The Official Kd-34xbr960 Thread - Page 6

Rizzle, let us know when you get it! I'm amazed it's being sent out before 7/2. Did they give you a tracking number so you can confirm it was shipped out?

How long ago did you put your order in?

Getting excited about your Order RJB? CC should be getting them soon as well.. Today i am going to pre-order it. I wonder when the general public will get this set... soon I hope

Yes, I got a tracking number. No updates on their shipping tracker, it won't be updated until Monday. I preordered it on June 1st on SonyStyle.com. Does anyone know where the SonyStyle warehouse is located.

So dont buy it IGREG.. sony wont go out of business because of you. You still fail to realize the 960 has been updated. Standard cable should look BETTER on this set then even a Non-hdtv.

Do you think most of those people commenting read this forum? I bet not. I also bet that they did not go out and buy the Avia or DVE dvd to calibrate this set. Most newer sets need calibration.

The 960 can now store preset settings for each input. That voids half of those comments. The other half is void by the new tech in the 960 to increase standard cable.

This "Igreg" person is new. Perhaps a Panasonic TROLL???

So, where are you seeing that SD is improved on this set? I agree about non-hd material on a HD set. Even on a $16,000 Runco Plasma, HD=stunning SD= Crap

bob

From the sonystyle webpage:

"Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction V1 Circuitry raises standard definition signals to HD quality via a digital bit mapping process, which is user adjustable. The end result? A display of clear, stable images from any video source."

I sure hope so

bob

Thanks, Rizzle. Congratulations on probably getting one of the first available.

Yes, Jamison, I am getting anxious. I can't wait. I hope you get yours soon also.

..guy at tweeter checked their computer in a nearby burb of chicago, said the 960 will be at his store july 7th...my 960 is on order from sony for a replacement, so anytime before the end of august and I'll be happy...right now I'm convincing my wife she doesn't need comcast's on-screen guide so i can get the cablecard instead...it's an uphill battle (as most of them are with her)..teehee

DRC is NOT new...maybe new to the 34" models but my 40XBR800 has DRC and overall it's not terribly impressive. If you're counting on DRC to solve the poor SD issue on HD sets then you might want to wait untill you can see one in the stores before you hand over $2000.

Interesting how some folks are so adamantly defending the virtues of a set that hasn't been seen or reviewed yet and relying on Sony's own marketing material as their support Of course Sony is going to claim it's an improvement over the previous model. I hope the 960 is a significant improvement, but I think I'll reserve my judgement untill I can actually form an objective opinion.

Happy to hear that the sets are actually starting to ship as scheduled...keep us updated Rizzle.

No Doubt TH3.... Marketing?Maybe..most likely not though. The 910 was a breakthrough on the widescreen tv set industry. It blew away all the competitors. Most websites list the 910 as the #1 set. Will the 960 replace the 910 as the BEST Hdtv out there? Yes! Many of the features that the 910 lacked, the 960 improved and then some.

Im sure the DRC may not be perfect, hence the reason its user adjustable. Once calibrated, this set will look amazing on Standard cable.

I see you bought a 40xbr800. I heard about that monster. Thats why they are not releasing a updated model. Your hopes was dashed when you bought that set. AND thats why you are so doubtfull on the ability of the 960. You spent all that money and now comes something SO MUCH better. Stop being envious. You should have done your homework before you bought that 4:3 set.

Well, my friend, please refrain your negative comments (not proven) to another thread.

We KNOW, once calibrated properly, the 910 is a stunning set. The 960 is an IMPROVEMENT on this model. 'NUFF SAID.

PS:Sony does not have to claim anything. Just download the manual and you will see for yourself all the improvements. This is not FICTION. Its Fact. Its not marketing, its Reality. The 960 is an updated version of the 910. we know how great that set it. We will NOT be let down on this amazing set when it comes out.

PPS: Whats all these threads that you start about dissing the 960? From comparisons to release dates... come on now, stop dissing the 960! Im starting to smell a TROLL....

I don't believe I've ever "dissed" the 960 or 910. In fact, I can pull up a thread where I suggested that the 960 would be the best tube Sony has ever made and just might be the finest display of any type on the market once it is released. My point was simply that if you are expecting DRC to be the SD savior then you might want to wait and check it out for yourself before you committ to an opinion. The 960 is indeed an upgrade to a fine HD tube and the many improvements are listed in the manual as you have pointed out. But as I've said before, I'll reserve judgement until I see how those improvements translate from paper to the reality of PQ.

My only real concern with your statements is where you say "Once calibrated, this set will look amazing on Standard cable." That is a very bold statement indeed since no other HD display that I'm aware of has ever been able to pull this off...although "amazing" is a matter of opinion. I for one hope you are right, but again, I can't start preaching it until I see it for myself. Please don't misconstrue my statements as bashing the 960, I'm simply maintaining an open mind and waiting for Sony to prove that the 960 is everything they claim it will be. I hope that you are right and the dream of great SD PQ on an HD display becomes a reality. I'll be happy to admit that you were right all along.

Yes, I have a 40XBR800. My disappointment has nothing to do with the PQ...it's fantastic on DVD, HD, and most other digital content. some SD and especially analog leaves something to be desired, but that's the case with most HD displays on the market. I am one of the unfortunate ones to have the color impurity "green blob" issue, otherwise I'd be completely satisfied with the set. I did indeed do my homework and decided to take a chance with the 40XBR800 since it would be the right set for me as long as the color purity problems didn't come my way (and I got called on that one). I'd get great 40" 4:3 content and still have a 37" 16:9 display for HD and DVD...best of both worlds considering how much SD we still watch at this point. I never considered the 910 because it is too small for my situation, so no, I'm not at all envious. I actually have a 34XBR960 on the way as replacement for the 40". Yes, it's still too small but I figured it would be easier to sell a new model that I hope will be the best on the market (not to mention 100lbs lighter ) than another 40".

I don't have a problem with you or your opinions, I just think that you are absolutely certain of something that is uncertain until proven. Will the 960 be an inprovement over a fine tube...certainly. Will the 960 have better SD PQ than previous sets and maybe all other sets on the market...probably. Will the 960 be the ultimate HD tube and satisfy us in every way...probably not but I'd be happy to be proven wrong. Only time will tell.

I'm not having any luck getting a KD34XBR960 ordered in San Diego.

I've been to two CC's, and while they have a price in their system significantly lower than SonyStyle, they aren't showing any warehouse stock or an ETA. At both CC's I went to, the sales people didn't show any interest in letting me pre-order, and insisted that I couldn't order one until they showed stock in a warehouse. They also had never heard of this TV, and had no clue as to when they would ever arrive.

I visited one GG, which would allow a pre-order, and expected company stock in early July (they could actually pull up and show me the total number on order for the whole company). However, they didn't have a lower price than SonyStyle. They also would not price-match CC's price because CC doesn't have the TV in stock yet.

I visited one Best Buy, and they do not carry XBR. They could pull it up in their system (quoted same price as SonyStyle), but insisted that they could not actually sell them.

So, I'm basically stuck in a holding pattern. I want to order the TV now, at the CC price, but can't seem to get it done.... Frustrating!

Check at Frys, they carry Sony XBRs and price-match.

Thanks for the idea. But I think they have a restocking fee, which is a killer issue for me.

CC and GG have a no restocking fee 30-day return policy.

I don't plan on returning the TV, but as this will by first 16:9 TV, I want to be able to return it if neccessary. I've agonized for a year as to whether it would be better to get 4:3 or 16:9, I fully understand the tradeoffs, and I've decided on 16:9. But, I want to be able to return it with no hassles if I get it home and on 4:3 material on it drives my family crazy, or it's too small for my room, etc. [Please, I'm not trying to drive this thread to an aspect format or screen size debate - there are plenty of other threads on that...]

At first circuit city would not pre-order for me eithor. Their system will not allow you to order the set untill it his their warehouse. Their is a loophole however that both I and RJB used. Convince the saleman to have the set shipped to the store and then delivered to your house. By doing this, you CAN pre-order it. When I first tried to pre0order the salesman said I cant do that. I talked to the manager and he told me the only way you can preorder is to ship it to the store first.. Try that. Should work. IMO CC should be getting the set VERY soon. Sony started to ship the set to sonystyle customers already.

Hurray up though has 2 deals about to expire July 1.

1.) 0% percent and No payments untill March 2006- apply for the sony card through CC. (You have to buy a HTIB with this offer. BUT sony sends you a rebate form worth $400)

2.)0% for 18 months.

THAT MEANS THE FIRST 16 WILL BE HERE BY THURSDAY!!!

TO EVERYONE ON THE LIST, I WILL BE CONTACTING YOU SOON FOR SHIPPING THESE OUT TO YOU BEFORE CC GETS IT IN STOCK!!

TODAY IS A GREAT MONDAY ALREADY.

Can someone tell me the difference in quality between the various HTIB systems that are available? I was originally thinking about upgrading my home theater with an Onkyo TX-SR601 receiver, an HSU VTF-2 subwoofer, and speakers from Ascend Acoustics. Would one of these HTIB system approach what I was planning to get in sound quality?

Unless your a rep at CC (which your not).. How would you know? Your a merchant against CC. CC and Sony both have an agreement. Logically speaking CC and you should get the set the same time.... which means CC should get it on Thursday or sooner! ( Im hoping)

I have several ex-employees that work at CC..

Ed, I have the Ascend system and I am very happy with it. I seriously doubt any HTIB would come close. However, you may want to audition them and see for yourself.

JamisonBWolsh,
Read the fine print at CC for the TV's "Up to 10% off $499 and Up, Plus 18 months no interest excludes outlet...and Sony XBR
Sony XBR!!!

This is on CC's Home/Televsion page and has been there for some time.

RJB,

Which specific speakers and receiver do you have?

Thanks for the tip. My problem has been finding a competent salesperson at CC - next time I'll ask for the manager. They've been very busy during my visits, and I always seem to end up with someone coming over from the Walkman department....

Basically, I have no love for CC versus GG, but CC is offering the best price (pre-haggling) which in my book earns them the sale. (I'm a big fan of price matching, but I figure I should be giving my business to the store that offers the best price up-front.)

Delivering to the store first is no problem for me. I want to pick it up from the store anyway. I've got a big family members who can help me unload it from the minivan at home. Can do on my own schedule, and saves delivery $$$.

Weetoots,

Thats for the 10 percent off....
the 18 months 0 percent is VALID for the 960. I actually used that deal before I returned to get the Sony deal at cc.

edstalnaker,

Look into the son-6600dp HTIB. Not only does is come with 5 speakers and a reciever, it includes a 5 disc dvd progressive player. Sony will mail you a 400 dollar rebate for this system if you purchase the 960 at the same time. Great deal! System may not be as good as RJb's, but you cannot beat the price (practically free after CC sale price)

Have we established who this person actually is?

Exactly where is "here" that the first 16 sets willwill be? Are you an authorized Sony dealer? Please provide your web site or some other useful information.

Here's the deal I got:

XBR960 10% off CC price (which is lower than Sony Style's price)
18 months
free basic delivery

HT6600 home theater
10% off CC price
will get $400 rebate from Sony

I had no problem special ordering the set.

Great deal. Any idea how you got the 10% off? What I read says that it does not apply to XBR's or Wega's. Thanks for any insight. Has anybody in the Tampa area gotten this deal? I would be willing to do some travelling for this deal.

Gordon

Ed, I have the 170's in front and back (4), the 340 for the center, and the HSU VTF 2 subwoofer. My receiver is just a run-of-the-mill Yamaha 6.1. I really think the Ascends are a great value. I assume you've seen the ascend forum (www.ascendforum.com)?

anyone have any idea how functional the on-screen program guide will be. Specifically, how does it compare to say the comcast interactive program guide?