how is this Sony KDL46VL150?? - Page 2

For those of you who are considering buying the KDL46VL150, you may want to consider where the inputs are located. If they are in the same location as the inputs of the KDL46V5100, at least 50% of them, incuding 3 HDMI and the PC input are on the side. If this is the case, this is a complete deal-breaker for me, as there is no way I want to look at cables sticking out the side of my display. I just don't understand the logic behind putting them on the side rather than the rear.

I also read on a review on Costco.com that the KDL46VL150 apparently does not have a built-in guide for OTA channels. Not a huge issue for me there, but someone may want to know about that.

Too bad (for me anyway) as I was excited to see the price reduction from Costco starting this week.

According to Sony's website 3 of 4 HDMIs are on the side. I agree that it's a bummer, but not a deal breaker for me since I could hook up my DVD player via composite and it wouldn't really bother me (not my primary watching spot).

My debate now is whether to bite the bullet on this Sony or not. My situation is that I'm planning on a new TV in the next 2-4 months (pending a minor construction job) and this one would work well. The paranoiac in my wants to bite the bullet on the Costco deal (will be $849), but the rational side in me says "wait it out, something else will come along".

Any opinions??

Well it's my understanding that the 3 HDMI inputs on the side are recessed quite a bit, unless you have a really thick cable that's difficult to manage, you won't be seeing a cable sticking out of the side of the TV. Also I want to know if Costco will add a 1-Year warranty to this set even though it already comes with a Sony 2-Year warranty. If they will add an additional year, and I don't know why they wouldn't, then getting this set for $799 with a 3-year warranty is HOT!

I'd say the Sony would definitely be at least the equal of the other two models you're considering. I'd be selecting between the Toshiba or the Sony, whichever you like better.

I was going to exchange my 40VL160 and go with the 46VL160 but then I saw the Costco ad for the 46VL150. Which one would be the better set or are they both pretty much the same?

VL160 is the better set... 10bit panel+processing, DLNA, XMB, TV Guide...

I was looking at Sony's web site for specs on the KDL-40VL160 and noticed that their spec sheet shows 2 year warranty. Here's a link to the PDF file:

LINK

Thanks. I found the spec sheet for the VL150. It looks like it has a better on-screen contrast ratio -- 5,000:1 compared to 3,000:1 for the VL160 but that appears to be the only advantage over the VL160.

The warranty can max. out at 4 years if you use your AMEX card, which is what I'm going to be doing. I too thought the Sony 2 warranty was surprising but it does say 2 years so Costco will add on another year to make it 3, or as I said, use the AMEX card and get 4 years.

Frank are you sure that Costco will add a year warranty to the 46VL150? I thought that they should since they advertise that they will add a year warranty to any TV set but if you read what they have on their website regarding the TV's, they call it a "2nd Year Warranty". So I am wondering if they will not add another year warranty to this set since it already comes with a 2-year warranty.

That's a great deal if they'll do it but I think I'm gonna go with the 46VL160 and just stick with the 2yr warranty. I'd rather have the 10bit panel, DLNA and XMB menu. Plus, I don't like the idea of most of the inputs being on the side of the TV.

I scoped out this set today. The side inputs are inset about 6 inches, so there shouldn't be any issues with wires sticking out. In the store it's listed at $999 now. I might be stopping there on Thursday to pick this beauty up for $799. PQ seemed pretty good and the bezel was pretty nice. Gotta clear it with the wife first....

I'm thinking about getting this one too.
I'm going to check it out tomorrow.
I have read that this TV has an 8bit panel when most have a 10bit panel
but there seams to be nothing to take advantage of a 10bit panel.
Anybody have any input on this?
Thanks,

Ah, You're probably right but I'll ask before buying.

Key Features
16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 70,000:1
Motionflow 120Hz technology
Thin and slim design
BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor
HD input x 7
USB with photo and music playback capability
BRAVIA Link compatibility ®
BRAVIA Sync capable2
Light Sensor

Thanks for checking that out. My biggest concern was with the VGA input as I am running a PC into the current display I have, which has the VGA in the back.

In any case I've also found a right angle VGA adapter online at amazon that I could use in case the VGA cable did end up sticking out.

OK, I'm back on board for this one!!! (Assuming the "boss" gives her blessing...)

Well I just got back for Costco and the TV is $999.
So it would be $799.
I also looked at the 52" $300 bucks more.
The picture looked great but seamed to be pixelated with a little motion blur from about 2-3 feet away.
But where you would be sitting watching TV it looked awesome.
I would think that this TV has a dejuter feature that is making the motion blur that I saw on the DVD.?
Every review I have red said that the dejuter is worthless and with it off makes the picture look better.
In any case it looks like I will get either the 46" or if I can afford it the 52".
I just want to see some Panasonic plasma TVs.
Costco only had 2 Panasonic plasma TVs both 720P and I'm sorry to say the looked not bright and the colors were washed out looking.

BTW all the side inputs are set back about 6" like somebody else said before.
So I don't think that you would see the cables even with a thick VGA cable connected on the side.
And you can get 90 degree HDMI and VGA adaptors but I honestly don't think you will need them.

I went to Costco today just to check the set out and while I don't like the inputs on the side, they are recessed back far enough to where they wouldn't be an issue. One big thing I did notice was the picture from all angles looked really good and not washed out. I presently have the KDL-40VL160 and you have to pretty much sit directly center to the TV in order to get a good picture. As soon as you sit off center or even stand up the colors looked washed out. Before I exchange this for the KDL-46VL160 I'm going to have the dealer hook it up and see if it has the same problem and if it does I'll be getting the KDL-46VL150 from Costco.

Did either one of you find out for sure if Costco will add another 1-year warranty to this set?

Sorry, I didn't ask about it. It says on their website that they will extend the mfg. warranty by 1 year....



I thought this review was interesting...


I'm not concerned abut the TV guide thing but whats the deal with the remote? Apparently its an issue with this model?

I did notice that when playing around with the set at Costco that the side menu button didn't respond right away when you pressed them. I had to press the menu button three times before it finally popped up on the screen.

I'm considering this TV and this is an ABSOLUTE for me, as the TV will be in a cabinet that is higher than the couch (primary viewing seat) and slightly off center -- so vertical viewing angle (no fade when watching from below) is a must...

Would love to here others opinions on this as well. I will look for myself, but know that sometimes Costco has the bigger sets down at close to floor level so impossible to simulate that viewing angle.

Also, the $200 off seems to be an "instant rebate" as opposed to a coupon you need to bring to Costco... Seems like a great deal for a good TV -- would be good to find out about the warranty -- but even at 2 years, pretty sweet...

Yeah, most of their sets do sit pretty low to the floor but my set at home sits at about the same level the Costco sets do. With my 40" VL160 if I stand up and walk around the room including standing at center, the colors will be washed out. When I sit at an angle, even though its within the viewing specs of the model, the colors will be washed out. While I didn't get to view the 46" from a sitting position, I didn't get that same washed out picture when standing and viewing the set at different angles.

I did not bother to ask it says on the box 2 year warranty.


I had no problems with the side menu buttons they worked right away.
Maybe the TV you were playing around with was abused.

Yeah, it was a display model so I didn't think anything of it until I read the review on the Costco website that said the remote wasn't very responsive and that other people have had problems with the remote.

I recently bought a Vizio 55" LED 240hz from Costco a few weeks back.
I have realized it's way too big for my small living room. It's a nice TV but I feel like I'm sitting in the front row of movie theater. Costco lets you return up to 90 days which is cool but I really need a Smaller HDTV alternative. I looked at the Vizio 47" LED 240hz at $1149 but after comparing it to this Sony KDL-46VL150 and the fact that it's on Sale tomorrow for $799 makes it all the more appealing. Conversely I'm also checking on a killer-deal Samsung 52" LN52A750 for about the same kind of dollars-- $850 (Yes I know it's a 52" but it is such a killer deal). Here are it's schematics:

Product: Samsung Touch of Color LN-52A750 52 in. HDTV TV
MPN: LN52A750R1FXZA
Flat Panel Type: LCD TV
LCD Response Time: 4 ms
Screen Size: 52 inch
Digital TV Standard: HDTV Television
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 66.4 lb.
Playable File Formats: MP3, MPEG1
Digital TV Standard: HDTV - HDTV receiver is integrated.
Broadcast Format Displayed: 1080p (HDTV), 1080i (HDTV), 720p (HDTV), 480p (EDTV), 480i (SDTV)
Broadcast Format Supported: 1080p (HDTV)
Built-in Tuner: ATSC, NTSC, QAM
Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Interpolated Aspect Ratio: 14:9 Enhanced
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (16:9)
Comb Filter: 3DYC / 3D Digital
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Viewing Angle: 178
Rear Input Connectors: Component x 2, Composite x 1, HDMI x 3, Audio (RCA) x 1
Front Input Connectors: S-Video x 1, HDMI x 1
Headphone Jack: With Headphone Jack
Audio Type: Virtual Surround
MTS Stereo: SAP / MTS Stereo
Number of Speakers: 2 Speakers + Subwoofer
Speaker Power: 2 x 10 Watt
Picture in Picture: With PIP
Parental Control: V-Chip
Sleep Timer: With Sleep Timer
Energy Star Compliant: Energy Star Compliant
OSD Languages: English, French, Spanish
Dimensions: 52" x 31.7" x 4.2"
Weight: 66.4 lb.
Description: Add a Touch of Color to your entertainment experience with the LN52A750 HDTV. TOC is sure make a statement in your home. InfoLink RSS is another feature that lets you access news, weather, sports and stock information at the simple touch of a button. And Auto Motion Plus 120Hz creates an amazingly clear picture you have to see to believe.


I am new to this board and appreciate any of your comments which might help me. I'm leaning towards the Sony.

Your thoughts?

-JAB

I'm still weighing the pros and cons, but it seems like I had better make up my mind PDQ or I'll be in line behind all of you and I won't get a Sony. Here's my 2 cents for tonite. No, you don't need to bring a coupon because it's an "Instant Rebate."

I've been reading the VL150 vs VL160--8-bit vs 10 bit posts and here's what I came up with: I guess the more bits the better but take into account that the regular Sonys (as opposed to the Warehouse-only hybrids) are priced higher. The "S" series has an 8-bit board as does the "W" series. The W5100 is a true 240Hz with widgets, etc. Is 8-bit a deal breaker?

I'm still kicking around the Toshiba 46XV645U (which has a 14-bit board). It's a 120Hz that uses a back scan to produce a 240Hz effect and it seems to have more high end features. The price is about the same, so the jury is still out. I don't know, maybe it's just the picture of the tropical fish on the box.

Costco sells the 46XV640 which is close, but no cigar. The 645 may be priced the same in a couple of days.

8-bit is not a deal breaker, I would go with the VL150 over the VL160. Also, neither the W5100 or XV645U are 240 Hz sets (or even pseudo 240) they are 120 Hz.

Admittedly I am a Sony guy myself, but I must say that the A750 was one set that impressed me over the last few years. When the Samsung model got released it was the closest equivalent to the XBR4, which was impressive at the time. A couple years old now, but if uniformity is ok and the warranty is sound, not a bad option. A few more features than the VL150/V5100 for sure.

Only deal breaker for me was the reflective screen, the first real year Samsung went full on with the the window pane/mirror aesthetic.

Thanks Suspekt- Now it's between these two models:

Vizio 47" 240hz TRU-LED or Sony KDL-46VL150

Vizio is $1149 and has more features and is an bigger
Sony is $800 and side by side seems to have a better crisp picture

For $349 less it seems like a no-brainer-

Anyone?