Sony Bravia KDL-V32XBR2 LCD

Yes, I'm considering the Sony as well, but like you, not pleased with only one HDMI connection and no DVI, the Samsung 32" 92-96 models have 2 HDMI inputs. Another faux pas by Sony perhaps. And I think that you would pay a premium just for the Sony name as compared to Samsung.

When both units start to appear at big box retailers, hopefully soon, will just have to compare PQ and price and then decide if the input configuration would tip the decision one way or the other.

As of now, however, I'm leaning toward the Sammy. I had a Wega CRT some years back and was not happy with the sound quality (horrible) and the fact that the S-video input on the back simply quit working.

ChadB

I am also waiting for this set but its not looking too good for this tv. Going by the specs they listing so far i see no Game mode and no mention of a qam tuner. the V2500 1080p doesnt have game mode and it looks like this one is no goin to either. I am still wondering since it doent have game mode i migh as well buy an XBR1 that come with a quam tunner and its about $400 cheaper. They might not have finalize the specs but since the V2500 40" ( more expensive) are not gonna have these modes its safe to say V32XBR2 wont.

I purchased the XBR1 in June and had reservations about only 1 HDMI but IMO component works just as well as HDMI for the STB leaving the HDMI available for HD DVD someday. I love my XBR1. If it's still available I would recommend you buy it.

Yeah am gonna wait for the final specs before I make my decision. Another thing that has me concerned is its listed repond time. They clearly state 8ms Grey to Grey. I had the S2000 with the same repond time and I could notice a slight blur. Not bad by just a small blur. If this set doesnt have game mode it will make my decition harder. I want to see the Sharp 50U in person but I can find a store near me with it on display. BTW Sharp measures repond time black to black so their sets are better for games.

Yea, I was not too impressed by the motion blur that I noted on the Bravia XBR 1. Great color and sharpness overall, though reviewers have said that there is noted red push. We will see.

I'm interested in buying a 32" HDTV, and I'm wondering if the current 32" XBR1 might not be a better TV overall than the upcoming XBR2 model. Comparing the specs closely between the two, here's what I find to be of significance:

1. The XBR2 claims a better contrast ratio -- 1700:1 vs. 1300:1 for the XBR1.

2. The XBR2 has a "Steady Sound® Automatic Volume Control" which is not listed as a feature on the XBR1. this sounds like a nice thing to have to keep commercials from blasting you out of your seat.

On the other hand, the XBR1 seems to win on connectivity and some other points:

1. 6 audio in's (5 rear, 1 front) altogether vs. 5 (4 rear, 1 side) on the XBR2

2. 3 component video inputs (2 rear, 1 front) vs. 2 rear component video inputs on the XBR2. The side input is composite video only.

3. 2 RF inputs on the XBR1, only 1 on the XBR2.

4. The XBR1 saves 14 watts on power consumption.

5. The XBR1 has a 13 x 2 watt audio amp, while the XBR2 has a 10 x 2 audio amp.

The XBR1 has more documented features, but they may exist in the XBR2 but not posted on the Sony website. You can decide if "Channel Jump", "Scrolling Channel Index® System", "Menu Color", "Mode Memory", and "Info Banner" are worthwhile to you.

Finally, there's the matter of WEGA engine plus Digital Reality Creation on the XBR1, vs. the Bravia engine on the XBR2. Not sure how to call this one.

Anyway, in terms of connectivity, it seems like the 32" XBR2 is a bit of a step back. On paper, the 32" XBR2 might have an edge on contrast, but the 32" XBR1 has got a darn good picture as is. Plus, it's on sale now, as the stores are trying to clear them out so they can start bringing out the XBR2's.

Does anyone else feel like they should grab a 32" XBR1 and pass on the 32" XBR2?

It appears they have also done away with the "cablecard" slot on XBR2.

I bought the xbr1 in July and am very pleased with it. I also wish it had another hdmi input but not too worried as its my bedroom TV. I do notice some of the motion blur or motion pixelation but only on broadcast TV. Never see on on DVD's. And I think it is worse on some programming than others but dont know why this is. I am watching the MIA vs Pitt 1st game in HD right now and do not see a major amount of it. But sometimes watching a movie on HBO in HD I do notice it more at times. I did hook it up to my PC and played halflife 2 just to mess around and did not notice it. Overall I would buy it again.

Hey everyone long time reader first time writer (go easy guys I'm a complete noob)! I have a question regarding the KDLV32XBR2 and need some "expert" advise from the forum gurus.

I just purchased this unit and would like to know if a TV this size would benefit from an upscaling DVD player and if so which would be a great addition to this great LCD?

I am looking at either one of the Oppos but I've never seen the picture quality of an Oppo so I am basing my decision on the reviews I've read.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

CaseCom thanks for the reply! Well I should have been clearer, my fault. I've ordered one and should be receiving it this week. Originally I was going with the XBR1 but since the XBR2 was at a very similar price I figured what the heck. So yep its an XBR2. I'll put up some pics as soon as I can get it up and running.

As far as the macroblocking is concerned I've read a lot about the Oppo 971 on AVS and some other websites and it does seem to make enough difference to be a concern, which I was also considering the 970. Oppo's website seems to have a "satifaction guarantee return policy" which I'll have to contact them and verify but I guess I'll have to dish out the S/H in the end.
I did forget to mention that I am not limited to just the Oppos. Are there any other upscalers that you could recommend? I've been reading a lot about upscaling DVD players and TVs that I'm ready to lose my mind! Thanks again!

I have the same dilemma; XBR1 OR XBR2?? What have you determined re your list

of differences? I think that SD is important because HD & DVD are pretty much a given.

Who plays PC games on their KDL-V32XBR2 LCD's, how's it look?

go with the XBR2 you wont be disapointed!

You will be if, like mine, it has been the victim of wiring in an old house. We have apparently been running loop-de-loops and carrying single lines of loops on loops that often switch polarity (old wires all look black, not red, white or green). Also we had a horrible ground that I had to fix.

Just one month after my 1-year "warranty" expired, the tv would not run anymore -- it would just show a blank screen and then go to a steady blinking mode in green. A terribly uneducated (about TVs in general) service rep said basically that I'm @#'d and that I'd have to take it to one of 3 places in our entire state where someone can fix it, probably for $200-$400 is my guess.

So, being an EE, I just opened it up myself. Turns out where the negativ plane is soldered to the three power supply heat sinks, there is evidence of resin outflow on the weld, indicating over heating probably by way of trying to control a too-high output amperage. Let's hope that's all the problem is because beyond that I am out of my reach.

Concerning the TV, it is superb but it needs a) a @#@ digital computer input! (who the heck puts an analog input on what is basically just a large monitor screen and a tuner? Anyway the board is overly simple and is just a power splitter with some voltage sense and simple control items.

FYI: The Bravia 2's Monitor (LCD) is labeld on the inside as "LTY3200WS-LH3/L05". I don't know which LCD manuf. that is but it says "Made in Korea" as well. The power board has a part # so i'll play around with it to see what's what and then maybe ask for a replacement if necessary.

Apart from the LCD and it's HW drivers, the rest is in 3 parts that are EMI/EFI shielded but easy to get to. On the OTA coax input there are what seems like 6 to 8 trim-pot like chaps that probably control bias and other stuff. If anyone wants a picture drop me a line at sparkinark "at" yahoo "dot" com. I need to get a svc. manual and (if my el-cheapo scope allows) tweak the knobs a tad with a dedicated input signal.

There is no evidence of any problem other than on the HS's, however they are weird beasties with a bottom, soldered piece of what looks like stainless steel with a pretty small block of aluminum on that for a HS. My guess at this point is that if I'm lucky, it's just a voltage controler out. Otherwise it might go to an ASIC somewhere and then it's replace the boards time...

On your thread, after seeing he 1080P versions of this size tv, I'd definitely go for one of those if you can find a decent replacement for this with the higher def.

(Wishing self luck)

Oh, also, (curse word) YOU SONY! Horrible CService and rude to boot. I won't buy another Sony product anytime soon.

If I fix this I'm selling it for a monitor "30" and just have wi-fi HTPC setup. With outputs too, no less.

Oh, also there's an EEPROM in here that I'm sure someone (smarter than me) could improve upon, specifically in the "Service Menu" area. I make no suggestions, of course (spies everywhere), but....

Wish I could rent a few HP and Tek devices....

sparkinark / Shawn