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Sony tv decision

11003 Views 35 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Smashy, Apr 4, 2014

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · Feb 15, 2014

Here is my short story. I recently acquired a Sony KDL60R550A. It is faulty and Sony has agreed to replace, however with a new model; KDL60W840B. I am unable to find out anything substantial about this tv as it is not even really released yet. The website just offers a brief description and says 'coming soon'. Anyone out there have any inside details they could share?

Longer story , I used my 'Airmiles' reward miles to acquire the original, Airmiles does not get involved with warranty issues and I am dealing with Sony Canada. My original tv is 3D, I can't tell if the model they are offering me is or not. Maybe something in their model # indicates that? The people at Sony sales are unable to help as they have zero information on this unit as it is technically not for sale yet. They tell me the technical people will be able to help on Monday. Their offer has a time limit and I have to respond by Wednesday. I am hoping someone may know the ins and outs of their model # designations and offer some indication

Thanks for any input you may be able to offer

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bigwali

· #2 · Feb 15, 2014

Hi, I found this on this set below. I noticed it doesn't have 2 new technologies, triluminos or X-tended Dynamic Range. It is probably frame dimming which is below local dimming. I'm sure this set is an improvement over the KDL60R550A which you are replacing. I would see if they would give you the $ credit for the W850B and see if you can pay the difference for the W950B which is a much better TV. It has the triluminos and X-tended Dynamic Range and most likely local dimming. It is 65 inches which may or may not be your ideal size.

Sony BRAVIA® W840B Series LED HD TV Available in Spring 2014

Stunning picture with sound to match

Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality

X-Reality™ PRO picture engine delivers color, clarity and detail at their best

Motionflow™ XR 240 produces lifelike movement

Iconic, new Wedge design delivers clear, powerful sound and stability

ClearAudio+ Digital Sound Processing (DSP) with S-Force Front Surround projects clear vocals and wide sound range (optional subwoofer SWF-BR100)

Built-in Wi-Fi for streaming connectivity, including Sony Entertainment Network™

3D capable with 2 pairs of glasses included

Screen sizes include 70-inch (KDL-70W840B) and 60-inch (KDL-60W840B)

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/sony-introduces-2014-bravia-led-hd-tv-line-up-1866560.htm

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bigwali

· #3 · Feb 15, 2014

Also, I believe the W840B may be the Canadian version of the KDL-60W850B. You can go on the US Sony Store site and view the details of the W850B by searching for it. Then there's a link on the right called View Specifications. I did notice this TV has Active 3D. Good Luck...

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 16, 2014

Thanks for the find !! Quite helpful.

The thing is, I was very happy with my KDL60R550A. The only time I could notice the 'cloud' was when watching hockey. I watched several movies and thought the picture was excellent. Having said that, I know that it was a mid - low end and if I experienced the better screens I would probably not want to settle for less. So with that in mind I generally only look at what I can afford so I don't feel that I am missing something.

I will get a chance to talk it over with Sony tomorrow.

Smashy

· #5 · Feb 24, 2014

Hey marantz, are you going with the w840B?

I have a similar tv, the 60R520A and noticed the same issue as you with the darkers area clouds visible most notably when watching hockey games. I was offered the new W840B like you or a recertified 550A. As a recert means there problem with the set previously, I have chosen the W840B and also think it is a higher end in the respective Sony lineup than the R520A was.

So just waiting for its release and then delivery now. Are you getting the same set too?

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 24, 2014

Smashy

Yes I have accepted their offer of the W840B. I had a pretty good discussion with one of Sony's technical guys and I am confident this new offering is quite a step up from my original tv. The W840B is Triluminous with X-Reality Pro, should be awesome. I am awaiting a delivery date.

Smashy

· #7 · Feb 25, 2014

Sweet we're in the same boat then. Sounds good man! Hope they are released and delivered early in March. I do think they are a step up from our original models so pretty satisfied with Sony's service. Its my first TV that I personally bought (not my parents) so nice to have a good experience with Sony.

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 25, 2014

When I came home from work on Feb 23rd I had an email from Sony stating ' your tv will be shipped on or before March 14th '

When I came home from work on Feb 24th i had an email from Sony stating ' your tv has been shipped, here is the tracking number '

So I am very excited. Their shipping warehouse is just a few hours from where I live so I should have it by Wednesday. Normally I would expect it on Tuesday but it says that the shipping company will contact me and arrange delivery of the new and pick up of the old tv once they are in town. Going out of town for five days, leaving Friday morning so I will not get much of a chance to view the new tv until next week when I get back.

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Smashy

· #9 · Feb 25, 2014

Wow, that's excellent news.

I also got an e-mail today saying my TV has been ordered and will be delivered on or before March 17.

Where do you live and where is the warehouse?

I'm in the Toronto area, hopefully a quick delivery here too!

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ggw2000

· #10 · Feb 25, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by marantzpolk /t/1517953/sony-tv-decision#post_24400028

Smashy

Yes I have accepted their offer of the W840B. I had a pretty good discussion with one of Sony's technical guys and I am confident this new offering is quite a step up from my original tv. The W840B is Triluminous with X-Reality Pro, should be awesome. I am awaiting a delivery date.

If it's the same TV as USA W850B then it does not have a Triluminous display. It does have X-Reality Pro however... The 2013 W850A had the Triluminous display but Sony took it out in the 2014 model (cheap-cheap-cheap!).

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 26, 2014

I am on Vancouver Island, BC. The west coast warehouse is in Coquitlam, BC. I just 'tracked' my shipment and it is in my town. Says the local depot will contact to arrange delivery.

Smashy

· #12 · Feb 26, 2014

Thanks man, hope it's nice! Doubt it would be a downgrade from the R520/550 anyhow.

jinj

· #13 · Feb 26, 2014

The 840B/850B is active3D where as the original tv was passive, looks like the main difference.

dzortz

· #14 · Mar 4, 2014

I also started with a R520 that had issues. It was replaced by another R520 from Sony that was Factory Reconditioned.

That one also had the same issue as the first one.

They then sent me a R550 3D unit. Again, the same issue.

I ould not even try and watch hockey as it had these horrible faint static lines in the background.

They have now offered to send me a KDL60W840B or the W630B once they become available.

I am really hoping that it is the 840B as there sohould be some compensation for going through 3 tv's to fet to one that works.

What was your issue with this unit?

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dzortz

· #15 · Mar 4, 2014

After reading the whole thread, I see we had the same issue.

I have my fingers crossed and I am hoping for the same solution to the problem.

Keep us posted.

hidefpaul

· #16 · Mar 4, 2014

Hi guys, I just saw this new TV (KDL-60W840B) at my local dealer here in Toronto. You will not be disappointed.

The set was next to the 55" 900 series from last year I think, anyway, the one with the FALD. They were both being fed the "Amazing Spiderman" on BD. Right away I could see incredibly deeper blacks with no blooming or edge light leaks or halos of any kind on the 840B. I was really surprised how good the set looked overall without any PQ adjustments. The sets were in a dedicated dim lit room, separate from the main store floor, so that made it a bit better for a more critical comparison.

I grabbed the remote and started to see the features it had.....one feature that comes to mind was the ability to choose a colour space per input , per resolution. So, you can choose HDMI 1 @ 1080i at REC 709 and HDMI 1 @ 1080P at Rec 601. If I recall correctly there was no colour management system, there was a gamma selection.....not sure about the grey scale. I'll go over this weekend and post back in more detail.

Just so we are clear on the TV, this set has the wedge shape design and the legs/stand are at the very ends of the set not in the center.

Paul

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bigwali

· #17 · Mar 4, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by hidefpaul /t/1517953/sony-tv-decision#post_24437318

Hi guys, I just saw this new TV (KDL-60W840B) at my local dealer here in Toronto. You will not be disappointed.

The set was next to the 55" 900 series from last year I think, anyway, the one with the FALD. They were both being fed the "Amazing Spiderman" on BD. Right away I could see incredibly deeper blacks with no blooming or edge light leaks or halos of any kind on the 840B. I was really surprised how good the set looked overall without any PQ adjustments. The sets were in a dedicated dim lit room, separate from the main store floor, so that made it a bit better for a more critical comparison.

I grabbed the remote and started to see the features it had.....one feature that comes to mind was the ability to choose a colour space per input , per resolution. So, you can choose HDMI 1 @ 1080i at REC 709 and HDMI 1 @ 1080P at Rec 601. If I recall correctly there was no colour management system, there was a gamma selection.....not sure about the grey scale. I'll go over this weekend and post back in more detail.

Just so we are clear on the TV, this set has the wedge shape design and the legs/stand are at the very ends of the set not in the center.

Paul

That is interesting. The W840B is a pretty bare bones set as far as Sony technology. No triluminos, 240 Motionflow and frame dimming. The review below says Sony went with a different panel provider in 2014 which may account for the better blacks and uniformity. By the way, the W900A & X900A have local dimming not full array local dimming (FALD). Here is the review of a similar set from 2014 which mentions the different panel.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-kdl-50w829_TV_review

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #18 · Mar 5, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by dzortz /t/1517953/sony-tv-decision#post_24437221

I also started with a R520 that had issues. It was replaced by another R520 from Sony that was Factory Reconditioned.

That one also had the same issue as the first one.

They then sent me a R550 3D unit. Again, the same issue.

I ould not even try and watch hockey as it had these horrible faint static lines in the background.

They have now offered to send me a KDL60W840B or the W630B once they become available.

I am really hoping that it is the 840B as there sohould be some compensation for going through 3 tv's to fet to one that works.

What was your issue with this unit?

My issue was a cloud like appearance on the screen where the cloud area was a shade or two lighter than the rest of the screen. The worst was watching hockey. the ice in the 'cloud area' was a few shades whiter and it drove me crazy. Also noticed it when the screen was blue (sky) ....... for 70% of my viewing i could not see the problem and I was very happy

marantzpolk

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 5, 2014

So I received my new KDL60W840B last Wednesday. I took this opportunity to redo some cables and lower my wall mount and I have only watched a few hours of tv so far. I did manage to watch a hockey game and the new tv is awesome. I am not a technical guy so I can't provide an in depth review. But in my opinion, the new tv is way better.

I was originally told by Sony, when I was making my decision, that this tv had xr reality pro as well as triluminous, he also said it was passive 3D. I now know it is not triluminous and it is active 3D.

Anyhow I think you will be happy with this model.

Last thing , if you are like me and you need more than the 2 pairs of glasses provided, it comes with Sony glasses TDG-BT400A. This model # designation is only for the pairs of glasses provided with the tv's. The retail equivalent is TDG-BT500A.

Enjoy,

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dzortz

· #20 · Mar 7, 2014

Will the 3D glasses for the R550 work with 840B?

Just curious,

I know that this one is active and the other one was passive.

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