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| Date Reviewed: 12/27/2004 |
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Strengths: Picture quality and brightness. Ease of use and set-up. Remote control. Size. On-screen features. Built-in HDTV tuner.
Weaknesses: Long start-up time. Sound system is average.
Summary: This TV has a truly outstanding picture! I've seen many LCD TV's, and SONY clearly leads this market in my estimation. The size is perfect for a large room, the remote control is easy to use, and setting everything up is simple. The built-in tuner picks up over-the-air HDTV stations very well. The HDTV and DVD quality are as good as you'll find in any LCD TV. Viewing Memory Stick pictures is easy and a real pleasure on such a huge screen. A few channels don't come in well, which is likely a function of my cable company rather than the TV. The only minor drawbacks are the 30-45 second start-up time and a basically average sound system. As with any TV this size, a surround sound system is a necessity for full enjoyment. Also, remember that bigger is not always better. The 50" or 55" models would be better for many living rooms: this TV could actually be a bit overpowering in an average-sized room. Bottom-line: You won't find a better LCD TV.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/22/2005 |
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Strengths: -Excellent picture quality.
-Modern and sleek design.
-Great sound.
Weaknesses: -30 to 60 sec. warm up time.
Summary: 2005-05-26 04:23:56 I bought this TV after comparing it with other brands and models at local electronic stores. Out of all of the models I looked at, this TV stood out for the clarity, resolution, and vividness of the picture. I also did a lot of research online, and found that the reviews were generally very good. I have generally had very good experience with the quality of Sony products. My previous tv was a 27 inch Sony which I bought in 1991 and which only now broke down. We chose the 60 inch model over the 50 inch because there was only about a $200 price difference. If you have the room, it really is a good value to spend the extra money and buy the larger screen.
I would recommend that if you currently get any distortion or noise from you cable or satellite on a smaller TV, a TV this size will magnify it and the picture will look poor. This will be true for any large screen TV's. I have dish network and was getting very little distortion in the picture quality, which was hardly noticeable on my old 27 inch TV. However the picture was very bad on this tv so I had to call dish network and have them come and recheck and rewire some of the connections to get a good picture.
This TV has a copious amount of various inputs on the back so that I was easily able to connect all of my peripherals. I noticed that some of the reviews I read said that the sound was not very good. However I have found the opposite. The sound seems to be very clear and bass is good as well. I generally only use the TV speakers when I am watching TV which serve their purpose very well. Of course I would reccomend an additional surround sound set-up for watching DVDs.
For weaknesses this TV takes about 30 to 60 sec. for it to warm up and for the picture to become completely bright. However this is hardly a drawback in my opinion. I do agree with most people that the remote could be better. However I usually just use the satellite receiver remote and never really have to use the tv remote. One thing which I do not like is that you have to turn off the TV speakers before the audio is sent to a surround sound receiver.
I would recommend that you go to the store and compare this TV with others just so that you know that is TV has better picture quality than the others.
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| Date Reviewed: 06/30/2005 |
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Strengths: Fantastic picture! Looks high tech.
Weaknesses: Cycling through inputs.
Summary: This Sony TV is fantastic! I got the TV primarily for DVD movies. I attached a Samsung HDMI progressive scan and the quality is great. I picked up a stand for it at a local major chain that fits perfect for a fraction of the price of the Sony stand, so I recommend that option.
Normal cable TV at this size is a bit coarse. My cable didn't offer HD, so I added a ChannelMaster antenna to my house. Seemed like I was going back in technonogy, but well worth it! I'm receiving all the major networks in HD and it is night and day difference! I find myself watching programs I never watched, just because they are in HD and I'm awe inspired by the picture quality.
Stupid "HDMI Audio not supported" message flashes up because I'm using the HDMI input and I set my DVD for bitstream into my receiver for 5.1 sound, so the TV doesn't support it. If I change to the mode the TV recognizes, then my receiver doesn't get the 5.1 signal.
100% of People (5/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/13/2005 |
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Strengths: The Multi-ARAS CRT Coating, the flat, glass CRT faceplate is coated with layers of anti-reflective and anti-static compounds to minimize reflections and dust build-up on the screen.
Weaknesses: The dark images still need work with this technology.
Contrast level still can not adapt to dark images.
Summary: This High definition LCD projection TV provides a true home theatre experience. The Hi-Scan 1080i™ display and an ATSC integrated tuner makes this SONY product an excellent choice for the person who wants a great value for the price. I have not used the Digital Cable Ready with CableCARD™ slot but having it available for future use is a benefit. The slim, lightweight design make this a perfect choice for a room where the old projection TVs just wouldn't work.Enhanced Memory Stick® media playback is great if you have a sony digital camera.
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| Date Reviewed: 06/02/2005 |
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Strengths: Great picture quality, built-in HD tuner, relatively compact and lightweight, low glare
Weaknesses: Weak PIP features, requires TV stand, analog sound output
Summary: WOW, I'm blown away by the great picture quality. Unlike many other HDTVs, this Sony doesn't have a protective glass in front of the TV so there is much less glare. Channel changing is slow. I think HDTV channels are buffered for two seconds because when I switch from analog to HD channel, the same pictures are repeated even though the TV blanks out for two seconds. I watched Star Wars IV on it recently and the TV made the old classic look like it's new.
Beware that you lose a lot of screen if you display pictures with 4:3 aspect ratio. The "full" feature will stretch the screen but make people look fat. The "zoom" feature will fill the screen with the right ratio but cut off the top and bottom. I like to use the "wide zoom" feature as a compromise between the "full" and "zoom" feature. I changed the menu default so that all pictures with 4:3 aspect ratio will be displayed as "wide zoom" and also shifted the screen up so I can see news tickers at the bottom.
What I hate about the TV is that it doesn't come with a stand. Some stands being offered to match the HDTV cost $300-$800!!! I got a glass stand from Costco for about $180 but it's ugly. IKEA offers some plywood stands for around $100. I put "sliders" from Home Depot on the bottom so the stand will slide easily when I make the hookups.
Although I would like to hook up the sound output to my stereo system, there is only analog sound output IF the TV's speakers are turned off. When I did turn off the TV speakers, the analog output is so low that I have to turn the volume up to the maximum. There is also an optical digital audio output but I don't have a system to test it.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/13/2005 |
- jeffrsmi
from MN
- Member Since:
Jan 2005
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: Great resolution, easy to set-up and use, super value for the price.
Weaknesses: A bit slow to warm-up on turn on (30-45 seconds)... not a big deal for the quality!
Summary: Great TV. Very easy to set-up, great resolution... even in a bright room. Highly recommend. A bit slow to warm-up on turn on (30-45 seconds)... not a big deal for the quality! Sony deserves the reputation it has in putting out great quality TV's
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| Date Reviewed: 07/19/2005 |
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Strengths: This TV is excellent!
Weaknesses: Slow channel tuneing, when in HDTV.
Summary: I bought it from a Sony authorized dealer on pricegrabber, and saved a lot of money. I had NO problems. I plugged in the cable from Comcast and everything worked, HDTV and I even got a whole bunch on Audio chanels??? I don't understand... No need for a cable card or HDTV box, it all works right out of the box.
The colors and the brightness on this TV are the BEST you can buy!!! No one can come close. And it's good looking!
100% of People (2/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/08/2005 |
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Strengths: Brightness of the screen, HD picture, multi connection capability
Weaknesses: Remote is limited and can't control AV receivers. Low Def picture can appear granulated due to the large screen size
Summary: After reading some the review and personal testing at Circuit City, I finally bought this TV from an online store. The setup is very easy with Auto tune and it found all the channel from my cable company. It even decoded some digital music channels that regular TV can not. The picture quality in HD format it excellent and very light weight design (~120lb). There are plenty of ports in the back and can accomendate all my AV components.
The picture in Picture feature is not the best but work as advertised. It could however have an internet connection to download the channel guide.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/28/2005 |
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Strengths: Fantastic picture quality, vivid color, sleek design, great value for the price.
Weaknesses: Takes about 30 seconds to warm up, channel changing could be faster, remote could be a little better designed.
Summary: Amazing picture. We compared this model against samsung, hitachi, toshiba, jvc, panasonic, mitsubishi, rca, and zenith in side to side, picture to picture comparisons at various dealers and this sony unit blew them away. The clarity, color, resolution of this tv is incredible especially on HD tv.
We chose the 60" model because the picture size in the standard broadcast 4:3 mode is 40" wide by 30" high which was exactly the same as our old 50 "wide screen hitachi. If we went with the 55" sony model we would have lost about 4" in width and 3" in height so we decided to go with the 60". All of the stores we visited had the tv's playing an HD channel so it completely filled the rectangular screen. As soon as you changed the channel to a standard broadcast, 6" inches from each side was cropped off. Also when you play a wide screen dvd it crops a little off the top and bottom and does not fully fill the screen. This tv offers a variety of screen formats that can stretch a 4:3 broadcast to widescreen or zoom in a widescreen picture.
Our viewing distance on this tv is about 14 feet. Even at 8 feet the picture is wonderful. This tv is large and can be a little overwelming. Our viewing area is about 17' by 15' and fits well. Any room much smaller may make the 60" tv seem a bit large.
When watching HD tv I am still amazed by the detail this tv displays. You can actually see an actor's bloodshot eyes, and see the fine threads in their clothing. Outdoor scenes are awesome and look like you are looking out your window. Well... enough about the great picture.
Can't say much about the sound system since we have a separate surround sound system.
Be careful when you purchase a tv on line. PriceGrabber is a great forum for feedback on equipment and dealers. There are many places that sell refurbished units at discounted prices. There are also places that claim to be sony authorized dealers but are not. Your best bet is to call sony and find out if the dealer is an authorized sony dealer. We purchased this unit on line from electronics expo and saved $1600 over the retail stores in our area. I would recommend purchasing the matching stand. A little expensive but very well constructed and matches the tv perfectly.
I would not recommend purchasing the extended warranty from the dealer where you buy the tv. It is expensive, ranging from $400-$600 for a 4 year warranty. You can purchase a 4 year extended warranty direct from sony for $229. You can do this up to 11 months after you purchase your unit.
Another big plus for this tv is you can use a cable card from your cable company without having to rent their cable box. The monthly charge for the cable card is $1.75 vs $6.95 for the cable box. The only disadvantage of the card is you can't get pay per view and you don't get the premium channel guide. You can get the HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax guide on line. HBO and Showtime have a HD station which is included in the HD package for $4.95 a month.
Overall we had a good experience purchasing this unit on line. Do your home work and compare features and picture at your local dealer and then make your decision. The picture in your home in most cases will be better what you see at a dealer because the signal at the store is probably split 100 times to feed all the tv's. Keep in mind that returning an on-line purchase because you got it home and didn't care for it could result in a significant re-stocking fee of up to 25% plus shipping.
You will not be disappointed by purchasing this tv. Hope this review was informative and helps in your decision making.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/11/2004 |
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Strengths: large viewing screen, hdmi input, built-in hdtv receiver, twin view, improved and fancier menu than the previous XXwe610 gen models, keeps up with action video (unlike DLPs), memory stick slide show
Weaknesses: black levels are not the best (since its LCD), takes a few seconds after pushing power to fully bring up the screen, can hear the bulb fan with extended viewing of quiet programs or after turned off
Summary: I bought this TV around Thanksgiving (Black Friday) as my first large screen HDTV (previous was a Sony 53S70). I was looking at the 65WS550 (c:huge, p:better blacks, c:convergence issues, p:more adjustable via service menus) but it was just too big to fit in my place so I went the LCD route (p:slim, c:possibility of dead pixels, p:no refresh problems, c:lamp replace?) for its slimness and because of its advantages over DLP (p:slightly better blacks, c:action pixelation) when viewing sports. I went with the Sony because I use Memory Sticks and its really cool to put mp3s and pics on one (not a MagicGate / MS Duo one) and have it do the slide show for you. The scalable Twin View POP (picture out of picture) mode is nice but unfortunately ONLY the LEFT side can display HDTV input (HDMI or converted component). Unfortunately there is no PIP mode or other elaborate picture modes like the Hitachi tvs have but you can move the image up/down/left/right like the Hitachi tvs (its just called something odd in the Sony tv menu). The built in HDTV receiver is awesome! I just connected an old vertical power antenna and deleted the analog stations from the list so most my tv viewing is digital and HD (e.g. I deleted NBC 4 and now watch NBC 4.1). It has a CableCard slot but if your tv company has Video OnDemand and you want that then you supposedly still have to get/rent a receiver. One big note is the black levels -- its LCD so the limitations can jump out at you in mostly black or dark scenes (i.e. black ends up like the blank screensaver on your computer, like an illuminated dark blue-black since I guess they can't completely turn the pixel off because the video signal may need to immediately change it) -- however if there is a hint of color like a guy wearing a dark blue suit you can't really notice it (Note it is NOT like the horrid older LCD tvs where black=> dark gray). I bought this over other Sony's because of price and also all the complaints and problems I saw with the 60XS955 -- the sony tv one step above which has another connection for each input type (+1 HDMI,S-video,composite) and better speakers. The 60XBR950 is the next step above and looks great but is way too much money. Final notes: Pushing power the tv comes on but its takes about 10-30secs for all the color to show (i.e. the tv to fully reach whatever brightness level you have programmed) and the fan is only noticeable when the tv is off and running to cool down the bulb.
96% of People (55/57) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/12/2005 |
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Strengths: Picture, sound
Weaknesses: None so far
Summary: After reading the reviews several tv brands I decided getting the Sony Wega KDF-60WF655. It has a beautiful picture and the sound is very powerful. One strong plus on this tv is that it does not need anything else extra to recieve High Defination, as some brands are only HD ready. Comcast is coming out with the chip that this tv uses and therefore it will not need a cable box to receive HD channels. The colors on this TV are extremely good. The other factor that made me choose this TV is the being able to play games without worrying if it is going to burn through the screen, as the plasmas are known for.
88% of People (7/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/31/2004 |
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Strengths: Picture, value, form factor, no 'burn-in' issues
Weaknesses: Questionable long term reliability
Summary: After considerable thought and and a lot shopping, I decided to purchase a Sony KDF-60WF655. The picture (color saturation and resolution) have been very impressive. The new Sony LCD projection TVs are a dramatic improvement over the previous editions (at least all the versions I had seen). The brightness and black levels are not quite as good as the new Samsung DLPs I saw, (which appear to be the best of the DLPs), but the Sony has the ability to display higher resolutions (1080 vs 720 horizontal lines) with a significant decrease in pixelation, and costs less than a similarly sized Samsung. Viewed side by side in a store, the small differences between the two types of TVs are more noticeable, but in your house the Sony will look great! The pure HD channels are amazing and the upconversion circuitry improves the standard definition signals, especially with DVDs. As with almost any TV of this type, the sound is only adequate and is appropriately enhanced by a suitable surround-sound system. Additionally, I just purchased a Toshiba DVD player/VCR that also has upconversion. It makes DVDs look almost as good as HD signals (SD-V592SU). Toshiba also sells a similar DVD-only player (SD-5970). It includes an HDMI cable for the best quality signal input to the TV. Highly recommended!
84% of People (16/19) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/15/2004 |
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Strengths: Excellent Picture, Menu/Settings are easy to use & have good options.
Weaknesses: Only 1 HDMI input. Remote could be better
Summary: Only have it 5 days but so far I have been very impressed by the picture it displays. Of course HD broadcasts are best & the overall picture quality is only as good as your weakest component which includes cable connection source signal & original source.Overall quality considering the price it is the best bang for the buck if you have the space for it.
80% of People (16/20) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/06/2005 |
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Strengths: Great color and digital pictures. Sound was good even before home theatre installation.
Weaknesses: Packing was almost as heavy as tv.
Summary: TV has great color and sound. Digital signals from cable & dvds are exceptional. After getting this hdtv I was glad that we opted for the 60 inch instead of a smaller one.
80% of People (4/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/06/2005 |
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Strengths: great picture clarity. all the a/v connections you could need. Depth is minimal at @ 16"
Weaknesses: You'll need at least a 35" table/stand for it, or buy the $799 stand from Sony. Must use a VCR or other receiver for PIP to work from a digital cable box. Cannot use PIP with HDTV source.
Summary: I studied these for a long time before purchasing. I always have trusted Sony for great quality, and this TV is no exception. It's a terrific value as well, as other brands with fewer features are more expensive.
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