This is a thread I created where we can discuss the new Sony KD-34XBR970. The new KD-34XBR970 is retailed at an attractive price of $1,199.99. Own a new Sony KD-34XBR970 and want to comment about it, post it here. Thinking of purchasing one, post it here. Enjoy...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644666

May want to get the mods to merge these.

Replacing the KD-34XBR960, the new KD-34XBR970 is ... The Sony KD-34XBR970 will be the only 34" widescreen CRT TV available in the market (beginning in spring) this year.

Please explain where you got this information from. I have researched substantially and find nothing that indicates the 960 series has been or is being discontinued. I have no doubt it eventually will either cease production or be replaced, but there is no evidence or information leading to that currently.

Same request goes for your insinuation that no one except Sony will offer a 34" CRT come spring. Where is this information coming from? Do you have proof that Toshiba will no longer offer the Orion or other manufactured version of a CRT in the 34" size? Or that any other Manufacturer won't have an offering?

Please provide substantiation of your claims.
Thank you

"The Sony KD-34XBR970 will be the only 34" widescreen CRT TV available in the market (beginning in spring) this year."

what about the 960N that is pretty new and also has a Super Fine Pitch tube?

the 970 doesn't indicate Super Fine Pitch tube on it anywhere, if it was a replacement (which I highly doubt) that would be a huge downgrade.

Uh oh, here we go again...

What about Zenith? They make 34 inch tube tv's also..

[QUOTE=cireaasirefan]It's really hard to say whether the XBR960 is going to be discontinued or not. Sony claims that it will be discontinued......

We've already discussed before that the MT Picture Displays factory in Troy is closing at spring. Do a search. Toshiba already announced new direct-view CRT models at January, and no new 34" was announced.....QUOTE]
(1) Where is the proof that Sony said this...provide a link or some real proof!
(2) Tosh announced no new 34" TV's in Jan, that means nothing. They may just coninue with what they have, or there may be announcements from them or someone else in the future. I just think it is irresponsible to make a bold statement that Sony will be the only Manufacturer, when in reality it is only your opinion.

Sorry, but I really like reading this forum and getting solid information from the postings...yours continue to be peppered with speculation and personal opinion that you try to pass off as valid insider information. Provide proof and you will get my apology!

What about Zenith? They make 34 inch tube tv's also..

I think it's pretty much all under the LG flag by this point.


http://www.zenith.com/index.asp?url=./sub_prod/subCategory_Display.asp%3Fcat%3D46


The last Zenith 34 inch WS I knew of was the c34w37. If you can find it, it's pretty solid at $700-$800 thereabouts.

I have its 4:3 32 inch brother, the Zenith c32v37, in my "home gym" currently. Pretty solid TV's for under a grand, imho. You could do worse.

One thing I have to give Zenith/LG credit for is the design. Specifically, the perfectly flat top that lets you rest a center channel speaker on there without a moment's hesitaiton or worry.


Anyways... </digression>

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=644666

May want to get the mods to merge these.

You and Greenland laid down the rules of the other thread. If they were merged our friend here wouldn't be able to post anything. :D

Yeah they are. They have them in Brandsmart USA,a huge electronics strore down here in Miami. They always have them on sale for like 800 with built in hdtv tuner.

This is a thread I created where we can discuss the new Sony KD-34XBR970. The new KD-34XBR970 is retailed at an attractive price of $1,199.99. Own a new Sony KD-34XBR970 and want to comment about it, post it here. Thinking of purchasing one, post it here. Enjoy...
waltchan, I'm not trying to start anything or flame you, but I do have a honest question. Why do you feel it incumbent upon you to start a new thread on virtually every model TV that comes out, even if you do not own it nor know anything about it? I really am curious and fascinated by this phenomenon. Can you educate me? Is there some thrill to seeing your "name" first on all those threads? Again, not trying to start anything, just really interested in the why.

Good question, it helps the forum more easier to navigate. People would be confused if there are over 50 threads regarding the Sony XBR970. With an official thread, people can save their time navigating through the forum. We don't have an active discussion thread on the Sony XBR970 yet, so here it is.
Hmmm, I understand that, but I guess I'm trying to figure out why its you that starts all these threads.......

Yeah they are. They have them in Brandsmart USA,a huge electronics strore down here in Miami. They always have them on sale for like 800 with built in hdtv tuner.

Not bad. I wouldn't pay much more than that for them, though.

Nice to see that Sony HAS brought the 970 back to the website listing. Notice that, to the the disappointment of many, that there have been no improvements or changed specs for this model.

It still looks like a solids set, just no SFP.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cireaasirefan
Good question, it helps the forum more easier to navigate. People would be confused if there are over 50 threads regarding the Sony XBR970. With an official thread, people can save their time navigating through the forum. We don't have an active discussion thread on the Sony XBR970 yet, so here it is.

Hmmm, I understand that, but I guess I'm trying to figure out why its you that starts all these threads.......

I thought about this as well, and wondered why there is an official thread on a TV not available

I would think the first member to own one, would create the official thread or something

I thought about this as well, and wondered why there is an official thread on a TV not available

I would think the first member to own one, would create the official thread or something
I agree--an owner of the TV, after having used the set for awhile, should create the thread and post his observations about it, so that the thread has some basis in credibility. Now we have threads on TVs that are not out, with no owners of the sets, and so all you get are people posting their speculations. The single biggest time waster to me is wading through a bunch of posts containing nothing but guesses and speculations. Unfortunately, it looks like we're going to have to suffer through a lot more of that because of the apparant carte blanche given to a certain speculator. Makes it that much more difficult for someone like me who's trying to seperate the wheat from the chaff. Looks like we're going to have more chaff to sift through.

Oh well, back to my bedtime story--The Boy Who Cried Wolf--some good lessons in that one....

why don't you look at the manual that you just posted above?

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs&ProductSKU=KD34XBR970&TabName=specs&var2=

One HDMI only.

Anybody know if the Sony XBR970 has two HDMI inputs, or still just one?

And you wonder why everyone breaks your chops? :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=joebxr]
Sorry, it's all just speculation that I learned from other people.



....................

... Now we have threads on TVs that are not out, with no owners of the sets, and so all you get are people posting their speculations. The single biggest time waster to me is wading through a bunch of posts containing nothing but guesses and speculations....

Since we are posting about being curious (as you did above), I'm wondering why:
-If you know the set hasn't been released
-If you have viewed SonyStyle.com like the rest of us
-If, because of the above 2 statements, you therefore know that this topic will be nothing but the speculation you referred to.

If all of the above is true, then why do you bother reading this topic. You know it will be speculation, therefore it will waste your time as you indicated. I get the feeling that you are not happy about the wasting of time, so why not move on to topics with information of importance/interest to you.

I might be wrong (and if so I apologize) but I don't think you are a moderator on this forum. Therefore it doesn't seem like the weight of deciding which topics are important to the rest of us and which ones aren't is on your shoulders.

I've been lurking here for quite a while now, and to be honest, it seems like sometimes some of you are going out of your way (and spending a lot of time) trying to find excuses for antagonizing WaltChan. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to defend him. I have no feelings either way towards him or any of you.

So no hard feelings towards anyone, these are just some observations I've been thinking about for a while now.

And just so everyone knows, I don't actually own an HDTV. I just dream about owning one, but am too cheap, so I just lurk here and read about everyone else's experiences!!

why would they drop cablcard from this set ?

why would they drop cablcard from this set ?

Here's the manual for the HS420: http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KV34HS420.pdf


Why am I showing you that?

The exclusion of cable card capability lends further credence to what most of us are believing at this point: The XBR970 is nothing more than a rebadged HS420. The HS420's do not have Cable Card capability and never have.

It wasn't "dropped" at all. It never was on the HS420 and that's all this thing is, with a new coat of paint and the XBR logo. ;)



To my eyes, the manual for the XBR970 and this Hs420 are virtually identical. I believe they're the same TV, or awfully close to it.

To the best of my knowledge, only the XS955 and XBR960 series had Cable Card capabilities.

...To my eyes, the manual for the XBR970 and this Hs420 are virtually identical. I believe they're the same TV, or awfully close to it.

To the best of my knowledge, only the XS955 and XBR960 series had Cable Card capabilities.
Correct.

I have the 34HS420 - and it has no cablecard, no QAM, no digital tuner of any kind.

This new 970 appears to be a hybrid, some weird combination of essentially the HS420 with a sprinkling of XS features (e.g. digital tuner, enhanced DRC, enhanced stretch mode, imput memory). I suspect the enhancements are all coded and that there's probably no new hardware except the tuners.

I will be watching this new set very closely. If the set actually ships with the advertised features I will be interested in researching whether or not they are features already existing in the HS420 line but not advertised. There's much about the entire Wega line that's similar and common.

I believe we've already heard that some have discovered features on the XS model that we believed to only be on the XBR line - I believe this was discovered when using a Harmony Remote?

Bottom LIne - this is an enhanced HS420 with no SFP tube.

I believe we've already heard that some have discovered features on the XS model that we believed to only be on the XBR line - I believe this was discovered when using a Harmony Remote?

justsc I believe these features were only on early releases of the XS
the owner with the 34" model had one from October and mine the 30" is from November of 04'

other owners with newer build dates could not access these functions AFAIK

here are pictures justsc

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7141478&&#post7141478

In these days of cutbacks in the CRT market I would think the easiest/cheapest way for Sony to come up with such a TV is to use the existing XS/XBR chassis to start and delete features to save money. It would probably be difficult/expensive to add a tuner to the 420 chassis.

So it could be a rebadged XBR with a 420 tube and features such as cable card removed.

Here's the manual for the HS420: http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KV34HS420.pdf


Why am I showing you that?

The exclusion of cable card capability lends further credence to what most of us are believing at this point: The XBR970 is nothing more than a rebadged HS420. The HS420's do not have Cable Card capability and never have.

It wasn't "dropped" at all. It never was on the HS420 and that's all this thing is, with a new coat of paint and the XBR logo. ;)



To my eyes, the manual for the XBR970 and this Hs420 are virtually identical. I believe they're the same TV, or awfully close to it.

To the best of my knowledge, only the XS955 and XBR960 series had Cable Card capabilities.


then why didn't Sony label this as an HS5xxx instead of xbr970. some are going to think this tv is the successor to the xbr960, which has a lot more features than the 970

then why didn't Sony label this as an HS5xxx instead of xbr970. some are going to think this tv is the successor to the xbr960, which has a lot more features than the 970

You just answered your own question.

20 bucks says "porcupine2" answers this question.

Can anybody tell me the estimate number of pixels or dots in the HS420 tube vs. XBR960 tube? What are the resolutions in each?

65%

then why didn't Sony label this as an HS5xxx instead of xbr970. some are going to think this tv is the successor to the xbr960, which has a lot more features than the 970
Cause the marketeers need something to do.

If the set has the XBR chip in it, Sony would want to tout that over any other feature.

here are pictures justsc

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7141478&&#post7141478
kny3twalker,

Thanks a bunch. ;)

Can anybody tell me the estimate number of pixels or dots in the HS420 tube vs. XBR960 tube? What are the resolutions in each?

Walt,

It is still far heavier than the 30inch set you just cancelled for being too heavy. Hoping that less pixels will provide you with an anorexic 34inch set, are you!.

Walter,
Maybe you should be looking for new stand also?

Walt,

It is still far heavier than the 30inch set you just cancelled for being too heavy. Hoping that less pixels will provide you with an anorexic 34inch set, are you!.
see that previous thread for my suggestions on how he could get a heavier set lifted. If he makes it a "group" effort, it may be possible.

see that previous thread for my suggestions on how he could get a heavier set lifted. If he makes it a "group" effort, it may be possible.

LOL

Seems to me that you may have some new members who are also afflicted with the dreaded condition which I have chosen to name:
WaltChan By Proxy, Syndrome.

Ok, i know this is the first time i posted in this thread and I am a "newbie" but i have been reading the 960 threads for awhile and the 970s. The 960 has always been a little spendy for me so i have been leaning towards the 970 if it has the SFP. Well after all the speculation and holding off on buying anything until it is released i figured i would wait to see if the 970 will be SFP. I did call the 800 sony line and asked if the tube will be a SFP and they said yes (I was transferred 2 times to make sure it was for sure). I then sent an email to sony style asking why their website did not reflect this and here is a copy and paste of the email i recieved from them:

According to the product specialist all XBR's have the SFP. Since the KD-34XBR970 is a pre-sale item the specs pdf has not been released yet which explains the absence for the website.

Thank you for choosing Sony Style!

Sony Style Customer Care

So one question i have, i know this is missing the cable card and a subwoofer and firewire. Will i miss the firewire? The only thing i will ever have hooked up to this is a HD DVD player with a HDMI input and a HD cable box from the cable company. This tv should be sufficient right?

firewire can be used with a HD cable box and a D VHS recorder

and if you think it has the Super Fine Pitch tube, order it, no one here is trying to stop you

but you should know you are putting your money on the CS agents that claim all XBRs have "SFP", and this is not true

only in CRTs and only for two generations 910 and 960

furthermore I am sure what you gain by continuously posting this misinformation over and over
whether you can accept it or not, its misinformation

Im not trying to misinform anything i am just saying what i was told. I dont see what it hurts to tell what i was told.

it hurts people here cause you are acting like its the truth
and as long as you do that its misinformation rather than a good laugh at the expense of the Sony representatives

Im onlyl guilty of what i have been told by sony so if they are lying than thats their fault not mine, And the thing i posted on #48 is indeed what the email said from sony style the exact wording was: According to the product specialist all XBR's have the SFP. Since the KD-34XBR970 is a pre-sale item the specs pdf has not been released yet which explains the absence for the website.

Thank you for choosing Sony Style!

Sony Style Customer Care

So how could i be giving misinformation when that is what sony told me? Then you will have to call them misinformants because it them who told me this.

Ok, i officially made a fool of myself, i called the sony style phone number and the guy told me the 970 will not have the SFP so obviously one sony rep has a different story than another so i wish i would have never reported anything. lol

motorhead,

it's obvious people here are not inclined to believe you. if you have an incident # or case # from your sony style email - post it here. then one of us can call sony and say that they got this email, with this case #. (i'd be happy to make that call, but it would probably be better if it was someone like greenland or someone who flat-out doesn't believe you.)

so, give us the case/incident number, so we can call sony and find out what's what. if you don't have that number, then you're not to be believed.

Ok, i officially made a fool of myself, i called the sony style phone number and the guy told me the 970 will not have the SFP so obviously one sony rep has a different story than another so i wish i would have never reported anything. lol

Do not take it so personally, you thought you had valid information and that's what you went with. The only fault was that people were trying to say don't believe everything a CSR tells you, for a lot of reasons, let's wait and se what's real, but you didn't want to believe it. I promise, if you call again in several days you might get a different answer again. Sad, but that's the way it works.

Fine here is the incident number since you dont believe me. #060215-001369

As far as pure picture quality is concerned, is this a step up or a step down from the KD-34XBR960?

Yeah i would say without the sfp it is definately less of a tv than the 960.

Yeah when i talked to the last csr at sony that told me it does not have it, i asked him why and he said it was because that way they can sell a "high" end tv at an affordable price point for consumers. LOL

Sony press release this week on xbr970. Nothing about SFP. I think we can move onto other things now.

http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6482

yep, so there it is, no super fine pitch. Why will sony leave it out in their press release? If they were going to have superfine pitch later on. Thats because the cost and reliability issue associated with the superfine tube. There were many problems with the sony sfp technology. Sony decided to stop the research and development of fine tuning this technology. From reading the press release sony mention a new line in their xbr series: non super fine pitch. that means no sfp.

From reading the press release sony mention a new line in their xbr series: non super fine pitch. that means no sfp.



Sony's New XBR HDTV

Leading this year's direct-view lineup is the 34-inch 16:9 KD-34XBR970 model with top-of-the-line performance features and advanced picture technologies.

With such advanced image functions as Digital Reality Creation Multi Function Circuitry® (DRC-MF), CineMotion® inverse 3:2 pulldown, Dynamic Picture™ processor circuitry, ClearEdge VM™ and Trinitone® color temperature technology, this HD set delivers stunning picture performance.

The 1080i native resolution model also features a built-in ATSC 8VSB digital tuner with clear QAM and a NTSC tuner for easy access to high-definition and standard-definition programming. Additionally, the set offers an HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and two component inputs for connecting other devices, such as an high-definition cable or satellite tuner and a DVD player.

where does it say non super fine pitch
not that I think it includes it, but it does not say those words

How would you interpret this news release?

http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6482

The XS will soldier on as is or will it be discontinued?

How would you interpret this news release?

http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/6482

The XS will soldier on as is or will it be discontinued?

not sure about the XS, but I believe that Sony will continue with some version of the 960 at a price point below current. The reason I say that is
(1) I purchased mine 2 weeks ago from local Sony Authorized dealer ...so I think retail from Sony may drop again
(2) and because of statement in press release:
"There's still plenty of consumer demand for direct-view televisions,''said Tom Evans, vice president of television marketing for Sony Electronics. "They provide people looking to step-up to HD television a great value and for others satisfied with standard definition, an attractive price and solid performance."

I don't believe that a $xxx set will top the line for Sony

(All my opinion and nothing I can support with facts)

where does it say non super fine pitch
not that I think it includes it, but it does not say those words

If they don't bother to mention it anywhere, it's probably not a feature.

Where did you get this idea? I find this very hard to believe. Please provide proof.
waltchan asking someone else for proof? That's kind of like Madonna asking someone if they've been checked for STDs, isn't it?

waltchan asking someone else for proof? That's kind of like Madonna asking someone if they've been checked for STDs, isn't it?
Hey, hey...leave Madonna out of this....(LOL)

joebxr where did you find a deal like that?

joebxr where did you find a deal like that?
Local store in Syr, NY...not BB or CC

"There's still plenty of consumer demand for direct-view televisions,'' said Tom Evans, vice president of television marketing for Sony Electronics. "They provide people looking to step-up to HD television a great value and for others satisfied with standard definition, an attractive price and solid performance."
Tom forgot to mention "And it provides people with the most kick@ss picture this side of a $9000 top-of-the-line 61" Plasma display." :D

(I think this is horrible bait-and-switch on Sony's part. How dare they dub this set an XBR - with a model number higher than the 960, thus implying an "upgrade" - when it doesn't have a Super Fine Pitch tube?!? :mad: )

Correct.

I have the 34HS420 - and it has no cablecard, no QAM, no digital tuner of any kind.

This new 970 appears to be a hybrid, some weird combination of essentially the HS420 with a sprinkling of XS features (e.g. digital tuner, enhanced DRC, enhanced stretch mode, imput memory). I suspect the enhancements are all coded and that there's probably no new hardware except the tuners.

I will be watching this new set very closely. If the set actually ships with the advertised features I will be interested in researching whether or not they are features already existing in the HS420 line but not advertised. There's much about the entire Wega line that's similar and common.

I believe we've already heard that some have discovered features on the XS model that we believed to only be on the XBR line - I believe this was discovered when using a Harmony Remote?

Bottom LIne - this is an enhanced HS420 with no SFP tube.

Can I ask you how you like your HS420? I bought one 2 days ago and, while I'm happy with the purchase, getting the opinion of others is usually a good thing.

Thanks!

According to the February dealer price sheet the XS series is discontinued with the last shipment of products occuring in March. There is no mention of the XBR960N being discontinued.

Sony's number one bullet point for the 960 is this: 16:9 Super Fine Pitch™ CRT

Sony's number one bullet point for the 970 is this: FD Trinitron® Picture Tube

According to the February dealer price sheet the XS series is discontinued with the last shipment of products occuring in March. There is no mention of the XBR960N being discontinued.

the HS420s are already gone from Sonystyle.com, but the XS remain
this maybe a good sign they will be around for another 6 months or year hopefully

the HS420s are already gone from Sonystyle.com, but the XS remain
this maybe a good sign they will be around for another 6 months or year hopefully
Technically they can't list anything after 3/1 that doesn't have a tuner. I'm sure there's still plenty of tunerless sets in the pipeline.

Sony's number one bullet point for the 360 is this: 16:9 Super Fine Pitch™ CRT

Sony's number one bullet point for the 370 is this: FD Trinitron® Picture Tube

What's a 360? I just checked sonystyle and could not find one, is this a new model?

W

Just for your convenience, a copy of the Sony KD-34XBR970 owner's manual can be viewed online at:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/kd34xbr970_ownersmanual.pdf

Look on page 36. The display shows 1080"P", 16:9!


bob

Both the 970 and 960N specify FD Trinitron® Picture Tube. Where are folks seeing Super Fine Pitch CRT? By my observations of the specs, both these sets have the same CRT. The 960N boast some added features like picture in picture, Memory Stick slot, etc.

From Sony website:
"The cutting edge just got sharper with Sony’s new KD-34XBR960N 34" Super Fine Pitch™ XBR Television. Featuring a 16:9 Super Fine Pitch™ CRT, Hi-Scan 1080i™ display, and Digital Reality Creation™ MultiFunction V1 circuitry, the KD-34XBR960N brings you a true cinema aspect ratio picture that is brighter, sharper and more vivid than ever before."

Both the 970 and 960N specify FD Trinitron® Picture Tube. Where are folks seeing Super Fine Pitch CRT? By my observations of the specs, both these sets have the same CRT. The 960N boast some added features like picture in picture, Memory Stick slot, etc.

well you're wrong, the two TVs use different tubes

well you're wrong, the two TVs use different tubes

Exactly.

I wonder how many times we're going to go in the same circles in some of these threads?

The 970 does NOT have a Super Fine Pitch tube ! The 960 DOES! The 960 is a superior TV! End of story.

The 970 is a rebaged HS420 with a new coat of paint. That's all there is to it.

Don't worry about it. Your very first post exposes such poor details observation skills, that a Super Fine Pitch would be wasted on you.


:D

Hey Guys
I ran across a few archive articles about the SFP tube. The first SFP TV in the US was the 34XBR910 with 1400 horizontal vice 34XBR800 which was the last of the XBR's Non-SFP had only 847 lines as per test patterns. This was a major selling point as nothing at the time could produce more lines. True technology has changed, but there are no more R&D bucks spent on tubes unless they are for studios use or the "Qualia 015' in Japan. The SFP was developed in 2000 in Japan in the 36DZ900 model. Once the technology was made you tweak it as required, 30 inch TV's require a digital tuner so you put an engineer infront of a monitor with CAD and he makes a space for the tuner and Cable Card. Bet you the same modules or a version are used in all sony TV's. Voila you have the 34XBR960 with minimal costs incurred. Two weeks ago I picked up 2 34XBR960N's on sale for 1199 for the superbowl, he honored my sale since I put money down on them. At the time I looked frantically for the 960N from an authorized seller. Two merchants mentioned they were receiving new 960N's in which told me Sony had tubes left over from Rancho that were in the pipeline. There is still a need for tubes, but not at 1900 bucks since the average consumer would get "something pretty to hang on the wall' for less. The XBR nametag still means something so they could still sell an XBR at 1200 or so, but not the SFP so it was decided to scrap it. They must have liquidated the last series of runs for the 960's so the retaillers who could move them had nice margins to play with.

Thank You

Don't worry about it. Your very first post exposes such poor details observation skills, that a Super Fine Pitch would be wasted on you.
That's not a good way to get out of the gate, is it. Kind of like raising your hand in class to answer that very first question to try to impress, and you completely bomb the answer. Ouch.

waltchan asking someone else for proof? That's kind of like Madonna asking someone if they've been checked for STDs, isn't it?


Pretty much.

Look on page 36. The display shows 1080"P", 16:9!


bob

I didn't even know the Family Channel had HD much less 1080P!

Long time lurker - finally registered. I'm trying to decide between a floor model 960n ($1400 w/ full warrenty) a new 970, ($1200) or the 36" 955 4:3 model, also a floor model w/full warrenty for $1200 with stand. Even though the 36" is 4:3, it still looks good in 16:9 and the different formats allow you to zoom to full screen pretty nicely. Someone help me out here with some good logic. Also, besides no SFP for the 970, there is also no PIP or Memory Stick. Thanks in advance.

Hey Guys
I ran across a few archive articles about the SFP tube. The first SFP TV in the US was the 34XBR910 with 1400 horizontal vice 34XBR800 which was the last of the XBR's Non-SFP had only 847 lines as per test patterns. This was a major selling point as nothing at the time could produce more lines. True technology has changed, but there are no more R&D bucks spent on tubes unless they are for studios use or the "Qualia 015' in Japan. The SFP was developed in 2000 in Japan in the 36DZ900 model. Once the technology was made you tweak it as required, 30 inch TV's require a digital tuner so you put an engineer infront of a monitor with CAD and he makes a space for the tuner and Cable Card. Bet you the same modules or a version are used in all sony TV's. Voila you have the 34XBR960 with minimal costs incurred. Two weeks ago I picked up 2 34XBR960N's on sale for xxxx for the superbowl, he honored my sale since I put money down on them. At the time I looked frantically for the 960N from an authorized seller. Two merchants mentioned they were receiving new 960N's in which told me Sony had tubes left over from Rancho that were in the pipeline. There is still a need for tubes, but not at 1900 bucks since the average consumer would get "something pretty to hang on the wall' for less. The XBR nametag still means something so they could still sell an XBR at 1200 or so, but not the SFP so it was decided to scrap it. They must have liquidated the last series of runs for the 960's so the retaillers who could move them had nice margins to play with.

Thank You

The standard dealer cost for the 960 as of last week was the same as it was 6 months ago. It's possible Sony made some deals with certain dealers, but I doubt it.
Sony is notorioulsy bad about keeping their dealers up to date. So Sony' first (and so far only) communique to independent dealers about the 970 simply listed the model number, price and estimated ship date. A dealers first reaction- assuming the 970 was a direct replacement for the 960- would prompt them to unload the 960s before the 970 came out. In light of the facts, I would expect the "great sell off" to stop.

Please read the rules. Do not mention street price please.
MSRP only.

Thank you.

Mr. Alan Gouger: How much would the MSRP be for an autographed picture of yourself? I'd put it beside by PC. You are one of my heroes!

I bought several head shots from an Alan Gouger authorized dealer for around 300 a pop.

I bought several head shots from an Alan Gouger authorized dealer for around 300 a pop.

That better not be a street price. Observe the rules. MSRP only. ;)

I am buying a new tv and need advice, in basic English. You would all laugh at my current tv so this is a huge upgrade for me.

Should I get the BR960 or the BR970? Again, just the basics because I don't know, or want to know, all of the details.

Thanks!!

Should I get the BR960 or the BR970? Again, just the basics because I don't know, or want to know, all of the details.

No contest. Get the XBR960 while you still can. It's better because it has 65% more detail than the 970.

XBR960 is far superior to the XBR970

I heard Walter Chan is the man in charge of R&D on these TVs, is this true? or just speculation?

I just thought it would be cool, if the product designer was the one that started this thread!!!!


one thing though, I heard he was gay, so he is very sensitive, becareful what you say


post like this make these boards less enjoyable to many. Please don't post here anymore.

Most people wanting my picture want it with a target in the center :)

Most people wanting my picture want it with a target in the center

you are correct, I do not want a picture that badly, but maybe a deletion of this thread would not be bad

There have been several falsehoods claiming the 34XBR970 is the replacement for the 34XBR960(N). I think it is clear by what is posted on Sony's website that actually it is a direct replacement for the 34HS420N as as been stated by several people.


QUOTED from SONY WEBSITE:

"34" Hi-Scan® FD Trinitron® WEGA® TV KV-34HS420N

HDTV monitor (tuner required for HD reception)
Widescreen 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Hi-Scan 1080i™ Display
DRC™ Digital Reality Creation™ Multi-Function Circuitry
CineMotion® Reverse 3-2 Pulldown technology

Discontinued. Upgrade to the digital XBR® model for the same price. "

There have been several falsehoods claiming the 34XBR970 is the replacement for the 34XBR960(N). I think it is clear by what is posted on Sony's website that actually it is a direct replacement for the 34HS420N as as been stated by several people.


QUOTED from SONY WEBSITE:

"34" Hi-Scan® FD Trinitron® WEGA® TV KV-34HS420N

HDTV monitor (tuner required for HD reception)
Widescreen 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Hi-Scan 1080i™ Display
DRC™ Digital Reality Creation™ Multi-Function Circuitry
CineMotion® Reverse 3-2 Pulldown technology

Discontinued. Upgrade to the digital XBR® model for the same price. "


Thank you, Joe. It's always nice to read CONCRETE facts and information around here vs. wild guesses and speculations that at least one notorious individual insists on doing on a regular basis.

I find it interesting that Sony has specifically "discontinued" the 420N, but there was no mention or indication of the XRB960N being dropped from the lineup, discontinued or replaced???? Could there be something in the works, or have they just chosen to abandon their flagship because of low cost competitors. Seems that they always were selling out of the 960 series, selling as many as they made....never a problem with leftover inventory. Wonder if they really have elected not to continue with a true SPF flagship or replacement.

Probably cost cutting measures and the sunsetting of CRT production.

Sony is afraid that they'll sell less Flat panel LCD sets because the 34XBR960N makes them look pathetic!

Although the model number sounds like a demotion, I believe that this is the brand new replacement fro the 960. I'm finding it difficult to see it any other way.

The KD-34XS955N . Check it out at sonystyle(dot)com

Any opinions?

-Christopher Johnson

its been around for nearly as long as the XBR960 and they both got the N added to their model number at the same time

but yeah its the new top of the line CRT, at least while Sony still makes them

Is there any reason to think that the KD-34XS955N has a tube of lesser quality than the 960 had? I am having trouble finding any differences other than the lack of a FireWire port.

-Christopher Johnson

the XBR960/960N also has Twinview, and an adjustable(or Customizable DRC) and 2 year warranty

the tube is the same

Having established that the 960 has a SFP, justifying presumably its higher cost over its 970 "descendant": what happens if something happens to the SFP on a 960? Can it be replaced these days?

Sony is afraid that they'll sell less Flat panel LCD sets because the 34XBR960N makes them look pathetic!

Truer words have rarely been written.

folks:
i have an xbr960...does anyone know if it is QAM capable (and is there anyone who can also tell me what QAM-capable is/does?) thanks...

folks:
i have an xbr960...does anyone know if it is QAM capable (and is there anyone who can also tell me what QAM-capable is/does?) thanks...

Yes.

Plug your cable straight from the wall to the TV. Voila. SD and HD are yours.


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

Plug your cable straight from the wall to the TV. Voila. SD and HD are yours.




Do you mean that there is no need for an HD box from the cable company?

Do you mean that there is no need for an HD box from the cable company?

Correct, to a point.

You will probably get some, if not most of your networks in HD, and channels 2-78, but obviously if you want Premium material (HBO, Showtime, etc. etc ) you would still need the box or a cable card for that.

In my case, I get Fox, ABC, and CBS in HD right through the QAM tuner and the cable without any box or cable card. I'm also getting 2-78.

NBC is the straggler. I have no idea when I'm ever going to get that in HD...

unencrypted QAM will only get you the locals most likely everything else is just analogue cable

if you do get other digital cable or HD channels, consider yourself lucky

otherwise you need a cable card or a HD box

There's been a lot of bashing of the XBR970 product to make it sound like crap, which I doubt that it will. I do agree that it is misleading to label the set an XBR set, especially when the previous model kills it. But they are asking a much smaller dollar amount, so it's not all bad.

Over two years ago when I bought my 34XBR910, I really debated between it and the non-XBR model. I mean, until then, the old XBR tube was the HS series tube. I remember seeing the first 34" XBR tube at The Wiz for $9,999 and being amazed at the picture quality. The 34HS410 is essentially the same set, just much less expensive. I couldn't believe that no matter how great that picture was, that Sony was able to come out with the SFP and increase the quality that much. I was really stuck, but when I bought my set I had a great deal on the XBR, and at that time it came with the matching stand for free (which I was going to purchase anyway), making the price only $150 more for the XBR. Natually I went for it.

I guess I'm just trying to say that the XBR970 isn't going to be garbage, just not as good as the XBR910/960. For what people are going to be paying for it, I'm sure that they will be getting their money's worth.

True, although this forum is littered with video perfectionist such as my self who are willing to pay a premium for the best possible picture. And who don't like settling for second best.

I don't think it's garbage--it's better than that--I would say that it is on the flea market junk for sale level!

I don't think it's garbage--it's better than that--I would say that it is on the flea market junk for sale level!

Ouch! Harsh!

C'mon man, The HS420 is a solid TV. That's all this thing really is.

The main issue is Sony sticking XBR in the model. Drop that off and no one will complain or open yet another 970 thread. This 970 will be a nice tv. Not on the same level as the XBR or the XS but still fully loaded with a hd tuner, 34" 16:9 screen, Sony name. Very decent and can still potentially blow off any competitor within it's category.

Very decent and can still potentially blow off any competitor within it's category.
There's no potential about it - no one else will be making a 34" tube anymore. :cool:

I am new to this site. I am way behind on the new HDTV technology since I have been very happy with my Sony XBR100 which I bought in 1995. Now it has broke and dont think it can be fixed.

I started looking for a new TV in the 32" size. After looking at plasma, lcd and tube I found that I like the 34xbr960 or 34xs960. I went to the Sony site and yes it is very confusing since the 34xbr970 does look like the logical replacement. After careful reading I realize that that it is actually a lesser model. Does not have the superfine crt.


BestBuy still has the 34xbr960 for sale at $200 off. I notice that the one on display has a lot of snow in the picture and not so clear. The salesman told me that is cause they are hooked up to coax cable instead of component cable. That makes no sense to me.

My question is if I just hook this TV up to a regular Cox cable box will I get a snowy unclear picture? Do I need to upgrade to HD cable on all my stations to get a clear picture?? If so what would be required??

I just wanted to find out before I jump into this........

Thansk in advance

they split the signal so many times at best buy and using higher quality connections on the TV will make a difference for DVDs, digital cable/satellite, etc....

but analogue cable should be connected directly to the TV via coax

the picture should be fine, I have even been quite happy with analogue over the air when I am more than 5 feet from my KD-30XS955

but its not a source a use often, my analogue cable does look good though too, unless you start stretching or zooming the picture

my directv service seems to look much better when using widezoom, or zoom

I am new to this site. I am way behind on the new HDTV technology since I have been very happy with my Sony XBR100 which I bought in 1995. Now it has broke and dont think it can be fixed.

I started looking for a new TV in the 32" size. After looking at plasma, lcd and tube I found that I like the 34xbr960 or 34xs960. I went to the Sony site and yes it is very confusing since the 34xbr970 does look like the logical replacement. After careful reading I realize that that it is actually a lesser model. Does not have the superfine crt.


BestBuy still has the 34xbr960 for sale at $200 off. I notice that the one on display has a lot of snow in the picture and not so clear. The salesman told me that is cause they are hooked up to coax cable instead of component cable. That makes no sense to me.

My question is if I just hook this TV up to a regular Cox cable box will I get a snowy unclear picture? Do I need to upgrade to HD cable on all my stations to get a clear picture?? If so what would be required??

I just wanted to find out before I jump into this........

Thansk in advance


Your picture connecting from regular Cox cable box will probably be better on a tube (i.e. 34xbr960) than an LCD or plasma.

I have spoken to a Customer Service Representative at SONY, and have been informed that the 970 and 960(N) have the same exact tube...Super Fine Pitch...and that the differenced between the two are as follows: the 970 has 1)no cable card slot, 2)no i-link port, 3) no memory stick slot, 4)no twin tuner blah blah...and there was something that the 970 has that the 960 does not, but I can't remember...I'll post again, as I am about to call them again. Hopefully, I will speak with someone different this time, and they will either affirm or contradict what the last person told me...

Here we go again. CS rep gave you misinformed info. Go to the website, all the models that have SFP show it in the description AND in the manual, the 970 does not have it in the descriptions or the manual. Look in the manual and check, I already did for the 955 and the 970. No SFP detailed in the 970, specifically addressed in the 955 manual. No matter what CS or any salesperson says, it' not on paper so it's doesn't count. No need asking CS, while they try to be helpful, 970 doesn't have SFP unless it slipped through completely in the manual and on the website.

It's not a bad tv, just inferior to the 955(N) and the 960(N) models.

Once we see this in person, it will end the debate once and for all.

Alright, KIDZ...Here it is...the ultimate comparison of the high end Sony 34" CRTs.

KD-34XBR960N - still Sony's top-of-the-line CRT, upgrade from the KD-34XBR960...the only difference being an anti-glare coating on the CRT itself...this the ONLY difference

KD-34XS955N - upgrade from the KD-34XS955...just as with the 960 and 960N, the ONLY difference between the 955 and 955N is the anti-glare coating...this is Sony's second best CRT. The differences between the 955 and 960 (besides the colors of the sets) ARE found in their features, but BOTH MODELS are equipped with Sony's Super Fine Pitch CRT. The 960 offers these features that the 955 does not: 1)multi-image driver (responsible for the twin view feature which enables you to watch two different programs in two different windows side by side simultaneously) 2)i-link port 3)DRC Palette, which enables the user to further adjust the picture quality balance between "real life" and "clarity" (this feature is found in the Advanced Video Features menu).

KD-34XBR970 - if you are looking for a Super Fine Pitch CRT, look elsewhere...the 970 is a serious downgrade from the 960. No cable card slot, no multi image driver, no i-link, no memory stick viewer, no scrolling index... and did I mention NO SUPER FINE PITCH CRT? In comparison with the 960 and 955, the number of features this tv doesn't have outnumbers the number of features that it does have. With the non-XBR XS955 out-powering this set, it makes me wonder what warranted the XBR label on the 970. Very peculiar.

NOTE: The only reason I listed the KD-34XBR970 is to clear up any misunderstandings about whether or not it is a replacement for the 960...IT'S NOT. As previously stated, the KD-34XS955 is far superior to the KD-34XBR970.

I hope this information helps someone out.

Dan

Sorry about that...wasn't trying to misinform, but I did call and speak with another rep, and she confirms what you said, as well as providing me with the exact differences between all three models, as you will see in my last post.

Dan

I know you were not trying to misinform, it is just that ever since the 970 was announced, there have been some speculations and even members that were told it DID have the SFP by Sony CS which led to many threads and debates on this one single model.

Forgive me for deviating from the subject at hand, this is semi-relevant:

I am looking to get a CRT HDTV for my father and have the choices narrowed to the Sony KD-34XS955N ($1700 w/SFP) and the Sony KD-34XBR970 ($1200 w/o SFP). I understand the most salient difference between the two models is the XS955N's inclusion of Super Fine Pitch technology for improved picture. However, I have been warned (and CNET's user reviews of the discontinued XBR960 is teeming with reports of sub-par reliability) that the Super Fine Pitch is prone to breakdown. I want to get the best picture (even if it means paying an additional $500) without burdening my dad with a 200 pound albatross. Does anyone have experience with a SFP tv (e.g. XBR960, XS955N) or believe SFP to have no adverse effect on reliability? Any input or recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

I do not think the tube is causing any problems related to reliability

the users(or was it the reviewers, cannot remember) on Cnet gave the TV a 8.1, thats the best score of any TV they reviewed

anyways, I think the problem is most people only go to Cnet to complain, when the set is perfect you never hear from them

also you do not know what kind of problems the 970 may have, it certainly will be a step down from the XBR960 and XS955s and may even be down from the HS420s if their reliability is called info question

definitely get your father the KD-34XS955, subwoofer, cable card slot, memory card slot, stretch options for HD content, just to name a few features the XS955 has over the XBR970 (you already mention SFP tube)

Forgive me for deviating from the subject at hand, this is semi-relevant:

I am looking to get a CRT HDTV for my father and have the choices narrowed to the Sony KD-34XS955N ($1700 w/SFP) and the Sony KD-34XBR970 ($1200 w/o SFP). I understand the most salient difference between the two models is the XS955N's inclusion of Super Fine Pitch technology for improved picture. However, I have been warned (and CNET's user reviews of the discontinued XBR960 is teeming with reports of sub-par reliability) that the Super Fine Pitch is prone to breakdown. I want to get the best picture (even if it means paying an additional $500) without burdening my dad with a 200 pound albatross. Does anyone have experience with a SFP tv (e.g. XBR960, XS955N) or believe SFP to have no adverse effect on reliability? Any input or recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
There is much more to a tv with a SFP tube than just the crt. It's a system-wide high fidelity solution, a significant step up from the lesser models. And when Sony stamps an XBR badge on a tv the buyer can expect something very special. This also holds true for the "XS" badged sets.

The monitor part of the tv, the non-tube electronics, are specific to the XS and the XBR, and different from the HS series which I have. The problem here is that Sony is stuck with having to comply with the DTV Transition Law regarding ATSC tuners. The drop dead date was March 1st. So they "discontinued" the HS420 and magically announced the XBR970. But if you look at the specs, there's very little XBR type features in the 970. Besides lacking the SFP tube, it lacks the advanced DRC, memory and cable card capability, no sub woofer, etc. It's as if they added a tuner and painted the chassis of an HS420 a darker grade of grey. That's it! Oh, and stuck an XBR badge on it. But they knew that consumers are smart enough that they couldn't charge XBR prices for this tv, so it's basically the same price as the HS420.

In my opinion, putting an XBR badge on this set is a farce. There is nothing special about this set that deserves this badge.

If it's at all possible, get the XS955 while you can. At today's prices it's a steal.

Not to mention the XBR's premium warranty, read the top right ! http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/Direct_20View_20Warranty_20Card_04.pdf

Thank you all for the advice and insight. I'll try to snatch an 34XS955N as soon as I can. 'Tis a shame they're discontinuing their SFP televisions when, quality-wise, it's still king. Is Sony moving away from SFP because they figure too few (who are in the market for CRT) are willing to spend $1500+?

Thank you all for the advice and insight. I'll try to snatch an 34XS955N as soon as I can. 'Tis a shame they're discontinuing their SFP televisions when, quality-wise, it's still king. Is Sony moving away from SFP because they figure too few (who are in the market for CRT) are willing to spend $1500+?

Are they making them any more? I can't find one locally.

Thank you all for the advice and insight. I'll try to snatch an 34XS955N as soon as I can. 'Tis a shame they're discontinuing their SFP televisions when, quality-wise, it's still king. Is Sony moving away from SFP because they figure too few (who are in the market for CRT) are willing to spend $1500+?
Exactly. Sony's own 32" LCDs are getting to that price range and most folks opt to get that instead of some 200lb huge box - granted, with a better pciture. Between a $1500 tube and a $1500 LCD I bet Sony makes more money on the LCD (even when they have to get the screen from Samsung).

Are they making them any more? I can't find one locally.
Nope, Sony refurb center or some left over somewhere. In the 34" size the 970 is the only one left and I'd guess for a year at most.

I saw the XBR970 on display today at a small electronic retailer in the mall. I looked closely at the screen and it does not come with a super fine pitch tube. It's the same tube found in the HS.

I know there is no cable card slot, but the tuner is described as:

Tuner: NTSC, ATSC, 8VSB with Clear QAM

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs&ProductSKU=KD34XBR970&TabName=specs&var2=

So doesn't it tune unencrypted cable HD/DTV signals?

I know there is no cable card slot, but the tuner is described as:

Tuner: NTSC, ATSC, 8VSB with Clear QAM

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs&ProductSKU=KD34XBR970&TabName=specs&var2=

So doesn't it tune unencrypted cable HD/DTV signals?
Yes, it does - they shouldn't have thrown that "8VSB with Clear" text in there - it'll just confuse people.

I know there is no cable card slot, but the tuner is described as:

Tuner: NTSC, ATSC, 8VSB with Clear QAM

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs&ProductSKU=KD34XBR970&TabName=specs&var2=

So doesn't it tune unencrypted cable HD/DTV signals?

Not having a CableCard slot greatly decreases the value of a QAM tuner, IMHO. In order to get the expanded basic channels with sound on my Comcast cable I had to get a CC for my 960. I wanted to use the HDMI input for my Oppo DVD player and didn't want no stinkin' STB.

Got the last one in Kansas City this last week. Super glad I did. Using the hmdi connection on the 8300HD DVR box, just awesome HD. If you can find one better get it now.

It's OFFICIAL...No Super Fine Pitch Tube...
I saw the XBR970 on display today at a small electronic retailer in the mall. I looked closely at the screen and it does not come with a super fine pitch tube. It's the same tube found in the HS.

cause you say it, it must be true, right?
well if you cannot be even honest about your name and who you are, then that logic, above, is probably flawed

really I think my point is, it was official long before you saw the Sony TV and what features it has,
furthermore I doubt Sony even cares if you see one, unless you are going to buy one, with real US money and then actually keep it

Where's his thread he created?He must have deleted it in spite the MODs would find the real truth about him;)

This TV is available now, how come no one has settled the debate officaialy, haven't seen any reviews, comments on picture quality or anything. anyway my local sears was sold out, already pre paid for the 970 model and i will have it next week. Was 1199.99 and ended up being almost 1300 with tax. I have no idea how it compares to the 960, the only thing i know about crt tv's is what i have read here, i just knew that a tube based hdtv is what i wanted, as all i do is watch movies and play my xbox 360. I will say i first bought a samsung slimfit 30" and was very unhappy with the PQ, xbox 360 games where very dark and hard to see, movies looked fine. but thats about it, my old set was a 27" Sony wega and i was always pleased with the PQ it offered even though it was only a standard TV. so this new 970 should be very decent upgrade. I will still like to see some coments on people have this set, and how they feel about it, compared to other sets in the same catagory

This TV is available now, how come no one has settled the debate officaialy, haven't seen any reviews, comments on picture quality or anything. anyway my local sears was sold out, already pre paid for the 970 model and i will have it next week. Was 1199.99 and ended up being almost 1300 with tax. I have no idea how it compares to the 960, the only thing i know about crt tv's is what i have read here, i just knew that a tube based hdtv is what i wanted, as all i do is watch movies and play my xbox 360. I will say i first bought a samsung slimfit 30" and was very unhappy with the PQ, xbox 360 games where very dark and hard to see, movies looked fine. but thats about it, my old set was a 27" Sony wega and i was always pleased with the PQ it offered even though it was only a standard TV. so this new 970 should be very decent upgrade. I will still like to see some coments on people have this set, and how they feel about it, compared to other sets in the same catagory

This TV is still going to rock. Until the XBR910 came out, there was no SFP screen, and previous XBR's used this same tube. It will still look excellent and kill the other tube brands out there, just not as much as the 910/960 did.

I just helped my friend bring his home last Saturday. He got his for $1099 + $100 for the 3-year in home service.


I have the Sony 34xbr800, which is basically the previous non-super fine pitch XBR version of this that I got in Nov. 2002.

Mine has no built-in digital tuner and is DVI instead of HDMI.

I didn't look close at the set, as we got to playing my Xbox 360 on it quick like to test the set out, but it appears from Sony's specs on the Sony site and from your comments here that, it doesn't have a memory stick slot (mine does), adjustable DRC (mine does), or cable card slot (mine doesn't either).

I didn't really get a chance to adjust his tv, but out of the box.... it seemed a hair darker picture then I remember mine being the day I got it. I'm sure it just needs the settings tweaked.

A lot of the menu functions are the same as mine, but they are laid out differently menu wise. The menu is a vertical layout and mine is a horizontal layout.

Also... the menus are smaller and higher res then mine. I like mine much better. Easier to see.

The only time I see high res menus on my set is when I choose the memory stick button on the remote and bring up it's own menu.


Something they skimped on with the 970 is the remote. Not a total shock considering it's $1100 cheaper price tag then I got mine. It's a step down from mine, which has the rubber joystick in the middle of it and I think the XBR 910/960 inherited it from mine.


One advantage my 800 and this 970 have over the super fine pitch sets is more brightness at a given level due to SFP's smaller Trinitron screen holes. You have to crank it up twice as high just to get it to the same brightness as the 800/970 set at normal/moderate levels.

The 910 with SFP came out a mere 6 months after mine and I would have waited had I known it was coming. But I am really happy about the brightness advantage of my screen, so I'm not so mad about it anymore.



Now for my big complaint about the 970. It's pretty much lack of useful handles to lift and move it. This set is so front-heavy that it really needed some good handles.

If anybody has seen the handles on the 34xbr800 I have, they are the best I've ever seen on a direct-view tube set! Just an absolute lifters dream!

The 800 has ample ergonomicly designed places to put your hands at the front-sides and the back-sides of the set. They are smooth, cupped handles that your hands just slide right into and envelop your hands like a glove. Much needed when you are lifting a 220lb set. All you need is 2 people for the 800.

The front-side handles have nice spring-loaded doors on them so the handles disappear and you get a nice flush look to it.

So you have been warned. Get 3 people to lift the 970.........2 on the sides and 1 directly in front of the tube to keep it from tipping cuz it's so front heavy and there's no real handles that will allow 2 people to move it safely without great risk.


Otherwise..... it's a great set at a great price. :)

Thats really kewl, thanks for the reply, sounds like its a great tv, the one thing you mention that got my attention is the brightness, wich is one reason i hated the samsung set i first bought, games like oblivion on xbox 360 when in caves the set was total black, could not see a thing, and i alwase liked my low res normal 27" sony trinatron , at least it reproduced good colors and brightness and contrast, something that the samsung slimfit did not, cant wait till my 970 gets here. i could have bought 51 rear projection for the same price, but it only did 480p or 1080i, and i wanted 720p for my xbox 360 games. not to mention the PQ on rear projectors just looked awfull, people i talked to couldn't notice it, but when you been a pc gamer for over 20 years and use to looking at a high rez pc screen you notice when a tv set has a crap picture very easly

Hey guys, this is my first post! I purchased the XBR970 direct from Sony and received it on Tuesday. I was looking for a HDTV with superb picture quality as opposed to the coolness factor most people go for with a LCD. And I knew a Tube despite how heavy it is has better picture quality and deeper blacks than any LCD in the price range I was looking for. And so I decided on the XBR970, but I kind of wished I purchased the XBR960 after reading so much about the Super Fine Pitch on this forum, but as I said before that TV is alittle out of my price range anyway.

Anyways, my main reason for posting is to ask those who know and who have the XBR970 what are the recommended picture settings #'s I should set my tv to for picture, brightness, color, hue, color temp, sharpness, clear edge vm & advanced settings? I want the best quality life-like picture I can get. Thank you very much for any help you may give me!!!

Well, I hope you are all enjoying your new tv as much as I am. Oh yeah, and in case anything happened to it, I got the 2yr extended warrany from Sony. I thought that was a good idea! Now I just have to get digital cable so I can get those HDTV stations I want!!!

Eric

Now I just have to get digital cable so I can get those HDTV stations I want!!!

Why wait - throw some rabbit ears onto the antenna input and enjoy some of the local OTA HD - that's one of the points of the 970 - built in ATSC tuner.

Also, if you already have cable, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised to find a number of HD channels in the clear by hooking the cable coax directly to the TV - that's what the built in QAM tuner is for. :cool:

Why wait - throw some rabbit ears onto the antenna input and enjoy some of the local OTA HD - that's one of the points of the 970 - built in ATSC tuner.

Also, if you already have cable, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised to find a number of HD channels in the clear by hooking the cable coax directly to the TV - that's what the built in QAM tuner is for. :cool:

I really was thinking about using the OTA attenna that is built in to the tv, but then I realized I'd only be able to get 3-4 local channels only where I live. And, I couldn't pick up any anyway without purchasing an indoor antenna to connect to it. I already tried that. And really to be honest with you, I want to be able to watch ESPN and movie channels in HD, so thats why I'm going go with the Digital Cable option instead. Also with my digital cable HD box, I'll also get DVR; which is an added bonus! Thanks for the insight though. Do you have any optimum picture settings I could use with the TV? Thanks!

Does this tv display a true 720p ? it says inthe manual it supports 480i 480p 720p and 1080i and says nothing about upscaling a 720p source to a 1080i native rez. so that does that mean the set has 720p and 1080i native ? i hope so because i would much rather play xbox 360 games in there native 720p mode.

Does this tv display a true 720p ? it says inthe manual it supports 480i 480p 720p and 1080i and says nothing about upscaling a 720p source to a 1080i native rez. so that does that mean the set has 720p and 1080i native ? i hope so because i would much rather play xbox 360 games in there native 720p mode.

The native resolution is 1080i. So it will upconvert 720p to 1080i automatically. Why would you rather play games in 720p? Isn't 1080i a better resolution for games than 720p? I still have to find a Xbox 360 myself... Although I can now say I have an HDTV to be able to play the 360 when I finally am able to find one! :rolleyes:

The native resolution is 1080i. So it will upconvert 720p to 1080i automatically. Why would you rather play games in 720p? Isn't 1080i a better resolution for games than 720p? I still have to find a Xbox 360 myself... Although I can now say I have an HDTV to be able to play the 360 when I finally am able to find one! :rolleyes:

:(

because xbox 360 games are native 720p, progressive mode run at 60fps, interlace modes run at 30fps, and progressive modes result in a shaper image even though 1080i is more lines of resolution, I think the sony 970 does do a true 720p mode, it would explain why it has a xbr tag, many people stated that it does not have a super fine pitch tube and dont know why it deservs a XBR tag. well 720p mode would explain it, as very few crt sets can do a 720p mode native
and who ever said that all crt tubes are only 1080i is wrong, its just the majorty of crt tubes only do 480p - 540p or 1080i. If you read threw the 970 manual it says nothing about upscaling a 720p source to 1080i where the 960 manual says it does upscale to its native rez i belive.

This is directly from the 970 manual

720p (HD) Provides 720 lines of resolution, Displays images using progressive scanning, which transmits each line from top to bottom.

Dosent that mean the set actully does a true 720p native ? or is the manual lieing

because xbox 360 games are native 720p, progressive mode run at 60fps, interlace modes run at 30fps, and progressive modes result in a shaper image even though 1080i is more lines of resolution, I think the sony 970 does do a true 720p mode, it would explain why it has a xbr tag, many people stated that it does not have a super fine pitch tube and dont know why it deservs a XBR tag. well 720p mode would explain it, as very few crt sets can do a 720p mode native
and who ever said that all crt tubes are only 1080i is wrong, its just the majorty of crt tubes only do 480p - 540p or 1080i. If you read threw the 970 manual it says nothing about upscaling a 720p source to 1080i where the 960 manual says it does upscale to its native rez i belive.

This is directly from the 970 manual

720p (HD) Provides 720 lines of resolution, Displays images using progressive scanning, which transmits each line from top to bottom.

Dosent that mean the set actully does a true 720p native ? or is the manual lieing

Yeah, I know it lists 720p in the manual but from what I've read everywhere, its 1080i native. So doesn't that mean it will upscale 720p? I could be wrong. It would be nice if it could run at 720p. Anybody else know anything?

Accepting 720p and displaying 720p are two different things. All crt's display at 1080i, plain and simple. Some crt's accept 720p but sample to 1080i. Which is a crt's native resolution.

It's no different then LCD and DLP RPTV's that accept 1080i, just because they accept 1080i doesn't mean that is what it displays, because they are 720p displays.

Ok but why would the manual detail excatly what a progressive display is, 1080i is not progressive. It says 720p (HD) Provides 720 lines of resolution, Displays images using progressive scanning, which transmits each line from top to bottom. it dosent say jack about taking that source and resampling it to 1080i. if it does not display what it says it does then its false advertisment isnt it ? They should be clear on crap like this

so anyway if it turns out to be that way, most new xbox 360 games offer rendering at 1080i, so i could feed the set a true 1080i single and not lose any detail from resampling. however xbox 360 is lot like a pc when cranking up the rez, it can give peformance issues with frame rates under a heavyer work load, or i can feed it s 720p single and let the set resample and lose fine detail but less of a work load on the xbox 360, course its only a few games that you will notice, oblivion comes to mind as its a extemly demading game that suffers from low frame rates even under native 720p settings

I think you have to be in oblivion to understand such esoteric mysteries!

so anyway if it turns out to be that way, most new xbox 360 games offer rendering at 1080i, so i could feed the set a true 1080i single and not lose any detail from resampling. however xbox 360 is lot like a pc when cranking up the rez, it can give peformance issues with frame rates under a heavyer work load, or i can feed it s 720p single and let the set resample and lose fine detail but less of a work load on the xbox 360, course its only a few games that you will notice, oblivion comes to mind as its a extemly demading game that suffers from low frame rates even under native 720p settings

For best results:

It doesn't make sense to set your DVD players or game systems to anything other than your TV's native resolution, which, in the case of any CRT tube, is 1080i.

For best results:

It doesn't make sense to set your DVD players or game systems to anything other than your TV's native resolution, which, in the case of any CRT tube, is 1080i.

That's what I was thinking the whole time.

...Anyways, my main reason for posting is to ask those who know and who have the XBR970 what are the recommended picture settings #'s I should set my tv to for picture, brightness, color, hue, color temp, sharpness, clear edge vm & advanced settings? I want the best quality life-like picture I can get. Thank you very much for any help you may give me!!!

Well, I hope you are all enjoying your new tv as much as I am. Oh yeah, and in case anything happened to it, I got the 2yr extended warrany from Sony. I thought that was a good idea! Now I just have to get digital cable so I can get those HDTV stations I want!!!

Eric
Eric,

I've got the 34HS420, so my settings "may" be of help to you. Please keep in mind that my settings are optimized for digital cable, but analog channels should still look ok. Special note - when they deliver your digital cable Set-topBox (STB) , they'll try to send one connection cable from the STB to your tv, either HDMI or Component. In order to see the analog cable channels (2-99) it uses a built-in analog tuner. This analog tuner is trash, and it will mangle your otherwise good analog reception. The way around this is to add a 1GHz splitter between the STB and the wall outlet (the cable guy may have one for you - mine did). Send one split to the STB, and the other to the tv. Then you can use the tv's built-in analog tuner to watch the analog channels.

My Settings (always use either Pro or Standard picture modes):
Picture (contrast) = 35
Brightness = 44
Color = 34
Hue = 32 (50%)
Sharpness = 19
Color Temp = Neutral
Clear Edge = Low (velocity scan modulation - edge enhancement)
DRC = Interlaced (Interlaced is 960i, Progressive & CineMotion is 480p)

Best of Luck! ;)

Ok but why would the manual detail excatly what a progressive display is, 1080i is not progressive. It says 720p (HD) Provides 720 lines of resolution, Displays images using progressive scanning, which transmits each line from top to bottom. it dosent say jack about taking that source and resampling it to 1080i. if it does not display what it says it does then its false advertisment isnt it ? They should be clear on crap like this
The 970 has essentially 3 resolutions. For HD id displays at 1080i. For SD set to Interlaced, it displays at 960i. For Progressive (or CineMotion) it displays at 480p.

Eric,

I've got the 34HS420, so my settings "may" be of help to you. Please keep in mind that my settings are optimized for digital cable, but analog channels should still look ok. Special note - when they deliver your digital cable Set-topBox (STB) , they'll try to send one connection cable from the STB to your tv, either HDMI or Component. In order to see the analog cable channels (2-99) it uses a built-in analog tuner. This analog tuner is trash, and it will mangle your otherwise good analog reception. The way around this is to add a 1GHz splitter between the STB and the wall outlet (the cable guy may have one for you - mine did). Send one split to the STB, and the other to the tv. Then you can use the tv's built-in analog tuner to watch the analog channels.

My Settings (always use either Pro or Standard picture modes):
Picture (contrast) = 35
Brightness = 44
Color = 34
Hue = 32 (50%)
Sharpness = 19
Color Temp = Neutral
Clear Edge = Low (velocity scan modulation - edge enhancement)
DRC = Interlaced (Interlaced is 960i, Progressive & CineMotion is 480p)

Best of Luck! ;)


Whoah!! Those settings make my picture alittle too dark for my taste. But thanks for the advice.

Here's what my settings are currently at for the XBR970:

Picture Mode: Pro
Picture: 54
Brightness: 64
Color: 50
Hue: 0
Color Temp: Neutral
Sharpness: Min
ClearEdgeVM: Off
DRC Mode: Interlaced
Color Axis: Monitor

Eric,

I've got the 34HS420, so my settings "may" be of help to you. Please keep in mind that my settings are optimized for digital cable, but analog channels should still look ok. Special note - when they deliver your digital cable Set-topBox (STB) , they'll try to send one connection cable from the STB to your tv, either HDMI or Component. In order to see the analog cable channels (2-99) it uses a built-in analog tuner. This analog tuner is trash, and it will mangle your otherwise good analog reception. The way around this is to add a 1GHz splitter between the STB and the wall outlet (the cable guy may have one for you - mine did). Send one split to the STB, and the other to the tv. Then you can use the tv's built-in analog tuner to watch the analog channels.

My Settings (always use either Pro or Standard picture modes):
Picture (contrast) = 35
Brightness = 44
Color = 34
Hue = 32 (50%)
Sharpness = 19
Color Temp = Neutral
Clear Edge = Low (velocity scan modulation - edge enhancement)
DRC = Interlaced (Interlaced is 960i, Progressive & CineMotion is 480p)

Best of Luck! ;)


You know what?! I just realized your default setting is 32 and mine is 50!! My bad. We pretty much have identical settings. Thanks again!

I'll be buying this sometime this week. Anyone know how fast Crutchfield is at processing and shipping for the NY area?

Yes i understand the whole native thing, i would just perfer to play in 720p over 1080i, i was just missled into thinkign it could display 720p since it says it does. I thought only fixed pixel displays needed to be fed there native rez . I guess im just use to computer crt screens that dont have this problem, you can feed them anything you want that it supports and it dosent upscale anything, and i just kinda figured crt tv's would be the same way, and there not i guess. I Did however read a few magazines that some tube based crt hdtv can display 720p and 1080i but very few. and i was just hoping this tv would be one of them was all. Since it was documented in the manual. Im still looking foward to getting my tv and im sure ill love it, im jsut disapointed i wont be able to play games in a smooth 60fps progressive display.

Looked at the Circuit City ad this morning, and the Sony KD-34XBR970 is on-sale for $1,099.99 this week. Not a bad price.

I saw the XBR970 at my local Circuit City. At first I thought I had found my XBR960, but once I saw the 70 I was let down.

I'm thinking about buying the 34XBR970 or the 36XS955. The 2 year warranty on the XBR sounds good but the super fine pitch crt of the 36XS955 sounds even better. I am not going to try to find an XBR960. I know the 36XS955 will give 33" in widescreen mode. Just wondering how much better would high def images be on the 36XS955 with the super fine pitch crt compared to the XBR970?

HD images are lot better with the SFP XS models. You'll get up to 65% more detail with the SFP according to Sony.

HD images are lot better with the SFP XS models. You'll get up to 65% more detail with the SFP according to Sony.
Thanks! Up to 65% more detail with the SFP huh. I wonder would I notice this 65% more detail? I may be leaning toward the SFP tube now. Too bad the current XBR does not have the SFP. That would have been perfect.

Shame, shame, SHAME on Sony for giving this set a confusingly superior model number. Nothing illegal, just rather sleezy of them.

Reading this thread, I'm trying to come up with any advantage over the XBR960s, except the obvious price difference. Less horizontal resolution resulting in increased brightness?

Mind you, I'm sure it is a good set. I just don't think it is worthy of the name KD-34XBR970, given Sony's history of increased model numbers denoting increased features/quality/functionality.

For best results:

It doesn't make sense to set your DVD players or game systems to anything other than your TV's native resolution, which, in the case of any CRT tube, is 1080i.


But in 1080i the text doesnt look as sharp as it does in 720p when im using the xbox.

All crt's display at 1080i, plain and simple.

While all current consumer HD CRTs are 1080i (technically 540p), that doesn't mean that Sony would not have been able to develop a tube that could scan at 720p. The main obstacle to overcome is to create a scanning beam that can traverse the size of a large CRT and return to its starting point in 1/60th of a second. A 1080i requires 180 less horizontal sweeps per frame than 720p, making it less taxing on the gun. Unless someone knows how to specifically test this, or talk to the engineers, I doubt the issue will be resolved (we cannot rely on CSRs reading the same internet page we do on the matter).

is the KD-36XS955 Widescreen? ---- the one on Sony's is 4:3 but I've seen other images claiming to be the 955 widescreen

is the KD-36XS955 Widescreen?

No.

The 34XS955 is widescreen, but it is very hard to find,..even harder to find than the 34XBR960.

My cousin bought a 34" 34XS955 about the same time i bought my Sony 34" 34HS420 3 years ago, my has the time goneby:) it's still hard to beleive i owned this tv for 3 years now.

1080i is not the same as 540p. Please; there are 1080 lines of information, not 540.

You tell em masbama;)

1080i is not the same as 540p. Please; there are 1080 lines of information, not 540.

As far as you are concerned yes, but as far as a CRT is concerned no. Since a CRT only draws half the 1080 lines at once (hence the i) it is scanning 540 lines every 1/60th of a second (540p). Its just that every frame alternates which of the 1080 lines are drawn, odd or even.

As far as you are concerned yes, but as far as a CRT is concerned no. Since a CRT only draws half the 1080 lines at once (hence the i) it is scanning 540 lines every 1/60th of a second (540p). Its just that every frame alternates which of the 1080 lines are drawn, odd or even.

Just don't go there :rolleyes:

1080i is 1080i, i really don't undersatnd where people get these 540i #'s it just confuses new posters.

Just don't go there :rolleyes:

1080i is 1080i, i really don't undersatnd where people get these 540i #'s it just confuses new posters.

Well, we were talking about the technical merits of why 720p is more demanding than 1080i. An understanding of how CRTs work is needed to distinguish the difference. I'm not debating the fact that 1080 is a higher resolution than 720. I was merly speculating as to why Sony could have put the XBR tag on a set with a lesser tube than last years model.

there sony!!!!! they could put their name on anything they want and claim it's superior just because of the sony label.

They have been doing this for years.

there sony!!!!! they could put their name on anything they want and claim it's superior just because of the sony label.

They have been doing this for years.


Yes, except in this specific marketplace, it's actually true. Sony CRT tubes more often than not really are superior, especially those with the Super Fine Pitch tubes.

While all current consumer HD CRTs are 1080i (technically 540p), that doesn't mean that Sony would not have been able to develop a tube that could scan at 720p. The main obstacle to overcome is to create a scanning beam that can traverse the size of a large CRT and return to its starting point in 1/60th of a second. A 1080i requires 180 less horizontal sweeps per frame than 720p, making it less taxing on the gun. Unless someone knows how to specifically test this, or talk to the engineers, I doubt the issue will be resolved (we cannot rely on CSRs reading the same internet page we do on the matter).

There are currently CRTs that scan at a much higher rate than 1080P used in scientific fields. When the latest generation XBR tubes were developed, 1080P was not a consideration as it was several years off. Once 1080P became part of the equation, the phase out of higher and higher resolution CRTs was underway. The reasons we don't have 1080P CRTs are related to marketing and market share, not technological constraints. My old Sony 21" CAD monitor used to run over 120hz at a higher resolution than any current HD content, so the gun is able to do far more than we would be asking it to for 1080P.

there sony!!!!! they could put their name on anything they want and claim it's superior just because of the sony label.

They have been doing this for years.

Well, with their patented Trinitron Tube design (Aperture Grill instead of a Shadow Mask), they have produced superior DV CRT sets for quite a few years. In this case, it wasn't hype, though with other CE, it may have been.

I know that i just wanted to point out sony in general usually in other areas of the market they are pricier.

I just got a Toshiba 30HFX85 (Cinema Series). The initial reason I went with it was I felt 30" was better size, weight difference, and $300 price difference vs the new 970XBR.

However, I am deeply disappointed with the picture - particualrly s-video input which is about 85% of my viewing. Even nearly DVD quality SD signal via S-video is terrible to me.

I have a Sony 30-XBR910 (2yr old) which does much better with the same material.

So I am on the edge here about returning the Toshiba and getting a XBR970. I know how bad I think the Toshiba is, but I don't know how much better the XBR970 is considering the Tube and other factors which brought the price down to $1200.

Any thoughts, thanks.

Well basically the XBR970 is a rebadged HS420 with an HD tuner.

If it was up to me i would'nt pick neither!

I would look into the Sony 30xs955 or a Panasonic 30" HDTV.

As far as you are concerned yes, but as far as a CRT is concerned no. Since a CRT only draws half the 1080 lines at once (hence the i) it is scanning 540 lines every 1/60th of a second (540p). Its just that every frame alternates which of the 1080 lines are drawn, odd or even.
This is patently untrue.

An interlaced display is not drawing the same lines every 60th of a second, which is far afield from how we define progressive scan. A set employing progressive scan, draws "every line" (in each frame) 60 times per second. This is what is meant by progressive scanning with today's HD sets.

An interlaced display draws "half" of all the lines each "field," 30 times per second, and then draws the other "half" of all the lines 30 times per second in sequencial fashion. Each frame consisting of "all" the lines is drawn 30 times per second. Because of the phosphor's unique quality of persistence, the first field's lines remain mostly illuminated while the second field's lines are being drawn, giving the illusion of 1080 lines being drawn 30 times per second.

Today's PG sets draw all lines 60 times persecond, not half the lines 30 times per second, nor all the lines 30 times per second. These formats are very, very different.

Well basically the XBR970 is a rebadged HS420 with an HD tuner.

If it was up to me i would'nt pick neither!

I would look into the Sony 30xs955 or a Panasonic 30" HDTV.
I absolutely understand what you are saying, its just that I want a CRT and I will not pay more than the XBR970 costs...so I realize how limited my options are.

So the question boils down to whether the 34HS420 was substantially better than the 30HFX85 is.

Are you gonna go off of your manual when its there in black and white? Or go off of people that didnt make the tv or the manual and just post speculations and "there own opinions". Not trying to start a war or anything. I tend to believe a manual in black and white that says so is right more than people. If it isnt right. Its a huge misprint on sonys part and misleading.

Yes i understand the whole native thing, i would just perfer to play in 720p over 1080i, i was just missled into thinkign it could display 720p since it says it does. I thought only fixed pixel displays needed to be fed there native rez . I guess im just use to computer crt screens that dont have this problem, you can feed them anything you want that it supports and it dosent upscale anything, and i just kinda figured crt tv's would be the same way, and there not i guess. I Did however read a few magazines that some tube based crt hdtv can display 720p and 1080i but very few. and i was just hoping this tv would be one of them was all. Since it was documented in the manual. Im still looking foward to getting my tv and im sure ill love it, im jsut disapointed i wont be able to play games in a smooth 60fps progressive display.

You sure it isnt the other way around?

But in 1080i the text doesnt look as sharp as it does in 720p when im using the xbox.

I absolutely understand what you are saying, its just that I want a CRT and I will not pay more than the XBR970 costs...so I realize how limited my options are.

So the question boils down to whether the 34HS420 was substantially better than the 30HFX85 is.
I think I want to expand that to considering the 4X3 36XS955 and 32XS945.

Besides the obvious size/price/weight/ difference between those two, the 955 seems to offer SFP, but the 945 offers the HiScan Trinitron. Again I am stuck weighing giving up SFP.

This is patently untrue.

An interlaced display is not drawing the same lines every 60th of a second, which is far afield from how we define progressive scan. A set employing progressive scan, draws "every line" (in each frame) 60 times per second. This is what is meant by progressive scanning with today's HD sets.

An interlaced display draws "half" of all the lines each "field," 30 times per second, and then draws the other "half" of all the lines 30 times per second in sequencial fashion. Each frame consisting of "all" the lines is drawn 30 times per second. Because of the phosphor's unique quality of persistence, the first field's lines remain mostly illuminated while the second field's lines are being drawn, giving the illusion of 1080 lines being drawn 30 times per second.

Today's PG sets draw all lines 60 times persecond, not half the lines 30 times per second, nor all the lines 30 times per second. These formats are very, very different.

Everything you said is true. But it does agree with what I said. A CRT TV operates at 60Hz regardless if the signal is interlaced or progressive ( a crt pc monitor can sync to any frequency). So the scan rate for a 1080i and 540p are the same, hence a 720p signal is a higher frequency scan rate than 1080i, therefore, more demanding of a CRT.

I think if we want to continue to discuss the technicalities of this subject, we should continue in a new thread, instead of taking over the Sony thread.

So the question boils down to whether the 34HS420 was substantially better than the 30HFX85 is.

Yes.

I mistakenly posted this in the 960 thread. So now I am putting it in the right place.
Sorry

I have followed this thread with great interest and had decided that a CRT was what I wanted. Today I got a chance to go to the big city and actually compare the 970 to other LCDs, Plasmas and rear projection. I was extremely dissapointed. I even asked the sales person if maybe the 970 was not recieving the HD signal. It was! PQ is not a lot better than the 32" 5 year old Wega that I have now. Maybe the 960 was all that but the 970 certainly is not. The Sony SXRD 42" rear projection blew it away. It is entirely possible that something was indeed amiss with the way they had the 970 set up.
I definitely ruled it out of my hunt.

I mistakenly posted this in the 960 thread. So now I am putting it in the right place.
Sorry



I replied to your post in that thread, but perhaps you missed it so here is a copy of the text:

Almost assuredly there was a problem with their set-up in some way. A 970 with a HD signal will look much better than an old SD Wega, and IMO no worse than any of the other formats you mentioned. Now if you are comparing SD, it's probably a toss up with your Wega. My old 27" FV Wega looked pretty good with SD, but that's due in part to the size. If you look at a .4" by .6" thumbnail of a digital picture it looks pretty good. If you take those same pixels and view them at 4" by 6" it'll look like cr*p. I've yet to see any HD set that can make SD look as good as my 32" XBR did.

If you really want to get a true idea of the PQ, and the sales staff is willing, have them hook up a known good tap and then use some of the video settings from Sony owners threads for the similar models. I've found that customers (and staff) usually have display models set to "blinding", "washed out" and "red push".

That said, I love my 960 and I believe the PQ is superior to my Mother's Sony 42" plasma and the 50" SXRD she just bought, although I will admit to some desire to buy a 60" SXRD just for movies.

Where did you see a 42" SXRD, I didn't think such a thing existed? Perhaps you meant the 50".

Last time I was at Best Buy they had a 50" SXRD and XBR960 close enough to where you could see both sets at that same time,both were running the same HD feed and I must say SXRD is very impressive technology, It had an overall sharpness/detail and vibrancy the 960 just couldn't match.

Last time I was at Best Buy they had a 50" SXRD and XBR960 close enough to where you could see both sets at that same time,both were running the same HD feed and I must say SXRD is very impressive technology, It had an overall sharpness/detail and vibrancy the 960 just couldn't match.
Yeah, but what about SD material (the majority of the material today) - I bet the 960 would be better in that case.

I
Where did you see a 42" SXRD, I didn't think such a thing existed? Perhaps you meant the 50".

My mistake. I have just started to get my arms around all of the nomenclature and a place such as Circuit City with over a hundred displays just adds to the confusion. :confused:
The 42" I was actually comparing the 970 to was the KDF-E42A10. Non SXRD 3LCD technology. It did in every way blow away the PQ of the 970. I did grab the remote for the 970 and ran it through the various default settings. It was set for Vivid but even when standard or movie was selected it still didn't compare to the A10. As you say it could have been some other issue with the way it was getting its signal or something deeper in the setup. The picture was clear so it wasn't an obvious signal issue.
By next spring when the family financial officer finally approves this purchase I'll know exactly what I want. :D

Just my luck… I start researching widescreen CRT’s and come to find the very desirable 34XBR960’s are on their way out and my local retailers (Best Buy & Circuit City) are all sold out. My question is this... What are the noticeable differences between the picture quality of a 34XBR960 and the 34XBR970? Please resist any urges to speculate… I’m looking for real world encounters with the 34XBR970. I have seen it myself and was impressed. However I have not seen the 960, so I cannot make a comparison. The lack of firewire, cablecard, etc. does not bother me. It is only the PQ I’m concerned with.

Thanks in advance.

As long as you never see the 960 in action, then you will probably love the PQ of the 970.

That said, if you see them side by side, there is a noticable difference. The SFP makes a big difference.

Yes.

What is this opinion based on?

ready for my take.

did you ever see the space in dave letterman's front teeth.

And compare it to someone who wore braces.

teeth close together.


Thats the diff between the 970 and 960.

What?! That does'nt even make sense.

no one was able to verified if the sony xbr 970 has the superfine pitch or not. So far we have been getting conflicting opinions.

THe 970 does not have the superfine pitch tube.

It's PQ is simialr to the sony 34hs420.

no one was able to verified if the sony xbr 970 has the superfine pitch or not. So far we have been getting conflicting opinions.
The 970 does not have Sony's SFP tube.

As Matt says, the 970 is essentially the 34HS420, which both Matt and I have. It is a wonderful HD set with a superb picture, just less resolution than the 960 with the SFP tube.

So, why didn't Sony just leave the HS420 the way it was? The laws associated with the digital television transition mandated that such size sets include digital tuners by March of this year. Since it seems the XS/XBR line with the SFP tube have been discontinued (except for the 36" model?), Sony decided to keep the XBR moniker alive by painting the 34HS420 darker, including a digital tuner, input memory and improved DRC. I call the 970 an XBR wannabee. The XBR has always stood for the best of the best, and folks paid a severe premium for the quality and the name. There is nothing "exclusive" about the new 970, and IMHO it serves to degrade the vaunted XBR tag.

That said, if the 970 has as good picture quality/fidelity as the 34HS420, it is still a very good HDTV and at its current price a very good value.

Well I have to agree that it's misleading to call this the XBR 970, since normally the higher the number in the XBR line..... the better the features and the television.

I have the 34xbr800, which was replaced with the SFP tube XBR 910/960.

This certainly isn't better then the 960.

In Sony circles, we say that XBR stands for Xtra Bucks Required. :p


As I posted earlier, my friend got his a couple weeks ago and has been enjoying it a lot.


But..... he's already run into his first problem with it.

Sometimes the screen will flash completely black for about 1-2 seconds and return to normal. We thought it might be his Xbox 360 he's been playing on it most of the time, but he also saw it happen while watching cable TV through the HDMI port. So it's certainly the set.


He says it only seems to happen once the set has warmed up after a few hours of use and is completely random. In 12 hours of play yesterday, it happened to him only twice. But other times it's happened once every hour or two. Doesn't make a lot of sense.


It might be a problem with the the XBR 970 model......but I suspect it's just a case of him getting one of the bad ones as is the case with all electronics that have a certain percentage of defective ones. I think the industry average is about a 5%-6% failure rate.


So I certainly wouldn't be getting scared about buying the model unless boatloads of people start reporting the problem.


He's got a 3 year in-home extended service contract..... so he should have it resolved soon. If they can't fix it, they will just replace it. Simple as that.


It's lucky it's just a 1-2 second black screen problem that only comes up once in awhile. He can handle that no prob in the meantime. Better then the colors going wacked or major screen distortions.

Until I see a reason otherwise, I'd still say it's a good set for the price. ;)

...But..... he's already run into his first problem with it.

Sometimes the screen will flash completely black for about 1-2 seconds and return to normal. We thought it might be his Xbox 360 he's been playing on it most of the time, but he also saw it happen while watching cable TV through the HDMI port. So it's certainly the set.


He says it only seems to happen once the set has warmed up after a few hours of use and is completely random. In 12 hours of play yesterday, it happened to him only twice. But other times it's happened once every hour or two. Doesn't make a lot of sense.


It might be a problem with the the XBR 970 model......but I suspect it's just a case of him getting one of the bad ones as is the case with all electronics that have a certain percentage of defective ones. I think the industry average is about a 5%-6% failure rate.


So I certainly wouldn't be getting scared about buying the model unless boatloads of people start reporting the problem.


He's got a 3 year in-home extended service contract..... so he should have it resolved soon. If they can't fix it, they will just replace it. Simple as that.


It's lucky it's just a 1-2 second black screen problem that only comes up once in awhile. He can handle that no prob in the meantime. Better then the colors going wacked or major screen distortions.

Until I see a reason otherwise, I'd still say it's a good set for the price. ;)
FWIW, I have not seen this happen on my 34HS420.

neither have i, seems odd that your screen would turn black, maybe it's a faulty tuner in the tv losing the signal?

neither have i, seems odd that your screen would turn black, maybe it's a faulty tuner in the tv losing the signal?


It can't be the tuner since it's doing this on the component input for the Xbox 360 and the HDMI input that the HDTV cable box is on. He doesn't use it's built-in digital tuner.

So it has something to do with the television's display circuitry, not it's tuner.

I finally saw the 970 in action at CC this weekend. Considering what it is now selling against in the retail market, I thought it was really quite slick. Certainly the best tube picture they had in the store.

('course, I also saw an SXRD, and that was so purty, it made me cry!)

I finally saw the 970 in action at CC this weekend. Considering what it is now selling against in the retail market, I thought it was really quite slick. Certainly the best tube picture they had in the store.

('course, I also saw an SXRD, and that was so purty, it made me cry!)
This is good. It's nice to have actual observations.

I have an idea this is how it's going to be with the 970. All the talk about it not having the SFP tube, and being undeserving of the XBR badge was important to work out. But in all of that, I believe the 970 gained what is probably and unfair bad reputation.

I have the 34HS420, which predated the 970, and it's an exceptional television. It's not an XBR nor an XS, but it's still a very good HD set. And, unless they screwed something up in turning the HS420 into the XBR970, this new 970 should also be very good. And most probably the best 34" crt around, maybe even the best crt period, unless a SFP tube can still be found.

It would be great to get more inputs from those that own or have seen the 970 personally.

Hey all~I'm new here but would like to share my own 2 cents on the set after having seen it at several local stores. I don't claim to be an expert or even particularly knowledgeable but I HAVE been looking at sets for many months now and have been very picky about picture quality in particular.

I'd wanted to get either a 960 or 955 but they were no longer available in my area so I waited patiently for the 970 to hit the shelves.

Our local Circuit City had one set up a couple of weeks ago and I was totally impressed with the PQ: I couldn't see any vertical or horizontal lines and the blacks were deep and the colors rich; I took the remote and turned the sharpness all the way up and the picture was still smooth and pure with no distortion around the edges or anything else which would detract from the PQ. Bear in mind now that the HD signal they had running was something with little action so I couldn't honestly say how it would do with high motion scenes or SDTV.

We went to our local Sears a couple of nights ago and they still had a 960 (floor model only at FULL price!) set up and only a few feet away was the 970;
While this may have not been a literal side-by-side comparison (since there were about 4 other sets and several feet in between) it was still easy enough to examine one set for several minutes and then go back to the other for comparison.

I honestly could not see any significant difference in the PQ between the two sets. I spent a good half of an hour going from one to the other and back again but to my eyes they were essentially the same. I might even say that the 970 seemed to have a slightly brighter picture but that could obviously just be a matter of adjustment.

My wife was with me and after going back and forth several times and looking at the picture from up close as well as several feet away she couldn't see any difference either.

In the end my feeling was that if there is any difference in PQ it is so slight that I just couldn't see it and whatever that very slight difference might be it certainly would not be worth half again the price to me.

Some of the missing features (cable card, PIP etc) are not things that I'm interested in so for just a hair over $1000 (on promo) this set has everything in terms of picture quality and connectivity that I liked about the previous 2 high end CRTs that Sony made.

I've made my mind up and plan to pick one up next week from Sears.

Ive had my XBR960 and HS510 literally side by side and the difference between a SFP crt and non SFP isn't nearly as big as a lot of people claim on this forum, When looking up close you can clearly see the vertical lines on the HS510 but from my normal viewing distance (about 5 feet) its very difficult to see any differences in actual picture quality other than the fact the XBR960 has better / richer looking colors (but this is more of a calibration differance), also because a SFP crt has a finer pitch this reduces the light output making it overall darker than a non SFP set.

To those who currently own the beautiful XBR970, should I set my digital cable picture on the tv to 480p on progressive DRC mode or 960i interlace mode? What is the better quality setting? Also, my digital cable box has an option called 4:3 Override to set the picture quality to 480i or 480p. Does the tv automatically upconvert 480i to 960i if I set the box to 480i or should I just turn 4:3 Override off altogether? But if I do this, it converts the 4:3 picture to a widecreen format. I'm trying to preserve the original aspect ratio for better quality. What is everybody else using? Anybody else using a Motorola digital cable box in conjunction with the 970 and know what I'm talking about? Thanks for your input! Any thoughts and opionions would be greatly appreciated.

To those who currently own the beautiful XBR970, should I set my digital cable picture on the tv to 480p on progressive DRC mode or 960i interlace mode? What is the better quality setting? Also, my digital cable box has an option called 4:3 Override to set the picture quality to 480i or 480p. Does the tv automatically upconvert 480i to 960i if I set the box to 480i or should I just turn 4:3 Override off altogether? But if I do this, it converts the 4:3 picture to a widecreen format. I'm trying to preserve the original aspect ratio for better quality. What is everybody else using? Anybody else using a Motorola digital cable box in conjunction with the 970 and know what I'm talking about? Thanks for your input! Any thoughts and opionions would be greatly appreciated.
I've got the same set-up, except my tv is the 34HS420, the forerunner to the 970.

I set my digital cable box "4:3 Override" to 480i. This offers the most flexibiilty. At this setting, I can choose to set DRC to 960i, Progressive or even CineMotion. I usually keep this at 960i for the highest resolution, and for me, best PQ. This also keeps 4:3 in its proper aspect, which I prefer over any stretched modes.

How are you set-up for watching SD using the digital cable box (STB). Most folks use component cables out from the STB to the tv, others use HDMI or DVI. I find that the analog tuner in the STB just wreaks havoc on channels 2-82. They look better on my tv without the cable box altogether. So, I added a splitter (1GHz) to the coax before the STB. I send one split to the STB and the other to the tv, and tune the analog channels with my tv. This makes analog channels look fantastic.

Also, be sure to invest in a calibration DVD and do justice to your new HD set-up. This is a critical investment to your home theater.

I just purchased a 970 at CC last Friday. Had seen it in several local stores but CC had the right price and could deliver the next day. I've got 3 issues:

1) Right out of the box, the picture seemed dim and practically unwatchable in either PRO or MOVIE mode. The STANDARD picture mode is a little brighter and VIVID is about the only watchable mode. No adjustments in the world get PRO or MOVIE watchable and STANDARD becomes watchable with PICTURE set to MAX and BRIGHTNESS close to MAX.

2) There is a green push. There is no way to compensate for this with either the HUE or ADVANCED COLOR AXIS setting of DEFAULT which is to emphasize red tones.

3) On a 4:3 screen, there is a bright "noise" bar running from the top of the screen to the bottom on the left side. The three other sides are perfect.

All of the reviews in this thread never mention these problems and I never saw them on sets at any of the stores I visited. I have contacted a SONY Authorized Repair shop to come out and look at it, but I was wondering if anyone here had any idea what I can expect from him.

...I have contacted a SONY Authorized Repair shop to come out and look at it, but I was wondering if anyone here had any idea what I can expect from him.
What kind of material have you been watching? And what is the source (e.g. cable, DVD, etc)?

Mostly 4:3 material through the S-video connection from a DirectTV TiVo R10. The DVD is through the component video connection at 480p.

Mostly 4:3 material through the S-video connection from a DirectTV TiVo R10. The DVD is through the component video connection at 480p.
How is the picture quality when watching dvds at 480p? Theoretically, you should be able to get a brighter picture with this input. I can somewhat understand the problem getting SD to look great, but it seems that dvds ought to look very good.

For DVDs, use the Standard picture setting. Set Picture at about 75%, Brightness to 80-90%, Color & Hue to 50%, Sharpness to 40%. Use Neutral Color Temp and set ClearEdge to Low. Use DRC "CineMotion." Make sure your dvd is outputting 480p.

Please let me know how this looks.

The DVDs, at 480p, using the settings that justsc recommended does do the DVDs justice. It has generally been a brighter picture using the component video inputs, but there is still a green push.

I guess what I expected was that out of the box the picture would be very good if not great. I have two other Sony tube SD TVs, <2yrs old, and they were great out of the box. All picture modes on these sets, while having their differences, didn't cause the display to dim as badly as my new 970. Their colors were spot on also. Now I don't mind a bit of tweaking, but setting Picture at 75%, etc. seems a bit drastic. In fact, justsc references PRO or STANDARD picture modes, earlier in this thread, with settings that nearly put my screen to black.

The DVDs, at 480p, using the settings that justsc recommended does do the DVDs justice. It has generally been a brighter picture using the component video inputs, but there is still a green push.

I guess what I expected was that out of the box the picture would be very good if not great. I have two other Sony tube SD TVs, <2yrs old, and they were great out of the box. All picture modes on these sets, while having their differences, didn't cause the display to dim as badly as my new 970. Their colors were spot on also. Now I don't mind a bit of tweaking, but setting Picture at 75%, etc. seems a bit drastic. In fact, justsc references PRO or STANDARD picture modes, earlier in this thread, with settings that nearly put my screen to black.
You're absolutely correct. Most of the time I recommend setting Picture (Contrast) much lower than 75%. In fact, this was the very first time I went with a higher number. It was partly because of what you had already tried, and partly because I'm becoming convinced that these sets can indeed run at much higher contrast rates than previously thought, and safely as well.

I appologize if earlier recommendations sent you down the wrong road. My bad. ;)

About color decoding and green push. I recently changed some of my color settings based on a serious dialog that went on in the Sony Servicce Codes thread. I didn't have green push, but the new numbers really improved the "color" on my set. If you're interested in attempting some Service Menu adjustments try this. Go to the "Sony Service Codes" thread, page 49, and read Posts #1452-1462. Here you will get some exceptional information on setting color in the SM. I followed the numbers KenTech recommended and I really like what I see. Also note what Napoleon D offered as his preferrences for a balanced perspective.

Final Thought - The 970 will most probably have the same SM codes as the whole line of Sony HD tube sets. If you happen to find that things have been changed you might come back and post to see what other new owners have found. If you are uncertain about how to get into the Sony SM, go to the beginning of KenTech's Sony Service Codes thread for instruction. Whatever you do, record ALL values of any settings you adjust, BEFORE you make the adjustment. If you're going to tweak - write it down first. If you haven't done it already, invest in a Calibration DVD (Avia or DVE) and give your set a proper calibration. Put all this together and I believe you'll have a set whose picture quality you can be proud of. ;)

Best of Luck and please let us know your results and thoughts. ;)

Thanks for your support. I don't believe I will be disappointed in the PQ of this set, once properly tweaked.

Hi I am new to this board ( although I do lurk here ocassionally for settings and advice) and I have a question. Please bare with me as I am unfamiliar with the technical terms.

I recently purchesed a 970 and although I am happy with the pq I have noticed that there is a slight distortion in the middle of the tv. It's very obvious when watching wide ratio dvd's due to the black bars being not straight around the middle of the screen (it dips down a bit on the upper bar and dips up on the lower bar). I can also notice it during menu screens on video games and what not.

Any help would be apreciated

That sounds like an easy fix in the service menu.

I should have my 970 by Tuesday night. Ill give my opinion by the end of the weekend.

Hi I am new to this board ( although I do lurk here ocassionally for settings and advice) and I have a question. Please bare with me as I am unfamiliar with the technical terms.

I recently purchesed a 970 and although I am happy with the pq I have noticed that there is a slight distortion in the middle of the tv. It's very obvious when watching wide ratio dvd's due to the black bars being not straight around the middle of the screen (it dips down a bit on the upper bar and dips up on the lower bar). I can also notice it during menu screens on video games and what not.

Any help would be apreciated

The VCEN parameter in the service mode should fix this. See the sony service codes thread.

Ok, I'm using my XBR970 through a Motorola digital cable box and I was wondering what picture output I should set my cable box to. It has options for 4:3 Override for 480i and 480p. Wouldn't 480p be the better resolution to use? Also for my HDMI output I should set this to 1080i instead of 720p correct? I read somewhere by setting this to 720p I may get a better picture even though it upcoverts to 1080i. Somehow artifacts from the progressive signal stay in the 1080i signal when it is upconverted from 720p?

And finally, on the actual tv picture settings in the drc mode on the tv is interlaced the best to use with digital cable? It produces 960i correct? So if I set my digital cable box to 480p would I be getting 480p or 960i? I'm alittle confused about all this! Somebody please help.

Oh yeah.. and I shouldn't stretch my picture at all either right? I hate seeing black bars on the side but the picture quality seems much better in its original format. What are most of you guys using, and what do the expert recommend.

Thanks again for all your help!!

The VCEN parameter in the service mode should fix this. See the sony service codes thread. :o I looked and looked and I couldn't find anything on my model, also it appears that the files have expired as it didn't let me download the guide for the 960 ( which I assumed would work)

I have done a lot of window shopping, watching and comparing, and as much as I would love to find a XBR960 "unopened", it's just not in my current price range.
I went into CC today and they had a 970 but it had horrible signal. I actually waited there to ask a rep and verify they just had some crappy analog signal on the boxes and unfortunately one never came. But I have seen these 970 units with HD signal and it looked phenominal.

When I get home I need to check and see what type of output my Comcast STB has, as well as my Tivo because I am going to be faced with the cable decision. Do the Monster cables make a difference? I guess I will be using the digital component output (Y, Pb, Pr) from my Philips DVP642 until I can muster up the coin for an Oppo OPDV971H, but would I be OK in just using standard coaxial and component cables or will there be a big difference on these CRT sets to go with the expensive cable?

I purchased the SONY XBR960 12/13/2004. Just today the TV will no longer turn on and display a picture. Luckily I purchsed the 3 year MACK warranty and have put in a request to have it fixed or replaced. Does anyone here use the "www.mackcam.com" warranty? It was offered with the digital online place I ordered my TV from, they claimed it was famous. Anyway, just thought I would pass on the disappointing news on my SONY XBR960... The only good news I can report is that just 2 weeks ago I purchased this plasma:
http://members.cox.net/c.engel/
Otherwise the XBR960 failing would have been MUCH more depressing....
My main question was for anyone that has had problems with a SONY tube, do they make you SHIP it to the warranty company or will they usually come out and service it in home??? Not sure and have not heard from my warranty people yet....
Thanks,
Jed

Just today the TV will no longer turn on and display a picture.

There is a known issue with some of the XBR's having this occur to them.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650457

Before you do anything repair wise, and assuming you haven't tried this already, simply unplug the television from the wall for about 30-60 seconds and then plug it back in. Turn back on the tv and it will probably work again.

Yes a buddy of mine told me the same thing...... I just tried this and it started back up with no problem!!!!! What is up with that????? Is this a fault with SONY or something else.... Just does not make any sense... Have to cancel the service call now with MACK... Very interesting and should be very helpful for people reading this... I unplugged for 20-30 minutes and that was ALL, VERY helpfull advice.... Is this documented somewhere?
Thanks,
Jed

PS - NEVERMIND after typing this I clicked on the link you provided, apparently this is a SONY FEATURE.... MAJOR LOL.....

Ok I think I'm dreaming but wanted to get your opinions on what you thought about this.

I went to Fry's and they have 2 34XS955 on sale for $860.00.
These are unopened, unused boxes. I was wondering why they were so cheap (the sticker said $1019 but after I inquired about if he had any in stock he came back with the lower prices.

Is this no contest against considering an XBR970?

What are the differences between the 955 and the 970 other than the CableCard and SPF on the 955? (Note it was a 955, not a 955N that was on sale... they had an opened 955N for 1019$!, almost $300 more than it's predecessor!)

So, is this possibly a price error on Fry's part, or has anyone else seen the 955's this low yet?

Ok I think I'm dreaming but wanted to get your opinions on what you thought about this.

I went to Fry's and they have 2 34XS955 on sale for $860.00.
These are unopened, unused boxes. I was wondering why they were so cheap (the sticker said $1019 but after I inquired about if he had any in stock he came back with the lower prices.

Is this no contest against considering an XBR970?

What are the differences between the 955 and the 970 other than the CableCard and SPF on the 955? (Note it was a 955, not a 955N that was on sale... they had an opened 955N for 1019$!, almost $300 more than it's predecessor!)

So, is this possibly a price error on Fry's part, or has anyone else seen the 955's this low yet?

Who cares, just grab it and be thankfull.

Agreed, grab the 955, give it a second thought and I guarantee those will be gone before you can go back again.

yea i am deadset on the 955, it was pretty much a dumb set of questions earlier.

bump

Anybody here bother to calibrate their 970 yet and have the service menu settings? (Plus normal settings..?)

I'd really like to see what you've come up with.. I just got mine and the picture is pretty dark plus trying to get the colors correct.

My DVE disc should be coming tomorrow.. so I'll check it then.

.... I hope.

I take delivery of a 970 tomorrow evening. Going to let her run a week or so then get it calibrated.

I'll post on it soon.

I've done some messing around in the service menu and have used both DVE and AVIA DVDs with the filters..

I copied the RYR, RYB, GYR, and GYB settings someone else posted before using the DVDs..

My settings from the service menu are:

RYR 14
RYB 14
GYR 6
GYB 4
SBRT 28

From the normal menus to match the Hue/Saturation test from AVIA, I used:

Brightness 31
Color 65
Hure R4
Color Temp. Warm
VM Off
Color Axis Monitor

I don't really know what to set for Sharpness or Picture since none of the patterns really bloomed or showed extra lines when Sharpess or Picture was touched.. so I set my Sharpness to 50 and Picture to 70 myself.

This is for my Pro setting.. calibrating to these settings looks terrible on video games, though, and most "anime" I watch.

I use a pretty much identical setting for anime and video games, with the exception that I set picture to 90, brightness to 50, color to 83 and color temp to Cool.

Another thing, as some people have noticed, the overscan is set incorrectly on a 970 out of the box for 1080i and 720p. I adjusted the values to read as follows:

VPOS 23
VSIZ 31
HPOS 24
HSIZ 31

This seems to be an appropriate setting for both my PC and XBox360 as far as overscan.

I don't really know how much better the picture can get, really, as I have no idea how a calibrated TV looks. I guess, sometime, I'll have to take the plunge and get it professionally done when I get more serious. (And when I finally get my 5.1 sound system in place.. right now I'm using a 2.1 system. Planning to nab the Logitech Z-5500 Digital for that purpose..)

Thanks for that info, but how exactly do you get to the service menu? Thanks.

It almost killed the two delivery guys to haul it into my house.
It fired up and needed just a skoosh of adjustment in tilt and center.
So far I have no regrets. I sit 11.5 feet from it and it is just a very, very nice picture. It's looks on the Sony Webb site and in the store do not do it justice. It looks much nicer in the house.
I do not know about the 960, but I'm glad I have not seen one. This TV is Awesome for the person who wants perfect SD display, as in no drop in PQ due to the TV. If SD is sent to the house with a poor signal it's not the TV's fault. I have seen HD TVs' that ruined SD.
With a SD signal through the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 DVR STB via S-VHS cable into the 970 the SD just plain sucks.
I split off the wall with a 1GHz splitter and ran the cable direct into the TV and Holy Mollie the SD is as good as it can possibly be. I got a few HD channels via the TV's tuner and they are just jaw dropping clear.
I am VERY pleased.

I just need some education on settings. If there is a sticky put me on it. What I am looking at is:
What modes or when to use for what, in DRC. Interlaced, CineMotion, or Progressive?
What about the Vivid? It looks very intense or radical. I have not messed with it. The TV looks great in normal for now.
And Edge enhance ment? I do not see much of a difference.

And whatever else anyone has to offer. I know it is personal preference but I may not know to try some combinations of settings you guys have used.
I'm listening.

Nice TV! :)

Thanks for that info, but how exactly do you get to the service menu? Thanks.
Service code access is the same as posted in KenTech's thread.

1. Power off TV.
2. Press Display, 5, Volume +, then Power on the remote control in sequence.

Once the service menu is up navigate it like so:

Keys 2 and 5 on the remote change service menu groups.
Keys 1 and 4 on the remote scroll through items in the current service menu group.
Keys 3 and 6 adjust the value of the current item's setting.

Do NOT press keys 7 and 9 under any circumstances.

You may goof around with settings to your heart's content as they won't be saved when you power off the TV unless you specifically save them.

To save a setting you like, you must hit the "Muting" key on the remote control. The word "Service" will change to "Write" on the screen. Once this happens, hit "Enter" on the remote. The word Write will change from green to red to let you know that it is saving the change. It will then change back to "Service" when the change has been saved.

You must save EACH INDIVIDUAL setting. Writing just once only saves the current setting of the item in your current group.

I previous posts here I mentioned that my out of box experience with this set was less than stellar. While probably all of the ills of my set could be fix in service mode, I felt that Sony should be on the hook to do it. So I called a local Sony Authorized shop to have them look at what I had (green push and dark image). The tech that arrived had no equipment to validate his adjustments. So the only thing he used while adjusting my set was a B/W video in a 4:3 image on my screen. And to top it off, he was falling asleep on my couch during the whole process. So, when he got it close I said fine, now get out.

A week later, Sony sent me a letter asking about my recent service experience. I emailed my response back to them and in a nice way said that I was disastisfied with my experience and felt that there was more that could have been done. To my supprise, I got a call from another local Sony Authorized Service Center saying that Sony contacted them and asked them to get involved. I was amazed that Sony really cared. These new guys will be out next week with the equipment necessary to check color, brightness, and geometry and I'm sure I will have a better experience than before.

I just purchased a new Sony KD-34XBR970 tv with a Panasonic DMR-ES25 DVD recorder and a Monster 400 HDMI cable. I cannot get the DVD recorder and the Sony to work via the HDMI connection. They work great on the normal composite or s-video connections. I've selected the Sony HDMI (video #6) input and turned on the HDMI output on the Panasonic, and tried various power on/off combinations.

I talked with both Sony and Panasonic and both asked why didn't I just try testing with 'my other' HDMI devices - they assume we have all run out and purchased all new stuff whenever they have it.... Although, it is a valid point to see what's not working.

Well, I'm going to try and see if Circuit City will let me test the DVD recorder and my Monster cable on a HDMI tv in the store to see if either of those are defective, if not then I can only assume it a XBR970 problem..

If anyone else has seen this problem, I'd like to hear if you've fixed it.

I'm no expert. Sounds like you are on a good trouble shooting trail. Try selecting "Cabel Off"?

Loving my 970

I picked up and XBR970 a week ago and just got DTV to come out and upgrade my Service to HD and all I can say is wow. The channel selection is limited but the pic quality on the 970 is awesome. I Cannot believe waht people were complaining about with the 960 vs 970 SFP tube. If the 960 or any other device can show a pic better than the 970 I would be floored. I think the they are both in the same league as far as PQ goes. lol - i almost piked up a 960 open box at Circuit city due to the repnses here. But I wanted a TV fresh out the box and got the 970 and happy as ever. I really didn't need all the extra add ons the 960 had. plus the 970 was still cheaper than an open box 960 - lol. So far so good with the 970.

I picked up and XBR970 a week ago and just got DTV to come out and upgrade my Service to HD and all I can say is wow. The channel selection is limited but the pic quality on the 970 is awesome. I Cannot believe waht people were complaining about with the 960 vs 970 SFP tube. If the 960 or any other device can show a pic better than the 970 I would be floored. I think the they are both in the same league as far as PQ goes. lol - i almost piked up a 960 open box at Circuit city due to the repnses here. But I wanted a TV fresh out the box and got the 970 and happy as ever. I really didn't need all the extra add ons the 960 had. plus the 970 was still cheaper than an open box 960 - lol. So far so good with the 970.
There is a clear difference between the 960 and 970 in picture quality, but most never notice it. It's most important for those who wish to sit very close, enhancing the "cinematic" experience. I have the HS420, the precursor to the 970, and I sit 5' back and see no scan lines at all. I am fully satisfied with my set, and I am very happy for the new 970 owners who get a few more features than I did.

Congrats on the new set. ;)

...Well, I'm going to try and see if Circuit City will let me test the DVD recorder and my Monster cable on a HDMI tv in the store to see if either of those are defective, if not then I can only assume it a XBR970 problem..

If anyone else has seen this problem, I'd like to hear if you've fixed it.
The HDMI interface has been the source of frustration for lots of owners. You are on the right track with your desire to test your recorder and cable.

Best of Luck! ;)

Had an oppurtunity to see the 970 at Sears yesterday. I tweaked the set pretty much how my 960 is set up and it made a dramatic difference. It did look a little dim with the bright lights on. Although it still had a very nice PQ compared to many of the Plasmas and LCDs they had in the store.

Hopefully, since Sony dumbed down this set from the 960 they also eliminated some of the things that were prone breaking on the 960. If this means the set will be more reliable and last for 5 to 10 years with out problems, the small reduction in PQ and loss of features would be a positive trade off.

I just purchased a new Sony KD-34XBR970 tv with a Panasonic DMR-ES25 DVD recorder and a Monster 400 HDMI cable. I cannot get the DVD recorder and the Sony to work via the HDMI connection. ............


I took my Panasonic DVD and the Monster cable back to Circuit City, where the sales rep helped me test them out on one of thier display model LCD tv's. The HDMI output on the Panasonic DVD was not working, hence no display on the Sony. The Circuit City rep immediately replaced the bad DVD with a new unit, we even opened it up in the store to make sure it worked. I was VERY impressed with the help and support of the Circuit City folks - kudo's to them!! Anyway, everything works great now! Next week the cable guy is coming to install a new HD box....

Thanks for everyone's comments!

I just bought the 970 at Best Buy a couple of days ago I can't wait to hook it up. I've worked at Best Buy HT for 5 years now and I finally get to taste an HDTV for myself here is what I'm hooking upwith.

34xbr970- $850 employee
Toshiba Upconvert DVD-
Monster Power HTS 1600-
Monster HDMI THX 1000-
Monster Component THX 1000-
Monster Audio THX 1000-

I'm going to hook up my comcast through my component video and use my DVD via HDMI. I basically planned on using the best monster cable for everything series 1000 with the basic line/power conditioner, It's probably overkill but hey i get a great price on them and i shouldn't have a weak link my system. saved 400 bucks on the accessories alone. When I get this hooked up I'll post back and let yall know how it looks.

I took my Panasonic DVD and the Monster cable back to Circuit City, where the sales rep helped me test them out on one of thier display model LCD tv's. The HDMI output on the Panasonic DVD was not working, hence no display on the Sony. The Circuit City rep immediately replaced the bad DVD with a new unit, we even opened it up in the store to make sure it worked. I was VERY impressed with the help and support of the Circuit City folks - kudo's to them!! Anyway, everything works great now! Next week the cable guy is coming to install a new HD box....

Thanks for everyone's comments!
This is the best kind of news - I bet that's a huge load off your shoulders. ;)

Just wait 'til you see HD on this set. :D