When I saw the 970 on Sony's site, I was a little scared that I was going to over-pay on a 960. Below are the differences I found from the "model compare" on Sony's site.

Cable Card Slot:
960 - PCMCIA Type I/II
970 - No

Speakers:
960 - 7.5 W x 2 + 15 W subwoofer
970 - 10W x 2

Memory Stick Viewer:
960 - Yes, 970 - No

Composite Video In:
960 - 1 Front, 3 Rear
970 - 1 Front, 2 Rear

RF In:
960 - 2 RF in, with internal switcher
970 - 1 RF in

Audio In:
960 - 1 Front, 6 Rear 6???
970 - 1 Front, 2 Rear

iLink:
960 - 3 Total (1 Front)
970 - None

Control S:
960 - 1, 970 - None

Dimensions:
960 is 1/8" shorter, and 1/8" deeper than 970 (960 - 39 1/8"W x 25 5/8"H x 23 7/8"D)
960 weighs 6 pounds more (196lbs vs 190lbs)

And, of course, the MSRP on the 970 is $700 less than the 960.

Now, the question is, is a CableCard slot worth $700? No, not by itself. With iLink, maybe there's more justification in price, as with the Memory Stick Viewer, but I don't see myself using the Mem Stick slot any time soon.

The second RF is easily worth $200 to me, honestly, as I use an OTA antenna for HD, and have basic cable for cable. The comparison specs don't even mention the lack of this second RF in.

I also noticed in the owner's manual pictures that the 970 uses coax audio out, while the 960 uses optical. I'm out of coax audio inputs on my receiver, so having the optical on the 960 is worthwhile to me.

I think that the current sale price at my local BB ($1700) is worth the extra features, but I'll probably try and haggle them down a little lower if I have it in me.

The 970 is practially entry-level in terms of available inputs/outputs compared to the 960. The steep drop in price is a lot better understood in this light.

the XBR970 is just a KV-34HS420 with an ATSC(HD) tuner
and the who knows who makes this TV in reality?

it does not have the better tube, twinview, DRC adjustable palettes

the better tube apparently is alot of the cost for the XBR960

Just wanted to let people know how much this thread helped me this week when I was looking for a bigger TV than my current 26" Sammy. Lots of great info, and though it sometimes sounds biased, based on what I saw with my own eyes in the store, every glowing review was well-deserved!

It's in the box in my living room now, hope to have it set up tomorrow afternoon and I'll report back. I wouldn't bother reporting back, but I got the non-N model, and I've always had a glare problem in the past, so I'll be reporting on that aspect.

If I can tear myself away from it... ;)

Hi all,
I've been following this thread pretty closely, as well as the news that Sony is shutting down stateside tube production come spring.

I'll be moving in mid-March, so I'm looking to get a 960 (N or otherwise) when I get to my new place.

Do you guys think that inventories are going to be getting so tight that it's going to be hard to find one in a couple of months, or should I not worry about this? I'm likely to go with one of the reputable mail order places (sonystyle, crutchfield, or b&H).

Thanks in advance for any insight.

cheers,
Dave

Hi all,
I've been following this thread pretty closely, as well as the news that Sony is shutting down stateside tube production come spring.

I'll be moving in mid-March, so I'm looking to get a 960 (N or otherwise) when I get to my new place.

Do you guys think that inventories are going to be getting so tight that it's going to be hard to find one in a couple of months, or should I not worry about this? I'm likely to go with one of the reputable mail order places (sonystyle, crutchfield, or b&H).

Thanks in advance for any insight.

cheers,
Dave

I just called Sony to confirm that the 970 does not have the super fine pitch tube (which it does not) and I also asked if the 960 was being discontinued. He said that he had checked this earlier and it is NOT being discontinued. Anyway, if it were, why would they both to come out with the N model?

Update: I have been calling around to local CC's and other local TV stores and they are all saying that the xs955 and xbr960 are all discontinued. So I am confused. Maybe they are all transitioning to the N models of the 955 and 960?

does this XBR here have DVI/HDMI crap?
or am i gonna kick myself in the ass when blueray and ps3 comes out

When I bought mine in late December CC only had 105 in inventory of the 960 and no N's. Now it is not advertised on the CC web site at all. Could they all be gone? Glad I got mine when I did and lov'n it. :)

Update: I have been calling around to local CC's and other local TV stores and they are all saying that the xs955 and xbr960 are all discontinued. So I am confused. Maybe they are all transitioning to the N models of the 955 and 960?

BB and CC discontinuing selling the XBR, does not mean Sony has Sony discontinued the product

this assumption is not a good one, and if you do not know but when you assume, you make an ASS(out of)U(and)ME

so becareful how you draw conclusions, but I would say if you want the XBR960 get it now

does this XBR here have DVI/HDMI crap?

read your manual, or check the specs sheet at Sonystyle, no one should have to hold your hand, but yes it does have a HDMI port

Here is the truth about the 'N' models. Straight from the top!

"Thank you for contacting Sony Style Customer Care.

In regard to your recent inquiry, there is no difference between the two. The N at the end of the product number basically indicates that product available from a third party"

Here is the truth about the 'N' models. Straight from the top!

"Thank you for contacting Sony Style Customer Care.

In regard to your recent inquiry, there is no difference between the two. The N at the end of the product number basically indicates that product available from a third party"

hmm, well i had sony tell me it was a different glare thing

does this XBR here have DVI/HDMI crap?
or am i gonna kick myself in the ass when blueray and ps3 comes out

i know it has one HDMI thing, i dont know what DVI is, but i just dont want to kick myself when hd-dvd and blue ray and ps3 come out

Well irh, then paste the comment like I did.

I have a Sony KD-34XBR960 HDTV. My cable provider is Comcast.

One of the features I really liked about this TV is TwinView. TwinView worked great when I first got the TV. I was able to use both sides with no problems, no issues.

Then I got CableCard. While I love the ability to switch from channel to channel without having to use a cable box to receive HD programming, I was disappointed that my TwinView feature no longer worked.

Then, tonight I discovered this forum and thought I had found an answer to my dilemna. I did as suggested by others and had my cable line go into a splitter, one line on the other side to my cable port on my TV and the other line to my VHF/UHF port.

I understand that I would only be able to see channels under 100 on the right side. That's no problem. The problem is that I can only see ONE channel on the right (VHF/UHF) side of the twinview - channel 97 - GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting). I cannot figure out a way to get any other channels added, and when I punch in the numbers for any channels I know exist I see nothing but a blank screen and the message "DTV Not Available" even though the channel number I punched in was not a digital channel.

When I try to AutoProgram the channels again, I am unable to do so because the AutoProgram option is disabled (I don't know why - I was able to use AutoProgram until the Comcast installed my CableCard, but ever since they set up my CableCard, AutoProgram has been disabled).

What do I need to do to resolve this issue?

Thanks for your help and your time.

Eddie Cook

i know it has one HDMI thing, i dont know what DVI is, but i just dont want to kick myself when hd-dvd and blue ray and ps3 come out

DVI is another digital video interface

HDMI is newer and includes digital audio

you will be able to use HD DVD and Blu Ray players with your HDMI port

the PS3 does not require HDMI connection for HD gaming, only Blu Ray movies

first topic from google when entering DVI

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DVI.html

but try reading this one

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVI

wiki is very reader friendly

"Thank you for contacting Sony Style Customer Care.

In regard to your recent inquiry, there is no difference between the two. The N at the end of the product number basically indicates that product available from a third party"

from what I understand on the XBR(N), the anti glare coating on the screen was removed to allow more light output, meaning a brighter screen

Hey kny3: who told you about the anti glare coating denoting the 'N' designation? I pasted my quote from Sony; would you do the same complete with source? I think your info was a rumor started on this website.

I just don't get how anyone can spend $2000 on a 34" or 32" HDTV and not look very close at it's PQ, because even the best LCD's(ie..Sony's Bravia line, Samsung's, Sharp's and others) have noware near the PQ in comparision to the XBR960, add to that the blurring effects while a few had the 360 running off them(COD2 and PGR3 were the demo's i cared about), and i'm shocked anyone would buy an LCD for gaming. For what are they buying it for..for it's smaller size? good looks? A HDTV is meant to be looked at for it's PQ not anything else..these are not pictures hanging off our walls for show. What is everyone thinking these days, do these idiots have minds?

Umm...after reading your earlier posts and seeing that you were at first unsure of what technology is right for you, I guess I can let this slide but really these words I can take personal and very much the wrong way esp. after I am about to invest some $$ into an LCD.

I think of the XBR960 much in the same manner as an Oppo dvd player. On paper it sounds like it's the benchmark for everything in it's price range and they make it out to seem like the holy grail and end all solution for hdtv viewing. Well, The XBR960 may possibly have the highest PQ under $5000 and I won't argue that point but the fact is it's not intended for a wide audience these days. Otherwise, why is CRT going the way of VHS? About the Oppo, that's just a gimmick with some nifty features. My 5 year old Hitachi dvd player with progressive scan has the same results on both Sony crt, Sammy lcd, and Pio plasma (yes I have tested them all).

So anyway, I would reassure yourself about some of today's LCD's not having super PQ. Why would I spent $2000 on an LCD? Because I happen to think it pwns an XBR960 in the gaming department. The 32" Sony Bravia not only is brighter and more vivid in each and every single Xbox 360 game (again, I've tested almost all of them to the 960) but also actually more sharp and lifelike. Trying playing Perfect Dark Zero on your 960 and it just seems to dark, I had to crank up the settings to torch mode to get any kinda of colorful image and at that point, it ruined the picture. Any typical LCD, let along the Bravia is nothing short of a breathtaking experience for Xbox, and I'm sure the same with PS3 due out this year. Your kidding yourself if you believe otherwise.

Ghosting? What ghosting? I noticed about as much ghosting with the Bravia as I did in the 960 if that tells you anything. Maybe just to be fair I saw a couple smearing effects after playing for hours but I mean...... I'll take that for its superior gaming. Try playing Call of Duty 2 on the Bravia and you can see all the details in the gun he's holding. Not in the 960. The 960 does have detail (probably the best in the CRT world) but don't try and compare it to the XBR1.

I also don't buy my tvs to hang on the walls and for show. If I saw the same PQ in the 960 as I do in the Bravia for Xbox, I would have cut out a hole in the wall like someone on this thread mentioned before I got any thin screen. The only thing I see the 960 has is its superior black level and detail. LCD's haven't been around too long and not as good in this department. They're not quite there but I garantee by the end of this decade that your average and affordable LCD will have 1080p (as well as the sources) and folks will have a hard time walking outside their house due to being spoiled by better than life appearances on the screen. You watch. ----and how long has it taken CRT's to put out an image such as the XBR960? Hmm. I think the rapid improvement rate favors an LCD but I'll let you gather your own conclusion. It's all about trial and error and I for one can appreciate big company's throwing out LCD's that are "not-quite-as-good-as-crt-yet" products because I firmly believe that there's more potential in an LCD. The black levels I feel are minor given the improvements they already made. Only an LCD will put out an image that'll make you wanna smack your mother 5-10 years from now. But I guess I could join the CRT bandwagon now and hang on to my dinosaur and think to myself there will never be anything better. Shameful.

So yeah, I think you need to be real with yourself and literally somehow put a 32" or 40" Bravia LCD next to a 960. I don't mean in the same store but right next to each other. This will be hard to do since they hide the 960 but if and when you do you'll notice that there's hardly any difference. I can say this because I was once stuck on crt's and still have a softspot for them just like my vhs's. I'm not some new age punk that can't appreciate a good tube (or boobtube). I'm only 26 years old so I haven't experienced what others here have yet, but I can tell you that if after 50+ years the best crt can do is the XBR960 than I can fully understand why there being dropped.

This entire statement was not meant to be offensive and Philip I do wish you the best, and glad you enjoy your purchase with your set. I just wanted to shed some insight to the ones who may be pondering whether a tube tv will triumph all others. I have my opinion and respect all of yours. One thing I am jealous about right now is that I did catch Sin City on the 960 and it rocked my world.

Take care

Hey kny3: who told you about the anti glare coating denoting the 'N' designation? I pasted my quote from Sony; would you do the same complete with source? I think your info was a rumor started on this website.

well Sony Customer Service is not a good source, they told me Cinemotion was an audio effect like TruSurround XT

I think to know whether the anti-glare coating was removed, you would simply just need to compare both in a brightly lighted showroom

Everybody keeps pushing the LCD & DLP projection tv's at you in the store.
It would appear that they are a better value, however nobody ever mentions that after about 1 year, or maybe 2 if you're lucky, you going to have to replace that projection bulb. Those babies cost at least $200 ... some are closer to $300.

I've owned the 30" XBR for almost 2 years, and we love it. It's awesome to watch sporting events & DVDs on. Even 480i looks ok.

I want a new TV for the basement, as the old 32" Sony has developed some problems. (It was free from work, so I can't complain.) but I don't think I can lug a 34" down there.

I've also been looking at some direct view LCDs. At least those bulbs are rated to last 50,000 hours. Westinghouse is the best price at BB for a 32". Nice how they hook up that TV RF, and a Bravia component! Does anybody keep these in their house with young kids around?

Last but not least, the 30" slimfit from Samsung looks nice, but I've read some people complain about geometry issues.

Just have to keep shopping I Guess.

well if you do not like the geometry issues of the Samsung, how would you like the washed-out, grayish-green color of the Westinghouse LCDs?

not saying you should drag a heavy 34" CRT in the basement on some narrow staircase, but there are a lot of options for LCDs or Plasmas without looking at the bottom of the barrel

Sony has two new 32" LCDs, the U and new S series
as well as the older A10 (S) and XBR1 series

the new U series will start at 1699, new S at 1999, and the XBR1 is 2699 and the older A10 is 1999 (MSRPs)

of course you will be able to get the A10s cheaper once the U series is released in Feb

but just so know there are alot of options(this is just Sonys options for 32" LCDs)

Interesting debate about CRT vs flat screen. One point not raised is the issue of depth perception. Good CRTs, and especially the 960, offer a sense of visual depth which seems to be lacking on LCDs or Plasmas. This illusion of 3-D does add to the viewing enjoyment, especially with live sporting events.

Has anybody else noticed this as well?

Interesting debate about CRT vs flat screen. One point not raised is the issue of depth perception. Good CRTs, and especially the 960, offer a sense of visual depth which seems to be lacking on LCDs or Plasmas. This illusion of 3-D does add to the viewing enjoyment, especially with live sporting events.

Has anybody else noticed this as well?

Excellent point, Joseph. The XBR 960 is 3D like. Kind of like the diaramas we made in school with shoe boxes. Remember those?

PathofNeo your points well stated. It is after all a very personal decision.

>>If I saw the same PQ in the 960 as I do in the Bravia for Xbox, I would have cut out a hole in the wall like someone on this thread mentioned before I got any thin screen. <<

Never take my advice seriously :D

Excellent point, Joseph. The XBR 960 is 3D like. Kind of like the diaramas we made in school with shoe boxes. Remember those?
Thanks TCB,

Don't remember using shoe boxes but do recall doodling all the time drawing two squares and connecting the corners of each with straight lines to appear 3-D. Do you remember the 3-D comics with those glasses?

I assume most don't notice this lack in depth when first looking at Plasmas and LCDs because (as with me) they are impressed with picture quality. I was aware of LCD black level limitations but when viewing a 17 inch model I also noticed the dimensional appearance appeared un-natural, even for television (i.e., the same effect looking through binoculars). Thought it might be due to a small screen size but later on saw a nature program on a large plasma and again noticed a limited sense of depth perception.

The fact this has been overlooked by most had me thinking it might be me - glad to see I'm not the only one.

Joe

Hey kny3: who told you about the anti glare coating denoting the 'N' designation? I pasted my quote from Sony; would you do the same complete with source? I think your info was a rumor started on this website.

Dude, if you take one response from a company to be the for-sure, definitive answer to a question you are in trouble.

I'm worried that if you ever have to talk to more than one CSR from your local cable company about a problem your brain will explode like a computer fed contradictory information by Captain Kirk.

More than one person here has been told by Sony that the difference between the 960 and 960N has to do with the anti-glare feature. At least one person has verified that his 960 has a non-glare plastic sheet on the surface of the glass--he described the process by which he removed it.

It may be a rumor, but to me it's a more credible rumor than your cut-and-paste job.

Doretta: I'm just providing actual information provided by Sony. At least its legit unlike non provable rumors on this website. Settle down, sport.

Doretta: I'm just providing actual information provided by Sony. At least its legit unlike non provable rumors on this website. Settle down, sport.

Masbama, which 960 do you have? The 960 or the 960N?

960

960

I was hoping you had an "N" so we could compare them. I have the 960 as well.

brain will explode like a computer fed contradictory information by Captain Kirk.

Need to clarify if computers, etc. would usually blow up after Captain Kirk's feed of contradictory information. Starfleet's computer banks show:

The M-5 shut down everything on the Enterprise but did not explode.

The Changeling eventually exploded but not until Kirk and Spock transported it to the furthest reaches of space.

Rayna, an artificial intelligence who became human, died from the emotional shock of not being able to handle the conflict of a love triangle between her, Kirk and Flint.

Harry Mudd's androids crashed trying to figure out contradictory information while Norman simply overheated - it can be debated if these qualify as brain explosions or just conking out.

Live long and prosper with your 960s or 960Ns.

Somebody set us up the bomb

All your base are belong to us

Just a quick post to gush about the picture on the 960 I just purchased. I am still amazed. I tried the pro settings a lot of people use, but found it all too dark. I know, I know they are reference, yadda yadda. But it still looks too dark. I'm using standard mode and it looks beautiful. I find myself watching Sunrise Earth in HD and drifting away.

Furthermore, I find the 34 inch size very pleasing. I'm sitting about 7 feet away and find it immersive enough. I'm thinking our dedicated home theatre will be getting less use with this little beauty upstairs.

I've had the same experience. When I go to Circuit City and see the
larger plasma and LCD screens I wonder why they sell so well, except
that it's fun to see a BIG picture, I agree. But the quality of the pic just
can't compare. And, like you, the sofa here is about 7 ft away.

I feel as if I'm looking out a window with a changing view, with HD
programming of high quality content. It doesn't feel as if I'm looking
at a tv. The large screens I've seen made of other technologies look
almost transparent to me. Or, less rounded, more flat. The detail
and contrast on the XBR960 is almost scary.

On the other hand I did see a good Panasonic 44" LCD selling
for only $1500, and the 60" Sony XBR flat panel for $5,000 was
pretty impressive :-)

i just purchased a KD-34XBR960. i'm not seeing the full picture on my directv box. i believe this is overscan, right? can i fix this? it's looks like 5% or so. i know how to access the service menu. all network logos are getting cut off!! argh!! thanks in advance.

also... the upper right hand corner looks green, almost like a magnet is near by. someone is coming to look at it today. anyone else had this problem? what could it be?

I got my XBR960 hooked up this weekend, and popped in a Lucasfilm DVD to calibrate the Pro setting. I popped a movie in, and I must say, you can't even tell that it's only 480p unless you pause the movie. Got my PS2 running GT4 in 1080i, and other than the fact that it's still a computer graphic, the level of detail is amazing. I can't even see the individual vertical scan lines like I could on my Sammy 26" HD tube.

I, too would like to have the HD/BluRay debate solved, but for now, with this TV, I don't care, because current DVDs look amazing!

Oh, and I have the non-N model. There's very obviously SOME sort of anti-glare features on the TV, as the reflection of my back-lit shades are purplish and darker than they used to be on my Sammy. But, it appears that it's a curved tub behind a flat piece of glass, as there are two distinct and differently-sized reflections per window.

Now, I can't say that I'd be able to watch Constantine in the middle of a sunny day, but the glare is reduced more than enough to watch movies on a partly cloudy day or with the lights on.

Also, I used to have some problems pulling in my OTA HD channels in the past, but it's nice to have the built-in tuner to be able to pull my cable's local unencrypted HD and digital feeds as a backup (took the full 50 minutes to auto-program... well worth it!)

BTW, I'm not a Sony Fan-Boy. I'm only a recent convert to this particular TV.

i just purchased a KD-34XBR960. i'm not seeing the full picture on my directv box. i believe this is overscan, right? can i fix this? it's looks like 5% or so. i know how to access the service menu. all network logos are getting cut off!! argh!! thanks in advance.

Are you in Zoom mode? You need to set it to Normal.

I also upgraded my directv box.

also... the upper right hand corner looks green, almost like a magnet is near by. someone is coming to look at it today. anyone else had this problem? what could it be?

First I left the set on for a few days and turned off and on a few times.

I then worked with the regular menu accessed from the remote.
I set the video to Pro and adjusted some of the picture and color settings which
are mentioned all over this thread.

At this point the green blotch was about 50% better.

I then went into the service menu . Using the spread sheet I worked on
settings for convergence in the top right. Also Landing settings. I worked methodically and first wrote down the original setting and then only changed a setting
by one number.

After about 30 minutes of trial and error I noticed the green was entirely gone
in the upper right corner.

I stopped changing things and have now been just enjoying the view.

I'll look up what I changed if it is important but my guess is each set might
be different.

Looking to get a good deal on the XBR960/960N as it phases out - I already have one but like it so much want another for another room. Any recommendations on where and when to get one - I'm flexible in terms of timing. What do you think will be the lowest easily achievable price - $1300?

Are you in Zoom mode? You need to set it to Normal.

I also upgraded my directv box.

It is in Full Mode. 1080i from the DirecTV box. cannot be adjusted in the directv settings or in the normal menu settings on the sony. anyone know how to adjust this via the service menu? also, i'm trying to record OTA shows via the IEEE1394 port to my G5. i'm having no luck. both the tv and the mac see each other but the DVHS app that comes with the Firewire SDK is not working. anyone here got this to work?

Backorder on stand for 34XBR960N.

I ordered BLACK Friday from Sony and am still waiting.

Are there any alternatives out there?

Need space for B & W HTM7 center speaker, Denon 4806 and 5910 DVD, STB, and Sony VCR.

Anyone with similar set-up?

Just picked up my 34XBR960 from Best Buy. They honored a price match against B&H Photo for $1399.00. I guess the manager really wants to move the two he had, no problem with matching the price. Plus I got special financing on the Best Buy card, no interest until 2009.

If anybody is looking, check them out.

Backorder on stand for 34XBR960N.

I ordered BLACK Friday from Sony and am still waiting.

Are there any alternatives out there?

Need space for B & W HTM7 center speaker, Denon 4806 and 5910 DVD, STB, and Sony VCR.

Anyone with similar set-up?

Most big box stores that carry the set, likely have the stand. Do you have any BBs or the like, in your area? If not, I'd bet you can have one shipped from Crutchfield, BB or 6th Ave online.

Regarding that amount of equipment though, it will be tough to use a sony stand. I went with it while orginally planning on the CableCard route. I've since gotten addicted to the DVR and have too many components... so I've gone to a second for audio equipment.

Just picked up my 34XBR960 from Best Buy. They honored a price match against B&H Photo for $1399.00. I guess the manager really wants to move the two he had, no problem with matching the price. Plus I got special financing on the Best Buy card, no interest until 2009.

If anybody is looking, check them out.

I wonder if they'd price-match after the fact to an online retailer? I just picked one up this past weekend for $1699, didn't know about the B&H price.

Printed out the prices and the Sony page showing that B&H is an authorised retailer, so we'll see!

I wonder if they'd price-match after the fact to an online retailer? I just picked one up this past weekend for $1699, didn't know about the B&H price.

Printed out the prices and the Sony page showing that B&H is an authorised retailer, so we'll see!

I was not able to find a better deal, but I know when I purchased my 960 through BB/Magnolia, I had a 30 day window to find a better advertised price. I did not check the fine print but I would imagine there are limitations (e.g., authorized dealer, local, etc.). Check your receipt and/or call the store.

Oh and if B&H is the same store as the one outside the Lincoln Tunnel (West side, somewhere in the 30s/40s), they are not just an online retailer. Very nice store with knowlegable staff... esp. in the world of cameras.

Oh and if B&H is the same store as the one outside the Lincoln Tunnel (West side, somewhere in the 30s/40s), they are not just an online retailer. Very nice store with knowlegable staff... esp. in the world of cameras.

That's them, great store and excellent reputation. I guess that is part of the reason I had no problem with the price match.

Backorder on stand for 34XBR960N.

I ordered BLACK Friday from Sony and am still waiting.

Are there any alternatives out there?

Need space for B & W HTM7 center speaker, Denon 4806 and 5910 DVD, STB, and Sony VCR.

Anyone with similar set-up?
Norman,

Is the center speaker too large to be placed on top of the 960? We have an average size Yamaha and it rests just fine (it's a little deeper than the flat space on the top but not enough to worry about tipping).

While the Dennon might fit on the bottom shelf there might not be enough space above it for proper ventilation (we have a separate rack for our audio components).

On the center shelf is our HD DVR; on the bottom is a DVD player with a DVD recorder on top of it (same size each) and to the right of those a VCR. Length wise they just barely make it next to each other but there is ample enough space for ventilation. There is no other room for any other component.

Best Buy has the 960 on sale. Should I care whether it's the non "N" model? Should I have any concerns?
Help, please.

Joseph,

Just tried your idea on top of TV set. Looks awkward and is unstable -- it is not a symmetrical spkr; 19 lbs; mahagony finish looks weird; etc

Ctr spkr is 17" W X 12" H X 11" D and seems to fit in SU34XB3 stand with Option #2 shelf, leaving 3 3/8" below that for STB/DVR and/or VCR side by side.

I guess we'll consider the Denon 4806 (52 lbs, 17" W X 7" H) and Denon 5910 (42 lbs, same footprint) on the floor set back to left of stand if the remote works. Second idea is separate a/v stand, but length and sight of wiring and remote access behind current leather chair seems a bother. Third option is different stand, but these end up being either much taller (by >14") in order to stack or much, much wider to have three 17" wide objects (AVR - spkr - DVD). Last option is reasonable if one day, we get a 50" or 65" plasma (saw Plateau 56" and 64" model, low profile stands).

TV stand height of 18" seems to be ideal for watching the TV. Do you agree? How would 14" more look?

Which separate a/v stand do you have?

I am about to buy my first HDTV. I can not seem to decide between the Sony 34xbr960 or soon to be released 1080p LCD 37 or 42" TV (Spectre, Westinghouse, or Syntax). It is going in a cabinet so size is not the issue. I am currently using an old 32" JVC T.V. I am concerned that a 34" tube t.v. will like small for non-HDTV programs. My couch is about 8 feet from the T.V. (I've even considered the LCD Projection 42", but I didn't like the dimming when viewing from a superior angle). It has been frustrating to go to stores because the Sony HDTV CRTs never have HDTV, they only play HDTV signal on the flat panels and projection T.V.s

Is this 34xbr960 going to be better PQ than a 1080p LCD?
(I know that blacks will be better, but if I'm in a lit room will there be a difference)
Has anyone seen these side by side?

Can I hook up thhe 34xbr960 to my laptop and use it has monitor like an LCD (via DVI/HDCP, powerbook 17" 1.76ghz)?

Finally, does 16:9 42" look a lot different than 34" 16:9?

Should I get the make sure to get the 960 before they are harder to find?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Eric

Congratulations on the price match and for the purchase of the TV. I know there's a B&H Photo store in New York but there's none in California, so I can't price match B&H.

That all depends on the store manager. For the most part, stores are given a bit of autonomy on price-matching.

The thing is, nowadays, ordering online is almost as easy and quick as buying locally. Even Best Buy knows this. If you make them understand that you're willing to spend your $1400+ at a competitor, even though it's an online competitor, they're quite likely to match the price. We're not talking about a $50 printer here...

In my case, I'm more than willing to return my TV to the store, in its original box, if they're not willing to make some concessions. The store knows this, and knows how much I spend there, and that makes them more likely to at least listen to me.

You'd be surprised at the things that some Best Buy employees are willing to do when you're talking about spending $1500 at their store.

Is this 34xbr960 going to be better PQ than a 1080p LCD?
(I know that blacks will be better, but if I'm in a lit room will there be a difference)
Has anyone seen these side by side?

Can I hook up thhe 34xbr960 to my laptop and use it has monitor like an LCD (via DVI/HDCP, powerbook 17" 1.76ghz)?

Finally, does 16:9 42" look a lot different than 34" 16:9?


yes the XBR will have much better picture than any LCD, especially those which you are considering

those LCDs have poor quality scalers, making SD, non HD content, look bad; they are aweful at color representation, washed out, and have very poor viewing angles

not to mention poor contrast ratios on those cheaper LCDs

if you are considering spending 1900 on a XBR (MRSP), why not consider a Panel from Sharp, Sony, Hitachi?
these will make great video displays and PC monitors

you can connect your PC to the XBR960 via DVI to HDMI but the XBR960 does not display a high progressive scan resolution, they will only display 480p, progressively, otherwise 720p and 1080i inputs are scaled to 1080i

so it would depend on your usage on how much you would benefit from this

if for videos, games, other media, you will be fine, for web surfing or typing text docs you will not be very happy

I fired up my new 34XBR960 today, and I am really disappointed. Out of the box it has very poor geometry and a few areas with pretty bad misconvergence. I think the geometry can be straightened out quite a bit in the service menu, but the horizontal scan lines at the top and bottom have a nasty bow at the ends. I know this would require a service call. Take a look at the pictures below.

I'm taking it back tomorrow, but I wanted to get some expert opinions. What do you guys think, this can't be the norm for this high end crt.

CR_Client,
I agree with your whole post and have found this true in my experience. As most people know, I was able to get the 960N for $1199. A consumer armed with lots of information, Cash, patience, willingness to go elsewhere, and loads of confidence can really make out in this new economy.

MSRP? I tinkle on your MSRP. MAP? I poop on your MAP (Minimum Advertised Price)!

Okay, I'll go away now.

That all depends on the store manager. For the most part, stores are given a bit of autonomy on price-matching.

The thing is, nowadays, ordering online is almost as easy and quick as buying locally. Even Best Buy knows this. If you make them understand that you're willing to spend your $1400+ at a competitor, even though it's an online competitor, they're quite likely to match the price. We're not talking about a $50 printer here...

In my case, I'm more than willing to return my TV to the store, in its original box, if they're not willing to make some concessions. The store knows this, and knows how much I spend there, and that makes them more likely to at least listen to me.

You'd be surprised at the things that some Best Buy employees are willing to do when you're talking about spending $1500 at their store.

Where did you get the 960 for $1200?

I fired up my new 34XBR960 today, and I am really disappointed. Out of the box it has very poor geometry and a few areas with pretty bad misconvergence. I think the geometry can be straightened out quite a bit in the service menu, but the horizontal scan lines at the top and bottom have a nasty bow at the ends. I know this would require a service call. Take a look at the pictures below.

I'm taking it back tomorrow, but I wanted to get some expert opinions. What do you guys think, this can't be the norm for this high end crt.

How did you produce the first crosshatch jpg?

My set produces not quite as bad horizontal bow on the left as shown in the second
jpg. I don't see any picture problems but I now see that bow when hitting memory
stick. Hmmm looks like another flaw to workout.

How did you produce the first crosshatch jpg?



It's an NTSC pattern generator.

The bowing is really noticeable on letterbox content. The top letterbox takes a noticeable dip on the left and the bottom letterbox take a curve up on the right.

It's an NTSC pattern generator.

WOW, and your bowing is definitely worse than my XS955

I used my PC at 1080i to do crosshatch patterns, and mine is not perfect, but enough to bother me

yes the XBR will have much better picture than any LCD, especially those which you are considering

those LCDs have poor quality scalers, making SD, non HD content, look bad; they are aweful at color representation, washed out, and have very poor viewing angles

not to mention poor contrast ratios on those cheaper LCDs

if you are considering spending 1900 on a XBR (MRSP), why not consider a Panel from Sharp, Sony, Hitachi?
these will make great video displays and PC monitors

you can connect your PC to the XBR960 via DVI to HDMI but the XBR960 does not display a high progressive scan resolution, they will only display 480p, progressively, otherwise 720p and 1080i inputs are scaled to 1080i

so it would depend on your usage on how much you would benefit from this

if for videos, games, other media, you will be fine, for web surfing or typing text docs you will not be very happy


The specs on the sceptre, westinghouse seem pretty good, (CNET gave the westinghouse 37" a fair review, commenting that the blacks were not as good but otherwise it was a positive review). And the price is in line with xbr vs. Sony/Sharp which is near $3000.00.

I will rarely use this for computer, and do not really need to. I thought it would be good for video editing vs. my smaller 17" screen.

Joseph,

Just tried your idea on top of TV set. Looks awkward and is unstable -- it is not a symmetrical spkr; 19 lbs; mahagony finish looks weird; etc

Ctr spkr is 17" W X 12" H X 11" D and seems to fit in SU34XB3 stand with Option #2 shelf, leaving 3 3/8" below that for STB/DVR and/or VCR side by side.

I guess we'll consider the Denon 4806 (52 lbs, 17" W X 7" H) and Denon 5910 (42 lbs, same footprint) on the floor set back to left of stand if the remote works. Second idea is separate a/v stand, but length and sight of wiring and remote access behind current leather chair seems a bother. Third option is different stand, but these end up being either much taller (by >14") in order to stack or much, much wider to have three 17" wide objects (AVR - spkr - DVD). Last option is reasonable if one day, we get a 50" or 65" plasma (saw Plateau 56" and 64" model, low profile stands).

TV stand height of 18" seems to be ideal for watching the TV. Do you agree? How would 14" more look?

Which separate a/v stand do you have?
Hi Norman,

Sorry the center speaker doesn't look right on top of the Sony.

Viewing the 960 from our sofa our line of vision is a little more than half way up the screen which is fine for us. The matching stand does look nice but if your options are limited it might not be practical.

We have an audio rack to the left of the set but it was purchased almost 20 years ago so it's no longer available but it's a three shelf unit with a solid top. We're able to place the turntable on top, a cd 5 disc player on one shelf, a Dennon AVR 2600 on another and the third a Yamaha RXV 1000 (the Yamaha has a separate output for the rear center speaker (6.1) and the Dennon is used to power it). Since the shelves on these units are adjustable you should have no problem with either Dennon (they generate a lot of heat, right?).

We also were concerned how wires would look, however, we were able to place the rack an inch or so behind the 960 due to the contour of the set (wider in the front than the back) so one cannot really see wires going across from the TV. The Sony stand does have a slot to place wires so cables from DVD, VCR and cable box can be hidden (just be sure to leave some slack for these wires otherwise they will be pulled off the video equipment when moving it).

The specs on the sceptre, westinghouse seem pretty good, (CNET gave the westinghouse 37" a fair review, commenting that the blacks were not as good but otherwise it was a positive review).

huh thats funny sound and vision found problems with the HD scaler in the Westinghouse, causing the need for an external scaler

pretty poor sounding electronics IMO

I did uncover a few annoying bugs while using the Westinghouse, including the set’s tendency to go dark briefly when I switched between 1080i- and 720p-format HDTV channels — going from Discovery-HD to ESPN-HD, for example. The workaround was to set my cable box to upconvert all programs to 1080i format, which is the best match for the set’s native resolution anyway.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=989&page_number=3

bad points

•Weak blacks and limited shadow detail.
•Flimsy remote control.
•Several minor operational quirks.

good points

•Crisp HDTV and DVD pictures.
•Vivid, natural color right out of the box.
•DVI and VGA inputs accept 1080p signals.
•Great price for a 1080p HDTV.

note that was several operational quirks

Thanks, Joeseph. I think I need to get my hands on this stand and work things out.

I can't imagine a 2 mo. back order. I must have been one of the first to order this TV (...960N) and it's stand directly from Sony!!! Last November. WOW.

Ok few problems with TV since ive gotten it, ive noticed a slight curve on the outer edge line of the TV towards the top on both the left and right side. Not too much too bother me, Every setting is the way it was when i got it, except its in Pro mode, which is way way way way way too dark for anything, i tried bringing brightness up to 37-45 and it still didnt do me any good so i brought it back to 31 until im done with initial 100 hours which i am almost done with... been watching alot of cartoons, and sometimes ( spongebob, futurama ) in certain scenese you can see alot of horizontal lines... Sometimes when things move, sometimes not at all sometimes.. its just there, sometimes on the eyes when the characters blink, sometimes the abckgroud of a scene, sometimes the whole scene.. and its driving me nuts.... i dont know how to tell if theres anything wrong with my TV... in any form.. so what you guys let me know is law

Ok few problems with TV since ive gotten it, ive noticed a slight curve on the outer edge line of the TV towards the top on both the left and right side. Not too much too bother me, Every setting is the way it was when i got it, except its in Pro mode, which is way way way way way too dark for anything, i tried bringing brightness up to 37-45 and it still didnt do me any good so i brought it back to 31 until im done with initial 100 hours which i am almost done with... been watching alot of cartoons, and sometimes ( spongebob, futurama ) in certain scenese you can see alot of horizontal lines... Sometimes when things move, sometimes not at all sometimes.. its just there, sometimes on the eyes when the characters blink, sometimes the abckgroud of a scene, sometimes the whole scene.. and its driving me nuts.... i dont know how to tell if theres anything wrong with my TV... in any form.. so what you guys let me know is law

No expert here but.

The other day I was watching cable news in SD and the news item included a
photograph such as a security camera shot or an amateur photo like an old
family photo. Only the photo was heavily lined and almost indecipherable.
I had never seen this on my SD TV. I'm guessing that any poor quality image
becomes much worse on this TV. I've also seen lining on satelite channels from
directv that are overcompressed because directv only transmits the better quality
images on the most watched or premium channels.
I'm very happy with HDTV channels.

I fired up my new 34XBR960 today, and I am really disappointed. Out of the box it has very poor geometry and a few areas with pretty bad misconvergence. I think the geometry can be straightened out quite a bit in the service menu, but the horizontal scan lines at the top and bottom have a nasty bow at the ends. I know this would require a service call. Take a look at the pictures below.

I'm taking it back tomorrow, but I wanted to get some expert opinions. What do you guys think, this can't be the norm for this high end crt.

When I first got my 34XBR800. I had some purity problems (green blob) and asked Sony to fix it under warranty. In the process of doing this, the tech noticed convergence and bowing problems when he ran tests in the service menu. He was able to fix the set so that the lines were very straight with just a hint of bowing at the very end. I was very happy.

watching alot of cartoons, and sometimes ( spongebob, futurama ) in certain scenese you can see alot of horizontal lines... Sometimes when things move, sometimes not at all sometimes.. its just there, sometimes on the eyes when the characters blink, sometimes the abckgroud of a scene, sometimes the whole scene.. and its driving me nuts.... i dont know how to tell if theres anything wrong with my TV... in any form.. so what you guys let me know is law

sounds like you maybe using progressive mode with VM enabled, probably medium or high

try interlaced and disable or choose low VM

sounds like you maybe using progressive mode with VM enabled, probably medium or high

try interlaced and disable or choose low VM

i believe its on interlaced, i dont know what VM is

its in the user menu, you will see it

its called specifically clear edge VM

its what ever factory had it as

been watching alot of cartoons, and sometimes ( spongebob, futurama ) in certain scenese you can see alot of horizontal lines... Sometimes when things move, sometimes not at all sometimes.. its just there, sometimes on the eyes when the characters blink, sometimes the abckgroud of a scene, sometimes the whole scene.. and its driving me nuts.... i dont know how to tell if theres anything wrong with my TV... in any form.. so what you guys let me know is law

I see this with the animation on FOX HD & sometimes on my anime DVD's usually during fast motion. Is this what they consider interlacing artifacts? Is the OTA HD doing that because the TV has to upconvert FOX's 720p to 1080i? Not sure why I would have those issues with DVD's since I'm using one of those upconverting Faroudja chipset players(Panasonic S77 set to 1080i).

g'day
youth

I see this with the animation on FOX HD & sometimes on my anime DVD's usually during fast motion. Is this what they consider interlacing artifacts? Is the OTA HD doing that because the TV has to upconvert FOX's 720p to 1080i? Not sure why I would have those issues with DVD's since I'm using one of those upconverting Faroudja chipset players(Panasonic S77 set to 1080i).

g'day
youth

yea, usually during fast motions, but sometimes not

its what ever factory had it asDoesn't mean you're not allowed to make your own adjustments, to compensate for personal taste or screwups at the factory.

This set's claim to fame really is on the HD side, although with a little adjustment even the SD display can be considered excellent. But in general, adding "sharpness" of any kind (either called "sharpness", or "edge enhancement", etc.) is simply ADDING noise to the original picture content sent out by the broadcasters. And this applies generally to both HD and SD content, although it is PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE with HD content.

In other words, the truly "proper" way to set the SHARPNESS control on this set for HD inputs is MIN (i.e. "off", or as close to off as the set allows). If you're used to seeing edge enhancement from a setting of 31, it will at first seem "soft" to look at a picture with sharpness set to MIN. But it won't take long to realize that the picture is now actually clean and pristine and that you like its very realistic appearance, and when you try and go back to 31 you simply can't stand it.

Ok, back to your concern. Horizontal lines, especially with SD off-the-air broadcast content, are particularly visible with "interlaced" content displays... i.e. 480i. That's why the picture from progressive DVD players look so much better than the same DVD played on an old interlaced-only DVD player. And that's why the DRC mode capability of the XBR960 is so worthwhile.

If you push the "DRC MODE" button on the remote, I'd suggest you try the PROGRESSIVE (rather than INTERLACED, which is the factory default) option. This will allow the XBR960 to convert interlaced SD into progressive, much the way a progressive DVD player operates. This should certainly change the visible appearance of what's on the screen and should definitely help to reduce the appearance of the horizontal scan lines which are so obvious on 480i SD broadcast content.

This "progressive" DRC setting really helps with better quality SD content, say from satellite (on channels that aren't horribly re-compressed) or digital cable. With lousy off-air content there's not too much that can be done. Remember, using the "progressive" mode the set is trying to eliminate those lines, just like you're asking for in your post.

Finally, you need to be willing to make adjustments to the "factory" settings... both in the (a) user menu for sure, and (b) service menu very likely. All owners of this set should absolutely set the Video Mode (in user menu) to PRO for all inputs (both SD and HD), to allow for individual adjustments and settings for all inputs (both SD and HD) and to eliminate most of the pre-set factory bias delivered by Sony.

I think everyone would also agree that you should set Clear Edge VM (in the user menu, at the bottom of the Video settings) to OFF for all inputs. Most users also set Advanced Video -> Color Axis -> MONITOR for all inputs. I believe everyone would agree that Sharpness=MIN is the correct setting for all HD inputs, although something in the 20-25 range might be appropriate for SD input.

Now... once you begin your adjustments with these MAJOR changes (and you haven't even started with user menu color, brightness, sharpness, contrast, and much deeper service menu tweaks including overscan/size/position), you will notice a STRIKING difference in picture from the way the thing looked out of the factory when you first turned it on, especially if you haven't adjusted hardly anything. It will likely look darker, less red, perhaps less colorful, etc. That's exactly how it SHOULD look... when you begin, un-biased. You're now free to adjust things (hopefully using some kind of calibration DVD or other JPG or image generator) to get all of the video characteristics precisely where you want them, to give you maximum satisfaction.

And adjustments on every input are different... so don't expect one set of values to work for every input. That's what PRO is for... to let you adjust each input separately, starting from a base which is essentially void of silly factory preset biases for "VIVID", etc.

So, try DRC mode of "progressive" and see if that helps make your horizontal line complaint reduce. And begin to explore PRO mode and all the rest.

If you have the DRC in progressive or cinemotion mode you will sometimes get the kinds of artifacts you mention during movement/screen changes. In those cases you need to press the DRC mode button your remote to go back to interlaced mode.

Great post DSperber!

checked my settings

they are PRO
Pic - 31
Brightness - 31 (ive brought this up pretty damn high and its still too dark, it was really hard to watch the X-files, even at 42 (wont bring it higher until initial 100 hours is done)
Color - 31
Hue - 0
Sharpness - Minimum (Cant tell a difference with this except that SD might look a little worse now, nothing is airing in HD right now, so i cant test it with that)
Color Temp - Neutral
ClearEdge VM - Off

havent touched advanced video yet


The Lines i mention arent in SD broadcasting, they are from DVD...
Im getting these watching Sponebob DVD season 1, which is 480p, and Futurama Season 1, which is i dont know what... so that might make a difference?

Im getting these watching Sponebob DVD season 1, which is 480p, and Futurama Season 1, which is i dont know what... so that might make a difference?

all DVDs are 480i, every last one of them

and the reason these cartoons do not look as good as film based DVDs is because of the mastering of the DVD

are you watching the DVDs in normal mode?, since they are 4:3

my tv tells me they are playing in 480p, and i have it set to full

well thats cause you set your DVD player to output progressive scan 480p (or it was most likely that way by default)

also the Sony only displays the source of the resolution not the resolution being displayed(if you did not know)

and all DVDs are 480i

turn off progressive scan on your DVD player, and then your TV will say 480i

but it is a setting in the menu, that you would have to change

XBOX360 = dvd player

well it can output 480p for DVDs as well as 480i

and the xbox360 is poor option for a DVD player, that maybe part of your problem

also if you setup the xbox360 for DVDs then games will be too dark, and if you setup the xbox360 for games, DVDs will be washed out

but whats going to get rid of the lines.. thats what i want to know..

get an upscaling DVD player, the high scan rate (1080i) will prevent any noticable scan lines unlike with 480p

I see them as well with 480p but only when I sit really close or view a still image

its only on like fast moving objects , but really noticable

i just purchased a KD-34XBR960. i'm not seeing the full picture on my directv box. i believe this is overscan, right? can i fix this? it's looks like 5% or so. i know how to access the service menu. all network logos are getting cut off!! argh!! thanks in advance.

As, I think, Pete said, it SOUNDS as if you're inadvertently in ZOOM
mode rather than in Full. What you see will also depend on your
DVD player.

What settings allow you to see top and bottom not chopped off?

By the way, I bought a Sony NH70S upscaling DVD player. My Panasonic
DVD recorder DMR-E80H in player mode lost top/bottom with ZOOM and
has horizontal scan marks in that mode while having minor but visible
distortion at the edges in wide-zoom mode. Using the Sony, I can
view the full 1080i picture-simulation without distortion and without
the really-evident scan lines that I seen when playing back with the
Panasonic.

With Sony NH70S used with SONY XBR960N, the vertical-expand
helps to 'right' wide pics if I choose to see standard 480 playback
filling the screen.

At any rate, the NH70S plays any DVD-R, so I'm sold on using that as
main player and saving the old Panasonic for recording and
initial playback. While the XBR960N does its own upscaling, the
horizontal scan lines necessary (apparently) when playing back
standard cable recorded or DVD-R compatible in full screen don't look
as good as with the Sony upscaling player.

But the HD stuff is still amazing me no end.

i just purchased a KD-34XBR960. i'm not seeing the full picture on my directv box. i believe this is overscan, right? can i fix this? it's looks like 5% or so. i know how to access the service menu. all network logos are getting cut off!! argh!! thanks in advance.Look here to learn how to adjust overscan (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6723557&&#post6723557) .

Follow the links in this post (and the subsequent links, to other posts and threads) for the specific instructions. The service menu details are quite explicit.

You'll need a proper test pattern (zip/JPG attached to that first link above, or from a calibration DVD) and a way to get that test pattern displayed on your set.

its only on like fast moving objects , but really noticable

I understand and my answer is still the same, use an upscaling player

My local electronics store has their display 34XBR960 on sale. Sticker price is $1400 and first sales guy I spoke to said he would give 15% off. I also have a 10% coupon in my email and 'cos I wasn't 100% sure I wanted it I didn't negotiate further. Unit looks in basically OK condition although the remote looks to be an old and different model from the one I got with my other new XBR960. What do you think would be a fair price for this unit? Also, I plan on checking the manufacture date - are there any build dates to be wary of where QC was a problem?

I think $1000 is fair price for a display unit. I'd buy the extended warranty (or just stick with the two year XBR warranty, I guess).

I saw this set at two Best Buys. They appear to be getting ready to clearance, so I assume this has been discontinued? They had them marked down to $1699.

I saw this set at two Best Buys. They appear to be getting ready to clearance, so I assume this has been discontinued? They had them marked down to $1699.

Don't assume.

Can someone tell me how to access the drc mode and drc pallette? They are greyed out when I go to them on my menu. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks.

CC has pulled it; most of the other net electronics retailers are out of stock, and it is on discount at B & M stores.

Sonystyle, while still having it in their list, will no longer allow you tor order it.

Alas, the end is nigh.

Hello all.

Just bought this TV after some research and reading the posts here. Picked it up yesterday and hooked it up right away. I just love the HD picture.

I’m having a problem with the controller though. Does anyone know how to program it for the cable box? I can’t seem to get it to work.

For anyone looking for a good price, I paid $1349 at Video Oniy.

Can someone tell me how to access the drc mode and drc pallette? They are greyed out when I go to them on my menu. What am I doing wrong?They're only active and relevant for your SD inputs (INPUT1, 2, 3) and not for your HD inputs. That's why they're grayed out for INPUT4, 5, 6, 7 and iLink.

Your SD inputs are "interlaced" by default, and the DRC function is an attempt to convert that to "progressive" or something better than interlaced, through electronic enhancement.

The HD inputs are not eligible for this particular type of electronic enhancement.

They're only active and relevant for your SD inputs (INPUT1, 2, 3) and not for your HD inputs. That's why they're grayed out for INPUT4, 5, 6, 7 and iLink.

Your SD inputs are "interlaced" by default, and the DRC function is an attempt to convert that to "progressive" or something better than interlaced, through electronic enhancement.

The HD inputs are not eligible for this particular type of electronic enhancement.



Thanks, DSperber. I just got the t.v. today and I thought maybe there was a problem.

CC has pulled it; most of the other net electronics retailers are out of stock, and it is on discount at B & M stores.

Sonystyle, while still having it in their list, will no longer allow you tor order it.

Alas, the end is nigh.
Other sets might have bigger pictures, weigh less, be as skinny as Olive Oil and be hung on walls but no set beats the 960's quality and craftmanship.

We will be enjoying our 960's for years when, at most, the other technologies catch up but will not exceed it's picture quality. Maybe that's why Sony added the letter "N" after 960 - not-available.

I understand and my answer is still the same, use an upscaling player

actually i observed it last night, it just happens in wierd random spots, not during fast moving objects...
I think i have noticed this in video games as well... on my ps2 through component...

also, i seemed to notice some ghosting yesterday while watching the jim gaffigan dvd...

Thanks, DSperber. I just got the t.v. today and I thought maybe there was a problem.

DSperber
How many 960's did you save??

How many lost souls ( like me ) did you guide?

Thanks for your experiance and knowledge.

This is why I'm always seeking kknowledge here.

Thank you again.

Was shocked to see the current price of the 960 at the Sony Outlet near me. a steal! If I had room for another 960 I'd get one. Unbelieveable clearing out price.
over $1000 off retail. damm. no one wants tubes, they are giving these away!
(It's lower than the model #!)

Where are you located Gigaguy? Was it really under $960? Was it refurbished?

Well I finally took the plunge. Bought the 960N for 1900 with a free stand at a local tv store. I'm a long time reader but never post. So far I like what I've seen. Great TV. Can't wait for the superbowl in HD.

My local Best Buy store has a floor model KD-34XBR960 for $1199 and I might buy it today.

I didn't know it upscales everything to 1080i (which seems a bad idea to me). If a signal comes in at 720p wouldn't you want to see it that way? This is the only area I've read on here that kinda scares me because until today I thought this was a 720p native and capable CRT.

I'm also concerned about all the posts with SD DirecTV not looking good. I am buying this to replace a 15 yr. old 27" XBR that has terrific SD quality but lack the inputs and aspect ratio I'm loning for in the 960.

Overall are most of you really happy with this set? Did any of you have the same concerns about 720p programming, and if so were they quickly put to rest by a killer 1080i upconversion capability of this set?

Thanks in advance as always for your feedback.

kheiden,
I've been quite pleased with the way SD looks on my XBR960N. Granted, I have cable not Direct TV. One of my initial concerns was how this tv would handle SD material. In the stores, it looks like crap. I believe now that that was primarily because of the distributed feed (i.e. dilluted signal).

I would go pick up the floor model, but I would tell them that you are willing to pay $1000 and not a penny more. There are people here (myself included) who got a brand new one for $1199. I'd be happy to send you my receipt if it would help or talk with Swankerme (he used his receipt to get it for $1119).

vader -
The 960's at Sony Outlet were refurbished, but come with the standard 2 year warranty. There are about 12 Outlet stores in US. most on east and west costs, one in TX where I am. take 100 from your logon.

Yesterday I had the "TV won't power up and the red light blinks continuously" issue for the first time. Visions of no TV for Super Bowl flashed before my eyes.

I remembered from reading this discussion thread that unplugging the set from AC power for a few minutes will reset the system; I did so for 10 minutes and the set then started up normally.

What I don't remember from reading here is if this issue is just one of those things that occasionally happen or if it is a warning sign of possible issues to come.

Yesterday I had the "TV won't power up and the red light blinks continuously" issue for the first time. Visions of no TV for Super Bowl flashed before my eyes.

I remembered from reading this discussion thread that unplugging the set from AC power for a few minutes will reset the system; I did so for 10 minutes and the set then started up normally.

What I don't remember from reading here is if this issue is just one of those things that occasionally happen or if it is a warning sign of possible issues to come.
I had this happen two times and each time that it happen was when I turned off the Moto DVR and the TV was in HDMI mode, then turned off the TV and when I turned it back on next day I had to remove the AC plug to get it to work, I have tried it a couple of times again and has not happen again. (Can't try it anymore got rid of the DVR)

I've had my 960 for a year now and it has only happened to me once.

I had this happen two times and each time that it happen was when I turned off the Moto DVR and the TV was in HDMI mode
You've provided an interesting clue -- just a few days ago I installed a Motorola 6412 Phase III HD DVR (via component, because evidently the 6412 has a 5.1 audio playback issue when connected via HDMI).

However I don't usually power down the 6412 because that initiates another "feature" whereby when the DVR wakes up to do a timed recording, it goes into "mute" mode and can't be un-muted without waiting for the recording to finish or pulling the AC plug.

Still, my first episode of "blinking red light" happening a few days after connecting the Motorola DVR seems more than a little coincidental.

Yesterday I had the "TV won't power up and the red light blinks continuously" issue for the first time. Visions of no TV for Super Bowl flashed before my eyes.

I remembered from reading this discussion thread that unplugging the set from AC power for a few minutes will reset the system; I did so for 10 minutes and the set then started up normally.

What I don't remember from reading here is if this issue is just one of those things that occasionally happen or if it is a warning sign of possible issues to come.
Don't get worried - this happened to us a few weeks after we got our 960 in early August and it's happened to others on this post as well.

A Sony representative told me the 960 operates like a computer and, like computers when they crash, the 960 needs to be unplugged for a few minutes. Hasn't occured since.

Sony also told me the 960 should be plugged directly into the wall outlet, not through a surge protector. There was a lot of discussion about this point when I posted what I was told last summer. It seems the 960 needs a tremendous amount of power when turned on to allow for degaussing and surge protectors can limit the initial amount of power required to do this properly. We keep it plugged directly into the wall while others have used line conditioners.

Ladd,

I had a problem with the 6412 muting too. I actually had my box replaced, and figured it out with the Comcast tech who installed the new box. I was using my TV remote to adjust volume and mute. All you have to do is press the mute button on the Comcast remote and the sound comes back. I didn't even know the mute was on, because on my 4:3 SDTV the white mute letters are 99% cut off on the top of the screen. I used to come home from work at night and turn on the TV during a recording, and couldn't figure out why I couldn't get sound so I could watch a live program or another DVR recording. I waited until the recording was done to watch that TV set. Now I have no muting problems at all, and always keep the power off on the 6412 when I am not home or sleeping.

Other sets might have bigger pictures, weigh less, be as skinny as Olive Oil and be hung on walls but no set beats the 960's quality and craftmanship.

We will be enjoying our 960's for years when, at most, the other technologies catch up but will not exceed it's picture quality. Maybe that's why Sony added the letter "N" after 960 - not-available.

Have you (or anyone) who has the XBR960 seen the KDS-R50XBR1 to compare the picture quality to? With all of the positive reviews that set is now receiving, it sounds like Sony has achieved a big screen XBR CRT! If that is the case, I'll make plans to purchase one of those instead because it doesn't look like the 960 will be available when I'm ready to buy.

Nevermind, I just saw QofBanditZ's statement from an old thread that answered my question concerning the KDS-R50XBR1.

It seems to be a normal issue with the 960s. I have done it a number of times and the issue is listed on sony's faq.

However I don't usually power down the 6412 because that initiates another "feature" whereby when the DVR wakes up to do a timed recording, it goes into "mute" mode and can't be un-muted without waiting for the recording to finish or pulling the AC plug.Just in case you weren't aware that some unassigned button on the remote can be programmed (by you) to function as a "MUTE/UN-MUTE" toggle, for getting yourself out of this situation or perhaps just because you want to temporarily turn the sound off (out of the 6412) when you answer the phone and want to keep watching something, etc., it CAN be done.

In the same way, you can also program some unassigned button on the remote to serve as "instant 30-second skip forward". There already are two pre-programmed "instant 15-second skip backward" buttons on the remote: (1) documented counterclockwise curlicue (to the left of MyDVR button), and (2) undocumented and physically more convenient page-down arrow button (southeast of the red "C" button, used for day advance).

Anyway, here are the instructions for programming MUTE/UN-MUTE and 30-second skip (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5327687&&#post5327687) .

If you already knew this, but for some reason had previously decided not to implement these one or two features, pardon my intrusion. Otherwise, having MUTE/UN-MUTE available allows you to power off the 6412 when not in use and not fret about timer recordings bringing it up in MUTE state. I prefer mine off when not in use, to reduce potential hard drive and head wear. Also, having the "instant 30-second skip forward" is absolutely invaluable for passing through 3-5 minute commercial pods with a few clicks of the newly programmed button (FAV, in my case), followed up usually with one or two clicks of the page-down button to then move backwards 15 seconds per click to recover from the usual "overshoot".

I had a problem with the 6412 muting too ... All you have to do is press the mute button on the Comcast remote and the sound comes back.Thanks for the reply. The ability to unmute the sound (and for that matter, if the problem occurs in the first place) is entirely dependent on the firmware and wethor or not one has a Comcast box with a Comcast remote.

Unfortunately for me, the current firmware for 6412s distributed by Adelphia in Frederick MD (v12.20) still have the issue and as I do not have a Comcast-issued remote, the mute button on the Adelphia-supplied one doesn't work when the box goes into a mute condition when the box wakes up to do a timed recording.

There are instructions to be found on the internet for programming a Comcast remote to become more functional in this situation, but the Adelphia remote is missing keys required to do the programming.

So, for the moment, the only way to not get stuck in this position is to simply never power down the front display. Could be worse, I suppose.

Just in case you weren't aware that some unassigned button on the remote can be programmed (by you) to function as a "MUTE/UN-MUTE" toggleThanks for the detailed explanation and answers.

I've read about programming the remote that comes with Comcast-supplied 6412 boxes; unfortunately the remote that comes with the 6412 offered by Adelphia in Frederick MD is different and doesn't have one or more keys listed as being used for the programming commands. It is certainly possible that the needed keys might be on the remote (but named something else entirely) but I have yet to figure out what they might be.

I prefer mine [powered] off when not in use, to reduce potential hard drive and head wear. It's my understanding that all that happens when you hit the "power" button is that the front panel lights turn off -- the hard drive spins 24/7.

It's my understanding that all that happens when you hit the "power" button is that the front panel lights turn off -- the hard drive spins 24/7.That might be. But I know that when the power is on I hear "clicking", reflecting the fact that 30 minutes worth of data from the two tuners is actually being buffered and therefore recorded. When the box is powered off there is no clicking. The drive might still be spinning, but there is no writing to disk and related mechanical consequence.

This was our first Superbowl on HD and while the picture was great, we don't think the picture quality was more "super" than any other broadcast. It would have been better had the game been played in an outdoor arena with early evening twilight fading into night.

Based on Sony's history anyone care to make a guess as to when they will discontinue this tv and produce a newer one?

Based on Sony's history anyone care to make a guess as to when they will discontinue this tv and produce a newer one?

Well, they just put out the N, and despite the FUD and speculation/rumors that people like Walt Chan/cireaasirefan/letterstoher/koratendkiworld/U2Psycho (all one person) try to plant... NO ONE KNOWS when Sony is going to pull out entirely.

I'd say at least another good year. There's still plenty of easy money to be made in the tube market, even if Sony isn't going to bother with any further advancements or innovations, like the XBR970 indicated.

I agree with whoever said: They could have called that the XBR420 or something like that...

checked my settings

they are PRO
Pic - 31
Brightness - 31 (ive brought this up pretty damn high and its still too dark, it was really hard to watch the X-files, even at 42 (wont bring it higher until initial 100 hours is done)
Color - 31
Hue - 0
Sharpness - Minimum (Cant tell a difference with this except that SD might look a little worse now, nothing is airing in HD right now, so i cant test it with that)
Color Temp - Neutral
ClearEdge VM - Off

havent touched advanced video yet


The Lines i mention arent in SD broadcasting, they are from DVD...
Im getting these watching Sponebob DVD season 1, which is 480p, and Futurama Season 1, which is i dont know what... so that might make a difference?

was really bad on the last episode of spongebob i watched, i paused it where it was really bad, after rewinding it and trying to catch it, but i had no way to take a pic then... but now im noticing it on SD broadcasting that arent cartoons... and ghosting with black and white images >_<

^^ Try these (see bolded) :


checked my settings

they are PRO
Pic - 31 go to 35
Brightness - 31 (ive brought this up pretty damn high and its still too dark, it was really hard to watch the X-files, even at 42 (wont bring it higher until initial 100 hours is done) 45 ish tops 31 is WAY too dark.

Color - 31 Probably good enough. Some people like it at 33. YMMV.

Hue - 0
Sharpness - Minimum (Cant tell a difference with this except that SD might look a little worse now, nothing is airing in HD right now, so i cant test it with that)

Color Temp - Neutral Experiment between this and Warm
ClearEdge VM - Off

havent touched advanced video yet
Advanced Video: Set to Monitor at all times. Set to CineMotion and leave that as well. You'll get a nice 3:2 pulldown on film based material.



Obviously, if you ever get this ISF calibrated, you'll never have to bother with any of this ever again. :)

^^ Try these (see bolded) :


Advanced Video: Set to Monitor at all times. Set to CineMotion and leave that as well. You'll get a nice 3:2 pulldown on film based material.



Obviously, if you ever get this ISF calibrated, you'll never have to bother with any of this ever again. :)

I like the accent of the reds though, maybe its cause im used to seeing it like that, what is CineMotion

so .. Pic to 35 (why, sorry.. i like to know why before i go and change something)

ive had brightness to 45 its still too dark for x-files or some gaming.
i cant decide if i want it neutral or warm...

Yes i have looked into ISF callibration and there is no place near me that does it..

and im still struggling with some geometry problems or somethign liek that, when watchign an HDTV channel and its not doing hdtv, the left bar is bigger than the right bar width wise, and theres some curving..
and to requote myself on seeing lines on dvd's... it was really bad on the last episode of spongebob i watched, i paused it where it was really bad, after rewinding it and trying to catch it cause its in the same place everytime... but i had no way to take a pic then... but now im noticing it on SD broadcasting that arent cartoons... and ghosting with black and white images >_<

Based on Sony's history anyone care to make a guess as to when they will discontinue this tv and produce a newer one?

This is the question I need to know as well.

I'm going to buy this set (or it's replacement) in the upcomming months.

I like the accent of the reds though, maybe its cause im used to seeing it like that, what is CineMotion

Basically it does proper 3:2 pull down and some other nice things for your picture. You're taking full advantage of the TV's scaling features, etc.



so .. Pic to 35 (why, sorry.. i like to know why before i go and change something)

ive had brightness to 45 its still too dark for x-files or some gaming.
i cant decide if i want it neutral or warm...

This is why. If you turn picture up just a little bit, to about 35, you'll find that your brightness level will probably work out. These two settings go hand in hand.



Yes i have looked into ISF callibration and there is no place near me that does it..

Check these?:
http://www.imagingscience.com/isf-trained.cfm
http://www.milori.com/community/calibrator/
http://www.hdtvbychadb.com/ (My guy. I don't know if he's near your area or not.)
www.lionav.com

If all these fail you, simply post a request thread here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=139


and im still struggling with some geometry problems or somethign liek that, when watchign an HDTV channel and its not doing hdtv, the left bar is bigger than the right bar width wise, and theres some curving..

An ISF man can fix that in a jiffy, otherwise, if you're feeling adventerous, you can always hit Ken Tech's service thread. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=531494




and to requote myself on seeing lines on dvd's... it was really bad on the last episode of spongebob i watched, i paused it where it was really bad, after rewinding it and trying to catch it cause its in the same place everytime... but i had no way to take a pic then... but now im noticing it on SD broadcasting that arent cartoons... and ghosting with black and white images >_<

This is strange. I could see calibration probably taking care of just about all of this, but do remember: Garbage in, garbage out. If the source material is suspect, there's no hardware that can overcome that.

Interiors & More Grand Rapids, MI Less than five miles away

i dont think im going to trust a place with that name... heh.. all the places around me are really shady type places

I went to Best Buy last weekend to finally take the plunge...but I ended up not purchasing the 960 because it ended up still costing me too much for everything I wanted. I tried the "$1000 not a penny more" with Best Buy and they weren't taking it. They said $1199 was below their employee cost so no further discounts were available on this floor model.

Second, I'm a Tivo nut. I could bring myself to invest in this without an HD Tivo, and after doing a little research on the current HD-Tivo box, there's too much uncertainty with DirecTV's plans on this front. In addition, the HD-Tivo would've cost me an extra $600 out of pocket while I wait a few months for a $200 rebate check. I don't currently have the means to spend $2000+ on this change just yet. Besdies, I'm so mad at DrecTV that may just ride out the rest of my contract with them and *gulp* go with a cable provider instead. The whole Rupert Murdoch acquisition/Tivo/NDS thing created a sore spot for me where DirecTV is concerned. But that's a discussion for anoher thread.

Lastly, I'm concerned that everything gets upconverted to 1080i. Sure it's better than my current 27XBR, but if I'm patient enough to hold off another year I may be able to get something with a native 720p display at 34" or larger for about $1200. Even if I decided I still wanted a 960, the prices continue to drop on them and I may get an even better deal on one. The best time to buy one would be when the distribution channel is nearly out of them and everyone wants to blow them out to make way for new stuff. I know that time is near, but many online retailers are still selling the 960 for $1899 or $1699.

I went to Best Buy last weekend to finally take the plunge...but I ended up not purchasing the 960 because it ended up still costing me too much for everything I wanted. I tried the "$1000 not a penny more" with Best Buy and they weren't taking it. They said $1199 was below their employee cost so no further discounts were available on this floor model.

I would not buy a floor model even for a grand.




Second, I'm a Tivo nut. I could bring myself to invest in this without an HD Tivo, and after doing a little research on the current HD-Tivo box, there's too much uncertainty with DirecTV's plans on this front. In addition, the HD-Tivo would've cost me an extra $600 out of pocket while I wait a few months for a $200 rebate check. I don't currently have the means to spend $2000+ on this change just yet.

I don't blame you, although DirecTV is supposed to have upgrade programs and such for when they roll out MPEG4 and the newer hardware that they showed at CES. I think you should call them and get more information.



Lastly, I'm concerned that everything gets upconverted to 1080i.

Don't be.

Sure it's better than my current 27XBR, but if I'm patient enough to hold off another year I may be able to get something with a native 720p display at 34" or larger for about $1200.

Maybe. You can keep on waiting and never buy anything or enjoy anything now, as well. Keep the chasing the rainbow, as it were.

I very seriously doubt you will see a display come out in the next year, for <$2000 that equals or beats the XBR960, especially post calibration. In fact, I'll guarantee you that you won't, and probably for a lot longer time period out than that.



Even if I decided I still wanted a 960, the prices continue to drop on them and I may get an even better deal on one.

Unless they disappear...

The best time to buy one would be when the distribution channel is nearly out of them and everyone wants to blow them out to make way for new stuff. I know that time is near, but many online retailers are still selling the 960 for $1899 or $1699.

Those are the legit dealers. Anything lower than that, online, is probably gray market.

I'll do my best to describe what I'm seeing when I watch DVD's (forgive my non-technical terms).

I was watching the Mummy (1999 version) and noticed during a wide shot the actors in the distance had a "pixelation" around them. It was sort of blurry, sort of grainy, and completely outlined them. I admit I was pretty close to the t.v. at the time but I'm wondering what this is. I also noticed it last night when watching Robots but didn't see it happen at all on the Incredibles. So I think it's just on certain movies. If anyone can offer their opinion I would appreciate it.

Doretta: I'm just providing actual information provided by Sony. At least its legit unlike non provable rumors on this website.
Uh, yeah, sure. When a person says, "I talked to Sony and they said..." to me that is just as credible as "I cut this text from a message from Sony".

Here, let's try it, I cut this text from a message I got from Sony in answer to a question:

"This masbama character has been faking messages from us, must be some kind of weirdo."

You came in here and essentially accused other posters of lying. They have exactly the same incentive to lie about what they learned as you do to fake an answer from Sony. I don't think you did fake your answer, you might want to consider giving them the same courtesy of the benefit of the doubt.

In my experience interacting with CSRs from big companies, it's the exception rather than the rule that if I ask two of them the same question I get the same answer. Completely contradictory answers are more common.

i pick my 960 up tomorrow at a local electronics store. 1199.00 and another 50 off of that for them taking so long to get me the tv. yes it is a new tv and it is the 960N. Now my problem is the cable com pany with a back order on the HD DVR box. I hope i will enjoy this tv since it is my first HD tv.

i pick my 960 up tomorrow at a local electronics store. 1199.00 and another 50 off of that for them taking so long to get me the tv. yes it is a new tv and it is the 960N. Now my problem is the cable com pany with a back order on the HD DVR box. I hope i will enjoy this tv since it is my first HD tv.

Does cable company have non DVR box available? If so, get that then trade them back for the other when it arrives.

no the cable company doesnt have the regular HD boxes either. So i called them so i can at least get the cable card and they told me a week for that silly thing. Anyway that is what i am getting hopefully in a week. we shall see.

no the cable company doesnt have the regular HD boxes either. So i called them so i can at least get the cable card and they told me a week for that silly thing. Anyway that is what i am getting hopefully in a week. we shall see.

If your cable company is like mine, you will at least get some HD right away. Due to poor planning on my part, I had to wait a week or so for my HD DVR installation, *after* getting the 960. After hooking up the cable to the TV and running a setup for channels I did find a number of HD channels to enjoy for the week (e.g., CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS).

Congrats on the new set and enjoy! :)

I apologize if someone else has run into this and posted in the last 113 pages but a search on the word audio does not hit on a similar problem.

I am working with the local engineer at the local ABC station to try and figure out this problem and wondering if anyone else is having this problem in any other market.

For me it started about 4 weeks. On the local ABC, I am getting audio dropouts for 3-5 seconds at a time.

The station is the strongest signal I have. I do NOT have the problem with the MyHD cards fed off the same antenna amp.

At first I suspected it was the new encoder ABC put on the East Coast to get rid of the green stripe that the two of us tracked down last year. However, it happens on local AND network programming eliminating this option as the NY encoder would not be in the picture on non-network programming.

Now, I have cable AND a cable STB. The audio dropout does not happen over cable - and the Engineer has had no reports of it anywhere else - though he might not at this point.

Today, as I have a cablecard as well as the STB, I kept the TV on the CableCard and sure enough - the audio dropout IS HAPPENING ON THE QAM TUNER AS WELL.

Here's the wierd part - NO OTHER STATIONS HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

So clearly, something has happened in the signal that the Sony KD34XBR960 does not like.

We are going to put a scope on the signal in the next several days to see if anything has changed, but I am looking for anyone else that might have ever run across anything similar so that we might contact that station and compare notes - especially if it started at a specific time.

Again:

Audio Drop outs on KD34XBR960 on one station (or possibly some but not all stations) with good signal.

Audio Drop outs on ATSC and/or QAM tuner on that station.

Ring any bells?

I suspect it is some wierd combination that something in the broadcast chain and the tuner that Sony was making about this time that don't like each other - but where the problem really is....who knows at this point.

I had a similiar problem with my KD-30XS955 with UPN
it was apparently only there when they broadcasted in HD and my DirecTV source did not have the same problem

I checked with others at the HD programming/receptions forums here, and it was typical of UPN to have problems with HD, I did not have my Fusion HDTV card yet so I cannot tell you if was simply my TV and at the time the over the air tuner in my HDTV was my only HDTV source

anyways my point is have you checked the HDTV programming forums?

was watching saw 2 tonight, aside from my horizontal line problem that i got while watching this... ghosting was horrible.. horrible...hoprrible

I would not buy a floor model even for a grand.

My current 27XBR is 15 yrs. old and it was a floor sample. Nothing wrong with a TV that comes with the same warranty as a new one in my experience. I've done it twice.

Maybe. You can keep on waiting and never buy anything or enjoy anything now, as well. Keep the chasing the rainbow, as it were.

I very seriously doubt you will see a display come out in the next year, for <$2000 that equals or beats the XBR960, especially post calibration. In fact, I'll guarantee you that you won't, and probably for a lot longer time period out than that.

Ignoring the notion of waiting forever (which is absurd), There are 50" 720p native DLP sets now for $1599. That's 6 more inches and native 720p that is also very likely to come down to the $1199 range soon. Of course, if you don't like DLP that negates the "equals or beats" phrase of your statement, but this is a legitimate target for me as well since I don't mind DLP at all.

Hopefully, the right XBR will come my way at a price I can afford along with the HD-Tivo thing and I'll be happy with it.

DLPs are definitely not in the same league as any directview technology, CRT, plasma or LCD, IMO as far as picture quality is concerned

as far as picture is concerned nothing under 2k will touch a XBR Sony

hello,

i have read quite a few of the 110+ pages of posts on the XBR960 in this thread and I was wondering if someone could re-post or just relate their experience of how this set handles SD/Directv signals.

Basically, I watch MOTOGP racing and Washington Wizards BBall which is only SD and i have great difficulty watching this on even the 42" ED plasma that i bought, i have since replaced this w/a 62" DLP. Of course the DLP will be even worse, but my 27" Toshiba crt (bedroom) is really not large enough to enjoy the racing--and the picture quality on it is just so so.

Anyways, do most here watch SD in one of the stretch modes or in letter box/side black bar settings on this set? Does this set do better w/SD via the s-vid or component or is hdmi the preferred input?

i have seen some complaints here about SD quality, but i haven't been able to determine what this is in comparison too. As the set is smaller that 37" lcds, 42" plasmas, etc.., its' SD picture should still be better, right?

thanks.

Not sure what your 'difficulty on the Plasma is, but my 960 looks pretty good in SD but you gotta tweak it after break in, (basically turn everything off or down).
I came from a high-end 4:3 Sony tube (32XBR100) so nothing looks as good to me in SD on any set, be it an SD or a HD set. SD Color and detail on the 32XBR100 (retailed for $3000 in the 90's) is unmatched IMO.

Anyway, the 960 does well in SD. I hate all stretch (and zoom) modes, the Wide sony stretch is tolerable for general shows without much movement around the screen, but sports I think would be lacking. SD on the 960 is about 28", so I would think it would be a letdown from any 62"er.

Better get one soon, if any are left.

Not sure what your 'difficulty on the Plasma is, but my 960 looks pretty good in SD but you gotta tweak it after break in, (basically turn everything off or down).
I came from a high-end 4:3 Sony tube (32XBR100) so nothing looks as good to me in SD on any set, be it an SD or a HD set. SD Color and detail on the 32XBR100 (retailed for $3000 in the 90's) is unmatched IMO.

Anyway, the 960 does well in SD. I hate all stretch (and zoom) modes, the Wide sony stretch is tolerable for general shows without much movement around the screen, but sports I think would be lacking. SD on the 960 is about 28", so I would think it would be a letdown from any 62"er.

Better get one soon, if any are left.

I would say a big DITTO to everything above. And I even have a 32XBR100 that just
started to flake out.
Be sure to get the new Directv receiver and watch in normal mode.
But anything other than HDTV is a bit of a retreat.

was watching saw 2 tonight, aside from my horizontal line problem that i got while watching this... ghosting was horrible.. horrible...hoprrible

why the heck does the ps3 have to hdmi slots, it cant use them both at the same time can it...im aware the 960n only has one

the PS3 has two hdmi ports for displaying on two screens, not for use on simply one

This TV runs on Linux right? If that is the case anybody know if you could program this set for timer recording with a D-VHS deck? Isn't the point of having a VCR is the ability to timeshift material without you being there to start and stop it?

but Computers do not have 5C encyption enabled on their firewire ports
I think this maybe a large part of the problem
but I have not done much research towards this, as my XS does not have iLink nor will the new XBR LCD that should be in home soon

This TV runs on Linux right? If that is the case anybody know if you could program this set for timer recording with a D-VHS deck? Isn't the point of having a VCR is the ability to timeshift material without you being there to start and stop it?The XBR960 onscreen firewire device interface allows the user to manually control the outboard D-VHS VCR for PLAY, STOP, FF, REW, REC, etc. So Sony clearly knows the codes that need to be sent to a D-VHS VCR to control it. They just apparently didn't plan to have the XBR960 be a "master" in a master/slave relationship with a D-VHS VCR for unattended timer recordings.

One can argue that this is under-engineering, or user-unfriendliness... and I'd agree. WHY NOT???

Similar bizarre design in JVC D-VHS VCR's not supporting unattended timer recording using their I-n firewire input!! They can be set to do unattended timer recording for tuner and composite/S-video input, and they can do manual recording from I-n firewire input, but they can't be set to do unattended timer recording from I-n firewire input! WHY NOT?

Nevertheless, nobody but Sony is going to program or re-program the XBR960, just as only JVC will ever decide they should support unattended timer recording from I-n firewire input.

Can't happen. The XBR960 will not feed its ATSC tuner output over firewire to the outboard D-VHS VCR for recording... timer-triggered or manually attempted. That's just the way they've built it. The XBR960 interface can control the outboard D-VHS VCR for PLAY, STOP, FF, REW, etc. But if you push REC the VCR will simply be recording "black". No content data from the XBR960's tuner goes out over firewire.

this must have something to with it being a TV rather than a stand alone tuner
cause firewire is two way,
the TV must not be able to change channels without being powered on

why the heck does the ps3 have to hdmi slots, it cant use them both at the same time can it...im aware the 960n only has one

I heard a while back that it was so that you can splitscreen and have both screens in high def. if my memory serves me right. :confused:

You mean exporting the ATSC tuner output from the XBR960 to an outboard D-VHS deck (e.g. JVC DH5U) connected via firewire, and controlling the outboard VCR for a timer recording programmed on the XBR960 (just as the onscreen firewire user interface of the XBR960 can manually control an outboard D-VHS VCR connected via firewire)?

Can't happen. The XBR960 will not feed its ATSC tuner output over firewire to the outboard D-VHS VCR for recording... timer-triggered or manually attempted. That's just the way they've built it. The XBR960 interface can control the outboard D-VHS VCR for PLAY, STOP, FF, REW, etc. But if you push REC the VCR will simply be recording "black". No content data from the XBR960's tuner goes out over firewire. Now that's not funny. If you were a true owner of this TV you would know you can manually feed the digital signal through firewire and record it. Maybe you don't have a good deck or something. DSperber please do not post info that is wrong, I would not want someone steered in the wrong direction based on misinformation. But I might be wrong on the whole timer record, but since the XBR already has a timer function surely it couldn't be too hard assuming you could get into the kernel, and write a DVHS stop and record command? Look I'm not a coder and wouldn't pretend to be, but with that being said Linux is a clearly open ended software which if one can access could change. OK I've put it out there for some one smarter then me to try, but in the meanwhile if I want to go the unattended rec route, who has had problems with a timer program, and then set a RS VCR Programmer to start and stop the recording to a D-VHS VCR based on doing this?

Now that's not funny. If you were a true owner of this TV you would know you can manually feed the digital signal through firewire and record it. I happen to be a "true owner" of this TV. However I did not believe I was providing misinformation when I first replied, although now after repeating experiments I thought I had once performed I have reversed my position and realize that what I said was totally incorrect.

You are in fact 100% correct, and I am in fact 100% wrong. My apology.

The XBR960 can, indeed, provide the digital data output from its built-in ATSC OTA tuner to an outboard D-VHS VCR via firewire for recording. As you pointed out in your initial comments, the process is all manual (rather than unattended timer-controlled by the XBR960)... but it does truly work, as far as facilitating the HD recording to D-VHS.

surely it couldn't be too hard assuming you could get into the kernel, and write a DVHS stop and record command?Probably not. In fact, that's exactly how two different "separate" receiver/VCR arrangements operate (one for HD, one for SD)... in years past: (1) Panny combo for HD, with DST50 receiver connected by firewire to its separate PV-HD1000 D-VHS VCR, and (2) Hughes D* E45 receiver for SD, connected by firewire to its separate Hughes HDR205 or RCA VR911HF or Hitachi VTDX815A D-VHS VCR's, all of which are essentially identical SD D-VHS machines compatible with the E45 receiver.

I happen to own ALL of the above hardware (including four E45 receivers, which are still in use at my four SD TV's with mated firewire-connected SD D-VHS VCR's) and have used ALL of it over time! At the moment, the Panny combo is "out to pasture", replaced by a JVC DT100U, but I used the Panny combo until Feb 2004 with my Dish 5000+modulator until E* discontinued support. I am fully appreciative of the ability for a receiver to exercise full control over its slave D-VHS VCR via firewire and protocol commands.

And, as you surmise, it is obviously not difficult for a programmer to insert the requisite STOP/REC commands, and maybe even to insert POWER ON/OFF if that's the functional design, and to emit these commands to make the outboard D-VHS VCR behave as intended for the timer recording event. In fact, that is what makes these above receiver/VCR pairs so extremely user-friendly... that all I need to worry about is setting (or leaving) a timer event with a very user-friendly EPG-based one-click programming method, and popping a tape into the VCR and powering both OFF. The E45 supports 32 timer events, so I use these device pairs as my digital tape-based Tivo having pre-programmed my complete weekly viewing schedule across my four SD D-VHS setups. Then I have the advantage of being able to watch any SD D-VHS tape on any other SD D-VHS setup, something that can't be done with today's DVR's.

Nevertheless, that is NOT the way the XBR960 works. It was not built to control an outboard D-VHS VCR via firewire for timer or manual recordings, but rather only to control the D-VHS VCR for recording and playback, and to feed digital data to the VCR for recording via firewire. Obviously they knew what D-VHS commands were needed to control the VCR (including pressing the REC button on the VCR, since it's presented on the user interface), since pushing the onscreen buttons makes the VCR do what you'd expect.

I will assume you are correct even though I have recordings doing exactly what you say can't be done, i.e. hitting the record button in the i.link setup, then why did Sony put the record button in?

I've had my XBR960 for a little over a week now and just noticed a display problem yesterday. There is a horizontal line, appearing to be just 1 line high, that does not display anything, its just a black line that runs all the way accross the screen about 4 inshes up from the bottom. It is hardly noticeable from a distance of 4 or 5 feet but I was up close changing a DVD when I saw it. It appears in all of the inputs that I have, OTA, SD and HD cable, DVD and PS2. Is there a fix in the SM or is this a service call type problem? Anyone have any ideas?

This forum has been a great help in choosing a TV and getting it calibrated, thanks to all who have posted. And thanks in advance for any help on this issue.

Question 406:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question406.htm

I've had my XBR960 for a little over a week now and just noticed a display problem yesterday. There is a horizontal line, appearing to be just 1 line high, that does not display anything, its just a black line that runs all the way accross the screen about 4 inshes up from the bottom. It is hardly noticeable from a distance of 4 or 5 feet but I was up close changing a DVD when I saw it. It appears in all of the inputs that I have, OTA, SD and HD cable, DVD and PS2. Is there a fix in the SM or is this a service call type problem? Anyone have any ideas?

This forum has been a great help in choosing a TV and getting it calibrated, thanks to all who have posted. And thanks in advance for any help on this issue.

Are you taking about one of the two lines behind the grill? If so these are explained here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6595287&&#post6595287 (hopefully this works... it's my first time trying to link to a post).

Got a question for the experts out there. Sometimes my KD-34XBR960 will have discoloration on the edges on the screen. For example if the screen is correctly displaying blue some of the edges will be red. Does anyone else have this problem. Mine is not constant but happens enought to try and find a fix. Thanks!

DSperber, thank you for finally seeing the light, next time don't judge an idea without fully trying youself. I may not have as many posts as you but I have gotten to know my set pretty well. I have seen on these forums that some people who in fact set the XBR960 on the timer mode and then use the Radio Shack VCR programmer to do unattended recordings. It is not the same as what I'm recommended someone do, but it is close.

Do you guys think $1300 for a display xbr960 is a good price. If not what do you think would be a great price? By the way this is at Best Buy.

lzzy, I'd say that is a good price for it new.

Do you guys think $1300 for a display xbr960 is a good price. If not what do you think would be a great price? By the way this is at Best Buy.

no thats sounds like an aweful price, of course the only way I would take a floor model is if you gave it to me

anyways anything over half price is too much for a floor model

Do you guys think $1300 for a display xbr960 is a good price. If not what do you think would be a great price? By the way this is at Best Buy.
I would look around...not a good price. I just bought mine this past week, new, for $1350 delivered price (+tax) from local Sony authorized. If I can buy new for that, then a floor/open box should be closer to $1,000 before I would even consider it. Not sure for $350 difference if I could be convinced to buy other than new.

DSperber, thank you for finally seeing the light, next time don't judge an idea without fully trying youself. I have seen on these forums that some people who in fact set the XBR960 on the timer mode and then use the Radio Shack VCR programmer to do unattended recordings. It is not the same as what I'm recommended someone do, but it is close.My apologies, again (corrections edited in that other thread, and I'll edit this one as well so that inaccuracies are deleted).

I obviously just falsely remembered the results of my experiments. I must have been thinking of something else... like whether my Panny PV-HD1000 could be used as a recording device for either Motorola DCT6412 or XBR960 as the source (and it cannot, because the PV-HD1000 is not 5C-compliant).

Anyway, it is true, and you are correct: the XBR960 ATSC tuner can, indeed, provide data over firewire to a proper 5C-compliant recording device (certainly JVC D-VHS VCR's, and possibly computers... maybe).

As far as the Rube Goldberg method of using a 3rd-party IR blaster to simulate unattended recording functionality, well I had used that type of method as well when I was using a D* Hughes E86 along with my JVC 40K and Motorola 6208 STB. I used the timer/blaster from the E86 to control the 40K, to theoretically match the timer ON/OFF setting on the 6208... so that I could record HD from the 6208 "unattended" (since I couldn't record from the E86, which doesn't have firewire, and the 6208 like the XBR960 cannot control an outboard D-VHS VCR connected via firewire but can only pass digital data to it across firewire). It was not 100% reliable, and quite complicated compared to how it really should have worked.

Ultimately, I ditched the E86, gave up D* HD, and upgraded to the Comcast 6412 with its great recording/playback and Guide conveniences and advantages. I now only archive/record from 6412 to D-VHS when I want to really save something or free up hard drive space.

I will assume you are correct even though I have recordings doing exactly what you say can't be done, i.e. hitting the record button in the i.link setup, then why did Sony put the record button in?Nope... I'm wrong. It was YOU who was correct. My mistake.

You can in fact push the REC button, either on the VCR/remote itself or using the Sony firewire onscreen interface, and the ATSC tuner data from the XBR960 will indeed be recorded via firewire by the D-VHS VCR.

Don't know what prior experiment I was thinking of, but what I said in response to your comments was truly wrong. Sorry again.

this must have something to with it being a TV rather than a stand alone tuner cause firewire is two way, the TV must not be able to change channels without being powered onI should be punished. My statement is entirely incorrect. My mistake.

Yes, firewire TO/FROM the XBR960 is definitely 2-way... it can be used as a playback display FROM a D-VHS VCR via firewire, and the builti-in ATSC tuner output definitely IS provided over firewire TO a D-VHS VCR for recording.

Please erase my prior 100% inaccurate comments from your mind.

Thanks for the replys guys I also thought it was too steep. I would also like to add how do you guys get such low prices from authorized dealers. I ask, because I called Sony's 1-800 number and the sales/customer rep. said their prices are set in stone as far as TV's under 40' is concerned. He said they don't do price matches or anything. I got a similar response when I called crutchfield. Are you guys ordering from less well known companies that are sony authorized and if so which one's? :(

I should be punished. My statement is entirely incorrect. My mistake.

Yes, firewire TO/FROM the XBR960 is definitely 2-way... it can be used as a playback display FROM a D-VHS VCR via firewire, and the builti-in ATSC tuner output definitely IS provided over firewire TO a D-VHS VCR for recording.

Please erase my prior 100% inaccurate comments from your mind.

I thought it could but do not own the TV
only thing I really knew was there was trouble getting it to work with a PC

good to hear though
and do not worry about it, we all make mistakes

Thanks for the replys guys I also thought it was too steep. I would also like to add how do you guys get such low prices from authorized dealers. I ask, because I called Sony's 1-800 number and the sales/customer rep. said their prices are set in stone as far as TV's under 40' is concerned. He said they don't do price matches or anything. I got a similar response when I called crutchfield. Are you guys ordering from less well known companies that are sony authorized and if so which one's? :(
Do you have any local Audio/Video stores, (not BB or CC)? The local stores are more capable of dealing. You may not get the low, low internet pricing, but dealing locally has tremendous advantages. There are also some chains that will discount better than the BB and CC stores. Shop it around, talk to the salesman and tell them you have found lower pricing via internet and with shipping it is stil lower than their price. Ask them to give you best price, because you prefer to support your local store, etc. Unles they do not have buying power and paid too much for the TV's, they have room to move. Shoot for the $1400 point at least.

Happy shopping.....

Do you have any local Audio/Video stores, (not BB or CC)? The local stores are more capable of dealing. You may not get the low, low internet pricing, but dealing locally has tremendous advantages. There are also some chains that will discount better than the BB and CC stores. Shop it around, talk to the salesman and tell them you have found lower pricing via internet and with shipping it is stil lower than their price. Ask them to give you best price, because you prefer to support your local store, etc. Unles they do not have buying power and paid too much for the TV's, they have room to move. Shoot for the $1400 point at least.

if you can get it for 1500 I would not pass on it though

if you can get it for 1500 I would not pass on it though
I would agree...this could possibly be the last of the great 34" CRT's you may be able to buy. That has a lot of value by itself.

Thanks guys will try!

Anyone know the gist behind "Steady Sound" exactly? The manual simply says it works between programs and commercials. Does that mean between one channel's programs and it's commercials or is it between one channel and another channel? I don't think it works either way and Yes I know that Effect needs to be off.

Anyone know the gist behind "Steady Sound" exactly? The manual simply says it works between programs and commercials. Does that mean between one channel's programs and it's commercials or is it between one channel and another channel? I don't think it works either way and Yes I know that Effect needs to be off. I'll let you know what Sony told me after I get some feedback from the gallery!

Just post what Sony told you rather than having us playing a guessing game.

Just post what Sony told you rather than having us playing a guessing game.


Exactly. What's with all the coy BS? Just state it plainly.

I would agree...this could possibly be the last of the great 34" CRT's you may be able to buy. That has a lot of value by itself.
As far as we are concerned, this not will be the last of the great 34" CRT's, it will also be remembered as the "greatest" of the great 34" CRT's!

The live coverage of the winter olympics this morning on INHD couldn't have looked better!

As far as we are concerned, this not will be the last of the great 34" CRT's, it will also be remembered as the "greatest" of the great 34" CRT's!

The live coverage of the winter olympics this morning on INHD couldn't have looked better!

Mine was just delivered this morning. First think I watched was the Women's hockey from Olympics on INHD...I was just totally in awe. Talk about vivd, bright, and realistic...the picture had so much depth and detail I couldn't believe it.

Okay, flame-retardant suit on...
Try as I will, I cannot get used to watching the tv in Pro mode. It is too dark. I've tried other settings, but it just isn't pleasing to my eye. Will watching it in Standard shorten this tv's life? What about, God forbid, vivid?

TCB

It's your TV....watch it how you like - even if its wrong. That's why they give you different settings. You can watch as it was intended or watch how you please.

You like to hear the full range of acoustic music - but if someone else wants only synthesizers, so what?

Doesn't mean I would do it or its right.

Okay, flame-retardant suit on...
Try as I will, I cannot get used to watching the tv in Pro mode. It is too dark. I've tried other settings, but it just isn't pleasing to my eye. Will watching it in Standard shorten this tv's life? What about, God forbid, vivid?

TCB


I had trouble with the Pro mode but worked at fine tuning it for a week.

Double check all settings . Color axis = Monitor, color < 29, Brightness > 45

I either became adjusted to the Pro mode or somehow improved it to my
liking.

Oh yeah I put color temp on neutral and VM edge off.

But it does depend on what you watch. On Directv some channels are dark.
I just switch to standard mode for those which I have set up to my liking.

I have an OTA connected to 1 ant. input used strictly for HD channels; a second OTA is connected to the other ant input;input 1 is Sat (DirectTV) in (for Twin view), input 2 is unused, 3 is for a DVR, 4 unused , 5 for DVD, 6 unused and 7 for HDMI Satellite(Directv)....my question is whenever I go to INDEX all I get in the scroll what appears to be an unused channel (57) from one of the antennae; ? : how does the XBR determine what goes in that right box? I know that digital sources along with Video 5,6,7 cannot be displayed in the right window; I can get SD stations from antenna 2(the cable input which is connected to the second, non HD antenna), but none appear in the scroll..thanks to all :confused:

I have the same problem so I had the Sony repairman come out to check it out. ( Only one month old so still under warrantee). He moved the sub and the red glow in the corner went almost completely away. I got rid of the speaker and it appeared to go away. Well yesterday if was back but very faint. I moved the TV away from the wall and turned it to a different angle and it went completely away. On the other side of the wall is the kitchen. My guess is that it is picking something up from in there. There must be some product we can purchase to block this interference. I want it in that corner. That is the best place for it in my living room. Maybe someone out there has the answer. I LOVE THIS TELEVISION !!!!!

Hello All
Just purchased a 34XBR960N as my main TV for the family room. The current 34XBR910 purchased in October 2003 will move into the bedroom. Travelled a little distance to pick up the last of the ancient creatures. I must say Sony set the world on fire when they made this picture tube in 2000 in the KV36DZ900. In August 2000 I travelled to Akihabarra Japan to pick up a DZ900 and send it home, but the salesman told me to wait as Sony and others were going to make a major HD push in America. So here we are almost 6 years later and this tube still reigns supreme in the 34XBR960N. My unit is still sitting in the box.

Hello All
Just purchased a 34XBR960N as my main TV for the family room. The current 34XBR910 purchased in October 2003 will move into the bedroom. Travelled a little distance to pick up the last of the ancient creatures. I must say Sony set the world on fire when they made this picture tube in 2000 in the KV36DZ900. In August 2000 I travelled to Akihabarra Japan to pick up a DZ900 and send it home, but the salesman told me to wait as Sony and others were going to make a major HD push in America. So here we are almost 6 years later and this tube still reigns supreme in the 34XBR960N. My unit is still sitting in the box.


I hope you enjoy it for a long time to come. We're here to help ya! :)

Mine was just delivered this morning. First think I watched was the Women's hockey from Olympics on INHD...I was just totally in awe. Talk about vivd, bright, and realistic...the picture had so much depth and detail I couldn't believe it.

The live pictures on UHD were outstanding but I bet ya watched the game because of this great picture - it couldn't have been due to what was happening on the ice, with the Italian team losing by a score of 15-0!

Congratulations on your new set! As you get more comfortable with establishing your settings you will love it even more.

Went over to BB this weekend and did a "test" pickup on the TV. If I can't pick it up myself, it doesn't come into the house.

As a result of nearly getting a hernia, I am opting for the Sharp 37" LCD.

Went over to BB this weekend and did a "test" pickup on the TV. If I can't pick it up myself, it doesn't come into the house.

As a result of nearly getting a hernia, I am opting for the Sharp 37" LCD.

I just don't understand this at all.

Why not have the TV delivered and installed? $20 tops? (Usually this can get negotiated off)

How often do you really plan on moving and muscling around your TV?

And the last time I checked, the 37 inch Sharp wasn't exactly something you could play a game of basketball with.

I just don't understand this at all.

Why not have the TV delivered and installed? $20 tops? (Usually this can get negotiated off)

How often do you really plan on moving and muscling around your TV?

And the last time I checked, the 37 inch Sharp wasn't exactly something you could play a game of basketball with.


:) I don't like waiting for things to be delivered. I usually get bored of my apartments (or get a bigger one) almost every year. Also, theres no way my 110lb fiance can help me move this behemoth. At 57.3lbs the LC-37D4U could be easily moved. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an LCD fanboi, but for my practicality the 960XBR is just too unwieldy.

Still a beautiful picture though... wish I could get one. :)

2loud,
If you are moving yearly, you are making the right decision.

:) I don't like waiting for things to be delivered. I usually get bored of my apartments (or get a bigger one) almost every year. Also, theres no way my 110lb fiance can help me move this behemoth. At 57.3lbs the LC-37D4U could be easily moved. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an LCD fanboi, but for my practicality the 960XBR is just too unwieldy.

Still a beautiful picture though... wish I could get one. :)


My BB only had 5 XBR's on stock so I purchased one yesterday. It was onsale for 1699, plus if I signed up for comcast HD(which i planned on getting anyway) they took an extra 100 off plus my had some $50 gift cards, so I got it at a good price. Their shpipping was only $50 and they said they could get it to me in 2 days. For a tv like the 960 I would wait a week. It is worth it.

I have this TV for a year and love it. One problem is that there is no 'ON' light. Sometimes my kids turn off the cable box but leave the TV on, only way to tell is in a very dark room there will be a glow. Anyone know any tricks to show some type of on light in the front panel??
Thanks

Okay, flame-retardant suit on...
Try as I will, I cannot get used to watching the tv in Pro mode. It is too dark. I've tried other settings, but it just isn't pleasing to my eye. Will watching it in Standard shorten this tv's life? What about, God forbid, vivid?

TCB

You would do well to check out Ken Tech's thread about the Sony Service Mode and his specific comments on that thread and this one regarding settings for the 34" XBR 960. I really didn't like how dark the set appeared from the manufacturer in pro mode, but it is now nothing short of dazzling.

Of course, if you're uncomfortable in the service mode, stay away! If you go in, keep notes of original settings, and you will love the result.

Okay, flame-retardant suit on...
Try as I will, I cannot get used to watching the tv in Pro mode. It is too dark. I've tried other settings, but it just isn't pleasing to my eye. Will watching it in Standard shorten this tv's life? What about, God forbid, vivid?

TCB
Standard mode is OK - that's what I use now. But it isn't the mode as much as it is the settings for Picture (Contrast), Brightness, etc.

I know how dark Pro can seem. It's a matter of an acquired taste and tinkering with Picture and Brightness to get the best, brightest picture.

In Standard try Picture at 40 and Brightness at 47. See if you like it... ;)

Thanks all!

I have this TV for a year and love it. One problem is that there is no 'ON' light. Sometimes my kids turn off the cable box but leave the TV on, only way to tell is in a very dark room there will be a glow. Anyone know any tricks to show some type of on light in the front panel??
Thanks

On mine, if there is no signal, the display shows you which input you're on continuously. Doesn't yours do that?

Actually there are some times I would like to have a completely blank screen with no video input, for instance if I'm just using an input to listen to some music input. Anyone know how to do this?

If you feed a cable box signal to a video input usually it will remain in standby even when it seems to be off. So the XBR still thinks there is a video signal coming through even though it is not. This is how I listen to my iPod at night without being kept up. I just select an additional video input from the cable box with the iPod connected to the audio inputs, set the sleep timer on the TV, and select the appro. playlist to the time of the sleep timer and its off the dream land, without being kept up because of too much light.

On mine, if there is no signal, the display shows you which input you're on continuously. Doesn't yours do that?

Actually there are some times I would like to have a completely blank screen with no video input, for instance if I'm just using an input to listen to some music input. Anyone know how to do this?

Why not make an additional audio connection to your receiver using the coaxil or optical ouput from your cable box? We do and listen to PCM without leaving the set on. Just be sure to change the audio output setting on your cable box from "HDMI" to "other" when listening to music (Dolby Digital setting will weaken the sound).

Because... *gasp* I don't have a receiver. Believe it or not. I know... heresy.

I've found the"vertical center" setting properly centers 4x3 material viewed in wide-zoom while "vertical correction" makes the proper center adjustment for letterboxed recordings made by my DVD recorder (which only records in 4x3 aspect ratio) played back using zoom. Since both apply to centering non 16x9 material I just wanted to be sure I properly understood the function for each.

I want a XBR 960. Living in rural NW Tn. I don't have a whole lot of stores to choose from. Went to the Best Buy in Paducah, Ky. and the one in Clarksville, Tn. They had 0 in stock and said it had been deleted from their order guide. I tried 3 small authorized Sony TV stores and they also had none in stock and said they could no longer get them from Sony. I'm very leery of the Brooklyn E-Tailers and don't want to risk getting burned by them. Crutchfield has a great reputation but they are firm on their $1,899 price. After reading threads on this site it appears they can be bought in the $1,600 range from a reputable dealer. Any suggestions on where the best price, from a reliable, dependable, seller can be found? Thanks.

try jandr.com (j&r) mailorder in NY, very reputable, or Onecall.com both have 800 #s for ordering.

B&H Photo are very reputable. Look at resellerratings.com to see for yourself.

I have had my 960N for a few days, but have not had a chance to get deeply into it.

I have two long range antennas in the attic pointed to cities east and west. I am quite impressed with the ability to pull in stations in HD.

I can switch between the two antennae connected to the two RF connectors and that is good. But it appears that the one labeled "CABLE" does not tune in DHTV. Is that connector and tuner really different or is something else going on? Suggestions?

(My old XBR's two RF inputs seemed to be identical.)

Gigaguy, Appreciate your response but I'm sorry to say that I tried the two sites you mentioned, J & R and Onecall, and neither has the XBR960 listed on their sites. If anyone else has a recommendation as to where I might find a good deal on a XBR960 please feel free post the info.

Gigaguy, Appreciate your response but I'm sorry to say that I tried the two sites you mentioned, J & R and Onecall, and neither has the XBR960 listed on their sites. If anyone else has a recommendation as to where I might find a good deal on a XBR960 please feel free post the info.

You may have to do Crutchfield.

This place has a good price, but I don't know anything about them. I emailed them 2 days ago and have got no response. Their web site says they ship out of a warehouse in NJ, so I don't know if they are like the Crooklyn shops or not.

http://www.newyorkwholesaleaudiovideo.com/SONY-KD-34XBR960-New-arrival-Call-for-best-deal-P12749C0.aspx

This place has a good price, but I don't know anything about them. I emailed them 2 days ago and have got no response. Their web site says they ship out of a warehouse in NJ, so I don't know if they are like the Crooklyn shops or not.

http://www.newyorkwholesaleaudiovideo.com/SONY-KD-34XBR960-New-arrival-Call-for-best-deal-P12749C0.aspx

That price is too good to be true. I'd check these guys out with Sony and see if they're authorized first.

I want a XBR 960. Living in rural NW Tn. I don't have a whole lot of stores to choose from. Went to the Best Buy in Paducah, Ky. and the one in Clarksville, Tn. They had 0 in stock and said it had been deleted from their order guide. I tried 3 small authorized Sony TV stores and they also had none in stock and said they could no longer get them from Sony. I'm very leery of the Brooklyn E-Tailers and don't want to risk getting burned by them. Crutchfield has a great reputation but they are firm on their $1,899 price. After reading threads on this site it appears they can be bought in the $1,600 range from a reputable dealer. Any suggestions on where the best price, from a reliable, dependable, seller can be found? Thanks.

Don't forget there will be no shipping charge or taxes with Crutchfield so the difference in cost would probably be less than $300. Considering 960s are getting harder to find (and can't even be purchased through Sony directly) it might be worth ordering it through Crutchfield while still available. If you're able to find another site be sure it's an authorized Sony dealer otherwise Sony might not honor the two-year warranty.

Don't forget there will be no shipping charge or taxes with Crutchfield so the difference in cost would probably be less than $300. Considering 960s are getting harder to find (and can't even be purchased through Sony directly) it might be worth ordering it through Crutchfield while still available. If you're able to find another site be sure it's an authorized Sony dealer otherwise Sony might not honor the two-year warranty.


^^ Exactly. :)

That price is too good to be true. I'd check these guys out with Sony and see if they're authorized first.


They are not authorized via Sony's web site list of dealers. But, I don't see how this is going to void the warranty as long as the set is new(original package) and the serial number is not altered.

This place has a good price, but I don't know anything about them. I emailed them 2 days ago and have got no response. Their web site says they ship out of a warehouse in NJ, so I don't know if they are like the Crooklyn shops or not.

http://www.newyorkwholesaleaudiovideo.com/SONY-KD-34XBR960-New-arrival-Call-for-best-deal-P12749C0.aspx

Well, the 845 area code is for the Rockland County area and since one has to purchase a two-year warranty it probably is not a Sony authorized dealer. I'd be leary.

Well, the 845 area code is for the Rockland County area and since one has to purchase a two-year warranty it probably is not a Sony authorized dealer. I'd be leary.

You don't have to purchase the 2 year warranty, you can change that when you click on it to no thank you. I was hoping to get my local Boscov's to come down on their price with this store's web deal, but they haven't responded to my email for their best price quote including white glove delivery.

They are not authorized via Sony's web site list of dealers. But, I don't see how this is going to void the warranty as long as the set is new(original package) and the serial number is not altered.

cause Sony only warranties products sold through their authorized dealers

and yeah that price is probably too good to be true
you might end up with nothing but a credit card fight or being ripped off altogether

you nor anyone else can change Sony's policy about warranty though
I suggest buying from a safe authorized dealer to safe yourself some trouble

I would'nt pay a dime more than $1,400 shipped, who cares if there not Sony Authorized, Sony would still take care of the warranty. Have many people have trouble with these sets anyways? Thats $500 less than Crutchyourwalletfield!

I would'nt pay a dime more than $1,400 shipped, who cares if there not Sony Authorized, Sony would still take care of the warranty. Have many people have trouble with these sets anyways? Thats $500 less than Crutchyourwalletfield!


Sure thing noob. Whatever you say. :rolleyes:

cause Sony only warranties products sold through their authorized dealers

and yeah that price is probably too good to be true
you might end up with nothing but a credit card fight or being ripped off altogether

you nor anyone can change Sony's policy about warranty though
I suggest buying from a safe authorized dealer to safe yourself some trouble


I am not trying to start an argument with you, but is this your interpretation of Sony's warranty policy? I thought as long as the set is new and not altered, then they have to honor their warranty coverage. There are not many stores listed on their web site as authorized dealers. I thought the authorized dealer thing just means they have a direct contact with Sony to help handle any problems with your purchase. When you deal with a store that is not authorized they really can't help you, and you have to deal with Sony direct with questions or problems. This of course is my interpretation. :confused:

It seems the XBR960N is NOT the last, great Sony XBR CRT.

The official SONY STYLE site has announcement of the KD-34XBR970 up, with a list price of $1,199.00 ! Pre-Order now for shipping in March 2006

I would'nt pay a dime more than $1,400 shipped, who cares if there not Sony Authorized, Sony would still take care of the warranty. Have many people have trouble with these sets anyways? Thats $500 less than Crutchyourwalletfield!

man you people are foolish
you think just because Sony makes it they have to honor a warranty when the warranty is specifically for authorized dealers only
meaning that if you buy it and sell it to someone else, the warranty is not transferrable, if you want to buy Sony items and seel them
you must become an authorized dealer for your customers to get Warranty through Sony


I am not trying to start an argument with you, but is this your interpretation of Sony's warranty policy? I thought as long as the set is new and not altered, then they have to honor their warranty coverage. There are not many stores listed on their web site as authorized dealers. I thought the authorized dealer thing just means they have a direct contact with Sony to help handle any problems with your purchase. When you deal with a store that is not authorized they really can't help you, and you have to deal with Sony direct with questions or problems. This of course is my interpretation.

uh yeah you are trying to start an arguement
you only want to spend so much money so you are trying to justify spending less on a TV that is clearly worth more

Sony does not warranty products sold from non authorized dealers
I do not make the rules and interpretation will get you NO WHERE with Sony
when you have a problem with your TV

in fact sites like the one you listed, normally make you ship back the TV to their store front for repairs cause if there is a warranty they handle it and not Sony

but the chances are if you actually were dumb enough to send it back for service
you would never see it again

and however you spend your money is not of my concern, but you should know Sony will not repair it for you if the dealer is not authorized

good luck
hopefully you learned something

It seems the XBR960N is NOT the last, great Sony XBR CRT.

Yes it is.



The official SONY STYLE site has announcement of the KD-34XBR970 up, with a list price of $1,199.00 ! Pre-Order now for shipping in March 2006

We know. You're late to the party:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644837

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=635394

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644837

A rebadged HS420, while solid, is not great without that Super Fine Pitch Tube.

It seems the XBR960N is NOT the last, great Sony XBR CRT.

The official SONY STYLE site has announcement of the KD-34XBR970 up, with a list price of $1,199.00 ! Pre-Order now for shipping in March 2006
If I might be so bold...several threads are open on the subject of the 970, and in each one you will find 2 very important statements...
(1) This IS NOT a replacment for the 960, nor has there been an announcement or confirmed rumor that the 960 has been discontinued
(2) The 970 DOES NOT compare to the 960 because it doesn't have the SFP tube, and additionally is missing features found on the 960....

So unless they announce a replacement for the 960....then the 960 still reigns as the current and possibly last GREAT 34" CRT HDTV

man you people are foolish
you think just because Sony makes it they have to honor a warranty when the warranty is specifically for authorized dealers only
meaning that if you buy it and sell it to someone else, the warranty is not transferrable, if you want to buy Sony items and seel them
you must become an authorized dealer for your customers to get Warranty through Sony




uh yeah you are trying to start an arguement
you only want to spend so much money so you are trying to justify spending less on a TV that is clearly worth more

Sony does not warranty products sold from non authorized dealers
I do not make the rules and interpretation will get you NO WHERE with Sony
when you have a problem with your TV

in fact sites like the one you listed, normally make you ship back the TV to their store front for repairs cause if there is a warranty they handle it and not Sony

but the chances are if you actually were dumb enough to send it back for service
you would never see it again

and however you spend your money is not of my concern, but you should know Sony will not repair it for you if the dealer is not authorized

good luck
hopefully you learned something



Why should I buy from an authorized dealer?
What do I get out of that?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plenty!! Only authorized dealers are fully trained by Sony to answer questions about how to operate your new Sony DVD player or camcorder or how to connect your Sony Wega™ television to that wonderful new Home Theater Sound system.

Only authorized dealers have access to Sony product managers and specialized customer service representatives. Often Sony makes available special product promotions only from authorized dealers.

In addition Sony Authorized Dealers are required to:
Provide a toll free telephone number for customer product inquiries
Provide an email product inquiry service with 24-hr response time
Provide notice of level of security offered to customers for online transactions
Display the dealer's policies on privacy and use of customer information
Send order status via e-mail within 12 hours of order placement
Ship products within 48 hours of acceptance
Provide customer with option to pick up product at retail store
Offer convenient return procedure
Offer "White Glove" delivery and set-up service for major home audio/video systems or components
Provide customized installation guide and offer installation for Mobile Electronics products

Sony authorized dealers are required to take steps to insure the integrity of your Sony purchase. Some unauthorized dealers have sold products with altered or obliterated serial numbers. Products with tampered serial numbers void the Sony Products Warranty. In addition, there have been reports of unauthorized dealers selling used products as new.

We have have not audited unauthorized e-tailers or other unauthorized dealers to determine if they meet the high customer service standards our authorized dealers are required to meet. As we generally have no relationship with unauthorized e-tailers, if you experience any difficulty with their service, we may be unable to help you.

We recomend you only purchase Sony consumer electronic products from Sony Authorized Internet Dealers

^^^
The information above that I have read from Sonystyle.com does not say that Sony will not honor their warranty if you buy from a non-authorized dealer, or that their warranty is only for authorized dealers.

The worth of something is determined by how much you actually pay for it. Only a fool would pay $1899 for a TV that many people are getting for under $1500 now. I don't think many people in this section are questioning how great an HDTV the 34xbr960 is, but if anyone thinks it is still worth $1899, then they are the ones that are foolish. I think some of you guys that bought your Sony CRT HDTVs at full price during the past couple of years are a little bitter that people are getting steals on these same sets now. But this is all just my 2 cents worth.

The worth of something is determined by how much you actually pay for it. Only a fool would pay $1899 for a TV that many people are getting for under $1500 now. I don't think many people in this section are questioning how great an HDTV the 34xbr960 is, but if anyone thinks it is still worth $1899, then they are the ones that are foolish. I think some of you guys that bought your Sony CRT HDTVs at full price during the past couple of years are a little bitter that people are getting steals on these same sets now. But this is all just my 2 cents worth.

Well I suggest you buy that TV from them and be done with it
I purchased from an authorized dealer and I did not pay MSRP by the way
much less

so your point of claiming I am bitter and lying for that reason does not fly

Considering the high number of problems getting this set right, I would NEVER EVER consider buying this set mailorder or over the net.

Well I just ordered the XBR960N through Crutchfield tonight :) (free shipping / no taxes) , I couldn't find it anywhere in town and it seems this tv is becoming scarce online as well, I just hope its a worthy upgrade over my current 4:3 32HS510 (a little over 3 yrs old) , I watch a lot of analog cable and DVDs which look great on it, But my Xbox360 finally made me decide its time for a widescreen set ... Playing it on the 32HS510 via 1080i looks great but has black bars on top & bottom. For the last couple weeks I've been torn between buying a larger DLP set for around the same price or the XBR960 ... I think I made the right decision...

Gigaguy, Appreciate your response but I'm sorry to say that I tried the two sites you mentioned, J & R and Onecall, and neither has the XBR960 listed on their sites. If anyone else has a recommendation as to where I might find a good deal on a XBR960 please feel free post the info. I bought mine last year from DigitalCraze.com (http://www.digitalcraze.com/). They are still in business and their web site shows XBR960N for $1550, XBR960 for $1200. They also have the 34XBR3 stand for $300.

Obviously, the price on the XBR960 has dropped since last year when I paid $1739.99 + $249.99 insured shipping by Bekins. The set was shipped from NY to LA one day after I bought it and arrived about 5 days later. Perfect experience, including several email correspondences from the salesman both before and after sale, as well as no problem reaching them by phone. I have no problem with the price I paid last year, as I've now had 1 year of use on this most glorious of CRT sets (replacing my prior sensational Sampo SME-34WHD5 whose picture tube finally went out after four years).

Absolutely 100% dependable and reliable, factory sealed brand new products, white glove delivery service into your target viewing room location, I would definitely buy from them again without hesitation. My phone salesman was Lenny Carrington, if he's still there. The Bekins guys were very nice, and removed my dead Sampo from my TV stand (happily taking it out of my house and putting it on their truck, for a trip to their warehouse for anyone to grab or dispose of), and then helped me rearrange the stand before placing my new XBR960 there and helping me get it physically settled.

They were a perfectly authorized Sony dealer, and Sony had no hesitation sending out a factory tech for my requested "new purchase adjustments" (to try and correct the common convergence and bowing problems) at no cost to me.

I don't know if they have stock for both models at this moment, but I would guess they do since they are very large Sony retailers and the web site certainly suggests no issue. I didn't call them but you certainly can to find out for yourself.

You'll obviously pay shipping charges, but no sales tax depending on your state (they're in NYC).

Don't miss out on on XBR960 (or N, I guess) before they disappear. And start using it as fast as you can.

Hope I'm not too late but Abt Electronics in the Chicago area will sell it for $1440 with free shipping and no sales tax!! They are the largest indepedant Sony dealer in the country...My sister and brother-in-law in Chicago were just out there yesterday, looking for a new set for their new home. I think they've decided on the KDS60XBR1 they saw on the floor and were very impressed with. Price was about $3,500 I believe, which is $1000 less than Sony's latest MSRP.

However I can't believe they will ship the 200 pound XBR960 for free to anywhere in the country, although at $1440 there's a built-n pad over the price for the set. For example, the XBR960 is available at DigitalCraze.com for $1199 (also with no sales tax out of NY), but you'll probably pay insured shipping of $250 (though I don't know exactly what, since I didn't call them).

So maybe the ABT price is reasonable, with shipping already included in their deal.

Nevertheless ABT is definitely a fabulous place for TV's and most things (including appliances, etc.).

Considering the high number of problems getting this set right, I would NEVER EVER consider buying this set mailorder or over the net.
"high number of problems..." WOW, this is interesting. I've been reading this forum for quite awhile trying to make a decision. Wading through all the posts, I came to the conclusion that the XBR960 was the best quality, most reliable set available. So, I went ahead and took the plunge. Have had the set for 2 weeks, and OUT OF THE BOX it is setup great and looks fantastic. Only thing I have done is change to PRO mode.

I think it would be fair to say that any HDTV today needs tweeking, unlike the TV's of old, so there will be setup for all, somehow, someway. But i do not feel you've fairly evaluated the 960...or at least I have not seen enough posts to indicate getting the TV setup right is an issue. What I have seen is that people are really into this set and getting more involved in fine tweeking it, IMHO!

"high number of problems..." WOW, this is interesting. I've been reading this forum for quite awhile trying to make a decision. Wading through all the posts, I came to the conclusion that the XBR960 was the best quality, most reliable set available. So, I went ahead and took the plunge. Have had the set for 2 weeks, and OUT OF THE BOX it is setup great and looks fantastic. Only thing I have done is change to PRO mode.

I think it would be fair to say that any HDTV today needs tweeking, unlike the TV's of old, so there will be setup for all, somehow, someway. But i do not feel you've fairly evaluated the 960...or at least I have not seen enough posts to indicate getting the TV setup right is an issue. What I have seen is that people are really into this set and getting more involved in fine tweeking it, IMHO!

I got mine from ABT Electronics, through Agoraquest. They had a special deal with Agoraquest members. I think it was $1500. That was when this model was relativly new and was selling at full price. I've had mine for 1 year and 2 months and no problems at all. Only problem was when they delivered it. It was supposed to be white glove service, but they only sent 1 guy to deliver it.

Considering the high number of problems getting this set right, I would NEVER EVER consider buying this set mailorder or over the net.


What are you talking about? What kind of overstated FUD is this? Can you back this statement up with anything concrete?



The worth of something is determined by how much you actually pay for it. Only a fool would pay $1899 for a TV that many people are getting for under $1500 now. I don't think many people in this section are questioning how great an HDTV the 34xbr960 is, but if anyone thinks it is still worth $1899, then they are the ones that are foolish. I think some of you guys that bought your Sony CRT HDTVs at full price during the past couple of years are a little bitter that people are getting steals on these same sets now. But this is all just my 2 cents worth

You definitely got that last part right, if nothing else.

Anywhere ive seen the XBR960 lower than 1899 doesnt include free shipping and or I'd have to pay taxes ..so paying $1899 shipped doesnt seem that bad to me.


I was curious about something tho, when looking at consumer reports latest ratings they show the XBR960 as only having 'good' sound quality while the XS model is rated with "Very good" sound , dont they both have the same speakers & subwoofer?

The only reason I would buy a set like the 960 from a little known, not authorized Sony reseller is if I had money to throw around.

To me, anything like $1K or more is a serious investment. I want to be sure that if there's any problems, for any reasons, that my reseller will be there for me. Ony a Sony authorized reseller can offer that kind of assurance.

Sets purchased from non-authorized resellers are referred to as "grey market" merchandise. It's not illegal, but buying from these outfits is of the highest risk.

Sony is in no way obligated to honor its warranty when sold by one of these resellers, and will not do so almost 99.9% of the time. The reasons have already been stated above.

Value goes much, much further than the price paid. Like I said, if you have $1,500 or more to throw around then, by all means, go grey market - because under such circumstances it would be a waste to pay full price from a authorized reseller.

Well I just ordered the XBR960N through Crutchfield tonight :) (free shipping / no taxes) , I couldn't find it anywhere in town and it seems this tv is becoming scarce online as well, I just hope its a worthy upgrade over my current 4:3 32HS510 (a little over 3 yrs old) , I watch a lot of analog cable and DVDs which look great on it, But my Xbox360 finally made me decide its time for a widescreen set ... Playing it on the 32HS510 via 1080i looks great but has black bars on top & bottom. For the last couple weeks I've been torn between buying a larger DLP set for around the same price or the XBR960 ... I think I made the right decision...

You won't be sorry - as good as the picture looks on your HS510 it will look even better on the 960 due to the additional features (super fine-pitch CRT, etc.).

As far as size, we also replaced a 32 inch 4x3 set and were amazed how huge the picture seemed compared to the approximate 29 inch 16x9 picture within the older set. You will also be sitting a little closer to the 960 since it is 26 inches deep. :) :)

Ditto on ABT electronics, via agoraquest. I purchased mine this time last year for $1800 delivered, no tax. And yes they didn't pay attention to the "white glove" service and sent one guy. I made him go away and come back with another later that day. To the credit of ABT they apologized profusely and made sure that the delivery service understood that they screwed up.... ABT is totally authorized by SONY, I even called SONY to make sure. I would purchase again from ABT without hesitation. Spend some time at their website, check out their fish tank...

ABT is a great place to visit, you can't believe how huge it is, they have practically everything and the prices and service is much better than a BB or CC chain.

A similar warranty policy is used by Yamaha. One must buy their products through an authorized dealer. While many others offer their equipment at discounted prices, Yamaha will not honor the warranty.

If my understanding is correct this does not mean no warranty but rather one provided by the seller instead of the manufacturer and that could mean use of technicians not affiliated with the manufactuer or experienced with the particular unit or receipt of the best quality replacement parts. And if the store goes out of business, then what?

I have had my 960N for a few days, but have not had a chance to get deeply into it.

I have two long range antennas in the attic pointed to cities east and west. I am quite impressed with the ability to pull in stations in HD.

I can switch between the two antennae connected to the two RF connectors and that is good. But it appears that the one labeled "CABLE" does not tune in DHTV. Is that connector and tuner really different or is something else going on? Suggestions?

(My old XBR's two RF inputs seemed to be identical.)

Well, I'm not at home now, so I can't run any tests. I suggest you swap the cables and note the results.

I'm pretty sure I tried this when I got my set--but I got one of the early ones in July, 20004, so that was a long time ago and I don't remember.

Mark

I got mine from ABT Electronics, through Agoraquest. They had a special deal with Agoraquest members. I think it was $1500. That was when this model was relativly new and was selling at full price. I've had mine for 1 year and 2 months and no problems at all. Only problem was when they delivered it. It was supposed to be white glove service, but they only sent 1 guy to deliver it.

original price was 2200, are you sure this was not after the price drop to 1899?

I was curious about something tho, when looking at consumer reports latest ratings they show the XBR960 as only having 'good' sound quality while the XS model is rated with "Very good" sound , dont they both have the same speakers & subwoofer?

yeah they are the same, consumer reports is not a good source

I can switch between the two antennae connected to the two RF connectors and that is good. But it appears that the one labeled "CABLE" does not tune in DHTV. Is that connector and tuner really different or is something else going on? Suggestions?

cable is for cable whether analogue or digital
antenna input is specifically for over the air analogue and digital

Can you hook up a 34XBR960 to a PC ? I see those transcoders for sale, dose anyone use one? What is the quality?

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]original price was 2200, are you sure this was not after the price drop to 1899?

I actually still had my email from them. It was $1979. 10 % off in Sept. 2004.

thats not 1500?

The only reason I would buy a set like the 960 from a little known, not authorized Sony reseller is if I had money to throw around.

To me, anything like $1K or more is a serious investment. I want to be sure that if there's any problems, for any reasons, that my reseller will be there for me. Ony a Sony authorized reseller can offer that kind of assurance.

Sets purchased from non-authorized resellers are referred to as "grey market" merchandise. It's not illegal, but buying from these outfits is of the highest risk.

Sony is in no way obligated to honor its warranty when sold by one of these resellers, and will not do so almost 99.9% of the time. The reasons have already been stated above.

Value goes much, much further than the price paid. Like I said, if you have $1,500 or more to throw around then, by all means, go grey market - because under such circumstances it would be a waste to pay full price from a authorized reseller.

What is up with the "grey market" reference? Where do you think many of these Sony non-authorized electronic stores are getting their Sony HDTVs from, Christopher Moltisanti's crew? I understand what many of you are saying that some places will try and rip you off by selling Sony HDTVs that aren't new and are altered in some way. But, I have seen no proof that Sony won't honor their warranty on a HDTV that is new and in its original box with a serial number that is not altered, and a official store receipt. Of course they aren't going to honor their warranty if you get stuck with a TV that wasn't factory new, and then you are going to have to deal with the store/person that ripped you off. Don't you have to register the serial number and your info with Sony once you buy the TV? Sony should then be able to track who sold this TV to you based on what store they delivered it to. If they are delivering their merchandise to a store to be sold, they have to honor their(Sony) warranty.

What is up with the "grey market" reference?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market
http://www.answers.com/topic/grey-market
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/grey_market
http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Grey_market
http://www.nemeng.com/leica/016e.shtml

^^

Thank you, I was getting grey market confused with black market. I never knew there were so many colors used to describe markets.

Don't you have to register the serial number and your info with Sony once you buy the TV?

no, they will get the serial number from you once you call CS

I agree - People are upset because they got grossed from places like Crutchurwalletfield.

I simply can't decide if I want or need the N or not. Please help me decide! As someone said earlier, $1000 or more for anything is an investment. For this purchase, I agree.

While I now understand that warranty costs are included in the price a product sells for and why it won't be honored if purchased through "grey market" retailers why are manufacturers allowed to dictate the price an item can be sold for in a "free-market" economy? All this does is eliminate the ability of competitive shopping by thye consumer (i.e., we get the "shaft" as usual). Of course there is a minimum amount a retailer will sell a product in order to make a profit.

Funny how our love of the 960 has turned this forum into an advanced course on business ethics!

I simply can't decide if I want or need the N or not. Please help me decide! As someone said earlier, $1000 or more for anything is an investment. For this purchase, I agree.

I can't decide either. There is no definitive answer/opinion of people who have used both, as that isn't likely.

"high number of problems..." WOW, this is interesting. I've been reading this forum for quite awhile trying to make a decision. Wading through all the posts, I came to the conclusion that the XBR960 was the best quality, most reliable set available. So, I went ahead and took the plunge. Have had the set for 2 weeks, and OUT OF THE BOX it is setup great and looks fantastic. Only thing I have done is change to PRO mode.

I think it would be fair to say that any HDTV today needs tweeking, unlike the TV's of old, so there will be setup for all, somehow, someway. But i do not feel you've fairly evaluated the 960...or at least I have not seen enough posts to indicate getting the TV setup right is an issue. What I have seen is that people are really into this set and getting more involved in fine tweeking it, IMHO!


What are you talking about? What kind of overstated FUD is this? Can you back this statement up with anything concrete?


[/b]



I have had 3 960s since August 2004 and 2 910s since December 2003. If you search back far enough you would have seen this. I have had 8 people in Broadcasting purchase them on my recommendations and they have gone through 17 960s total.

And the early posts were full of the issues about getting the lines straight on this TV. Perhaps you just don't notice it or have a clue?

I was responsible for working with several Engineers to getting rid of the green stripe on ABC HD Nationwide.

I work deal with CBS Engineers every week on issues with the CBS Network.

If you have any doubts of that, ask Moderators Dr. Don or Ken H.

I dare say I am much more qualified to speak on this issue than you and your so called FUD.

[QUOTE=HDTVFanAtic]I have had 3 960s since August 2004 and 2 910s since December 2003. If you search back far enough you would have seen this. I have had 8 people in Broadcasting purchase them on my recommendations and they have gone through 17 960s total.

And the early posts were full of the issues about getting the lines straight on this TV. Perhaps you just don't notice it or have a clue?
QUOTE]

I definately have a clue, trust me. You have no clue as to what my expertise or knowledge is and I don't feel I need to document it for you or anyone else, so be careful with the smart-ass remarks..uncalled for on your part!

You stated that there were a high number of problems with "setup" of this set. That is what I addressed. I do not find nor did I find that this was a issue that characterized this product to be deficient or unreliable..............I STAND BY MY ORIGINAL STATEMENT, (from my humble knowledge base). If you felt this was such a terrible TV, and you had 5 bad expereinces with the product line, why in the heck would you recommend them to friends?????????

By the way, do you own any XBR's today and are the fine or are you experiencing issues. Maybe you could share your corrective action with us, or if you have posted that information previously, provide the link so I can read your information.

Have a nice weekend!

I simply can't decide if I want or need the N or not. Please help me decide! As someone said earlier, $1000 or more for anything is an investment. For this purchase, I agree.

Can someone give me a quick description of the differences between the 960 and 960N?

Is it normal for the XBR960 to have very noticable "blooming" if the contrast is turned up to high? I was at best buy yesterday and noticed it on the display model ,of course they had the Picture setting literaly maxed out, anytime Text was displayed it would bloom pretty badly ,I was just curious because my 32HS510 doesnt behave this way if I max out the picture (Not that I ever run it that way normaly).

I never go by what I see on TVs at the store. Best Buy guy told me kids regularly come in carrying magnets to purposely mess up the tube sets.

Diff between 960 and 960N is screen coating, regarding glare, the 960 is natively a darker set from what I've heard. I have the 960, it's great.

Is it normal for the XBR960 to have very noticable "blooming" if the contrast is turned up to high? I was at best buy yesterday and noticed it on the display model ,of course they had the Picture setting literaly maxed out,Really not worth discussing. Contrast (aka "picture") should never be maxed out. In fact, DVE describes setting contrast low enough so that blooming specifically does NOT occur. That's the determinant. Nobody who's got their set adjusted reasonably would ever do this.

In the case of my XBR960, for 720p/1080i inputs set at Pro and with 31 as "dead-center", I have picture set at 35. This goes along brightness of 32 and color of 31, hue at 0 and sharpness at MIN. And naturally there is no blooming at all. Of course these settings are for my tastes, and correspond to other underlying tweaks in the service menu.

But most important, contrast/picture should NOT be set as high as you saw it in the store. Way to destroy the tube.