The Official Sony 2006 KDS-(XX)A2000 [NO PRICE TALK] SXRD Owner's Thread - Page 447

Completed setting up my KDL-60EX700. Using me WDTV Live media player, I initially thought the picture somewhat artificial-looking. I feared I would prefer my SXRD, as some here have suggested.

Then I realized the WDTV Live supports 12-bit Deep Cplor processing, and that the 60EX700 has both 10-bit panel and processing. When I switched on Deep Color, the difference was immediately noticeable. Textures including skin tones became life-like, subtle differences in coloration became apparent. The color is just beautiful.

I consider myself a pretty critical viewer, and though I haven't run test videos or similar designed to reveal flaws, I did watch the dark movie Blade Runner. I can see no evidence whatsoever of flashlighting or significant uniformity issues, leading me to believe those who are seeing such flaws should consider contacting Sony for repair or replacement.

Does anyone know whether the 10-bit panel should make this much difference, or is it more likely the processing?

In any case, I just wanted to post here how pleased I am with the 60EX700, for those who may be concerned about it based on other reports. If you get a set with lighting issues, consider contacting Sony about it.

I can't get an EX500....
Here are my two offers for a 55" A2000:

KDL55EX710 $225.00 + local sales tax
KDL46NX810 $410.00 + local sales tax

Does anyone know if Sarah from FB can pull any strings on the Canadian side of things?

The EX710 deal is great. I'd snap that one up in a heartbeat. (I got a 52EX700 for $465 and love it just about twice as much as my old 50A2000.)

Umm, either you have the prices mixed up or they're offering you a GREAT deal for the 55". I paid 625+tax for that TV. It's a great TV, is there a reason you would rather have the EX500 over the EX710?

The prices are correct (copied from their email to me). Sony came back with another offer for a 60" EX700 at $500, which I ended up accepting. I agree that the $225 price is a great offer, pretty low isn't it? The 60" doesn't seem like as good of a value in comparison, but then again it's only an additional $275 for the extra five inches. My thinking is that I'll probably regret not getting the bigger screen (like I usually do). I still have some time to change my mind, what do you think 55" for $225 or 60" for $500?

After looking at both 55" models at BB, I thought the backlight was a little blue on the EX710 and viewing angles were a little better on the EX500. So that's why I was hoping to get an EX500. Subtle differences though and at the prices Sony is offering I have no reason to complain.

I read in a few places that Sony is pulling the ex500's from resellers. Likely to have inventory to cover these OB claims and to make room for new models.

Win win for sony.

....and in Canada they are just giving the OLD stock

Stick with the 60EX700, it has the 10 bit sharp panel which is better than the panel used in the ex710. The 700 is not as pretty as the 710 but it puts out a better picture most of the time. 710 uses samsung panel--which the quality varies from panel to panel. You could get one of the great ones, or not :/

Hmmn, I've got to say that I did a direct side-by-side comparison between my KDS-R60XBR1 and a new XBR-60LX900 and I think the older set hangs in there just fine. No question the new set has a sharpness advantage (and it has lots of whiz bang new features), but the SXRD beats it hands down for naturalness. Perhaps calibration will help here, but I find the older set to compare quite favorably.

Also, sound is far better from the SXRD and when will manufacturers get that a shiny screen is not a good thing. Sheesh!

Thanks for the advice. I will follow it. I am really hoping that the 60EX700 is a little better than the 55" EX710's that I've seen in the BB stores. I probably should have tried Fry's to see if they have a 60EX700 on display but didn't think of it until now.

I agree on the sound. As for picture, you must have a gem of a XBR1--because everyone else on this forum says the newer TV's crush the previous gen TV's(A2000, XBR1, XBR2) in every aspect except sound. All former XBR owners..

Well, I don't think there was/is anything special about my XBR1, perhaps I just look for different things. I remember seeing a mega-buck scaler back some 10 years ago that everyone was raving about, and thinking how bad it looked. There is a smoothness to the SXRD technology that IMO has yet to be matched by any flat panel. I use the Sony VPL-VW200 projector in my main system and have yet to see something better.

I'm not saying the LX900 isn't better (it's sharper, has better color uniformity, will accept 1080p24, has motionflow, yadda yadda), just that there are tradeoffs - and if you value a natural picture highly the choice may not be as obvious as it appears.

There is something about certain types of technology that is just very pleasing. My Sony trinitron tube TV's had a wonderful picture, but the largest screen I could get was a 34" and it weighted 200 LBS. And it was pretty dim. Plasma reminds me a lot of CRT and if you like that "look" then you might prefer plasma over LCD.

I think LCD has a lot of wow factor..very bright, punchy colors, lots of sharpness...some of this may turn off the videophiles but for most people these are desirable qualities.

I guess is depends on what you consider "natural". The SXRD is very easy on the eyes. I also consider my panasonic plasma the same way. Very easy to look at and just "natural". Incidentally, side by side I think the plasma is better than the SXRD. The new lcd's are sharper and clearer...probably better. In a "flashier" way.

Yes, you are likely right, and for what it's worth I'm keeping the LX900 and getting rid of the XBR1. Clearly most people seem to be looking for flashy these days - shoot, the new set had the brightness setting pinned as the factory default. Just cutting it down by one half made a world of difference. Perhaps I'll get used to the new set after spending some time fiddling with the various settings.

A2000 vs. EX700:

As far as "naturalness" goes, there are a few things a person could mean.

Black level goes into it. The EX700 has a superior black level, probably twice as deep (like 0.2 cdm2 vs. 0.1 cdm2).

Color is certainly a factor. Both sets have white balance menus, so they should be relatively even in this regard.

Gamma is important. In real life, we see shadow detail at very low levels of light, especially after your eyes adjust to darkness. I think the EX700 at least matches the A2000 in this. The EX700 is noted for its shadow detail.

"Screen Effects" are hard to define but important. People talk about the "silk screen" effect of RPTVs. The A2000 certainly had a sparkle to it. I didn't mind it myself. I had always been annoyed by what I felt was "Screen door effect" - it was easy to see pixels for me both on LCD and Plasma. I was worried that this would be the case on my replacement EX700. Happily, it wasn't. Although pixels are easier to see within 1 foot than the SXRD, at a normal viewing distance (~8 feet) they are invisible. Uniformity is an issue on both sets - hotspotting on the SXRD and flashlighting on the EX700. I think this is a wash.

So, in conclusion, as long as you don't have it in torch mode, Sony's LCD sets are pretty easy to get into a "natural" mode that competes well with SXRD. SXRD has less visible pixels, while LCD has better blacks.

OK so instead of basing my input off of what other people write about the EX700, I will write my own experience now that I have the TV.
Its a 60EX700 that replaces a 50A2000.
First-
Size--60 vs 50. Not an issue like I thought it would be. I like the bigger size and my kids love it.

Color---I am struggling a bit trying to get natural colors from the Ex700 but I am getting closer. I have tried multiple settings from different threads and I think every panel is different. I will probably calibrate it with a blu ray calibration DVD.

Black level---Hard to say if its better than the A2000 because the set is very bright. It probably is but it doesnt blow me away like my plasma. Yes the whites are much brighter than a plasma but I prefer the black level of plasma overall.

Ive watched some sports and everything is pretty darn crisp. Lots of detail--I dont think theres any blurring, not that I can notice.

Sound--in comparison to the A2000--awful. This TV has the cheapest, tinniest sound from any TV I have ever owned. Nothing a soundbar wont fix.

Naturalness of picture--its hard to put this into words but there is a smoothness that the SXRD and my plasma have that this set doesn't. The other sets are just easier on the eyes. To a certain degree I feel like I am watching a giant computer monitor as opposed to a Television, if that makes sense. Not sure how to change this..

But heres the biggest issue, on an all black screen and in dark scenes I see a lot of backlight bleed around the edges and flashlighting all over the screen. On lighter scenes its non existant but to me it is very noticeable.
I am going to try to have sony replace it. I assume even though this is a replacement TV the same type of warranty applies. Has anyone returned their replacement tv ?
I know the amount of money I paid for the replacement is a great deal and all but I would rather spend twice as much and get a new plasma if this is what edge lit lcd looks like. I cant imagine everyone is having the same issues--I think some panels just may not be that great. Not sure why it varies from set to set, but it seems like it does. Even with the vaunted sharp panels.

I tried the above but I couldn't get into the service menu.

I turn the power off. then I press display. then 5, then vol up, then power the tv on.

I tried holding down all buttons (Display, 5, Vol+) and that didn't work either.

What is the correct sequence/method for getting into service menu?

Just in case anyone is on pins and needles waiting for their TV, the TV's get air shipped from Chicago's O'Hare Airport and due to weather conditions, well there have been delays.

My letter was received yesterday in Fort Meyers, FL and it was opened today. There is now a temp. charge for ~$500 on my credit card. I called Sony for a tracking number and was told that the loading date for my TV is next Tuesday, which is when a tracking number will be available. Once it gets loaded, I think it's a direct flight to LAX so it should be here in 24 hours. Unfortunately, Sony's emails arrive several days after the event has occurred so they are not helpful.

I am hoping that the 60EX700 is about the same as the 60LX900 I have now, which is also pretty poor but it is listenable. I added a sound bar to the LX900 because it is in the family room, but I was thinking about forgoing it for the 60EX700 which is going in a bedroom.

Nevermind. I can now get into the service menu!

But now I'm trying to confirm how to reset the lamp hours on my KDS60A200 Sony TV.

I can get to Panel Service, Item 21 "Timer" by pressing Jump, then the number 2. I can then press 1 to cycle between 0 LMP, and 2 OPERAT, with LMP showing 8067 hours, and OPERAT showing 8168 hours.

Apparently I then am supposed to press '3', then 'mute', then 'enter', to write.

But nothing happens - it might write something - but maybe I'm writing to the wrong place, or wrong keycode.

I don't want to do something silly here - anyone here have the correct operation to reset the lamp hours?

Thanks!!

You can reset the hours in the regular settings menu

Care to share how that is done, step by step?

On the remote hit the menu button
Click on settings and scroll down to the filing cabinet icon(last one on the bottom)
Enter that menu and scroll down to "lamp replacement"
Hit start
Hope that helps, I just changed my bulb @ 7200 hrs and reset the timer in the regular user menu
Cheers
J

YESSS!!! I've finally been authorized to get a new tv from best buy! As most of you have known or have been ignoring, for the past almost 3 months I have gone through hell with bb in an attempt to get my sxrd not only looked at, but replaced rather than have the OB fixed for the fourth time. After dozens of 45+ min phone calls, being lied to by one tech who confirmed w/ me the tv was defective but told BB nothing was wrong with it, working on getting a second opinion along with being told i was no longer covered and/or that I would have to pay for a new tech to look at the tv and cover all repairs then get reimbursed by best buy, and last nearly giving up on BB and just going straight through Sony, all this hell has finally payed off!

Now, all i have to do is take my sxrd to a best buy w/ my original receipt (thank god i have both) and argue with them that all the new sets are lacking features the sxrd has (Pc input on some for my HTPC, S-video on most for my older gaming systems, along with a few other things) and hopefully get my full purchase price back! Thanks for putting up with me everyone and hopefully my next post will be an update on the replacement tv and not BB screwing me over again!

I really hope everything works out for you and you're not just counting your chickens before the eggs hatch. I would hate to hear you went through all the trouble of bringing your TV all the way to BB just to be told they have no idea what you're talking about. Good luck!!!

I believe they will replace the tv with a comparable model under the lemon clause. Comparable does not mean exact...just that it shares enough similar traits for comparison.
You'll need to read your warranty and find out if the plan features any provision for a full or partial cash settlement. Most don't.

I know exactly what you mean. With everything i've gone through, i wouldn't put it past them, but atleast i have an authorization code so i'm feeling confident that i won't have too much trouble here on out.

I don't have the pamphlet on me right now but do at home and since i have the old Product Service Plan(PSP coverage) not the new black tie warranty, it is possible to get the full refund back. I've read the whole pamphlet up and down quite a few times and if i recall, it says something like "The replacement model will be a unit that meets or exceeds the original manufacturers specifications. If a replacement product is not found, a refund equivelant to the original purchase price will be refunded in the form of a gift card, store credit, or check in the mail. Due to technilogical advancements, the replacement model may have a lower selling price than the original product."

I've looked at all models that would be "comparable" and all i can find is a mitsubishi dlp which all lack PC inputs that i need to hook up my HTPC. Other tv's lack s-video connections that i use to hook up my old gaming consoles and i'm not willing to not only search the internet to find composite cables but also to downgrade PQ since standard def looks bad enough as it is. Then some other tv's lack a gaming mode that I want to reduce on screen lag so i game game w/o delay. Which leaves 2 models: a Toshiba 55" and Insignia 55", but both only have optical audio out and my receiver only accepts analog red/white so i'm not about to buy a new receiver...leaving no tv's that meet the original specifications. I've thought this through for a long time if you can't tell . The only thing i'm debating with myself now, is if i should wait for the new models and buy a new one or get a 2010 model....decisions, decisions.

Your experience only reinforces the negative opinion I already have of both Best Buy and extended warranties.

I may have missed an earlier post, but why are you going through Best Buy when Sony is offering replacement LCD TV's for a few hundred dollars?