AVS Forum Archive 2 - Future of KD-34XS955?

PGHammer

06-02-05, 02:38 PM

[QUOTE=nathan118]Until all the other major retailers start pricing this to move, I would just consider it a great deal. Heck, best buy had it cheaper than the 34" inch without a tuner and no super fine pitch tube, that's just dumb on their part. The XS is a better TV and they're selling it for less.

Whatever the case may be, pick one of these up while you can. The two closest best buys to me both had one yesterday, now neither do.[/QUOTE]

The local BB is doing the same thing with the KD-36XS955 (which is now cheaper than the KD-34HS420, which has a smaller screen, lacks CableCARD support, and has a lower-quality CRT).

In addition to the new KD-34XS955, there is now a KD-30XS955 (unlike the KD-36XS955, this is a widescreen model; otherwise, the feature set is identical, down to the CableCARD support).

Why the KD-36XS955 fire sale: IMHO, they are firesaling this model because it is *not* a widescreen set (this is, in fact, the *only* 955-series model that isn't widescreen), unlike either the KD-34HS420 and new KD-34XS955 (both of these are widescreen). Basically, this is a purge of non-WS tubes from the high-end (and middle-end) of Sony's CRT line, and I expect a new widescreen version of the 36XS955 to appear (possible as the KD-36XS960 to avoid confusion).

This would finally have a unification effect among the various XS models, regardless of screen size:

1. All would be widescreen (I mentioned before that the 36XS955 is the only model that isn't).
2. CableCARD support is *standard*.
3. DVI/HDCP/HDMI support is *standard*.
4. Universal remote is (you guessed it) *standard*.

The 34XS955 and 30XS955 fill a hole in Sony's line that even they had no idea existed: smaller HD/CableCARD-ready tube sets. (In fact, these are the smallest CableCARD-ready sets, tube or otherwise, from anybody, at any price.) What will the other companies do about Sony's *return* to the smaller-size high and middle end (while the 30XS955 is equipped identically to the larger and pricier sets in the XS series, it is not priced too far away from the same-size competition, yet it has a far longer feature list than any of them, so I would actually class this model as a middle-end, not high-end, set)?

Dearth

06-02-05, 06:15 PM

Sony announced a price reduction set for July as so maybe BB is jumping the gun.

jmccorm

06-02-05, 10:42 PM

[QUOTE=snackmasta]I was in my local Best Buy yesterday, and they have the KD-34XS955 on clearance for 25% below list price. Seems like a great deal. Has Sony announced a replacement for this model?[/QUOTE]

My Circuit City had the KD-34XBR960 on clearance a few months ago. I believe it was more about their not wanting to carry the set (because of the price) and clearing it form their inventory, rather than not being able to get more of the sets.

Sgt Makak

06-02-05, 11:22 PM

This is ridiculous. I just checked Best Buy's Us site and it's Canadian site and there's a 900$ difference (after currency conversion)! 900$! more expensive in Canada!

shugazer9

06-03-05, 01:24 AM

Im still kind of mad with the way these sets were suddenly discontinued. I was planning to get the 36XS955-just not RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, I missed out on the closeout at BB. With a sudden sense of urgency, I got a fairly good deal from a Chicago area etailer and it will be delivered next week.

RandyWalters

06-03-05, 08:36 AM

[QUOTE=PGHammer]
In addition to the new KD-34XS955, there is now a KD-30XS955 (unlike the KD-36XS955, this is a widescreen model; otherwise, the feature set is identical, down to the CableCARD support).

Why the KD-36XS955 fire sale: IMHO, they are firesaling this model because it is *not* a widescreen set (this is, in fact, the *only* 955-series model that isn't widescreen), unlike either the KD-34HS420 and new KD-34XS955 (both of these are widescreen). Basically, this is a purge of non-WS tubes from the high-end (and middle-end) of Sony's CRT line, and I expect a new widescreen version of the 36XS955 to appear (possible as the KD-36XS960 to avoid confusion).

The 34XS955 and 30XS955 fill a hole in Sony's line that even they had no idea existed: smaller HD/CableCARD-ready tube sets. (In fact, these are the smallest CableCARD-ready sets, tube or otherwise, from anybody, at any price.) What will the other companies do about Sony's *return* to the smaller-size high and middle end (while the 30XS955 is equipped identically to the larger and pricier sets in the XS series, it is not priced too far away from the same-size competition, yet it has a far longer feature list than any of them, so I would actually class this model as a middle-end, not high-end, set)?[/QUOTE]

I don't know where you've been for the last year, but the 30XS955 and 34XS955 have been around for about a year now - they're not new. Sony's recent press release says they're carrying over most of their widescreen tube sets for 2005 and are releasing three new 4:3 sets (a 27" and two 32" sets). No mention of carrying over any of their current 4:3 sets which would include the 27"/32"/36" HS420 line and the 36XS955 so we're presuming these have been discontinued.

subysouth

06-03-05, 03:48 PM

[QUOTE=PGHammer]
The 34XS955 and 30XS955 fill a hole in Sony's line that even they had no idea existed: smaller HD/CableCARD-ready tube sets. [/QUOTE]

I think this is the first time I have ever heard a 34" set being referred to as "smaller." Its currently the largest ws direct-view set available and it has the largest 16:9 image available period on a direct-view CRT.

ss

PGHammer

06-07-05, 09:54 AM

[QUOTE=shugazer9]Im still kind of mad with the way these sets were suddenly discontinued. I was planning to get the 36XS955-just not RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, I missed out on the closeout at BB. With a sudden sense of urgency, I got a fairly good deal from a Chicago area etailer and it will be delivered next week.[/QUOTE]

Who sez you've missed out?

They are still running the firesale on the 36XS955 (per their own ads). The 34XS955 is still on sale, too.

It's the 34-inch WS model that's the scarier deal of the two because it is still $100 USD *less* than the KD-34HS420.

PGHammer

06-07-05, 09:58 AM

[QUOTE=subysouth]I think this is the first time I have ever heard a 34" set being referred to as "smaller." Its currently the largest ws direct-view set available and it has the largest 16:9 image available period on a direct-view CRT.

ss[/QUOTE]

I refer to smaller in terms of CableCARD-ready sets (the KD-30XS955 is the smallest such set), the vast majority of CableCARD-ready sets are plasmas, DLPs, or projection models 40" and larger. Is there such a thing as an LCD CableCARD-ready set?

gigaguy

06-07-05, 11:43 AM

I was considering the XBR960 but it looks like the 55 has most eveything the 960 has. Main diff is the warranty, I-link, and the twin screen. Scrolling Index on the 960 doesn't even work with Cablecard, anyone know why? I thought Cablecard would allow most TV tuner functions. Seems poor since Cablecard is what I planned to use and my current 32XBR100 has tons of index screen modes and PIP and I never use it. So why buy the 960?

Scurbs16

06-07-05, 12:11 PM

I just noticed that the 34xs955 isn't on the Circuit City website anymore. Anybody know why? Did Sony quit making it?

jmccorm

06-07-05, 12:34 PM

[QUOTE=gigaguy]So why buy the 960?[/QUOTE]

For as long as you can get the KD34XS955 for $700 less than the KD34XBR960, then there is some, but not for most, not enough compelling reasons to shell out the extra cash.

Of course, you can also get the KD34XBR960 on sale here and there, but the general idea is that it is hard to find $500 in differences in features.

I'm still puzzled by, in the future, how much I'll be really really glad I got a television with firewire, or if it was just a waste.

gigaguy

06-07-05, 01:06 PM

I live near a Sony Outlet, their prices on the refurb 960 were good but not as low as the 34XS55 on sale. I'm getting nearer to taking the HD plunge but see I should wait for Sony's announced price drops for July.
Plus tube sets are hard to move now in this price range (or even lower) due to the appeal of flat panels, so I bet there will continue to be great deals found on the Sony 34" tubes. One local independent store I went to has lots of Sony tubes (mostly 4:3) that he can't sell.

Poncho

06-07-05, 01:40 PM

Since the 36XS955 and the 34XS955 are now about the same closeout price at BB, which would you choose? I'm having trouble deciding to jump now, or wait until new models come out later this year.

How big will that July price drop be and on what models? By then, any leftover 36XS955 and the 34XS955 models will probably be gone.

Will we see a 37" native 1080 line plasma or LCD by next year for under $2K?

subysouth

06-07-05, 03:00 PM

[QUOTE=Poncho]
Will we see a 37" native 1080 line plasma or LCD by next year for under $2K?[/QUOTE]

Unknown on the plasma. Some people here suggested we would have already heard of 1080p 50" plasmas(easier) by now, but still nada. IMO its gonna be a while if at all on the 37" 1080p plasma. I lean towards a LONG while.

There are already sub 2k 1080p 37" LCDs announced(BenQ) and available near that number(Westinghouse.)

ss

matrixrok10

06-07-05, 03:08 PM

Will the pricedrop also be for the 30 inch models? Thanks.

Poncho

06-07-05, 03:32 PM

The BenQ and Westy look interesting, and have greater WAF, but cost $500 more and have no tuner.

subysouth

06-07-05, 03:35 PM

[QUOTE=Poncho]The BenQ and Westy look interesting, and have greater WAF, but cost $500 more and have no tuner.[/QUOTE]

The BenQ is still a bit of an unknown but I have heard things as optimistic as sub 2k including ATSC tuner.

ss

cjg725

06-09-05, 07:24 AM

First post on the forums. :)

I recently bought one of these at Best Buy (my first HDTV) and I was very happy to see the price drop to $1499.99 US. My first thought was "why the drop", but I figured I had to get one while BB still had them. Not to mention I used my BB credit card to get no interest for 18 months and a $100 gift card.

DigitalOverlord

06-09-05, 06:00 PM

First: Hello to the Forum, this is my 1st post! :)

I just picked up the 34XS955 at Best Buy for a steal!

Floor model (In mint condition with all manuals and un-used remote).

$1499.99 Tag
-$100 for floor model
-$209 with 15% off open box coupon

$1190 Total (Before tax)

So far I love this TV; however it is my 1st venture into the Digital/HD realm.

I did not buy BB's warranty; does anyone have any thoughts on this? I said no due to it being a CRT and CRT's don't have a bulb to replace and an older more developed tech behind them.

subysouth

06-09-05, 06:25 PM

[QUOTE=DigitalOverlord]First: Hello to the Forum, this is my 1st post! :)

I just picked up the 34XS955 at Best Buy for a steal!

Floor model (In mint condition with all manuals and un-used remote).

$1499.99 Tag
-$100 for floor model
-$209 with 15% off open box coupon

$1190 Total (Before tax)

So far I love this TV; however it is my 1st venture into the Digital/HD realm.

I did not buy BB's warranty; does anyone have any thoughts on this? I said no due to it being a CRT and CRT's don't have a bulb to replace and an older more developed tech behind them.[/QUOTE]

Did you ask for the floor model or that was all they had?

ss

RandyWalters

06-09-05, 06:43 PM

[QUOTE=DigitalOverlord]
I did not buy BB's warranty; does anyone have any thoughts on this? I said no due to it being a CRT and CRT's don't have a bulb to replace and an older more developed tech behind them.[/QUOTE]

Welcome :cool:

You got a great deal on that TV. Excellent choice too.

If you used a premium credit card to buy the TV you may have automatically doubled the manufacturer's warranty (many premium Visas and Mastercard do this, including mine). Chances are if the TV makes it throught the first few months it will be ok, but some people (like me) like the extra peace of mind of having an extended warranty.

Or, you should be able to buy an aftermarket Repairmaster warranty from forum sponser TVAuthority linked above. Their warranty prices are WAY better than what BB and CC charge.

DigitalOverlord

06-09-05, 07:33 PM

[QUOTE=subysouth]Did you ask for the floor model or that was all they had?

ss[/QUOTE]

The 1st store I went to had 2 NIB (New in box) and would not sell me the floor model but they found another store nearby that showed only one in stock, which was most likely the floor model and I got it there.

By the way, here is a link to that 15% coupon; it's good till July 2nd.

(They won't let me post the link yet, too new a member; if you need it it's on their web site in the televisions area.)

The key is to work a deal on the open box or floor model without showing the coupon then use it when you check. It worked for me!!!

DigitalOverlord

06-09-05, 07:35 PM

[QUOTE=RandyWalters]Welcome :cool:

You got a great deal on that TV. Excellent choice too.

If you used a premium credit card to buy the TV you may have automatically doubled the manufacturer's warranty (many premium Visas and Mastercard do this, including mine). Chances are if the TV makes it throught the first few months it will be ok, but some people (like me) like the extra peace of mind of having an extended warranty.

Or, you should be able to buy an aftermarket Repairmaster warranty from forum sponser TVAuthority linked above. Their warranty prices are WAY better than what BB and CC charge.[/QUOTE]

I used BB's card to get the 18 months 0% deal. I was going to go the credit card with protection route, but the 18 months was too good to pass up.

Amarynth

06-10-05, 06:17 PM

[QUOTE=DigitalOverlord]
(They won't let me post the link yet, too new a member; if you need it it's on their web site in the televisions area.)
[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much for pointing me to that coupon!

I bought the 34XS955 today for $800 open box, plus they gave me a $50 gift card.

I just called and they said that if I brought the coupon in tomorrow, they would give me an additional 15% off!

subysouth

06-10-05, 06:21 PM

[QUOTE=Amarynth]Thanks so much for pointing me to that coupon!

I bought the 34XS955 today for $800 open box, plus they gave me a $50 gift card.

I just called and they said that if I brought the coupon in tomorrow, they would give me an additional 15% off![/QUOTE]

Thats an amazing deal.

ss

jmccorm

06-10-05, 06:26 PM

That's HOTTTT!

DigitalOverlord

06-10-05, 06:44 PM

DigitalOverlord

06-10-05, 06:47 PM

Amarynth

06-10-05, 07:28 PM

[QUOTE=DigitalOverlord]Was it in good shape? Thats a dang low price!!![/QUOTE]

It looked fine, no scratches on the unit that I could see, and the picture looked great. They even had the manual and remote for it. The whole experience was kind of surreal -- I went in to buy ink for my printer and bought a TV! They had a ton of open box TVs, and a big sign saying "Up to 60% off open box items." I had my eye on this TV for a while, and I was shocked that it was only $800. Then I was shocked to get the $50 gift card. Then I was even more shocked to come here and see that 15% off coupon!

Thanks again! That coupon will make up for the fact that I need to buy a new TV stand now.

gigaguy

06-10-05, 08:28 PM

$800 for the 32xs955? Is that a typo?? Why would a store sell it for that?
THe one on display I saw at BB had really bad distortion and green areas all around the screen. For $800 I guess it'd be worth it and then get it repaired.
I generally avoid store model tvs, they are on all the time, usually at high damaging settings, no telling what other abuse they get.

tvee

06-10-05, 09:39 PM

I got the same deal you did, thanks to your post! Wonderful! My tv has been on the shelf since Feb. so I have slight trepidation -- what about you?
Mostly I am completely thrilled!
[QUOTE=DigitalOverlord]First: Hello to the Forum, this is my 1st post! :)

I just picked up the 34XS955 at Best Buy for a steal!

Floor model (In mint condition with all manuals and un-used remote).

$1499.99 Tag
-$100 for floor model
-$209 with 15% off open box coupon

$1190 Total (Before tax)

So far I love this TV; however it is my 1st venture into the Digital/HD realm.

I did not buy BB's warranty; does anyone have any thoughts on this? I said no due to it being a CRT and CRT's don't have a bulb to replace and an older more developed tech behind them.[/QUOTE]

subysouth

06-10-05, 10:01 PM

[QUOTE=gigaguy]$800 for the 32xs955? Is that a typo?? Why would a store sell it for that?
THe one on display I saw at BB had really bad distortion and green areas all around the screen. For $800 I guess it'd be worth it and then get it repaired.
I generally avoid store model tvs, they are on all the time, usually at high damaging settings, no telling what other abuse they get.[/QUOTE]

That would be 34XS955, there is no 32XS955.

The set should have factory warranty so it should be fixed under warranty if there's a problem.

ss

Amarynth

06-11-05, 08:46 AM

[QUOTE=gigaguy]$800 for the 32xs955? Is that a typo?? Why would a store sell it for that?.[/QUOTE]

It was the 34XS955, I think it was a return, not a display model and all of their open box TVs (and there must have been over a dozen) were discounted that much. They must have been making room for a bunch of new stock.

Like I said, I didn't notice anything wrong with the picture in the store, and it's still covered under the factory warranty.

Poncho

06-13-05, 08:35 AM

Thast's a great deal! Locally the BB has the display model 34XS955 for the open box price of $1499 less 15% if you bring in the coupon for a whopping deal at $1274. :(

gigaguy

06-13-05, 08:58 AM

No, BB has a regular price of $1499 on all the 34xs955 sets, new, it's clearance priced.

DigitalOverlord

06-13-05, 10:51 AM

[QUOTE=tvee]I got the same deal you did, thanks to your post! Wonderful! My tv has been on the shelf since Feb. so I have slight trepidation -- what about you?
Mostly I am completely thrilled![/QUOTE]

I'm not too worried, mine looks great and it was in the isles with the rest of the tube TV's and I think most of the abuse is on the big screen TV's in the open where the little ones can get to them! ;)

Congrats on the deal!!

DigitalOverlord

06-13-05, 10:54 AM

I discovered a nice bonus with this set, at least it was to me, they do not list it, but it has a QAM tuner to get un-encrypted HD over cable! I now get all my locals over my standard analog cable service! Now I can return my antenna!

INTERNET

06-13-05, 12:41 PM

Could one of you kind sirs measure the dimensions of the 34xs955's box? I am thinking of driving 150 miles to pick up one of the last ones in the state, and I'd like to see if I can get it in my Subaru. I found approximate dimensions for the xbr960 online, and judging from those it will be very close, so any extra precision would be appreciated!

Amarynth

06-13-05, 01:06 PM

[QUOTE=INTERNET]Could one of you kind sirs measure the dimensions of the 34xs955's box? I am thinking of driving 150 miles to pick up one of the last ones in the state, and I'd like to see if I can get it in my Subaru. I found approximate dimensions for the xbr960 online, and judging from those it will be very close, so any extra precision would be appreciated![/QUOTE]

I'm a kind lady, but I'll answer you anyway ;)

According to SonyStyle.com, the dimensions are (WxHxD): 39 1/8" x 25 3/4" x 23 3/4"

It weighs 198 lbs.

INTERNET

06-13-05, 01:13 PM

[QUOTE=Amarynth]I'm a kind lady, but I'll answer you anyway ;)

According to SonyStyle, the dimensions are (WxHxD): 39 1/8" x 25 3/4" x 23 3/4"

It weighs 198 lbs.[/QUOTE]

I of course meant "sir" in the most gender-neutral way possible ;). Anyway thanks for the numbers - but I think those are the size of the actual TV, rather than the box that it comes in? I suppose I could just dump the box in the Best Buy parking lot if its too big :eek: .

esojmc

06-13-05, 01:32 PM

I just picked one up (not literally - it's pretty heavy :) ) so I still have the box. Here is the dim.
43.5 x 29.5 x 32. It fit perfect in my Dodge Caravan with the back seat removed with no room to spare.

Sorry, forgot to mention my dim. are in LxWxH

INTERNET

06-13-05, 01:34 PM

[QUOTE=esojmc]I just picked one up (not literally - it's pretty heavy :) ) so I still have the box. Here is the dim.
43.5 x 29.5 x 32. It fit perfect in my Dodge Caravan with the back seat removed with no room to spare.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! I THINK I can slide that in with about 1/2" clearance on the top.

esojmc

06-13-05, 02:00 PM

Hope you saw my edit. The height is 32".

Amarynth

06-13-05, 02:57 PM

[QUOTE=INTERNET]I of course meant "sir" in the most gender-neutral way possible ;). Anyway thanks for the numbers - but I think those are the size of the actual TV, rather than the box that it comes in? I suppose I could just dump the box in the Best Buy parking lot if its too big :eek: .[/QUOTE]

Oh, sorry! That's what I get for not reading carefully.

I suppose with all this talk of floor models and open box items, I just have boxless TVs on the brain.

BigThree

06-13-05, 11:57 PM

I just bought a 34XS955 at BB tonight. Open box marked down to $1,199 and then the 15% coupon to take it down to $1,019. The set was in perfect condition except for the little door on the front access panel under the screen. One of the tabs holding it in place had snapped off. The door closes fine and doesn't look bad or anything, but I'd like to get it replaced. Does anyone know if this is something that would be covered by the warranty? Do you think I could just call Sony and have them send me a new one? Thanks.