Sony CRT Decision: KD-34XBR960 vs. KD-34XS955

[SpeedDemon]

Ok, so it's finally time for me to step up from my Sony KV-27FS13. I want to get a 34" widescreen CRT HD set for now until DLP gets better and comes down in price (or if SED every comes in at my price range; I'm a college student).

So I've been comparing the KD-34XBR960 to the KD-34XS955 but I haven't been able to fine any major differences in the specs and I basically just wanted to have somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

These are the only reasons I could find that someone would want to step up to the XBR:
1. TwinView Picture & Picture (not important)
2. Scrolling Channel Index (not important)
3. 3 i.Link ports (not important to me)
4. Twice the warranty (important but not enough to make me spend the extra money necessarily.

So some of my questions are, do they both have memory of the settings for all the separate inputs. Also, do they both have the same resolution on the screen? From what I've been able to tell they both have the same ultra-fine pitch screen.

Thanks for the help you guys.

[SpeedDemon]

It looks like Crutchfield has KD-34XS955 selling for $1700+$20 shipping after $100 mail-in-rebate. Seems like a good deal to me, but I still want to make sure that I shouldn't spend the extra $400 for the XBR.

Also, after reading into the specs a little bit more they both have memory for the A/V inputs to remember the settings. So once again are there any other differences between the two aside from the 4 things that I listed above.

Thanks so much for the help, I'm really excited about getting a new set.

[SpeedDemon]

Also, how does the TV look when a HTPC is connected to it. I primarily want to do this for gaming, but I would also love it if it were possible to read some stuff on the computer screen. I'm an IT Consultant and I sometimes need to use a PC for remotely troubleshooting peoples computers so it would be ice if I could do this with my HTPC because my other computer is an Apple PowerBook G4.

Basically, I'm just wondering how well of a job the set does at resolving 1280x720p and 1920x1080i. Obviously 1280x720 is a better choice of resolution if I can get it to work at something close to that. I have experience hooking computers up to HDTV's but I've only done this with fixed pixel displays, namely DLP's with a native res of 1280x720. I would love to be able to do a res inside a res to get past overscan but keep the outputted res to the TV at 720p. Is the HDTV not going to like this though for reading text and am I going to have to stick with something more like 960x540p or 852x480p. The Wega should actually be able to resolve these resolutions acurately shouldn't it?

Thanks, and some please make me stop talking to myself ;)

[FXDWG]

From what I understand they both have the same tube and essentially the same PQ. I could live without those features you mention, so for a $500 difference the choice for me was easy. I went with the 34XS955 and am more then thrilled with it.

[SpeedDemon]

I just ordered it, but now if I could just figure out what DVD player to get :). I keep hearing about all of these macro-blocking issues with the Faroudja Upscaling players, but I can't tell if it happens with all of them. I currently have an Onkyo DV-S555 and may just continue to use that hooked up via component, but I would really like to find an HDMI DVD player.

[onegroove]

Did the 34XS955 meet your expectations? How did it work with you PC at those resolutions?

Thanks,

[Hostile]

Isn't the KD-34XS955 basically the 34XBR910?

[Bryston]

My xbr 910 works good as a computer monitor at 720p and 1080i via my nvidia 5700 dual dvi and the forceware 71.24 drivers. 1080 has a little shimmer but its to be expected with interlaced resolutions. I would assume the xs955 and xbr960's would work pretty much the same.

[jefflackey]

Just started looking - what's the difference between the KD-34xs955 and the KV34HS420?

[Joxer]

Originally posted by jefflackey
Just started looking - what's the difference between the KD-34xs955 and the KV34HS420?

The 34HS420 is the cheaper model with the older lower resolution tube (about 850 horizontal) where the 34XS955 has the newer super-fine-pitch HD CRT (about 1400 horizontal). I believe the 34XS955 has a built-in HD tuner which the 34HS420 lacks.

[roblim]

I went to fry's and two circuit city stores to compare these two models. even though the 34xs955 and the34xbr960 share the same picture tube, I felt that the xs955 delivers a higher contrast image than the 960. Not sure if contrast is the correct term but basically whites looked whiter and colors were more vivid. (I compared the two sets after resetting all of the modes and going through each of the mode settings (vivid, standard, pro, etc). in all modes images had a bit more pop on the 955. the 960 looked like it had a very slight grey film over it. to my untrained eye i thought the 955 looked "better". i ended up cancelling my order for a 960 and now have a pending order for the 30" version of the xs955 from amazon. I'm glad i decided to take one more look at the two sets bec 1. my 960 is about to be delviered, had i accepted delivery i would have paid for the return shipping on this 200 lb. monster, instead i just refused delivery so it goes back to the shipper and 2. I realized that 34" is too big for my bedroom. unfortuantely, amazon is not going to deliver until mid-feb.

[RobZ]

The 960 and the 955 have the same picture quality. The tube and components are the same except for the PIP,adjustable DRC, etc. However, the XBR is probably worth the difference based on 1. Warranty and 2. Resale value (if you usually resell equip)

[INeedABreak]

The 960 model is worth the extra bucks because of what Robz stated aboved and because it's also capable of zooming 'native' HD sources (720p/1080i), and has 3 ilink (firewire) ports for connecting devices such as digital dv camcorders, digital pvr's etc.... The 955 cannot zoom native HD signals nor does it have the firewire ports.

Download and read more about the differences here:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XS955.pdf

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XBR960.pdf

[ExasperatedElite]

So can I get a KD30XS955 (difference is the one I want is 30 inch and the one being talked about here is 34) and get an HDMI-DVI cable and hook it up to the PC and watch videos and play games using the TV as a monitor? That'd be so awesome. Also, SpeedDemon... don't go for an HDMI or a DVI player... yet. First of all, they upconvert the resolution, which I think is totally beat. I've seen the difference and 480p looks like crap when upscaled to 1080i (unless the TV supports 720p... hope it does cause then the quality won't be ruined, to some extent.) Also, if you got a DVD that can pump out through component, you're fine till the next wave of HD-DVDs come out (HD-DVD or Blu-Ray discs.) I honestly think Blu-Ray is better just cause it can store more. Also, which one uses Microsoft's audio or video codec? I remember one of them chose it....

[i_can_help]

Easily forgotten, but the XBR has better speakers than the XS (2-way speakers instead of the usual 1-way on the XS and a better subwoofer). Plus it outputs a little more power I believe. Having said that, a lot of people able to afford these TVs have a separate sound system.

[cliff498]

Originally posted by INeedABreak
The 960 model is worth the extra bucks because of what Robz stated aboved and because it's also capable of zooming 'native' HD sources (720p/1080i), and has 3 ilink (firewire) ports for connecting devices such as digital dv camcorders, digital pvr's etc.... The 955 cannot zoom native HD signals nor does it have the firewire ports.

Download and read more about the differences here:

ww*w.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XS955.pdf

ww*w.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XBR960.pdf


Thanks for the manual links! However, both the 960 and the 955 seem to have the same zoom for 'native' HD signal sources. Both the manuals show the same HD inputs and the same pictures for what the input selection does.

(Except the 960 has the 'Twin View' pip which is a different kind of zooming)

Am I missing something?

[DavidML3]

That is interesting. One would think that since the XS is so close to the xbr that they would either discontinue it or maek the xs the xbr2 or something

[kny3twalker]

The 960 model is worth the extra bucks because of what Robz stated aboved and because it's also capable of zooming 'native' HD sources (720p/1080i), and has 3 ilink (firewire) ports for connecting devices such as digital dv camcorders, digital pvr's etc.... The 955 cannot zoom native HD signals nor does it have the firewire ports.

untrue the XS models have a zoom option of HD sources

as well as horizontal stretch and vertical stretch

Also, SpeedDemon... don't go for an HDMI or a DVI player... yet. First of all, they upconvert the resolution, which I think is totally beat. I've seen the difference and 480p looks like crap when upscaled to 1080i (unless the TV supports 720p... hope it does cause then the quality won't be ruined, to some extent.)

that makes no sense at all

component cannot upscale DVDs cause of macrovision protection
and DVDs definitely look better scaled to 1080i than 720p

So can I get a KD30XS955 (difference is the one I want is 30 inch and the one being talked about here is 34) and get an HDMI-DVI cable and hook it up to the PC and watch videos and play games using the TV as a monitor? That'd be so awesome.

yeah I got mine connected like this
fom my 6800
not all video cards work or work well
usually the more expensive cards do better from the higher quality of components

[jmccorm]

Originally posted by RobZ
The 960 and the 955 have the same picture quality. The tube and components are the same except for the PIP,adjustable DRC, etc. However, the XBR is probably worth the difference based on 1. Warranty and 2. Resale value (if you usually resell equip)

FWIW, the adjustable DRC? Am I blind? On my 960, I'm not able to see any difference on the DRC settings with 480i video. Is it very subtle or am I blind?

[Q of BanditZ]

Question: Is the XBR960 Sony's last tube TV? Are they going to bother with any new tubes this year or are they done? (Same question applies for any company.)

[Q of BanditZ]

I would like to see some CLEAR and FACTUAL difference spelled out for me here in this thread, since I'm seriously debating between the two myself.

I'm debating between this set and the 960 myself.

God knows the xs955 set is WORLDS easier for me to come by than the 960 is. I can go down the street to Sears and get it right now, for example.

I noticed several forumers contradicting each other so...spell it out for me, guys.

[KenTech]

Originally posted by kny3twalker

component cannot upscale DVDs cause of macrovision protection
and DVDs definitely look better scaled to 1080i than 720p

Careful! These Sony sets upscale all 480-anything to 960, which is less-complicated resampling than 720 or 1080 and is cleaner. The upscaling is very sharp and clean. DVD 480i (its native format) is upscaled to 960i by the TV, with pulldown as an option; anamorphic disks are nicely squeezed vertically for the 4:3 sets, and perfectly fit to the 16:9 screens.

[Q of BanditZ]

Do I see correctly that the xs955 has NO PIP of any kind, whatsoever? I guess that seals it for me. It'll have to be the 960, because I use PIP all the time.

I guess I'll have to wait until July, when that supposed price drop from Sony is supposed to happen on a lot of their TV's.

[kny3twalker]

Careful! These Sony sets upscale all 480-anything to 960, which is less-complicated resampling than 720 or 1080 and is cleaner. The upscaling is very sharp and clean. DVD 480i (its native format) is upscaled to 960i by the TV, with pulldown as an option; anamorphic disks are nicely squeezed vertically for the 4:3 sets, and perfectly fit to the 16:9 screens.

but at 960i, it is 4x3
not using the full 16x9

you can stretch or zoom it I suppose

cinemotion deinterlaces the content and does not use the line doubler

component cannot upscale DVDs cause of macrovision protection
and DVDs definitely look better scaled to 1080i than 720p

my statement was correct, so the TV has a line doubler, but a progressive scan DVD player cannot upscale

and personally I prefer DVDs scaled to 1080i
using the highest scan rate possible on the TV

[KenTech]

Originally posted by kny3twalker
but at 960i, it is 4x3
not using the full 16x9

you can stretch or zoom it I suppose

cinemotion deinterlaces the content and does not use the line doubler
No, when the TV detects the "anamorphic" flag that should be sent by th DVD player, the picture automatically collapses to 16:9 vertically-compressed 960i, sacrificing no scan lines to letterboxing on the 36" 4:3 and displaying full-width. On 34" sets it would fill the screen perfectly.

If DVDs display at 4:3, the player is not set up right, won't pass the anamorphic flag, or the DVD is not anamorphic "enhanced" for widescreen.

[I deleted my incorrect statement about 480 *always* displaying at 960, if anyone had read it. It does appear that 480p becomes 540p, the non-interlaced version of 1080i scanning (same scanning frequencies). Sorry.]

[Q of BanditZ]

Crutchfield breaks down the differences between these two sets rather succinctly.

Someone please translate these two things for me, since I know Ken and several others have told me that both TV's are identical, at least as far as fundamentals go.

I was another one who assumed the xs955 was essentially the XBR910 as well.

• adjustable DRC MultiFunction V1 ???????

• Twin-View 2-tuner PIP (I know what this. I'm annoyed that the XS doesn't have this. It should.)

• anti-glare coating on screen ???????

• 3 i.LINK ports
• 2-year parts-and-labor warranty

Those last two items are self-explanatory.

[kny3twalker]

both sets have adjustable DRC for 480i signals
(interlaced, cinemotion, or progressive)

and both have the antiglare coating on the glass

[I deleted my incorrect statement about 480 *always* displaying at 960, if anyone had read it. It does appear that 480p becomes 540p, the non-interlaced version of 1080i scanning (same scanning frequencies). Sorry.]

the sony displays 480p or 960i for 480i signals
it does not display 540p at all



No, when the TV detects the "anamorphic" flag that should be sent by th DVD player, the picture automatically collapses to 16:9 vertically-compressed 960i, sacrificing no scan lines to letterboxing on the 36" 4:3 and displaying full-width. On 34" sets it would fill the screen perfectly.

never tried with 480i output
but with 480p output over DVI this was not the case
unless I used the full mode (then setup the DVD player for the correct display method)


with normal mode, it was 4x3

of course 480p could not be changed to 960i though

I could try 480i over DVI, but I am quite happy with 1080i

[JustinCheckin]

How is analog cable picture or regular Satellite picture look like on these units?

[kny3twalker]

analogue looks bad and digital satellite or digital cable looks good enough

[Q of BanditZ]

Analog is always going to look poor on just about any HDTV.

[jmccorm]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]both sets have adjustable DRC for 480i signals
(interlaced, cinemotion, or progressive)[/QUOTE]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the 955 allowed you to cycle between those three choices, while the 960 allowed you to tweak your own (reality vs clarity) via a two dimension axis.

But I'll have to go back to what I said earlier in this thread. Can anyone tell any difference at all between the DRC modes? I can't see a difference in the slightest (and, yes, against a 480i signal).

[KenTech]

[QUOTE=jmccorm]Can anyone tell any difference at all between the DRC modes? I can't see a difference in the slightest (and, yes, against a 480i signal).[/QUOTE]
What I see, looking closely at the screen and with a 480i signal, is that:

(1) "Interlaced" is just that, at 960i, and vertical detail is displayed as transmitted. Best for broadcast SD, VCRs, TV-on-DVD, and similar. DVD's native format is 480-interlaced. The DRC circuit that creates the interpolated lines for 960i has a *lot* of work to do in this mode! The "look" of the DCR is not adjustable, as it is on the XBR sets, but it sppears to me to be set to a very good compromise.

(2) "Progressive" shows 480 fixed progressive lines onscreen and is appropriate for some fixed graphics, maybe video games, and DVD players that do their own 3:2 pulldown detection. *Reduces* vertical resolution on 480i broadcast signals and shows combing on horizontally-moving objects. I don't like it.

Interesting example: evening TV weather broadcast on local ABC affiliate. Interlaced, the weather guy looks better, graphics seem decently sharp. On Progressive the weather graphics "snap" into place with greater perceived sharpness, but the weatherguy is now a bit mushier.

(3) "CineMotion" shows 480 fixed progressive lines onscreen and detects 3:2 pulldown superbly, but it requires DVD player to send its native signal, namely 480i. Anamorphic is nicely detected for all of the modes. Cinemotion best mimics the movie-projection experience, but some DVDs have superior image resolution in "Interlaced" mode. Personal preference, I say. There's no "right" or "wrong" setting. One may prefer the superior motion rendering in an action movie from DVD of CineMotion or the superior image quality of Interlaced. You get to pick.

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=KenTech]What I see, looking closely at the screen and with a 480i signal, is that:

(1) "Interlaced" is just that, at 960i, and vertical detail is displayed as transmitted. Best for broadcast SD, VCRs, TV-on-DVD, and similar. DVD's native format is 480-interlaced. The DRC circuit that creates the interpolated lines for 960i has a *lot* of work to do in this mode! The "look" of the DCR is not adjustable, as it is on the XBR sets, but it sppears to me to be set to a very good compromise.

(2) "Progressive" shows 480 fixed progressive lines onscreen and is appropriate for some fixed graphics, maybe video games, and DVD players that do their own 3:2 pulldown detection. *Reduces* vertical resolution on 480i broadcast signals and shows combing on horizontally-moving objects. I don't like it.

Interesting example: evening TV weather broadcast on local ABC affiliate. Interlaced, the weather guy looks better, graphics seem decently sharp. On Progressive the weather graphics "snap" into place with greater perceived sharpness, but the weatherguy is now a bit mushier.

(3) "CineMotion" shows 480 fixed progressive lines onscreen and detects 3:2 pulldown superbly, but it requires DVD player to send its native signal, namely 480i. Anamorphic is nicely detected for all of the modes. Cinemotion best mimics the movie-projection experience, but some DVDs have superior image resolution in "Interlaced" mode. Personal preference, I say. There's no "right" or "wrong" setting. One may prefer the superior motion rendering in an action movie from DVD of CineMotion or the superior image quality of Interlaced. You get to pick.[/QUOTE]


What if you use an upscaling player?

[kny3twalker]

What if you use an upscaling player?

if you use the HDMI or DVI port on the TV
DRC is disabled

DRC is in fact disabled at anything other than 480i

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]if you use the HDMI or DVI port on the TV
DRC is disabled

DRC is in fact disabled at anything other than 480i[/QUOTE]


Good.

[nathan118]

Why would sony drop the price on their tube tv's? I understand there is a slew of new projection tv's coming out, but there are no new tube models, so why would they drop the price? Any actual evidence that this will happen?

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=nathan118]Why would sony drop the price on their tube tv's? I understand there is a slew of new projection tv's coming out, but there are no new tube models, so why would they drop the price? Any actual evidence that this will happen?[/QUOTE]

We had someone in another thread quote an outright news story that said it would happen in July. Something like a $200 price drop on the current tube line.

[Ronnie Ferrell]

[QUOTE=jmccorm]Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the 955 allowed you to cycle between those three choices, while the 960 allowed you to tweak your own (reality vs clarity) via a two dimension axis.

But I'll have to go back to what I said earlier in this thread. Can anyone tell any difference at all between the DRC modes? I can't see a difference in the slightest (and, yes, against a 480i signal).[/QUOTE]

This is correct. On the 960 you have 3 tweakable pallets (Custom 1-3) that broaden the 3 preset DRC modes on the 955.

DRC Interlaced with tweaked pallet Custom 1.
DRC Interlaced with tweaked pallet Custom 2.
DRC Interlaced with tweaked pallet Custom 3.
DRC Progressive with tweaked pallet Custom 1.
DRC Progressive with tweaked pallet Custom 2.
DRC Progressive with tweaked pallet Custom 3.
DRC CineMotion with tweaked pallet Custom 1.
DRC CineMotion with tweaked pallet Custom 2.
DRC CineMotion with tweaked pallet Custom 3.


I was confused with these when I first got my 960 (I had the 955 before I got the 960.) It is a very nice feature once you figure it out. I highly suggest anyone with a 960 to play with these settings and figure them out. It will greatly improve all 480i (SD TV and DVD if you still use a 480i player.)

The 955 3 preset DRC modes were not very useful to me. Interlaced was ok, but not great and the other two were worse. To see what I mean, feed your 955 a 480i signal from your DVD player and view the "sharpness" test pattern on AVIA etc. Notice the distortion in the vertical line section of the test pattern. On AVIA the vertical lines are the top section of the test pattern and the distortion is always 2/3 of the way across the pattern.

With the 960s custom settings, you can tweak the DRC pallet with the (reality/ clarity) two dimension axis, and make all of the vertical line section of the test pattern crisp and sharp. I agree with KenTechs evaluation of the 3 DRC modes on the 955. But with the custom pallets on the 960, I can make all 3 DRC modes look better than the interlaced mode on the 955.

I know this will probably not make any since to the 955 owners. But you can display the test pattern and see the distortion I'm talking about. But you will not be able to correct the distortion.

Also with the tweakable pallets, you can get SD TV signals looking pretty good. Pump up the reality and clarity with the tweakable axis settings and SD TV is not as "soft" as it usually is. It looks more like HD TV to me. I know this is false sharpness, but it is only applied to the 480i signal so true HD content is not over sharpened as well.



Ronnie

[nathan118]

[QUOTE=Q of BanditZ]We had someone in another thread quote an outright news story that said it would happen in July. Something like a $200 price drop on the current tube line.[/QUOTE]

I'd be curious to see the actual story. From the company's point of view it doesn't make sense to advertise a price drop like that. How does that help retailers? Most people will just wait a month or two, and the retailers are out $200.

I can get the 34XS955 for $1375 from a Sony employee...which is quite a bit less than the $2000 msrp. Besides, if I wait until July then I'll just be tempted by the new RP LCD's, haha. It's been hard enough making up my mind right now, I don't need to make it worse. :)

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=nathan118]I'd be curious to see the actual story. From the company's point of view it doesn't make sense to advertise a price drop like that. How does that help retailers? Most people will just wait a month or two, and the retailers are out $200.

I can get the 34XS955 for $1375 from a Sony employee...which is quite a bit less than the $2000 msrp. Besides, if I wait until July then I'll just be tempted by the new RP LCD's, haha. It's been hard enough making up my mind right now, I don't need to make it worse. :)[/QUOTE]

That's basically where I was at. Then I literally woke up this Monday morning, said "the hell with it" and placed my order for the XBR960. MAN, that felt good!

I should get it by the end of the week! :D

[kny3twalker]

the XS models have already had their price drop 200

the 34 has had the price drop since January and the 30" this May

[rustycruiser]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]the XS models have already had their price drop 200

the 34 has had the price drop since January and the 30" this May[/QUOTE]

So has the price drop occurred? The Sony website still lists the 34XS955 for $1999. I am tempted to pull the trigger this weekend though, as CC has the XS on sale for $1699. Great price, but if it will be $200 cheaper in a month I will wait.

[nathan118]

That's a killer deal at CC. Any idea if this is a weekend only sale, or this going to last all week?

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=nathan118]That's a killer deal at CC. Any idea if this is a weekend only sale, or this going to last all week?[/QUOTE]

Don't know, but I'd sure tell you to seriously consider acting on that deal ASAP. I don't know how many more months some people want to wait for a $100 savings or so. I doubt you'll see a better deal than that anytime soon, once this CC deal is done.

[scimethodman]

That's a good deal at CC, but I was just at BB and they put the 34xs955 on clearance and their website did the same. Better than CC's price. I have been waiting for a good deal and this was it. I got the last one from my local store and I'm very excited! If anyone wants the 34xs955, get to BB fast because I saw someone buy the display model a few minutes after I grabbed the last new one.

[kny3twalker]

just checked bestbuy's website and it is not listed only the KV hs420
for 1599

I do not know how much your taxes are where you live
by Crutchfield is an authorized Sony dealer (not a reseller)
and they have had it listed at 1799 since january
if the taxes are like they are in Texas
it would be cheaper at Crutchfield than CC at 1699

[nathan118]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]just checked bestbuy's website and it is not listed only the KV hs420
for 1599

I do not know how much your taxes are where you live
by Crutchfield is an authorized Sony dealer (not a reseller)
and they have had it listed at 1799 since january
if the taxes are like they are in Texas
it would be cheaper at Crutchfield than CC at 1699[/QUOTE]

Depends on your sales tax, but it's only $40 more at CC at that price here in Cali. $40 isn't much, but the satisfaction of getting the TV now is worth something. :) And I dunno, a little easier dealing with a brick and mortar maybe?

[scimethodman]

Well, I know prices aren't suposed to be listed, so I'll say this, ridiculously enough, at BB it was listed on clearance at $100 less than the 34HS420. I was going to go with crutchfield because of taxes until I stumbled across this yesterday. Even with sales tax I had the TV for almost $200 less than Crutchfields' price.

Edit: I just Checked BB's website and I still see the 34xs955 for the clearance price. I'm in NC, zip 27514. Check it with that zipcode if you want. I think their site changes prices or deals for different areas.

[Q of BanditZ]

Yeah, folks: Be careful with price discussions outside of MSRP.

[rustycruiser]

The BB price is about the same that I saw a refurbished 34XS955 at the Sony Store for, with a 10% discount. BB price is amazing. I wonder if they are trying to get rid of old stock before the July price drop.

[scimethodman]

[QUOTE=rustycruiser]The BB price is about the same that I saw a refurbished 34XS955 at the Sony Store for, with a 10% discount. BB price is amazing. I wonder if they are trying to get rid of old stock before the July price drop.[/QUOTE]

That could be, but at this price, I had to grab it. I can't imagine it would go much if any lower than this anyways. If the 34xs had a $200 price drop from msrp, it would be 1799. I got a much better deal than that. At this rate, there won't be any left if and when a price drop occurs. I was waiting for that drop because the MSRP of the 34xs of 1999 was too close to the XBR to warrant selecting it over the xbr, but now that that difference was so much greater, for me it was a no-brainer. I get it delivered Wednesday and I can't wait. If BB's price is a preview of the Sony price drop, then grab the 34xs now because they won't be in stock for long anywhere.

[Artwood]

For all those folks out there who still may wonder if the 34XBR960 is really much better all I can tell you is this: the reality/clairity tweaks are what makes the difference on SD. Eveyone always complains about SD--all I can tell you is that with these available tweaks SD looks better than you'll see anywhere else. The 40XBR800 was capable of this too--but it doesn't have the fine pitch tube so it's HD performance is not quite as good as the 34XBR960. Bottom line: with the 960 you get BOTH the best SD performance available AND the best HD performance available and you also get the one and only Direct-view CRT with Firewire--all this = the greatest Direct-view CRT of all times. Buy it while you still have the chance!

[kny3twalker]

can someone just post a link
cause I do not see it

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat15074&type=category&parentCatID=cat15063&_requestid=76757

[rustycruiser]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]can someone just post a link
cause I do not see it [/QUOTE]

HERE (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6494171&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03002&id=1077628886096)

I just ordered one from the BB website, as the local store did not have any in inventory. I also ordered the Sony stand for it, as I got a pretty good deal. Can't wait for it to come.

[masbama]

Both these TV's are great but what do you use for a stand if you don't go with a Sony stand? My wife wants the wood look but these beasts are 25"s deep! ANy suggestions?

[triumph66]

Damn that BB price is killing me. I really want the 34XBR960 but this price has me reconsidering.

Indecision will be the death of me.

[nathan118]

Thanks to the heads up on here I picked up the XS at Best Buy for that killer price, and man was it worth it. I don't have my antenna (square shooter) mounted yet, but I just plugged it in downstairs and I picked up the digital broadcasts of all the major stations from 90-98%. Looks beautiful even without any tweaking.

As for a stand, I picked up a tech craft stand that circuit city had. It was $270, and it's pretty nice. The whole thing swivels on a base, so should be really useful for getting at the back of the TV.

Phillips divx player also looks gorgeous on it, can't imagine paying extra for an upconverting box.

All in all, got it for $300 less than I'd EVER seen it before this weekend. Best buy was packed and annoying as heck, but glad to have it over and done with. Now to enjoy. :)

[scimethodman]

[QUOTE=masbama]Both these TV's are great but what do you use for a stand if you don't go with a Sony stand? My wife wants the wood look but these beasts are 25"s deep! ANy suggestions?[/QUOTE]

I got this stand at BB when I got the TV: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6698656&productCategoryId=cat03116&type=product&tab=1&id=1083712642058
It's wood, but painted black. I put it together last night. I looks nicer than I thought it would. This one is also 22" deep, which is almost exactly the depth of the 34xs footprint. Hard to find a tv stand deep enough at a low price. I get the TV tomorrow, so I'll let you know how well it fits if interested. Downside is that the shelves are not very high though, my reciever is too tall to fit on any of the shelves.

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=triumph66]Damn that BB price is killing me. I really want the 34XBR960 but this price has me reconsidering.

Indecision will be the death of me.[/QUOTE]

Make sure the xs has all the features you want. The XBR960 had PIP and some other bells and whistles that I really wanted, so the extra price difference was well worth it to me. The XS has NO PIP whatsoever, which I find inexcuseable. Even my lowly $800 Zenith set had PIP for cryin' out loud!

[scimethodman]

For me, the xs was the right choice. Especially with my budget. PIP is a nice function, but I am getting a DVR from Timewarner and the DVR unit provides it's own PIP which works fine for me. I just discovered this recently and helped with the decision. I don' t know if other stb's do this, but something to think about. But the features like firewire and tunable DRC mentioned above and the better warranty are probably worth the money for many people.

[triumph66]

This morning I had the local CC manager give me approval in writing to match the J&R basket price on the 34XBR960 so now my decision becomes even more difficult. Yesterday, prior to me knowing whether CC would match J&R's price, I was looking at a $700 difference between the sets but now it's only $300(which is the price of a stand or service policy).

XBR corrupts. I'm so brainwashed.

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=triumph66]This morning I had the local CC manager give me approval in writing to match the J&R basket price on the 34XBR960 so now my decision becomes even more difficult. Yesterday, prior to me knowing whether CC would match J&R's price, I was looking at a $700 difference between the sets but now it's only $300(which is the price of a stand or service policy).

XBR corrupts. I'm so brainwashed.[/QUOTE]

It comes down to what features you want and how much you're willing to spend. For me, the XBR was more than worth it and I haven't looked back since. If you get the XBR, you'll be so blown away, you won't look back, either. I promise. :)

[nathan118]

I just went to amazon to see when this bad boy came out, and I noticed they list it as discontinued. here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002S9EB6/qid=1117603108/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-1799926-8674319?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846)

Think they're right?

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=nathan118]I just went to amazon to see when this bad boy came out, and I noticed they list it as discontinued. here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002S9EB6/qid=1117603108/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-1799926-8674319?v=glance&s=pc&n=507846)

Think they're right?[/QUOTE]

It doesn't say that for me. It says "ships in 1-2 business days" and lists Crutchfield, One Call, Target (?!?!), and Amazon itself as buying options for the set.

[Ronnie Ferrell]

[QUOTE=Q of BanditZ]It doesn't say that for me. It says "ships in 1-2 business days" and lists Crutchfield, One Call, Target (?!?!), and Amazon itself as buying options for the set.[/QUOTE]

He is referring to the info below the product description. Not the info at the top of the page.

Shipping: Shipping rates and policies
• This item does not ship Expedited to Continental U.S.
• Free Standard shipping to Continental U.S.

Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,508 in Electronics
ASIN: B0002S9EB6
Item model number: KD34XS955
Date first available at Amazon: August 1, 2004
Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

[Q of BanditZ]

[QUOTE=Ronnie Ferrell]He is referring to the info below the product description. Not the info at the top of the page.[/QUOTE]

Whoops. Huh, how about that?

I guess folks that want this TV had better get a move-on.

[nathan118]

Man I love this TV, and I haven't even had a chance to play some HD gamecube yet. Thank God for KCET HD, there is always a gorgeous picture to watch, even if it is gardening. Here's a snap of my tube (http://photos1.blogger.com/img/283/3052/1024/IMG_4532.jpg). There's a stand behind it, but none of my buddies have been over to help me lift it, haha.

[kny3twalker]

so what will Sony have left next year?

a XBR 34". 30" XS, 32" XS, and a bunch of HS's?

[Carmichael]

When you guys say that analog looks bad do you mean worse than analog on a regular TV set? Sort of a HDTV noob here. I'm really considering the TV now since it's on sale at BB. I will be going into BB to look at it before I buy of course.

[Gouki]

I've been playing Eternal Darkness in 16:9 and progressive and Metroid Prime 2 in progressive and they look amazing. (Once I'm off I'm going to blast some Ing!)

Side note on the Gamecube, I'm not sure if this is common knowledge, but the newer Gamecubes are shipped sans the digital output, so make sure it's there if buying a used one.

[scimethodman]

[QUOTE=Carmichael]When you guys say that analog looks bad do you mean worse than analog on a regular TV set? Sort of a HDTV noob here. I'm really considering the TV now since it's on sale at BB. I will be going into BB to look at it before I buy of course.[/QUOTE]

I have the 34xs955. I have only had it for 2 days, but after some minor adjustments (not even in the service menu yet...) I was able to make the sd picture look very good, just as good on sd as my old 27" analog phillips. Granted the old TV was not top of the line, but the sony looks equal to my old one, maybe a little better even on some channels. But then there's HD and it is truly awesome.

As far as bad, you do see more artifacts in the sd stations, meaning the higher resolution shows more flaws in the source material. This is not necessarily the tv's fault, but just the lower quality signal being exposed by the better tv. And it is certainly more apparent to me after watching HD. If I turn on sd first, it looks normal to me, good even. But after watching, say, Lost in HD last night, going back to sd seemed like the picture was terrible. It's a relative scale to me at least.
My 2 cents

[nathan118]

[QUOTE=Gouki]Side note on the Gamecube, I'm not sure if this is common knowledge, but the newer Gamecubes are shipped sans the digital output, so make sure it's there if buying a used one.[/QUOTE]

That's messed up. Luckily I bought mine the day it came out, and I've got component cables on the way. Wonder why they dropped the digital out. Good to know revolution will be backwards compatible, and I'm sure it will have component out.

[PGHammer]

[QUOTE=INeedABreak]The 960 model is worth the extra bucks because of what Robz stated aboved and because it's also capable of zooming 'native' HD sources (720p/1080i), and has 3 ilink (firewire) ports for connecting devices such as digital dv camcorders, digital pvr's etc.... The 955 cannot zoom native HD signals nor does it have the firewire ports.

Download and read more about the differences here:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XS955.pdf

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/KD34XBR960.pdf[/QUOTE]

The XS955 (all models) upconverts all 720p to 1080i (in fact, this is standard) so zoom-in support isn't typically an issue. However, the iLink (FireWire) support of the XBR series can be a deal-maker if you have a PC or Mac because you can use your computer as a PVR, or, as you mentioned, have other Sony DV products.

[PGHammer]

[QUOTE=kny3twalker]so what will Sony have left next year?

a XBR 34". 30" XS, 32" XS, and a bunch of HS's?[/QUOTE]

The KD-36XS955 is the *only* model being fire-saled in the 955 series (it's also the only non-16:9 model of the series). The KD-30XS955 and KD-34XS955 are new for 2005; both of these models support CableCARD and are widescreen. I'm actually expecting a new 36" 16:9 model of the XS and XBR series (possibly KD-36XS960/KD-36XBR960). The XS line is *not* going away by any means; if anything, the new models (and even the fire sale of the 36XS955) merely give it more teeth as the new middle-end of Sony's HDTV products. The XS models will finally have a completely common set of features, and will differ from each other in screen size only (the 36XS955 is the oddball, being a 4:3 set).

[dc_pilgrim]

I think you are confused. the 30, 34, and 36 XS955's were all 2004 releases:

Sony is also adding the XS-series to the FD Trinitron WEGA lineup. The expanded line will also feature Super Fine Pitch technology and include the widescreen 34-inch KD-34XS955, KD-30XS955 30-inch and 4:3 KD-36XS955 36-inch models. The widescreen models will be available for $2,000 $1,400, respectively in August and the 36-inch model will sell for around $1,900 in October.

http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/4439 Same press release as the XBR960.

The 32" 4:3 is new for 05. The press release said the w.s. models were being carried over. The 36" 4:3 wasn't specified, and may be history.

The new WEGA models include the 32-inch (4:3 aspect ratio) KV-32FS130 ($649 suggested retail) and the 36-inch KV-36FS130 ($899), which would include ATSC tuning. Also introduced was the 32-inch KD-32XS945 ($1,199) fully integrated, digital CableCARD-ready television. The sets include HDMI/HDCP inputs but omit i.LINK interfaces.

Sony will carry over all five of its widescreen 30W-inch and 34W-inch FD Trinitron Wega models next year, with price repositioning planned for July.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=519003

[kny3twalker]

yeah I bought my KD30XS955 in December

[nathan118]

So I've used this tv for a good 10 hours now, and I got a question.

I have the divx capable phillips player, which has progressive scan. I go into the menu and set the player to progressive output. When I watch the movie on Video 5, it is indeed 480p.

Here's the weird part: it doesn't look that good. Edges tend to be somewhat jaggy. However, if I turn off progressive output, and then set the DRC to cinemotion, it looks gorgeous.

Keep in mind I haven't used AVIA yet or fooled in the service menu...but I was under the impression progressive should look quite a bit better.

[kny3twalker]

you should connect a PC to that TV via component or DVI
then you upscale your DIvx to 1080i

but Cinemotion uses the progressive scan (deinterlaces the video)
only interlaced mode uses the line doubler

[nathan118]

I'm still confused. Doesn't the TV upconvert everything to 1080i? In the manual it talks about cinemotion doing the 3:2 pulldown or whatever, but still curious why 480p doesn't look better than 480i with cinemotion. This is with the Incredibles DVD, not a divx file.

[kny3twalker]

no CRTs are multi scan rate displays
the Sonys display 480p, 960i in interlaced DRC mode and 1080i

the reason is looks better at 480i is because the Sony does a better job of deinterlacing and 3:2 pulldown than your DVD player

but in Cinemotion mode your TV displays 480p

[Ronnie Ferrell]

[QUOTE=nathan118]I'm still confused. Doesn't the TV upconvert everything to 1080i? In the manual it talks about cinemotion doing the 3:2 pulldown or whatever, but still curious why 480p doesn't look better than 480i with cinemotion. This is with the Incredibles DVD, not a divx file.[/QUOTE]

It's because the TV is doing a better job than your DVD player at converting the 480i signal. With my Sony 775 player, my 960 TV did a better job than the player converting the signal. With my current Pioneer 588a player, the DVD player does a better job than the TV. Actually I think the 960 still does a better job converting the 480i signal than my 588a. BUT the 588a has REALLY poor 480i output (colors and white level are way off) so the 480p from the player looks the best to me with the 588a.

Just use which looks best to you! ;)



rf

[nathan118]

Thanks guys, that makes sense.

And that is a no brainer solution: if it looks good, use it. :)