Official Sony HX929 Owner's thread (46HX929, 55HX929, 65HX929) No Price Talk - Page 478

Hi guys,

Happy owner of a 46HX920 since a couple of months, I tried several settings (CNET, Flatpanel, etc) for colour balance but I finally went backto the default settings from Sony.

Rizzo, could you please PM me your own settings so I can check if they are to my taste. Many thanks.


Otherwise, I'm pretty curious about the HX950 and especially how it will perform against the HX920. I'm not sure that twice the number of zones will be enough to justify an upgrade (especially when I see the Elite or the Toshiba ZL1, having even more zones but without outclassing the Sony).

Maybe the slightly better contrast and reduced blooming, the better 3D (based on HX850 results) and the extra size will convince me to upgrade in some times. But OLED is also getting closer, so..

Use other people's cals just as example. But it's not gospel. Choose what you like. I've had to turn off some features like LED contrast auto-adustment and white balance settings that are fine when just watching Blu-ray or Cable HD, but not so good when playing games. Just depends.

I loved the blacks when I had the old settings. But I just didn't like the way it dimmed the set when i didn't want it to. I'm willing to give up a tiny bit of true black in exchange for a more stable contrast for all content.
Edited by Digital_View - 9/3/12 at 7:55pm

The i-Manual or Product Support menu? If not, let me know what the key sequence is for the "service manual" I can look.

You're not being too picky, and it's not your fault Sony doesn't use A+ LCD panels. They charge a premium for their so-called top of the line products, but don't have the same quality control of a company who takes pride in craftsmanship, like Apple does.

LOL. Oh really?

go visit any apple forum after any new product release...

Yes, although the forums are frequently filled with trolls and nitpickers. Also, many of the so-called issues wind up not being issues at all, like the "squeeze the case reception fiasco". While Apple does also have some real problems, I would say that overall, Apple far exceeds Sony in terms of overall QC, although Apple seems far better on hardware than software. I haven't heard of any issues with the new Retina Mac Book Pro or the various recent iPads, although there was a recent monitor issue, i think.

Overall, my Macs have behaved flawlessly over the years. When I finally gave away my October 1999 G4 tower in 2009, it was still working perfectly. You just couldn't use it to edit video or very large Photoshop files. Most PCs I've used have gotten tossed after a few years. My 2009 MBP works perfectly (aside from the issue below) and as well as any brand new PC laptop that I've seen to date.

But Mountain Lion, the latest OS, does have some real issues that Apple hasn't addressed as yet. On my machine, it causes occasional freezes and has shortened battery life and other users have reported the same.

The point I'm trying to make is that Apple handpicks each LCD panel that goes into their Cinema Displays. That's something Sony OBVIOUSLY doesn't do.

I would say that the main problem here is that Sony charges for "Ultra premium" but doesn't deliver it. Well, at least not to everyone. Sitting in front of my HX923, I see 2 things, the best image on the market (we don't have the Elite over here so I have never seen that) and...a stuck pixel. And this is my THIRD set, so it is not just a one time thing. I realize that there are other picture defects which are just nothing to do about, like every LCD that doesn't have IPS panels have bad viewing angels, but broken pixels in 2 out of 3 TVs...don't think so.

Have you run a pixel flipper program ?

I was in Best Buy just now and was asking about their replacement policy for bad pixels. I was told they will send someone to your house to see if it's bad enough to replace, but it has to be a certain percentage of pixels (about an inch worth on a 55" tv). So no returns on just 1 or 2. He said that usually when one goes bad many more will follow, then you get a new tv. Does that sound right? Never heard this before.

Btw, they said they are matching any online price today (Labor Day) and dropped the 55" 929 price by some $500 on the spot (cheaper than Amazon) but they only offer a 4 year warranty and it's more expensive than Amazon's 5 year warranty.

I know tvs in showrooms don't always have the best settings, but the panny VT plasma looked a lot better than the 929 when I had them hook up both to the same source, (the VT was using the 'Vivid' setting). I had them switch the VT to THX mode which is supposed to be almost correctly calibrated, but it looked dark and dull, almost unwatchable. Not sure I would want it that way all the time.

After nearly 4 years with an XBR8, it developed the dreaded thin horizontal black lines problem. I recently bought a Panny VT50, and so far, I'm regretting it and I may return it for a HX929 or maybe a newer Sony LCD.

Comparing the XBR8 to the VT50, this is what I see, but I also use my TV as a HTPC, so that might be slightly different usage than most:
Fade to black transition scenes are blacker on the Sony; it is notably a non-black dark gray on the Panny
Plasma dithering. Holy cow! It is like another layer of film grain applied to everything. It may not be so obvious during movie & TV show playback, but in a HTPC world with windows that should be a constant color, it is dancing all over the place
Image retention and burn-in is an issue on the plasma
Flicker on the plasma, *ouch*, it hurts my eyes, even at 1080p60 it is much more painful than the Sony. 1080p24 doubled to 48 Hz is extremely painful, but is better at 96 Hz.
Horizontal image smear: For example, in the end credits of Hangover 2, there are mini-scenes next to scrolling credits, and you can see the brightness smear horizontally from the credits into the image, and you can see the impact scroll up with the credits.
The Panny does do better showing bright and dark objects right next to each other.

I thought the Panny VT50 would be a good TV, but after living with an XBR8 so long, I'm probably going to have to return the VT50 for an HX929 or newer Sony model.

I've never heard of this either but it probably depends on the core source of a defective pixel. Maybe they're referring to a panel that is slowly dying where the defect is first detected as a bad pixel that spreads across the screen. FWIW, in my personal experience with LCDs (both monitors and TVs) most of mine had a dead pixel or developed a dead pixel and they never ever progressed any further, even years down the road. So by the sounds of it BestBuy, at least from what they're telling you, isn't going to cover dead pixels unless something major happens to the panel whereby large swaths of pixels become defective which as I mentioned earlier is something that rarely happens to begin with.

I remember back when the XBR4 came out it was a real breakthrough in LCD tech. Same with the 81 series Samsung (if I remember the number correctly - it used gloss screen though). Both sets had finally solved the could/triple ball/grey black problems that LCD had been suffering from for years (the XBR2, although nice looking had real bad clouding issues). Most people that had HDTVs didn't have true 1080p/120Mhz/24fps at the time so when those two sets came out it satisfied 95% of avs forum members (yes, the obsessive compulsive types like me - IT MUSST BE PERFECT or I WILL DIE! lol). The only people still complained in the XBR4/5 forums where the ones that were getting lemons (certain models built in Mexico; production issue). Certainly not the majority.

My XBR4 has minor clouding. From a scale of 0-zero clouding to 10-max clouding (does this even exist?) I would say my XBR4 was a 2. Very minor. My new LED based/HX929 55" has more clouding than my XBR4. I would say it ranks around a 4. But I remember hearing that those that were familiar with the behavior of LCDs need to experiment with the LED backlighting because it will accentuate or exaggerate any flaws your set may have. Since I was aware of this before buying the 929 I was prepared.

When I got the set...what I noticed from the get-go was that the BLACKS WERE AMAZING (just like Plasma)! But boy, was this set very sensitive to blacks and whites; I had to learn how to rein in the LED backlighting auto features and white balance. Currently I've managed to find a sweet spot for much better blacks than my XBR4 although not as black as the default settings that initially wowed me. Now, it's true that this set does have more clouding than my XBR4, but on both sets what I've noticed is that the clouds only appear on transitional signals not when content that is dark is actually being sent to the TV. For example, if I turn off my PS3 or activate a game there's a breif moment when there is no signal and it is then when you see the clouds. Also, when watching Comcast HD, during commercial breaks you might get a change where it goes from Dolby 5.1 to mono (or less than 720p) where the fade to black are absent an HD signal. So, 99% of the time I never see the clouds. Not unless i want to purposely make my self go crazy and turn off the cable box or PS3 and turn up the LED backlighting and just stare at the flaws! 8/

Now to be fair, dead pixels would drive me crazy since it's right on the screen when I watching transmitted content. I'd have to see the flaw to actually make a decision. But when the set arrived I checked immediately for any obvious issues. I found none that jumped out at me so I was good to go. If had found a dead pixel I would have returned it day 2 since the drivers said that they would replace it no problem as long as I saved the boxes for a few days. I can't remember if they offered to bring boxes if I had thrown them out. Nevertheless, so far so good.

One of the things that gorthocar said above is that he just bought a Panny. I'm sure that each HDTV maker has their own issues, I'm just not willing to go to another brand just to learn all about their "quirks." I just want the best picture I can buy in a 55" package. It's not like it broke the bank. I paid less for my HX929 55" than my XBR4 46" (can't give specifics for fear of getting yelled at by the mods). Anyways, over the last 25 years, I've tried NEC, Samsung, Gateway, and Dell (which outsources their panels to Sharp, LG or Samsung). I usually go with Dell. Yes, even over the Apple Cinema Displays. I've settled for the two of their 2nd tier Dell U2412 over the top-of-the-line Dell flagship U2410. Hell, I don't even know what panel they use in this one. Probably the Samsung one. Either way, for HDTV and CRTs (in the past) I've tried Hitachi, Samsung and Sharp. But for some reason I keep coming back to Sony (Trinitron and Bravia only -- I didn't buy during the Wega line).

improwise, I hoep you get your deal pixel issue fixed since any flaw in the screen when content is being transmitted would drive me crazy. But if you move on to another brand it would be understandable.

New ones, hopefully

I'm setting up a new residence; I have an XBR55 HX929 (and an XBR4 46") in the old place that is staying there.

I shopped around this last weekend, credit-card in hand, but didn't see anything decent. I considered just getting a big 65 or 70 Samsung to hold me over til the 950 comes out, but even after figuring out the right model and size, and factoring in the Labor Day offer of a free 32" tv with any 60 or bigger - seriously - I realized I didn't want to learn a whole new universe of settings considerations just to get an inferior picture to the Sony 929's.

So it looks like I am going to have to buy another 55" HX929 because there are no 65's and I can't wait til the 950 ships in November for a television. Sony prices - everywhere - are reduced by five bills - through September 6th - that's nice but I wish they had 65's still.

When the price is the same everywhere, does it make any difference where you get it? I can pick it up locally at Video And Audio Center or order online. I have my own installer so that doesn't enter into it.

Unfortunately yes, but it still stuck

If it hadn't been for my past experience, it would have been a no brainer just to have this set replaced, but this panel is so much better than the one in the previous one, and I am afraid I will get another bad panel instead of a bad pixel. To be honest, if there had been any good alternative to the HX929 I would probably have given up on Sony by now, but the fact is that I have yet to find a TV that can compete (Sharp Elite isn't available over here). Disregarding the stuck pixel, the picture quality is AMAZING.

Yes it is, and you just have to learn to look past the stuck pixel and in time it will become much less noticeable or evident. You see it now cause your constantly looking for it.

In Europe, Sony seem to have a "zero dead pixel" policy, I am surprised that isn't the case in the US, is it so?

Just for giggles, has anyone tried the Disney WOW disc's "Pixel Flipper"? I haven't had a need to do it on anything yet, but it would be interesting if it helps.... I plan on using it as one of my calibration tools as needed. Would be interested in any feedback on its successes, if anyone has experienced it.

Here's what the "enclosed" book that came with it says, "The Pixel Flipper is a tool that will exercise all of the pixels on your screen. Each and every pixel will be turned on and off between 24 and 29 times per second. The Pixel Flipper attempts to fix plasma burn-in and repair stuck LCD pixels. Pleaes note that not all pixel issues can be corrected by this process. At a minimum, it is recommended that you run the Pixel Flipper for at least 1 hour. If this does not correct the problem you are having, you may want to try running the Pixel Flipper overnight. ..."

T.

I had to double check your post to see if it was in fact I who wrote it, because I agree 100% with everything you say. Plasma Dithering (which I think is perhaps not dithering but "pixel noise", PWN but could be wrong) is something that is very obvious to me, even on TV/movies. Not as bad as the VT30, but still something I see (and feel) even from a couple of meters away, and I have always been a bit surprised that I am the only one to see it.

Actually, I don't notice it that much to be honest. at least not during TV/movies. I can find it if I look for it though. When doing web browsing etc (static white background) it is much more obvious though, but perhaps then it doesn't do to much harm either. It's more a matter of principle, I've never had bad pixels before (at least not what I know of), despite the fact that I buy a lot of computers, screens, smartphones etc. Now I have had 2 out of 3 TVs from Sony with it, and based on the pricetag, I feel that Sony has kind of promised me a problem free set. But, as I said before, I am quite certain that I would be much more frustrated with a bad panel with all pixels working, than a good panel with 1 broken pixel. But should I really have to choose between 2 bad things...that is what I am trying to figure out for myself. But I am more and more considering keeping this TV.

Can someone please tell which wall stand is suitable for the 65HX923, or rather, which VESA standard? My retailer claims VESA 800x600, but I've seen postings that it is VESA 400x300?

I can't believe this thread has 478 pages...I've been researching 55" sets for a few weeks now and have read up on the LG LM7600 and Samsung ES7500. During a trip to Best Buy, I noticed the Sony HX850 and was impressed, although it did seem to be one of the dimmest sets in the Magnolia room (low contrast ratio?), and the whites seemed slightly lacking.

Naturally I began reading up on the HX850 here at AVS, and learned of the HX929. I am going to attempt to read parts of this thread, but it's overwhelming. I read the Sound + Vision magazine review of the 929, as well as some others that weren't as glowing.

I'm hoping the 929 owners here can help me out as I continue reading about the 929...some questions I have:

1) Besides the Elite, does the 929 have the unquestioned best picture quality on the market now? (Non Plasma)

2) If so, does it blow the Samsung ES7500, ES8000, and LG LM7600 out of the water in 2D?

3) Does the HX 929 have the ability to get brighter than the HX850?

4) How is the 3D on the 929? I've read mixed opinions on this.

All replies would be welcomed. I'm looking for a 55" set and I don't want to take a set home and be unhappy.

In the meantime, I look forward to your responses, and going back to see the 929 with my own eyes.
Edited by scott128 - 9/4/12 at 2:47pm

1. No, but it is one of the best.
2. No, but I would say it noticeable better
3. Don't know, but I would guess that both can be bright enough for any need and that it was more a matter of settings on the HX855 you saw
4. I would say decent, even though it's hard to say without having seen the same material on any other set

I am only going to answer number 3: I recently purchased a 55HX850 and had it for 3 weeks before I returned it for the 55" 929. The colors were richer and deeper on the 929 compared to the 850. I have a XBR46HX909 in our bedroom and I was comparing it to the 850 and no matter how I adjusted the settings on the 850 at least to me and the wife the colors just were not as deep and rich looking. Then I went to the Sony store and they had the 929 next to the 850 on the wall displaying the same HD feed and the settings were the same. The color difference was there. Don't get me wrong the 850 is a good set but to me and the wife the 929 was the one we wanted. I also have a Pioneer Elite PRO-141FD in our main viewing area and I will say the 929 is a great set but I still love my Pioneer Elite.

1) Besides the Elite, does the 929 have the unquestioned best picture quality on the market now? (Non Plasma) Subjective Question; No Right Answer

2) If so, does it blow the Samsung ES7500, ES8000, and LG LM7600 out of the water in 2D? Subjective Question; No Right Answer

3) Does the HX 929 have the ability to get brighter than the HX850? Subjective Question; No Right Answer Go check out a side-by-side at Magnolia

4) How is the 3D on the 929? Subjective Question; No Right Answer

As you can see, it is YOUR EYES that matter. Asking these type of questions only reveals ones question or trust in ones own eyes.

It's your money; it's your happiness...don't rely on others to tell you what to think.

Thank you for the reply! I edited my post because I forgot to add that I mean best picture quality in non-plasma sets.

The 850 I saw was set to Vivid, with the Backlight at 10. They gave me the remote, but I wasn't able to make adjust it higher than 10.

The 929 should not be viewed in Vivid mode if your interested in accuracy.

Bullhockey put a bright light on someone like a video is shot on the news lets say. vivid is excatly what it looks like. not some pinkish 6500k dull washed out sharpness set to 0 (so we can sell some dim plasma) looking dull image. i will not trust some person over my own eyes. Whoever they think they are. Why do you think lcds out sell plasma? Because people go into stores where there all playing on vivid and buy the dull drab dim one NOT LOL. u arecery people crack me up and the simps that trust some edegamcatied idiot over there own eyes. Spend 400 dollars for some one to make there tv pink and dull. ah the power of suggestion.LOL.
Rave own. I love my 929. and every one that sees it goes wow . Hell it still amazes me.
p.s. be sure to turn off the motion enhancement so you can watch people skip across the screen with all there jerky smearedness.. LOL LOL
YEP it looks like a FILM lol shot in the 30s but nothing like real life.

I saw the 850 in Vivid mode, not the 929. I didn't know about the 929 until after the visit. On the 850, I tried adjusting the settings, but only saw Standard, Custom and Vivid. I was hoping to set it to Cinema 1. I am now interested in the 929.