Very Very Confused - Can someone help?!

The 970 is not crapola. It is still regarded by many as the best CRT available.

Better than - Sony FD Trinitron Wega Hi-Scan KV-34HS420 ?

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No, not better than that. The 970xbr is labeled hi-scan but isn't supposedly. Looked impressive to me though when I saw a baseball game on it in 1080

Although no longer made, you can still get the KD36XS955 with a search on Google for remaining stock (some at discounted prices) - there may still be some 34 inch wide screens available as well


These are SFP tube models as well

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My understanding is that the XBR970 and the HS420 are very close to being the same unit plus or minus a feature or two.


The are both "Hi-Scan", which is Sony's designation for the 1080i native resolution.

You might still find a new XBR960 or 34XS955 on ebay. Do a search.

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Some Sears still have some strays of the XS's. They have started carrying the XBR line, but it's the 970, not the 960.


The 970 is a really solid TV. Think HS420 with a few extra bumps and nudges. No Super Fine Pitch Tube, though.

I love my new 970. Its a great TV. I have yet to see a 960 but I dont know if I could have seen the difference. The 970 is a lot better than the 420 because it has a better menu and picture settings are independent for every input. For the price its a great tv, but it is a hard thing to move. Make sure you have them deliver it. It also comes with a standard 2 year warrenty that is great verses the 420s 1 year.

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This is the kind of input we need regarding the 970 - direct from the owners able to explain the differences from direct observation.

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Justsc,


Did they ever fix you pincushin problem? I am learning that with any crt you are going to have a minimal pincushin. Its a good tradeoff for the amazing picture. They gave me a new 970 to replace my 420, I couldnt be happier.

I don't know why everyone keeps comparing the 420 and the 970.. essentially the 970 is exactly the same as the 960 WITHOUT the Super Fine Pitch tube.. It's as simple as that! Why is that so hard to understand?


When I first seen the SFP tube on the select Sony HDTV's a few years back (xbr910?), my jaw literally dropped.. I mean the smoothness on that thing was just shocking.. I was use to seeing those types of tubes on PC monitors but never a 34" consumer television!


My point is, the SFP is what made the 960 A MUST HAVE! Without that tube, it's just another CRT TV!


Anyone that has a SFP Sony (USA Made), that is professionally calibrated, knows exactly what I'm taking about.. It is truly jawdropping!

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Because to most people the tube is the important part, so without the SFP tube then the 970 is a 420 with a better menu. If it had the SFP tube but 420 menu then i would compare it to a 960. That's is how i look at it anyway.

You can still find an XBR960 or XBR960N, you just have to look at places other than big retail stores. Most hi-fi stereo stores still have a new XBR960 in stock, since they don't have a high turnover.


In New York City, out of the 7 hi-fi stores I visited, 4 of them still had XBR960s in stock.

The 970 also does not have Picture in Picture, or Twin View.


The 970 is missing a set of composite inputs when compared to the 960, and also the 970 lacks a built-in subwoofer.

Thanx for your feedback guys!

So do you think I am "settling " if a buy a 970? at this point should I go LCD Flat panel if I can't find a 960?


How do I go about getting a TV professionally calibrated?

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If 34" is a good size for you, you are in no way settling with the 970. I love mine.