I realize that the 40" XBR has been been discontinued for quite some time, but that's really the TV I want. The 34xbr960 is a great TV that's readily available, but that extra 6" really adds up on a 4:3 display vs. a 16:9. The weight sucks, but I already have a giant hole in my wall where the last owner had a large RPTV.

Is it worth my time to call up every electronics store in town? Could Sony or their local distributor possibly have any leads? I've been waiting (and hoping) to spot a used one locally, but so far nothing has showed.

I found an online store called Hot Buys Electronics (no linking allowed, apparently) that claims to have it in stock, but after shipping, the price comes to around $2k. I'm thinking that's my last option, especially when considering the issues this unit is prone to.

Anyone have any ideas?

Where do you live? A local Circuit city in my town (Tulsa, OK) has one open box unit going for ~$1500

Where do you live? A local Circuit city in my town (Tulsa, OK) has one open box unit going for ~$1500


Portland, Oregon. I'm guessing there's no way they want to ship that beast to my local Circuit City.

Probably not, It wouldn't hurt to ask... They have had it a while and might be eager to get rid of it (it takes up the entire end cap it is on)

5313 East 41st St, Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 828-0022

Sony was still selling this TV last year in December when I bought my KD30XS955

I would contact them to see if any are left

I've owned my 40XBR for over 2.5 yrs. now and can't tell you enough how pleased I am w/the TV & its PQ in both SD & HD. I'm assuming you already know about the weight issue, so be prepared, this is one heavy TV. Best place to get one now is from Sony itself. It still may be possible to buy a Sony refurb TV. BTW, I paid $3000 for mine w/stand promo in Dec. 2002. Good luck.

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

A nobody has ever sold a widescreen 16:9 40" CRT TV. And, of course, Sony has discontinued the 40" 4:3 KV40XBR800. So the largest direct view CRT is now 36".

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

The Sony 40XBR is a 4:3 HDTV, and displays a 40" diagonal pic for 4:3 SD programming or "fullscreen" DVD's & VHS. When displaying HD 16:9 Widescreen video the screen is 37" diagonal. You would need to purchase a 50" widescreen TV in order to achieve the same 40" 4:3 screen as the 40XBR. This is the largest flat screen CRT ever made that I am aware, and has been discontinued by Sony. No one has ever mfg. a 40" flat screen 16:9 CRT.

A nobody has ever sold a widescreen 16:9 40" CRT TV. And, of course, Sony has discontinued the 40" 4:3 KV40XBR800. So the largest direct view CRT is now 36".And the 36" tube HDTVs are disappearing. Hitachi discontinued theirs in 2003, Toshiba discontinued theirs in 2004, Matsushita (JVC and Panasonic) discontinued theirs earlier this year. All gone forever.

The only two remaining 36 inchers are the Sony 36HS420 and 36XS955 and are rumored to be discontinued soon as well.

I realize that the 40" XBR has been been discontinued for quite some time, but that's really the TV I want. The 34xbr960 is a great TV that's readily available, but that extra 6" really adds up on a 4:3 display vs. a 16:9. The weight sucks, but I already have a giant hole in my wall where the last owner had a large RPTV.

Is it worth my time to call up every electronics store in town? Could Sony or their local distributor possibly have any leads? I've been waiting (and hoping) to spot a used one locally, but so far nothing has showed.

I found an online store called Hot Buys Electronics (no linking allowed, apparently) that claims to have it in stock, but after shipping, the price comes to around $2k. I'm thinking that's my last option, especially when considering the issues this unit is prone to.

Anyone have any ideas?


FLOOR MODEL 1000 BUCKS

At this stage, I think you can do much better than 2K. Shop and phone Sony Style Stores around the US. Also, check around various regions w/CC. They sold boatloads of these Tubes several years ago, and are also pretty darn good at fixing them if something happens. CC's Extended Warranty might be a good option too, if you in fact do find one there.

At this stage, I think you can do much better than 2K. Shop and phone Sony Style Stores around the US. Also, check around various regions w/CC. They sold boatloads of these Tubes several years ago, and are also pretty darn good at fixing them if something happens. CC's Extended Warranty might be a good option too, if you in fact do find one there.
You should be able to get it for around $1000. At the CC I work at we had an open box one that we were trying to get rid of for about a year. At one point we were having a bad month and my entertainment manager was so desperate to get rid of it I think he marked it down to $800 and figured he'd take the hit since the month couldn't get any worse. It still didn't sell and they marked it back up to $1500, but I'm pretty sure they ended up selling it for less sometime last month.

I Am Looking For A New 40 Xbr 800, They Seem Hard To Come By.
Did You Ever Find One? There Are Some Used Ones That Come Up On Ebay.

Frankly, I'd have to want a large tube set pretty badly to buy one of these. I've had a chance to evaluate about 5 of these and have not been impressed. The screen geometry is below average, HD image quality is well below what the good 34" 16:9 sets can do. I've had three chances to compare it side by side to Sony XBR 34" sets, using HD sources, and the 40XBR image was softer, colors were not as natural, and there was some curvature in the corners.

I could see thinking about it is having a large, pretty good SD/analog set is a high priority to you. And you have the space for this 300+ pound behemoth. But if HD quality is important, this set is not a top performer.

I've also read that its reliability is not the best. IMHO, Sony was wise to discontinue it. Although it isn't a bad set and would be fine if you don't have a particularly critical eye for HD. It will be better than most HD sets on SD images.

To be fair, here is a link to CNET's review, which was quite positive:

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Sony_WEGA_KV_40XBR800/4505-6485_16-9453304.html

If you browse the user reviews, you will notice that a number had repair problems.

Frankly, I'd have to want a large tube set pretty badly to buy one of these. I've had a chance to evaluate about 5 of these and have not been impressed. The screen geometry is below average, HD image quality is well below what the good 34" 16:9 sets can do. I've had three chances to compare it side by side to Sony XBR 34" sets, using HD sources, and the 40XBR image was softer, colors were not as natural, and there was some curvature in the corners.

I could see thinking about it is having a large, pretty good SD/analog set is a high priority to you. And you have the space for this 300+ pound behemoth. But if HD quality is important, this set is not a top performer.

I've also read that its reliability is not the best. IMHO, Sony was wise to discontinue it. Although it isn't a bad set and would be fine if you don't have a particularly critical eye for HD. It will be better than most HD sets on SD images.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR POST RE THE XBR 40. FOR SOME REASON I LIKE THE CRITTER, HAVE HAD A XBR 700 FOR SOME TIME, ACTUALLY THE PICTURE IS GREAT, AND IT DOES NOT COST 5000 TO GET INTO A BASIC FORM OF HD, AND IS JUST A HOLD UNTIL MAYBE THE PRICES COME DOWN A LITTLE. THE PROBLEM WITH THEM IS SOMETHING CALLED THE GREEN BLOB, THEY GET A GREEN MIST IN THE LOWER LEFT HAND CORNER, OR TOP RIGHT. CAN BE A REAL PROBLEM WHEN NOT IN WARRANTY. LATER MODELS ARE BETTER, MUST HAVE ABETTER TUBE.
SONY SAYS THEY DO NOT HAVE A ISSUE, BUT I BELIEVE THAT IT DOES AND MAY BE WHY THEY QUIT MAKING THE CRITTERS. IT IS A MONSTER, BUT WHEN PLACED ON THE BACK WALL WITH THE SPEAKERS TO THE SIDES IT LOOKS LIKE A THIN FLAT SCREEN. THE XBR 800 IS THE SAME BUT HAS A MEMORY CARD SLOT TO VIEW YOUR CAMERA PHOTOS WHICH IS SORT OF COOL. THERE ARE SOME GOOD DEALS ON SOME CLOSE OUTS ON SOME OF THESE FROM SONY - REFURBISHED VICTIMS OF THE BLOB NO DOUBT.

I really like my 40XBR800, and the PQ is fantastic. Even SD looks great and sometimes rivals DVD quality. After owning the TV for about 18 months it developed the "greenies" in the upper left corner. At the time, I was really ticked off about it and even wanted to get rid of it because others on this forum that had experienced similar issues stated that it could not be fixed. I have a 5-year Extended Warranty from CC so I finally called them, and the problem was totally & completely fixed. I am already planning my next HT upgrade, but want to wait about 24 months for a 65" 1080p Plasma, or maybe a SED display. For now, Im' enjoying the 40XBR, and have absolutely no complaints.

sure do like my 40 also, had a little trouble with the green blob on some of them in the past, its tough when there is no warranty. Sony will not acknowledge the problem, they keep saying to move your speakers, reset the unit, but the green blob is there and is a little pesky when the tv is a bit older. sure is a geat tv when working right. still the best picture around.

I've had mine for at least two years. I have not had any problems with the green globs or anything else. I also have the 5-year extended warranty from CC. If it ever goes out, I will just get one of the new 1080P sets. My wife and I are satisfied with the set.

I found a 36XBR800 on CraigsList.org for $500.

Also a 40XBR800 on Ebay right now but it looks like it might have problems.

Does anyone know anything about the 34XBR800??
How does this compare with the XBR960??
I found one listed on Ebay that is in my area.

the 34XBR800 is based on the same tube in the XBR970, and HS510 and HS420

its got to be at least what five years old?, it better be cheap

I've had mine for 4 yrs. Love it.

Shhhh..... on the green blobies. Don't have any wood near by.

Going on 3+ years, and glad I bought it. PQ is still excellent, and fullscreen 4:3 SD is near DVD quality. Next HT Upgrade planned in 24 months w/a 1080p 60+" Plasma. My suggestion is to buy locally on Craig's List, newspaper, or perhaps a local AV Store that had one returned. I doubt you could find a refurb at this time, but wouldn't hurt to check around the internet.

I've had mine for 4 yrs. Love it.

Shhhh..... on the green blobies. Don't have any wood near by.

If you ever do have the bad luck of catching the "greenies" on your 40XBR, I'm living proof that this problem can be totally fixed to satisfaction. Probably depends more on how well informed & trained is your local Sony Tech than anything else. Good luck.:D

As good as this set seems to be wouldn't the 36xs955 be the best route these days for a huge 4:3 Crt. I know its 4 less inches but the picture quality should be better. And it seems too risky to buy refurbs and used models. but good luck on your search for this beast.

As good as this set seems to be wouldn't the 36xs955 be the best route these days for a huge 4:3 Crt. I know its 4 less inches but the picture quality should be better. And it seems too risky to buy refurbs and used models. but good luck on your search for this beast.

I agree. The 40XBR has been out of production for too long. Besides, the 36"er has some really nice improvements w/SPF Tube, etc...but then...you REALLY gotta see 40" of pure lov'in tube in all its glory. All super blacks, w/contrast detail not seen in flat panels, w/realistic color...then there's the 37" HD widesreen. Still, ya missed the boat pal...go get that 36"er before they run out of them too!!!:D

Keep checking on ebay for this great set. Usually a new listing for one pops up every week or so.

My Sony KV-40XBR800 will be four years old soon and I have not had any problems with it whatsoever so far. It has an excellent picture which now has to compete with a 133" diagonal image from a Sony Pearl. But the XBR is for daytime viewing, the Pearl for nighttime. Astonishing unit!... :)

I'm like you Michael9009 my Sony KV-40XBR800 for daytime, but I got a
Sanyo Z-5 for my nighttime viewing. Just to think that I almost sold my Sony.
The HD on my Sony is really unbelievable, I've seen alot of plasmas and LCDs
and they just can't compare to my BIG MONSTER.

I'll jump on the bandwagon too. I've had my 40XBR800 for about 4 years and I love it. If we're home, it's usually on. Now that I have kids, I don't mind them touching the screen like I would with a flat panel display. I haven't had any issues with it and the picture is still fantastic. I'm currently in the market for a 50" plasma but it's going in the basement. The 40" Sony isn't going anywhere. I still love it.

I got one that was very nicely cared for off of Craigslist a few months back and I wish I could find another. I have the 40XBR + the 970 and I do not think that LCD & Plasma can currently beat the picture, especially with moving sports action. That's where the CRTs excel. It's a shame that Sony is getting out of the CRT business as I would pay a premium to get a high-end large CRT widescreen - of course, most others wouldn't because LCD & Plasma thin panels look sleeker but watching hockey on the 40XBR can't be beaten in my opinion.

Not sure if this is relevant, but I figured I would float this out there.

I live in the Baltimore, MD area. I may be interested in selling my 40XBR800. My family is looking at the real potential of a move across the country this summer. If so, I would probably prefer selling the television to moving it. If any of the people pining for a 40XBR800 are my vacinity let me know. It is a truly great set and we have had no problems at all with it.

While I am at it I would also like to throw my own praise at the 40XBR800. We have had it for about 5 years. We also have an LCD and, in my opinion, the picture on the 40XBR is superior. Even the standard sound on the 40XBR is superior for a set. As many already know, you simply cannot beat the black levels a quality CRT has.

Anyhow, if anyone in the area is interested, let me know. I guess just send me a message via AVS.

sent you an IM.... I'm in Baltimore and very interested in taking this beast off your hands before you skip town! Thanks...

I've had my 40XBR800 for around 4 years now. I bought it about 6 months before CC stoped selling them. I have to tell you, I've had ZERO problems with it. I have looked at many LCD's and Plasmas over the last three years and NOTHING can come close to the overall picture quality. The only draw back is when it's in 16:9, then the 40" is closer to 37".
But, every time I get an itch to shell out big bucks for a larger screen, I just cant get past the picture quality of the CRT.

So, unless a flat CRT (SED, FED) comes out, I'll keep it until it gives up the ghost.

I've had my 40XBR800 for around 4 years now. I bought it about 6 months before CC stoped selling them. I have to tell you, I've had ZERO problems with it. I have looked at many LCD's and Plasmas over the last three years and NOTHING can come close to the overall picture quality. The only draw back is when it's in 16:9, then the 40" is closer to 37".
But, every time I get an itch to shell out big bucks for a larger screen, I just cant get past the picture quality of the CRT.

So, unless a flat CRT (SED, FED) comes out, I'll keep it until it gives up the ghost.

Still enjoying my 40XBR too, and like you I purchased at CC in late Dec.'02. Paid $3000 w/free stand promo for the 40XBR, as well as purchased a new Sony Progressive DVD Player & Sony Touchscreen Remote Commander RM-AV3000. The next day, I joined AVS.

Yep, this is one fine HDTV, and wears the XBR badge proudly. My small glitch w/the "greenies" was repaired perfectly, but other than that problem, the 40XBR has performed flawlessly. I travel a lot, but when I'm home, the 40XBR is on constantly. Still though, I want a big screen TV capable of a more immersive home theater experience in the 60+" range. Screen Size is one important thing the CRT's can not do, so I've been constantly keeping up w/the other video tech. I just may have found my answer to my HT Upgrade dreams w/the new Pioneer 8G's. We'll see when their new 60" Elite is released in the Fall. Still, no regrets whatsoever on my purchase of the 40XBR, and I've already chosen a nice retirement home for it in the corner of the kitchen dining area.

Still enjoying my 40XBR too, and like you I purchased at CC in late Dec.'02. Paid $3000 w/free stand promo for the 40XBR, as well as purchased a new Sony Progressive DVD Player & Sony Touchscreen Remote Commander RM-AV3000. The next day, I joined AVS.

Yep, this is one fine HDTV, and wears the XBR badge proudly. My small glitch w/the "greenies" was repaired perfectly, but other than that problem, the 40XBR has performed flawlessly. I travel a lot, but when I'm home, the 40XBR is on constantly. Still though, I want a big screen TV capable of a more immersive home theater experience in the 60+" range. Screen Size is one important thing the CRT's can not do, so I've been constantly keeping up w/the other video tech. I just may have found my answer to my HT Upgrade dreams w/the new Pioneer 8G's. We'll see when their new 60" Elite is released in the Fall. Still, no regrets whatsoever on my purchase of the 40XBR, and I've already chosen a nice retirement home for it in the corner of the kitchen dining area.

Do you have a link that has info on the Pioneer Elite? Any idea on the cost?

SED sounded like it was going to be "it", but seems like it's not gonna happen.

Do you have a link that has info on the Pioneer Elite? Any idea on the cost?

SED sounded like it was going to be "it", but seems like it's not gonna happen.

Go on the "Plasma Forum" and click on the thread by Madshi for Pioneer 8G. The thread has become quite large over the past few months, but just recently there was a big Pioneer Show in Rome that gave out a lot of new info. MSRP on the 1080p 8G 60"er Elite will be $7500, and I imagine it will street price for much less after it has been released for a few months in the Fall '07.

wow, this is an old thread

i almost bought one of these a few years back then one day i saw one sitting side by side next to a 34" 16x9 sony at the wiz (remember those)

both were being fed the same hi def signal and the 16x9 had a much sharper picture

god, didn't those things weigh over 400 pounds?

Ah...the Wiz. Those were the days....many great memories.

wow, this is an old thread

i almost bought one of these a few years back then one day i saw one sitting side by side next to a 34" 16x9 sony at the wiz (remember those)

both were being fed the same hi def signal and the 16x9 had a much sharper picture

god, didn't those things weigh over 400 pounds?

Actually about 300lbs...prior to my purchasing the 40XBR in late 2002, I did months of extensive research for every top tier HDTV Tube, Flat Panel, & RPTV. At the time, Tubes had the very best PQ by far. Flat Panels were fairly new and w/their own set of problems, not to mention that a Pioneer 50" Elite was going for around $15,000. I've never been a fan of RPTV as I prefer a self-illumination direct view display, and the very poor off-angle viewing was a deal breaker for me. T

The Sony XBR's seemed to be the best Tube out at the time, although the 38" Loewe Aconda's were very good as well, but $2000 more than the 40XBR. I wanted the biggest Tube I could get in order to avoid that "postage stamp" viewing experience as much as possible. The Sony 34"ers were very good too, but several facts nixed it. For one, the PQ in HD on the 34"er was the same as on the 40XBR w/its 37" 16:9 screen. I went over this PQ fact a mulitude of times demoing these 2 TV's side by side in the same store w/numerous people concurring this fact. I want to add that later, Sony introduced an all-new Super Fine Pitch Tube that was indeed a sharper pic, but at 10' viewing distance you or any one else would be squinting hard to notice it. In 2002, over 90% of the broadcasting was 4:3 SD. So the majority of the time, I was able to view the 40" 4:3 fullscreen, while the 34" XBR's screen shrunk to almost 27" w/black bars. Not good...again, the postage stamp experience. Hence it all boiled down to the 40XBR, which at the time would give me the very best of both aspect ratio worlds, and a killer HD 37" CRT viewing experience that's still hard to beat in its size in 2007.

One last note...this IS 2007, and the landscape has changed dramatically over the past 4.5 years. If I had to buy right now things would of course be different. Fortunately for me, I've got a great HDTV already and there's no need to rush into my next HT upgrade.:D

how does 4x3 look on that sony 40"

i bought a samsung 27" 4x3 hdtv for my office thinking that 4x3 stuff look really good while also enjoying hdtv in my small office

i was wrong. hd stuff looks great but non hd stuff looks worse than my old 31" panasonic tv

i think it's the upconversion that can't be switched off apparently

i'm not sure what your sony 40" does with 480i material but they should have made all 4x3 hdtv's to display 480i @ 480p but i guess that was asking too much

i just picked up a sony 34" 3 weeks ago and 4x3 material looks better on it than it does on my samsung 4x3 hdtv. go figure

how does 4x3 look on that sony 40"

i bought a samsung 27" 4x3 hdtv for my office thinking that 4x3 stuff look really good while also enjoying hdtv in my small office

i was wrong. hd stuff looks great but non hd stuff looks worse than my old 31" panasonic tv

i think it's the upconversion that can't be switched off apparently

i'm not sure what your sony 40" does with 480i material but they should have made all 4x3 hdtv's to display 480i @ 480p but i guess that was asking too much

i just picked up a sony 34" 3 weeks ago and 4x3 material looks better on it than it does on my samsung 4x3 hdtv. go figure

You asked so I gotta brag...there is NO OTHER CONSUMER TV EVER MADE that will beat out the 40XBR for 4:3 SD viewing, PERIOD. Perhaps Sony Broadcast & Professional has a few smaller 27" reference studio monitors out there that would do the trick, but you're talking the $30,000 price tag variety. To watch the 40XBR in fullscreen 4:3 SD still amazes me at times. Of course not all SD Channels are created equal, but on many 4:3 SD broadcasts it looks as good as my Sony progressive DVD player, which is saying a lot considering the SD video source. It's not HD, which looks fantastic.. clear, sharp & accurate in color w/superb blacks & contrast, but still for SD & at 40" 4:3 it can't be beat. Chalk this all up to Sony making the very best Consumer TV w/superior video processing & Tube. Afterall, at the time the 40XBR was their "flagship" TV in the model line. If you study these Tubes, this was the pinnacle of CRT production, and after the 40XBR swan song, Sony & other Mfg'ers began to move in a totally new direction in video tech. Much bigger profit margins in HT Projectors, RPTV & LCD. Hence the demise & decline of CRT.

I have to second cajieboy's sentiments - 4x3 viewing is excellent on the 40XBR800.

One of the reasons I love this television is that, even though I have HD channels, much (if not the majority) of my viewing is still SD and this tube provides a wonderful SD picture along with stunning HD clarity.

You asked so I gotta brag...there is NO OTHER CONSUMER TV EVER MADE that will beat out the 40XBR for 4:3 SD viewing, PERIOD. Perhaps Sony Broadcast & Professional has a few smaller 27" reference studio monitors out there that would do the trick, but you're talking the $30,000 price tag variety. To watch the 40XBR in fullscreen 4:3 SD still amazes me at times. Of course not all SD Channels are created equal, but on many 4:3 SD broadcasts it looks as good as my Sony progressive DVD player, which is saying a lot considering the SD video source. It's not HD, which looks fantastic.. clear, sharp & accurate in color w/superb blacks & contrast, but still for SD & at 40" 4:3 it can't be beat. Chalk this all up to Sony making the very best Consumer TV w/superior video processing & Tube. Afterall, at the time the 40XBR was their "flagship" TV in the model line. If you study these Tubes, this was the pinnacle of CRT production, and after the 40XBR swan song, Sony & other Mfg'ers began to move in a totally new direction in video tech. Much bigger profit margins in HT Projectors, RPTV & LCD. Hence the demise & decline of CRT.

that's awesome

i almost bought that tv

someone had one on ebay for $300 last year "pick up only"

nice that you get a 38" 16x9 CRT picture :D

that's awesome

i almost bought that tv

someone had one on ebay for $300 last year "pick up only"

nice that you get a 38" 16x9 CRT picture :D

I buy a lot of stuff on Ebay, and $300 sounds fishy for a 40XBR, especially when you consider I paid $3000 for mine in Dec. 2002. Maybe the thing was dropped during a move or something. I know when I moved, it took 3 of us to handle the beast, and even then the awkwardness of the VERY heavy front glass made handling a Biatchy...damn Tv almost sqwashed me!:D

I buy a lot of stuff on Ebay, and $300 sounds fishy for a 40XBR...

While checking offerings on craigslist, prices mostly seem to hover in the $500-$600 range. In 2 hours, I'm going to go check out a 40XBR800 locally that's being offered for $400. I'll give it a good look before handing over the cash. I hope everything checks out okay.



...especially when you consider I paid $3000 for mine in Dec. 2002.I remember salivating over these things in Best Buy and Circuit City in Anderson, SC while in college. I couldn't afford the $3000 price tag back then, but I can definately do $400 now. Wish me luck.


James

I picked one up for $500 locally in February. They are so hard to move that no one asks a real high price because after the hassle factor and size factor the next step is for the owner to pay someone to move it.

If you can move it and the green blobs aren't bad, the HD picture is outstanding.

While checking offerings on craigslist, prices mostly seem to hover in the $500-$600 range. In 2 hours, I'm going to go check out a 40XBR800 locally that's being offered for $400. I'll give it a good look before handing over the cash. I hope everything checks out okay.



I remember salivating over these things in Best Buy and Circuit City in Anderson, SC while in college. I couldn't afford the $3000 price tag back then, but I can definately do $400 now. Wish me luck.


James

Did you buy it?? Let us know how it works out for you.

Did you buy it?? Let us know how it works out for you.

Unfortunately no, I didn't buy it. It had some yellow dicoloration in the lower right-hand corner that protruded into the image ~ ½ an inch. And there was slight inward bowing of the picture on both the left and right sides about 2-3" from the top. The seller was nice enough to knock $100 off after pointing out these faults, but common sense overrode impulse (I had the cash in my pocket) and I told him I'd look into repair costs and get back with him. Just this morning, I called a local authorized Sony service center and they told me $90 for on-site service plus (based on my description of the problems) $350-$450 parts and labor. That's the average repair cost. It might be more; it might be less.

So....
$300 for the TV
$90 for onsite service
$450 parts and labor
$840 total.

Throw in $300 for a stand (I only found one website that said they had them in stock), and you're talking more than $1100. That's more than what I wanted to spend. If I'm going to spend that much, I'll get a plasma/LCD/DLP with a warranty.

I'm still fighting the urge to buy it and use it for gaming; no critical viewing...somebody talk me out of it :).

Unfortunately no, I didn't buy it. It had some yellow dicoloration in the lower right-hand corner that protruded into the image ~ ½ an inch. And there was slight inward bowing of the picture on both the left and right sides about 2-3" from the top. The seller was nice enough to knock $100 off after pointing out these faults, but common sense overrode impulse (I had the cash in my pocket) and I told him I'd look into repair costs and get back with him. Just this morning, I called a local authorized Sony service center and they told me $90 for on-site service plus (based on my description of the problems) $350-$450 parts and labor. That's the average repair cost. It might be more; it might be less.

So....
$300 for the TV
$90 for onsite service
$450 parts and labor
$840 total.

Throw in $300 for a stand (I only found one website that said they had them in stock), and you're talking more than $1100. That's more than what I wanted to spend. If I'm going to spend that much, I'll get a plasma/LCD/DLP with a warranty.

I'm still fighting the urge to buy it and use it for gaming; no critical viewing...somebody talk me out of it :).

Good luck w/that guy trying to sell a broken TV!! Geeez, you did the right thing. Another problem was the missing 40XBR Stand that was a $500 option back in late 2002, but mine was thrown in during a Circuit City "free stand" promo. This 40XBR really does need its designed stand because the TV is extremely prone to front tipping due to the very heavy thick front glass. The stand looks good w/the TV too, so unless you've done some custom build cabinetry, I'd definitely not buy the TV w/o its special designed stand.

When my 40XBR develped the "greenies", CC fixed it fairly easily w/a Sony set of special magnets and a few tweaks on the yoke. It seems the Tech Guy knew about this problem as he was quick to diagnose & returned a week or so later w/a quick but perfect fix.

That's all I saw the Service Tech do to the TV, but he may have made some other quick adjustments in the Service Menu. This probably paid for my CC 5-Year Extended Warranty right then & there. That was a few years ago, and the TV has performed flawless since then. Yeah, I'd go w/a new Pioneer 50" or 60"er if I were you. Those new 8G Pioneers seem to be the ticket to PQ nirvanna, and I'm anxious to see them for myself. But then again, the price is a bit steep when you compare it to what you could buy a re-furbed 40XBR someplace.

PS: From your description, I just had a thought that perhaps the problem w/the 40XBR is a simple "degaussing" problem. It reminds me of a time several years ago when we had a severe thunderstorm, and the power flashed on & off a few time as I was watching the TV. When the TV came back on, the picture was messed up w/yellow, green and god knows what else splayed all over the screen. After fooling around w/it for half an hour, I unplugged it from the wall and went to bed. Next morning I re-plugged in the TV, and voila!!!...the TV had reset itself and looked great. Maybe the fix for this used 40XBR is cheaper one than you know. If you have a Circuit City nearby, I'd call their Service Dept. as they sold a boatload of the 40XBR's and their Techs are accustomed to this model.

Just thought I'd let anyone interested know that I'm selling my 40XBR800. I bought a Panny projector and a 106" Da-Lite screen, so the beautiful Sony has to go. My last CRT television, I guess... Everything works flawlessly, at least to my eyes.

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120164039796

You can e-mail me directly if you have any questions about it.

mikado95@aol.com

Randy in Chicago

I just recently found out about this unit and have been checking crags list and ebay. So far no luck as most of the units for sale seem to be located in Calilfornia. It sounds like an awesome tv for sd.

Wow, that's weird. I was just talking about selling mine with my wife this weekend. I thought she was joking when she said OK, but she asked me today if I checked out the TVs at Best Buy.

The bad thing is that this TV is great, but it is pretty freakin' heavy! Anyone who wants it and its stand would definitely have to have a good strong back.

Wow, that's weird. I was just talking about selling mine with my wife this weekend. I thought she was joking when she said OK, but she asked me today if I checked out the TVs at Best Buy.

The bad thing is that this TV is great, but it is pretty freakin' heavy! Anyone who wants it and its stand would definitely have to have a good strong back.

Yeah, Go LSU!! PM me with details, location & price as I have lots of friends & family in LA. Maybe one of them wants it.

Just curious to other owners, have you ever tried to get this TV lifted higher than what the glass stand will do? Basically, if we decided to move this into our bedroom, our bed is pretty tall. Currently, we have an old 27" TV on a 4 foot tall dresser so that we can see the picture. If we moved this into the bedroom, I'm thinking that we wouldn't be able to see the bottom half of the TV while lying down.

I'm trying to think of any decent way to lift this TV but make sure that it would be supported. Add supports under the stand and use that?? Use something tall instead of the stand? Altering the bed is out of the question, but I don't really know of a safe way to do this...

If you raised the stand, it would take a couple more people to lift it up high than it did to lift it to stand-height. If the TV fell from very high at all, I think it might take out a floor joist. A bed leg could lurch into the hole, tumbling contents of the bed onto glass.

The important parts of the stand are built like a bridge, considering it's just for holding a TV off the ground. The base's shape is made to part carpet pile and keep itself somewhat mobile. Get an LCD for your bedroom.

I have the 34xbr800 for like 5 years now and I love the it... I have had it calibrated recently (didn't cost much to me. considering he said all TVs need some kind of calibration). Also, I couldn't go out and spend another 2k like I did for this one (wish I could, but it would be for a lot more anyways. Because I would have to get a kuro (best atm)). IMO of course ;)

Well my 40" monster is dying, it won't come on all the time now, I have to leave it unplugged overnight for it to come on. The stand by light flashes 6 times. I will be giving it away soon if anyone is interested - It shouldn't be that expensive to repair, I see some have even repaired it themselves, all you have to do is PM me and pick it up - it also comes with the stand.

Yes, we finally have to let my baby go, we are defintely moving now.

As I mentioned in some past posts in this topic, we decided we would sell out 40XBR800 if/when I got transferred out of state. Well, it has officially happened.

If anyone is interested, send me out a PM and we can talk. The set is in pristine/mint condition with the original stand, remote, etc. Due to its location in the house (and the addition of a large set in another location where there was once not one), it has not gotten a lot of use in the last 2-3 years (maybe an average of 1-1.5 hours per week). Everything works spectacularly.

I don't really want to give it up as it truly is the best picture I have ever seen. However, we really don't want to deal with moving it across the country. My wife is much less a videophile than I am and she MUCH prefers a flat panel (even if the black levels suck compared to the 40XBR800).

PM me if interested. I am, of course, more than happy to let an interested buyer thoroughly inspect/watch/test the set before buying.

Thanks.

Jeff

I'm like you Michael9009 my Sony KV-40XBR800 for daytime, but I got a
Sanyo Z-5 for my nighttime viewing. Just to think that I almost sold my Sony.
The HD on my Sony is really unbelievable, I've seen alot of plasmas and LCDs
and they just can't compare to my BIG MONSTER.

Biggest mistake I ever made (TV wise anyway) was not buying a Sony HD picture tube when I had the chance. I've never seen a better pic on any TV, even my 42 inch Plasma.

Yes, we finally have to let my baby go, we are defintely moving now.

As I mentioned in some past posts in this topic, we decided we would sell out 40XBR800 if/when I got transferred out of state. Well, it has officially happened.

If anyone is interested, send me out a PM and we can talk. The set is in pristine/mint condition with the original stand, remote, etc. Due to its location in the house (and the addition of a large set in another location where there was once not one), it has not gotten a lot of use in the last 2-3 years (maybe an average of 1-1.5 hours per week). Everything works spectacularly.

I don't really want to give it up as it truly is the best picture I have ever seen. However, we really don't want to deal with moving it across the country. My wife is much less a videophile than I am and she MUCH prefers a flat panel (even if the black levels suck compared to the 40XBR800).

PM me if interested. I am, of course, more than happy to let an interested buyer thoroughly inspect/watch/test the set before buying.

Thanks.

Jeff

Do you happen to live in the Louisville, KY area?

I live in Baltimore, MD. Oddly enough, I am moving to Kentucky.

However, if the 40XBR800 makes the move with me, it will stay at my house.

Let me know if you are interested.

I've got a 40XBR800 in the Austin TX area that I am now looking to offload. If anyone is interested let me know.

rdengineer01@gmail.com

If u can't "offload" via craigslist , ebay or local newspaper suggest donation or call local tv repair shops and see who will give u something or at the least not charge u to haul it away...that what I had to do. not much of a market for them

Here ya go people...
Used(1 to 1 of 1 offers sorted by : Price + Shipping)
Price + Shipping Condition Seller Information Ready to buy?
$999.00
+ $169.49shipping
LOW ITEM PRICE
Used - Like New Seller: zray5
Rating:97% positive over the past 12 months (94 ratings.) 681 lifetime ratings.
Shipping: In Stock. Ships from IL, United States Expedited shipping available See shipping rates
Comments: with matching stand - Portland, Oregon area local pick-up only - to big to ship. Amazon shipping charges refunded if picked-up. ( « less )
Comments: with matching stand - Portland, Oregon area local pick-up only - to big to ship. Amazon shipping charges refunded if picked-u... ( » more )


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I realize that the 40" XBR has been been discontinued for quite some time, but that's really the TV I want. The 34xbr960 is a great TV that's readily available, but that extra 6" really adds up on a 4:3 display vs. a 16:9. The weight sucks, but I already have a giant hole in my wall where the last owner had a large RPTV.

Is it worth my time to call up every electronics store in town? Could Sony or their local distributor possibly have any leads? I've been waiting (and hoping) to spot a used one locally, but so far nothing has showed.

I found an online store called Hot Buys Electronics (no linking allowed, apparently) that claims to have it in stock, but after shipping, the price comes to around $2k. I'm thinking that's my last option, especially when considering the issues this unit is prone to.

Anyone have any ideas?

Have one of them critters that I bought early in '05 from Circuit City for $2400 plus $65 to have it delivered; it died on me about a month ago--power supply problems like many Sony boob tubes have experienced of late.
And apparently Sony has abandoned its consumers too 'cuz I read somewheres they are no longer making parts available to get 'em fixed. :mad:

Buyers, beware!...

-THTS

Have one of them critters that I bought early in '05 from Circuit City for $2400 plus $65 to have it delivered; it died on me about a month ago--power supply problems like many Sony boob tubes have experienced of late.
And apparently Sony has abandoned its consumers too 'cuz I read somewheres they are no longer making parts available to get 'em fixed. :mad:

Buyers, beware!...

-THTS

Early 2005 this model had been discontinued. Maybe you had a floor model, open box or a refurb? My 40XBR is going strong at 6 years of heavy use, so knock on wood that I have not experienced any power supply problems. As Sony TV's have had a strong documented reputation of reliability compared to other brands, they have maintained parts for their displays way longer than any other mfg'er I'm aware. Did you by chance call Sony's national parts distribution center in Kansas City to see if they had your power supply?

Early 2005 this model had been discontinued. Maybe you had a floor model, open box or a refurb? My 40XBR is going strong at 6 years of heavy use, so knock on wood that I have not experienced any power supply problems. As Sony TV's have had a strong documented reputation of reliability compared to other brands, they have maintained parts for their displays way longer than any other mfg'er I'm aware. Did you by chance call Sony's national parts distribution center in Kansas City to see if they had your power supply?

I ordered the 40" on-line from Circuit City in early '05...but they had one available at my local CC store, so it was delivered from there...brand new in the sealed box, with all paper work enclosed in it.
The two huge young guys who delivered basically tore the box apart taking the set out of it, so I told them to haul it away. It was kind of funny watching them sweat buckets bringing it in the house and placing on the existing TV stand, but since I paid $65 for the delivery didn't feel guilty about it. :)
Actually, I had a 35" Sony set which I bought right after my 35" Mitsubishi monitor went south on me (purchased it in 1991) sometime in October of '04, but sold it to my son so I could buy the 40 incher. Fortunately the 35" Sony still works.

No, I haven't contact Sony's distribution center yet, but will now that you reminded me. I'll see what transpires...

-THTS

I ordered the 40" on-line from Circuit City in early '05...but they had one available at my local CC store, so it was delivered from there...brand new in the sealed box, with all paper work enclosed in it.
The two huge young guys who delivered basically tore the box apart taking the set out of it, so I told them to haul it away. It was kind of funny watching them sweat buckets bringing it in the house and placing on the existing TV stand, but since I paid $65 for the delivery didn't feel guilty about it. :)
Actually, I had a 35" Sony set which I bought right after my 35" Mitsubishi monitor went south on me (purchased it in 1991) sometime in October of '04, but sold it to my son so I could buy the 40 incher. Fortunately the 35" Sony still works.

No, I haven't contact Sony's distribution center yet, but will now that you reminded me. I'll see what transpires...

-THTS

We share a similar story in some ways. I too purchased my 40XBR800 from Circuit City. It was in late Dec. 2002, and at the time, CC was offering a free $500 Stand w/purchase. Price was $3000, and I also purchased a Sony DVD Player and a Sony Universal LCD Touchscreen Remote. Plus, I sprung for the CC 5-Year Extended Warranty.

In-home delivery was included in this deal, and 2 big guys showed up on a Saturday afternoon. Difference being, these guys knew the drill, and quickly had the TV out of the box, setup the stand, and had it mounted & playing beautifully in short order. Afterwards, they told me that my 40XBR was the 8th one they had delivered that day. On the back is the build date for the TV. Mine says NOVEMBER 2002. Curious, what date does your 40XBR read?

We share a similar story in some ways. I too purchased my 40XBR800 from Circuit City. It was in late Dec. 2002, and at the time, CC was offering a free $500 Stand w/purchase. Price was $3000, and I also purchased a Sony DVD Player and a Sony Universal LCD Touchscreen Remote. Plus, I sprung for the CC 5-Year Extended Warranty.

In-home delivery was included in this deal, and 2 big guys showed up on a Saturday afternoon. Difference being, these guys knew the drill, and quickly had the TV out of the box, setup the stand, and had it mounted & playing beautifully in short order. Afterwards, they told me that my 40XBR was the 8th one they had delivered that day. On the back is the build date for the TV. Mine says NOVEMBER 2002. Curious, what date does your 40XBR read?

Haven't checked the date of manufacture but will do it tomorrow...

-THTS

I've had my 40XBR800 for 3 years now and I bought it used. All I can say is WOW, it is the best picture I've ever seen when hooked up to HD programming or blueray DVD. I recently had a problem with mine, It got to where you had to hit the power button twice in order for the tv to turn on. Then one day nothing.........I would hit the power button and it wouldn't come on and I would get 6 repeating red lights, every once in a while it would be 7. I hated the thought of dragging the monster out to the garage and letting it set there so I started doing a little research, thats how I found this site by the way. After some reading on the problem with different Sony models with the same problem I decided to pull out the D-board and replace the IC chips. I ordered 3 off ebay for $22 + shipping, while I waited to get the chips I went ahead and pulled the back off of the TV, took the D-board out but I didn't disconnect the lines for the power supply to the tube (red and white wires). I went ahead and de-soldered both chips and and removed them, all together it took me maybe 40 minutes and that was taking my time, I've soldered some but never de-soldered anything, especially anything that small. I also ordered some 18 pin sockets from Radio Shack. Well my parts came in the same day so as soon as I got home from work I started in. I soldered the sockets in, installed the new chips in the sockets and set the D-board back in place, hooked my wires back up, plugged the tv back in and hit the power putton...............tv came on instantly and with a better picture than before, before I had a small bow across the top that you would notice when watching sports when they put the scores across the top, it was strait now. Its been 3 weeks and no problems at all. I also read that the chips Sony used had a high failure rate, the new chips don't. Here's a link to my photobucket page on the first page there are probably 10 or 12 pictures in there of the D-board and location of the IC chips

http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/fev1969/

I've had my 40XBR800 for 3 years now and I bought it used. All I can say is WOW, it is the best picture I've ever seen when hooked up to HD programming or blueray DVD. I recently had a problem with mine, It got to where you had to hit the power button twice in order for the tv to turn on. Then one day nothing.........I would hit the power button and it wouldn't come on and I would get 6 repeating red lights, every once in a while it would be 7. I hated the thought of dragging the monster out to the garage and letting it set there so I started doing a little research, thats how I found this site by the way. After some reading on the problem with different Sony models with the same problem I decided to pull out the D-board and replace the IC chips. I ordered 3 off ebay for $22 + shipping, while I waited to get the chips I went ahead and pulled the back off of the TV, took the D-board out but I didn't disconnect the lines for the power supply to the tube (red and white wires). I went ahead and de-soldered both chips and and removed them, all together it took me maybe 40 minutes and that was taking my time, I've soldered some but never de-soldered anything, especially anything that small. I also ordered some 18 pin sockets from Radio Shack. Well my parts came in the same day so as soon as I got home from work I started in. I soldered the sockets in, installed the new chips in the sockets and set the D-board back in place, hooked my wires back up, plugged the tv back in and hit the power putton...............tv came on instantly and with a better picture than before, before I had a small bow across the top that you would notice when watching sports when they put the scores across the top, it was strait now. Its been 3 weeks and no problems at all. I also read that the chips Sony used had a high failure rate, the new chips don't. Here's a link to my photobucket page on the first page there are probably 10 or 12 pictures in there of the D-board and location of the IC chips

http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a314/fev1969/

Hey, great stuff! Thanks for posting details and photos. Perhaps I can get mine working again, although am after a Pioneer Pro-151 Elite KURO 60" plasma TV for my primary video viewing now, then the big 40" will become my bedroom set! :D

Btw, I still think Sony should have provided the ICs if anything else; is a problem that originated from Sony by using substandard, cheaper parts...is not the consumers' fault... :mad:

_THTS

That rocks!. Nice wheels, BTW. :D

fev1969, great post and very informative. I admire your initiative & ingenuity in getting the 40XBR back to working order. Amazing.

Didn't have time to read the whole thread, but past experience w/large CRT's show that some are sensitive to Earth's magnatism. My last Zenith 35" had a little polarity & strength switch combo, which WORKED! Yeah, I know, turning one around is not really an option, but Speakers can affect them, and it's been a long time since I saw one of those degaussing coils that servicemen used to carry, that would correct some problems.
Good luck!

Absolutely CRT's are affected by geomagnetism. They should be positioned with a compass to face directly east or west. Isn't always practical though. There are service menu settings in newer tubes that can compensate pretty well, especially in combination with ring adjustments on the tube's neck that aren't for the faint of heart.

When you say facing east or west which side is facing? I'm assuming the front display part that you watch is that part that needs to face east/west? Just curious...

These seem to show up all the time here in Denver on craigslist. Doesn't seem like they "move" too quickly either... pun intended. I think people are horrified at the prospect of having to actually get the thing back to their house. Almost as bad as the king size visco-elastic foam bed we moved upstairs, like a 350lb bag of wet fish.

I live in Baltimore, MD. Oddly enough, I am moving to Kentucky.

However, if the 40XBR800 makes the move with me, it will stay at my house.

Let me know if you are interested.

Do you happen to live in the Louisville, KY area?

I actually moved to Lexington, KY. I do have the set with me and have decided that I still think I will sell it. It is currently sitting in our (walk-out) basement unused, which is truly a shame. We just don't have a need for it in our new house as we don't have a dedicated family room here.

As I described earlier, it is in pristine condition and has had very little use the last 3 years (maybe ~1.5 hours per week on average). I have original remote (which I never used outside set-up), instructions, stand, etc.

Let me know if anyone is interested. Thanks.

The XBR800 along with a few other Sony`s that incorporate the same technology is still IMHO the best of both worlds for viewing all content.

My son & son-in-law just recently purchased the Samsung 46" & 52" a650 and the HD thru Blu-Ray is outstanding. But the SD content is simply plain PATHETIC.

I still have the XBR-800 40" monster but aside from the infamous common D board failures with this set it is still in my living room and I have NO plans on dumping it over even the latest Samsung LN 950 or Sony`s XBR8 that utitlize the additional LED`s to produce great blacks. These latest Flagship models still look pathetic when fed SD material and compressed 720P upconverted HD material that the TV servers send you & call it HD !

I dread the day when my XBR800 40" bites the dust but hopefully the cable & satellite servers will have better HD content in the future.

my neigbor has a 40XBR800 for sale that has seen very little use.

like so...

FREE! Sony 40" HD / SD TV works great!
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ele/1223268246.html

just picked it up and it rocks!

Martin

A good deal at twice the price:D