Congratulations, looks like you get to start the "Official 2005 Sony KDSR-50/60XBR1 SXRD Owner's Thread" Bombthroat, of course you realize that in this case starting an owners thread is an obligation, not a privelege. :p

Wow that is a high MSRP. I just purchased a 60" today from Sears using shopsunshine.com as a pricematch. This included the shipping from shopsunshine.com and the 10% difference from the Sears original price, and also did include tax. But was still a great deal. I was unsuccessful at two different Sears stores previously using shopsunshine.com as a pricematch. But I'm anxiously awaiting Oct. 3rd to pick up at Sears.

About SunShine<whatever>.com, if what is being posted is truth (seen no pictures yet)...then for those who have one enjoy! Otherwise, I personally have my doubts...but will keep that reserved.

Now I just got off the phone with SonyStyle.com (East Coast) and they said they did receive 50 of the 60" TV's in stock today in the warehouse! Of these sets, 55 of them are backordered (last week this was 47) and I'm still #2 on the list to receive mine. Off to call NVCdirect for tracking info.

-Arv

Guys up here in Canada the SXRD sets DO NOT look like that. They have the wings of prey. Just in case some of you that haven't seen them are getting confused. They look exactly like they show on Sonystyle.ca or on Crutchfield.

They have the speaker wings here in the states, too, for better or for worse. That picture was posted, I believe, because a point was being made about the Sony stand shown. The set sitting on the stand is either an E55A20 or an E60A20. The .jpg file name is misleading.

Wow that is a high MSRP. I just purchased a 60" today from Sears using shopsunshine.com as a pricematch. This included the shipping from shopsunshine.com and the 10% difference from the Sears original price, and also did include tax. But was still a great deal. I was unsuccessful at two different Sears stores previously using shopsunshine.com as a pricematch. But I'm anxiously awaiting Oct. 3rd to pick up at Sears.

The prices I quoted are Canadian dollars, although I agree that even with the conversion these days, they're steep.

should be listing around CA $5750.00 for the sixty, but then again, greed is a fairly prevalent disease. to make matters worse, here in Ontario, Canada, we pay 15% sales tax, between the federal and provincial taxes.

Rahi

I've seen a few posts on here about people saying they would go to sears and have them match 10% off of tweeter. Would someone explain this to me? When I talked to a guy at tweeter 2 weeks ago he said the price would be MSRP. Is there some kind of sale going on at tweeter or would sears match msrp + 10%?

I'll probably scoot by sears on my way home from work tomorrow and was going to see if I could get them to match shopsunshine's price? Or maybe some other site I found on pricegrabber. I'm in south NJ, so you can't really consider CA local, but maybe NY would be close enough.

I'm very impatient when it comes to electronics, but I would rather pay less then MSRP.

They have the speaker wings here in the states, too, for better or for worse. That picture was posted, I believe, because a point was being made about the Sony stand shown. The set sitting on the stand is either an E55A20 or an E60A20. The .jpg file name is misleading.

I think that with a hacksaw you could take off those "wings" in about 5 minutes and then buy a cap at Home Depot to cover the holes. It might not look perfect but I bet it would look decent and probably look better then the wings do. It would be nice if Sony printed removal instructions (and heck even sell caps).

Has anyone confirmed the PC resolution of this unit? I have one on order and using a Windows Media PC is important to me.

I downloaded the PDF of the Sony manual and it lists 1280x1024 max. Huh? That is not even a widescreen aspect ratio.

My new 67: samsung displays PC input at 1900x1080 and it's stunning!

Thanks
Jeff

FYI for those interested:

Pre-ordered from P.C. Richards in Carle Place. They matched Shop Sunshine and gave me an ETA of somewhere around 10/6. Warranty was $500 for 5 years. Delivery was $50.

Anyone know if P.C. Richards includes bulb replacement? I forgot to ask. Guess I'll have to read through the warranty info.

It also lists 1280x720, which is a wide aspect. 1280x1024 is a PC monitor resolution. We should know for certain in a couple of days, but I'm almost positive you'll find that it does accept 1920x1080 via the VGA port.

I think that with a hacksaw you could take off those "wings" in about 5 minutes and then buy a cap at Home Depot to cover the holes. It might not look perfect but I bet it would look decent and probably look better then the wings do. It would be nice if Sony printed removal instructions (and heck even sell caps).
This would be right about the time that the TV fails, and requires a warranty replacement. Oh, shoot. I just destroyed my own TV, and now I can't get warranty repairs... If the wings bother people that much, I would personally suggest passing on this TV.

To whom it may concern:

A&B TV in Austin, TX is supposed to have the SXRD's in stock as of Sunday. You can call them at (512) 454-4534.

I have not seen them and cannot get there until Wednesday.

Bjorn's Audio Video in San Antonio, Texas is supposed to be the first one in the country to have the Sharp 65" 1080P LCD October 1st....

I think that with a hacksaw you could take off those "wings" in about 5 minutes and then buy a cap at Home Depot to cover the holes. It might not look perfect but I bet it would look decent and probably look better then the wings do. It would be nice if Sony printed removal instructions (and heck even sell caps).


Is there a business here for a 6500K colored cozies to hide the unsightly ears while framing and accentuating the display? Tell the wife you know how to make a fortune but you got to buy a model to get the size and fit right.

FYI for those interested:

Pre-ordered from P.C. Richards in Carle Place. They matched Shop Sunshine and gave me an ETA of somewhere around 10/6. Warranty was $500 for 5 years. Delivery was $50.

Anyone know if P.C. Richards includes bulb replacement? I forgot to ask. Guess I'll have to read through the warranty info.

PC Richard used to include ALL bulbs for the life of the Warranty, but call them to make sure. They may no longer do that....

Have you guys not even seen what these TVs look like in the flesh so to speak yet? Most of the stores around here have them on display (Toronto) and available for delivery within 3 days.

My SXRD has just arrived at The Sony Store here in New Brunswick Canada.
I ordered it last monday when they started being on sale here in Canada.
That's only one week YaHoo!! :p :p :p

They just displayed the 50" in the store today. Wow!! Talk about a beauty!!
The others on display just seemed pale(in the black levels).
The saleswoman told me I had the only 60" set sent to the Maritime Provinces to date. And she would deliver at my convenience. I could only accept on wednesday
so only 2 days to go :) :) :)
Now if my B&W surround 5.1 could only get here before next week.
PLD

Now that a few people amazingly either have taken delivery of an SXRD or soon will be in possession of one the next few days, someone please start an Owner's thread. I'm in the business and have very good contacts at Sony and can't get my hands on one for at least two more weeks. Apparently they're going to take care of paying customers first. :confused:

Now that a few people amazingly either have taken delivery of an SXRD or soon will be in possession of one the next few days, someone please start an Owner's thread. I'm in the business and have very good contacts at Sony and can't get my hands on one for at least two more weeks. Apparently they're going to take care of paying customers first. :confused:

Maybe they are tired of you trying to compare D-ILA with SXRD :-)

What a joke...

Maybe they are tired of you trying to compare D-ILA with SXRD :-)

What a joke...


Take a chance - go spin your color wheel....

Take a chance - go spin your color wheel....
http://www.wheeloffortune.com/images/headers_wwc_03.gif

Assuming of course bombthroat isn't a ShopSunshine affiliate :D

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

very nice...congrats on being what appears to be the first to take delivery of one of these babies...

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

Nice cable mess. Congrats... I hate you. ;)

Would you mind doing a small favor? What is the height of your stand and where does the actual screen start from the ground?

I'm probably not going to go with a traditional stand so I need to get some height ideas.

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

Congratulations! AWESOME TV! Not a better RP at any price...

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

:eek: Glad you are enjoying your sxrd.

Nice. Congrats.

Gazelle said that it was totally impossible for any dealer to have them before Oct 13th. We all know that he is in the industry and knows everything.....he he. Have you tried humble pie lately....he he.

Seriously, I cannot wait to see these sets. I am a high end audio modifier, dealer and manufacturer. So, modifying things is right up my alley. So, if I get one of these babies I will see if I cannot hack off the silly speakers....I know.....sacred cow and all that. To me everything is sacred.....with speakers or with hacked off speakers.....Also, you can paint the other silver parts and or put black felt or other nice material on them........we need to get creative here....I only have so much space and my speaker system is fine.

Ric Schultz
Electronic Visionary Systems
tweakaudio.com

Bombthroat, I hate you because I'm jealous, but you provided pics: so you made up for it. ;) (Now if only the shutter speed on your camera were a little faster for those Italian Job shots.)

Bomb, thanks for the review! I have been following the thread for months and finally got the 60.

Thanks to Tony, BenD, RHARKNESS, ROGO and the many of you who made the drive to see them. Your input and active discussion on the virtues / weaknesses helped me clarify what works for me. Who can forget those (while waiting) dead nights with simply off track ramblings. The Jesus parody has also been amusing, UG I truly hope that your line of work involves humor, you are funny as $h….

I cannot wait for Monday to have mine. See you guys on the SXRD Owner's Thread.

Cheers!

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

Thrilled to see you got your SXRD and the delivery went well and on time! Congrats and here's hoping you spend many, many, many happy hours in front of this baby. Just not so many that you don't continue reporting and posting back here. :)

Actually the speakers are kind of growing on me even though i'll probably never use them. They do seem to nicely frame and accent the screen.

Actually the speakers are kind of growing on me even though i'll probably never use them. They do seem to nicely frame and accent the screen.I'll have to admit it...I'm less and less of a speaker hater each day. I'll probably just mock something up to fill that empty space between the speaker and the screen.

Looking for suggestions for selecting a compatible DVD player (under $1000.) for the 60" - any suggestions?

Thanks!

Bomb: Nice pics. Thanks for taking the time to post. Did you purchase an extended warranty?

Verinnal: I purchased my set from the Setauket store. I believe I'm first in line. I also got the extended warranty. I was told that they give unlimited bulb replacements. But the warranty is only 4 years because it starts from the date of delivery. PC Richards has a document for a generic extended warranty. It states that it doesn't cover power surges or wear and tear items. I had the service manager write on my receipt that they cover the bulb for the life of the warranty. I also forgot to ask if the warranty is transferable. Vin Romano took good care of me. I also got a ship date of 10/13/05. I hope your ship date is correct.

I'll probably just mock something up to fill that empty space between the speaker and the screen.I was thinking about shoving some marshmellows in there. What do you guys think?

Bombthroat - Very nice!!!

Looking forward to mine and thanks for the post/pics.

-Arv

Looking for suggestions for selecting a compatible DVD player (under $1000.) for the 60" - any suggestions?

Thanks!

I've been impressed with the $200 OPPO i've tested on other 1080P Microdisplays.
Amazing for the price. Also plays all sorts of .avi and .xvid files burnt as data DVD's and is Region and Macrovision - Free. but of course, no one has tested one on an SXRD yet. Thers is an Owner's thread on the DVD Player's forum.

Looking for suggestions for selecting a compatible DVD player (under $1000.) for the 60" - any suggestions?

Thanks!

I would recommend the Panasonic S97 DVD Player...I have one and love it for what I've used it for so far...

Word of caution, you will get your best output when using HDMI so get a receiver that takes HDMI (I have a Sony 7100ES).

-Arv

Actually the speakers are kind of growing on me even though i'll probably never use them. They do seem to nicely frame and accent the screen.

I was thinking the same thing.

Congrats to Bombthroat on apparently being the first member at AVS to get one of these babies!

There is no way they have them in stock. I am virtually positive that they are flat out lying.Talk about putting your foot in your mouth. :)

I have to admit, though, I'm shocked that Sunshine Electronics got these things before anyone else. I ordered mine from Abt Electronics. They probably sell more Sony TV's than any other single B&M store in the country and yet they still can't give me a delivery date. It's a little frustrating.

Nice cable mess. Congrats... I hate you. ;)

Would you mind doing a small favor? What is the height of your stand and where does the actual screen start from the ground?

I'm probably not going to go with a traditional stand so I need to get some height ideas.

Thanks. I figured you guys would rather have the pics than have me clean up after getting it in place and snapping some shots. Besides, it looks more natural to have the rats nest of cables right out there in the open. ;)

Truth be told, I didn't even notice the rats nest, I was to busy staring at my new set. I'll have to get that sorted out for my next batch of pics.

To the person suggesting about my shutter speed on my camera, I will pause the TV next time before I take the pics. I just got a DVR today also and don't quite have the hang of it yet. I promise everyone here, the next batch of pics will be much better and show off more of the sets potential.

Until then...

BombThroat,

Congrats on the tv. Mine is on order, hopefully to be in anyday.

The Sony site mentioned only one HDMI port, while some others claimed two. If my eyes are working properly (:)), I see two ports.

Hey Bombthroat,
Thanks for following through with the update for us. Great pics. Congratulations!

So lets review...
1. You got it for the lowest price around here. http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/cwm/3dlil/eek13.gif
2. You got it first http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/ruinkai/FIREdevil.gif


I begining to feel like http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/edoom/smiley_on_tredmil.gifSXRD

Hey UG, where do you get all those cool flashy animated icons that you keep posting?
You can find a bunch -> Here <- (http://mysmilies.com/)
Many you can harvest from other forums when you get the hang of it.

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/otn/realhappy/jump.gif

Ok , call UMR....For a good calibration......Congratulations.....

Hey Bombthroat,
Thanks for following through with the update for us. Great pics. Congratulations!

So lets review...
1. You got it for the lowest price around here. http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/cwm/3dlil/eek13.gif
2. You got it first http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/ruinkai/FIREdevil.gif


I begining to feel like http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/edoom/smiley_on_tredmil.gifSXRD

Well, he got it first but I got mine for the lowest price...

Jeff

What price was that?

The new phone books are here!!!! The new phone books are here!!!
Well...that's all this jerk has to report.

Congrats to Bombthroat and thanks for the pics. Something how you got that set before anyone else.

Hey....wait a minute. That thing is sitting on a pallet. Like someone just took it off a loading dock somewhere. Hey...Bombthroat. That would be a great name for some babe in the adult entertainment industry. And the first thing you decide to watch is "The Italian Job" :eek: . You wouldn't happen to have a boyfriend who is a wise...uh...you know...sort of guy...I mean...I am sure he's a goodfellow and all...uh...well...nevermind.

Say. Did I tell everyone I recently moved? Yeah...that's it...uh...send y'all my new address later.

Enjoy the TV, Bomby. Forget I said a thing. :o

Nevermind. Yeah, you did luck out. I wish I knew about that extra 10% off with the Sears card before. I still need to find a Sears that will do the price match first though.

Bombthroat .... Congratulations and thanks for the photos. Wow ... you have an SXRD in your home before many of us have even seen one in the stores! I am hoping to see one this week at one of the Sony Stores here.

I cannot afford to buy one until the end of the year or beginning of next. I will decide at that time whether to wait for the next version or not ... but it is very tempting.

Well, I just confirmed that the SXRD 50 is going to be dropped from the line due to poor windswipe perameters. Good luck everyone and godspeed.

Bombthroat,

Congrats on the new set. We're all cheering for you.

When you take additional pictures, if your camera has adjustable white balance, set it on daylight or better yet, open shade which is around 6500 degrees kelvin(if it is offered).

Thanks. I figured you guys would rather have the pics than have me clean up after getting it in place and snapping some shots. Besides, it looks more natural to have the rats nest of cables right out there in the open. ;)


But you DID have time to buy your honey some roses... smart boy... :D

Well, he got it first but I got mine for the lowest price...

Jeff

You're not getting off that easy ;)

Did you get it local? If you don't mind, PM me the price and where.

Thx, Paul

Well, I just confirmed that the SXRD 50 is going to be dropped from the line due to poor windswipe perameters. Good luck everyone and godspeed.

What happened to your picture?

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

Bombthroat,

It's time to put those computer geek skills to work, and let us know what this thing can do. 1280x1024 max. has to be a typo, let's get this thing connected at 1920x1080.

Keep us posted,

J.T.

You're not getting off that easy ;)

Did you get it local? If you don't mind, PM me the price and where.

Thx, Paul

Look back at this thread, post 4492 on page 150

Jeff

I HAVE A 60 SXRD ON ORDER WITH SONY STYLE AND THEY TELL ME IT WILL SHIP THIS WEEK9/26/05. HAS ANY BODY ACTUALLY SEEN ONE ? :rolleyes:

Where's My Set? Anyone Get One Yet Sony Says Mine Will Ship This Weel 9/26/2005

I HAVE A 60 SXRD ON ORDER WITH SONY STYLE AND THEY TELL ME IT WILL SHIP THIS WEEK9/26/05. HAS ANY BODY ACTUALLY SEEN ONE ? :rolleyes:




John, its on this page. :rolleyes:

Question; How does the Sony warrenty work if you buy from an "Unauthorized" seller?

That whole Authorized/unauthorized thing get's confusing....

IE: Someone that buys from an unauthorized on-line retailer and finds that their TV is defective. Does the Sony warrenty still cover any problems?

Reason I ask is because the Tweeter in my area says that if it's bought from a dealer that isn't an "authorized Sony retailer" then Sony won't honor the warrenty.

True? Lies? Somewhere in between?


*EDIT* Nevermind, I found the answer already. (sue me, I'm a little slow in the morning. :D ) Looks like the Tweeter guy isn't being 100% honest.

For anyone else that might be wondering:

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

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

In addition Sony Authorized Dealers are required to:

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


I guess the first thing to check if you buy On-line is the serial numbers.

I have a question too....

The control-s cable used for connecting Sony devices to more efficiently control multiple devices with the same remote...what type of cable is this (a mono mini-jack or stereo mini-jack)?

I think it is mini-stereo, but wasn't sure.

-Arv

This question is for all forum members!!!

I just look at the pics from bombthroat.

My understanding were these sets are assemble in Pittsburgh USA for US market.

Why would the box say made in Japan?

Is this unit gray good's?
In which case sony has the option of not honoring warranty.

This question is for all forum members!!!

I just look at the pics from bombthroat.

My understanding were these sets are assemble in Pittsburgh USA for US market.

Why would the box say made in Japan?

Is this unit gray good's?
In which case sony has the option of not honoring warranty.

Most of the parts are manufactured in Japan and shipped to Pittsburgh where the sets are assembled, so legally Sony is entitled to claim "Made In Japan". Nothing shady about that. As a matter of fact, if you got a carton that didn't say Made in Japan, you should decline and not accept it....

Word of caution, you will get your best output when using HDMI so get a receiver that takes HDMI (I have a Sony 7100ES).

-Arv

Please explain.
Why go through the receiver?
Wouldn’t the best signal path be to bypass the receiver and go direct to the set from the STB?

Please explain.
Why go through the receiver?
Wouldn’t the best signal path be to bypass the receiver and go direct to the set from the STB?

For video yes, I was referring to Audio...see to hear DVD-Audio you have one of two options: 1. HDMI or 2. Multi-Channel.

In my opinion, the audio output through HDMI was clearer than the analog multi-channel. So since you already have HDMI hooked-up through the receiver you can choose to either send video in one of two ways: 1. HDMI from receiver to the TV or 2. Component video from the DVD player straight to the TV (believe this is the option you were just referring to).

Hope this clarifies my previeous brief statement.

-Arv

why do I do this to myself? I spent the last 40 min calling around philadelphia trying to find a floor model to check out. No one has them yet and all I'm doing is driving myself insane instead of getting any work done :p If anyone knows of a place in philly that has them on the floor, let me know!

This question is for all forum members!!!

I just look at the pics from bombthroat.

My understanding were these sets are assemble in Pittsburgh USA for US market.

Why would the box say made in Japan?

Is this unit gray good's?
In which case sony has the option of not honoring warranty.
This was asked about 10 days ago - I'll post a repeat:

Much like the auto industry you have components "Made in Japan" but Assembled in USA and with SONY SXRD - Pittsburgh, USA.

Depending on the content percentage origins they MUST state Made in Japan and then can can mark Assembled in USA. Check Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and others they have to have a certain percentage of content to be designated Made in USA - if they fall below those levels they are still considered import content made in Japan but assembled in the USA. These are too new to have a gray market and the best quality should be coming out of Japan anyways.

I would guess the majority of components are made in Japan and then assembled in Pitts, USA. In manufacturing and Trade Laws content percentages in essence create multiple designations where vendors parts to comprise the whole may be from around the world and provided to Japan and then shipped for Assembly in USA plants. Thereby you get to say it's indirectly Assembled in the USA - good PR for SOny and Pittsburgh local workforce but most of the content is most likely arriving from Japan and it's subcontractor vendors from around the globe for assembly.

AlanBuck - Trade Content Percentage Laws prevent a manufacturer from stating Made in the USA if the percentage level fails to meet that standard at one time in the auto industry it was around 76% otherwise they could not state Made in the USA - for the TV I don't know if the level may differ. Trade Laws mandate this. :D

Most of the parts are manufactured in Japan and shipped to Pittsburgh where the sets are assembled, so legally Sony is entitled to claim "Made In Japan". Nothing shady about that. As a matter of fact, if you got a carton that didn't say Made in Japan, you should decline and not accept it....

If that was the case, then why were the GWIII, and GWIV, which were assembled at the same Pittsburgh plant, say 'Assembled in USA' on the box????? I still my have my GWIII box, and that is what is says. Also, I have never heard of an American assembled product being labled 'Made in Japan'. That would probably be illegal labeling. Something is fishy here...but I am not sure what.

This question is for all forum members!!!

I just look at the pics from bombthroat.

My understanding were these sets are assemble in Pittsburgh USA for US market.

Why would the box say made in Japan?

Is this unit gray good's?
In which case sony has the option of not honoring warranty.

I agree something is fishy here....products ASSEMBLED in USA are always labled as such in my experience...including all the former Sony TV's from the PA plant...which also no doubt were full of Japanese parts......HMMMM. One good clue to where a product was really made is to check to origin of the shipping carton...they have a logo on them saying where the carton was made. If if was made in USA, then the TV was too....if it was made in Japan...then we have something strange going on here.

Please explain.
Why go through the receiver?
Wouldn’t the best signal path be to bypass the receiver and go direct to the set from the STB?


If all you're connecting is a DVD player or Cable/Sat box to the TV, then yes this would be the best option.

However, if you want to connect more than 2 HDMI devices to the TV, you would need a reciever that does HDMI pass through and/or Analoge to HDMI upconversion.

That way you could connect multiple devices to your TV through one HDMI cable/connection via the reciever. :)

If that was the case, then why were the GWIII, and GWIV, which were assembled at the same Pittsburgh plant, say 'Assembled in USA' on the box????? I still my have my GWIII box, and that is what is says. Also, I have never heard of an American assembled product being labled 'Made in Japan'. That would probably be illegal labeling. Something is fishy here...but I am not sure what.
I doubt anything is fishy, but once someone gets a set from a local retailer it can be confirmed.

I doubt anything is fishy, but once someone gets a set from a local retailer it can be confirmed.

By fishy I mean was the guy's TV really made in Japan as labled, or was is made in Pittsburgh? Or maybe someone at Sony just plain messed up the wording on the label. The normal way to label something like this case would be "Assembled in USA from US and foreign parts" or something to that effect. It should not say "made in Japan" when it was assembled here...regardless of the parts content. I wonder if this was a grey market product also?

Goodness everyone- stop the conspiracy theories!

The guy got his TV - best wishes to him and enjoy it!

Hey Bombthroat,

Quick question. How high and wide is your TV stand? I bought the 50" and I'm debating buying a wider stand.

I think you're on a wild conspiracy goose-chase. A product can't be labeled "Made in USA" unless the majority of its components are from the U.S. I just read that off the FTC web site. Since most of the components are likely from Japan, they can call label it that way, and there is no requirement that they list the assembly area, it's optional -- but it does have to be true.

If that was the case, then why were the GWIII, and GWIV, which were assembled at the same Pittsburgh plant, say 'Assembled in USA' on the box????? I still my have my GWIII box, and that is what is says. Also, I have never heard of an American assembled product being labled 'Made in Japan'. That would probably be illegal labeling. Something is fishy here...but I am not sure what.

Nothing Fishy - just a different % of Japanese-Made parts in the SXRDs mandating that they state "Made In Japan", imo. Again, i haven't seen any stacked in a warehouse yet so this is just educated conjecture. My Sony contacts are still giving me Oct. 13th as the ship date from Pittsburgh to East Coast Wholesalers and Dealers, which in theory should be the 1st sets available to the public. I can see where they reserve the first couple of hundred to ship to pre-orders from SonyStyle and Sony Stores who are paying full MSRP a little earlier. After all, these people are paying top dollar and desrve to get their sets a few days early. I'll be speaking to Sony later today and post any updated shipping info they may have.

One thing to consider on the Made/Assembled part, is that the Pitt. plant may still be ramping up and you are indeed getting initial product from Japan.

The HR10-250 Tivo's were initially made in California while the Mexico plant was coming up. After it was rolling, all future ones had the "Made in Mexico" label.

Keith

Who can forget those (while waiting) dead nights with simply off track ramblings. The Jesus parody has also been amusing, UG I truly hope that your line of work involves humor, you are funny as $h….Nice of you to say. I'm just a Dad. After you find your 2 year old has used a dirty diaper for a color palette to repaint her room, you develop a pretty good sense of humor when you look at the "big picture". :eek: ;)

One thing to consider on the Made/Assembled part, is that the Pitt. plant may still be ramping up and you are indeed getting initial product from Japan.

The HR10-250 Tivo's were initially made in California while the Mexico plant was coming up. After it was rolling, all future ones had the "Made in Mexico" label.

Keith

Now this guy is making sense. I do NOT believe that a Pittsburgh assembled product would be PROPERLY labled 'made in Japan', regardless of the % of content from Japan.

Nice of you to say. I'm just a Dad. After you find your 2 year old has used a dirty diaper for a color palette to repaint her room, you develop a pretty good sense of humor when you look at the "big picture". :eek: ;)


Not a pretty picture... :p

Gazelle , we heard you the first three times :D

I think you're on a wild conspiracy goose-chase. A product can't be labeled "Made in USA" unless the majority of its components are from the U.S. I just read that off the FTC web site. Since most of the components are likely from Japan, they can call label it that way, and there is no requirement that they list the assembly area, it's optional -- but it does have to be true.

No conspiracy...just wondering where his tv was really made. I didn't expect the TV to say made in USA...but I would expect it to say ASSEMBLED in USA, as on all previous products from the same plant. Labeling it "Made in Japan" if assembled here is clearly false, and would perhaps subject the product to additional tariffs. I have a feeling there is more to this story that we have heard so far. I do wonder if some of early production was really made in Japan? A June article from the Pittsburgh newspaper said "Sony is producing SXRD's in Japan for the Eastern Market." Maybe a few slipped on board a boat? LOL No biggie..just interesting.

John, its on this page. :rolleyes:

Jim-

Your initial response (prior to your edit) was better!


:D

Just got off the phone with Sony and they have updated shipping info. Latest word is their trucks will be loading and shipping starting this weekend. The first shipments, which are supposed to be a substantial amount of sets, are due to arrive at large East Coast Wholesaler and Dealer Warehouses next Wednesday, October 5th! If this info holds true i'll be able to grab one from a warehouse next Thursday or Friday as my schedule allows. Unfortunately i have a pretty full calendar next weekend, so don't know how much time i can spend if i do get one of these.....

Just got off the phone with Sony and they have updated shipping info. Latest word is their trucks will be loading and shipping starting this weekend. The first shipments, which are supposed to be a substantial amount of sets, are due to arrive at large East Coast Wholesaler and Dealer Warehouses next Wednesday, October 5th! If this info holds true i'll be able to grab one from a warehouse next Thursday or Friday as my schedule allows. Unfortunately i have a pretty full calendar next weekend, so don't know how much time i can spend if i do get one of these.....Not doubting your info, but how is there one out in the wild today then?

Not doubting your info, but how is there one out in the wild today then?


I really doubt a single set made it out to Bombthroat's house...

There has got to be more people about to get these right now...

I guess those pictures were just a really good photoshop.. :rolleyes:

Not doubting your info, but how is there one out in the wild today then?

Guess it's possible. He's in Pittsburgh, so it makes sense that they would fill a pre-order there first. Wouldn't be surprised to see Sonystyle full MSRP pre-orders getting filled a few days earlier than Wholesalers and Dealers get them. We'll have to wait and see if anyone else receives one before next Wednesday.

I guess those pictures were just a really good photoshop.. :rolleyes:I think he means there are other "less internet geek" owners out there. We just don't know about them. That would require leaving the computer. ;)

I really doubt a single set made it out to Bombthroat's house...

There has got to be more people about to get these right now...


I agree. If they start loading and shipping Saturday, i would expect some early pre-orders delivered to consumers by next Monday or Tuesday.

Just got off the phone with Sony and they have updated shipping info. Latest word is their trucks will be loading and shipping starting this weekend. The first shipments, which are supposed to be a substantial amount of sets, are due to arrive at large East Coast Wholesaler and Dealer Warehouses next Wednesday, October 5th! If this info holds true i'll be able to grab one from a warehouse next Thursday or Friday as my schedule allows. Unfortunately i have a pretty full calendar next weekend, so don't know how much time i can spend if i do get one of these.....

Funny, Sears scheduled delivery of my unit for Monday Oct 3rd. I'm in California, so either you're information is a little off, or they are fedex'ing my unit overnight to the Sears California Warehouse (which I highly doubt).

Maybe we can start another doubter's debate on whether or not I'm "really" going to get my set on Monday! Is Sears going to deliver a fake box? Is Sears conspiring with Sunshine? Has my credit card been charged? :p

Jeff

Funny, Sears scheduled delivery of my unit for Monday Oct 3rd. I'm in California, so either you're information is a little off, or they are fedex'ing my unit overnight to the Sears California Warehouse (which I highly doubt).

Maybe we can start another doubter's debate on whether or not I'm "really" going to get my set on Monday! Is Sears going to deliver a fake box? Is Sears conspiring with Sunshine? Has my credit card been charged? :p

Jeff

I have no knowledge of how or when West Coast shipments are arriving, however if they are leaving the factory Saturday, it's not impossible that you could be getting one Monday. More likely you may be getting one from a different shipment that's arriving at a West Coast dock directly from Japan would be my guess. If you'd like i can check into it and call Sony to find out if, where, and when your set is coming or if your Sears is just BS'ing you and you really won't be getting a delivery until Wednesday?

Guess it's possible. He's in Pittsburgh, so it makes sense that they would fill a pre-order there first. Wouldn't be surprised to see Sonystyle full MSRP pre-orders getting filled a few days earlier than Wholesalers and Dealers get them. We'll have to wait and see if anyone else receives one before next Wednesday.

Gazelle,

As I posted before, Sony distribution does not give preferential treatment to SonyStyle or any other dealer. Depending on the volume-sales of the dealer/chain, the total allocation of the product may be different but it is still a first-in first-out system. Sounds like Sunshine got the jump on everyone and was first.

Let's say Sunshine placed their order first in the system for 100 sets. Based on their sales-volume, they may get an initial delivery of 10 systems. Then the order system looks at the next order. Say Sears orders 700 units. Based on their sales, they may be an initial allocation of 300.

In the case of SonyStyle, their volume is nowhere near a Best-Buy, CC, Good-Guys, Sears, etc. so their allocation may be lower than the traditional B&M stores. Also, if the SonyStyle purchasing-person was a little slow to get his/her first order in, they may be at the end of the queue instead of the front.

I also know that the current "wait time" for this set on a Sony Employee Purchase is 6-10 weeks. Like anything else, it goes in the system with all the other orders.

Jeff

Goodness everyone- stop the conspiracy theories!

The guy got his TV - best wishes to him and enjoy it!


DIDO!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Funny, Sears scheduled delivery of my unit for Monday Oct 3rd. I'm in California, so either you're information is a little off, or they are fedex'ing my unit overnight to the Sears California Warehouse (which I highly doubt).

Maybe we can start another doubter's debate on whether or not I'm "really" going to get my set on Monday! Is Sears going to deliver a fake box? Is Sears conspiring with Sunshine? Has my credit card been charged? :p

Jeff

I too have a Sears delivery scheduled for Monday. I've been checking their website and was alarmed to note that their anticipated delivery date to my local store (Palm Desert, CA) has changed from 11-13 days as of last Friday to 14-17 days as of today. I don't know if it's time to panic, but that kind of delay would definately annoy me to the max. As I mentioned before, I think Sears is going to get these sets relatively early, but I'm holding my breath on the Monday delivery.

I have no knowledge of how or when West Coast shipments are arriving, however if they are leaving the factory Saturday, it's not impossible that you could be getting one Monday. More likely you may be getting one from a different shipment that's arriving at a West Coast dock directly from Japan would be my guess. If you'd like i can check into it and call Sony to find out if, where, and when your set is coming or if your Sears is just BS'ing you and you really won't be getting a delivery until Wednesday?

Gazelle, I thought these were being assembled in Pennsylvania!! They would probably be trucked from the east. Lew

I'm still expecting my TV later this week. For the 60" SXRD specifically. I was listed by SonyStyle to be #2 on the backorder list so what Jeff was just saying about SunShine.com being #1 and ordering say 7 sets would explain this OR the fact that Bobhat lives in Pittsburgh therefore the delivery did not require freight where mine certainly does even though I'm in the next state over.

-Arv

Just heard from my local reseller that the SXRDs that were supposed to have been delivered on 9/23 have been pushed back to 10/05. Another local dealer is not expecting delivery until mid-to-late-October.

Would make sense, fits with the loading and shipping Saturday for warehouse and dealer delivery Wednesday scenario i just got.

Jim-

Your initial response (prior to your edit) was better!


:D


I figured I had crossed the line calling him stupid and everything. :D

Lol

Hey Bombthroat,

Quick question. How high and wide is your TV stand? I bought the 50" and I'm debating buying a wider stand.

I don't remember off the top of my head but I'll measure it when I get home tonight and report back.

EDIT: For all you conspiracy theory people out there, I'll try to see what I can find on the box with regards to the "Made in Japan" part on the sticker. I'll say this, the manual is in English and the set has English highlited as the first choice when going through the initial setup. I did make note of the build date on the back of my set which was September 2005.

Maybe there is no conspiracy and I just got lucky and got mine a little sooner than others because I'm only an hour from the New Stanton plant.

In general, the priority in which orders for these sets are filled (at the wholesale level) is directly proportional to the date of order. Typically it is indeed the small and medium sized shops that are ahead of the curve in projecting and forecasting demand and placing orders. I am not at all surprised that they are getting their orders in first, many times as soon as the product in introduced. Most of the larger outfits take more time to go back and think it through, talk to sales, etc, etc... Once the small orders are filled, then reorders typically run up against the larger orders.

Not sure about the priority level for shipping, but just got off the phone and the TV is preped packaged and now awaiting pick-up from the freight company.

Expected deliver end of THIS week!!!

-Arv

Wow you guys are incredible. From conspiracy theories to "gray boxes". I'm sure Sony is shipping genuine SXRDs. Who really cares what is stamped on the side of the box or where it came from? I'm sure some online retailers are arranging for shipment of the TVs directly from Sony to the customer (I've seen this with other new products) instead of places like Sears or Crutchfield that first take delivery of their respective orders into their warehouse before then charging credit cards and shipping the TVs out to the customers. This alone could account for a one or two week lag just due to logistics. Secondly, as I've seen in the past with other new products, a certain person at a company that you might consider high up and in the know about the product or ship dates doesn't always know to a tee when the things are leaving the factory. The only ones who truly know are the guys boxing them up, putting them on the truck, and driving away from the Sony plant.

Now this guy is making sense. I do NOT believe that a Pittsburgh assembled product would be PROPERLY labled 'made in Japan', regardless of the % of content from Japan.

Why do you expect this labeling to make sense? It's mandated by law, not sense! Unless the percentage of components made in the US is above a certain threshold, it cannot be labeled "Made in the USA" just "Assembled in the USA".

Perhaps Sunshine are selling Taiwan knockoffs of the real SXRD. How else could they have gotten one first. :D

Bjorn's Audio Video in San Antonio, Texas is supposed to be the first one in the country to have the Sharp 65" 1080P LCD October 1st....

Sunshine will have it Sept. 31st :D

Perhaps Sunshine are selling Taiwan knockoffs of the real SXRD. How else could they have gotten one first. :D

Or maybe they are just relabeled 3LCD XS models from last year since they have the same shell. :D

Perhaps Sunshine are selling Taiwan knockoffs of the real SXRD. How else could they have gotten one first. :D

I agree. Something is very "fishy" here :-)

hey Guys,
does someone have the measurements (actually, just how long it is would work) of the pedastal that the 60 inch SXRD sits on? I just bought a Samsung HL-R5678W DLP & im shipping back so I can order the SXRD...I bought a Boltz stand that would fit the DLP, but maybe not the SXRD...from the looks of it, it seems that the pedastal might be about the same width as the DLP so I should be in business...im totally gonna get screwed on returning this DLP, I may have to sell it privately...buyers remorse S-U-C-K-S :(

hey Guys,
does someone have the measurements (actually, just how long it is would work) of the pedastal that the 60 inch SXRD sits on? I just bought a Samsung HL-R5678W DLP & im shipping back so I can order the SXRD...I bought a Boltz stand that would fit the DLP, but maybe not the SXRD...from the looks of it, it seems that the pedastal might be about the same width as the DLP so I should be in business...im totally gonna get screwed on returning this DLP, I may have to sell it privately...buyers remorse S-U-C-K-S :(

Just curious, what did you not like about the samsung 5678?

Nice of you to say. I'm just a Dad. After you find your 2 year old has used a dirty diaper for a color palette to repaint her room, you develop a pretty good sense of humor when you look at the "big picture". :eek: ;)


Wow, at least I have that going for me. :eek: My wife is due in January. Maybe by then I will have seen a real life R60XBR1 :D

Perhaps Sunshine are selling Taiwan knockoffs of the real SXRD. How else could they have gotten one first. :DYou guys are right! :eek:

I just looked at BT's pics again... WTF is a SXRP? :eek:

I attached an isolation of the image... :confused:

Can someone please post a link or fill me in on the drawbacks of LCOS technology? I'm aware of the advantages and drawbacks of DLP and LCD (contrast and refresh rates) but not very familiar with LCOS. I've heard other companies have tried LCOS but were unsuccessful.

Thanks for any input.

The problem is when they manufacture the chips. Their are three LCOS chips required to display color. 1. Red, 1 Green and 1 blue. If an LCOS manufacturer sets up shop to manufacture them, and on a Saturday they want to produce 1000 of the red ones, they may only get 600 at the end by the time they finish the run. They are extremely hard to manufacture thus they cost a lot of money. Cost is the biggest negative. JVC and LG seem to be the only ones that can make them cost effective. Now Sony is going to try.

Wow, at least I have that going for me. :eek: My wife is due in January. Maybe by then I will have seen a real life R60XBR1 :DCongratulations... Life as you know it will never be the same ;)

Run out and buy the TV today while you still have a chance :D

You guys are right! :eek:

I just looked at BT's pics again... WTF is a SXRP? :eek:

I attached an isolation of the image... :confused: Haha! Nice Photoshop! Are you the guy who puts the blurry flying saucers in those photographs, too? :p

The only ones who truly know are the guys boxing them up, putting them on the truck, and driving away from the Sony plant.

You are so right. I learned in expediting to make friends in the warehouse first and the sales desk never knew what hit them.

The problem is when they manufacture the chips. Their are three LCOS chips required to display color. 1. Red, 1 Green and 1 blue. If an LCOS manufacturer sets up shop to manufacture them, and on a Saturday they want to produce 1000 of the red ones, they may only get 600 at the end by the time they finish the run. They are extremely hard to manufacture thus they cost a lot of money. Cost is the biggest negative. JVC and LG seem to be the only ones that can make them cost effective. Now Sony is going to try.

Sony will sell more LCOS panels in 2006 than JVC and LG has since the day they began.

You guys are right! :eek:

I just looked at BT's pics again... WTF is a SXRP? :eek:

I attached an isolation of the image... :confused:

:eek: :D ;)

I may start looking around at local B&M stores if Crutchfield doesn't give some clue as to when these things will show up other than pushing the delivery date back a week. It's not like they're discounting the set, so if I find it somewhere local that has it in stock I'm sold. Buying online doesn't necessarily save me the sales tax anyway as some states (CT is one) require you to pay the sales tax (a.k.a. "use tax") difference on your income tax which for me would be the full 6% if I pay no sales tax through an online place. It ends up being a matter of paying the sales tax now or on April 15 if you're a law abiding citizen :)

I may start looking around at local B&M stores if Crutchfield doesn't give some clue as to when these things will show up other than pushing the delivery date back a week. It's not like they're discounting the set, so if I find it somewhere local that has it in stock I'm sold. Buying online doesn't necessarily save me the sales tax anyway as some states (CT is one) require you to pay the sales tax (a.k.a. "use tax") difference on your income tax which for me would be the full 6% if I pay no sales tax through an online place. It ends up being a matter of paying the sales tax now or on April 15 if you're a law abiding citizen :)
My state started that but they cannot force any out of state on-line vendor to participate - it must be voluntary and so must the taxpayer - I'll be damned if I'll volunteer to pay more.

If the vendor doesn't participate they have no way to track it as your CC transactions are private - the state has no cause to breach your credit transactions. Just choose a vendor that doesn't participate how would they know otherwise? They'd have to subpeona your transaction and they cannot without Cause and the SSL transaction is not provided to the state treasury. I'm already paying over 29% of my income and my thoughts are screw em as they'd never have enough they always want more regardless of how much they take - We have no obligation to pay more than what's required by law or what they can track and they cannot track everyone's internet transaction unless the vendor participates. My Governor can kiss off where the Sun doesn't shine. :)

I agree with you, though I'd hate to find out the hard way just to save a few bucks as states have started to crack down on it. Skipping out on the sales tax is just another reason for the government to push for an internet tax.

Has anyone had a problem with their Sony RPTV's changing zoom settings during DVD movies? Or have any idea why it would happen? Multiple different DVD players used via component.

thanks

Hey Bombthroat,

Quick question. How high and wide is your TV stand? I bought the 50" and I'm debating buying a wider stand.

My stand is 46.5" wide.

I appreciate the prior replies regarding the Sears extended warranty which includes lamps. We're retired and the TV is on around 12-14 hours per day; even though it normally isn't being watched during the daytime. However, it sits on a news channel and we stop if something sounds/looks interesting as we pass through the room.

That usage projects to around 24,000 hours in 5 years. Sony is not projecting the life of these lamps. But other TV lamps run from a projection of 2,000 hours (for the Qualia which is the same technology but 200w vice the SXRD's 120w) to 6,000-8,000 hours for most DLPs/LCDs. For my usage, that would project from a low of 2 lamps to a high of 11 lamps. At $250/lamp (price on the SonyStyle site) that would be a low of $500 to a high of $2750.

So, I cancelled my SonyStyle order and ordered from Sears today (including a 5 year extended warranty). I figure that an increased cost of close to $600 for the Sears extended warranty is worth the risk under the above numbers. Plus, if I want it cleaned annually, recommended by some ISF types, Sears will do it for nothing under the plan.

By the way, todays order on the Sear's site was scheduled for a 10/10 delivery. However, I'll believe it when I see it arrive!

Bombthroat, do you have the strap and buckle to anchor the set or do you think that the set would be OK without it? I noticed that your stand is not the Sony stand. If you do have the anchor set up, can you tell me where you got it from. We already have a stand, but it's not a Sony and I don't know if the set needs the anchor. Thanks

I'm interested in the 50" SXRD. But I live in Juneau, Alaska, and no one here is likely to have one of these in stock for a long time, if ever. I'll be going to Seattle around tOctober 8th thru the 11th and I'm hoping I might be able to get a look at one while I'm there. Anyone know of a dealer in Seattle that's likely to have one within a week or two?

Thanks.

Bombthroat, do you have the strap and buckle to anchor the set or do you think that the set would be OK without it? I noticed that your stand is not the Sony stand. If you do have the anchor set up, can you tell me where you got it from. We already have a stand, but it's not a Sony and I don't know if the set needs the anchor. Thanks

Buckle (fits into back of TV) available at http://www.sony.com/accessories. Part number is 403371801 and price is $6.49. Plan to get a web belt or something equivalent to use with the buckle. I'll attach it somehow to back of my wooden entertainment center.

Shopgirl: I had an A20 60" Sony and it didn't need a strap. I wouldn't suggest one unless your husband or boyfriend likes to play football in the house.

PC Richards in NY has a date of 10/13/05 of when the sets will be in their warehouse. I'm getting screwed since I ordered the set and paid for it on the 9-4-05 and the Manafacturers warranty begines from the purchase date. I have a 5 year extended warranty so I'm not overly concerned. By the way if Sears is offering a yearly cleaning I would pass on that unless there is a problem with the set. Having an oaf poking around in side your set could be hazardous to your viewing pleasure.

Shopgirl: I had an A20 60" Sony and it didn't need a strap. I wouldn't suggest one unless your husband or boyfriend likes to play football in the house.

PC Richards in NY has a date of 10/13/05 of when the sets will be in their warehouse. I'm getting screwed since I ordered the set and paid for it on the 9-4-05 and the Manafacturers warranty begines from the purchase date. I have a 5 year extended warranty so I'm not overly concerned. By the way if Sears is offering a yearly cleaning I would pass on that unless there is a problem with the set. Having an oaf poking around in side your set could be hazardous to your viewing pleasure.

PC Richard & Son is expecting a large shipment to arrive at their Farmingdale, LI warehouse on October 5th now - as are most East Coast Dealers & Wholesalers.
I was speaking to people at PC Richard this afternoon and they were still under the impression that 10/13 was their arrival date. I told them they were wrong. Was speaking with Sony and i knew PC Richard along with many others would be receiving a shipment on the 5th. They laughed that i knew more about when they were getting this delivery than they did. They called me back after checking with Sony and confirmed the 5th as the new date. If you check with them, they should have the updated warehouse date in their computers by now. Of course, most or all of the first deliveries to Big Box stores may already be pre-sold....

according to bombthroats theads, he tested 1920x1080p through vga and it didnt really work.

also, he says this TV does NOT support 1080P though HDMI. it also states this in the manual!

when is a true 1080P TV coming out!?? I dont see the point of making a 1080p if it cant take anything 1080P

My state started that but they cannot force any out of state on-line vendor to participate - it must be voluntary and so must the taxpayer - I'll be damned if I'll volunteer to pay more.

If the vendor doesn't participate they have no way to track it as your CC transactions are private - the state has no cause to breach your credit transactions. Just choose a vendor that doesn't participate how would they know otherwise? They'd have to subpeona your transaction and they cannot without Cause and the SSL transaction is not provided to the state treasury. I'm already paying over 29% of my income and my thoughts are screw em as they'd never have enough they always want more regardless of how much they take - We have no obligation to pay more than what's required by law or what they can track and they cannot track everyone's internet transaction unless the vendor participates. My Governor can kiss off where the Sun doesn't shine. :)

You are correct that you have no obligation to pay more than what's required by law, but not reporting items because they cannot track them is against the law and could be a very serious crime. What you are saying is that you can get away with it and should therefore do it. It is unwise to state that you commit tax evasion on a public forum, and even worse that you seem to be enticing others to do the same.

I was wondering how many have seen a SXRD in person. How many stores have one on display. Anyone in the Atlanta area?

Give me liberty or give me death! No taxation without representation by westa6969! Go west my sons to the land of no tax 6969!

when is a true 1080P TV coming out!?? I dont see the point of making a 1080p if it cant take anything 1080P

1080p issues have been extensively discussed earlier in this same thread, you might search for it. The conclusion seems to be that it probably won't matter for the vast majority with the primary exception of the theory/expectation/hope that the PS3 will not only support 1080p60 but have the oomph and game support to produce 1080p60.

The freight company left a mesg. that my 50" SXRD is being delivered tomorrow!

according to bombthroats theads, he tested 1920x1080p through vga and it didnt really work.

also, he says this TV does NOT support 1080P though HDMI. it also states this in the manual!

when is a true 1080P TV coming out!?? I dont see the point of making a 1080p if it cant take anything 1080P
"looks like crap" and "doesn't really work" are two different things. It's hard to say without seeing it for myself if it actually looks like crap. Apparently it accepted resolutions even higher than 1920x1080, which is interesting as well (even though they don't fit on the screen). Once a number of people have the sets it will be easier to test all the combinations of timing and resolutions and custom resolutions within standard timings to see what works best

according to bombthroats theads, he tested 1920x1080p through vga and it didnt really work.

also, he says this TV does NOT support 1080P though HDMI. it also states this in the manual!

when is a true 1080P TV coming out!?? I dont see the point of making a 1080p if it cant take anything 1080P

Just for clarification, I didn't say 1080p didn't work through HDMI, I said the manual says it's not supported. I don't have a DVI to HDMI cable to test 1080p over HDMI right now.

All tested resolutions were for the VGA port using a 15 pin sub (DB15) connector.

C.Kingsley - The looks like crap part of my assessment is just what it says, I saw the picture but it was very small and appeared to not refresh properly. The doesn't work part was just that, no picture came up whatsoever, hence it didn't work.

I hope this clarification helps.

<humor> If I didn't like all of you so much I'd be offended at that statement. </humor>

I don't have a "report" perse for all of you, rather just the opinions of one darn happy consumer. I'm going to include a link to an HTML page with all the thumbnails of pics I've taken. Please no critiquing of the photography, I know I'm horrible at taking pictures, just try to realize if there is any apparent fault with the pictures it is with my skills as a lousy photographer not the set.

HDTV on this set is absolutely stunning as far as I'm concerned. I watched about an hour of "The Italian Job" and was amazed over and over again with how good the picture was. I watched part of "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers" on a progressive scan DVD player and was surprised at how good a DVD can still look when given the proper equipment. I may have to go back and watch a lot of my DVD's over again just to see what I missed previously. Standard definition cable was very watchable but wasn't anything special by a long shot. There is only so much processing can do and you know what they say, Sh*t in sh*t out. That pretty much covers standard definition. I hooked up my PS2 briefly (don't have component cables for it only composite) and again it was very usable just nothing special. I'll bet Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will look out of this world on this set though.

My cable box is hooked up through HDMI (HDMI to HDMI) for anyone who wants to know. Also the screen on this set is matte not shiny.

I'm a computer geek but not a TV geek so I don't know exactly what else to tell everyone else. The only other piece of information I can give is that I'm SO very happy I purchased this set. I have not seen a set to date (Qualia 006 excluded) that had a better picture, in my mind. Of course I would be bias towards this set as it's what I've chosen. My final verdict is that I'm 100% satisfied with it at the present time. If there was one thing I could change about the set, it would be to have removable side speakers. The speakers are a small price to pay for an otherwise outstanding set.

Here's the link I promised. I'll try to add more pics later on. Bombthroat's KDS-R60XBR1 Pics (http://www.hd-gamer.com/pics/kdsr60xbr1/kds-r60xbr1.html)

I hope everyone enjoys. I'll try to answer questions in due time. But for now, back to the TV.

Bombthroat, can you please post some HD pictures of your new SXRD, i think we would all love to see how it looks in HD, thanks......

P.S. awesome that you got it this early, good luck with it.....

hey Guys,
does someone have the measurements (actually, just how long it is would work) of the pedastal that the 60 inch SXRD sits on? I just bought a Samsung HL-R5678W DLP & im shipping back so I can order the SXRD...I bought a Boltz stand that would fit the DLP, but maybe not the SXRD...from the looks of it, it seems that the pedastal might be about the same width as the DLP so I should be in business...im totally gonna get screwed on returning this DLP, I may have to sell it privately...buyers remorse S-U-C-K-S :(

If you look at the online manual on sony style for the stand that Sony recommends for the 60" SXRD, the xxx12, it show where the base fits with dimensions, and I think it shows 39 1/2 inches for the base length, and about 19 inches for the base width.

I am looking for a stand for the 60" I have on order, so I'm using that as the base measurement. Be sure and check the weight spec of your stand. I ordered the sony XXXX11M stand, and the had to cancel when I read it only holds 76 lbs, and the 60" SXRD is 111 lbs or so.

I hear alot of people on here asking about stands, If you don't mind dishing out big bucks on a beautiful stand, then i suggest going with the salamander triple 20, it will fit the sxrd 60 inch perfect, i had a kdf60xbr950 on it and it fit great the new sxrd measures 66 inches wide and that is the exact width of the salamander, that is if you don't mind spending 1k plus on a stand, just my thoughts, i have it and love it, real cherry wood, solid as a rock, and looks unreal, plus holds alot of components....... it can also handle weights above 200 lbs the top, and the component shelves can hold over 100lbs each shelve

Even though I'm getting my SXRD tomorrow I've lost my excitement.Dealing with my salesmen from Sony has been hell. My wife works for a major hospital in Boston and they have an employee perks program that includes Sony. So we decide to get a tv through the program. After looking at them we decide to get the new 55" A20 my only concern was that with the newer screen they seemed to have dropped a lot of options like Pic in PIc and in a couple off months there would be the same tvs with more options. He assured me this would not happen that these where the newest tvs for a wile, gives us a price including the stand and tell him we will get right back to him.This is where the troulble begins. Try him the next day to order cant get him, no returned mesgs,try this every day for a week finally get him. Go to process the order cant get that price any more the deal including the stand ended the day before.So i have to buy the stand separate but he can take a little off.That coming weekend MA had a tax free weekend he agrees to process the order on the weekend so we could save on the tax and would send a confirmation e-mail that it was ordered. Wait all weekend no e-mail.Try monday can't get a hold off him.Pissed!Look on sonystyle Tues night what do you know, new SXRD for pre order. finally get a hold of him and bitch, he doest really even remember what order I was tells me there sever was down and he did the order mon. so I lost the tax free weekend. He tells me he can cancel the order because nothing left the warehouse yet if I want the pre order SXRD.So he does that. That week I see online my credit card was billed full retail price for a stand.Take forever to get a hold of him and he tells me that they stoped the tv from shipping but not the stand and to refuse shipment,get credit and reorder the stand with discount for the sxrd. It was full retail because it came by its self after the a20 was cancelled.Tells me I will get credit right away and the tvs will ship 9/16. Till this day no credit cant get a hold off him.Finally get a hold off customer service this past Fri and bitch this guy out and they will report it to his supervisor,they tell me credits take 2-3 billing cycles,and called the the warehouse to see where my tv is.Was told the first batch is coming from Japan and the date was pushed back till 9/28 before the warehouse got them and I was number 6 to get one.They refer me to another sales man to get the stand from while they investigate this. Italk to him today, he apologizes about this whole mess and will get to the bottom of this and call me tomorrow.What do you know I get home tonight and the freight co left a mesg they want to deliver the tv tomorrow!

...hope that the PS3 will not only support 1080p60 but have the oomph and game support to produce 1080p60.

Just to add more fun to the game, the leaked specs on the Nintendo Revolution has the ability to support res far beyond 1080p. Though I seriously doubt Nintendo will bother considering how they treated 480p as a wasted item that they eventually removed. :D

:eek:

HOLY NO PARAGRAPHS, BATMAN!



Well here's hoping the TV makes all that worthwhile.....and mine makes my headache from reading that go away.....


;)

I ordered my 60'' SXRD today from Sony Style, but they said it won't ship till approximately Oct 1. I'm really excited though.

Was told the first batch is coming from Japan and the date was pushed back till 9/28 before the warehouse got them and I was number 6 to get one.
In all that I found a nugget. ;)

So who thinks there will be a difference in quality between the Japanese built sets and the American assembled sets?

Gmta.

In our case...that would probably be "goofy minds think alike".

Just for clarification, I didn't say 1080p didn't work through HDMI, I said the manual says it's not supported. I don't have a DVI to HDMI cable to test 1080p over HDMI right now.

All tested resolutions were for the VGA port using a 15 pin sub (DB15) connector.

C.Kingsley - The looks like crap part of my assessment is just what it says, I saw the picture but it was very small and appeared to not refresh properly. The doesn't work part was just that, no picture came up whatsoever, hence it didn't work.

I hope this clarification helps.


Bombthroat,

It was 1080p on the VGA that I was curious about (Hoping beyond all hope). I have given up on any chance of 1080p HDMI support.

Thanks for checking,

CaveCanem

Even though I'm getting my SXRD tomorrow I've lost my excitement.Dealing with my salesmen from Sony has been hell. My wife works for a major hospital in Boston and they have an employee perks program that includes Sony. So we decide to get a tv through the program. After looking at them we decide to get the new 55" A20 my only concern was that with the newer screen they seemed to have dropped a lot of options like Pic in PIc and in a couple off months there would be the same tvs with more options. He assured me this would not happen that these where the newest tvs for a wile, gives us a price including the stand and tell him we will get right back to him.This is where the troulble begins. Try him the next day to order cant get him, no returned mesgs,try this every day for a week finally get him. Go to process the order cant get that price any more the deal including the stand ended the day before.So i have to buy the stand separate but he can take a little off.That coming weekend MA had a tax free weekend he agrees to process the order on the weekend so we could save on the tax and would send a confirmation e-mail that it was ordered. Wait all weekend no e-mail.Try monday can't get a hold off him.Pissed!Look on sonystyle Tues night what do you know, new SXRD for pre order. finally get a hold of him and bitch, he doest really even remember what order I was tells me there sever was down and he did the order mon. so I lost the tax free weekend. He tells me he can cancel the order because nothing left the warehouse yet if I want the pre order SXRD.So he does that. That week I see online my credit card was billed full retail price for a stand.Take forever to get a hold of him and he tells me that they stoped the tv from shipping but not the stand and to refuse shipment,get credit and reorder the stand with discount for the sxrd. It was full retail because it came by its self after the a20 was cancelled.Tells me I will get credit right away and the tvs will ship 9/16. Till this day no credit cant get a hold off him.Finally get a hold off customer service this past Fri and bitch this guy out and they will report it to his supervisor,they tell me credits take 2-3 billing cycles,and called the the warehouse to see where my tv is.Was told the first batch is coming from Japan and the date was pushed back till 9/28 before the warehouse got them and I was number 6 to get one.They refer me to another sales man to get the stand from while they investigate this. Italk to him today, he apologizes about this whole mess and will get to the bottom of this and call me tomorrow.What do you know I get home tonight and the freight co left a mesg they want to deliver the tv tomorrow!

Lost your excitement? sure sounds like you got plenty here. :D

Has anyone else other than Bombthroat ordered from ShopSunShine and received their set? I would have imagined there would have been at least one other since Bombthroat got his fast and with a thousand off MSRP. I'm thinking about ordering from them, but I feel that I"m missing something. What's wrong with the site?

anyone in Sacramento or Northern California see one of these in person yet?

Well, my base cabinet got installed today. It looks awesome. Some minor issues and the platform base where the TV will sit still needs to be figured out, but it's pretty solid. I'm currently setting up what components I have, so when the TV comes (60" SXRD) I will have all the cables ready to hook right into it and start enjoying my new Home Theater system.

When I'm done setting up, I will certainly take some pictures and post.

-Arv

A little OT, but will be of interest to forum members.

I'm constantly looking for HDTV material to display the awesome
PQ of HDTV at it's finest. Let's face it, most primetime and sports
progs, though technically HD, is poor quality compared to the very best
progs like the WETA HD series that aired on PBS two years ago.
Tonight I saw the best, most impressive HD, PQ and productionwise,
I've seen since 2003, I'm talking about a prog on PBS entitled
"Violent Hawaii" on Rockiy Mountain PBS. It is one episode of a
"Nature" series. It will air several more times, also another episode about the
deep jungle. Many of the scenes (like the surfing scenes) were spectacular,
shot with a HD video cam as opposed to Optical Media
transfer, so there were no post production effects. The video was as clean and
noise free as the best I've ever observed, the colors brilliant without being oversaturated,
and the resolution was sharp as a tack. I can only image how it will look
on a set capable of fully resolving a 1920x1080 picture, I currently have only a
1280x720 DLP. No doubt this prog can be a superb test vehicle for a SXRD set.
If you want to show your friends what all the hub bub is about HDTV, what they are
missing, record this prog.

Just heard from my local reseller that the SXRDs that were supposed to have been delivered on 9/23 have been pushed back to 10/05.


Are you refering to Soundtrack in Boulder?
Also, who else in Boulder plans
on carrying these sets?

A little OT, but will be of interest to forum members.

I'm constantly looking for HDTV material to display the awesome
PQ of HDTV at it's finest. Let's face it, most primetime and sports
progs, though technically HD, is poor quality compared to the very best
progs like the WETA HD series that aired on PBS two years ago.
Tonight I saw the best, most impressive HD, PQ and productionwise,
I've seen since 2003, I'm talking about a prog on PBS entitled
"Violent Hawaii" on Rockiy Mountain PBS. It is one episode of a
"Nature" series. It will air several more times, also another episode about the
deep jungle. Many of the scenes (like the surfing scenes) were spectacular,
shot with a HD video cam as opposed to Optical Media
transfer, so there were no post production effects. The video was as clean and
noise free as the best I've ever observed, the colors brilliant without being oversaturated,
and the resolution was sharp as a tack. I can only image how it will look
on a set capable of fully resolving a 1920x1080 picture, I currently have only a 1280x720 DLP. No doubt this prog can be a superb test vehicle for a SXRD set.
If you want to show your friends what all the hub bub is about HDTV, what they are
missing, record this prog.

awesome show ....

viewed it on my hitachi 60vs810 best ive senn to date....

awesome show ....

viewed it on my hitachi 60vs810 best ive senn to date....

I agree. Excellent source material - wish there was a lot more like it...

Even though I'm getting my SXRD tomorrow I've lost my excitement.Dealing with my salesmen from Sony has been hell. My wife works for a major hospital in Boston and they have an employee perks program that includes Sony.

I know exactly the hospital you speak of and the employee perk program :) Who did they use to order the TV? Let me know because I was considering doing the same thing! I guess I won't now...

All computers and probably all HDTV's have parts that are made in Japan and the rest of the Pacific rim nations (from Taiwan, Malaysia, to Singapore). From what I've read from business journals and trade journals the Sony SXRD 50" and 60" sets are being manufactured in their Pennsylvania plant and they expect to assemble 1,000,000 sets in the the next 12 months. If demand is greater they can always ramp up more assembly lines. The parts will be warehoused in the PA plant for obvious assembly reasons and for warranty part replacements. Makes total sense to me. Just as Dell has parts for their computers shipped in mostly from Asia and assembled in the US.

I'm surprised that nobody has throw this out.

My conspiracy theory is that Sunshine got their inventory from the Japanese distributor, not the US distributor. That's why they had some before the regular US channels had any, that's why the box is marked "Made in Japan", that's why Sunshine could sell them cheaper.

As far as I'm concerned, they're the same as those manufactured here, maybe better.

I couldn't hold out any more, preordered 60XBR1 through Crutchfield, with their 5 yr protection plan.

As promised for all those who have been wondering about entertainment centers / stands for this monsterous beast, you can all see what I've setup in anticipation for my TV.

The only piece missing from the entertainment center (other than the TV) is a piece of wood custom routered to fit the pedestal of the TV and the overlaying piece that will mount overtop and screw through to secure it in place.

This was custom built and cost about $1500 (I had another unit (bookshelf) built too so the total cost was $3500 - so I'm guessing $1500 of it was for the entertainment center).

-Arv

P.S. Received word that my TV was shipped today!

Can someone explain what type of DVD player is necessary to take full advantage of the SXRD, understanding we are dealing in today's, and not future capabilities.

I'm surprised that nobody has throw this out.

My conspiracy theory is that Sunshine got their inventory from the Japanese distributor, not the US distributor. That's why they had some before the regular US channels had any, that's why the box is marked "Made in Japan", that's why Sunshine could sell them cheaper.

As far as I'm concerned, they're the same as those manufactured here, maybe better.

I have a feeling you are correct. It has been noted several places on here that some of the SXRD's are being made in Japan. I bet Sunshine got them through a different channel, and hence had them first to sell. There should be no problem with the TV being made in Japan though, unless Sony were to consider them grey market, and refuse warranty service on them.

Bombthroat, do you have the strap and buckle to anchor the set or do you think that the set would be OK without it? I noticed that your stand is not the Sony stand. If you do have the anchor set up, can you tell me where you got it from. We already have a stand, but it's not a Sony and I don't know if the set needs the anchor. Thanks

I do not have a strap and anchor. The back of the stand I purchased has a weight at the bottom directly in the middle (of the back). The set is very sturdy on it and I can't see it tipping over unless someone purposely grabbed the set and tried to flip it. Even then, the TV might fall off but the stand would not budge (very heavy).

Can someone explain what type of DVD player is necessary to take full advantage of the SXRD, understanding we are dealing in today's, and not future capabilities.

Upscaling DVD players with HDMI or DVI(dvi to hdmi cable) output. They will output in all the standard formats up to 1080i or 1080p. Of course you can always just buy a scaler, that you can plug everything in, and that isn't cheap.

I wondered about that strap thing too. I also have one of the new Sony Bravia LCD TVs and they recommend the strap, yet the thing weights 36 lbs. and has a big round stand that could never accidentally tip over unless you purposely pushed the thing over from the very top of the screen. I can't see a 66 inch wide 112 lb. TV needing protection of a little strap to hold it down from tipping. That would have to be one hell of an accident to knock something like that over.

I wondered about that strap thing too. I also have one of the new Sony Bravia LCD TVs and they recommend the strap, yet the thing weights 36 lbs. and has a big round stand that could never accidentally tip over unless you purposely pushed the thing over from the very top of the screen. I can't see a 66 inch wide 112 lb. TV needing protection of a little strap to hold it down from tipping. That would have to be one hell of an accident to knock something like that over.
But if you're going to buy a $5000 TV, why skimp on a $6 strap? Murphy's Law... something will happen and it'll tip over. For $6 its worth the peace of mind in my opinion.

But if you're going to buy a $5000 TV, why skimp on a $6 strap? Murphy's Law... something will happen and it'll tip over. For $6 its worth the peace of mind in my opinion.I picked up the buckle a while back from Sony parts and have anchored a strap to the back of our custom stand.

I typically follow the "ounce of prevention..." thinking. With a 3 and 7 year old kids in our family I have anchored all the hutches and tall dressers to the wall in our house. You don't get a "do over" in life. One story in the news about a child being killed by furniture falling over is too many. It can be prevented.

Upscaling DVD players with HDMI or DVI(dvi to hdmi cable) output. They will output in all the standard formats up to 1080i or 1080p. Of course you can always just buy a scaler, that you can plug everything in, and that isn't cheap.
Not necessarily -- this set is supposed to have the same internal electronics as the Qualia 006, and it's quite likely that the set will do a much better job of deinterlacing and upscaling than all but the most expensive upscaling players. So it may be a better strategy to feed it 480i and let the set do all the work. (Of course, the only relatively inexpensive player that does 480i over HDMI at the moment is the discontinued Sony NS975V -- beyond that you're looking at the Pioneer 59AVi/79AVi, or an Arcam player, I believe.)

I'll be very curious to see reports of various upscaling players with this set, and whether they provide any benefit or not. Currently, I suspect that I'll wind up either getting a 975V, or a player that does good 480i over component.

Sony TV's generally do a very good job with scaling. I like the picture better with my Denon 3800 outputting 480i to my GWIII than 480p. I mentioned that to umr, who wasn't surprised.

I appreciate the prior replies regarding the Sears extended warranty which includes lamps. At $250/lamp (price on the SonyStyle site) that would be a low of $500 to a high of $2750.


What’s the deal with these warranties and bulb replacement?

How does it work?

Do you have to provide the bad bulb prior to getting the new one?
Do you just request a new bulb and they send it?
Do you then send them the bad bulb?

I'm surprised that nobody has throw this out.

My conspiracy theory is that Sunshine got their inventory from the Japanese distributor, not the US distributor. That's why they had some before the regular US channels had any, that's why the box is marked "Made in Japan", that's why Sunshine could sell them cheaper.

As far as I'm concerned, they're the same as those manufactured here, maybe better.

Jim! Dude! Have you read any of the past posts?? There are federal laws mandating the origin of an item. If the content of a product is over a certain threshold, than that is the origin of the item.

Man, between you and Alan! :D I'm going to lock both of you up in a padded room! :p

I have a feeling you are correct. It has been noted several places on here that some of the SXRD's are being made in Japan. I bet Sunshine got them through a different channel, and hence had them first to sell. There should be no problem with the TV being made in Japan though, unless Sony were to consider them grey market, and refuse warranty service on them.

I actually have a 50" SXRD that was made in Guam :D

Can someone explain what type of DVD player is necessary to take full advantage of the SXRD, understanding we are dealing in today's, and not future capabilities.
A very extensive test was done by UCSB on DVD Players on the new Samsung 1080P and his findings are linked below - I couldn't paste it as it's huge. The results may transfer to the SXRD 1080P also since they've had ownership feedback for about 2 months already and perhaps we can benefit how DVD Players respond to those 1080P sets. UCSB Manages the Samsung thread and spent over a week doing this analysis - he's retired but he's responsible for the terrific input in the Sammy thread - and by the way he found the Samsung 950 to be the worst of the group- he's organized most everything in that Samsung 1080P thread and more since CES 2005 and is a great asset to the forum: :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5892463&&#post5892463

Here's another done by another advanced member "RMSko" that seems to mirror the above

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=567274&page=1&pp=30

Someone please check me on this:

My understanding is that the 006 and SXRD 50" and 60" products display 1080p - but they are incapable of accepting a 1080p signal arriving at the HDMI port. That's the information I got at CEDIA. Am I understanding correctly that you guys are feeding these units 1080p.

Thanks

Someone please check me on this:

My understanding is that the 006 and SXRD 50" and 60" products display 1080p - but they are incapable of accepting a 1080p signal arriving at the HDMI port. That's the information I got at CEDIA. Am I understanding correctly that you guys are feeding these units 1080p.

Thanks
That should be correct for all new 1080P sets presently with the exception of the new HP DLP so they assert. The only true 1080P success I've seen on the forum are being pushed via HTPC systems and media designed for it, I believe there exists some Quicktime streams that are done in 1080P and but it takes an HTPC to get it to work - this is based upon postings by HTPC folks.:)

Sony TV's generally do a very good job with scaling. I like the picture better with my Denon 3800 outputting 480i to my GWIII than 480p. I mentioned that to umr, who wasn't surprised.

I have a cheap SONY DVD player..and it looks better on both my GWIII, and A-10 set to 480I, and letting the TV do the work with the scaling. Progessive scan gives a much softer, and less detailed picture for some reason.

"softer, less detailed picture" = the "film like picture" marketing we're so accustomed to hearing from TV makers.

blafarm:

If you read Westa6969's links, he fed them 1080i.

Not necessarily -- this set is supposed to have the same internal electronics as the Qualia 006, and it's quite likely that the set will do a much better job of deinterlacing and upscaling than all but the most expensive upscaling players. So it may be a better strategy to feed it 480i and let the set do all the work. (Of course, the only relatively inexpensive player that does 480i over HDMI at the moment is the discontinued Sony NS975V -- beyond that you're looking at the Pioneer 59AVi/79AVi, or an Arcam player, I believe.)

I'll be very curious to see reports of various upscaling players with this set, and whether they provide any benefit or not. Currently, I suspect that I'll wind up either getting a 975V, or a player that does good 480i over component.


You know the problem is that with the SXRD, we really don't know if it likes 480i over component or 480i over HDMI better. Do we know if the SXRD has a complete digital pathway? As these outputs on DVD players can also vary, it'll take some testing to find out which will produce the best picture.

So have you decided to keep the A10 and pass on the SXRD?

Yes...the A-10 is fine for the moment. The price is right, and it fits in my space perfectly. ( Sony take note...you could have sold me the pricier SXRD were it not for the stupid dumbo- ear design!) The A-10 is certainly better than my GWIII. Blacks are still not the best, but they are better. I can imagine buying the SXRD later, IF they prove to be really good, and they slim the cabinet down to A-10 size. I am still watching the thread, and interested in how things work out. Suprised we haven't had more comments on PQ by now. As for the "made in Japan" mystery label, I have e-mailed Sony to ask about it. Maybe we can get a definitive answer. If, and when I hear back from them, I will let you know.

Thanks for that clarification guys.

I think the cabinet styling is just fine with the speakers. An added bonus of using the cabinet from the XS is that I have a caryy-over WAF of 100% since I was able to sell her on the 60" XS looks, and then we decided to wait a little bit and get the SXRD instead.

I like the look. Who do I contact at Sony to let them know? I don't want them only hearing from the "square look" zealots. :)

Jim! Dude! Have you read any of the past posts?? There are federal laws mandating the origin of an item. If the content of a product is over a certain threshold, than that is the origin of the item.

Man, between you and Alan! :D I'm going to lock both of you up in a padded room! :p

I think you should shut up until we all have better info on this labeling issue. Lest you have to eat crow later. :) I have e-mailed Sony asking about this..but who knows if they will bother to answer. I have never seen a product that was assembled in USA labled as 'Made in Japan', no matter where the parts came from. I don't think either of us knows who is correct at this point. I am hoping someone can check the boxes on more TV's and see how they are lableled. What are you going to say if the ones at normal retail outlets say 'assembled in USA' on the box? HMMMMMM :D

Not to be mean but: Why does everyone care about this damn label "Made in Japan" so much? Is anyone NOT going to buy it based on what country is stamped on the side of the box? Let's get over it: Sunshine provided one of the first sets. Kudos to them. Who cares where it came from. If the country where this thing is manufactured bothers you that much then don't buy it. They're not going to open a congressional investigation to find out why Bombthreat got one of the first sets while everyone else is left waiting and wondering why their particular choice of vendor hasn't shipped or received any yet (I'm one of those people). Someone has to get the first set somewhere. Others are getting theirs this week a mere day or two after Bombthreat which is easily accounted for by shipping time. Forget who some of you do or don't know at Sony that's telling you what. Clearly they don't know either and that really doesn't surprise me. The sets are shipping (thank God after all the waiting and pushed back dates some of us have been experiencing for the past month or so), and apparently have been for days now. Here's the rule of thumb: dates are tentative, dates are made to be broken. Once something's on a factory assembly line, the actual date they make it out the door and onto a truck is anyone's guess.

So for those that have the set, let's hear some more first impressions. I'm sure the things we've been hearing and reading about like the color accuracy, black levels, SDE, etc. are far more interesting than the country name that's stamped on the side of the box. I'm not trying to be rude or anything so don't bother flaming me..there's no point to trying to figure out why someone got theirs ahead of you and whether or not it's a legit unit.

Does anyone know if these sets can take a 1920 x1080 signal from an HTPC via DVI?

Not to be mean but: Why does everyone care about this damn label "Made in Japan" so much? Is anyone NOT going to buy it based on what country is stamped on the side of the box? Let's get over it: Sunshine provided one of the first sets. Kudos to them. Who cares where it came from. If the country where this thing is manufactured bothers you that much then don't buy it. They're not going to open a congressional investigation to find out why Bombthreat got one of the first sets while everyone else is left waiting and wondering why their particular choice of vendor hasn't shipped or received any yet (I'm one of those people). Someone has to get the first set somewhere. Others are getting theirs this week a mere day or two after Bombthreat which is easily accounted for by shipping time. Forget who some of you do or don't know at Sony that's telling you what. Clearly they don't know either and that really doesn't surprise me. The sets are shipping (thank God after all the waiting and pushed back dates some of us have been experiencing for the past month or so), and apparently have been for days now. Here's the rule of thumb: dates are tentative, dates are made to be broken. Once something's on a factory assembly line, the actual date they make it out the door and onto a truck is anyone's guess.

ISo for those that have the set, let's hear some more first impressions. I'm sure the things we've been hearing and reading about like the color accuracy, black levels, SDE, etc. are far more interesting than the country name that's stamped on the side of the box. I'm not trying to be rude or anything so don't bother flaming me..there's no point to trying to figure out why someone got theirs ahead of you and whether or not it's a legit unit.

I would suggest that people should care, because grey market goods are frequently not warranted by the manufacturer! How would you feel if your 5 grand TV breaks down, and Sony was to tell you to kiss off, because you bought it from some shady e-tailer, and your warranty is no good? Plus I am just curious as to what is going on with the sourcing and labeling of these things. I don't see the harm in that. If you aren't interested, then don't read the posts about it!

What’s the deal with these warranties and bulb replacement?

How does it work?

Do you have to provide the bad bulb prior to getting the new one?
Do you just request a new bulb and they send it?
Do you then send them the bad bulb?


:confused:
Hey, how about my query on the bulb replacements?

If I’m going to spend 4g’s plus on a set and then deal with replacement bulbs—I think this is topical to these sets and this thread. If this was answered somewhere in this long thread then-- hey sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt the DNA tests on bombthroats box :D —though it is interesting :cool:

:confused:
Hey, how about my query on the bulb replacements?

If I’m going to spend 4g’s plus on a set and then deal with replacement bulbs—I think this is topical to these sets and this thread. If this was answered somewhere in this long thread then-- hey sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt the DNA tests on bombthroats box :D —though it is interesting :cool:

It would depend on who your warranty is from. I have heard of Sony sending new bulbs in the first year, without demanding the bad one back. I can't say what places like CC or BestBuy would require on extended warranites. They would probably come to your home, and check the TV out first.

Thanks, Alan.

I guess this all started when I read here (somewhere), that people were talking about the sears warranty-- having a good bulb replacement policy. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I finally make up my mind.

Does anyone know if these sets can take a 1920 x1080 signal from an HTPC via DVI?

Yes, they can. But 1080i, not 1080p, and you'd need a DVI -> HDMI converter.

You'll get a better picture over VGA if someone can work out the timings for a 1:1 pixel mapping on these, assuming it can be done.

Just got a call from Abt to schedule delivery of my 50"!

I like the look too but the real problem arises when you settle for a smaller vertical because of the extra width that the side speakers compromise. In reality the 70" Qualia is out of my reach anyway so really the 60" SXRD is my only play at this time. I would have liked no ears so I could have sold the 60" to the wife for up stairs and then buy a newer set for downstairs later on. Anyway, I'll keep what I am getting and just enjoy it.

If Sunshine was able to get sets from Japan then wouldn't they have to buy in huge quanity to make the freight worth paying?

Thanks, Alan.

I guess this all started when I read here (somewhere), that people were talking about the sears warranty-- having a good bulb replacement policy. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I finally make up my mind.

The big problem is nobody has good data on the life of bulbs on these tv's. We read horror stories about them dying multiple times in the first year, and some people claim they are up to 7000 hours and going strong. Without a good, correctly performed survey, we are all pretty much clueless on this issue. That said, don't get too hysterical, and overpay for a warranty just to cover your bulbs. Unless you run the TV 10 plus hours a day, the bulbs shouldn't be too big a financial burden for most buyers.

That said, don't get too hysterical, and overpay for a warranty just to cover your bulbs. Unless you run the TV 10 plus hours a day, the bulbs shouldn't be too big a financial burden for most buyers.


Agree. I’ve always been skeptical of extended warranties.

My dilemma is, there is no way that I would own a set that requires a bulb and not have a spare bulb on hand.

Me- with a TV- and a bad bulb-- with no spare--- this is where you will see real hysterics! :eek:
:D

Bombthroat: Would you mind timing how long the set turns on and displays a viewable picture after its been off for a while? I was also wondering how well the settings work on this set? On my A20 the adjustments didn't do a whole lot.

Thanks in advance

I think you should shut up until we all have better info on this labeling issue. Lest you have to eat crow later. :) I have e-mailed Sony asking about this..but who knows if they will bother to answer. I have never seen a product that was assembled in USA labled as 'Made in Japan', no matter where the parts came from. I don't think either of us knows who is correct at this point. I am hoping someone can check the boxes on more TV's and see how they are lableled. What are you going to say if the ones at normal retail outlets say 'assembled in USA' on the box? HMMMMMM :D

OK, fair enough! You throw me in the padded room if I'm wrong!! :D :D

You do have a good point AlanBuck, though if you buy it from a reputable place I seriously doubt these are grey boxes. The retailer in question needs to be somewhat responsible for what they are selling since after all it is their business. If someone gets one from somewhere shady to save money, well then that's their problem...as they say "buyer beware". Personally I'd rather pay closer to MSRP through a reputable place to guarantee I don't have to deal with such headaches later on.

You do have a good point AlanBuck, though if you buy it from a reputable place I seriously doubt these are grey boxes. The retailer in question needs to be somewhat responsible for what they are selling since after all it is their business. If someone gets one from somewhere shady to save money, well then that's their problem...as they say "buyer beware". Personally I'd rather pay closer to MSRP through a reputable place to guarantee I don't have to deal with such headaches later on.

I do know a lot of the New York camera stores sell grey market items that are not covered by warranties in the USA. I have no idea for sure that the same issue applies to TV's. I have been told at Costco though (and it warns you on Costco.com) that the Sony warranty is no good on a TV bought there, because they are not an 'authorized' Sony dealer. That is one reason they let you bring TV's back anytime for a refund. Strangely, Sam's Club, and Wal Mart ARE listed on Sony's web site as authorized dealers. The Japanese label is interesting. I guess we'll hear the real deal on it eventually.

I guess we'll hear the real deal on it eventually.

Here's how I believe Sunshine did it. First you fly to Japan and rent an apartment. While there, you design a costume that looks like an XBR 1, complete with a power strip attached to the front. Now you go out and buy six XBR 1 sets and a Lazy Susan. Returning to your apartment, you arrange the sets in a circle with the Lazy Susan placed in the middle. Don your XBR 1 costume. Now...take the power cords from the sets and plug them into the power strip. Move around the circle turning the sets on one at a time. Sit down on the Lazy Susan and slowly rotate for the next 48 hours. Having completed this task, on to the next step.

Being sure to specify that you want several auxiliary fuel tanks attached, purchase an ultra light aircraft. Find a landowner with a suitably flat field for take-off and arrange permission for use of same. Remove the sets from the apartment and line them up in the field behind the aircraft. Step into your XBR 1 suit once again and man the controls of the ultra light. Take off on a heading to the United States of America. If the imprinting you have done has been successful, the sets should be flying in formation behind. (Warning! Do not try this with an A 10 or any other set without the heretofore much maligned Dumbo design.)

Let the sets roam free in a nearby field. At some point, the sets should head back to Japan to reproduce and then return with their young. In a few years, you should have a large flock of sets from which you can harvest a reasonable amount for sale at a price well below MSRP. In order to avoid problems with the FTC, place sets in boxes labeled “Made in Japan”. Occam’s razor.

I can attest to that Alan living just outside NYC myself.

That's funny TV Tyro.. think one of them offspring sets can make their way from the field of TVs over to my living room?

What’s the deal with these warranties and bulb replacement?

How does it work?

Do you have to provide the bad bulb prior to getting the new one?
Do you just request a new bulb and they send it?
Do you then send them the bad bulb?

With Sears, you call and report the failure. They send out a repairman to replace the lamp. Upside is that you don't have to do it yourself. Downside is that I'm sure it takes a couple days to get it done. I purchased the 5 year warranty from Sears and fully expect most of my failures to occur on Friday (i.e., wait until Monday or even Tuesday. That's just my luck. But, also because I purchased the 5 year Sears warranty, lamps will probably last an average of 12,000 hours. If that happens, you can all thank me!

Not necessarily -- this set is supposed to have the same internal electronics as the Qualia 006, and it's quite likely that the set will do a much better job of deinterlacing and upscaling than all but the most expensive upscaling players. So it may be a better strategy to feed it 480i and let the set do all the work. (Of course, the only relatively inexpensive player that does 480i over HDMI at the moment is the discontinued Sony NS975V -- beyond that you're looking at the Pioneer 59AVi/79AVi, or an Arcam player, I believe.)

I'll be very curious to see reports of various upscaling players with this set, and whether they provide any benefit or not. Currently, I suspect that I'll wind up either getting a 975V, or a player that does good 480i over component.

I spent last week reading most of the avs threads on DVD players and also the entire Qualia thread (wanted an upscaling/HDMI player to go with the SXRD). Most of the Qualia owners started out assuming the same as Dixie Flatline (i.e., Qualia would do a better job upscaling than an inexpensive DVD player). However, eventually almost all the Qualia comments agreed that letting a good (don't necessarily read as expensive) DVD player upscale was better than the Qualia receiving 480i and upscaling itself. Especially those that bought the Pioneer because it could pass 480i over HDMI were surprised to discover that they were much better off letting the 59avi do the work and pass 1080i. Regarding DVD players, all have one problem or another; and different people will weight the "+'s/-'s" differently. I personally would have bought the Denon 3910 if Hi def DVD players weren't a year or two away. But I ended up getting the Denon 2910 because it is close to the 3910, but only half the price. Therefore, when I replace it in a couple years I won't feel so "guilty".

ShopSunshine has now posted the 50" SXRD but you must call for pricing and the 60" now has a lower price on their website but not reduced on Ebay - I would bet they'll keep it the same on Ebay to compensate for the Ebay fee's they have to pay. Looks like that one sale to bombthroat took care of the Gray Market R&D.

As they are a Titanium Seller on Ebay with a 98+% rating with over 15K electronics items sold and they've had their own showroom and warehouse for ten years how could they maintain their standing as both a B&M and an on-line dealer? If someone screws their customers on Ebay they do not last long and they certainly couldn't last to sell 15,000 plus items.

They insist Manufacturers warranties are covered and they list the ones that aren't and Sony is not one of them. They are listed on Dunn and Bradstreet. Yes, they had their positive and negative comments but the vast majority are positive. If nothing else many people were successful getting price matches as the result of them though not everyone succeeded.

I've bought and sold on Ebay for 7-8 years and never gotten screwed and saved one hell of alot of money along the way - the whole system is based upon trust and ratings between buyers/sellers. I have seen suspected shady sale attempts but these were folks with a few sales or none NEVER a Seller that has achieved Titanium Status and received awards from Ebay. As they have their own warehouse they can use Ebay and their online store sort of like a gravy train as they have very little overhead as a result. Since the sets are just debuting how in the world could you create a gray market and it would cost a hell of alot more to ship these from Japan than Pittsburgh which is one of the reasons they built the plant. Oh Well - the conspiracy will go on at least until more people become owners and can then report. Not saying the naysayers are wrong at all - but it doesn't make sense given the history of the Vendor - perhaps Tony Soprano works at Sunshine. :D

perhaps Tony Soprano works at Sunshine. :D

Fo'get about it...

ShopSunshine has now posted the 50" SXRD but you must call for pricing and the 60" now has a lower price on their website but not reduced on Ebay - I would bet they'll keep it the same on Ebay to compensate for the Ebay fee's they have to pay. Looks like that one sale to bombthroat took care of the Gray Market R&D.

As they are a Titanium Seller on Ebay with a 98+% rating with over 15K electronics items sold and they've had their own showroom and warehouse for ten years how could they maintain their standing as both a B&M and an on-line dealer? If someone screws their customers on Ebay they do not last long and they certainly couldn't last to sell 15,000 plus items.

They insist Manufacturers warranties are covered and they list the ones that aren't and Sony is not one of them. They are listed on Dunn and Bradstreet. Yes, they had their positive and negative comments but the vast majority are positive. If nothing else many people were successful getting price matches as the result of them though not everyone succeeded.

I've bought and sold on Ebay for 7-8 years and never gotten screwed and saved one hell of alot of money along the way - the whole system is based upon trust and ratings between buyers/sellers. I have seen suspected shady sale attempts but these were folks with a few sales or none NEVER a Seller that has achieved Titanium Status and received awards from Ebay. As they have their own warehouse they can use Ebay and their online store sort of like a gravy train as they have very little overhead as a result. Since the sets are just debuting how in the world could you create a gray market and it would cost a hell of alot more to ship these from Japan than Pittsburgh which is one of the reasons they built the plant. Oh Well - the conspiracy will go on at least until more people become owners and can then report. Not saying the naysayers are wrong at all - but it doesn't make sense given the history of the Vendor - perhaps Tony Soprano works at Sunshine. :DSo have you cancelled your order with Crutchfield and placed one with Shopsunshine.com?

I would like some recommendations, on which HDMI cable I should purchase for this new SXRD, something other than monster cable's, not fond of monster. I thinking of purchasing one from transparent, but i would like to know from others users if there is another HDMI cable they could recommend other than monster, and cheaper than transparent......

The product is "Made in Japan" because a certain % (majority) of the cost of the set originates in Japan. Since the optical block and SXRD chips come from Japan, it is technically "made" there. The carton can also say "Assembled in USA" and be correct as well. It's a fine line per regulations.

These sets are only bound for the U.S. since they have ATSC decoders, no other country uses this system, so I don't think it's possible for there to be a grey-market product in this case.

The product is "Made in Japan" because a certain % (majority) of the cost of the set originates in Japan. Since the optical block and SXRD chips come from Japan, it is technically "made" there. The carton can also say "Assembled in USA" and be correct as well. It's a fine line per regulations.

These sets are only bound for the U.S. since they have ATSC decoders, no other country uses this system, so I don't think it's possible for there to be a grey-market product in this case.

So I wonder why Sony choose to label these as Made in Japan, when all previous product from the PA plant was proudly labeled as assembled in USA, in spite of the optical block etc coming from Japan? You may well be correct....but it seems odd they changed their customary lableling. Of course it is still possible that they sourced some sets from Japan too to help fill the dealer pipeline faster.

With Sears, you call and report the failure. They send out a repairman to replace the lamp. Upside is that you don't have to do it yourself. Downside is that I'm sure it takes a couple days to get it done.Based on my experience, it will be more like a week or more. Sears has become very bad when it comes to prompt service calls. I called them to fix my Kenmore dryer a while back and they said it would take ten days. There was no way we could go ten days without a dryer, so I called a local independent repairman. He came out later that same day.

Dear All,

The 50" is available at the Windsor Future Shop and the 60" arrived at the sony store, both today. I've only had time to see the 50". So here are my humble impressions:

The set was initially connected by component cables to a sony lifestyle type dvd player. I have to report that the picture was awful. The settings were the Vivid video mode, which was bascially designed to impress people buying the unit at a store, with way overblown contrast, sharpness and brightness settings. Although the colours were ok, the details was lousy, and the picture lacked detail. Furthermore, there were so many motion artifacts that it made it nearly impossible to watch.

I asked for an upconverting DVD player connected by HDMI and modified the picture significantly. WOW! What a difference! The picture improved dramatically. The colours were incredible, black detail was excellent, and there were virtually no motion artifacts. There is certainly no SDE, and I saw very scanty SSE, if any at all. I watched Sahara (which made viewing somewhat difficult, since the movie was painfully bad), and then watched Robots, which was absolutely incredible on the set. I could detect no motion artifacts and the colours were so incredibly vibrant that I was blown away.

I also watched some Standard Def material, which actually looked better than I've seen it on any other High Def TV. I'm on call in a city 1 hour away from where I normally live, so I couldn't stay any longer, but I will definetly go back, possibly tomorrow to see the TV with some DVD's that I'm familiar with viewing regularly.

Oh, I almost forgot, the gloss bezel is hugely distracting and incredibly annoying, but I only saw it in the over-bright lights in Future Shop. The Dumbo ear speakers were just as bad as everyone said and there doesn't appear to be any way of removing them.

Rahi
I'm also going to the Sony store tomorrow, since I couldn't make it today.

Prices were at MSRP for Canada, which was what I reported previously: 50" for Ca $ 4999.99, and 60" for Ca$ 6499.00.

The future shop guy is looking into when they will get the 60"...

Thanks for all the great posts from everybody else. I'm still going to wait most likely for the Toshiba 1080p TV's since I was very impressed with the most recent iteration, but I think the sony will ultimately win.

So I wonder why Sony choose to label these as Made in Japan, when all previous product from the PA plant was proudly labeled as assembled in USA, in spite of the optical block etc coming from Japan? You may well be correct....but it seems odd they changed their customary lableling. Of course it is still possible that they sourced some sets from Japan too to help fill the dealer pipeline faster.
I wonder if it has anything to do with NAFTA.

I'm guessing these PA assembled TVs are also destined for the Canadian market. Under NAFTA, most products that are made in Mexico, the US or Canada can flow across the borders duty-free.

But to be NAFTA duty-free, the constituent parts must have a certain level of NAFTA-sourced material.

So it might be that Sony cannot claim "Made in the US" for fear of misrepresentation of NAFTA status if the products don't meet the required level of NAFTA-sourced constituent parts.

But what to I know?

My local dealer (Tweeter, Etc., Nashua NH) says that they expect the TVs to show up at their warehouse on Oct. 3 (Monday), and that it would be a few days after that before one got set up in the store. The manager told me that not every Tweeter would get to have a set on display, but that his store typically does. (He then muttered that he didn't know where he would put it!) They do have the Qualia 006 (and sold six of them in the first week!) If the R60XBR1 has a picture even remotely like the 006, I'm sold. My wife, however, hates, hates, hates the Dumbo Ears and really wants me to go for the A20 instead. I'm waiting to see what it looks like in person, though I definitely appreciate bombthroat's pictures.

Hey people... assuming some were made in Japan first, it didn't necessarily cost Sunshine more if a bunch were sent to the PA plant to help fulfill the first orders. In which case, more than just Sunshine would get "Made in Japan" sets. Who posted the tracking details of their shipment before in this thread ? Was it Bombthroat ? It showed the pick up as being at Sony's plant in PA...

I spent last week reading most of the avs threads on DVD players and also the entire Qualia thread (wanted an upscaling/HDMI player to go with the SXRD). Most of the Qualia owners started out assuming the same as Dixie Flatline (i.e., Qualia would do a better job upscaling than an inexpensive DVD player). However, eventually almost all the Qualia comments agreed that letting a good (don't necessarily read as expensive) DVD player upscale was better than the Qualia receiving 480i and upscaling itself. Especially those that bought the Pioneer because it could pass 480i over HDMI were surprised to discover that they were much better off letting the 59avi do the work and pass 1080i.

rlb, that's most interesting -- do you have pointers handy to any of those posts? I admit I haven't waded through the full Qualia thread, but I was not aware that people were falling back to letting the player upscale. Thanks for the warning.

If so, that does make the NS975V even more tempting, since it provides both options -- 480i over HDMI and upscaling -- at a reasonable price, especially now that it's discontinued. I wish I could play it safe by just picking up a 59AVi, but the budget doesn't stretch quite that far. :rolleyes:

Yes, they can. But 1080i, not 1080p, and you'd need a DVI -> HDMI converter.

You'll get a better picture over VGA if someone can work out the timings for a 1:1 pixel mapping on these, assuming it can be done.

Sonystyle told me today that they get 14 60" KDSs in tomorrow, Sep 29th, and will immediately ship them to the first 14 people on their list. Then the get 5 more next week on the 6th, and 8 more on the 13th. I'm on the list to get mine in the Oct 13th group.

rlb, that's most interesting -- do you have pointers handy to any of those posts? I admit I haven't waded through the full Qualia thread, but I was not aware that people were falling back to letting the player upscale. Thanks for the warning.

If so, that does make the NS975V even more tempting, since it provides both options -- 480i over HDMI and upscaling -- at a reasonable price, especially now that it's discontinued. I wish I could play it safe by just picking up a 59AVi, but the budget doesn't stretch quite that far. :rolleyes:

Actually, if you go to the last four pages (250-253) of the Qualia 006 owner thread we were just having that discussion (perhaps again for my sake).

There are a couple of people using Denon DVD-3910 and letting it output 1080i over HDMI, and there are another couple of people using the Sony 975 to put out 1080i over HDMI.

Most of them appear to have tried multiple settings 480, 720 and component connections. But they all prefer the picture quality of their particular DVD player putting out 1080i over HDMI.

Hope that helps! :)

Actually, if you go to the last four pages (250-253) of the Qualia 006 owner thread we were just having that discussion (perhaps again for my sake).

There are a couple of people using Denon DVD-3910 and letting it output 1080i over HDMI, and there are another couple of people using the Sony 975 to put out 1080i over HDMI.

Most of them appear to have tried multiple settings 480, 720 and component connections. But they all prefer the picture quality of their particular DVD player putting out 1080i over HDMI.

Hope that helps! :)

It kinda makes sense when you think about it. When the TV receives a 480i signal, it doesn't know whether it's coming from a DVD player, satellite, cable, analog, or what. The 480i processing on the TV has to be able to look good for all those possible sources, so there are likely some compromises involved that prevent it from doing the best job possible specifically on DVD content. On the other hand, an upscaling DVD player knows it only has to scale a DVD source, and can be optimized for that type of content.

It kinda makes sense when you think about it. When the TV receives a 480i signal, it doesn't know whether it's coming from a DVD player, satellite, cable, analog, or what. The 480i processing on the TV has to be able to look good for all those possible sources, so there are likely some compromises involved that prevent it from doing the best job possible specifically on DVD content. On the other hand, an upscaling DVD player knows it only has to scale a DVD source, and can be optimized for that type of content.

Yes, I agree that if you've paid the money for a player that will upscale, it SHOULD deliver a superior picture. I guess the discussion on the Qualia 006 owner thread revolved around the subjective opinion of people on whether their DVD player or the Qualia had the better processor and software for upscaling the DVD content. It appears some people had prefered puting out 480 and letting the Qualia upscale it.

However, when I inquired about it the other day, several people spoke up and said not only did they prefer their player's upscaled output, but that they ALSO prefered using the HDMI output.

I guess when you get into the specifics of each player, each TV, each cable type, and each DVD, there is just going to be a large number of divergent opinions on the matter. And perhaps there should be... :D

Yes, I agree that if you've paid the money for a player that will upscale, it SHOULD deliver a superior picture. I guess the discussion on the Qualia 006 owner thread revolved around the subjective opinion of people on whether their DVD player or the Qualia had the better processor and software for upscaling the DVD content. It appears some people had prefered puting out 480 and letting the Qualia upscale it.

However, when I inquired about it the other day, several people spoke up and said not only did they prefer their player's upscaled output, but that they ALSO prefered using the HDMI output.

I guess when you get into the specifics of each player, each TV, each cable type, and each DVD, there is just going to be a large number of divergent opinions on the matter. And perhaps there should be... :D


sorry to jump in a sony thread, but I own a hitachi 60vs810 and have owned two seperate hdmi upscaling players.. a samsung and a toshiba.

in both cases the hdmi outputs was not as good as the 480i from either player...
in my case my TV did a far greater job in upscaling then the players did the only dvd I thought looked better was monsters inc, most of dvds looked soft compared to component. In the end I settled on a Lg progessive player... the picture is great.

I think upscaling is only benefical in cheaper sets where the scalers in the players are superior to the tv.

just my two cents.

Looking for recommnedations for purchase sources for upscaling DVD players (i.e. Sony 975, Oppo, Denon) for the 60"XRD.

So if the TVs upscaling does a better job than the upscalling DVD players then what's the point of buying an upscalling player? I haven't had first hand experience with these upscalling players since my CRT RP doesn't even have a DVI port but I'm beginning to think that they are just a ploy.

I was reading Revolution Home Theatre's Review of the Qualia 006 this evening.

http://www.revolutionhometheater.com/equip/sonyqualia006/

One thing that really concerns me is that after 100 hours there was a noticable shift in convergence. I certainly hope that this is not a wide spread problem with the Qualia and that the same can occur with the SXRD units.

It also concerns me how the picture quality is effected if you are not at the right seating height and position.

The more I read the more and the more I think about the more I want to wait before making the switch from a tube set. It may be realitively small (33" in 16:9 mode) but it does give a great HD picture. I think the technology is not quite there yet ... but it is getting very close.

I haven't had first hand experience with these upscalling players since my CRT RP doesn't even have a DVI port but I'm beginning to think that they are just a ploy.Interesting logic.

These sets are not for sale in Japan yet so it is not possible to be a grey market. US market is first and foremost for this set. All other countries come after.

The set's optical engine is made in Japan, out of optical components sourced from US and Japanese companies, (probably has some euro stuff in there too) then sent to PA and assembled into the chasis. So even if it says "Made in Japan" you are supporting US industry indirectly. (not sure if anyone has that concern or not..)

It actually is a nice cooperative effort of both countries.

Looking for recommnedations for purchase sources for upscaling DVD players (i.e. Sony 975, Oppo, Denon) for the 60"XRD.

I recommend the new Panasonic DVD-S97.

-Arv

Sonystyle told me today that they get 14 60" KDSs in tomorrow, Sep 29th, and will immediately ship them to the first 14 people on their list. Then the get 5 more next week on the 6th, and 8 more on the 13th. I'm on the list to get mine in the Oct 13th group.

Awesome!

I'm excited to get mine soon!

-Arv

I was reading Revolution Home Theatre's Review of the Qualia 006 this evening.

http://www.revolutionhometheater.com/equip/sonyqualia006/

One thing that really concerns me is that after 100 hours there was a noticable shift in convergence. I certainly hope that this is not a wide spread problem with the Qualia and that the same can occur with the SXRD units.

It also concerns me how the picture quality is effected if you are not at the right seating height and position.

The more I read the more and the more I think about the more I want to wait before making the switch from a tube set. It may be realitively small (33" in 16:9 mode) but it does give a great HD picture. I think the technology is not quite there yet ... but it is getting very close.

There are a number of other reviews out there; you should read them all :)

Neither of the concerns you mention from this review make any sense to me. I find the off-axis viewing to be great (you really have to move to a position that is way off-axis in order to discern any difference and even then it is very slight and very gradual) and the misconvergence phenomenon doesn't exist on any of the current owner's Q006s (at least not the problem described; i.e., shifting over time). What some are observing as slight misconvergence is likely just chromatic abberation (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/geoopt/aber2.html). The panels are fixed and can't shift/drift over time; I suppose there could be some manufacturing defect but in that case I would call for immediate service/replacement :)

rlb, that's most interesting -- do you have pointers handy to any of those posts? I admit I haven't waded through the full Qualia thread, but I was not aware that people were falling back to letting the player upscale. Thanks for the warning.

If so, that does make the NS975V even more tempting, since it provides both options -- 480i over HDMI and upscaling -- at a reasonable price, especially now that it's discontinued. I wish I could play it safe by just picking up a 59AVi, but the budget doesn't stretch quite that far. :rolleyes:

Do a search on the Qualia thread for "dvd players". You will have 45 minutes worth of reading that provides everything they thought/learned.

I considered the NS975V. However, if you read that threat in the DVD forum you will discover many problems. One, it hasn't been very reliable. Two, it has a color space issue if upscaling which results in a "green depression". If used strictly for 480i, there is another issue I forgot to mention (applicable to any 480i feed over HDMI to the Qualia). An ISF professional who contributes frequently to the Qualia thread did a full ISF on a Qualia. He said the HDMI 480i input was heavily filtered (or some other comparable term) and he would not use it as the method for DVD input. In fact, later in the thread he said he would use component 480p as his preferred method for DVD input to the Qualia and listed some recommended players (including the Pioneer 59avi). He didn't list any of the current Denons because of marco-blocking issues with the Faroudja chip (used in everything but the 5910--which goes for around $3500). But recent reviews indicate that problem has been almost resolved by firmware upgrades and remaining problems very much dependent upon the TV set (plasmas and many DLPs cause the most problems). We won't know for sure how the Faroudja chip interacts with the SXRDs until they are tried; but the Denon's didn't seem to have problems on the Qualia thread.

Pioneer is replacing the 59avi with a 79avi which will be available in November. Its MSRP will be around $1000. It will also do 480i over HDMI.

Bottom line: The more you read the Qualia thread and DVD forum, the more obvious it becomes that there is "no consensus".

I apologize for this rambling input. Also, it was off the top of my head and is with regards to a very "gray area". Please take it all with a "grain of salt". I realize that many won't agree with everything I just said.

I would like some recommendations, on which HDMI cable I should purchase for this new SXRD, something other than monster cable's, not fond of monster. I thinking of purchasing one from transparent, but i would like to know from others users if there is another HDMI cable they could recommend other than monster, and cheaper than transparent......

I've personally been very pleased with numerous purchases and read only positive comments about bluejeanscable.com products. I recently bought two of their HDMI cables (getting ready for receipt of my SXRD).

These sets are not for sale in Japan yet so it is not possible to be a grey market. US market is first and foremost for this set. All other countries come after.

The set's optical engine is made in Japan, out of optical components sourced from US and Japanese companies, (probably has some euro stuff in there too) then sent to PA and assembled into the chasis. So even if it says "Made in Japan" you are supporting US industry indirectly. (not sure if anyone has that concern or not..)

It actually is a nice cooperative effort of both countries.

Of interest: Canada received the first sets 2 weeks ago. A number of Sony Stores have them. Whether their shipping to costumers is another issue. But at least we have a chance to view these wonderful sets.

Of interest: Canada received the first sets 2 weeks ago. A number of Sony Stores have them. Whether their shipping to costumers is another issue. But at least we have a chance to view these wonderful sets.

50" or 60"? I would NOT be surprised if it were the 50" model, but would be surprised if it were the 60" model.

-Arv

as I mentioned 2 weeks ago earlier in this thread, you can view the 50" model at the sony store at the yorkdale mall in toronto. They said they where going to put out the 60 inch model soon, then can get them as soon as possible.

Looking for recommnedations for purchase sources for upscaling DVD players (i.e. Sony 975, Oppo, Denon) for the 60"XRD.

For the price you are not beating the OPPO. Unless you want to spend big money on a Player

Hey Sony...why did the sets go to Canada first, eh...you bunch of hosers.

Ooops. The Tyro may have watched too much SCTV.

Circuit City has the 50" on its website.

Wow. Glad I re-opened that can of worms... :) Thanks for all the responses, since I had missed the shift back towards upscaling to feed the Qualia. I'd been a little leery of the 975 for the reasons that rlb cites, but it seems like both the firmware and build quality have improved substantially in the later units, and there do seem to be a lot of happy users. I've been following the 59AVi and 79AVi discussions, but even given the fact that the 59AVi street price has dropped to about half of list, it's still way above my price range...

For those considering purchase of a DVD player. They all have strong and weak points. The one for you may not be the one for someone else. It all depends upon what you want and what you are willing to tolerate (e.g., oppo has a great price, rates great in Secrets tests; but has serious macro blocking problems with some sets, and can be a general pain for lip sync issues and other things--i.e., not the dvd player if trouble free reliability is high on your list).

My suggestion would be to make a list of those you might be interested in and then go to the AVS DVD forum. Do a search for each specific dvd players. Almost all of them have an owners thread which you can find easily. Skim through the owners thread. You will definitely see the strong and weak points as defined by the owners. You can then decide on balance which is the right one for you.

Quicker but less thorough, go to the Qualia thread and search for dvd players. Read what the Qualia owners think of each of them. Once again you can decide on balance which one is right for you.

I used the Qualia thread to define my options, and then researched each on the individual owners thread in the DVD player forum. I can't guarantee I made the right choice; but I know that I gave it my "best shot".

What tv stand are you all getting for the 60"? I was planning on the GU12 or whatever the sony 60" stand is, but I took my center speaker to best buy last night and it wouldn't fit on the top shelf, and I don't want it practically on the floor...plus the stand itself was pretty low to the ground.

so what are you all planning?

I bought the Sony stand. I haven't measured my center channel, but with a quick eyeball it appeared like it would fit. If it doesn't, I'll sell my center and have a great excuse to get a new one! :)

50" or 60"? I would NOT be surprised if it were the 50" model, but would be surprised if it were the 60" model.

-Arv

I believe the 50" came first. Sony store have both 50" & 60" at the Oshawa Center in Ontario. And best of all, they have in a room full of varying sizes of A10's and A20's plus some older models which I'm not of the model #.

The blacks and shadow detail make the SXRD's stand out from the others, which I would consider purchasing one. But I still have a hard time thinking of paying the CA funds they're asking;
50" - $4999 CA
60" - $6499 CA
Plus add our 15% tax on top...

Just to know in one years time they will be selling around half that price.
1080p I'm sure will become the norm for RPTVs within a very short while.
Hopefully the US market will help drive the prices down quickly!

. But I still have a hard time thinking of paying the CA funds they're asking;
50" - $4999 CA
60" - $6499 CA
Plus add our 15% tax on top...

Just to know in one years time they will be selling around half that price.
1080p I'm sure will become the norm for RPTVs within a very short while.
Hopefully the US market will help drive the prices down quickly!

I don't have too much problem with the price ... besides there is a dealer in Vancouver, where I have been a long time customer and have bought most of my home theatre system, that will give me a nice discount.

Having said that I have the same concern about 1080P. As good as the Sony scaler is I know that there are better 1080P scalers out there. And in time Blu-ray I am sure will output 1080p.

And I still have problems with any TV of this size that does not have detachable speakers.

I am leaning toward waiting at least a year, maybe 2, before purchasing an SXRD. And the way technology is progressing for the same price there will most likely be something better.

In a year or two from now you probably won't want an SXRD. There's ALWAYS something newer and better around the corner. You can wait for the "next big thing" but that's what you'll always be doing: waiting.

I'm not getting a reply on the do-it-yourself forum so I will ask here. I have a 60" sxrd ordered, what kind of power-strip surge-protecter should I get? On some of the above sites I see surge protectors of all different types and prices.

What tv stand are you all getting for the 60"? I was planning on the GU12 or whatever the sony 60" stand is, but I took my center speaker to best buy last night and it wouldn't fit on the top shelf, and I don't want it practically on the floor...plus the stand itself was pretty low to the ground.

so what are you all planning?

I'll toss in my two cents here... A saw a great idea that someone else posted for the Rocket "Bigfoot" center channel speaker (it is very large). He took one of those TV wall mounts that are extendable and put his speaker on it. I plan on trying the same thing which will give me more room for electronic components under the TV. Google for "TV Mount M64004" for an example.

If you're going to wait two years, just go SED.

The first SED tv's are definitely not going to be anywhere near this price range.

In a year or two from now you probably won't want an SXRD. There's ALWAYS something newer and better around the corner. You can wait for the "next big thing" but that's what you'll always be doing: waiting.

:)

Not that Hidef Bob needs my defending, but waiting with a 16 x 9 34” tube is not all that bad. Sure it would be nice to have the bigger screen but some of us early adapters made logical choices back in the day, that have held up fine. This decision has to be evaluated carefully. We all have our anxieties regarding this decision-- extra wasted width for me. I have to see these sets in person and decide. But I don’t think it’s a wait and wait and wait for the next big tech thing as is the issue

What tv stand are you all getting for the 60"? I was planning on the GU12 or whatever the sony 60" stand is, but I took my center speaker to best buy last night and it wouldn't fit on the top shelf, and I don't want it practically on the floor...plus the stand itself was pretty low to the ground.I'm going with the Bello AVS-2663. It can accommodate a center speaker up to 8" high, and the upper shelf is nicely elevated off the ground. Here's a picture of it: