Mine gets delivered next wed sch for 2 to 4pm timeslot

Those of you that will be getting 34xbr960's soon, maybe you could tell us what flavor of SDTV you will be viewing on your 960 and what you willl be comparing it to? What kind of TV do you view SDTV on now? Is it a 4:3 TV or 16:9 TV? By flavor, I mean cable, digital cable, OTA, TiVo, etc. I am especially interested to hear how TiVo looks on the 960 and at which TiVo quality it was recorded.

I think most of us believe the 960 will be great for HDTV, if 34" widescreen is adequate for our needs. But alot of us are worried about SDTV viewing, since there is still alot of that around.

Thanks,
Gordon

Originally posted by Rizzle
Technically a CRT doesn't have a resolution, but the aperature grill splits the light into 1400something vertical lines. That was for the 910. I've heard that the tube for the 960 is the same, but its calibrated to use a new grill that has 1600something lines. ........

In his review of the XBR910 in The Perfect Vision, Gary Merson discusses the location of the aperture grill("there are 1401 slots") - "just behind the phosphor-coated face."

This puts it inside the picture tube and as I previously said Sony told me the part number for the picture tube on the XBR960 is the same as the XBR910.

Originally posted by gundyrat1
Mine gets delivered next wed sch for 2 to 4pm timeslot

Where did you buy the set at?

Originally posted by Alan Sh
In his review of the XBR910 in The Perfect Vision, Gary Merson discusses the location of the aperture grill("there are 1401 slots") - "just behind the phosphor-coated face."

This puts it inside the picture tube and as I previously said Sony told me the part number for the picture tube on the XBR960 is the same as the XBR910.

Just repeating what I've heard. I could really careless whether it was 1600 or 1400 lines, I know its still much higher than any other consumer CRT, LCD, or Plasma on the market.

The company handling the shipping on my 960 for SonyStyle says to expect delivery by Wed. or Thurs next week around the same time as Gundyrat1. I'm guessing he's a SonyStyle preorder too, or a very luck retail customer.

If I had to wager on this I would be the the 960 has the exact same tube as the 910. Sony is not known for making big changes to it's tvs year to year. Especially true for the XBR line which normally only changes every 2 years. So, I just don't think they'd actually do all the work to make a new tube for the 960.

My money says the 960 is the 910 tube with some slight tweaks to the circuitry.

Originally posted by Tigerriot
If I had to wager on this I would be the the 960 has the exact same tube as the 910. Sony is not known for making big changes to it's tvs year to year. Especially true for the XBR line which normally only changes every 2 years. So, I just don't think they'd actually do all the work to make a new tube for the 960.

My money says the 960 is the 910 tube with some slight tweaks to the circuitry.

I concur. I had heard that there were some improvements made to the tube, but it appears I had been misinformed. Its most likely that Sony's press release was referring to circuitry upgrades with upconverters, signal processors, etc.

I just find it funny that the people here are already dismissing the SD capability of the 960 before anyone has seen one in the flesh, let alone a well-calibrated one.

I think the problem with SD is not unique. I have heard it is "HDTV's dirty little secret" is that the sets are terrible with SD images. I know I have viewed DirecTV images with the finest cables at Magnolia HIFI, and the SD picture on CNN, etc. looked TERRIBLE on a $7,000 Pioneer 910HD; while the HDTV looked brillant on a baseball game I saw on a Samsung DLP at CC; when I had the salesman switch to DirecTV, the picture looked TERRIBLE.

Perhaps as one thread states, there is something to the 16:9 format; that is; the 4:3 sets (40XBR00) have better SD images? Something about how the XBR800 can upconvert to 960i rather than 1080i.

Certainly excellent analog televions have superior images on SD signals.
Anyone with an an excellnet analog set ever see a HDTV SD image that looked as good? Maybe not out there at this time.

Originally posted by igreg
I think the problem with SD is not unique. I have heard it is "HDTV's dirty little secret" is that the sets are terrible with SD images. I know I have viewed DirecTV images with the finest cables at Magnolia HIFI, and the SD picture on CNN, etc. looked TERRIBLE on a $7,000 Pioneer 910HD; while the HDTV looked brillant on a baseball game I saw on a Samsung DLP at CC; when I had the salesman switch to DirecTV, the picture looked TERRIBLE.
The problem is with the SD, not the TV. SD has all sorts of problems, and HD sets aren't made to cover them up, so you get to see the problems in all their glory.

Originally posted by igreg
I think the problem with SD is not unique. I have heard it is "HDTV's dirty little secret" is that the sets are terrible with SD images. I know I have viewed DirecTV images with the finest cables at Magnolia HIFI, and the SD picture on CNN, etc. looked TERRIBLE on a $7,000 Pioneer 910HD; while the HDTV looked brillant on a baseball game I saw on a Samsung DLP at CC; when I had the salesman switch to DirecTV, the picture looked TERRIBLE.

You cannot compare the SD image on a tube TV to one on a large Plasma or Rear Projection set. An SD signal will always look poor on even a good big screen set because an NTSC signal was never intented to be viewed on such a large screen. SD on my friend's HD tube TV looks great via DirecTV, but the same exact signal on his 46" DLP looks unacceptable. This is to be expected because big screen technology is optimized for DVD and HD, not SD, and the larger screen size exposes flaws in the signal that aren't apparent on a smaller tube TV.

Certainly excellent analog televions have superior images on SD signals. Anyone with an an excellnet analog set ever see a HDTV SD image that looked as good? Maybe not out there at this time. [/B]

You can't make this broad statement because it's not always true. I've seen SD and DVD on a Sony 32FV310 analog set (undoubtedly the best analog set out there) and i saw scan lines even when i stood 10 feet away, but on my own 32" HD Panny and friends's HD tube TVs the SD picture is superior to that of the analog set - no scan lines and an overall smoother picture compared to analog and its because of the HDTV's deintelacer doubling the scan lines. SD looks fantastic on my HD set.

Again, I agree with Randy on SD signals to a HDTV set. My HDTV monitor(Zenith C27V36) looks very good to excellent with analog(cable into RF input from wall) after PROPER CALIBRATION with either DVE or AVIA.(user menu). Much better than my 3 year old Panasonic CT27D10 analog set.

No service menu adjustments for me yet. Too scared to screw up tv.

And your Panasonic 4:3. Perhaps something to do with the picture quality ala the 40XBR800?

Hoping XBR 960 has great SD picture, but skeptical to this point. Only viewed the XBR 910 with over-the-air analog signal at Magnolia HIFI and the picture was poor. I would have to see the set connected to DirecTV to ultimately judge its SD picture quality.

Speaking of SD reception on the XBR910, which connection would provide the best picture quality: DVI, HDMI, Component, or S-video?

Since it came up again, I'd like to mention it, again, that SD DirecTV looks _awesome_ on my 34xbr800 and could only look better on the 34xbr960.

Originally posted by igreg
[B
...Speaking of SD reception on the XBR910, which connection would provide the best picture quality: DVI, HDMI, Component, or S-video? [/B]

Well, HDMI and DVI are digital, HDMi is superior than DVI that it has 5 Gbits of bandwidth and can carry audio data versus DVI which can only carry up to 1.65 Gbits of bandwidth and it doesn't carry any audio data. But both are digital....

Component is analog and it seem to be capable of carrying up to 3 ghz bandwidht...

So, HDMI, DVI, and component are the way to get High defintion....which is better depends on the DAC of the source/and or the display...to me, i like HDMI for its bandwidth, smaller size, and convenience of carrying audio too...

S-Video is analog and its only support 480i. Not high defition and the color bandwidth isn't as high as component....

fyi

The Magnolia Hifi in Santa Clara will receive their 960's on July 10th.

Of the 15 on order, 12 are pre-sold.

According to the salesperson, whose name I didn't get, they are selling the 960's for msrp and including the stand at no additonal charge.

delivery is 50

Hey. New to these forums. I've been looking to get my first HDTV, and the XBR960 looks like a great place to start. Only problem is that today I went in and talked to a local shop who carries sony, and they told me that the XBR960 isn't going to be as "good" quality as last year's xbr910. Now it's possible they just wanted to sell off their old models. But they made a good point about the xbr960 having the built in tuner while actually retailing for less than the xbr910 did. Did they cut some corners with the xbr960, or is it just possible that they're able to pack more features in for less than they could last year?

..the salesman was just trying to make a sell on the 910. I have no fear that the pq on the 960 will be of similar quality, if not slightly improved from the 910. I would guess that the lower pricing for the 960 is due to a few factors such as lower production costs for the various components, as well as the need to respond to competitors' pricepoints. It's your decision which set to purchase, but with the 960 so close to popping up in stores, it seems a little silly to buy a 910 until you can see and compare a 960 with your own set of peepers.

JamisonBWolsh
I bought it direct form Sony Style
My stand is slightly smaller than the base but I've look
at the previous Version and it will sit just fine I may scroung up a sheet of plexiglass to extend My stand top
Its made by tech craft I bought it spificly for any fututre TV upgrades and mainly for my Center channel speak which Just fit s the 8"tall opening just below the stand top and then below that is LD storage
as for whats going to be hooked up
For SD its DirecTV via a Sony SAT-A2 and then through My Ht receiver a Pioneer Elite VSX-49TX (Im looking foward to the componant out upconversion)
a Pioneer Elite CLD-79 LD player and Pioneer Elite DV-C36 5 disc DVD player
and also the PS2
I'm interested in seeing how Vice city looks in 16:9
the Tube might just be the same but the electronics have added features missing form the 910
we all know that eventualy prices always drop as each new model rolls out
so for a Salesman from any store tellanyone that a newer model isnt as good as last years model just beacuse last years model had a Higher MSRP is plain nonsense
there is always A price to be paid for first run componants

To those who feel the 960 will be an improvement over the 910, keep in mind that Sony has a long track record of introducing statement products such as their first dvd player, the s7000, which blow away the competition in build quality and value for the money. Once the product is established, and the glowing reviews are written, Sony discontinues the product and substitutes versions which seem to offer more, but are clearly a step down in build quality.

By all appearances, the 960 is essentially the same TV as the 910 - same case, same tube (with minor upgrade) - so overall R&D costs were very little. The addition of an internal HD tuner and a few interface plugs probably added a few bucks to production costs. This was probably off set by an increased production run.

In what country are the 910 and 960 manufactured?

Originally posted by rgriffing
To those who feel the 960 will be an improvement over the 910, keep in mind that Sony has a long track record of introducing statement products such as their first dvd player, the s7000, which blow away the competition in build quality and value for the money. Once the product is established, and the glowing reviews are written, Sony discontinues the product and substitutes versions which seem to offer more, but are clearly a step down in build quality.

What Kind of statement is this? For that ONE dvd player, there countless other products sony does better.

Ex: Playstation 1 upgraded to the Playstation 2

Yeah...what he said!

At least wait and see one for yourself.

Originally posted by BloatedCorpse
..the salesman was just trying to make a sell on the 910. I have no fear that the pq on the 960 will be of similar quality, if not slightly improved from the 910. I would guess that the lower pricing for the 960 is due to a few factors such as lower production costs for the various components, as well as the need to respond to competitors' pricepoints. It's your decision which set to purchase, but with the 960 so close to popping up in stores, it seems a little silly to buy a 910 until you can see and compare a 960 with your own set of peepers.

Originally posted by murphyb74
In what country are the 910 and 960 manufactured?

Most likely Mexico, but maybe even U.S.A; definately NOT Japan.

Yea right... Just Imagine the COST to ship these large, heavy sets from Japan.....

hecho en México
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_9_1.gif

>>Yea right... Just Imagine the COST to ship these large, heavy sets from Japan.....

I suspect labor cost is more of an issue than shipping. The gym I belong to bought some new plates for the barbells. They were York brand, York Barbell Co. of York, PA - less than 100 miles from here (DC area). I was a bit surprised when I noticed the "Made in China" sticker!

CC has taken off the 910 from its online inventory....

Originally posted by smirnoffski
Most likely Mexico, but maybe even U.S.A; definitely NOT Japan.


Pull out the infamous B board and you'll see it marked MADE IN JAPAN. The multilayer delicate circuit boards require a highly specialized workforce to create them. The less technically demanding assembly of the chassis can be done in places like Mexico. Some of the XBR direct views actually are assembled in the good ol' USA.

Originally posted by montreal
Pull out the infamous B board and you'll see it marked MADE IN JAPAN. The multilayer delicate circuit boards require a highly specialized workforce to create them. The less technically demanding assembly of the chassis can be done in places like Mexico. Some of the XBR direct views actually are assembled in the good ol' USA.

Correct, certain elements of the interior circuitry may be made in Japan or other countries but the final assembly point is NOT Japan hence the TV is not labeled that way on the rear. I have an XBR450, which is labeled MADE in MEXICO and have seen the $4000 XBR2 which was around a few years back also labeled MADE in MEXICO. I dount that there are any SONY tubes left coming from Japan or tubes from any other manufacturer (but I think Panasonic recently had their 34in HD sets coming from Japan, but don't know about the new ones.)


On a side note, I was at Circuit City, Good Guys and Fry's today.
Circuit City did not give me a date for the 960 but said that they are taking pre-orders, the price showed up as $2049.99; there were no 910s left in stock.
Good Guys said they expect the 960 around Sunday, and price showed up as $2099.99; they also had no 910s left and tried to sell me their display model.
Fry's had it no where in their system.

Originally posted by cpschmidt2
XBR960 10% off CC price (which is lower than Sony Style's price)
18 months free basic delivery

HT6600 home theater
10% off CC price
will get $400 rebate from Sony
---

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
I hope this is truth. It sounds like you got a rep who does not know how to do his/her Job.

1.) XBR is NOT 10 percent off (fine print excludes the XBR)
2.) HTIB- Its eithor the 18 months OR the 10 percent off.. NOT BOTH.
3.) Delivery. Its Possible. I hear some CC's will haggle. Mine does not. Most does not from the CC's I went to.

Hey Schmidt- You should have taken the deal offered by SONY. No payments untill 2006- SWEET!

Hey Jamison,

Schmidt's deal is close to mine.
34XBR960 10% of CC
HT6600DP 10% of CC
XBR1 stand (open box) 50% of CC
Will get the $400 Sony Rebate (HOWEVER, no financing!)

I'm sure you're happier w/ your financing, but I have the cash, and don't want to carry debt, so I'm much happier w/ additional %% off.

How did I get it?
www.circuitcity.com
There are 24 stores within 100 miles of you.

#1 Hi, Can I speak to a manager of Tv's please? blah...
#2 Hi, Can I speak to a manager of Tv's please?
#3 Hi....
#4
etc.

Yeah, it took me a while longer but I eventaully got it. Additionally, I did not opt for deliver, HOWEVER, they are shipping it to the nearest store to me, which works well, as I've a couple of big strong friends to help. ;)

I just wanted to let other know it's possible... you just have to put in a little more work... Excited!!! Now I just have to sit back and wait for it to get in!!!
-C
Ps. I just want to shout out a thanks to everyone. I lurk way more than I post, as I'm still a neophyte, n00b, newbie, greener, etc, but I want to thank EVERYONE for both their Q's and their A's. Here's to a great system! and a great price! ;)

Show Off!!!

:D :D :D




:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

At my CC, they said they had 9 of the first shipment of 12 already pre-sold. Fortunately, I'm number 1 on the list.

They already got their first shipment? also... they had in their computers how many they are getting?

Has anyone taken advantage of the deal from the best price "leader" on the site:

http://www.geocities.com/kd34xbr960/Theofficial34xbr960page.html


If anyone has receved a great deal please email or post on the guest book on the page so I can update the site for other avs members. I have gotten the tweeter and CC prices but I don't have a gg or ultimate (along with other mid level retailers) pricing.

Thanks for your help and have a great 4th!

OK, I just picked up my KD34XBR960 from Good Guys - two of them arrived today. I just finished installing and hooking it up - right now it's doing the autoscan for channels.

I haven't had any time to play with it yet (and this is my first HDTV) - I just wanted to let everyone know that the TVs are actually in existence!

Game On!

:)


bob

Originally posted by bsd107
OK, I just picked up my KD34XBR960 from Good Guys - two of them arrived today. I just finished installing and hooking it up - right now it's doing the autoscan for channels.

I haven't had any time to play with it yet (and this is my first HDTV) - I just wanted to let everyone know that the TVs are actually in existence!
Do you have an HDTV feed? What kind of SDTV feed do you have? Pls keep us informed.

Thanks,
Gordon

Originally posted by bsd107
OK, I just picked up my KD34XBR960 from Good Guys - two of them arrived today. I just finished installing and hooking it up - right now it's doing the autoscan for channels.

I haven't had any time to play with it yet (and this is my first HDTV) - I just wanted to let everyone know that the TVs are actually in existence!

It would be great if you make a separate thread refelcting your initial impressions! Anyway, keep us all posted on developments!

We are all waiting...you have quite an audience : )

Two 960's in stock in San Jose:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=419076

Gordon

Originally posted by smirnoffski
It would be great if you make a separate thread refelcting your initial impressions! Anyway, keep us all posted on developments!
I hope you all that get 960's will stay in this thread for now. It saves going thru the index looking for new 960 threads. This thread seems to me like the perfect place to keep the discussion of what you all find.

IMHO,
Gordon

My first impressions of the XBR960 are good overall. HD material looks fantastic - even The Tonight Show is jaw dropping. (Note that although I am a massive techno-geek, this is my first HDTV).

I have only basic cable service right now, but I can pick up most local networks in HD. I can also pick up some obviously "Digital Cable" channels - but only the ones that preview pay per view. This at least gives me some feel for how digital cable will look.

There are some stations on digital cable that I've always wanted, but I've basically refused to have a set top box. The way it intereferes with VCR operation, negates many features built into the TV, requiring another non-standard remote, etc., made me refuse to deal with a box. (Not that I'm not capable - just unwilling!) The new CableCard standard for me is a dream come true.

I have ordered a CableCard, as well as additional digital cable and HD content, through Time Warner, but they insist on installing it (like I couldn't find the slot) and they didn't have an opening until a week from now. Oh well... At least I have some local HD stations to test the TV with.

My first impression after turning the TV on wasn't good. The setup menu that appears automatically (apparently the first time you turn it on) was blurry. I mean, it was legible and all, but not impressive at all for a set that is supposed to be able to resolve close to 1400 lines. My impression from this, as well as screen edges when watching 4:3, etc., lead me to believe that the convergence on my set is sigificantly off. I hope someone can recommend to me a way to correct it. (I have to think that HD will look even better after correction.)

The first TV image I actually saw is a digital cable pay-per-view preview, and it looked horrible. Artifacts everywhere. I have to admit that it scared the crap out of me (i.e. based on all the complaints I had read about artifacts, to think it really IS that bad). In any case, it turn out that this particular channel is clearly overcompressed before transmission - i.e. some other digital cable preview stations I've found typically look very, very good.

My analog SD channels all look poor - but I don't think it's the TV's fault. For some reason, my analog cable reception degraded significantly several months ago. I notice this on the other analog sets in my house. Basically, all analog cable stations have significant noise throughout the picture. I had had this problem a couple years ago, and I had Time Warner improve it significantly. But something happened and it's degraded again. (I've checked all the connections in my hub, etc. I have cable modem, so there is a splitter before my USTec hub. I'm suspecting the splitter, becuase that was the culprit before. Does anyone make ultra-high quality splitters that I could buy?)

In any case, the analog channels on my XBR960 show way more static than my 9-year old Sony 32" set, and more than my 14-year old Mitsu 20" set. The noise does look much worse on the XBR960. I really can't tell if this is a fault of the DRC amplifying it, or just that this set can resolve it more due to the higher resolution. I'm assuming the latter. Note that I do NOT see any significant artifacting or degradation of the image due to the DRC, like I used to see on the first generation Wegas with line-doublers. But I probably just am not a good candidate for this test right now due to the high noise level in my signal to start with. [When Time Warner is out to install the CableCard, I'll be sure to have them fix the analog signal, too!]

I have a five year old Sony DVD player (530D). I bought some good component cables today, also. Anyway, I fired up one of my kids cartoon DVDs, and the sharpness and colors were absolutely stunning. Really impressive. After seeing HDTV, I figured there would be no way that 480i DVD could look nearly as good. But the colors in particular were spectacular.

In terms of features, I really like the look of the menus. It's amazing how a higher resolution menu with nicer fonts makes the whole TV seem much higher class. I'm really glad they did this.

Most of my stations do not have information in the guide, but a small number of this do. This would be the fault of my cable company, I assume.

I've found the Guide to be basically useless. Really, it's no different than just surfing the channels yourself. I mean, it only lists info on the current station/program, and simply has a list down the side showing the stations that you'll switch to next if you go down the list. I really don't understand the point. If you simply use the channel up & down buttons it accomplishes the same thing - without the channel list covering the left portion of the screen.

I really like the idea of the favorites list. BUT, it's also useless if you have lots of HD or QAM channels on your favorites. I mean, you can still use it as a hotlist, but it won't show a preview of any digital channels, even if you are currently viewing an analog station. I find that limitation very annoying (90% of the favorites on my list are digital!), and it negates the usefulness of the idea.

TwinView is a great idea, and works really nice. BUT, I don't know how to keep the audio fixed on one side, while you surf on the other side. It wants to fix the audio on whichever View you are currently changing. (My 9-year old 32" Sony has PIP with dual tuners, and you can assign the audio to play from either window at the press of a button on the remote.]

The speaker system seems to be reasonable for a TV, but of course will not take the place of a stereo. But it is clear that there is a "TV grade" subwoofer in there. I've heard some pretty nice sounds come from the TV - some of my impression may be more due to the much higher fidelity sound from HD...

Overall, I'm thrilled to finally own a Sony Wega HDTV. I've wanted this model (i.e. it's earlier equivalents) since I saw the first Sony Wega 34" HDTV back in 1997. I've watched and drooled over the years as it came down from $8000, and as features and picture quality improved. It's amazing what 7 years of development and progress can do!

Aside from getting the CableCard installed, I need to figure out a way to improve the convergence. Aside from that, seems like a great set so far...


[Does anyone know if I'd be able to use the firewire ports on the XBR960 and my laptop to record and playback HDTV???]

..thanks for taking timeout of your tv honeymoon to share some first impressions bsd. I have to admit, the convergence concern is troubling. I've been through several 34HS510's, which also had convergence nightmares, and I'm on my last 510 now as I wait with the rest of the free world for my replacement 960. When I first fired up the 510 last december I had similar reactions to the sd channels that you mentioned. I incorrectly assumed, it was my first hdtv too, that all the cable channels would look great. Unfortunately, I think you'll have to learn to accept the hard fact that sd programming will, in some cases, look significantly worse to your eye than with your previous set. I'm no tech expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I think a lot of this pq on my set is due to compressed information sent out by the cable company. I would advise you to enjoy your set, but also put it through it's paces with an avia dvd or similar product. There are some helpful test patterns and color fields on those that can really help with at least the user calibration. Good luck and happy viewing...you've made us all an eerie glowing green...
BC

Has anyone here who has already received the 960 tried to place it on the 34XBR1 stand (last year's model). Can you confirm it will fit? I want to buy an xbr1 in advance at a low price since it looks nicer and is cheaper than the new stands but want to make sure it fits.

Did the CC stores put the 34XBR960s on demo yet? I might go to one today.

I already bought the XBR1 stand. Sonystyle confirms that the 960 WILL FIT!!!!

Thanks, BSD! I'm still waiting for mine.

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
They already got their first shipment? also... they had in their computers how many they are getting?

LOL... I have to comment. In so much as I talked w/ like a dozen different stores (and mind you they are all within 50 miles of each other and all get their deliveries from the same major warehouse... the information is NOT shared equally. From one, I got that they were getting a bunch in on Sat. Another stated that they were getting 95 models in to that warehouse but no idea how they where going to be split up. The other 85% had no clue.

It's truly amazing how many different answers you can get talk to that many people. Well... I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping it's sooner than later! :)
-C

So if SD programming looks bad over analog cable, what about SD programming over digital cable? Will that usually look the same, better, or worse?

tks,

Ty

I bought my 960 from Good Guys today through their 24 month no interest plan. They only had two units for their first shipment, one went on display and the other was immediately sold. So I have to wait for their next shipment as my unit will be delivered to me next saturday. I will also keep you folks posted.
Oh and for a stand, I tried to haggle to get free but to no avail so I will be picking up this stand from CC for my 960:
http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&catoid=-9798&qp=0&oid=69535&m=0



Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
I already bought the XBR1 stand. Sonystyle confirms that the 960 WILL FIT!!!!

They set up the display model 960 right before my eyes today at my local Good Guys. They placed it on the XBR1 stand, I can also confirm that it is a perfect fit.
BUT, the colors are slightly off. The XBR1 stand is silver whereas the XBR960 shell has a slight bluish hue, so not a perfect match in that regard, but this I think would not be much of a problem for most of you.

Nice stand. I am looking for a stand with more useable shelf space, than the XBR1 or the new one, whatever it's number is. My CC seemed to have a nice selection the last time I looked.

...tly, I think digital sd looks a lot better on the HD than the sd over analog. Sometimes the artifacts can still be jarring though, so I would say that while digital looks better, it still looked cleaned on my old analog set. I'm curious to hear how the DRC functions on the 960.

I bought my 960 today at the Santa Clara Good Guys for about 100 less than msrp. they will deliver the beast on monday before 7pm pst.

my initial setup sources will include comcast hdtv settop box without pvr, a sa tivo and a five year old panasonic a110 dvd player. (i am waiting for the denon 3810 before settling on a progressive dvd player) I have Comcast's platnium service.

I have the hdtv settop box connected to my dell 17 inch lcd tv in the bedroom and the sd looks ok on that set.

I have my Avia dvd ready to calibrate.....

counting down...

bigbasin, do the GoodGuys have the 960 setup on display or just in their warehouse . Sure would like to see the set before buying.Thanks

on display with dvd and maybe directv

Went to Video Only here in Portland -- they have 'em! Got mine for a sweet deal (well below MSRP). GG has them too, but they wouldn't play ball on the price. Will post review later (I can't pick it up until tomorrow because I need to borrow a friend's truck).

Which store location Daumier?
I was at the Janzten Beach store today and they still had 910's on closeout,
and circuit city just across the parking lot also had a 910
Plus did they offer you any type of extended warrenty as
they have no service department.
I was there to take a measurement I was going to add a plexiglass top to my 36"wide TV stand but eccentually the bottom is flat so I can live with a 2" over hang on each front corner
Anyway Congrats on your puchase

Wanted to let everyone know I ordered my 960 from CC yesterday. The price that popped up was 2199.99 and not 2049.98 as previous. I'm not sure why it's changed, but luckily I had seen the previous price and the manager gave me the lower price. I bought the 3 yr ext warranty for 249.99. I also got the HT6600dp for $499.98 so that I could use the rebate. The price on the HT6600dp has apparently also increased as it came up $569.99 on the computer while the tag read 499. Apparently they hadn't changed the tag but they gave me the lower price. I have no firm delivery date as there are none in the warehouse, but they're to call and let me know.
I also wanted to let people know I saw the new Panasonic widescreen 34" set next to the Sony xbr910. It was absolutely no contest, the sony made the panasonic look terrible! I was really hoping the panasonic would be comparable so I could save a lot of money, but the panasonic was very blurry appearing next to the razor sharp sony. Both were hooked up to the same HD feed.

Saw it a GG. Liked it :) Seemed brighter than the 910 but no A/B. Picture at standard setting was "48", not maxxed. Before, I always had to max out the picture on a 910 in the store to seem bright enough. New menus are beautiful, sharp and really impressed me!

bob

Can someone please perform a test to see if you can get the set to output Dolby Digital or DTS when a JVC DVHS deck is connected via Firewire to the set?

Originally posted by gundyrat1
Which store location Daumier?
I was at the Janzten Beach store today and they still had 910's on closeout,
and circuit city just across the parking lot also had a 910
Plus did they offer you any type of extended warrenty as
they have no service department.
I was there to take a measurement I was going to add a plexiglass top to my 36"wide TV stand but eccentually the bottom is flat so I can live with a 2" over hang on each front corner
Anyway Congrats on your puchase

Jantzen Beach - I was there yesterday later in the evening. They had one on display -- but if that one sold, ask them about later shipments. I believe they're getting more shipment from Salem as I took the last one in the box.

One other thing, the retail price they have is already below MSRP -- go check it out on the floor.

D

Originally posted by smirnoffski



They set up the display model 960 right before my eyes today at my local Good Guys. They placed it on the XBR1 stand, I can also confirm that it is a perfect fit.
BUT, the colors are slightly off. The XBR1 stand is silver whereas the XBR960 shell has a slight bluish hue, so not a perfect match in that regard, but this I think would not be much of a problem for most of you.

Wow! Do you have a picture of this??? I can't wait to see what a metallic-blue contour would look like. I guess they decided to do this to differentiate the XBR960 from the XS955 (which will look exactly like the XBR910). Good thing I didn't buy the old stand...

Originally posted by avdoc
Wanted to let everyone know I ordered my 960 from CC yesterday. The price that popped up was 2199.99 and not 2049.98 as previous. I'm not sure why it's changed, but luckily I had seen the previous price and the manager gave me the lower price. I bought the 3 yr ext warranty for 249.99. I also got the HT6600dp for $499.98 so that I could use the rebate. The price on the HT6600dp has apparently also increased as it came up $569.99 on the computer while the tag read 499. Apparently they hadn't changed the tag but they gave me the lower price. I have no firm delivery date as there are none in the warehouse, but they're to call and let me know.

Is CC throwing in a free stand? The xbr960 page lists the free stand, but the price is also listed as 2049, so maybe that's over now?

No listing on the CC website yet.

Originally posted by avdoc
Wanted to let everyone know I ordered my 960 from CC yesterday.

I also wanted to let people know I saw the new Panasonic widescreen 34" set next to the Sony xbr910. It was absolutely no contest, the sony made the panasonic look terrible! I was really hoping the panasonic would be comparable so I could save a lot of money, but the panasonic was very blurry appearing next to the razor sharp sony. Both were hooked up to the same HD feed.

You have to be very careful with these "same feed" comparisons. I saw the new Panasonic at CC right next to the XBR910. The Panasonic was blowing the XBR910 away. The reality wasn't believeable - clearly the "same feeds" weren't really the same quality, even though they were HD feeds. I saw this same issue all around the store.

The only real way to compare is to watch one set, then physically remove the video feed and connect to the other TV!

Originally posted by spongebob
Saw it a GG. Liked it :) Seemed brighter than the 910 but no A/B. Picture at standard setting was "48", not maxxed. Before, I always had to max out the picture on a 910 in the store to seem bright enough. New menus are beautiful, sharp and really impressed me!

bob

My XBR960 came from the factory set to "Vivid" mode, which is a ton brighter than "Normal" (which is the mode I use all the time).

Make sure to check this setting when doing brightness comparisons...

gundyrat1,
Was in the Video Only in Beaverton at closing and they claim they had two with one being sold while they were checking the warehouse. This was at closing around 6:00 p.m. Good price without the hassle but I did not jump on it as I was looking for Dream System to get the rebeate and they did not have the one I wanted yet in their system.

Originally posted by rostov
Is CC throwing in a free stand? The xbr960 page lists the free stand, but the price is also listed as 2049, so maybe that's over now?
What xbr960 page please? Web page? Newspaper insert?

Thanks,
Gordon

http://www.geocities.com/kd34xbr960/Theofficial34xbr960page.html

Originally posted by daumier
Jantzen Beach - I was there yesterday later in the evening. They had one on display -- but if that one sold, ask them about later shipments. I believe they're getting more shipment from Salem as I took the last one in the box.

One other thing, the retail price they have is already below MSRP -- go check it out on the floor.

D

Now I didint actually look at the model Number cause it well looked just like the 910 I saw there 2 weeks ago on the same stand in the same spot marked down to 1799 for closeout.
So maybe they had it in the back and moved it out later in the day.
they generally have stuff at below msrp anyway cause they only buy what Consumer report rates as 1,2,3,
they buy in volume and pay cash.
The down side is there 7 day return policy and no service department
I've purchase a few things there.
I've never actually asked them If they are Authorzed resellers for the Brands they carry
Just be 100% sure your getting the 960 and not a 910:)

How about some more reviews of the TV ?

when I did my comparison of the JVC the 910 and Panasonic They had the colors looking better on the JVC and my wife thought it looked the best
what I was looking at was Mask detail and the fine pitch that the XBR uses clearly Better than the other 2

The DVD was smooth with no apparent grill or grid pattern that you could see on the other 2 sets
I guess from a distance you wouldn't normally see the Masking of the apeture grill Pitch
Color setting can be adjust but

This is a five minute review:

The delivery guys from the good guys were on time and did a good job in setting up the tv - i had my inputs laid out before hand.

I have comcast cable in san jose. I live in a condo at the end of the cable run.

1. Minority Report on HD looks terrific.

2. When I watch the local channels hd version such as kgo, I get a torn upper edge on the picture. When I go to the non-hd version, this does not occur. Don't understand what is happening here. This does not happen on all the local hd channels because the hd channel for the local pbs station fills the screen, though not as sharp as a hd picture can be.

3. Have not seen a dvd yet, will watch seabiscut tonight, though it would only be through s-video for now.

4. Still playing with settings, so nothing to report yet, though it was set to vivid out of the box.

5. The sd channels are not too bad, just watch a minute or two, but I don't notice any major problems yet.

The Circuit City "sale" on the 960 has ended but I will leave it on the xbr960 page because some people are emailing me that they haggled to get the special deal with the stand and the rebate (with the purchase of the dreamsystem). I am trying to keep the site as up to date as possible but it is easier for me if you email me from the page instead of PM'ing me.


It would be appreciated if a new owner could provide a review of the digital OTA tuner.


Thanks and congrats to those who have already taken possession of their 960!

Yes, I know. It was on "Standard" and looked great.

bob

Originally posted by bsd107
My XBR960 came from the factory set to "Vivid" mode, which is a ton brighter than "Normal" (which is the mode I use all the time).

Make sure to check this setting when doing brightness comparisons...

Can anyone who has physically seen the TV confirm or deny the claim from another AVS contributor that the silver "shell" of the 960 has a blue-ish tint to it?

I saw the 960 on a 910 stand at the GGs,it fit perfect but did not match color wise. Yes the 960 has a blue grayish color shell with the black face.You will notice the color difference if you mount on a 910 stand.

Can anyone confirm if CC has this set yet?

Sony now has the new 34"XBR960 stand on its website. There is no picture of it however. I'm guessing its new. Here is the link. http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=sKEsGfl3wegsAbmdrHcmErZn-zsadYDEtSc=?ProductSKU=SU34XBR3&Dept=tv&CategoryName=tv_StandsScreens_27%22to32%22TVStands

I finally got a chance to look at a variety of materials on the TV. Unfortunately, I don't have HD content (satellite or cable) yet -- I'm going to pick up an antenna (indoor, since I live in a condo) and hopefully I'll get some OTA signals.

DVD - tried Little Nemo on my old but reliable Toshiba SD2900 - no progressive - just plain ol' 480i. The picture thus far looks terrific - but it is definitely not as sharp as HD materials (wish I have one of those Roku boxes).

Xbox - I have the Matrix game, which is 1080i material. I set the Xbox to display 1080i and 720p -- and it automatically displays the material in its appropriate resolution. The verdict: definitely better than my DVD player. Picture is sharp and vivid.

To do: I'm going to get Video essentials and calibrate my tv. Dunno yet if I want to get ISF calibration done yet at this point.

I will try to post a lengthier review within the next several days as I get to test out more stuff.

Originally posted by gundyrat1
Now I didint actually look at the model Number cause it well looked just like the 910 I saw there 2 weeks ago on the same stand in the same spot marked down to 1799 for closeout.
So maybe they had it in the back and moved it out later in the day.
they generally have stuff at below msrp anyway cause they only buy what Consumer report rates as 1,2,3,
they buy in volume and pay cash.
The down side is there 7 day return policy and no service department
I've purchase a few things there.
I've never actually asked them If they are Authorzed resellers for the Brands they carry
Just be 100% sure your getting the 960 and not a 910:)

:D -- Ya I was worried about that too -- I couldn't believe it at first that the 960 sticker price was that much lower than MSRP - esp. since it is quite a popular model these days. I was even more surprised that they were willing to knock some $$ off on top of that!

But sure enough - they pulled a XBR960 box out of the back - and it's now sitting in my living room.

Re: warranty - I didn't get any extra warranties. I figure I can buy an extended warranty someplace else (I think I can get them at TV Authority). Plus, my parents had a Trinitron Sony tv from 1979 that still runs today - so I'm quite confident about the quality of the unit.

Originally posted by daumier
Re: warranty - I didn't get any extra warranties. I figure I can buy an extended warranty someplace else (I think I can get them at TV Authority). Plus, my parents had a Trinitron Sony tv from 1979 that still runs today - so I'm quite confident about the quality of the unit.

Don't expect to have the same quality of the new one as the older models. The older Sony TVs were built in Japan and now it is being manufactured in Japan. Some of the members here can say that quality isn't the same as it was before (when TVs were produced in Japan).

Glad you're enjoying your new XBR960!

Well, you've got 2 years from Sony and another year on top of that if you used AMEX or Visa. But I'd be careful about assuming that it'll be completely reliable just because it's an XBR...

Originally posted by daumier

Re: warranty - I didn't get any extra warranties. I figure I can buy an extended warranty someplace else (I think I can get them at TV Authority). Plus, my parents had a Trinitron Sony tv from 1979 that still runs today - so I'm quite confident about the quality of the unit.

Hmmmm..... I read that you have to wait 100 hours of using your tv before you calibrate the set. It needs this time to "settle in".

I think CC Dropped the ball on the 960. GG gets the set in BEFORE cc.....what the?

Point well taken about the quality. Yeah, I may look into aftermarket extended warranties after all. I think TV Authority has a warranty program that one can buy even if the TV is purchased someplace else.

Re: the burn-in time -- since I have alloted my entire home entertainment budget for the summer (according to my wife :D), I'm going to wait until the fall anyway before making decisions on ISF.

Hopefully by this weekend I can have a more thorough review.

Btw - since there were many posts regarding TV stands, I have an Ikea stand that fits the TV quite perfectly. I'll post a pic later today . . .

Which Ikea stand are you using? None of the Ikea stands I have checked out can handle the weight of the TV plus the weight of a center channel speaker plus one component.

I need approx. 40" tall stand for this TV - haven't had any luck finding anything yet.

I'd check into EWs now but wait till your factory warranty is about gone before spending the cash. The EW that TVA sells can be purchased up to 90 days before the original warranty is up. The way I see it, why spend $300 on an extended warranty that you might not need? For example, I bought my 40XBR800 in September and due to some problems, Sony is replacing it with a new model (960). Had I bought an EW, I would have completely wasted that $$$ since the EW wouldn't transfer and the replacement is coming under the original warranty.

Originally posted by daumier
Point well taken about the quality. Yeah, I may look into aftermarket extended warranties after all. I think TV Authority has a warranty program that one can buy even if the TV is purchased someplace else.

Did you only have the 2-year Sony warranty? I take it they do in-house service then? I'm interested in a 960 but don't want to have to buy an extended warranty.

The 40XBR800 has a 2-year in-home warranty and now all XBR sets have 2 years. AMEX will extend the original warranty up to 1 additional year if you make the purchase on the card.

Originally posted by edstalnaker
Did you only have the 2-year Sony warranty? I take it they do in-house service then? I'm interested in a 960 but don't want to have to buy an extended warranty.

But is the warranty on the 960 in-home?

Originally posted by bpt8056
Don't expect to have the same quality of the new one as the older models. The older Sony TVs were built in Japan and now it is being manufactured in Mexico. Some of the members here can say that quality isn't the same as it was before (when TVs were produced in Japan).

Glad you're enjoying your new XBR960!

EDITED: Typed in Japan instead of Mexico. My apologies.

Originally posted by edstalnaker
Which Ikea stand are you using? None of the Ikea stands I have checked out can handle the weight of the TV plus the weight of a center channel speaker plus one component.

I've been using the below stand for 2.5 years now and its worked fine with a 34xbr800, Denon 3801 and several other components totaling up to around 350lbs I think (stand rated to 200lbs). I admit I've had to add a couple shims under it in the last half year but if you took out the legs it'd be fine:

http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=12&langId=-1&categoryId=10414&cattype=sub&parentCats=10104*10173*10414&chapterId=10444

I prefer Sanus' Euro Style Video furniture for my 34XBR. It's modular, so you can make it as high or as low as you want (within reason, of course).

Please, more TV reviews less stand reviews

I'll have a review when they deliver mine tomorrow at 4pm. I'll also post pics of the 960/SUXBR1 stand combo. Can't wait.

Why o Why has CC not recieved them yet? Whats wrong with them???

CC should have gotten them before these other stores. ESPECIALLY GG's...

Hi all,

I picked up mine in Seattle over the weekend and have been testing it out. The OTA tuner seems fine, and I have hooked up a jvc 30k dvhs by ilink and it is quite convenient to record from the tuner to the jvc. It is also really nice to have a remote that can navigate pretty well in this setup.

I think the future is here, the all in one boxes will be VERY convenient for a good number of consumers.

My hdmi cable will arrive this week and I will see how it responds with my Pio59avi.

Grr, I had special ordered one from GG and called them today to discover that "Yes, we have had them in stock, sorry that we didn't call you". Argh, friggin call me people! Thursday morning will be the soonest they can deliver, I must say, with the recent change in ownership of GG I've been more and more dissapointed with them.

Could anyone else please report if they have a DVHS deck connected to the set via I.Link?

On Saturday, I got a phone call from a saleman at GG (told him a month a go that I was interested in the tv and I gave him my number). He told me that the TV was in. Ran out to the store that same day. Looked at it for 10 minutes, wasn't too impressed with the in store demo. But, I have waited over two months for a 34" tv. He matched CC's price + $100 for 3 yrs warranty. So I bought it. Threw it in the back of a friends truck and went home.
It took four guys to move it. This thing is a beast.
I turned it on, first thing that popped up was tilting the screen menu. I thought was odd. But it looked find so I didn't bother changing anything. Then it went straight to scanning for channel. I didn't have an antenna hook-up so I cancelled that.
I connected my Pioneer Dv-47ai via quality component to the tv. I stuck in the Black Hawk Down (superbit). I changed the picture from Vivid to Movie, and I was impressed. I do like the Pro Setting better with an adjustment to the sharpness. I am not an expert at reviewing TV's. I can't tell you how accurate the color is. I can say that the picture is extremely impressive. Too my eyes I can't find any fault. The DRC does make a huge difference on DVD movies. I prefer to set the DRC to high. I can't see any scan line unless I am six inches away and looking for it. I have thrown in other movies, and have been extremely pleased with the picture. Also a feature that I like is that it automatically switches from 4:3 image to 16:9, you don't have to press the screen format button.
Since this is my bedroom set, I will use it mostly for Xbox games and casual DVD watching. I have to say 480p games are excellent, 720p games are stunning.
The sound is clean and clear with plenty of bass.
I will get a good antenna for Hi-Def channel and will report on it.
For now, I only have one complaint, and price isn't it. The remote is terrible for a universal. I can't skip DVD chapter with the remote. I won't be using the remote much.
I highly recommend this TV. With all the features built in like iLink, HDMI, cable card, memory stick. You really can't go wrong with this set. Maybe next year as suggestion, throw in a 120gig hard drive for some Tivo action.

DRC on movies, do you not have a progressive scan DVD player?!?! I thought DRC was disabled for anything higher then 480i...? If you don't have a prog scan DVD player for your new HDTV you need to:

1. Slap self
2. Drop everything and go buy one now
3. Slap self again for good measure

In that order

My Pioneer Dv-47ai is a very fine progressive dvd player. I think the DRC upconverts the progressive image to a 1080i. It says 4x the image quality. I'm not sure. but, I like the results of the DRC.

Originally posted by Sizam
DRC on movies, do you not have a progressive scan DVD player?!?! I thought DRC was disabled for anything higher then 480i...? If you don't have a prog scan DVD player for your new HDTV you need to:

1. Slap self
2. Drop everything and go buy one now
3. Slap self again for good measure

In that order

DRC is not available in 480p, 720, or 1080i (at least, on the Xbox - when I tried playing a 480p game - Unreal Tournament and a 1080i game - Matrix).

DRC was available in 480i when I used my non-progressive DVD player.

Maybe it was the Clear Edge VM that I was playing with. I will check when I get home.

Amazing how everyone who has the TV hasn't hooked up an HDTV tuner to it yet. DVDs are only 480p so they hardly tell the whole story. Hopefully someone will give us an HDTV review soon.

Did anyone receive their set from Sonystyle.com yet? If so, I was wondering did they deliver it on time? Did they double box it? Wondering if they have gotten their act together. The site seems to have poor reviews from what I have seen.

What CC sale was there on the xbr960? I asked two salespeople at my local CC on the east coast and they were clueless as to when they would get the new xbr960 in. They were still selling the xbr910 for $2,499 with an sale on an open box one for $2,099.

It wasnt "official". It was just in their system a good discount :) Thanks to RJB, I got in before they raised the price and pre-bought it. The GG's and Magnolia in the los angeles area does not have the 960 in yet. All places removed the 910 from their showroom floor though.,..

Originally posted by leatherman
Amazing how everyone who has the TV hasn't hooked up an HDTV tuner to it yet. DVDs are only 480p so they hardly tell the whole story. Hopefully someone will give us an HDTV review soon.



Hi,

Since it has a built in hd tuner, there is no need to add a box - except for on demand or ppv.

I think it also upconverts 480p (I'll have to check), I think I remember being able to use the DRC mode when using a progressive scan player in 480p?

I think the point was that nobody has given a review of this set with real HD material yet...like DirectTV HD or cable HD...DVD is nice but HD is where this set should really shine.


Originally posted by jinjinhenry
Hi,

Since it has a built in hd tuner, there is no need to add a box - except for on demand or ppv.

I think it also upconverts 480p (I'll have to check), I think I remember being able to use the DRC mode when using a progressive scan player in 480p?

Originally posted by TH3_FRB
I think the point was that nobody has given a review of this set with real HD material yet...like DirectTV HD or cable HD...DVD is nice but HD is where this set should really shine.


OTA HD is still HD as I recall.:p

ABC sends 720p and has some true hd material. NBC, CBS, PBS also sends 1080i over the air.

The 960 is nice, since it also tells you the resolution sent in the channel info (for instance, on pbskids digital, the 960 tells you it is sent as 480i. PBS HD shows 1080i).

Originally posted by leatherman
Did anyone receive their set from Sonystyle.com yet? If so, I was wondering did they deliver it on time? Did they double box it? Wondering if they have gotten their act together. The site seems to have poor reviews from what I have seen.
Well My delivery is sched for Wed 2 to 4pm I'll let everyone know how Sonystyle handled it although it should be the same box everyone else gets I won't have to install it though thats there job :)

No review yet -- but question for new owners: does your tv take several seconds to actually turn on after you hit the power button? Mine starts by degaussing itself (manual says this is normal), but then it takes about 10 - 15 seconds (I'm guessing here - haven't timed it yet) before it actually shows a picture.

Just want to make sure there is nothing wrong w/ my set.

thx!

D

Went back to GG today. OTA HD on PBS= Stunning. OTA SD= Not even close to my 32xbr100. For now, I can't step backwards for SD because that is what we watch the most. I didn't play w/ DRC but can't believe that's going to get rid of all the artifacts and overall "dull" SD picture. BUT FOR HD, absolutely stunning :)

bob

Thanks for that info spongebob. I mostly watch SD stuff recorded on my TiVo's. And DVD watching is acceptable now on my 36 inch 4:3 TV. I need to replace a 27 inch TV and was seriously thinking of doing it with the 960. But I think I will just get a decent 32 inch 4:3 with four inputs. I will probably wait until there are stand alone HD TiVo's, before getting a 16:9 TV. I'll save the money I was going to spend on the 960, to buy some SA HD TiVo's.

Gordon

Update: But then I go to the CR web site to look at their ratings for 32 inch 4:3 TVs and run across the 910 rating. They rate HD, Antenna and S-Video as excellent. So I guess I need to see SD on the 960 myself before giving up on the 960. Maybe compared to my 36 inch Zenith and 27 inch Mitsubishi and 32 inch JVC, the 960 SD will be fine.

Originally posted by spongebob
Went back to GG today. OTA HD on PBS= Stunning. OTA SD= Not even close to my 32xbr100. For now, I can't step backwards for SD because that is what we watch the most. I didn't play w/ DRC but can't believe that's going to get rid of all the artifacts and overall "dull" SD picture. BUT FOR HD, absolutely stunning :)

bob

But this is not SDTV. Try the set with a DirecTV signal (or at least digital cable) and see if it makes a difference in picture quality. Thanks.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by helser
[B]Thanks for that info spongebob. I mostly watch SD stuff recorded on my TiVo's. And DVD watching is acceptable now on my 36 inch 4:3 TV. I need to replace a 27 inch TV and was seriously thinking of doing it with the 960. But I think I will just get a decent 32 inch 4:3 with four inputs. I will probably wait until there are stand alone HD TiVo's, before getting a 16:9 TV. I'll save the money I was going to spend on the 960, to buy some SA HD TiVo's.

HDTV TIVO receivers exist now.

See: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD-DVR250

Originally posted by daumier
No review yet -- but question for new owners: does your tv take several seconds to actually turn on after you hit the power button? Mine starts by degaussing itself (manual says this is normal), but then it takes about 10 - 15 seconds (I'm guessing here - haven't timed it yet) before it actually shows a picture.

Just want to make sure there is nothing wrong w/ my set.

thx!

D
Hmm My 12 yr old 27" Sony trinitron does that and has since day one
I'm thinking its probably normal

What do you mean "But this is not SDTV"? Of course it is...SD = standard definition. Perhaps you mean that OTA SD is not digital (like digital cable or DirectTV) which isn't necessarily true either. Many stations are broadcasting OTA on their digital frequencies but much of their content is still not HD. IMO the worst PQ will be from analog cable and then analog OTA signals. Digital SD PQ will vary depending on how much compression you're dealing with on a particular channel. My digital HBO (SD) is very nice, my analog HBO is decent, my analog local networks are marginal and some are just plain poor...and this is all on my current non-digital 4:3 set.

Originally posted by igreg
But this is not SDTV. Try the set with a DirecTV signal (or at least digital cable) and see if it makes a difference in picture quality. Thanks.

Originally posted by daumier
No review yet -- but question for new owners: does your tv take several seconds to actually turn on after you hit the power button? Mine starts by degaussing itself (manual says this is normal), but then it takes about 10 - 15 seconds (I'm guessing here - haven't timed it yet) before it actually shows a picture.

Just want to make sure there is nothing wrong w/ my set.

thx!

D

Perfectly Normal. My 4 year of 27" Wega does the same thing. I think it waits for degaussing and warming up of the tube before its fires. So instead of the gradual blank screen to picture transition you see on other TV's, you get instant picture once the warm up process is complete.

Originally posted by igreg
But this is not SDTV. Try the set with a DirecTV signal (or at least digital cable) and see if it makes a difference in picture quality. Thanks.


Great point! Maybe there is hope :) Cant' check DTV or cable at GG, tho!

bob

Originally posted by igreg
[QUOTE]Originally posted by helser
[B]Thanks for that info spongebob. I mostly watch SD stuff recorded on my TiVo's. And DVD watching is acceptable now on my 36 inch 4:3 TV. I need to replace a 27 inch TV and was seriously thinking of doing it with the 960. But I think I will just get a decent 32 inch 4:3 with four inputs. I will probably wait until there are stand alone HD TiVo's, before getting a 16:9 TV. I'll save the money I was going to spend on the 960, to buy some SA HD TiVo's.

HDTV TIVO receivers exist now.

See: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD-DVR250
Yes, I am aware of the DirecTV HD TiVo box. I do not want to go the DirecTV route. That is why I specified stand alone HD TiVo. Stand Alone as opposed to part of a set top box.

Thanks anyway,
Gordon

Well Mine came today the crew From NVC direct Sony styles shipping outfit Called and asked if it was ok to come early.
So they showed up at 1:30 for 2pm to 4pm Sch delivery
It was only Tv on the Truck.

The Box was the same as everyone elses and kinda beat up,
I inspected it and noted it on the sheet.
Then the outer box was removed I inspected the casing for any damage and found none.
Then they brought it in and placed it on the stand.
It is Huge compared to my old 27".

Hitting the power button it came to life in 5 sec with the tilt geometry window.
Then came the channel search,
I cancelled that and proceeded with figuring out what Button brought up My DirecTV.

The Menu selections are nice, Currently I only have 1 RCA composite running to Video 1 and the a lead in from the sat dish for non-audio systems viewing to the UHF/VHF input.
Probably going to go with a Componant out of the AV Reciever to a trandcoder and run HDMI into the Set and then have the Spare DVI-HDMI port to run to the new Projector when I get it.

Then I ran a channel scan took about 10 mins Using just what the cable run to the dish is picking up I managed 7 analog and 7 Digital channels.

The analogs all look like crap pretty much like my old set.
However I'm really impressed with the digital channels No ghosting clear and crisp Probably going to dump local channels from the dish soon.
As for the Pic Quality on DirecTV it is as good as I had with the old 27".

I had a scan line issue but resolved with a cable reposition, the line that runs to the current splitter for the Tv and projector.
has a bad end and if It's not just right I get the swigglies on the Tv and Rolling on the Projector.

Laser Disc Performance is WOW and will probably even get better with the Componant Cable upgrade.

Then I tried the DVD player And it too was fantastic,
Who framed Roger Rabbit looked sweet and silky smooth with eye popping color.

Currently I'm on standard setting the film setting seams just a tad to dark atm.
I havn't tried the PS2 yet.
So far I am very please with its performance and am hoping to get a pic of it soon in action soon :)
The Delivery service
They didnt really know just what White glove delivery meant they did a good job getting it in though
I can say that Although Sonystyle has a bad rap
Eveything went together from the order to the delivery with one small boble I wasn't able to track it using there system.
But it wasnt enroute long enough to worry about it.
It came from Carson Calif.

There's been a lot of posts about people getting theirs but I haven't seen any pictures, so here goes.

Just set up on my XBR1 stand.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~srs2z/960.jpg

Here's a pic comparing the SU-XBR1 stand color to the 960. The 960 has a slightly bluish tint that's a little more matte than the stand.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~srs2z/XBR1standwith960.jpg


The back of my 960, only plugged in a DVD player and my Xbox at this point.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~srs2z/backof960.jpg

The manual.
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~srs2z/manual.jpg

I'll probably post a review after I spend more time with it. I'm going into the service menu to adjust a few things, but my initial impression right out of the box is simply awe.

Alright, back to watching stuff with my jaw on the floor. Just wanted to post concrete pics showing they're out and in homes. Later.

Sorry to inform you that your pictures aren't loading...

..loaded fine for me...now the wait is even worse!...lucky son of a soandso!...it's just plain wrong for me to be sitting home alone with a lonely hdmi cable...

Hmmm...decision to go with CC might have been wrong???

Great pictures, thanks. The color difference is very slight, but I could see how it could drive a person crazy once they see it. It seems to show up more on the front picture than on the close up that you took to show it.

Jamison, don't forget, we're saving some money with CC. Plus, we can return it to the store for 30 days. Is it worth it? I'm not sure!!!!!!!!

I am going to call CC today to see if they have any more info. I called them last Friday and they didn't yet have them in stock. I will let you know what they say.

Originally posted by igreg
But this is not SDTV. Try the set with a DirecTV signal (or at least digital cable) and see if it makes a difference in picture quality. Thanks.


I want to respond to this again to be sure: The "SD" signal I saw was from an OTA antenna plugged into a DTV receiver, feeding the 960 into the video 6 (component) input. The store does not have DTV and I'm not sure why they did this? How is this different from putting the OTA antenna directly into the 960? Is one way SD and the other analog?

thx

bob

Hey Rizzle, thanks for the pics. I'm wondering, is that back connection area located on the left side of the TV as it looks or is that more in the center? I just modified my TV cabinet to fit this beast and just assumed the connection area would be to the right like my 27" wega. uh oh.

Would it be possible to get a wider shot of the back?

When you say "DTV" do you mean DirectTV? So they are using an external digital tuner rather than the internal tuner in the set? No idea why they would do that other than they don't know anything about the set and don't know it has a digital tuner built in. Regardless, it was digital SD either way.

Originally posted by spongebob
I want to respond to this again to be sure: The "SD" signal I saw was from an OTA antenna plugged into a DTV receiver, feeding the 960 into the video 6 (component) input. The store does not have DTV and I'm not sure why they did this? How is this different from putting the OTA antenna directly into the 960? Is one way SD and the other analog?

thx

bob

Originally posted by TH3_FRB
When you say "DTV" do you mean DirectTV? So they are using an external digital tuner rather than the internal tuner in the set? No idea why they would do that other than they don't know anything about the set and don't know it has a digital tuner built in. Regardless, it was digital SD either way.

Yes, Direct TV receiver (Sony)

thx

bob

Originally posted by TH3_FRB
When you say "DTV" do you mean DirectTV? So they are using an external digital tuner rather than the internal tuner in the set? No idea why they would do that other than they don't know anything about the set and don't know it has a digital tuner built in. Regardless, it was digital SD either way.

So they could feed the Showtime/Discovery in house recorderd HD feed through it too?


bob

Originally posted by Acksull
Hey Rizzle, thanks for the pics. I'm wondering, is that back connection area located on the left side of the TV as it looks or is that more in the center? I just modified my TV cabinet to fit this beast and just assumed the connection area would be to the right like my 27" wega. uh oh.

Would it be possible to get a wider shot of the back?

Sure, I'll post a wider pic when I get home from work. Around 2:30 Eastern.

I just wish it came with a DVI-to-HDMI plug adapter in the box, like video cards that come with a DVI-to-VGA adapter as a convenience to the buyer.

Thanks Rizzle for your pictures.

For all new XBR960 owners I have a question:
The manual seems to say that the standard RCA AV output jacks won't work when watching digital cable (HD or SD). Does this mean that the ONLY way to record anything off digital cable would be D-VHS through firewire? If that is the case, do the JVC decks have downconverted to SD AV outputs in order to transfer something to an old standard VHS deck?

foxfan,

I believe that the JVC D-Theater decks will indeed downconvert an HD or digital SD signal.

I just want to know, if I connect a JVC 40K D-theater deck to the firewire connectors and am using Cablecard, will I be able to archive all HD to the D-VHS deck?

This would include the Summer Olympics and shows like Alias???

I'll piggyback on on Segaboy here by asking for a third time, then I'm turning this into another thread: has anyone attempted D-Theatre playback on the set with a deck connected via Firewire?
If so, could you select different audio channels from the tape?

Thanks in advance!

Originally posted by foxfan
Thanks Rizzle for your pictures.

For all new XBR960 owners I have a question:
The manual seems to say that the standard RCA AV output jacks won't work when watching digital cable (HD or SD). Does this mean that the ONLY way to record anything off digital cable would be D-VHS through firewire? If that is the case, do the JVC decks have downconverted to SD AV outputs in order to transfer something to an old standard VHS deck?

I don't have a Sony but i'm pretty sure they're talking about the yellow Video Out jack on the back of the TV (my 32" HD-ready has the same jack). It's there to send on-screen video to an external monitor. Mine outputs on-screen video from all composite and S-Video inputs (such as my digital cable box, DVR, VCR, etc) but will not work if i'm watching DVD or HDTV via the component inputs.

This is probably part of the copy-protection scheme - so that you can't record cheat and record digital (via component) sources through this jack. As long as your digital cable box is connected via composite or S-video, i'm pretty sure the jack will work. I think by "digital" they mean signals on digital sources like HD or DVD.

Originally posted by RandyWalters
I don't have a Sony but i'm pretty sure they're talking about the yellow Video Out jack on the back of the TV (my 32" HD-ready has the same jack). It's there to send on-screen video to an external monitor. Mine outputs on-screen video from all composite and S-Video inputs (such as my digital cable box, DVR, VCR, etc) but will not work if i'm watching DVD or HDTV via the component inputs.

This is probably part of the copy-protection scheme - so that you can't record cheat and record digital (via component) sources through this jack. As long as your digital cable box is connected via composite or S-video, i'm pretty sure the jack will work. I think by "digital" they mean signals on digital sources like HD or DVD.

The 960 doesn't need a set-top box, its got a built in tuner. He was asking if the television would downconvert the feed through the cablecard so it could be sent through the "monitor out" connection, or would he have to buy a D-VHS deck with Firewire in...and if so, do the D-VHS decks downconvert so he can record onto regular VHS tapes.

That's right. Any answers?

According to a salesperson at CC, the Kd-34xbr960's are in the warehouse but not yet in the stores. I will try to get ahold of my salesperson tomorrow to see about scheduling a delivery.

If I hear anything different or get any additional information, I'll post it here.

AWESOME!!!!! Thanks RJB!!!

Originally posted by RJB in Phila
I am going to call CC today to see if they have any more info. I called them last Friday and they didn't yet have them in stock. I will let you know what they say.

For what it's worth, the CC in my area said they had a few in stock, but not in store.

At these CC (locally, not speaking nation wide), they only get stock on Wed & Sat (so if something comes into their warehouse on Thurs, I'll have to wait until Sat evening before they get it.)

I've been told I should be able to pick mine up on Sat. Just 2 more days!

CC called and said the 34XBR960 came in yesterday (Wed) and mine would be delivered on Saturday.

I ordered my set straight from Sony (I'm a Sony Pictures Entertainment employee) and it's going to be arriving on Monday. The SU-34XBR3 stand arrived from FedEx today, so I'll just be staring at an empty stand for the next few days.

As soon as I get the set I'll be hooking it up to my HTPC through a Radeon 9800. I'm going to try using a DVI-HDMI cable. I'm sure it'll be full of surprises, but at least the xbr960 maintains settings for individual inputs, so I should be able to correct the overscan for the HDMI input without messing up the other inputs.

Does anyone else have plans for hooking this up to an htpc?

Originally posted by Rizzle
The 960 doesn't need a set-top box, its got a built in tuner. He was asking if the television would downconvert the feed through the cablecard so it could be sent through the "monitor out" connection, or would he have to buy a D-VHS deck with Firewire in...and if so, do the D-VHS decks downconvert so he can record onto regular VHS tapes.

Can't the cable feed be sent directly to the VCR and passed to the TV?
Is a cable STB required (for a VCR) and if so, shouldn't the cable co. supply one?
Can't the feed be split between STB and TV?
From what I've read, D-VHS recorders will record VHS. But why would you want to subject it to the wear just for VHS?

Originally posted by RJB in Phila
CC called and said the 34XBR960 came in yesterday (Wed) and mine would be delivered on Saturday.


What The??? I called the CC and the warehouse that supplies the 960's to all their stores in southern california does not have ANY. They are empty. I would think los angeles would get them first... I am on the list. I wonder whats up?

Sorry, Jamison. I also would have thought the west coast would have them first, since the other stores such as GG got them early. If you find them somewhere else, you can always cancel CC and buy them from the other store. However, I would guess you will get yours soon.

My first impressions of my new 960 are mixed,my other tv that iam comparing it to is a sony 32HS500.First analog cable is just about unwatchable on this set,channels have excessive noise in the picture as my hs500 does not.Color is also washed out.The good thing is that are no scan lines visible. HDTV channels run though a motorola 5100 box are excellent and very 3d looking,something the HS500 can not do. Other digital cable channels that run though the box are no better than analog channels.Directv run though s-video most channels are again very washed out and have excessive noise.This is most disappointing, As on my hs500 they are for the most part excellent.DVDs run though componet input with monster cables have some visible noise and graininess to them, this is also disappointing as they again look excellent on my HS500.All piciture modes were used in my test with the Movie mode the best.Geometry is off on the left top and bottom right by about quarter inch, also when displaying a 4.3 picture both sides are pinched by about a quarter inch.I know this is a HDTV set first and a sdtv second.But i was expecting analog signals to be on par with my HS500.At this time i do not know if i will keep this set or return it.Comcast is installing a cablecard next week maybe that will make a difference in the analog channels.Have not hooked up a ota antenna do to line of sight problems with sutro tower in san francisco.Iwill say that the new menu and other features on this set are excellent.Will post updates if i go though with the cablecard install and keep this set.

So I wonder where all of this extra noise is coming from? The colour thing doesn't concern me as much, because I'm sure that can be tweaked. But why would this set display any extra noise then other Sony sets? Also, shouldn't this be on par with the 910, which I didn't think had any major complaints about noise (maybe I missed them)?

I ordered mine through Tweeter in San Diego. They say they will have 42 units at the warehouse tomorrow. I am number 5 on the list (pre-ordered). I can't wait.

Anybody have a measurement from the base to the beginning of the screen? I have a shelf and I need the picture to clear the top of the footboard.

Five inches,base to screen.

My local Video Only has these for xxx (oops, I just read the rules and cannot post price); you can usually talk them down a $100 or more bucks.

My question: I have Direct TV Satellite. It's all digital. Will it look good on this tv? I won't invest in a HD Direct Tivo for a few years until the price drops. I really want to get this TV after reading the reviews, but my concerns are picture quality + I am not to ofamiliar with HDTV. and am not sure if this TV is good for my setup.

Shows that are not broadcasted in widescreen, do they look all right when they are stretched to widescreen and do you have the option not to stretch?

I guess all tv is suppose to be broadcasted in HD in 2007. So does that mean will have our regular NBC channel for those who do not have cable (analog) and NBC2 for those who have HD/cable? I can't seem to grasp the concept on how they will broadcast the channels. Thanks

Originally posted by pt270
Five inches,base to screen.

Thanks...

Originally posted by pt270
My first impressions of my new 960 are mixed,my other tv that iam comparing it to is a sony 32HS500.First analog cable is just about unwatchable on this set,channels have excessive noise in the picture as my hs500 does not.Color is also washed out.The good thing is that are no scan lines visible. HDTV channels run though a motorola 5100 box are excellent and very 3d looking,something the HS500 can not do. Other digital cable channels that run though the box are no better than analog channels.Directv run though s-video most channels are again very washed out and have excessive noise.This is most disappointing, As on my hs500 they are for the most part excellent.DVDs run though componet input with monster cables have some visible noise and graininess to them, this is also disappointing as they again look excellent on my HS500.All piciture modes were used in my test with the Movie mode the best.Geometry is off on the left top and bottom right by about quarter inch, also when displaying a 4.3 picture both sides are pinched by about a quarter inch.I know this is a HDTV set first and a sdtv second.But i was expecting analog signals to be on par with my HS500.At this time i do not know if i will keep this set or return it.Comcast is installing a cablecard next week maybe that will make a difference in the analog channels.Have not hooked up a ota antenna do to line of sight problems with sutro tower in san francisco.Iwill say that the new menu and other features on this set are excellent.Will post updates if i go though with the cablecard install and keep this set.


Thanks for your informative post. This is what I feared after viewing non-HDTV on the 910. I don't think ANY HDTV set shows a DirecTV satellite image even close to what an excellent non-HDTV tube can display, and I've seen a lot of them.

If I decide to get a HDTV, it will be with the thought that I will resign myself to watching non-HDTV on my 27" Proton in my bedroom, and HDTV only in the living room. But no too practical. Perhaps the only way I can justify it is to get 42" or larger plaza to REALLY get a magnificant view of sporting events in HDTV. Let's face it, you just don't get the visual impact of a HDTV broadcast sporting event on a 34" tube compared to a large plamsa, or even a 50" DLP. Might even consider DLP if limit my viewig to HDTV on the set.

Any hope that the upcoming 4:3 Sony HDTV set may not have the same problem displaying non-HDTV signals (ala the excellent non-HDTV picture of the 40XBR800 (this would actually be the way to go if the TV was reliable!)

Comments?

Originally posted by bnbhoha
My local Video Only has these for xxx (oops, I just read the rules and cannot post price); you can usually talk them down a $100 or more bucks.

My question: I have Direct TV Satellite. It's all digital. Will it look good on this TV? I won't invest in a HD Direct Tivo for a few years until the price drops. I really want to get this TV after reading the reviews, but my concerns are picture quality + I am not to familiar with HDTV. and am not sure if this TV is good for my setup.

Shows that are not broadcasted in widescreen, do they look all right when they are stretched to widescreen and do you have the option not to stretch?

I guess all TV is suppose to be broadcasted in HD in 2007. So does that mean will have our regular NBC channel for those who do not have cable (analog) and NBC2 for those who have HD/cable? I can't seem to grasp the concept on how they will broadcast the channels. Thanks
Question 1.

There sending you a digital transmission of an analog signal, on my display is shows NTSC for all non HD Directv NTSC =330 lines
I havn't tried VHS yet at 240 lines but I'm sure it won't look any worse than what it did before.
Laser disc output at 425 lines looks good but needed a little tweeking.
It really depend on what your currently viewing and what your expecting,
I was hoping it was going to be at least as good as the pic on my Sony27"EXR and as it turns out it's about the same some times noise is present but can be ajusted out with manual control of DRC
Question 2.
you can watch anything in 4:3,Full screen ,Widescreen,and Zoom wide,
If its letterboxed on the dish it's still letterboxed on this set like LOTR
HD signals net you Vertical adjust and horizontal adjust.
Question 3.
OTA signals what we have here locally is channels 2,6,8,10,12,49,
currently I do not have a VHF/UHF antenna hooked up I'm picking up signal from the Sat dish cable runs I think?
what I get is Analog for the stations mentioned above.
I have them all bocked so only the digital equivalents show.
Depending upon the show you either get HD or SD.
for channel 6 it becomes 6.1=480i 4:3 6.2 =1080i 16:9
so the guide will say KOIN 6.2HD 1080i 16:9
channel 6 becomes 6.1 SD. for Non Hd material
channel 10 is PBS and currently only offers a 480i.
shows that are 480i can be watching with any of the above mentioned screen formats.
Sorry I can't tell you how Cable does it but I imagine it's most likely the same .1.2.3 channel set up.
So far I am please with this thing.
I think some just expect more miracle's for SD from a 2k plus TV. :)

Originally posted by Spiffybiff
For now, I only have one complaint, and price isn't it. The remote is terrible for a universal. I can't skip DVD chapter with the remote. I won't be using the remote much.

Yes you can - when the lid is open (i.e. the remote is in "DVD" mode) use the Channel +/- buttons - it controls the DVD chapter!

I think the million dollar question is does this set have a problem displaying analog cable/and digital non-HDTV channels? Is this just a problem with Direct TV users? So far everyone is saying it is terrible. Is this because of your cable reception or the the TV? It seems like everyone is saying it is the TV because their old TV doesn't have this problem. Can anyone out there compare this TV to the KV-34XBR910 ? I never heard of this problem with the KV-34XBR910 . Is the KV-34XBR910 a better choice?

What's a reasonable width and depth for a rectangular stand for the 960?

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
What The??? I called the CC and the warehouse that supplies the 960's to all their stores in southern california does not have ANY. They are empty. I would think los angeles would get them first... I am on the list. I wonder whats up?

I called CC on Wed night to see if they had it. They said they didn't. :( I called back last night, and got a different answer :confused: (At least on Wed they said they had 4 at the warehouse...) On Thurs, they said they had none anywhere. After several more minutes of questions and tracking, they finally said...

"OH!" You're came in yesterday!

MORONS! :mad: No, they aren't that good... More like less-ons... *sigh* This is exactly -why- I didn't want to deal with this store. I should have just driven the 50 miles each way to deal with a store that has a F'ing clue!
:rolleyes:

Well, I pick my tv up in 11 hours.

My advice, keep calling. I did and got a different answer each time!
-C

wouldnt they hold the set if it is on pre-order?

pt270, I never saw SD or analog on the 34xbr910, I have the 34hs510, but is the picture mode set to vivid when you're watching tv ? Most sets are changed to this my stores, try changing to Pro mode instead - that's what I use to watch HD, SD and analog from my cable carrier. Any difference ?

As for the question raised of how HD and analog signals of the same channel are shown with cable co's, most like mine put all HD channels at a higher # tier, for example Cablevision in the NJ/NY area puts all HD channels in the 700+ tier. The analog are still in the single to double digit #s. With cablecard access into the new Sony's, it would appear the same way - however your cable co. puts the HD channels.

I believe the factory default is "vivid"...or am I thinking about the Sammy DLP :confused:

Originally posted by NorthJersey
pt270, I never saw SD or analog on the 34xbr910, I have the 34hs510, but is the picture mode set to vivid when you're watching tv ? Most sets are changed to this my stores, try changing to Pro mode instead - that's what I use to watch HD, SD and analog from my cable carrier. Any difference ?

As for the question raised of how HD and analog signals of the same channel are shown with cable co's, most like mine put all HD channels at a higher # tier, for example Cablevision in the NJ/NY area puts all HD channels in the 700+ tier. The analog are still in the single to double digit #s. With cablecard access into the new Sony's, it would appear the same way - however your cable co. puts the HD channels.

Here is a pic of the 960 on my ikea stand -- pardon the mess btw :)

hey daumier,
I have monitor audio speakers as well. I have the silver center 12i for a center channel. How did you get the center to stay on top of the TV? I was also thinking of getting that cabinet but building it up a bit and putting the center channel just barely under the tv so its more at ear level.
Thanks
Jeff

Originally posted by sgtpeper
hey daumier,
I have monitor audio speakers as well. I have the silver center 12i for a center channel. How did you get the center to stay on top of the TV? I was also thinking of getting that cabinet but building it up a bit and putting the center channel just barely under the tv so its more at ear level.
Thanks
Jeff

Great speakers btw! I also have the Monitor FXi hanging on the sides (not in the picture) -- I just wish we have a bigger place so we can crank them up.

Re: the center channel - I just carefully put it up on the edge of the tv. It's actually quite secure (unless there is an earthquake, of course). I do wish I can set it closer to ear level, but it is set at an angle - so at least it's directed at me.

Unfortunately I just don't have enough room to put it someplace else - so this will have to do for the moment.

Daumer,

where did you get the set? Are in California (earthquake mention)?

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
Daumer,

where did you get the set? Are in California (earthquake mention)?

Portland Ore at Video Only. They had a great deal on this set. The only problem is, they do not have a 30 days return policy (just exchange). But that's fine by me b/c I'm not planning to return this tv :D

Nice pic daumier. But what's the deal with that large gray emblem on the lower left side of the set? There wasn't anything that obvious on the front of the 910 was there? Kind of distracting given an otherwise attractive cabinet (at least as attractive as direct view's cabinet can be)

Originally posted by UMDMatt
Nice pic daumier. But what's the deal with that large gray emblem on the lower left side of the set? There wasn't anything that obvious on the front of the 910 was there? Kind of distracting given an otherwise attractive cabinet (at least as attractive as direct view's cabinet can be)

Its a sticker.

Hey Jamison

I preorderd my 960 from the CC in Fontana. They called me today and will deliver it on Sunday. Your's will probably be in soon too. They get their stock from the wherehouse in City of Industry. That where you called? Btw, thanks for the heads up on the deals earlier in this thread man. I got the ht6600 and the financing.

Originally posted by JamisonBWolsh
wouldnt they hold the set if it is on pre-order?
Yes they will. They are holding mine. Just don't expect them to know where it is! :( They "temporariliy lost mine" for a while... less than 2 hours now... and I don't have to deal w/ CC again (ever!) At least this one here... :(

Originally posted by daumier
Here is a pic of the 960 on my ikea stand -- pardon the mess btw :)

Hey thanks! It looks nice on top of that stand. I think I'm going to build my own, but if I wuss out, I'll probably pick up the Ikea stand.

-C
Ps. Great choice in movies ;) That's the first one I plan to throw in when I get home tonight!

This is stand I have prepared for my 960 which will arrive tomorrow morning.

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v290/smirnoffski/DSC04208.jpg


Circuit City has this for only $179.99!! I thought it was a Bell'O when I first saw it with black glass shelves all around. Build quality is excellent, it is easy to assemble and can manage lots of weight.

Here it is on CC's site. (but looks wayyy better in my photo.)

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&catoid=-9798&qp=0&oid=69535&m=0

Can someone please measure the exact depth (front to back) at the maximum. I know the measurements off the Sony site but need to confirm with a real-world measurement.

Thanks-

22 inches at the base where it sits on the stand,twenty three and seven eights overall.

so daumier how is the TV?

I have noticed that some of the artifacts go away when your using it as a monitor via the video inputs
I'm playing around with the DRC custom settings also picked up a disposable HD camera so hopefully i'll have a couple pics soon

Originally posted by UMDMatt
Nice pic daumier. But what's the deal with that large gray emblem on the lower left side of the set? There wasn't anything that obvious on the front of the 910 was there? Kind of distracting given an otherwise attractive cabinet (at least as attractive as direct view's cabinet can be)
the emblem refers to the Digital Reality Creation
Not sure if that is a feature on the 910

Originally posted by CPanther95
Anybody have a measurement from the base to the beginning of the screen? I have a shelf and I need the picture to clear the top of the footboard.


Remember that the IR receiver is down there, too!

Originally posted by UMDMatt
Nice pic daumier. But what's the deal with that large gray emblem on the lower left side of the set? There wasn't anything that obvious on the front of the 910 was there? Kind of distracting given an otherwise attractive cabinet (at least as attractive as direct view's cabinet can be)

It's a removable sticker with the "DRC - Digital Cable Ready" logo.

Shouldn't that be "DCR?"

my scan lines and video noise disappear when I switch it over to video in only.
That pretty much shows the culprit is either the sat box or Video interconnect or RF input/VHF/UHF

Originally posted by gundyrat1
my scan lines and video noise disappear when I switch it over to video in only.
That pretty much shows the culprit is either the sat box or Video interconnect or RF input/VHF/UHF

Video in or component in?

bob

If anyone's interested (and in Salt Lake), the CC in Fort Union has an XBR960 on display (and I assume for sale, didn't ask how many they had). They're selling it for MSRP though. =( The sales guy that I talked to didn't know squat about it and kept trying to sell me some Samsung DLP rear-projection TV.

Pretty much exactly like an XBR910, except that the onscreen display was much nicer (at least I seem to remember that the XBR910 has the same OSD as the XBR800?).

Originally posted by spongebob
Video in or component in?

bob
Composite Video Monster RCA Video cable
my Cobalt Compoant cables should be here tuesday.
My Sat Rf feed into the RF jack on theTV could also be the problem it's a cheapo push on style thin wire.

GIGO, need good cables.

More about the total depth of this big guy.

Is the patch panel in the back recessed enough or do we need to add an inch or so for the power cord and cables to stick out past the back of the unit?

I am looking to put this guy in a closed back entertainment unit with pocket doors. There is a rectangular cutout but I'm afraid it is not big enough to accommodate the 960.

OK. So TV finally came and here are my preliminary impressions:

I will be comparing the 960 with a 4 year 27in Sony tube which it replaces and a 36XBR450 which we have in the family room.

HDTV.
Viewing distance at 7 feet with setting on Pro using the integrated tuner.
On my XBR450, I have the Moto 5100 box from Comcast, with which I just pay $5 box rental fee and pick up the following channels (PBS-HD; NBC-HD; ABC-HD; CBS-HD; FOX-HD & ESPN-HD.) On the 960, the integrated tuner picked up all but ESPN and the channel arrangement did not correspond with the 5100 I have on my 450. But the PQ was noticeably better on the 960.
Although the integrated tuner is convenient, it is not very functional when compared to the 5100. When I find the time, I plan to hook up the 5100 to the 960 to see if there are any PQ differences with HD.

DVD
Using a 3 year old non-progressive Sony DVP-S560D through S-video, which I had on my previous 27in Sony, the DVD quality was not that great but I expect results to drastically improve when my Denon 2200 is delivered on Tuesday. The DVD quality through S-video was better on my 27in Sony.

ANALOG
DO NOT BUY THIS SET FOR ANALOG SIGNALS! They look horrendous, I would stick to a 32in Analog Sony set if I want the best PQ quality on analog. Analog looks much better on my XBR450 than it does on the 960 and better on the 27in. The fine pitch tube only further worsens the degradations associated with analog. But since I plan to use this set for HD and DVD, this is not much of a problem for me.

Kudos to Sony excellent menu interface and they finally listened to consumers and reviewers and included memory inputs for video settings!



By next Wednesday, I will have a Nintendo Gamecube and Denon 2200 DVD player both running through component on my 960, I then plan to post more in depth impressions.

Is this what they call a love/hate relationship?:

Thanks to daumier I found a good deal at the nearby Video Only--but he got the last one they had in stock.

:p

I forked out just under 2K and came home with an XBR1 stand, a set of component cables,and a three year extension on the warranty (GE) for a set I don't have yet.

To top it off, I already have another stand I plan to use.

Anyone in the Portland area with a strong back and access to a pickup want to trade use of said back and pickup for an XBR1 stand?

I don't currently have an HD TV but have been anxiously awaiting the 960. I have a Dish Network 811 HD receiver with the HD program package and also local channels package. I also have an OTA antenna and receive digital channels from most of the locals.

My question is regarding the comments about the 960's picture quality on analog signals. Am I receiving all digital signals and therefore do not need to be concerned about the PQ from analog signals?

I'd be very concerned on *anything* but HD and DVD's :(

bob

Don't understand why the analog signals are so bad. Are the digital non-HDTV signals any better? Also, are the analog signals even watchable ?

My OTA tuner found 7 analogs and 7 digitals now I'm not using a Antenna yet so I actually only get 1 Channel clearly 99% of the time and 3 others 50% of the time.
But the one that does come in has the .1and .2 setting plus during the day its SD.
I blocked all the analogs as without the antenna All i got was a fuzzy picture but on the Digital side I received a clear crisp clean signal in Sd,480i and 1080i
Prob going to buy a cheapy set top before investing in a terk 55 or some type of waffle iron for the roof

I ordered a 960 because 80% of my TV viewing is DVDs, shows already broadcast in HDTV or sports (which are going to HDTV widescreen at an accelerating rate for obvious reasons).

Even though SD is not my priority, I waited to order until I could see how this TV handled SD in the video store. I'm not willing to buy a set if I find SD is unwatchable on it.

I ran through a number of channels and thought the picture compared reasonably well with the better 4:3 non-HD sets in the store. I noticed some artifacting, but nothing nearly as bad as I get from my analog cable connection now. Tolerance for less than ideal picture quality varies a lot from one person to another. I wouldn't give much weight to anyone else's opinion--you have to see it for yourself, preferably where you can compare this set's SD directly to a good quality SD set.

If I watch a lot of HDTV or progressive scan DVD on an HD set, I figure most SD is going to look pretty bad by comparison no matter how well it is rendered.

Does anyone have a receipt from Circuit City so that I can get the sales clerk to honor the previous sale price of $2,049 + free stand?

If you do can you email it to me?


Thanks,
MM

Took the dive today and bought it. Circuit City sent us a 10%off coupon in the mail for TVs 100 and up (no exclusions). In Seattle, they do not have this TV yet. I noticed my Video ONly had it on display for 2K and had them on order for Wednesday. Circuit City said that I can pre-order for $2199 but they wouldn't pm Video Only for $1999 AND give me 10% off.

I went back to Video ONly and they said they would take Circuit City coupon + free delivery (1799 + Tax); however, they wouldn't take my AMEX card and my other credit card was maxed out (but payment was pending and would have taken a couple of days to post). So I went back to Circuit City and spoke w/ manager and told him that Video Only is willing to take their coupon and that if they they would be kind to give me the same deal. They okayed it but w/o free shipping. So $1853 out the door + on order for 2+ weeks + double the warranty by using my AMEX gold card. THey also have a promotion with comcast. If I buy digital cable through them, Comcast will give me $100 rebate; this is for all customers regardless if they bought a TV or not. Now how do I get a free stand :)

Good luck to all.


p.s. employee said that they get things at cost and that his price was $1753. I am more than sure that it's not true cost, it's probably cost +10%, but they say they get everything at cost though.

p.p.s CC told be that there was a $200 rebate on the HTIB. After going through the posts here and reading the rebate link posted, it appears that there is a $400 rebate. I'll trying going back tomorrow and ask them if I could still put everything on one receipt.

bnbhoha,

Do you have a scan of the receipt or coupon so that I can try and get the same deal here?


Thanks,
MM

CC has a 30 day return policy.... if they refuse, Just return it and get the same deal again (and this time put the 6600dp on the same receipt)

wonder if an inline DC block would cure the scan lines on SD with Audio
i'm also going to get a Terminator for the unused Rf input

Congrats on the good deal. FYI - Amex doesn't double the factory warranty, it extends it for up to one year. Since the XBR sets come with a 2-year factory warranty Amex will give you an additional year.

Originally posted by bnbhoha
So $1853 out the door + on order for 2+ weeks + double the warranty by using my AMEX gold card.

I would love to see a picture of the back of the 960. I would like to see if it will fit in my current TV stand.

Thanks!!!

gundyrat1,

Which terminator are you going to use on the unused RF input?

I was thinking about the same thing, but have not done much research yet.

Were you going to use it on the Terrestial Antenna input or the Cable TV input. I will be using CableCard, so the antenna input is what I need to 'cap-off'.

Originally posted by leatherman
Don't understand why the analog signals are so bad. Are the digital non-HDTV signals any better? Also, are the analog signals even watchable ?

2 questions on this:

-Has anyone played with the DRC settings in analog/sd?

-Has anyone confirmed crappy picture using built in HD tuner? I only saw analog/sd with component in from a DTV receiver using an OTA antenna patched through it.

bob

What is HTIB, regarding a rebate? I wentot my local dealer and watched a 910. IT looks like the analog signals go through the digital circuitry and then you get it on the screen. I would bet that is what you are seeing on the 960 also. Is it any better with a DTV input signal, versus analog OTA?

S

What is the deal with the ANTI REFLECTIVE COATING?

Here's a product page for the KV34XBR910:

[can't post url yet cuz i'm a noob - coming soon]

notice the first bullet point under features:

*A/R Anti Reflective Coating

which is listed ahead of that other thing that made this set so awesome - the Superfine Pitch CRT

So I'm a bit concerned because none of the information we've seen on the KD34XBR960 so far indicates that there is and Anti Reflective Coating. Do any of the new owners know what the deal is?

It looks like there's an anti-reflective coating to me.

Just a couple of notes on the 34XBR960 that I have only played around with for a few hours:

As has been mentioned, the default setting under the Video/Mode menu is "Vivid" which is pretty horrible, even with DVD's. I used "Pro" but Standard looked better with SD TV, I think. However, as I think someone recommended, the brightness setting with Pro needs to be turned up.

I changed the color temperature to Neutral which also looked better. Under Color Axis, I changed it to "monitor" in order to reduce the red push.

I have not figured out the ClearEdge and DRC Palette yet. I didn't notice any differences with these features.

Analog TV looked pretty bad at first, but when changing the Video Mode to Pro or Standard, it looked better. Also, I turned down the sharpness which also helped but this lower level of sharpness didn't look as impressive with HDTV.

HDTV looked unbelievable. Even my wife, who thought this was all a waste of time and money, was quite impressed. We watched a program about Rome tonight on PBS and it was amazing. DVD's also looked great.

The top of the TV has enough space for my Ascend center speaker which weighs 26 pounds and is 7.5" x 21" x 10.5". If I had young kids, I would probably want to secure it better, but it seems fine for now.

So far, I am very happy with the purchase. The size is perfect for my 13x16 foot room which is dedicated to home theater since my viewing distance is only 7 feet or so.

so it's something you can actually see?

So I guess I need to have three posts before I can post urls.

http://www.dynaco.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=KV-34XBR910&Category_Code=TVto40

yeah... so there you go. Odd that it would be something Sony would touting as an important feature for the 910 and then no mention of it at all for the 960

Anti-Reflective coating.
From what I can find on Sony's website and in the "960" manual it is not referred to as such. I think that Sony may consider that phrase "out-dated" or already implied. Like here: "Sony's FD Trinitron picture tube is set apart by outstanding clarity and detail, pinpoint corner-to-corner focusing, minimal glare and accurate image reproduction. These come from Sony's Fine Pitch Aperture Grille, a High Focus Electron Gun, a Flat Glass Panel and Sony's High-Precision Deflection Yoke."
This was from their website. Here. (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/LC_BrowseCatalog-Start;?CategoryName=lc_pr_p_screen_size_tv&DCMP=LC_TV&HQS=fasset_3)
In the manual it is refered to as follows:
"Presenting the Trinitron WEGA"
"The FD Trinitron Wega is characterized by outstanding contrast, uncompromising accuracy, and corner to corner detail.
You will recognize the superiority of Wega technology almost immediately. The first thing you will notice is minimal glare from the flat picture screen." The flat-screen technology improves picture detail without distortion.....so you can enjoy a bright, clear picture from any location in a room."
This was taken from page 9 of the KD34XBR960 manual.

What I believe Sony is saying (IMHO), is that their technology implies anti-reflective is used on their flat screen tubes.

Originally posted by Segaboy
gundyrat1,

Which terminator are you going to use on the unused RF input?

I was thinking about the same thing, but have not done much research yet.

Were you going to use it on the Terrestial Antenna input or the Cable TV input. I will be using CableCard, so the antenna input is what I need to 'cap-off'.
A 75ohm coax "F" type terminator and i'll put it on the cable Side.

I received my Cobalt Componant cables today Naturally I didn't order the right size on the short run from the DVD player to my VSX-49TX,
took a little bit before I figured out why I had sound but no picture.

I also replaced that thin push-on type cheapo RF cable for an RG6.
Well I now have no OTA channels I guess that cheapo wire was radiating like an Antenna.
So now with the SAT( Non HD) on going just thru the RF I do not have the half cocked horizontal scan lines anymore and the Noise in the picture is also gone.
Running through the HT Receiver now on the 960's Video input 5 all others are skipped everything now runs to the TV via the Componant cable.
The DVD player really didin't improve much. Cannot decide which is better Auto progressive or just full on progressive on the DVD player menu.
The VHS looks remarkably better and the Laser disc player Is now at the WOW level.

The sat dish however is watchable it just isn't that impressive its only 9yrs old maybe I need to move up to a HD model.
Not sure what direction to go though Stay the Course and plunk down another 799 like my current model was Priced 9yrs ago or Try Voom or the Dishnet
What ever I get I must have an RF capable remote!
and then put an Antenna Farm on the roof for the local stuff that will get dropped from Directv shortly.

As for the question asked about Analog vers Digital OTA reception If you can get everything Digital block all the Analogs everything looks better on the Digital side SD 480i HD 480P and 1080i

I was in a panic after reading the posts regarding SD to take delivery of my new 960 today. I bought it through the Sony employee program which does not allow returns. I do a majority of my watching of SD content. Therefore, I was horified that the picture would be terrible. Have no fear, the Directv channels look great after you play with the DRC settings. I have HiDef Tivo. Initially the picture wasn't great. Then I outputued all of the SD stuff via 480i and let the 960 DRC take over and the picture is amazing. Far better detail than my previous XBR analog set that I have had for the past 10 years. The wide zoom mode even looks great. Just make sure that you have the satellite receiver set to 16:9 first and you should be very happy. The folks that have concerns must not have a good Directv signal.

The HiDef and DVD's are beyond description. The antiglare screen is a joy and does not take away from the screen brightness or contrast at all. This is the best picture that I have seen and am very happy all the way around.

Don't worry if you have Directv. Any other source, I could not say as I know that cable signals are not as good as a whole.

Thanks for the post Trojanlaw. I like so many others have seen terrible non-HDTV images on this set; however, I have been waiting for someone to test this set with the best Non-HDTV signal available, DirecTV. Could you explian a liitle about what you did to get the great image from DirecTV? When you say outputed all the SD stuff via 480i, what does this mean? I would assume that you would connect the DirecTV set top box to the XBR960 and set the DirecTV box to 480i, is their any other option for non-HDTV? Was the DRC adjustmetns critical? Thanks.

Thanks for the post Trojanlaw. I like so many others have seen terrible non-HDTV images on this set; however, I have been waiting for someone to test this set with the best Non-HDTV signal available, DirecTV. Could you explian a liitle about what you did to get the great image from DirecTV? When you say outputed all the SD stuff via 480i, what does this mean? I would assume that you would connect the DirecTV set top box to the XBR960 and set the DirecTV box to 480i, is their any other option for non-HDTV? Was the DRC adjustmetns critical? Thanks.

Trojanlaw or RJB: Comments on DVDs, especially compared to DVDs on the 910??

Originally posted by powerdog
Trojanlaw or RJB: Comments on DVDs, especially compared to DVDs on the 910??

The 960 is a bit smoother and has much more pop on the screen if you want it. The picture literally jumps at you if you set it right.

With regard to Directv, I must modify my post above. First, the picture does require alot of playing around with through the picture mode and drc. After that, the PQ depends a lot on the quality of the channel. I had only watched about four SD channels before posting above. There are many other channels, however, that are not as good. They can still look very good from four feet away, however, you can see artifacts and edges if you are within four feet. The picture on an analog set will be much smoother for these SD channels, however, I have found that even without the smoothness, the 960 makes these channels much more 3D and much more vibrant. The adjustments to Picture Mode and DRC are essential for the bad channels to look good, but it can be done. I have not found a single channel that is "Unwatchable" as many have posted. It is important to note that I have not found any additional distortion going with the Wide Zoom mode. Accordingly, you can watch everything ion wide screen with a good picture for the SD stuff.

In short, if you have a strong Directv signal, don't panic about the SD channels. The 960 can handle them. Its all subjective though.

There should be no dispute that this is the best picture your money can buy with regard to HD content or DVD playback. It is amazing.

Trojanlaw or RJB: Comments on DVDs, especially compared to DVDs on the 910??

At first, I was disappointed in the picture quality of DVDs since the picture was set to "Vivid". However, once I changed to Pro or Standard and increased the brightness, it looked great. I am very satisfied with the picture quality of DVDs. Of course, the picture quality is not as amazing as that of HDTV, which now makes me want to either get one of the new upscaling DVD players or hope for an early coming of HD DVD. I am currently using a several year old progressive scan DVD player. Turning off the progressive scan results in a noticeable decrease in picture quality, especially the color intensity, so I would definitely recommend someone go with at least a progressive scan player.

Sorry, I can't compare the 960 to the 910 since I never saw the 910 playing DVDs.

With regard to comments on poor SD pictures due to "weak" DirecTV signal, and purportedly better picture with "strong" DirecTV signal, please be advised that DirecTV is digital. It's either you have it perfect, or you don't. A true weak signal will result in frequent dropouts, freezes, or just a blank screen. But that has nothing to do with picture quality that people are complaining about.

For those that wonder about the picture quality differences between 910 and 960, as though you are trying to make to new-purchase decision, please just remember that people will make subjective comments, baseless for the most part. You'll need the two TVs side by side, under the same lighting condition, calibrated to the same standards, and showing the same video program. I doubt any poster here would have that setup before commenting.

If you are in a market for a new 34" tube HDTV, then get the 960. It is a better value-added TV compared to the 910. Picture quality should be at least as good as the 910, although at this point, I am still extremely skeptical about claims that the 960 somehow looks better without more data on the test setup and evaluation methodology.

Anyone on the East coast get the 960 yet?

This may be true but the specific DirectTV tuner/dish you use has a significant impact on PQ. I just bought my dad a new DirectTivo to replace one of the standard tuners he had and the PQ improved dramatically (on a standard 4:3 analog 32" set) with the new gear...for some reason the Tivo required a new dish too so this migh have been part of it. Bottom line is that digital may be digital, but the equipment that gets it from the air to your screen makes a significant difference.

Originally posted by NTN1
With regard to comments on poor SD pictures due to "weak" DirecTV signal, and purportedly better picture with "strong" DirecTV signal, please be advised that DirecTV is digital. It's either you have it perfect, or you don't. A true weak signal will result in frequent dropouts, freezes, or just a blank screen. But that has nothing to do with picture quality that people are complaining about.

Anyone on the East coast get the 960 yet?

I had mine delivered last Saturday and others have gotten it as well. I don't know if they're in the stores yet, however.

I asked for a picture of the back of the 960, but now all I want is a description. I know the documentation say the back is 25 inches in length, but I wanted to know what percentage of the back is the little tube.

This is a view from the top( I know I can't draw)

Front Back
|====|
| XXX |||| <-- Little tube in back
|====|



Thanks!!!

Mine is in the local freight terminal :)

Originally posted by RJB in Phila
I had mine delivered last Saturday and others have gotten it as well. I don't know if they're in the stores yet, however.

How many tuners and of which type does the xbr960 have?

Can I for instance use an OTA antenna on one RF input to tune in ATSC and NTSC channels, and have the 2nd RF input connected to cableTV and tune QAM channels that the Cable Co's STB would normally tune?

How does the Cable card interact with the tuner(s)?

There is one on display at CC in Princeton, NJ. And it is on Sale at CC till Sat. 7-17. I had them look in inventory and there was something like 27 in the warehouse ready to be shipped to the stores on Thur.

I asked for a picture of the back of the 960, but now all I want is a description. I know the documentation say the back is 25 inches in length, but I wanted to know what percentage of the back is the little tube.

The tube tapers back but not as much as I would have thought. The height in the back is still 22.5" and the width is 20" at it's minimum. The lower half of the back is inset slightly so the cords can fit easily underneath, but the inset is only about 2"

IF YOU ADJUST THE 960 FROM VIVID TO "PRO" OR STANDARD, WILL THAT WORK FOR BOTH HDTV AND SD DISPLAYS?

s

IF YOU ADJUST THE 960 FROM VIVID TO "PRO" OR STANDARD, WILL THAT WORK FOR BOTH HDTV AND SD DISPLAYS?

Yes. One limitation is that it will only remember one setting for all TV viewing, whether it is HDTV or SD, so you have to adjust through the menus if you want to use say Standard for HDTV and Pro for SD. At least this is the way it is with my cable set-up.

Just got mine. 1694.00 + tax :)

[Edit] I should mention that I know the guy who owns the store I bought from very well. That being said, to all of you PM'ing me, I'll ask him if I can give out his company's name and if his normal price is at or around what I got it for and get back to you. He's in MA though if that helps anyone.

[Edit part deux] OK, here's the deal: I'm going to call my guy tomorrow and ask 1) what his price is for the average joe off the street and 2) if I can give out his name on the interweb thing. I don't want to piss him off by telling you all you can get the set for the same price I did. So tomorrow some time I'll return PM's with info.

[Edit: editing with a vengence] Just talked to my friend and he said, "Yeah, that's way below our normal retail." So sorry guys, you wouldn't be able to get my price. To those who PM'd me, I'll tell you the store because it is independently owned and you might get them to price match.

I haven't spent too much time with mine yet, but I've got one question. Shouldn't it automatically switch the scaling mode for Full when it starts receiving HD content?

I prefer watching SD in the regular 4:3 mode, but it's a bit annoying having to switch over to Full mode each time I hit a 16:9 HD feed. The HD feed is from my Comcast cable box BTW.

I managed to get my HTPC running through the HDMI input at 1280x720 and the HD movies that I've been watching really look spectacular. It definitely helps to set that colour option to monitor to eliminate the red push.

Originally posted by Phantastica
I haven't spent too much time with mine yet, but I've got one question. Shouldn't it automatically switch the scaling mode for Full when it starts receiving HD content?

Yes, you need to set your advanced video settings as to how you want the TV to respond to 4:3 content and make sure the memory is on. Then set it to what you want for 16:9 and it should automatically change for you.

I just Recieved the 960!!! It truly is a great set!

Question:

Is it ok to watch SD in 4:3 ? I heard you can get burn in if you watch too much of this??? I have been watching wide Zoom for the sd material...

No go on my cablecard install today by comcast on my 960.After about an hour of trying could not get it to download anything.It showed that card was installed but would not show any channels when searching.Hopefully they will find out what the problem is soon as this is one of the main reasons for me buying the xbr960.Any one else have problems with this feature not working on their 960.

Hey Phantastica
Do tell more, I am very intereste in this set. I have just read almost the entire post and I swear your is the first hdmi mention. I currentl have a denon 5900 with the DVI. Unfortunately it's hooked up via component since my current hd doesn't have dvi/hdmi. Oh BTW what player are you using?

I just read this entire post in one sitting, quite the read. Too bad this set wont be available in Canada, I live in Montreal, and wont even have the opportunity to view it, let alone buy it. That is unless of course I dont mind crossing the border and coming back with an expensive item that has no warranty for me. Which imho would be foolish.

I know the xs955 has fewer goodies, but I wonder it it's the same CRT as the 910 and 960...

For all I know, I might settle for an hs model since Im buying a z2 projector aswell, and the extra $1000 would be a welcome savings.

From what I have read, with the correct settings, the 960 DOES display a decent DirectTV image, I wonder how the hs models fare here.

Decisions decisions....

Originally posted by pt270
No go on my cablecard install today by comcast on my 960.After about an hour of trying could not get it to download anything.It showed that card was installed but would not show any channels when searching.Hopefully they will find out what the problem is soon as this is one of the main reasons for me buying the xbr960.Any one else have problems with this feature not working on their 960.
I'll find out Friday if I have similar problems. But here's something interesting: I already get a number of digital and HD channels without the Cable card installed just by connecting the cable from the wall to the Cable RF input of the TV. The HD channels I'm getting are ESPN-HD, INHD, and INHD2. I have basic, not digital, Comcast service in Tuscaloosa.

The HD channels I'm getting are ESPN-HD, INHD, and INHD2. I have basic, not digital, Comcast service in Tuscaloosa.

are you getting abc, cbs, nbc etc.?

You should get all HD (ok, DTV really, which includes SD) channels that your cable company is supplying unscrambled. I believe that the only channels that are required to be provided unscrambled are the HD locals, so enjoy it while it lasts!

In my area, when I hooked up a QAM reciever I only got the local channels in HD, along with the Style channel, the Golf Channel, an ESPN promo channel, We, the Weather Channel and a munch of digital music channels.

I just got a few new prices if anyones interested:

http://www.geocities.com/kd34xbr960/Theofficial34xbr960page.html

If you would like to add your best deal to the page please email me with the price for the
1) tv
2) warranty
3) and the location (also include any extras; stand etc)

thanks

Originally posted by spider4re
are you getting abc, cbs, nbc etc.?

Unfortunately, COMCAST is not offering any network HD feeds yet. I talked to a CC employee this morning who talked to a COMCAST tech who said they are in the process of installing a tower between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham that will allow them to offer the Birmingham HD channels in Tuscaloosa.

Can someone please measure the dimensions of the box the 960 comes in...I need to plan transportation of this thing.

Thanks-

Joel

Originally posted by absolutezerok
Hey Phantastica
Do tell more, I am very intereste in this set. I have just read almost the entire post and I swear your is the first hdmi mention. I currentl have a denon 5900 with the DVI. Unfortunately it's hooked up via component since my current hd doesn't have dvi/hdmi. Oh BTW what player are you using?

Well, I called and asked Comcast if the DVI port was enabled on the HD Box and the guy asked his manager and came back saying "No, it's definitely not". But I figured I'd give it a shot anyways and to my (partial) surprise it actually worked. So right now I'm running the HD Cable Box (Motorola 6200 I believe, with firmware 7.10) to the set through a DVI->HDMI cable and the picture is absolutely incredible. I'm receiving all of the local broadcasts, as well as ESPNHD, INHD 1 & 2, and HBOHD. Everything looks really great through the DVI cable and there were no apparent handshaking issues with connecting it. I didn't do an A/B comparison with the component input, but it obviously doesn't look worse.

I use a HTPC for DVD/HD playback and I was initially connecting it to the set through a DVI->HDMI cable. The HDMI input seemed to be very picky about the resolutions that it was receiving. However, it's hard to say whether or not that was with my Radeon 9800 or the set. 1280x720p with DVI/HDCP timings in powerstrip worked though, but there was a bit of overscan. I ended up using ATI's Component Adapter and that instantly let me feed a whole lot more resolutions/timings to the set.

I'll probably keep it like this for now, as the component output from the PC looks great, as does the DVI->HDMI output from the cable box.

Right now I'm using a Monster DVI->HDMI cable, but that is going to be returned once my DVI->HDMI cable comes in from Pacific Cable (should be tomorrow). You could say that at $120, the Monster cable is a "tad" overpriced!

My next step is going to be trying to record HD to my PC through the firewire port from the Comcast box. I'm already playing back 720p and 1080i TS files from my computer to the set and they also look pretty incredible. The XBR960 is doing a good job of switching display modes based on the resolutions that it's receiving. Games at 1700x1080i are also looking very nice. This set is performing far beyond my expectations, which may have been kind of low considering I was coming from a 20inch Toshiba.

One question, is it possible to skip the inputs that don't have anything connected to them when switching inputs with the TV/VIDEO button?

Thanks, I looked up pacific digital cable
http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI.htm
They're only 10 min away from where I live and have great prices.

My TV is still on order: question- DVI to HDMI is it a male to male cable? & Do I need a dual link or single link?

DVI HDMI

Just a noob question but what are these? Do these just do video or do they do audio as well? Because I want my cable to run through the stereo as and I dont think my reciever (pioneer elite 45tx) has those connections? COuld just be my noob-ness :).
Please explain!
Thanks
Jeff

AFAIK, no reciever yet has DVI/HDMI inputs (ok, maybe there are some in the 'ridiculous' price range, but those for us mere mortals only seem to come with 2 component inputs max). You can get DVI switchers, but they're also somewhat expensive (couple hundred $$ or more). (Oh, very nice reciver BTW. I ended up geting a VSX-35TX when my old VSX-95 Elite got a hum in it's pre-amp and I decided it was time to move into the digital age...maybe someday I'll fix it.).

As for the actual cables/systems:

DVI: does only video, both digital and analog.
HDMI: only digital (backwards compatible with DVI), but will also do digital sound.

Of course, to get sound + video out of HDMI, both ends have to be HDMI.

So just hook up the DVI-HDMI cable to your TV and the sound up to your reciever. If you did happen to get an HDMI based box likely it will have separate audio outputs (so as to be able to work with older DVI-only TVs), so you could just hook those straight to your reciever. However, the the XBR960 should also send the audio from the HDMI signal out it's optical digital output on the back. At least that's what I'm assuming it will do and isn't only there to get the digital audio signal from the HD Tuner out of the TV.

Originally posted by Phantastica
I use a HTPC for DVD/HD playback and I was initially connecting it to the set through a DVI->HDMI cable. The HDMI input seemed to be very picky about the resolutions that it was receiving. However, it's hard to say whether or not that was with my Radeon 9800 or the set. 1280x720p with DVI/HDCP timings in powerstrip worked though, but there was a bit of overscan. I ended up using ATI's Component Adapter and that instantly let me feed a whole lot more resolutions/timings to the set.

I'll probably keep it like this for now, as the component output from the PC looks great, as does the DVI->HDMI output from the cable box.


OMG please tell me what timings or how you got the 960 setup with your 9800! Did it work better with the DVI cable or with the Component dongle, could you tell me your timings to? Thank you thank you thank you if you do. I'm planning on getting a 9800 Pro and would like to plug it into the 960 (mmmm widescreen World of Warcraft...).

Thanks!