View Full Version : Importing an SXRD from the US, Voltage/Frequency questions..


metallicaband
05-17-07, 12:00 AM
Hi all,

I'm thinking about ordering a Sony SXRD A3000 TV later this year (they only offer XBR2s with rediclus prices where I live -Bahrain- (3600-6000 US$), so ordering one via internet is the best solution for me, specially because I'm not interested in XBR's features or price tag).

The voltage here is like the UK, 230v 50hz, I checked the KDS-50A2000 manual and the power requirement for the unit was: 110v 60hz, which unfortunately means it isn't multi-voltage compatible..

Hope someone could answer these questions:

- Can I just use a step-down power transformer for the TV ? or do I have to do something about the frequency too ? (I searched the forums and found This (http://hifi-india.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-to-hook-up-your-us-ntsc-tv-to-work.html), it says: You don't need to be concerned about the frequency difference in the US and India (60 Hz AC in US vs. 50 Hz AC in India) as most electronic equipment such as TV's dont really care about AC and convert it to DC inside anyways. The AC frequency difference will make a difference when you have heavy duty equipment such as a dishwasher or microwave oven, so is this true with RP HDTVs too ? or will it have any effect at all in the TV's performance or damaging the TV even in long term basis ?

2- IF it's fine to just use a step-down transformer (230v to 110v with enough Watts) to run the TV without any problem, are there transformers that can handle heavy using, like 40 hours straight for example ? (just want to know how reliable these things are).

3- As an alternative solution, is it possible to change the TV's powersupply to one that uses 230v 50hz power ?

4- This isn't a RP question, but I'll ask anyway since it's a bit related, are there any HT equipment that are effected by the hz 60 and hz 50 frequency difference ? (I'm planning in getting an AV receiver, Speakers, PS3 ..etc from the US too, don't have many options available here).

Any help would be really appreciated.

metallicaband
05-17-07, 04:00 PM
Bump

welwynnick
05-17-07, 05:14 PM
60Hz vs 50Hz power is no great issue.
The REAL problem may be with 60Hz vs 50 Hz VIDEO.
What are your broadcast and stored video sources - 50 or 60Hz?
US TVs are always 60Hz only.
That could be the show-stopper.
Nick

metallicaband
05-17-07, 06:16 PM
60Hz vs 50Hz power is no great issue.
The REAL problem may be with 60Hz vs 50 Hz VIDEO.
What are your broadcast and stored video sources - 50 or 60Hz?
US TVs are always 60Hz only.
That could be the show-stopper.
Nick

I don't have any interest in watching broadcasted channels, the HDTV will be for NTSC Blu-ray movies, some NTSC DVDs and PS3 games.

I assume that means I don't have any problem running the TV with just a step-down converter with enough watts, right ?

I talked to sony's tech support, I don't have much knowledge about electricity, so what do you guy think about what the tech support said :
You can view the conversation by clicking Here (http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6930/sonyan0.gif) .

ps: I said that I'm moving to Bahrain from the US with a US TV, just to avoid complications and stuff (so he won't say just get a TV from your country ..etc).

metallicaband
05-18-07, 01:38 AM
Bump, before going to bed..

metallicaband
05-18-07, 11:28 PM
Bump

metallicaband
07-29-07, 04:09 AM
I don't have any interest in watching broadcasted channels, the HDTV will be for NTSC Blu-ray movies, some NTSC DVDs and PS3 games.

I assume that means I don't have any problem running the TV with just a step-down converter with enough watts, right ?

I talked to sony's tech support, I don't have much knowledge about electricity, so what do you guy think about what the tech support said :
You can view the conversation by clicking Here (http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6930/sonyan0.gif) .

ps: I said that I'm moving to Bahrain from the US with a US TV, just to avoid complications and stuff (so he won't say just get a TV from your country ..etc).

A bump to an old topic, been thinking about the electricity issue again to be sure that I'll be fine getting a TV from the US.

metallicaband
07-30-07, 08:04 AM
Last bump..

roops1967
12-29-08, 09:55 PM
Hi I don't know if your question ever got answered. Did you ever order this Tv, did it work?

I am importing a Sony KDS-60A3000 from USA, should be with me in a a week or so. My understanding is that all new tv's can accept voltages from 110v to 250v 50/60hz and accept all tv signals (NTSC/PAL/SECAM etc..), this way the manufacturers can make their equipment for the global market... I am not 100% sure on this but i hope this is the case, it was with my PS3 i originally got from Japan. I already have a KDS-55A2000 bought here in the UK, I checked the online documentation and it only mentions 110v/60hz... but this tv is working on 240v/50hz, go figure!

BeachComber
12-30-08, 08:53 AM
Hi I don't know if your question ever got answered. Did you ever order this Tv, did it work?

I am importing a Sony KDS-60A3000 from USA, should be with me in a a week or so. My understanding is that all new tv's can accept voltages from 110v to 250v 50/60hz and accept all tv signals (NTSC/PAL/SECAM etc..), this way the manufacturers can make their equipment for the global market... I am not 100% sure on this but i hope this is the case, it was with my PS3 i originally got from Japan. I already have a KDS-55A2000 bought here in the UK, I checked the online documentation and it only mentions 110v/60hz... but this tv is working on 240v/50hz, go figure!

God help you when your OB goes bad (which they all do eventually).