Yeah, not really the kind of thing where you want to be the guinea pig. We've got Avia, which I'll use, but we'd also consider having it calibrated a few months down the line. Our room conditions are anything but optimal, so I don't really know what extra performance I'd eek out of the set by ISF'ing it.

JasonOur room is like yours. I'm concerned if we get it ISF calibrated it will look good at night but look like crap during the day with all the light from the windows. Since we aren't just using this for a theater, it might not be worth the extra expense.

I'm going to use DVE as soon as I get it. As for ISF, I might do it after a few months if if I can find a local calibrator with some experience on the new SXRD sets. I'd rather let somebody else pay for the training. Agreed. I'll be using DVE (while trying not to fall asleep during its long-winded, but informative, explanations) until other people suffer through the pains of ISF calibrators learning how to calibrate SXRDs on the fly.

Bad news about the puppies. They were shredded in a spinning DLP color wheel accident. The good news 8 kittens were found floating down a flooded river on a Sony SXRD carton.

ROTFLMAO.... :) I have NOTHING aginst DLP (or puppies :) ), but I just find this "story" HILARIOUS! Shredded by a spinning wheel is something you would see in Mortal Kombat. Your too much UNIINVITED GUEST. Too much. :D

Thanks for the laughter - Matthew.

Looks like Sony confirms mid to late October release of new SXRD sets.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html

As for ISF, I might do it after a few months if if I can find a local calibrator with some experience on the new SXRD sets.

UNINVITED GUEST,

I was wondering about this. I thought all calibrators just had to (do is) follow a book. Thanks for the tip. So who WANTS to be the first to get their SXRD professionaly calibrated? :)

UMR , would be a good one two after he gets to do one....

UNINVITED GUEST,

I was wondering about this. I thought all calibrators just had to (do is) follow a book. Thanks for the tip. So who WANTS to be the first to get their SXRD professionaly calibrated? :)There is still subjective decision making being done by the person doing the calibration. An experienced calibrator will know when he makes an adjustment to one variable, which other components of the image balance will be effected. There are different approaches and personal preferences that can vary the results.

I was just giving you a hard time...:) I'm also a die-hard B&M shopper, and I'm sure that it's been a GIANT PITA to have to return 3 sets...we're not talking 17" tabletop LCDs here...:D Not to mention the frustration of bringing home each set only to find that it doesn't meet your needs. BTW, which 3 models did you buy/return?

Hopefully these SXRDs will do the trick for you!

Jason

I have owned and returned:

1) Samsung 61" DLP w/ HD3 chip - I thought the TV looked great but I saw rainbows. It also had screen smudges and a golfball-sized bright spot I attributed to an internal reflection. But the rainbows by themselves were enough to put me off the TV, and 1-chip DLPs, for good.

2) Sony 60" XS955 - The PQ was too disappointing once I got it home. The combination of poor blacks, SSE, and an overall grainy-looking picture, made me decide I could do better. To a lesser degree, I also saw occasional SDE from 9.5' and the fan noise was distracting at times during quieter movies. I'm hoping the SXRD will solve or minimize most of these problems. I was very close to keeping the XS, so on that basis I'd expect the SXRD to be enough of an improvement to satisfy me.

3) Panasonic PX50U 50" plasma - OK this one really was kinda heartbreaking. The PQ on this TV was second only to maybe a Fujitsu plasma. It really was a gorgeous looking TV and I get a little 'verklempt' when I think about it. But I discovered that I apparently belong to a very small minority of people who are so sensitive to RBE that we can even see rainbows in plasmas. There is a long thread I started over in the Plasma forum about my experience with that TV.

Yeah, not really the kind of thing where you want to be the guinea pig. We've got Avia, which I'll use, but we'd also consider having it calibrated a few months down the line. Our room conditions are anything but optimal, so I don't really know what extra performance I'd eek out of the set by ISF'ing it.

Jason

Same here...Avia and DVE will be first....let me pay some bills, then a few months down the road get a calibrator out here.

September can't come soon enough!

Looks like Sony confirms mid to late October release of new SXRD sets.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html1,400 seasonal and temporary workers that is scary

Looks like Sony confirms mid to late October release of new SXRD sets.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html


Looks like John W. Snow is breaking viewing distance rule of AVSForums by sitting less than 6 feet away from the TV!!

OMG.

You think he'll get dizzy or have eye strain?

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

....let me pay some bills,I always forget that part. Good thing my wife keeps me in line.

You might be able to get away with the 60", but I'd suggest going to a B&M and sitting down at 8 1/2' from one of their 60" sets and just watch TV for a while. You might find that it's too close for a set that large and that you'll get some eye strain from looking back and forth too much, but on the other hand you may love it! Only you can be the judge. My previous statement was a little too "absolute!" :D
Jason

Jason - I have looked at the current Sony 60" set from about that distance in a store and it looks great, but I havent spent a lot of time sitting there. Good idea to sit for awhile and see if if it bothers me. At the Best Buy near me they have a comfy chair thats just about that distance from the set, in fact, i used it to show my wife that its not too close to the set, and she agreed! I think mainly I just dont want to soften the picture too much by being ultra close to the set, but i really want to be immersed in the picture, and i see many people posting who bought 50" sets and now wish they had bought the a 60". But i will park myself there for awhile and see. Thanks.

Looks like there's some reflection on the SXRD set in the middle (if it isn't an XS, but they did say "new technology"). Look how the dark chair rail on the wall reflects on the screen. I don't think the XS would look like that. Do you?

I emailed a request for a better pic from the photographer. :D Yes, I'm obsessed.

http://pittsburghlive.com/photos/2005-08-11/0812bsnow-a.jpg

I noticed the reflection, too! :eek: Rut-ro!

Jason

Rut-ro!

Jason

"RUT-RO!" You guys got to knock this stuff off. :D :)

I didn't notice the reflection. :eek: I was trying to figure out what they were watching. Shows you how clueless I'am (LOL).

Looks like Sony confirms mid to late October release of new SXRD sets.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html

That is another factor that needs to be included in the speculation regarding quality of the new SXRD sets, where they are being built...Japan vs. U.S. (I felt I had to be explicit there, didn't want people to think I was taking a shot at Pittsburgh...GO STEELERS!!!!)

I emailed a request for a better pic from the photographer. :D Yes, I'm obsessed.

There's nothing wrong with being obsessed. It's guys like you who make my "job"/life easier. :) Thanks UG. Can I call UG? [chuckles]

Looks like there's some reflection on the SXRD set in the middle (if it isn't an XS, but they did say "new technology"). Look how the dark chair rail on the wall reflects on the screen. I don't think the XS would look like that. Do you?

I emailed a request for a better pic from the photographer. :D Yes, I'm obsessed.

http://pittsburghlive.com/photos/2005-08-11/0812bsnow-a.jpg

Yeah, you can see a reflection, but look at the angle the photograph is taken from. I bet looking at the set straight-on with proper lighting it is fine. Its important where you have your lights and windows with a reflective set, and i always try to look at the set head-on. My guests can have the angle view! LOL

Its important where you have your lights and windows with a reflective set...
Yeah, which will really be an issue for many (myself included). As I posted earlier, the Mits sets are an absolute no-go because of the fiercely reflective screen (which is removable on the higher-end models...at the expense of PQ). We will be putting some sort of window treatments on our lower windows, but the wife ain't going for anything on the upper windows. As the windows face west, light control is really going to be an issue especially in the summer when the sun is up till 9 or 9:30. I'm still trying to talk her into the possibility of a low-profile motorized roller shade that could be tucked behind a decorative piece of crown molding which could take care of the upper windows when needed. We'll see how that battle goes...:D

For those that didn't see our predicament, I've re-attached the pic. Pardon the mess on the coffee table...I'm building a A/V component rack and those are the shelves I'm laying out.

Jason

Found it interesting that the replacement bulb for these sets is already on the "SonyStyle" website...

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_TVDepartmentAccessories_Lamps&ProductSKU=XL5100

Sean

Actually, that's really funny... and somewhat distressing. :(

That must have just gone up, because it wasn't there earlier in the week. Interesting that they still don't have it priced yet...

Jason

Forgive me if it has already been posted, but I can't seem to find the link to the manuals for these sets that is referred to above. I searched the thread for ".pdf" but none of the links produced the manual. If someone would post it for me I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks,
Sean

Post #1368 on page 46.

Jason

Actually, that's really funny... and somewhat distressing. :(

Uh-oh, here we go again...

Forgive me if it has already been posted, but I can't seem to find the link to the manuals for these sets that is referred to above. I searched the thread for ".pdf" but none of the links produced the manual. If someone would post it for me I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks,
Sean Search for ".zip"

Muchas gracias, Jason.

Sean

Found it interesting that the replacement bulb for these sets is already on the "SonyStyle" website...

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_TVDepartmentAccessories_Lamps&ProductSKU=XL5100

Sean


Yet, no price.

Yeah, you can see a reflection, but look at the angle the photograph is taken from. I bet looking at the set straight-on with proper lighting it is fine. Its important where you have your lights and windows with a reflective set, and i always try to look at the set head-on. My guests can have the angle view! LOL

That is a rather Qualia-like looking screen. It is a demo model, so I don't know how much can be read into it. But this close to shipping dates, I'd expect even a demo model to probably be an early roll-off from the assembly line.

I spoke with my dealer at lunch regarding my KDS-R60XBR1. He said his purchasing person told him he could tell me an 'anticipated' delivery window of 9/9 - 9/23. Oooo! This is getting exciting. :D

I know it's a big window, that could get shattered, but it's something to look forward to.

Found it interesting that the replacement bulb for these sets is already on the "SonyStyle" website...

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_TVDepartmentAccessories_Lamps&ProductSKU=XL5100

SeanI should pick up 5-6 of those while they're still free. No price means free... right? :confused:

SonyStyle also has the KDS-R50XBR1 & KDS-R60XBR1 listed as compatible models for the SU-GW12 Stand (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=&ProductSKU=SUGW12&TabName=comp&var2=).

I wonder if Sony is going to make a SXRD press release before CEDIA so that media know the sets will be there to ensure they cover them.

Alright.... who lives near the Sony technology center in Pittsburgh and who can get a press pass? I nominate Jason :D

I should pick up 5-6 of those while they're still free. No price means free... right? :confused:

:D

In the SXRD manual, it say's to be careful not to touch the glass on the lamp. As it may damage the lamp or shorten the life of it. I wonder why that is? :confused: I definitely wouldn't want fingerprints on the glass. So I plan to use Art (work) gloves (those white gloves).

:D

In the SXRD manual, it say's to be careful not to touch the glass on the lamp. As it may damage the lamp or shorten the life of it. I wonder why that is ' . ' :confused: I definitely wouldn't want fingerprints on the glass. So I plan to use Art (work) gloves (those white gloves).

It is exactly the reason (fingerprints). Oil from your fingers on that glass at very high temperatures is a no-no.... that is why when you change your headlight bulbs on your car you can't touch those either :rolleyes:

:D

In the SXRD manual, it say's to be careful not to touch the glass on the lamp. As it may damage the lamp or shorten the life of it. I wonder why that is ' . ' :confused: I definitely wouldn't want fingerprints on the glass. So I plan to use Art (work) gloves (those white gloves).That is typical with most halogen bulbs too. The oil from your skin will overheat the glass and pop goes the bulb. I've had it happen with other projector bulbs before when doing imaging work. Gloves actually are a good idea.

That is typical with most halogen bulbs too. The oil from your skin will overheat the glass and pop goes the bulb. I've had it happen with other projector bulbs before when doing imaging work. Gloves actually are a good idea.

"Gloves actually are a good idea."

Yay! I finally "contributed" something to this thread. LOL. Sorry guys.

"Gloves actually are a good idea."

Yeah! I finally "contributed" something to this thread. LOL. Sorry guys.There you go! Good job! :D

UNINVITED GUEST, your a COOL! :cool: cat. Really. And I'm not just saying this because you congratulated me. :) What would we do without your endless, and not only that, ALWAYS funny humor.

I spoke with my dealer at lunch regarding my KDS-R60XBR1. He said his purchasing person told him he could tell me an 'anticipated' delivery window of 9/9 - 9/23. Oooo! This is getting exciting. :D

I know it's a big window, that could get shattered, but it's something to look forward to.

I would go with the plant boss statement of "rolling off the assembly line in October" to mean in stores and being shipped around mid to late October at the earliest.

Found it interesting that the replacement bulb for these sets is already on the "SonyStyle" website...



When I enter the model number for the SXRD on the website, a series of remotes comes up...but no SXRD set....yet I can find info on the bulb. I can buy the bulb & stand now, and the tv 2 months from now. Great marketing....

I would go with the plant boss statement of "rolling off the assembly line in October" to mean in stores and being shipped around mid to late October at the earliest.
If that's the case, I'm giving them my angry face...

Jason

I would go with the plant boss statement of "rolling off the assembly line in October" to mean in stores and being shipped around mid to late October at the earliest.

Please let us have our "fantasy" of September. :( Right Jason? :)

I would go with the plant boss statement of "rolling off the assembly line in October" to mean in stores and being shipped around mid to late October at the earliest.You have fun doing that http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/otn/happy/thebirdman.gif

So what's my best option for getting a clean cable signal into the SXRD set? Should I use a cable card or the set top box from Cox that converts everything to 1080i?

It's pretty much determined that CableCard will give you a superior picture, but many cable companies (ours included...Adelphia) doesn't know what the heck they're doing as far as installs and service/support. I'm curious how the Wega Gate interface performs, as you lose on-screen guide with CableCard...that could be problematic if it doesn't work well or intuitively. I'll definitey try CableCard, knowing that I can always fall back on my crappy STB if need be.

Jason

Alright.... who lives near the Sony technology center in Pittsburgh and who can get a press pass? I nominate Jason :D
I'll need to find somebody to make me a fake ID...reminds me of the good old days! :D

GO STEELERS! :p

Jason

I'll need to find somebody to make me a fake ID...reminds me of the good old days! :D

GO STEELERS! :p

Jason

Hahahaha there ya go! :D I'd love to get umr to that press conference to get his thoughts on these sets.... I suppose we'll know soon enough.

It's pretty much determined that CableCard will give you a superior picture, but many cable companies (ours included...Adelphia) doesn't know what the heck they're doing as far as installs and service/support. I'm curious how the Wega Gate interface performs, as you lose on-screen guide with CableCard...that could be problematic if it doesn't work well or intuitively. I'll definitey try CableCard, knowing that I can always fall back on my crappy STB if need be.

Jason


Does this mean that your going to worshipping the "SXRD GOD" in all its 1080p glory, but not have 5.1 DD to listen to the best damn sport on the planet. FOOTBALL!!!! You don't deserve STEELERS tickets, even if you were to infiltrate the Tech Center.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an inexpensive, yet effective, sound system for this tv as an alternative to the set's speakers?

Does anyone have a recommendation for an inexpensive, yet effective, sound system for this tv as an alternative to the set's speakers?

i dont know the specifics of your budget, but I am in love with my Hsu Research Ventriloquist satellites (6.1), and my hsu research stf2 sub. Less than $500 total for amazing amazing sound. http://www.hsuresearch.com

I have never felt so loved as I do now by my fellow AVS members!

I have never felt so loved as I do now by my fellow AVS members!
Rut-ro...it's the Industry Plant. :eek: Quick! Somebody grab some RoundUp and 86 this weed... How's that for love? :p

Jason

Hey I just MapQuested that trip to Pittsburgh and it's only 160 miles...hmmmm...do I smell a day trip? Now for that pesky ID...where'd I leave my digital camera? :D

Jason

Sony Corp. is counting on a new large-screen technology that it intends to introduce this fall as the latest in high-definition television, Sony Electronics Inc. President Hideki "Dick" Komiyama said Thursday.

Hmmm....bet there is a story behind that somewhere.

"What did he call me?"
"Who? Joe? Oh....uh....that is just a term of endearment. Yeah. Here in America we shorten first names. See.....Joseph is Joe. My name is Samuel, so I am Sam. So you would be a Dick. Yeah. That's it."

Production on the new line will be handled by 500 employees the company has been hiring for its East Huntingdon plant since June, said spokesman Michael Koff.

"Now Secretary Snow, I would like you to meet our head of quality control. He used to work on the line. We thought we might have to let him go, but the union suggested we might want to reconsider that, if you know what I mean. Mr. Secretary, this is Fred 'Ole Fumble Fingers' Johnson."

Well, I guess we can hope they will actually be more meticulous as new hires.

Hey I just MapQuested that trip to Pittsburgh and it's only 160 miles...hmmmm...do I smell a day trip? Now for that pesky ID...where'd I leave my digital camera? :D

JasonMr. Coleman... your press credentials are ready for pickup.


BTW, did you need a passport while were at it? :D

It's pretty much determined that CableCard will give you a superior picture, but many cable companies (ours included...Adelphia) doesn't know what the heck they're doing as far as installs and service/support. I'm curious how the Wega Gate interface performs, as you lose on-screen guide with CableCard...that could be problematic if it doesn't work well or intuitively. I'll definitey try CableCard, knowing that I can always fall back on my crappy STB if need be.

Jason


Excuse me, but can't we keep this thread on topic. We were discussing Jason's press credentials, .... oh, hi Jason. :o

UMR , would be a good one two after he gets to do one....

How would I ever do one if that is the philosophy? I doubt I will have any trouble with these sets whether you are first or not. The first one is just likely to be slower.

Mr. Coleman... your press credentials are ready for pickup.
Dude, that's unbelievable fantastic! What a riot...you definitely have way to much time on your hands! That almost makes up for me typing Danny Boy by hand! ;)

Jason

Excuse me, but can't we keep this thread on topic. We were discussing Jason's press credentials, .... oh, hi Jason. :o
:p

Does this mean that your going to worshipping the "SXRD GOD" in all its 1080p glory, but not have 5.1 DD to listen to the best damn sport on the planet. FOOTBALL!!!! You don't deserve STEELERS tickets, even if you were to infiltrate the Tech Center.
I tried to respond to this several times last night, but each time found myself dumbfounded...a good night of sleep apparently hasn't helped.

Jason

you definitely have way to much time on your hands!
JasonAnd you don't :confused:

And you don't :confused:
Ouch! That stings a little...:D

Jason

Ouch! That stings a little...:D

JasonJust kidding...its good to see people excited about a product...as I have been many times :D

Just kidding...its good to see people excited about a product...as I have been many times :D
Heck yes...I think we're all excited as hell! :) Unfortunately, at this point, we're all just itching to actually SEE these things! As I posted earlier, it's just funny that were beyond 1500 posts so far, and nobody has laid eyes on one of these yet. Therefore, with so much time on our hands and running out of things to speculate about, the thread goes off on the occasional tangent exploring Irish heritage or making fake IDs or the dreaded Industry Plants. I don't think it ruins the thread or diminishes its value...it's just a bunch of folks having some fun while they're waiting for more concrete info to devour like starved vultures. As the old saying goes, "The devil has work for idle hands to do..." or some variation thereof.

But on another note, I'm seriously considering using Uninvited Guest's Press Pass and road trippin' to P-Burg on Tuesday. Do you think they'll buy the "Viking Dwarf" thing? :D:D:D

Jason

When I enter the model number for the SXRD on the website, a series of remotes comes up...but no SXRD set....yet I can find info on the bulb. I can buy the bulb & stand now, and the tv 2 months from now. Great marketing....

Maybe they know the bulbs are going to blow out left and right like on the early production GWIII...lol. Let's hope not though!

This is completely off-topic, but since you have time to kill waitng for the SXRD to arrive maybe you can follow this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=562185&page=44&pp=30 (post #1296) and help this guy out who just bought an A10 and has this problem.

Mr. Coleman... your press credentials are ready for pickup.


BTW, did you need a passport while were at it? :D

I was afraid to look. And with good reason. :D

will there be a group buy offered? anyone know?

will there be a group buy offered? anyone know?I highly doubt it. TV Authority appears to be the only retailers AVS works with on RPTV group buys. TVA isn't much of a Sony dealer. They only have the old Sony WE series listed on their website.

AVSForum won't let anyone else discuss pricing to protect their advertisers. :(

Just came back from Best Buy and Sears...I have to tell you, it's amazing that anyone can buy a TV from any of these big stores. The lighting is terrible, the sets are turned on for 12 hours a day which kills the bulbs, and the feeds are terrible. Yikes! For as much money as people spend on these TVs, you'd expect these places to at least present a good environment for purchase.

They had the XS's on closeout. I can deal with the speakers, although I'm not a big fan of them either. It will be SXRD's picture quality that really makes me happy....

So who here in the Northeast plans on getting one right away? I'd love to swing over to someones house once they get it all setup to see what we're dealing with (I'll buy lunch!)

Chris

not a big fan of them either. It will be SXRD's picture quality that really makes me happy....

So who here in the Northeast plans on getting one right away? I'd love to swing over to someones house once they get it all setup to see what we're dealing with (I'll buy lunch!)

Chris
I was all set to buy the A10 to replace my 4 yr. old 38" direct-view (which is doing fine, but not quie up to today's quality) when I heard about the SXRD sets. I still haven't seen the A10 yet and who knows when the other will really be released around here. Plus, I'm not certain it's going to be as perfect as everyone suspects, but right now, I think I'll wait. But, it is quite a chunk o' change.

By the way, even though my local BB had no clue about the A10, their showroom was pretty decent...good lighting, most sets at customer level, and set up very well from what I could see.

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's? .......................(PLEASE don't start a new thread until someone really sees an SXRD in action.)

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's? .......................(PLEASE don't start a new thread until someone really sees an SXRD in action.)

Probably something like 'The Official Sony SXRD XBR Owners Thread"

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's? .......................(PLEASE don't start a new thread until someone really sees an SXRD in action.) Maybe John W. Snow or Rick Santorum are AVS members: they could start a thread right now. :p

I saw one in March:D

I was all set to buy the A10 to replace my 4 yr. old 38" direct-view (which is doing fine, but not quie up to today's quality) when I heard about the SXRD sets. I still haven't seen the A10 yet and who knows when the other will really be released around here. Plus, I'm not certain it's going to be as perfect as everyone suspects, but right now, I think I'll wait. But, it is quite a chunk o' change.

By the way, even though my local BB had no clue about the A10, their showroom was pretty decent...good lighting, most sets at customer level, and set up very well from what I could see.

That is good to hear. I'm on the MA/CT border so I headed to MA today to get some errands done and hit the BB on the way out. BB didn't even have the A10s out yet, although Sears did (go figure).

It was interesting, umr noted that he was not able to get the service mode settings for the Qualia. That means that he wasn't able to fully tweak the set. I do hope we will be able to get the service mode settings for the SXRDs!

According to CNET, the new line of 1080p DLP sets by Hewlett Packard will have 1080p inputs. I'd never consider any DLP because I see rainbows on them but just mention this because if HP can find a way to incorporate these inputs into their sets, Sony certainly should have done that as well with these new ones as well as the Qualias.

I was thinking that the new thread should be named something like ....................... 'The Official Sony SXRD XBR VIEWERS' Thread' on the assumption that one would view an SXRD before owning one. On the other hand, this is the AVS Forum, so that would probably be an incorrect assumption.

I tried to respond to this several times last night, but each time found myself dumbfounded...a good night of sleep apparently hasn't helped.

Jason

The SXRD does not have 5.1 out so if you use the cable card you cant get the 5.1 sound. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remeber reading that! I haven't checked the manual but I could be wrong.

The SXRD does not have 5.1 out so if you use the cable card you cant get the 5.1 sound. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remeber reading that! I haven't checked the manual but I could be wrong.

There is no way Sony would take the time to implement Cable Card on an
HD TV without providing either a digital coax or digital optical output from
the TV to your AV reciever.

What it does not support is 5.1 HDMI to the TV since there is absolutely
no reason to do so. Stereo over HDMI to your TV is sufficient for the TV's
speakers.

The SXRD does not have 5.1 out so if you use the cable card you cant get the 5.1 sound. Correct me if I'm wrong...
You're wrong...:)

Jason

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's? .......................(PLEASE don't start a new thread until someone really sees an SXRD in action.)

"The Greatest TV EVER, No You Are WRONG, Has Anyone Got The 60XBR1 Yet?,You Are An Idiot, No YOU Are An Idiot, Pay No Attention To Gazelle, I Have No Picture...Help, Here's A Link To The Sound and Vision Review, What Does SDE Mean?, Now They Say My Set Won't Be In Until January!, Google It Fool, Should I Buy The Extended Warranty?, What Are Your Settings?, Here Is A Picture Of My TV, Does The Set Support 5.1 Through HDMI?, That Has Been Answered Many Times Before, That Is A Beautiful Set-up!, Here Is a Picture Of My TV With The Blotch In The Corner, You Should Post That In The DVD Section, SXRD Or Sammy DLP?, When Are The SXRD XBR2s Coming In" :rolleyes:

...
What it does not support is 5.1 HDMI to the TV since there is absolutely
no reason to do so. Stereo over HDMI to your TV is sufficient for the TV's
speakers.

There are a couple of very good reasons to do so.

1. It significantly simplifies wiring and control of a home theater. Fewer cables and no need to switch amp inputs when switching video inputs. This also means your save money by not buying a video switching receiver.

2. They could then provide "virtual surround" thru the sets speakers. This is old technology. My 6 year old Pioneer Pro 510HD does it for Dolbly Surround (analog).
It does an amazing job. Many people don't want to turn on the amp for things like sports, but would like their TV to give the best sound possible.

There are a couple of very good reasons to do so.

1. It significantly simplifies wiring and control of a home theater. Fewer cables and no need to switch amp inputs when switching video inputs. This also means your save money by not buying a video switching receiver.

2. They could then provide "virtual surround" thru the sets speakers. This is old technology. My 6 year old Pioneer Pro 510HD does it for Dolbly Surround (analog).
It does an amazing job. Many people don't want to turn on the amp for things like sports, but would like their TV to give the best sound possible.

Both good points. I hadn't really thought of that, maybe too close to the forest to see the trees, but thanks for making me think:)

There are a couple of very good reasons to do so.

1. It significantly simplifies wiring and control of a home theater. Fewer cables and no need to switch amp inputs when switching video inputs. This also means your save money by not buying a video switching receiver.

2. They could then provide "virtual surround" thru the sets speakers. This is old technology. My 6 year old Pioneer Pro 510HD does it for Dolbly Surround (analog).
It does an amazing job. Many people don't want to turn on the amp for things like sports, but would like their TV to give the best sound possible.

1. Sending HDMI to your AV reciver and then HDMI to your TV equals same number of cables that you are describing so I don't get where the few number of cables comes in?

2. Valid but they don't provide "virtual sorround" so the point is mute.

Both good points. I hadn't really thought of that, maybe too close to the forest to see the trees, but thanks for making me think:)

Gazelle, rest assured, the one thing no one will ever accuse you of is thinking :-)

The SXRD does not have 5.1 out so if you use the cable card you cant get the 5.1 sound. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remeber reading that! I haven't checked the manual but I could be wrong.

In the specs on the Crutchfield site, it lists an "optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital"...FWIW.

From Home Theater Mag website:

"Sony's June announcement included a statement concerning data from industry-info tracker NPD Techworld which showed Sony's Grand WEGA high-definition micro-display HDTVs accounted for an average of 37.1 percent of all the micro-display-based (DLP, LCoS, 3LCD) HDTVs sold uring the previous six months."

Hometheatermag.com (http://hometheatermag.com/news/080105sony/)

That's all types of microdisplays! Not bad. I think the SXRD Grand Wega's will only increase this market share.

From Home Theater Mag website:

"Sony's June announcement included a statement concerning data from industry-info tracker NPD Techworld which showed Sony's Grand WEGA high-definition micro-display HDTVs accounted for an average of 37.1 percent of all the micro-display-based (DLP, LCoS, 3LCD) HDTVs sold uring the previous six months."

Hometheatermag.com (http://hometheatermag.com/news/080105sony/)

That's all types of microdisplays! Not bad. I think the SXRD Grand Wega's will only increase this market share.

It's incredible, but i see it in order flow and hear it from managers and salesman daily. Sony 3 LCD sales numbers are staggering. People walk in intending to buy a DLP and when they compare them to the LCD RPTV's invariably walk out with a Sony. If anything, the interest in 1080P sets has even helped Sony more. It's bringing more people to the stores and guess what they wind up buying after looking at the underwhelming 1080P's:)


If advance factory orders on the SXRD's are any indication, Sony may come close to selling as many Microdisplays in the next 12 months as ALL other manufacturers combined!!

...so the point is mute.
Actually, that's "moot." Sorry to nitpick, but that's in my top 5 of pet peeves. :) Unless of course, the point itself is unable to speak...then it is indeed mute! :D

That's what happens when you marry an English teacher!

Jason

Actually, that's "moot." Sorry to nitpick, but that's in my top 5 of pet peeves. :) Unless of course, the point itself is unable to speak...then it is indeed mute! :D

That's what happens when you marry an English teacher!

JasonThanks ALOT! ... I mean, A LOT.

Which happens to be one of my top peeves. :)

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's? .......................(PLEASE don't start a new thread until someone really sees an SXRD in action.)I say the first person to post a picture of a KDS-R60XBR1 or KDS-R50XBR1 sitting in their house gets to start the owners thread and call it whatever they choose. I think thats what the Qualians did. Look at what a love-fest that thread turned out to be :D

Actually, that's "moot." Sorry to nitpick, but that's in my top 5 of pet peeves. :) Unless of course, the point itself is unable to speak...then it is indeed mute! :D

Jason

Yes. I know that :-)

OK, so what will we name the new thread that is started AFTER someone ACTUALLY SEES one of the Sony SXRD's?
Forget just seeing it...how about the first owner? I was thinking something along the lines of "The Pseudo-Official SXRD Thread." Or maybe "Quasi-Official" or "Nearly Official"... Anything to make it seem less official. You guys know I'll be watching that sucker sitting on it's own cardboard platform! :D CableCard...? Heck yes, but let's fully explore this HD STB first...and some DVDs...

My wife's going to kick my ass when we first get this set because it's going to look like a A/V delivery truck exploded in our living room with all the cables and wiring strewn everywhere...:eek:

It's kind of funny...I talked to my local dealer (Jesus...pronounced "Hey, Seuss!) on Thursday, and he reassured me that even if they only get one set delivered, it's got my name on it...showroom floor be damned. He joked that I'd have to get somebody to cover my classes while picking it up or take my kids on a field trip to the A/V shop! :D And then give them a crash-course in hooking up a TV to a complex A/V system...maybe it'll involve extra credit or something...maybe a CAD wiring diagram/schematic is in order? How about whole-house audio distribution? Let's do an internet research project on that for Mr. Coleman....:D Okay, who wants to program the universal remote?

Back to work sooner than later...:( :) :D

Jason

Yes. I know that :-)
Good to know...:) That one's like a tick...burrowing and such...:D

Jason

That's what happens when you marry an English teacher! Ha! That's funny. I married a 1st grade teacher. She praises me if I can do multiplication :D

Good to know...:) That one's like a tick...burrowing and such...:D

Jason

how about insure and ensure :-)

this certainly has a great deal to do with SXRDs :-)

You want some pet peeves.

Here are two, from internet forums, primarily.

(1) Please tell everyone you know that the word "definitely" definitely has no a in it.

(2) Please tell everyone you know it is ridiculous to spell ridiculous with an e.

Anyone know if these new SXRD sets will be going on sale in Canada at the same time ... October.

From the manual specs I measured the 50" .... perfect fit. If the PQ is anything even close to the Qualia I will be picking one up ASAP after they go on sale!

I recently learned that Sears won't be carrying these sets. They don't get the XBR line from Sony.

Does anyone know if Best Buy and Circuit City will????

You want some pet peeves.

Here are two, from internet forums, primarily.

(1) Please tell everyone you know that the word "definitely" definitely has no a in it.

(2) Please tell everyone you know it is ridiculous to spell ridiculous with an e.
It's all clear too me now. You "guys" started this thread to months two soon.

Circuit city said that they will be carrying these sets. They currently carry the XBR line.

I say the first person to post a picture of a KDS-R60XBR1 or KDS-R50XBR1 sitting in their house gets to start the owners thread and call it whatever they choose. I think thats what the Qualians did. Look at what a love-fest that thread turned out to be :D


This thread doesn't appeart to be any different :D

Well, I guess this thread is covering it's subject good.

Between you and I, all this grammar stuff is making me nauseous; hopefully you will momentarily decide to bring it to another site.

which one is the top of the line sony lcd, i cant figure out which is there best tv, how much is it going to cost also for the 60 inch

Anyone know if PC Richards will be carrying this model? Imean the 60" !

I recently learned that Sears won't be carrying these sets. They don't get the XBR line from Sony.

Does anyone know if Best Buy and Circuit City will????

CC should, not sure about BB.....

I hope the SXRD are released before the rainy season starts in Southern California (Los Angeles Area). :) There would be nothing worst than waiting day after day for the rain to stop (just like LA had those NON-STOP rainstorms a couple of months ago) so I can get my TV delivered.

It's all clear too me now. You "guys" started this thread to months two soon.

2 Funny! :p

CC should, not sure about BB.....

Yes, CC will be carrying these sets. The 60" has dropped in to our system but we do not as of yet have it in stock and is not yet available for special order.

(And although no one can get it, oddly enough it shows as being on sale for $4499...) :rolleyes:

Yes, CC will be carrying these sets. The 60" has dropped in to our system but we do not as of yet have it in stock and is not yet available for special order.

(And although no one can get it, oddly enough it shows as being on sale for $4499...) :rolleyes:

Cool, the system doesn't list an expected ETA does it? :D

The 50" is not in your system yet?

... I don't get where the few number of cables comes in?


If a TV properly handles digital sound via HDMI passing the audio back out the digital audio conector, you just need one cable from the TV to the receiver. You don't need a cable from each component to the receiver.

Another advantage is that any lip sync problems could be taken care of by the TV. The TV is the only component which can fix lip sync problems correctly (automatically).

Between you and I, all this grammar stuff is making me nauseous; hopefully you will momentarily decide to bring it to another site.

Of course, you meant to type: "Between you and ME"...right?

2 Funny! :p
Thankyou sir! I thought so 2.

Most presidents run their speeches past speech writers. Whenever I'm unsure about how to spell or write something I just run it here by the Industry Plants. They usually have a committee of wordsmiths at the PR department that feel more than welcome to point out my errors. Seems they think if they ridicule people who aren't pushing their agendas that they'll silence them and at least they'll derail threads with some comic relief so thier ever incessant diatribes extolling their latest models to be pushed won't become too tiresome.

I love the way they correct misguided people like me so much I think I'll always keep posting here. Just think: if enough of them attack me Sony may sell more SXRDs!

Some of you may be wondering--is Artwood an Industry insider or not? The real question you should be asking is how good will the next SXRD efforts be from Sony. If they are an improvement over the Qualia for the prices that have been ventured they will be worth checking out and will be an advancement on the neverending journey towards Picture quality utopia.

Like John Lennon said "You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us and the world will live as one." I don't know if Sony wants that. Do you?

¿Que?

Of course, you meant to type: "Between you and ME"...right?

Well, I was trying to set a new thread standard for most mistakes in one sentence. Now let me state, I haven't studied grammar since my high school days and that was nearly forty years ago! Furthermore, my spelling is terrible. Mister perfect I ain't.

There were four other mistakes that I intended.

1. Nauseous should be nauseated. Nauseous is an adjective describing something that makes YOU nauseated.

2. Hopefully should be "I would hope".

3. Momentarily should be "quickly" or some such. If they were to decide to take the discussion elsewhere momentarily, then it would be but a moment before they would be right back here once more.

4. Bring should be take. The word take seems to have vanished from the vocabularies of many folks.

Use of "stuff" and the placement of momentarily between "will" and "decide" were also meant to be examples of clumsy phrasing. For more examples, see my usual style below. I stink.

P.S. Well, I revised the above about five times and still I imagine I have made some goofs. The pressure is killing me!!! Think I will quit while I am either ahead or behind. :o

Incidentally Tonydeluce, I think I would have failed the insure or ensure test. I might as well learn something while we wait for SXRD reports.

I was at Crutchfields today and salesman repeated the September 19 ETA, but we both agreed it will probably be Soon But Not Yet as per usual. They did have a 50 in. 1080p Sammy in stock. Guy said the Sammy 1080p's had been selling about as fast as they arrive. He had bought one for his home and was very happy with it. I had to get home to watch the PGA, so I didn't really have enough time to do a proper in store evaluation. As my screen name implies, I doubt my opinions would have been worth much.

I wish Sony would make higher end sets like these as Monitors or at least with detachable speakers. I think many who buy these sets are going to use them in a Home Theatre system and will never use the TV's sound.

Incidentally Tonydeluce, I think I would have failed the insure or ensure test. I might as well learn something while we wait for SXRD reports.
.

Hi TV Tyro!

I am glad I have been able to contribute to the fascinating turn this
thread has taken :-)

Best regards,

Tony

...I had to get home to watch the PGA, so I didn't really have enough time to do a proper in store evaluation.I think you meant "in-store." :) Enough already! This is how we know that this thread desperately needs new blood!

knew blud here but nothin two cantribute :(

I think you meant "in-store." :) Enough already! This is how we know that this thread deperately needs new blood!

It deperately does :-)

It deperately does :-)That's funny. I proof-read the sentence twice and still missed it. I think that just goes to show, if I can make a mistake, then anyone can. :)

Good news. The XBR 1 DOES have removable speakers. That's right. The kv25xbr, the one and only original XBR has removable speakers. The MSRP was $1,200.00; I was able to purchase mine for $1,000.00. You pay shipping and $900.00 and the set is yours. That's right. You pay $100.00 BELOW my cost!!! Can you imagine how beautiful this set will look built-in to your favorite cabinet without those dumbo ears? No donkey here...this baby was built in Japan. This offer is available only to my fellow AVS members. Sorry. No power buys on this classic. Hurry!!! At this price, it won't last long. Indeed, as I have owned this set since 1987, it may not last long at any price.

Good news. The XBR 1 DOES have removable speakers. That's right. The kv25xbr, the one and only original XBR has removable speakers. The MSRP was $1,200.00; I was able to purchase mine for $1,000.00. You pay shipping and $900.00 and the set is yours. That's right. You pay $100.00 BELOW my cost!!! Can you imagine how beautiful this set will look built-in to your favorite cabinet without those dumbo ears? No donkey here...this baby was built in Japan. This offer is available only to my fellow AVS members. Sorry. No power buys on this classic. Hurry!!! At this price, it won't last long. Indeed, as I have owned this set since 1987, it may not last long at any price.


Thanks to all who have contributed to make this thread absolutely worthless!!!

TV Tyro Indeed, as I have owned this set since 1987, it may not last long at any price.
You can say that again - it ought to be vested in a pension by now. Sounds like an Ebay PB. So how many repairs on that beauty in all these years? My last two Sony sets went 8 years before a problem but didn't last long afterwards. I now own a Sony LCD FP , Sharp LCD FP and pending a 6768 Samsung - the 60" SXRD is the only one that could alter that plan - it's not easy to leave Sony when you have a positive track record over 20 years though. Just waiting to see if Vanns may post it as a preorder sale since Crutch hasn't discounted the set at all and are selling it at full retail. :D

To stimulate some thought, what do you make of this Qualia 006 review re: black levels? We're all hoping the new SXRD's with dynamic iris will have even better CR (via blacker blacks) than the Qualia.

"Plasmas, DLPs, LCDs and LCoS sets all have trouble rendering true black. After it was properly set, the Qualia 006 was unable to distinguish between any of the three black, blacker, blackest boxes on the PLUGE pattern from Video Essentials. The best plasmas I have seen can resolve two but not the third. Switching to the Cinema Black Pro (closed-iris) setting improved the black level a bit. Looking close up, I could detect a difference between the first and second black boxes. But even that was so subtle as to be invisible at a normal seating distance. The inability to produce true black is not just a theoretical issue. Without deep black, pictures can look washed out. But only occasionally did I see scenes that seemed to suffer from that."

Source: Ultimateavmag.com (http://www.ultimateavmag.com/directviewandptvtelevisions/705sony/index1.html)

Room for improvement?

To stimulate some thought, what do you make of this Qualia 006 review re: black levels? We're all hoping the new SXRD's with dynamic iris will have even better CR (via blacker blacks) than the Qualia.

"Plasmas, DLPs, LCDs and LCoS sets all have trouble rendering true black. After it was properly set, the Qualia 006 was unable to distinguish between any of the three black, blacker, blackest boxes on the PLUGE pattern from Video Essentials. The best plasmas I have seen can resolve two but not the third. Switching to the Cinema Black Pro (closed-iris) setting improved the black level a bit. Looking close up, I could detect a difference between the first and second black boxes. But even that was so subtle as to be invisible at a normal seating distance. The inability to produce true black is not just a theoretical issue. Without deep black, pictures can look washed out. But only occasionally did I see scenes that seemed to suffer from that."

Source: Ultimateavmag.com (http://www.ultimateavmag.com/directviewandptvtelevisions/705sony/index1.html)

Room for improvement?

Sound and Vision magazine compared the BL and CR of the Qualia 06 to
the latest generation 720p DLPs and stated they were roughly equivalent.
This is also my observation. The new 1080p DLPs have better BL
and much higher CR than the latest 720p DLPs.

The dynamic iris, XBR optics, and panel CR of the new SXRD chips should
combine to provide one of the highest, if not *the* highest CR, on a
microdisplay to date.

A dynamic iris adds considerably to CR and hence BL. Widescreen review
measured the Sony Cineza VPl-HS52 ( 3 LCD technology with a dyanmic
iris ) to have normal operating CR upto 5500 and most normal viewing
at 3800 - from LCD panels with inherently low CR!

There are various factors that make this more or less speculation but
I believe it is certain that these sets have the *potential* ( due to
the dyanamic iris, XBR optics, and high panel CR of the new SXRD chips )
to deliver one of, if not the highest CRs to date, on a MD which would be
make them substantially better than the Qualia 06 CR ( oh sh$t, did I say
"better" than the Qualia :-).

Tony,
What do you think they've done to reduce the weight of the SXRD so dramatically? Was the screen really that heavy? It sure appears that they took all the improvements and boxed it all within an XS perhaps to compete with 1080P about to occur in the marketplace as Sony has a serious problem with profit margins disappearing. If what you say is true Sony could be in for a killing in the marketplace as so many wanted a Qualia but could not pony up the $13K and they've had 7 months to wet our appetite with Qualia. Excellent evaluations of the blacks - many of the Plasma leaders work hard on blacks through steps of gray to get detail in scenes.

BLUE911
In art shades of colors lead to detail defined by deep colorations such as black - if I asked you to draw a portrait or a landscape you would create texture and detail through shading of dots of lines - this works in the art world and a plasma can feed 2048 shades/steps of gray - I believe this is why Plasma comes closer. Won't strong Contrast Ratio = true black and the range to differentiate details?

As I look down on my shirt as I type I can see thousands of variations of tones/shades and leading to the detailed blacks - black needs contrasts in between. At least that's how it worked when I did oil painting and portraits when I was younger. Have you ever studied an etching? I have an original of Abraham Lincoln done by a famous artist - it's the levels of black and steps that give the etching detail. Not trying to say your wrong Blue but pure black is a point to arrive at through other colors and contrast and shades of gray - just try doing a portrait of a persons face without it. JMHO - Not an argument just a debate from another perspective. The TV must use the same color wheel the Art world does. :)

Do you feel the CR may be realtime higher than that of the Samsung? Thanks! :D

"After it was properly set, the Qualia 006 was unable to distinguish between any of the three black, blacker, blackest boxes on the PLUGE pattern from Video Essentials. The best plasmas I have seen can resolve two but not the third... Without deep black, pictures can look washed out."
After reading this more carefully, the reviewer seems to be confusing the ability to differentiate between subtle shades of black with the ability to produce an absolute dark black.

Do you think the new SXRD's can do BOTH well? Which is more important (if you could only have one)?

Tony,
What do you think they've done to reduce the weight of the SXRD so dramatically? Was the screen really that heavy? It sure appears that they took all the improvements and boxed it all within an XS perhaps to compete with 1080P about to occur in the marketplace as Sony has a serious problem with profit margins disappearing. If what you say is true Sony could be in for a killing in the marketplace as so many wanted a Qualia but could not pony up the $13K and they've had 7 months to wet our appetite with Qualia. Excellent evaluations of the blacks - many of the Plasma leaders work hard on blacks through steps of gray to get detail in scenes. Do you feel the CR may be realtime higher than that of the Samsung? Thanks! :D

Hi West!

I believe the screen weighed a substantial amount of the Qualia 06. I don't
have enough information to know where the rest of the weight went, could
be partially through different lens, etc., even a lighter cabinet...

I am willing to go out on a limb and state that the BL and CR of the
new Sony SXRD XBRs ( based on the assumptions of my last post )
will at least be on par with 1080p DLP and could possibly be better.
They have to better than the Qualia 06 to compete with the new
1080p DLPs in this area.

If they are significantly better and they pony up a 70in. SXRD XBR version
for $6999 or less and / or a new 70 in. Qualia for $8999 or less they
have my sale :-)

After I find a good discount that is :-)

Best regards,

Tony

I have talked to a Rep from Sony and although they do not have these in the store you can purchase them through them. I gave them the specific Model Number and I was told it wouldnt be a probably when they come out

sicknight,

Can't make out the end of your sentence in the previous post.

Paul.

I would prefer better ability to distinguish shades of black rather than a darker shade of black. I hope the SXRD's will do a good job of this, otherwise I will just get a CRT RPTV before they are all gone.

I would prefer better ability to distinguish shades of black rather than a darker shade of black. I hope the SXRD's will do a good job of this, otherwise I will just get a CRT RPTV before they are all gone.

I want both. Distinguishing shades of black helps shadow detail and
real blacks make the all the colors really pop.

That's what I get for working 14hrs today and then drinking a 6 pack... I meant to say, it wouldn't be problem to order from Sears. Sorry for the confusion

TV Tyro
You can say that again - it ought to be vested in a pension by now. Sounds like an Ebay PB. So how many repairs on that beauty in all these years? My last two Sony sets went 8 years before a problem but didn't last long afterwards. I now own a Sony LCD FP , Sharp LCD FP and pending a 6768 Samsung - the 60" SXRD is the only one that could alter that plan - it's not easy to leave Sony when you have a positive track record over 20 years though. Just waiting to see if Vanns may post it as a preorder sale since Crutch hasn't discounted the set at all and are selling it at full retail. :D

It has required two trips to the shop...both set me back about $125.00. Sorry I don't remember how long it has been since the last repair. Given a strong signal, it still looks pretty dang good to me. Never seen it with a digital signal. Which reminds me, should I put off getting DirecTV until they start with MPEG 4? Assuming I finally buy an HDTV that is, be it a SXRD (that price point may be too much for me to justify...even for the 50) or something else . Interesting to note that you can purchase the 34xbr960 18 years later for only $900 more.

Good news. The XBR 1 DOES have removable speakers. That's right. The kv25xbr, the one and only original XBR has removable speakers. The MSRP was $1,200.00; I was able to purchase mine for $1,000.00. You pay shipping and $900.00 and the set is yours. That's right. You pay $100.00 BELOW my cost!!! Can you imagine how beautiful this set will look built-in to your favorite cabinet without those dumbo ears? No donkey here...this baby was built in Japan. This offer is available only to my fellow AVS members. Sorry. No power buys on this classic. Hurry!!! At this price, it won't last long. Indeed, as I have owned this set since 1987, it may not last long at any price.

LOL. Good stuff :)
Nice to see some ppl still have a sense of humor while waiting for more info on these units.

Good news. The XBR 1 DOES have removable speakers. That's right. The kv25xbr, the one and only original XBR has removable speakers. The MSRP was $1,200.00; I was able to purchase mine for $1,000.00. You pay shipping and $900.00 and the set is yours. That's right. You pay $100.00 BELOW my cost!!! Can you imagine how beautiful this set will look built-in to your favorite cabinet without those dumbo ears? No donkey here...this baby was built in Japan. This offer is available only to my fellow AVS members. Sorry. No power buys on this classic. Hurry!!! At this price, it won't last long. Indeed, as I have owned this set since 1987, it may not last long at any price.

Not really the one and only - there was also a kv20xbr, ie 20 inch version of the same awesome set. I have used it as my primary set every day (except when out of town) since '85 or so when they first came out - never been in for service after initial adjustments and still has a great picture. After I get the 60XBR1 I guess I will retire the kv20...

to the bedroom.

Not really the one and only - there was also a kv20xbr, ie 20 inch version of the same awesome set. I have used it as my primary set every day (except when out of town) since '85 or so when they first came out - never been in for service after initial adjustments and still has a great picture. After I get the 60XBR1 I guess I will retire the kv20...

It's been so long, I forgot about that unit. As I understand it, the smaller CRT's tend to be more reliable. Gee...we have an old 15" RCA at my Dad's fishing camp that still works. That thing is several years older than my XBR. Think it has had one cheap repair to the tuning unit. "That's it, that's the list" (just in case there are any Mr. Tony fans here).

By the way, Dashshadow, wasn't it a couple of years before they used the XBR label again after they discontinued those models in '87?. I have a poor memory (see your post), but I seem to recall waiting for a long time for the new units to appear.

should I put off getting DirecTV until they start with MPEG 4?
QUOTE] should I put off getting DirecTV until they start with MPEG 4?[/QUOTE]
Hey TV Tyro. My SD DTV Tivo just took a dump yesterday. I spent a long time w/ tech support, to find out my card reader was trashed. Since my current dvr was out of warranty, DTV said I could replace it w/ a reconditioned DTV model for $49 and a 2-year commitment. I told her I plan on buying a new TV (SXRD) in a month or so... (To replace my 30" crt) and I wanted to upgrade to the latest DTV HD DRV/ Off Air Antenna. I also said I knew DTV was going to switch to the mpeg-4 gear, and I didn't want to invest into the mpeg-2 hardware. She assured (ensured, insured) me that DTV was going to upgrade ALL HD customers with the latest and greatest hardware when they changed their feeds to mpeg-4. So, I bought the HD-DVR Off-Air package.
Now…when will the announcement come?

Is there any more word on when these sets will hit a livinging room?

Also, would there be a power buy for these sets (or for anything other then Samsung's)?!?

Is there any more word on when these sets will hit a livinging room?

Also, would there be a power buy for these sets (or for anything other then Samsung's)?!?

I dont think there'll be a PowerBuy--The profit isn't insane like the Samsungs...

I dont think there'll be a PowerBuy--The profit isn't insane like the Samsungs...

Very true. You make a lot more money selling Samsungs than you do Sonys:)

I want the Sony 60" SXRD when available. I will probably pay list price at my retailer. I am afraid to buy at a discount and have it shipped, in case it is damaged or defective.....

i'm still pretty excited if these sets will make it over to europe :)

I've seen this posted repeatedly and it keeps bothering me, maybe someone with a little more technical understanding can clarify. From my perspective, an iris, whether it be "truly dynamic" or simply "static" with a number of possible static openings/settings, does not affect CR (for obvious reasons...light is reduced across the board) but can only appear to make blacks look blacker. Is this incorrect?

Hey guys, my wife continues to give me a hard time over both the cost of the 60" and how close we will be to the set (8-1/2'), do you think the 50" will be adequate from that distance? I know it will be okay for non-letterboxed stuff, but i worry about the movies in 2:32-1 ratio that will still have black bars above and below the picture even if anamorphic. I know that the black bars will only be about 3' each, but thats 6" total, can i afford to lose 6" of height on a 50" set and still have the impact of a really big screen?

Who is buying a 50", and does this bother you?

Thanks to n2nrush for the DirecTV info as regards MPEG-4.

Hey guys, my wife continues to give me a hard time over both the cost of the 60" and how close we will be to the set (8-1/2'), do you think the 50" will be adequate from that distance? I know it will be okay for non-letterboxed stuff, but i worry about the movies in 2:32-1 ratio that will still have black bars above and below the picture even if anamorphic. I know that the black bars will only be about 3' each, but thats 6" total, can i afford to lose 6" of height on a 50" set and still have the impact of a really big screen?

Who is buying a 50", and does this bother you?

I will have a viewing distance of 8' and plan to buy the 60" based on both the screen calculator that uses the THX and SMPTE standards for immersive viewing and also on my experiences at the showrooms. My shoes are exactly 1 foot long so it is relatively easy to step off my home viewing distance in the showrooms. Initially I was planning on a 50" or possibly a 55" (prior to these XBR1s in 50" and 60") and they seemed plenty big at the time. Of course I am moving up from a 20" XBR, so no surprise that they seemed big enough. After the 70" qualia came out I spent a lot of time looking at it, as did most in this thread no doubt, and not long after that the 50", 55" and 60" sets no longer looked so big. At that point I began reading up on the standards and plugging the numbers into the calculator to see what was recommended by the people that set the standards for theater projection and 60" achieves the recommended 30 degree viewing angle at 8.1'.

At 8.5' your 50" will only give you a 24 degree viewing angle and probably significant loss of immersion, so this is potentially already a problem, without even considering your point about the loss of image height on wider than 16:9 programming. Admittedly the image height should not be the problem - IF the proper viewing angle in the horizontal plane is achieved, then the proper vertical viewing angle (or height) follows by default whether 16:9 or letterboxed. If the proper viewing angle in the horizontal plane is NOT achieved, it does not matter whether the material is 16:9 or letterboxed, neither will be immersive. In your case it appears that 50" is just not sufficient for immersion.

You may well find after bringing home the 50" that the immersive feeling is not there. The solution would be to move your seating closer to the set - see how the wife would feel about that!

An opposing issue is SD viewing - particularly SD analog. If you will be doing much of this then probably the 50" would be preferable to the 60". I am hoping that it will be tolerable for me with the 60" I plan to get, as it is not very easy to judge this in the showroom since their SD feeds vary dramatically from mine. Perhaps putting it into twin view mode with a decreased image size will help, or I will just have to put up with it for the time being in order to have the proper viewing experience with DVDs and HD.

Hey guys, my wife continues to give me a hard time over both the cost of the 60" and how close we will be to the set (8-1/2'), do you think the 50" will be adequate from that distance? I know it will be okay for non-letterboxed stuff, but i worry about the movies in 2:32-1 ratio that will still have black bars above and below the picture even if anamorphic. I know that the black bars will only be about 3' each, but thats 6" total, can i afford to lose 6" of height on a 50" set and still have the impact of a really big screen?


If you want the impact of a big screen, go for the 60" set. If you get the 50", your wife will think she is happy until she decides you were right in the first place (whether or not she will admit this is another story!). You will have a knot in the middle of your stomach, wishing you had tried harder to persuade her to see things your way. Try a local B&M with a 30 day return/exchange policy and ask your wife to try the 60. If after 2 or 3 weeks, she is really unhappy, you can always trade down. I doubt that will happen, though. Of all the members of this forum, I think you will find very few who ended up saying "Gee, I wish I had gone with the smaller screen." This includes wives! My wife started out saying that a 50" set was too big for our 9' viewing distance. She is now firmly entrenched in the 70" 1080p camp! (I think I'll keep her! ;) )

Trust me on this! Good luck!

You guys make all the right points about the screen size, I guess now my job is to win the battle with the wifey and get the 60".

I will print out your answers and show them to her! Anybody else who wants to give real good reasons as to why i need the 60" please post them, and i will print them out too!!!! Nothing like a little help from the "experts" here! ;)

(just dont quote this post in your post!!! LOL)

Tony,
What do you think they've done to reduce the weight of the SXRD so dramatically? Was the screen really that heavy? It sure appears that they took all the improvements and boxed it all within an XS perhaps to compete with 1080P about to occur in the marketplace as Sony has a serious problem with profit margins disappearing. If what you say is true Sony could be in for a killing in the marketplace as so many wanted a Qualia but could not pony up the $13K and they've had 7 months to wet our appetite with Qualia. Excellent evaluations of the blacks - many of the Plasma leaders work hard on blacks through steps of gray to get detail in scenes.


I believe the Qualia also has a subwoofer that the new SXRDs don't, so there goes some weight. And of course, at 70" the Qualia is simply a bigger, hence heavier, TV.

As I look down on my shirt as I type I can see thousands of variations of tones/shades and leading to the detailed blacks - black needs contrasts in between.

How's the black level on your shirt? Does it have the dynamic iris?

Very true. You make a lot more money selling Samsungs than you do Sonys:)

Ain't that the truth... :cool:

You guys make all the right points about the screen size, I guess now my job is to win the battle with the wifey and get the 60".

I will print out your answers and show them to her! Anybody else who wants to give real good reasons as to why i need the 60" please post them, and i will print them out too!!!! Nothing like a little help from the "experts" here! ;)

(just dont quote this post in your post!!! LOL)

Not for printing out... but I thought I should also suggest that you take the wife to your local high-end av store for some significant Qualia time. After a couple of in-depth auditions, the 60" size and price of the forthcoming XBR1 should look satisfactorily small to her. :D

Not for printing out... but I thought I should also suggest that you take the wife to your local high-end av store for some significant Qualia time. After a couple of in-depth auditions, the 60" size and price of the forthcoming XBR1 should look satisfactorily small to her. :D

You obviously dont know my wife! If something i want has a plug on the end of it, she is against it. :(

She cant relate to the progress in electronics, when i met her 10 years ago she still had an 8-track player! :eek:

You obviously dont know my wife! If something i want has a plug on the end of it, she is against it. :(

Don't mean to laugh at your situation YANKEEMAN, but that statement made me bust out a laugh. :D

-- Matthew

I've seen this posted repeatedly and it keeps bothering me, maybe someone with a little more technical understanding can clarify. From my perspective, an iris, whether it be "truly dynamic" or simply "static" with a number of possible static openings/settings, does not affect CR (for obvious reasons...light is reduced across the board) but can only appear to make blacks look blacker. Is this incorrect?

It absolutely can affect contrast ratio. It can have a huge effect on sequential or on off contrast and does. The Sony projector is >5500:1 on / off vs. about 1/5 that without the iris.

Even on ANSI CR, it can help a bit on slightly darker scenes as light scatter is an enemy of simultaneous contrast, but clearly cutting light output will affect both the top and bottom end, so the effect on ANSI is more muted.

You obviously dont know my wife! If something i want has a plug on the end of it, she is against it. :(

She cant relate to the progress in electronics, when i met her 10 years ago she still had an 8-track player! :eek:Sounds like a nice Amish girl. ;)

I have never felt so loved as I do now by my fellow AVS members!Maybe it would have helped to get more hugs as a kid. This may help. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/067960166X/qid=1124130272/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-1530394-2120748?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

So what do we expect Sony to announce at their press conference tomorrow? Anyone expecting a surprise? Do you expect just what we already know about the KDS-R60XBR1 & KDS-R50XBR1?

Any chance there might be Blu-ray player info about models for this holiday season? I'd love to get one to go with the KDS-R60XBR1 but I might have to wait for second generation for pricing to hit our comfort zone.

So what do we expect Sony to announce at their press conference tomorrow? Anyone expecting a surprise? Do you expect just what we already know about the KDS-R60XBR1 & KDS-R50XBR1?

Press Conference TOMORROW!?!? :eek: At what show (IF THERE IS A SHOW) will they be doing this at? Thanks.

Press Conference TOMORROW!?!? :eek: At what show (IF THERE IS A SHOW) will they be doing this at? Thanks.

Not a show (however CEDIA is next month), but a "event for trade industry press". From the story we were discussing the other day: Story (http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html)
Komiyama said he is optimistic about business at the Sony Technology Center-Pittsburgh, which on Tuesday will unveil Sony's latest technology -- called Silicon Crystal Reflective Display, featuring high definition and high contrast -- in an event for trade industry press.

To estimate what size set to get, just think about how far from the movie screen you (and yours) like to sit. I sit back of middle to back always and thus sit 15 feet from a 73". It is unpleasant to sit much closer for me. I think smaller doesn't bother people like too big does. I would go with at least 2x the diagonal.

Not a show (however CEDIA is next month), but a "event for trade industry press". From the story we were discussing the other day: Story (http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/business/s_362872.html)

Oh yeah. That story. :o .LOL. Thanks UG.

Hey guys, my wife continues to give me a hard time over both the cost of the 60" and how close we will be to the set (8-1/2'), do you think the 50" will be adequate from that distance? I know it will be okay for non-letterboxed stuff, but i worry about the movies in 2:32-1 ratio that will still have black bars above and below the picture even if anamorphic. I know that the black bars will only be about 3' each, but thats 6" total, can i afford to lose 6" of height on a 50" set and still have the impact of a really big screen?

Who is buying a 50", and does this bother you?

To me 8.5 feet is way too close for a 60 inch screen. Some would no doubt like it that close...but I would guess a majority would not. Many people would think 8.5 is too close for a 50 incher...lol. It boils down to personal taste. Make sure you can exchange for a different size. That is too much money to spend to be unhappy!

To me 8.5 feet is way too close for a 60 inch screen. Some would no doubt like it that close...but I would guess a majority would not. Many people would think 8.5 is too close for a 50 incher...lol. It boils down to personal taste. Make sure you can exchange for a different size. That is too much money to spend to be unhappy!
I plan to sit 13" from the 60" model. Does that sound about right? (I wish I could afford a 70" but so far none predicted in my price range.)

I spent some quality time sitting 8.5ft from a 70" Qualia this weekend at a local B&M store.
It was awesome. And definitely not too big.


It's going to be hard to make due with the small 60" SXRD at 8.5ft, but it'll have to work since it's $7k cheaper.

It absolutely can affect contrast ratio. It can have a huge effect on sequential or on off contrast and does. The Sony projector is >5500:1 on / off vs. about 1/5 that without the iris.

Even on ANSI CR, it can help a bit on slightly darker scenes as light scatter is an enemy of simultaneous contrast, but clearly cutting light output will affect both the top and bottom end, so the effect on ANSI is more muted.

Thanks, rogo. I understand what you've written, but I guess what still confuses me is that in real world viewing you are seeing a single frame at a time and within that single frame the light is reduced across the board. Certainly it can have a "perceived" effect, but I guess what I was asking about was more of a measured CR within a single static frame...does that make any sense?

dood, I bought a 60vs810 and I sit about 11 feet away. I actually wish I would have bought 50.. even from that distance the tv is very overpowering.. especially at night when you just want to watch some tv and relax, not be blown away by your HUGE bigscreen.

I would say for mixed viewing anything up to 55 inches should be fine...

I plan to sit 13" from the 60" model. Does that sound about right? (I wish I could afford a 70" but so far none predicted in my price range.)

13 Feet from a 60 would probably be fine for most people. Some might still find it too close though..... motion sickness and headaches happen to some people that sit too close to a large screen. It is a personal thing no doubt. I suggest you study the 50, and 60 inchers in stores at your viewing distance and decide what you prefer. And the safest policy is ALWAYS buy at a store that allows exchanges for at least 10-30 days.

I spent some quality time sitting 8.5ft from a 70" Qualia this weekend at a local B&M store.
It was awesome. And definitely not too big.


It's going to be hard to make due with the small 60" SXRD at 8.5ft, but it'll have to work since it's $7k cheaper.

I would throw up if I sat that close to a 70 inch screen..lol. What kind of show can you stand to watch at that distance? I can't imagine watching fast moving sports shows! But as I said there is no "right" distance..whatever works for you is fine.

You obviously dont know my wife! If something i want has a plug on the end of it, she is against it. :(

:eek:

They also made them with batteries. :p

Is anyone seriously expecting the new SXRDs to be available in September? My dealer (UE) is saying mid-October at the earliest and I'm not sure if this is for getting them into the warehouse or into the store which could add another week or two. The dealer does not even have them in their system yet to enable pre-orders.I'm a glutton for punishment. So I'm looking forward to September delivery. :D Tweeter does have them in the system and available to order. I was told a "tentative" 9/9-9/29 delivery window. I wouldn't be shocked one bit to not see the 60" ship until October but it never hurts to be an optimist.

Maybe tomorrow there will be an updated schedule from Sony. If I recall correctly the A10 & A20 sets were release with rather non-specific dates. So I'm not expecting much. Heck they're just showing up at some major retailers.

My pleasure zone is at least 2x the diagonal. Heh and no off color jokes! :D

Hey, apparantly Crutchfield has pulled the KDS-R60XBR1 off the website..... Wonder why?

I just tried to look at the set on Crutchfield to check something and noticed its been pulled down. When did this happen (or can I just not find the correct link)?

edit* wow beat by a whole 3 mins on this one :p

Hey, apparantly Crutchfield has pulled the KDS-R60XBR1 off the website..... Wonder why?I called Crutchfield. Eventhough she couldn't say why it was pulled from the website they are still talking orders with an expected availability date of 9/19. Who knows?

Crutchfield also pulled the 50" model from their web site. Do you think maybe they jumped the gun a bit in anticipation of tomorrow's announcement?A conspiracy-theorist (who might that be?) could venture to say it was just Sony seeding the market through 'leaking' information pre-release.

Do you think maybe they jumped the gun a bit in anticipation of tomorrow's announcement?

AKASTP,

If I think I know what your asking :confused:, then I hope YOUR question is true. :) That Crutchfield jumped the gun, and that tomorrow Sony will announce a September :D shipping date [???].

A conspiracy-theorist (who might that be?) could venture to say it was just Sony seeding the market through 'leaking' information pre-release.

Since no body else is advertising it, I'd bet that Crutchfield jumped the gun and Sony made them remove it.

You'd think they would have left it there and would have just marked it not available. :mad:

Damn, I hope Jason doesn't get busted with his fake id at the press conference. We might have to bail him out. I'm good for $5.

Damn, I hope Jason doesn't get busted with his fake id at the press conference. We might have to bail him out. I'm good for $5.

Yeah. I haven't seen Jason in this thread at all today. He must be in the city where they're going to have the press conference. :D If he wants to blend in, just tell him to bow alot :o (I'm ASIAN).

I just tried to look at the set on Crutchfield to check something and noticed its been pulled down. When did this happen (or can I just not find the correct link)?
Found this cached on Google:

Cached copy of Crutchfield R60XRB1 ad (http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:2kwuPVSfXy4J:www.crutchfield.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp%3Fg%3D147350%26I%3D158SR60XBR+R60XBR1&hl=en&client=safari%20target=nw)

Yes, it does exist. It was not a figment of our imagination. We didn't wake up from our dream.

I keep forgetting about Google's cache: great feature!

Thanks for looking it up!

Damn, I hope Jason doesn't get busted with his fake id at the press conference. We might have to bail him out. I'm good for $5.
Only five stinkin' bucks...? :eek: After I serenaded you in front of strangers?!? I thought we had something special here! :D :p

Ridiculously busy today (for a change) and nothing pressing to contribute (to everybody's delight! :) ).

Jason

Thanks to Blue 911 for the link. Info now resides safely in a file on my desktop.

Only five stinkin' bucks...? :eek: After I serenaded you in front of strangers?!? I thought we had something special here! :D :p

Ridiculously busy today (for a change) and nothing pressing to contribute (to everybody's delight! :) ).

JasonSad part is... that's the high bid :( :p ;)

Yeah if you're a sucker that's payin' msrp! :eek:

Jason

Hey Jason....

I'm one of those suckers that's payin msrp. I'm not afraid to admit it. But can you help me not be a sucker by giving me some info on how or where to get a deal on this set? Feel free to pm me if necessary. I guess not everyone is as fortunate as you.
Thanks,
Snoop

Thanks, rogo. I understand what you've written, but I guess what still confuses me is that in real world viewing you are seeing a single frame at a time and within that single frame the light is reduced across the board. Certainly it can have a "perceived" effect, but I guess what I was asking about was more of a measured CR within a single static frame...does that make any sense?

It does, but it tells me you are still viewing only one type of contrast ratio, there are two:

(1) Simultaneous CR, or ANSI CR, the contrast of a single frame. I explained to you the iris was marginally useful there in reducing light scatter.

(2) Sequential CR, or on/off CR, the contrast of the display overall or its dynamic range. The ability to show a bright beach scene then a deep space scene. The iris can close down in the latter and open up in the former. It helps a ton here.

I will have a viewing distance of 8' and plan to buy the 60" based on both the screen calculator that uses the THX and SMPTE standards for immersive viewing .

My projector provides the THX Recommended viewind distance. It is perfect. No too big, not too small. I watch SD on it. SD from an HD source (National Geo) looks very good. Digital SD looks OK. However, zooming a letterboxed SD, doesn't look all that good. Clearly, 4:3 will not look too big on a 60-inch.

Obviously, HD looks far, far better -- but SD is quite watchable.

For those who say who will watch SD? Well TCM, IFC, AMD, and Sun all show great movies and many are letterboxed. Plus all the non HD HBO/Cine/Show movies. And CNN and CNBC. That's a lot of SD material. Most of it will not be in HD for years. Plus DVDs are SD.

However, my SD only has to be scaled to 960x540. Thus, my answer is it will all depend on the DRC processor.

If it is great, then 60-inches may be perfect. If not, you may find 50-inches better. And, 50-inches does meet the SMPTE Recommended and THX Maximum distance if I remember correctly.

So I think you'll need to wait and see. I'm planning on a 60-inch, but who knows?

It does, but it tells me you are still viewing only one type of contrast ratio, there are two:

(1) Simultaneous CR, or ANSI CR, the contrast of a single frame. I explained to you the iris was marginally useful there in reducing light scatter.

(2) Sequential CR, or on/off CR, the contrast of the display overall or its dynamic range. The ability to show a bright beach scene then a deep space scene. The iris can close down in the latter and open up in the former. It helps a ton here.

Gotcha now, thanks. Can't wait to see one in action.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=tv_SXRD&Dept=tvvideo


hey guys was just shocked but the tvs are now up on the sony website

and it advertising wega gate

60" Grand WEGA™ SXRD™ Rear Projection HDTV

Shipping availability:
Preorder Model - Available on or about Sep 23, 2005.

Interested in an extended service plan for this item? Add Extended Service Plan

hey guys was just shocked but the tvs are now up on the sony website


Great, a real 1080p set, hope TI learns a lesson !

Too bad in Canada we will not see decent pricing until this time next year :(

I'm very interested as to why the 50 and 60 inch models have the XBR designation in their name yet are not being advertised as XBRs...Lew or Steve, any thoughts on this??? I know that typically most XBR products have a longer life cycle than their normal counterparts, however with these not being advertised as such I'm not sure what to think.

I wish I was at that press conference today! :eek:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=tv_SXRD&Dept=tvvideo


hey guys was just shocked but the tvs are now up on the sony website

and it advertising wega gate

60" Grand WEGA™ SXRD™ Rear Projection HDTV

Shipping availability:
Preorder Model - Available on or about Sep 23, 2005.

Interested in an extended service plan for this item? Add Extended Service Plan

space2001 - great catch.

Thx.

Hmmm the 50" is being listed as being available Sept 16th...

I'm one of those suckers that's payin msrp. I'm not afraid to admit it. But can you help me not be a sucker by giving me some info on how or where to get a deal on this set?
Snoop,

I buy almost all of my gear from my local dealer (except for speakers, because he doesn't carry Paradigm). I've purchased a few big-ticket items from him and he's always given me betweeen 10-18% off msrp. He told me that I could expect to get at least 10% off the SXRDs when they arrive.

Only you can help yourself not be a sucker...:D

I guess not everyone is as fortunate as you.
Awww shucks...now you're makin' me blush! :p

Jason

A word to the wise to my fellow board members who engage, as do I, in a near obsessive-compulsive monitoring of this thread for the latest SXRD SBR 1 info.

Let's be careful out there people!

SEOUL, South Korea -- A 28-year-old South Korean man died of exhaustion in an Internet cafe after playing computer games non-stop for 49 hours, South Korean police said Wednesday.

Lee, a resident in the southern city of Taegu who was identified only by his last name, collapsed Friday after having eaten minimally and not sleeping, refusing to leave his keyboard while he played the battle simulation game Starcraft.

Lee was quickly moved to a hospital but died after a few hours, due to what doctors are presuming was a heart attack, police said.

Lee had been fired from his job last month because he kept missing work to play computer games, police said.

That's it...I'm done...it's been real...later...;)

Jason

oops...I must be monitoring this thread too closely to be responding so quickly! :eek:

I have a 25 XBR CRT ("If this freaking guy mentions his freaking 25 XBR one more freaking time, I'm going to need the freaking Fear Factor vomit bucket!") that has lasted me over 18 years. Nonetheless, I have never considered the XBR label to imply or express any claims of longer life. I have assumed it referred to more and/or better features.

Hi TV Tyro, I wasn't talking about longer component life.....when I said long life cycle, I meant that a XBR product stays on the shelf in a store longer than your typical Grand WEGA. Take the 60" and 70" XBRs for example. They are 2 years old and are now finally being retired, whereas the non XBR models have about a year shelf life (maybe a little less these days!). So I am curious as to what these SXRDs are going to be labeled as -- Grand WEGAs or XBRs?

I'm very interested as to why the 50 and 60 inch models have the XBR designation in their name yet are not being advertised as XBRs...Lew or Steve, any thoughts on this??? I know that typically most XBR products have a longer life cycle than their normal counterparts, however with these not being advertised as such I'm not sure what to think.

I am not in the business, so take this for what it's worth. I noticed last night that these models have a one year parts/labor warranty. I knew the CRT 34 XBR 960 has a 2 year warranty. So I checked an XBR LCD RPTV and it too only has a one year warranty.

I have a 25 XBR CRT ("If this freaking guy mentions his freaking 25 XBR one more freaking time, I'm going to need the freaking Fear Factor vomit bucket!") that has served me for over 18 years. Nonetheless, I have never considered the XBR label to imply or express any claims of longer life. I have assumed the designation referred to additional and/or better features.

Am I reading the dimensions correctly. The 60 inch set is 20 inches deep at about 66 inches wide? Why so deep?

CFoote,

Hi TV Tyro, I wasn't talking about longer component life.....when I said long life cycle, I meant that a XBR product stays on the shelf in a store longer than your typical Grand WEGA. Take the 60" and 70" XBRs for example. They are 2 years old and are now finally being retired, whereas the non XBR models have about a year shelf life (maybe a little less these days!). So I am curious as to what these SXRDs are going to be labeled as -- Grand WEGAs or XBRs?

Bad news, good news. Bad news - I tried to edit my post and screwed up the order in which they appear. Good news - you will now seem to have powers beyond those of mortal men!

Sorry I misunderstood the question.

Couple of observations. Is there really only one HDMI input? Sonystyle clearly says one. Crutchfield and the Manual say two.

Also, manual says nothing about WEGA Gate. Sonystyle says it there. What are the facts?

CFoote,

Yikes! So what you are saying...we buy, they soon come out with a model with a 1080p input, no dumbo speakers, etc. Hence, no XBR but Wegas. Do you fear these are a rush job to meet the competiton from 1080p DLP's?

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/SonySXRD1080pGrandWEGA.php

Couple of observations. Is there really only one HDMI input? Sonystyle clearly says one. Crutchfield and the Manual say two.

Also, manual says nothing about WEGA Gate. Sonystyle says it there. What are the facts?
Sonystyle seems to be off base (at least, I hope they're the ones who are off base) on a number of points. Both Crutchfield, and the press release you just cited on Audioholics, say 2 x HDMI and DRC-v2 circuitry, versus 1 x HDMI and DRC-v1 according to Sonystyle. Seems like a pretty good bet that it's Sonystyle that's screwed up. Maybe they cut and pasted from some other model's specs without fixing everything they should have?

Sonystyle seems to be off base (at least, I hope they're the ones who are off base) on a number of points. Both Crutchfield, and the press release you just cited on Audioholics, say 2 x HDMI and DRC-v2 circuitry, versus 1 x HDMI and DRC-v1 according to Sonystyle. Seems like a pretty good bet that it's Sonystyle that's screwed up. Maybe they cut and pasted from some other model's specs without fixing everything they should have?

What about WEGA Gate??

What can I expect from the viewing angle on these sets from both a vertical and horizontal perspective?

What can I expect from the viewing angle on these sets from both a vertical and horizontal perspective?

130°(H) x 60°(V) viewing angle

That was from the info posted at the Crutchfields site.

If you go to the SonyStyle website and click on the new SXRD tvs you can view the manual for them and in the manual it shows 2 HDMI inputs, so yes, it's an error on Sony's website.

What about WEGA Gate??


its weird becasue they don't mention it in the manual.

Wega gate is sony new tech with all there tvs so, hopefully it will be included.

What about WEGA Gate??
I don't believe any of the other three sources (Crutchfield, manual, or Audioholics press release) mentioned it. So the only authority for it is SonyStyle, which is not encouraging.

I don't believe any of the other three sources (Crutchfield, manual, or Audioholics press release) mentioned it. So the only authority for it is SonyStyle, which is not encouraging.How about a little edjumacation? What's so special about WEGAgate?

If you view the manual there are screen shots of the menu interface. You may be able to see if it is or is not WEGAgate.

How about a little edjumacation? What's so special about WEGAgate?
Actually, I was wondering that myself. :confused: No idea what the significance is, just noting that it's only cited on SonyStyle.

Hey, good news. According to sonystyle these sets aren't just SXRD... they're 3SXRD :D

Hey, good news. According to sonystyle these sets aren't just SXRD... they're 3SXRD :DYeay! They dropped the color wheel from the prototype!
:D

All those Qualia owners with plain ol' "SXRD" are gonna be peeved.

Funny though. I've never seen rainbows looking at a Qualia.

Decide for yourself....

They look quite similar.

Decide for yourself....

They look quite similar.Thanks "c".

All those Qualia owners with plain ol' "SXRD" are gonna be peeved.

Funny though. I've never seen rainbows looking at a Qualia.I hear if you stand on your head at the dealer you can see rainbows on the Qualia.

I see rainbows everytime I start thinking about upgrading my already overblown home theater system. Does that count??

I see rainbows everytime I start thinking about upgrading my already overblown home theater system. Does that count??I see them when I bring home new stuff I bought... okay, maybe those are stars... it always preceeds the blackout so it's tough to remember. But curiously my wife's always standing over me when I wake up...

Today's press release...........

SONY EXPANDS SXRD REAR PROJECTION HDTV LINE WITH 50 AND 60-INCH GRAND WEGA TELEVISIONS

New Sets Deliver Full 1920x1080 Resolution to Optimize the HD Experience
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 16, 2005 – On the occasion of celebrating the production of the one millionth rear projection Grand WEGA™ micro-display television at its technology center here in southwestern Pennsylvania, Sony Electronics today introduced two new sets in the line based on the acclaimed Silicon X-tal (Crystal) Reflective Display (SXRD™) technology delivering full 1920 x 1080 high-definition resolution.
The 1080p (progressive) KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 Grand WEGA models compliment two existing SXRD products -- the 70-inch QUALIA™ 006 micro-display and the QUALIA 004 front projector.
"SXRD is the next milestone in the evolution of high-definition television and a standard for the ultimate picture performance," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division for Sony Electronics. "If you're looking for the full power of HDTV, these models deliver like no other."
At the heart of the models are three new 0.61-inch SXRD panels, making them the world's smallest – one each for red, green and blue color reproduction – delivering more than 2 million native pixels (1920 x 1080) for a full high-definition picture.
The panels produce a contrast ratio of 5000:1. Refinements to the panel circuit layout enabled Sony to reduce the pixel pitch on an individual panel to just seven micrometers, resulting increased pixel density, yields, quick response time and a brilliant film-like picture.
Maximizing the Picture
An "Advanced Iris" combines with the three panels and Sony's Cinema Black Pro mode to maximize up to 10,000:1 contrast based on overall light levels of the original signal. The result is exceptional brightness and sharp contrast. Additionally, the aperture of the iris shutter has been reduced in size, resulting in more faithfully reproduced blacks.
Other video signal process enhancements include Sony's WEGA Engine HD and Digital Reality Creation® MultiFunction version 2 circuitry (DRC-MFv2), which enable the digital mapping of not only conventional NTSC sources but also 1080i HD signals.
DRC-MFv2 utilizes a proprietary algorithm to provide crisp, clear pictures along with an Image Format Processor™ (IFP) technology that optimizes contrast by providing the widest dynamic range possible. IFP's enhanced motion vector algorithm also reduces signal noise without reducing the overall level of sharpness.
For greater brightness and improved color reproduction, especially with reds, the new SXRD televisions incorporate a 120-watt high-output lamp, along with a new optical engine.
The new models are digital cable ready with an integrated CableCARD slot. Additionally, Sony's S-Master® Digital Amplifier and SRS TruSurround® audio effect combine to deliver high quality sound through integrated speakers. Other features include dual HDMI inputs, three i.LINK (IEEE 1394) inputs, a PC input, optical audio output, and a Memory Stick® flash media viewer.
The KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 units will ship in September for about $5,000 and $4,000, respectively through SonyStyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail) and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 16 at www.sony.com/WEGA-SXRD.

SXRD Panel Device Specifications
Panel Size 0.61 inch
Panel Resolution 1920 x 1080
Device Contrast Ratio 5000:1
Pixel Pitch 7.0 Micrometers
Inter-pixel Spacing 0.35 Micrometers
Response Time 2.5 Milliseconds

# # #

Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.

:D

its an error,

if you do a compare on the website, it says it has 2 hdmi

The KDS-R60XBR1 and KDS-R50XBR1 units will ship in SeptemberWoo hoo!

Yee Haaw!

If you add one to the cart on the Sony Style site it states that it will be available "on or about Sep 23, 2005."

I see them when I bring home new stuff I bought... okay, maybe those are stars... it always preceeds the blackout so it's tough to remember. But curiously my wife's always standing over me when I wake up...

UG,

Another classic! post from you! :D

EVERYONE,

Thanks to all your hard investigating (SERIOUSLY) in regards to the recent Sony announcement.

-- Matthew

Sony's 5 year service plan is only $320. I thought you could purchase the warranty from Sony even if you don't purchase the set from them. Is that correct?

Sony ESP (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-Detail?CategoryName=CE_TV)

Sony's 5 year service plan is only $320. I thought you could purchase the warranty from Sony even if you don't purchase the set from them. Is that correct?

Sony ESP (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-Detail?CategoryName=CE_TV)

People on the A10 thread were inquiring about separate warranties from them and the answer is YES. My understanding is before the one year warranty expires.

the big question is: how will a 720P-signal (like for example from xbox360) look on a 1080P-display like the SXRDs?

Sony's 5 year service plan is only $320. I thought you could purchase the warranty from Sony even if you don't purchase the set from them. Is that correct?

Sony ESP (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-Detail?CategoryName=CE_TV)
UG-

Do you know the particulars of their warranty (specifically with regards to lamp replacement)? I read the info on their site this morning, but didn't see anything regarding lamps. That's a very nice price, but I'd be interested in a warranty that covers premature lamp failure.

Thanks for the info!

Jason

BTW, that's great news about the availability date...I don't know if I could wait until October and I don't want to have to show them my Angry Face again (though I do now conveniently have on a forged Press Pass!).

Jason

Sony has the official release posted: Here (http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6049)

There are also some hi-res pics on that page.

There was some curiosity about the lack of XBR badging on the sets. I found Sony does have a small XBR on the front of the set grouped with the feature icons. Maybe Sony is quietly stepping away from XBR to enhance the promotion of the Qualia lifestyle. I've attached an isolation of the XBR and other icons from the front of the set below:

BTW, that's great news about the availability date...I don't know if I could wait until October and I don't want to have to show them my Angry Face again (though I do now conveniently have on a forged Press Pass!).

Jason

JASON,

I was thinking even before you posted your last message that you no longer have an angry face. Do you care to show us your happy face (WHEN YOU HAVE THE TIME of COURSE)? :)

"Sony's Cinema Black Pro mode to maximize up to 10,000:1 contrast"

Oh yea... This means Sonyy could contrast bin the SXRD chips and though
more advanced technology produce a new Qualia even better than this!!!

You got to love it :-)

Response Time 2.5 Milliseconds

Wow, no one caught this. It is nearly twice as fast as the 006 in response time!
No more motion artificats, unless they are caused by an over compressed signal.
Don't know how many times I heard in the showroom, "oh that is casused by overcompressed signal" and i wanted to yell "No, it is caused by the crappy repsonse time of your DLP chip and LCD panel."

Sony has the official release posted: Here (http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6049)

There are also some hi-res pics on that page.



The “Dumbo-tron” actually looks better than I imagined.

I really like the small foot print.

UG-

Do you know the particulars of their warranty (specifically with regards to lamp replacement)? I read the info on their site this morning, but didn't see anything regarding lamps. That's a very nice price, but I'd be interested in a warranty that covers premature lamp failure.

Thanks for the info!

JasonI didn't see anything on there specific either. I don't know any more than what they have in the site. They could claim it as a consumable item that is excluded. I thought Sony covers it in the first year as part of the standard warranty. So if you don't see it specifically noted you may have to argue that the bulb failed before the expected service life if you can note the hrs of operation.

I purchased my 60 on my AMEX so I at least double the first year. At $320 it might be worth it for a full five years. But the warranty company expects to make money by my not needing the service, so would I really? Ugh! :mad:

Sony has the official release posted: Here (http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6049)

There are also some hi-res pics on that page.

There was some curiosity about the lack of XBR badging on the sets. I found Sony does have a small XBR on the front of the set grouped with the feature icons. Maybe Sony is quietly stepping away from XBR to enhance the promotion of the Qualia lifestyle. I've attached an isolation of the XBR and other icons from the front of the set below:

Indeed, that is very interesting to say the least. I'm glad to at least see an XBR badge on there -- it should have a little bit better optics and electronics compared to the 'regular' Grand WEGA sets.

JASON,

I was thinking even before you posted your last message that you no longer have an angry face. Do you care to show us your happy face (WHEN YOU HAVE THE TIME of COURSE)? :)We could have fun with that. :D

XBR models should have 2-year in-home parts and labor warranty.

I bought my 34XBR910 on my Gold Amex, which should give me coverage for the third year. Don't know if Amex's extended coverage is different depending on whether you have regular, gold or platinum cards.

How long is the lamp expected to last?

The sony website also has the full specs and product manual online. No 1080p input on HDMI or even the PC input. Very dissappointing. Since I am driving it via an HTPC, I want native 1080p. Looks like I have to wait for the LG.

Thanks,
Mike

We could have fun with that. :D

That's exactly what I was thinking [chuckles!]. UG I'm afraid to see what you come up with. BTW, should we close the BID (SINGULAR) :D for JASON 's bail money. Going once, going twice......

Poor Jason. He will have to pony up the rest of the money for his bail. So that means no SXRD for him this year. :D