good design ... Nice Features... Digital Tuner ..
Weaknesses: Price , no PIP , no backlight in remote
Summary: I bought this TV before about 2 weeks ..Its great ...Great picture ..Great sound for an LCD .. Good design ... Nice Features..HD Channels and DVD pictures are amazing ... Missing some features like PIP , backlight in remote ..
86% of People (25/29) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/06/2005 |
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Strengths: Picture Quality, inputs etc
Weaknesses: price, remote, and built in speakers
Summary: I was extremely happy with this. i haven't fully stretched the capabilities of it as far as HD goes. (i am waiting for the MPEG4 equip.) BUt the HDMI on 1080i looks absoloutly pheonominal. I saw this at circuit city on their display and of course you do have to realize that they turn the brightness all the way up and it's an HD signal spilt 1,000 ways but this tv had so much more realistic flesh tones and black levels than any there. Also the picture wasn't near as pixelated as some of the others (all on a lower quality signal.) As far as sound goes, there is nothing like real surround but the speakers in the tv were really decent compared to some. Also the built in Trusurround XT actually does quite a bit for the sound quality. this would really be it's only drawback. This price was high but when you are an employee of a local electronics store and your discount get's this bad boy for your at a meer 2,166.00 then i can't complain to much. plus a 5-year warranty at my cost (280.00 parts and labor total protection)I am stunned at how well this tv performs it is great for all however it, like any tv can be assisted by any surround sound and high res. set top box. I was very impressed that it came with a VGA cable to hook up my computer and the picture there is amazing as well! The remote is definately something to be worked on. But anyone who owns a Harmony Remote understands that no TV remote is worthy to be called a remote. (I own the 880 model)
I still believe sony gives you what you pay for
85% of People (29/34) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/20/2005 |
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Strengths: Picture is stunning from every source. The sharpness, vivid colors and great sound.
Weaknesses: Price, 1 HDMI input, the remote doesn't have a backlight plus the button names are difficult to read in daylight.
Summary: I've been shopping for a few weeks for a flat screen TV. I selected the model and went back to the store to place an order. There was something new on display and it stood out in the crowd of both LCD and Plasma models on display. You guessed it, the Sony Bravia was just put out that day. I not only ordered it, but I ordered the 40" model as well. The Bravia has the best LCD picture I've seen at any price (IMO).
84% of People (16/19) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/29/2005 |
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Strengths: Design , Picture Quality
Weaknesses: Price
Summary: This is the best TV I have ever bought ..Its very clear , crip , and sharp picture .Its really great watching HD channnels in this TV . Sound also good . Good Features. The USB connection feature is good . I love seeing the still images from my sony digital camera in this TV using the USB connection .
82% of People (9/11) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/27/2005 |
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Strengths: Clear picture. Almost the same quality as HD. Easy to setup. Swivles for ease in viewing at different angles. Also had a UBS outlet for ease in connecting to a computer
Weaknesses: Expensive. Not sure it is any better than the same Sony TV which is $500 less.
Summary: I believe this particular Sony TV was aimed at those who are using it for computer games. The surrounding black frame really makes viewing easier on the eye. I especially liked the fact that once I plugged it in, it immediately bagan to program itself to all my channels.
Viewing from any angle is not distorted.
The remote control is a little confusing at first until you understand all the things it can do. The color was off at first until I read the directions on how to adjust it.
70% of People (7/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/21/2005 |
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Strengths: Picture quality,loaded with features and a nice looking .....
Weaknesses: None
Summary: 1 Week ago jumped on Pricegrabber,got a great price and ordered it- ...And tonight i'm watching great HD programing. This is my 2'nd Sony LCD, and have nothing but good thigs to say> WEGA System is a great addition and easy to use-also USB & composite video on side is great...not to mention the loaded panel on the back including direct PC conection. This LCD is loaded with fantastic features......
67% of People (10/15) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/06/2006 |
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Strengths: NA
Weaknesses: NA
Summary: I was wary because it was so much cheaper, but it is the exact same TV being sold at Best Buy for about $600 more. So far I love it and have no complaints; great picture, good sound, nice controls, just a beautiful TV all around.
As I said, I was wary about the place but they were great and I would order from them again for sure.
50% of People (2/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/03/2005 |
- gwpeete
- Member Since:
Dec 2005
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Reviews
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Strengths: Versatility; Design; Quality; Functionality
Weaknesses: A little grainer up close......
Summary: This is the finest Sony television I have ever owned. From the design, weight and versatility of this TV, Sony has crafted the perfect combination for serious movie and television viewers.
50% of People (2/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/30/2006 |
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Strengths: Separate settgins for each input...
Weaknesses: Remote and Expensive
Summary: This TV will amaze you if you have a XBMC or XBOX360. The TV really shines when these compenents are hooked to it. Make sure when you get an antenna, to get a quality one. I had to design my own since the ones I purchased from BB/CC did not give me the channels I needed.
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