How can I find a Sony 40xbr800??

krisl19 · 10-10-05, 03:22 PM

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

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

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

Anyone have any ideas?

DanOK · 10-10-05, 03:51 PM

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

krisl19 · 10-10-05, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanOK

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

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

DanOK · 10-10-05, 04:48 PM

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

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

kny3twalker · 10-10-05, 10:19 PM

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

I would contact them to see if any are left

cajieboy · 10-11-05, 01:32 AM

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

squonk · 10-17-05, 01:05 AM

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

litzdog911 · 10-17-05, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squonk

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

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

cajieboy · 10-17-05, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squonk

Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3?

Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

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

RandyWalters · 10-17-05, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litzdog911

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

And the 36" tube HDTVs are disappearing. Hitachi discontinued theirs in 2003, Toshiba discontinued theirs in 2004, Matsushita (JVC and Panasonic) discontinued theirs earlier this year. All gone forever.

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

epicbloodline · 10-17-05, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisl19

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

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

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

Anyone have any ideas?

FLOOR MODEL 1000 BUCKS

cajieboy · 10-17-05, 11:32 PM

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

Drew224 · 10-18-05, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajieboy

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

You should be able to get it for around $1000. At the CC I work at we had an open box one that we were trying to get rid of for about a year. At one point we were having a bad month and my entertainment manager was so desperate to get rid of it I think he marked it down to $800 and figured he'd take the hit since the month couldn't get any worse. It still didn't sell and they marked it back up to $1500, but I'm pretty sure they ended up selling it for less sometime last month.

farmerdave@earth · 11-12-05, 06:46 PM

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

Tom_Bombadil · 11-13-05, 05:08 PM

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

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

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

Tom_Bombadil · 11-13-05, 05:16 PM

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

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Sony_WE...6-9453304.html

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

farmerdave@earth · 11-20-05, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_Bombadil

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

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

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

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

cajieboy · 11-22-05, 02:08 AM

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

farmerdave@earth · 12-01-05, 01:16 PM

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

jbug · 03-13-06, 03:06 PM

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

jet757f · 03-13-06, 05:46 PM

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

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

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

kny3twalker · 03-13-06, 09:25 PM

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

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

loadams · 03-14-06, 12:17 AM

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

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

cajieboy · 03-14-06, 01:06 AM

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

cajieboy · 03-14-06, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loadams

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

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

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

lzzy · 03-14-06, 02:05 AM

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

cajieboy · 03-14-06, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzzy

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

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

FasterTiVoPlease · 07-14-06, 01:40 PM

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

Michael9009 · 04-15-07, 12:32 PM

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

polygonkilla · 04-17-07, 08:08 PM

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

10-10-05, 03:22 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
krisl19 Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 37	How can I find a Sony 40xbr800?? I realize that the 40" XBR has been been discontinued for quite some time, but that's really the TV I want. The 34xbr960 is a great TV that's readily available, but that extra 6" really adds up on a 4:3 display vs. a 16:9. The weight sucks, but I already have a giant hole in my wall where the last owner had a large RPTV. Is it worth my time to call up every electronics store in town? Could Sony or their local distributor possibly have any leads? I've been waiting (and hoping) to spot a used one locally, but so far nothing has showed. I found an online store called Hot Buys Electronics (no linking allowed, apparently) that claims to have it in stock, but after shipping, the price comes to around $2k. I'm thinking that's my last option, especially when considering the issues this unit is prone to. Anyone have any ideas?

10-10-05, 10:19 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
kny3twalker Chan Slayer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Coppell, Texas Posts: 4,261	Sony was still selling this TV last year in December when I bought my KD30XS955 I would contact them to see if any are left

11-12-05, 06:46 PM	#14 \| Link
farmerdave@earth New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3	Sony 40xbr800 I Am Looking For A New 40 Xbr 800, They Seem Hard To Come By. Did You Ever Find One? There Are Some Used Ones That Come Up On Ebay.

11-13-05, 05:08 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Tom_Bombadil AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Old Forest Posts: 3,649	Frankly, I'd have to want a large tube set pretty badly to buy one of these. I've had a chance to evaluate about 5 of these and have not been impressed. The screen geometry is below average, HD image quality is well below what the good 34" 16:9 sets can do. I've had three chances to compare it side by side to Sony XBR 34" sets, using HD sources, and the 40XBR image was softer, colors were not as natural, and there was some curvature in the corners. I could see thinking about it is having a large, pretty good SD/analog set is a high priority to you. And you have the space for this 300+ pound behemoth. But if HD quality is important, this set is not a top performer. I've also read that its reliability is not the best. IMHO, Sony was wise to discontinue it. Although it isn't a bad set and would be fine if you don't have a particularly critical eye for HD. It will be better than most HD sets on SD images.

03-13-06, 05:46 PM	#21 \| Link
jet757f Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: California Posts: 616	I found a 36XBR800 on CraigsList.org for $500. Also a 40XBR800 on Ebay right now but it looks like it might have problems. Does anyone know anything about the 34XBR800?? How does this compare with the XBR960?? I found one listed on Ebay that is in my area. Last edited by jet757f; 03-13-06 at 06:24 PM..

10-10-05, 03:51 PM	#2 \| Link
DanOK Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 34	Where do you live? A local Circuit city in my town (Tulsa, OK) has one open box unit going for ~$1500

10-10-05, 04:48 PM	#4 \| Link
DanOK Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 34	Probably not, It wouldn't hurt to ask... They have had it a while and might be eager to get rid of it (it takes up the entire end cap it is on) 5313 East 41st St, Tulsa, OK 74135 (918) 828-0022

10-11-05, 01:32 AM	#6 \| Link
cajieboy AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Space Coast, Florida Posts: 4,000	I've owned my 40XBR for over 2.5 yrs. now and can't tell you enough how pleased I am w/the TV & its PQ in both SD & HD. I'm assuming you already know about the weight issue, so be prepared, this is one heavy TV. Best place to get one now is from Sony itself. It still may be possible to buy a Sony refurb TV. BTW, I paid $3000 for mine w/stand promo in Dec. 2002. Good luck.

10-17-05, 01:05 AM	#7 \| Link
squonk AVS Special Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,129	Is the 40 inch a widescreen or a 4x3? Does anyone make a 40" widescreen CRT?

10-17-05, 11:32 PM	#12 \| Link
cajieboy AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Space Coast, Florida Posts: 4,000	At this stage, I think you can do much better than 2K. Shop and phone Sony Style Stores around the US. Also, check around various regions w/CC. They sold boatloads of these Tubes several years ago, and are also pretty darn good at fixing them if something happens. CC's Extended Warranty might be a good option too, if you in fact do find one there.

11-13-05, 05:16 PM	#16 \| Link
Tom_Bombadil AVS Special Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Old Forest Posts: 3,649	To be fair, here is a link to CNET's review, which was quite positive: http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Sony_WE...6-9453304.html If you browse the user reviews, you will notice that a number had repair problems.

11-22-05, 02:08 AM	#18 \| Link
cajieboy AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Space Coast, Florida Posts: 4,000	I really like my 40XBR800, and the PQ is fantastic. Even SD looks great and sometimes rivals DVD quality. After owning the TV for about 18 months it developed the "greenies" in the upper left corner. At the time, I was really ticked off about it and even wanted to get rid of it because others on this forum that had experienced similar issues stated that it could not be fixed. I have a 5-year Extended Warranty from CC so I finally called them, and the problem was totally & completely fixed. I am already planning my next HT upgrade, but want to wait about 24 months for a 65" 1080p Plasma, or maybe a SED display. For now, Im' enjoying the 40XBR, and have absolutely no complaints.

12-01-05, 01:16 PM	#19 \| Link
farmerdave@earth New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3	sure do like my 40 also, had a little trouble with the green blob on some of them in the past, its tough when there is no warranty. Sony will not acknowledge the problem, they keep saying to move your speakers, reset the unit, but the green blob is there and is a little pesky when the tv is a bit older. sure is a geat tv when working right. still the best picture around.

03-13-06, 03:06 PM	#20 \| Link
jbug AVS Special Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,466	I've had mine for at least two years. I have not had any problems with the green globs or anything else. I also have the 5-year extended warranty from CC. If it ever goes out, I will just get one of the new 1080P sets. My wife and I are satisfied with the set.

03-13-06, 09:25 PM	#22 \| Link
kny3twalker Chan Slayer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Coppell, Texas Posts: 4,261	the 34XBR800 is based on the same tube in the XBR970, and HS510 and HS420 its got to be at least what five years old?, it better be cheap

03-14-06, 12:17 AM	#23 \| Link
loadams Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mount Pleasant,SC Posts: 158	I've had mine for 4 yrs. Love it. Shhhh..... on the green blobies. Don't have any wood near by.

03-14-06, 01:06 AM	#24 \| Link
cajieboy AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Space Coast, Florida Posts: 4,000	Going on 3+ years, and glad I bought it. PQ is still excellent, and fullscreen 4:3 SD is near DVD quality. Next HT Upgrade planned in 24 months w/a 1080p 60+" Plasma. My suggestion is to buy locally on Craig's List, newspaper, or perhaps a local AV Store that had one returned. I doubt you could find a refurb at this time, but wouldn't hurt to check around the internet.

03-14-06, 02:05 AM	#26 \| Link
lzzy Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 86	As good as this set seems to be wouldn't the 36xs955 be the best route these days for a huge 4:3 Crt. I know its 4 less inches but the picture quality should be better. And it seems too risky to buy refurbs and used models. but good luck on your search for this beast.

07-14-06, 01:40 PM	#28 \| Link
FasterTiVoPlease Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 18	Keep checking on ebay for this great set. Usually a new listing for one pops up every week or so.

04-15-07, 12:32 PM	#29 \| Link
Michael9009 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 453	My Sony KV-40XBR800 will be four years old soon and I have not had any problems with it whatsoever so far. It has an excellent picture which now has to compete with a 133" diagonal image from a Sony Pearl. But the XBR is for daytime viewing, the Pearl for nighttime. Astonishing unit!...

04-17-07, 08:08 PM	#30 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
polygonkilla Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens NYC Posts: 415	I'm like you Michael9009 my Sony KV-40XBR800 for daytime, but I got a Sanyo Z-5 for my nighttime viewing. Just to think that I almost sold my Sony. The HD on my Sony is really unbelievable, I've seen alot of plasmas and LCDs and they just can't compare to my BIG MONSTER.