AVS Forum Archive 2 - Kd Xbr970 On Sonystyle Site Now.

greenland

02-14-06, 11:01 AM

XBR970 is back on the Sonystyle website, with a march shipment scheduled. 2yr parts and labor coverage. Also showing for preorder on American TV site.

Please posters stick to adding XBR970 information and reviews only. There are other places to discuss XBR960 and flat panel sets. Also, keep all idle, back and forth, chit chat out of here. A lean, XBR970 concrete facts only thread would be nice for all future readers, who are looking for just the facts on this particular item. Clouding the issue with hundreds of side comments just makes getting up to speed on the the specific facts on the 970 very difficult. Finally, do not post any comments on this request. That would be just starting down a meaningless side track. Thank you all for your anticipated cooperation.

CCMOO

02-14-06, 12:34 PM

not a widescreen. is that something i'm just noticing? i don't remember thinking that the first time it was up on the site.

jobi wan kenobi

02-14-06, 12:38 PM

The specs claim 16:9. Doesn't that indicate widescreen?

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 12:44 PM

[QUOTE=greenland]XBR970 is back on the Sonystyle website, with a march shipment scheduled. 2yr parts and labor coverage. Also showing for preorder on American TV site.

[color=red][size=5]Please posters stick to adding XBR970 information and reviews only. [/color][/size]

There are other places to discuss XBR960 and flat panel sets. Also, keep all idle, back and forth, chit chat out of here.

[size=5][color=red] A lean, XBR970 concrete facts only [/color][/size]thread would be nice for all future readers, who are looking for [color=red][size=5]just the facts[/color][/size] on this particular item. Clouding the issue with hundreds of side comments just makes getting up to speed on the the specific facts on the 970 very difficult.

Finally, do not post any comments on this request. That would be just starting down a meaningless side track. Thank you all for your anticipated cooperation.[/QUOTE]

Agreed 100 percent.

I felt the need to emphasize and color code a very important point you made, in case a certain individual comes along under one of his many aliases.

Beyond that, we're back to the same facts of: This is redressed HS420 and is not a Super Fine Pitched Tube.

Until someone takes possession of one of these, there are very few actual concrete facts that we can go over at this time.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KD34XBR970&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs

Direct link to the Sonystyle page. If you click the specs tab, it looks like you can download PDF files of the manuals and literature for this set.

Those PDF files aren't working yet, so expect your browser to be crashed.

It is a
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 screen. Yes, this is widescreen.

• HDMI™ 1 Connection(s): 1 Rear They didn't add a second one.

$1199 MSRP for a rebadged HS420? I guess that's pretty good.

CCMOO

02-14-06, 12:57 PM

are you sure? look at the picture. not of a widescreen (it looks just like the 36xs955). sony didn't describe it as a widescreen on the 34-36" tube page, or when I clicked on the TV for the description. sony describes other TVs as having a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, but on this one, no mention of widescreen. dumb question: is there a difference?

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 01:15 PM

[QUOTE=CCMOO]are you sure? look at the picture. not of a widescreen (it looks just like the 36xs955). sony didn't describe it as a widescreen on the 34-36" tube page, or when I clicked on the TV for the description. sony describes other TVs as having a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, but on this one, no mention of widescreen. dumb question: is there a difference?[/QUOTE]

When it's listed like this:
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9

It's a 16x9 TV. You don't see "4:3" anywhere on any spec or listing for this TV.

Mathesar

02-14-06, 01:35 PM

[QUOTE=CCMOO]are you sure? look at the picture. not of a widescreen (it looks just like the 36xs955). sony didn't describe it as a widescreen on the 34-36" tube page, or when I clicked on the TV for the description. sony describes other TVs as having a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, but on this one, no mention of widescreen. dumb question: is there a difference?[/QUOTE]

The picture looks like a widescreen TV to me ..Pretty obvious actually.

Also the .PDF manual explains how to use the various Zoom options for dealing with 4:3 content etc. , Not something you see on a 4:3 set.

It's definitely widescreen.

motorhead7319

02-14-06, 02:20 PM

I just called sony style at 1:00 pm central time and asked about this tv to see if it was super fine pitch or not, the first guy said he was pretty sure it was but was not totally sure so he redirected my call to technical support. The lady i spoke to looked up the information and said it was but she also verified it through some other department before she could definitely say it was. After about 5 minutes she confirmed it will be a super fine pitch screen and said that the sony style web site should reflect this after it is released next month. I hope this comes to be because i would definitely pay the msrp when it is 700.00 less than the 960N and is only sans a subwoofer and cable card input.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 02:28 PM

greenland

02-14-06, 02:30 PM

[QUOTE=Mathesar]The picture looks like a widescreen TV to me ..Pretty obvious actually.

Also the .PDF manual explains how to use the various Zoom options for dealing with 4:3 content etc. , Not something you see on a 4:3 set.

It's definitely widescreen.[/QUOTE]

I would advise against trying to establish any facts with the poster who questioned if it were a widescreen set. On previous posts, the person was in the know about other Sony sets because they had discussed them with a Sony Rep, now suddenly this person is befuddled by a Sonystyle picture, and never even read the specs: that state it is a 34inch
16:9 set with 39" X 25" X 23" dimensions. Stand recommended for it SU-34XBR4.

There is none so blind as those who will not see. Ignore their game. The opening addled query was intended to side track, just what I had asked posters to avoid. If the questioner is for real, and could not notice the details I just outlined, when they visited the Sonystyle website, then what the hell good would a high definition display be to them any way. I would love if the moderator would selectively delete those inane "are you sure, it sort of looks like to me" postings. The unsure about the obvious have no business asking any one else if they are sure!.

motorhead7319

02-14-06, 02:46 PM

Yes i am totally excited now that it looks like it will be a SFP, plus usually at stores the price is a little lower than MSRP, now i dont have to buy the older model online for a large amount of cash, but we will all find out in less than four weeks if it is definate about the SFP but since 3 people went to confirm it at sony style it seems like a positive. :D

greenland

02-14-06, 02:59 PM

[QUOTE=Q of BanditZ]If that gets confirmed, and I certainly hope it does, a SFP tube at this MSRP is pretty hot indeed. :)[/QUOTE]

Specs: list it as a Trinitron tube, probably the same as the 420. The claim of SFP came from a first poster, who just got off the phone with Sony. Does that not sound like a familiar posting M.O. to you?. I doubt if Sony have left the SFP feature off the specs,while asking for preorders.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 03:02 PM

[QUOTE=greenland]Specs: list it as a Trinitron tube, probably the same as the 420. The claim of SFP came from a first poster, who just got off the phone with Sony. Does that not sound like a familiar posting M.O. to you?. I doubt if Sony have left the SFP feature off the specs,while asking for preorders.[/QUOTE]

Very familliar m.o. hence I used the word "if." ;) I share your doubts.

I would advise against trying to establish any facts with the poster who questioned if it were a widescreen set. On previous posts, the person was in the know about other Sony sets because they had discussed them with a Sony Rep, now suddenly this person is befuddled by a Sonystyle picture, and never even read the specs: that state it is a 34inch
16:9 set with 39" X 25" X 23" dimensions. Stand recommended for it SU-34XBR4.

There is none so blind as those who will not see. Ignore their game. The opening addled query was intended to side track, just what I had asked posters to avoid. If the questioner is for real, and could not notice the details I just outlined, when they visited the Sonystyle website, then what the hell good would a high definition display be to them any way. I would love if the moderator would selectively delete those inane "are you sure, it sort of looks like to me" postings. The unsure about the obvious have no business asking any one else if they are sure!.

100 percent agreed on this as well. You should report those posts.

kny3twalker

02-14-06, 03:08 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by motorhead7319
I just called sony style at 1:00 pm central time and asked about this tv to see if it was super fine pitch or not, the first guy said he was pretty sure it was but was not totally sure so he redirected my call to technical support. The lady i spoke to looked up the information and said it was but she also verified it through some other department before she could definitely say it was. After about 5 minutes she confirmed it will be a super fine pitch screen and said that the sony style web site should reflect this after it is released next month. I hope this comes to be because i would definitely pay the msrp when it is 700.00 less than the 960N and is only sans a subwoofer and cable card input.

If that gets confirmed, and I certainly hope it does, a SFP tube at this MSRP is pretty hot indeed.

not a chance this thing will have the SFP tube

LMAO
CS response means absolutely nothing

TwinTurboZX

02-14-06, 03:33 PM

No firewire ports either. :( I'm kinda bummed that this thing is going to be released in March which means the 960N is going to be phased out much quicker than I thought.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 03:36 PM

[QUOTE=TwinTurboZX]No firewire ports either. :( I'm kinda bummed that this thing is going to be released in March which means the 960N is going to be phased out much quicker than I thought.[/QUOTE]

Not necessarily. We don't know that for sure, either.

justsc

02-14-06, 03:37 PM

I have the 34HS420 and I have just read the SonyStyle entry as well as the User Manual for the 970.

The 970 is nearly identical to the HS420. The language used to refer to the tube is identical to that used for the HS420 - there's not even a hint of any of the capabilities or ancillary features that would make one wonder if it's a SFP tube.

It does have analog and digital tuners, and appears to have an advanced DRC, somewhat similar to the features (e.g. color axis) of the XS/XBR's DRC, which is strictly for SD material. It also has a Mode Memory function unlike the HS420. It does not offer advanced guide functions as in the XS/XBRs, but it appears to include a basic guide feature not included on the HS420. There's no cable card or memory card slot. Only one HDMI input - oughta have 2 by now. No Subwoofer. It has horizontal and vertical expand picture modes not included on the HS420.

All in all an enhanced HS420 without a SFP tube.

mapson

02-14-06, 03:37 PM

I'm not an expert on Sonys but I don't think this will have the highly spoken of SFP tube, the CS probably made a mistake and it won't be the first time or last in any company, not just Sony. I've seen this model up on the Sony site and dropped and back up. I have not seen the SFP referred to and I don't believe it is a feature that just so happens to have been forgotten or dropped off. Not getting my hopes up for the SFP feature here.

TwinTurboZX

02-14-06, 03:45 PM

I agree, I don't think this will feature a SFP. SFP is arguably the biggest feature of the XBR/XS lines and it's not something they would leave off of the spec list on their website when they are taking pre-orders. I mean something has to balance out the $700 price difference between the 960 and the 970. I don't think the lack of firewire and cablecard would do that.

joebxr

02-14-06, 03:57 PM

Let's not fprget that the factory that made the CRT tubes in the US is no longer...new sets will have tubes made overseas. That will provide lower cost, but remains to be seen what picture quality will be.

greenland

02-14-06, 03:58 PM

OK, I guess there is not much point in doing any more uninformed speculation. The posted specs are what they are, and until the product hits the stores, and the homes of first purchasers, we need not flog an unborn horse. First posters can always just get off the phone from having talked to some phantom rep. who's office is usually located up the first poster's Arse,and spin fantasic promises of unlisted features, such as unlisted SFP tubes,and levitation technology which dispenses with the need for a supporting stand. However, in the interest of adhering to "Just the facts Ma'am", let's stick to what is common documented Sony facts, and not get sidetracked by spurious first posting claims which mirror similar rubbish posted in the past to other threads by similar methodology. Time to wait for the item to show up in the stores,and for feed back from first adopters.

justsc

02-14-06, 05:08 PM

[QUOTE=greenland]OK, I guess there is not much point in doing any more uninformed speculation. The posted specs are what they are, and until the product hits the stores, and the homes of first purchasers, we need not flog an unborn horse. First posters can always just get off the phone from having talked to some phantom rep. who's office is usually located up the first poster's Arse,and spin fantasic promises of unlisted features, such as unlisted SFP tubes,and levitation technology which dispenses with the need for a supporting stand. However, in the interest of adhering to "Just the facts Ma'am", let's stick to what is common documented Sony facts, and not get sidetracked by spurious first posting claims which mirror similar rubbish posted in the past to other threads by similar methodology. Time to wait for the item to show up in the stores,and for feed back from first adopters.[/QUOTE]
I believe you knew going in that the only hard facts were already on the SonyStyle site. There's obviously no reviews yet, so what you see is what you get.

I'm a little confused as to why this thread was started, especially given the "rules" in the first post. The only info available was already out there. Anything additional was/has been already labeled as hearsay.

CCMOO

02-14-06, 07:32 PM

[QUOTE=greenland]I would advise against trying to establish any facts with the poster who questioned if it were a widescreen set. On previous posts, the person was in the know about other Sony sets because they had discussed them with a Sony Rep, now suddenly this person is befuddled by a Sonystyle picture, and never even read the specs: that state it is a 34inch
16:9 set with 39" X 25" X 23" dimensions. Stand recommended for it SU-34XBR4.

There is none so blind as those who will not see. Ignore their game. The opening addled query was intended to side track, just what I had asked posters to avoid. If the questioner is for real, and could not notice the details I just outlined, when they visited the Sonystyle website, then what the hell good would a high definition display be to them any way. I would love if the moderator would selectively delete those inane "are you sure, it sort of looks like to me" postings. The unsure about the obvious have no business asking any one else if they are sure!.[/QUOTE]

wow, greenland. that sure was an interesting post. no game going on for me. i looked at the sony style site - and the 970 looked a lot more like the xs955 than the 960. also, sony trumpeted "widescreen" on all its other tube models, yet did not use that description on the 970. so i was confused. this was not a sidetrack (that's one word, by the way). i'm a newbie who doesn't know that 16:9 aspect ratio automatically means widescreen. show me where else it says "widescreen."

ask yourself this: what exactly would i gain by trying to sidetrack? you can call me inane - although you're misusing that word, too. uninformed is more accurate, but i didn't know that wasn't allowed in these forums. maybe next time you should work on being more accomodating to people who aren't as HD savvy as you, instead of being a jerk.

CCMOO

02-14-06, 07:38 PM

this is for q, too. so if someone calls a sony rep for info and gets an explanation to his question, it's a bad thing to report that explanation to this board? i thought these forums were for gathering information. you both get to decide the sources, i guess? what exactly is your agenda?

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 07:47 PM

[QUOTE=CCMOO]this is for q, too. so if someone calls a sony rep for info and gets an explanation to his question, it's a bad thing to report that explanation to this board? [/quote]

Nope.

i thought these forums were for gathering information. you both get to decide the sources, i guess?

If that's the way you want it to be.

No, I decide if I'm going to accept anything on the Internet at face value or not. It's my prerogative to accept or reject anything I see. The forumer that posted that is someone I've never seen before, so I really have very little to work with, one way or the other.

I just don't run with things I read on the Internet as gospel fact, sight unseen. If that works for you, more power to you.

...what exactly is your agenda?

My agenda is concrete, verifiable facts. Something we have very little of once we leave the Sony Style page on this product. For me, that's concrete fact. Anything outside of that is suspect so far.

The point was made earlier in the thread, and it's true: You can call these companies and play CSR roulette and get a different answer every time. It just doesn't mean much one way or the other.

CCMOO

02-14-06, 08:12 PM

[QUOTE=Q of BanditZ]Nope.

If that's the way you want it to be.

No, I decide if I'm going to accept anything on the Internet at face value or not. It's my prerogative to accept or reject anything I see. The forumer that posted that is someone I've never seen before, so I really have very little to work with, one way or the other.

I just don't run with things I read on the Internet as gospel fact, sight unseen. If that works for you, more power to you.

My agenda is concrete, verifiable facts. Something we have very little of once we leave the Sony Style page on this product. For me, that's concrete fact. Anything outside of that is suspect so far.

The point was made earlier in the thread, and it's true: You can call these companies and play CSR roulette and get a different answer every time. It just doesn't mean much one way or the other.[/QUOTE]

Then be consistent. I don't see you questioning when a poster says "no way this will have the SPF tube," with nothing to back up that statement. All I did was ask a question based on an inconsistency I saw on the Sony Site. If I knew all the answers, I wouldn't even be here. I want facts, too. And I don't run with things I see on the Internet (where did you get that idea from me?) But if a customer service rep tells me something, I think that's more valuable for the board to know than some poster saying "It's just a hs420 in a different box!"

Look, I'm not trying to get anyone mad here. I'm a guy who doesn't know a whole lot about HD but is about to buy something. I don't need my lack of knowledge shoved back in my face.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 08:31 PM

[quote=CCMOO]
Then be consistent. I don't see you questioning when a poster says "no way this will have the SPF tube," with nothing to back up that statement.[/quote]

Post 9.

I didn't take the forumer's word at face value, hence the use of the word IF.

All I did was ask a question based on an inconsistency I saw on the Sony Site.

And I thought I answered it very simply, politely, and directly in post 6. For me that was end of the subject.

What's the problem?

If I knew all the answers, I wouldn't even be here. I want facts, too. And I don't run with things I see on the Internet (where did you get that idea from me?) But if a customer service rep tells me something, I think that's more valuable for the board to know than some poster saying "It's just a hs420 in a different box!"

Certainly. With an "*"

But if someone posts that they talked to someone...yeah, it might be true...maybe not. How do you know?

Furthermore, if I make a phone call, I may get a rep that says something completely different. It happens all the time with any of these companies.

That's where the phrase "CSR roulette" comes in.

Look, I'm not trying to get anyone mad here. I'm a guy who doesn't know a whole lot about HD but is about to buy something. I don't need my lack of knowledge shoved back in my face.

I don't see where it happened and I certainly don't "know it all", either, even though I like to act like I do sometimes. ;)

CCMOO

02-14-06, 08:48 PM

OK, this is the last on this from me, because I'm becoming the sidetracker I don't want to be. My problem wasn't with Post 9, it was with Post 13, in which you agreed with Greenland and said the moderator should be alerted to posts like my earlier post. That bothered me because I did nothing other than bring up a question about widescreen - perhaps an uninformed question, but that's why some of us use these forums, right?

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 08:51 PM

[quote=CCMOO]OK, this is the last on this from me, because I'm becoming the sidetracker I don't want to be. My problem wasn't with Post 9, it was with Post 13, in which you agreed with Greenland and said the moderator should be alerted to posts like my earlier post. That bothered me because I did nothing other than bring up a question about widescreen - perhaps an uninformed question, but that's why some of us use these forums, right?[/quote]

My mistake. You certainly have come back and more than clarified your position, so sorry about any misunderstandings.

motorhead7319

02-14-06, 08:54 PM

Yeah i think i will just forget posting on here, i have read the xbr960 posts for months and some of the 970s posts recently and with all the talk of the 970 having sfp i figured i would call myself to see the answer. I think it wouldn't be hard for anyone here to call sony and ask for themselves i mean it is a free call and all, and see if you got the same answer as i did from them about the 970s sfp. I was just happy they said it would have it and thought i would share, but since im going to get ripped on for reporting something i was told then i will just go back to reading posts so i don't have to worry about the "drama" in the threads.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 08:55 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]Yeah i think i will just forget posting on here, i have read the xbr960 posts for months and some of the 970s posts recently and with all the talk of the 970 having sfp i figured i would call myself to see the answer. I think it wouldn't be hard for anyone here to call sony and ask for themselves i mean it is a free call and all, and see if you got the same answer as i did from them about the 970s sfp. I was just happy they said it would have it and thought i would share, but since im going to get ripped on for reporting something i was told then i will just go back to reading posts so i don't have to worry about the "drama" in the threads.[/QUOTE]

Do whatever makes you feel good. Or you could simply stick around since you've clarified yourself.

Some of you really need to stop taking the Internet so seriously and personally. Talk about drama!

I can go ahead and call Sony and I might get told the same thing or I might get a CSR who tells me something different. Why is that a personal affront on you?

It's the truth and what can happen. No big deal.

motorhead7319

02-14-06, 09:04 PM

well i did say in a post or two ago that i hope this comes to be true and we will all find out within 4 weeks, i was just excited that this may be true. If it does have SFP but it is made in china or something then i will have to wait to hear from people that have seen both tvs to compare PQ before i get the 970, but if i was told it was minimal difference i would opt for the 1200 price tag.

Q of BanditZ

02-14-06, 09:09 PM

[quote=motorhead7319]well i did say in a post or two ago that i hope this comes to be true and we will all find out within 4 weeks, i was just excited that this may be true. If it does have SFP but it is made in china or something then i will have to wait to hear from people that have seen both tvs to compare PQ before i get the 970, but if i was told it was minimal difference i would opt for the 1200 price tag.[/quote]

And I bascially agreed with you in post 9.

IF this ended up being an SFP...$1200 is pretty darned sweet. Frankly, it should be and needs to be.

I'm stil suspecting this is nothing more than a rebadged HS420. That's the way it looks so far.

The HS420 is a very solid Sony TV, and you'd be hard pressed to be displeased with anything on it, but that SPF tube really puts things over the top. You definitely want it if you can get it.

It's a strange oversight on Sony's part that, at least of now, the SonyStyle page has this not mentioned this if indeed it's going to happen. Usually you see SFP emblazoned prominently, all over the place.

I hope your rep was telling the truth. If so, perhaps you alerted them to what could be an expensive blunder and they get that website updated straightaway.

SPF is a key seller on these TV's.

vader999

02-14-06, 10:28 PM

If it has SFP it would list it.

I saw the the PDF on the older listing, and it made no mention of the SFP in the user manual. This is a BIG selling point, so Sony isn't going to forget to mention it.

It's basically the 420 WITH built-in HD, as required by law.

It will be a fine set, probably not a good as the 960, but as good as it's going to get as CRT begins its (forced) decline.

dc_pilgrim

02-15-06, 06:02 AM

So if it is SFP, then it is basically a rebadged 34XS955 with a better warranty, no? Either way kind of disapointing. I figured at a minimum we'd see a second HDMI port (and a maximum, with later release, two-way cablecard). Instead they killed the firewire.

No matter, I am happy with the 30XS. Oh well, sorry about the speculation. I guess we can wait for actual confirmation one way or another.

Q of BanditZ

02-15-06, 09:25 AM

[QUOTE=vader999]If it has SFP it would list it.

I saw the the PDF on the older listing, and it made no mention of the SFP in the user manual. This is a BIG selling point, so Sony isn't going to forget to mention it.

It's basically the 420 WITH built-in HD, as required by law.

It will be a fine set, probably not a good as the 960, but as good as it's going to get as CRT begins its (forced) decline.[/QUOTE]

Agreed.

That's why I'd say it is most probable that the CSR that motorhead talked to...unfortuneately...was mistaken. Not motorhead's fault. He's just the messenger. ;)

Sony would not make the critical error of not having that SPF designation hanging out for all the world to see.

I'd say the most likely scenario is what we've all pretty much concluded thus far: This is a rebadged HS420 without an SPF.

I'd strongly encourage anyone with even lukewarm interest: Track down an XBR960 or xs955 with due haste.

justsc

02-15-06, 11:20 AM

[QUOTE=dc_pilgrim]So if it is SFP, then it is basically a rebadged 34XS955 with a better warranty, no? Either way kind of disapointing. I figured at a minimum we'd see a second HDMI port (and a maximum, with later release, two-way cablecard). Instead they killed the firewire.

No matter, I am happy with the 30XS. Oh well, sorry about the speculation. I guess we can wait for actual confirmation one way or another.[/QUOTE]
From the printed specs and the posted manual, it's far from a rebadged 34XS955. Even w/o the SFP tube, it seems to be a lesser version of the DRC MF circuit, no memory card slot, no cablecard, ets.

And I agree wholeheartedly, it should have 2 HDMI ports too.

greenland

02-15-06, 11:59 AM

And still the posted Sonystyle specs are what they are, and not what we would like them to be. We can call and also see if they are mistaken about the dimensions and would't it be nice if some rep. real or imagined, said that there is a possibility that it will really be only two inches deep, and light as a feather. Who are you going to believe, the Sonystyle specs, or the tooth fairy.

The thread was started for specifically what my first post on it states. The product is scheduled for March delivery, and a lean facts and performance review site, without extraneous issues, would have been nice. Reading what Sonystyle specs say does not require any high tech audio video expertise. Dimensions are dimensions. An inch is an inch for both the King and the Jester.

CCMOO

02-15-06, 01:00 PM

Tell you what, Greenland. You come back here when the 970 is released, and then you will find what you are looking for on this thread. Meanwhile, we'll talk about possibilities, and we'll report what we've heard from reps, and we'll even (gasp) speculate about how this might be a great - or horrible - TV. That way everyone will be happy.

By the way, when you speculate that the reps might be imaginary, you're straying from the facts-only mandate you so badly want.

Peace, man. Lighten up.

greenland

02-15-06, 01:34 PM

[QUOTE=CCMOO]Tell you what, Greenland. You come back here when the 970 is released, and then you will find what you are looking for on this thread. Meanwhile, we'll talk about possibilities, and we'll report what we've heard from reps, and we'll even (gasp) speculate about how this might be a great - or horrible - TV. That way everyone will be happy.

By the way, when you speculate that the reps might be imaginary, you're straying from the facts-only mandate you so badly want.

Peace, man. Lighten up.[/QUOTE]

Fair enough, and peace unto you. In an attempt to lighten up, and try to reach accordance with you, I now urge all posters to this link to:

Speculate, speculate,
You should all just speculate;
We don't need to read those Sony specs.
Those damn things are too complex;
It's much better to just speculate. :D

Q of BanditZ

02-15-06, 01:42 PM

Koom-bay-yaaaaaa....
koom-bay-yaaaaaaa....

Group hug! :p

greenland

02-15-06, 02:02 PM

[QUOTE=Q of BanditZ]Koom-bay-yaaaaaa....
koom-bay-yaaaaaaa....

Group hug! :p[/QUOTE]

Group hug is absolutely a must here on the UNOFFICIAL XPR970 Thread.(We don't need no stinkin' Official Badges) :D

justsc

02-15-06, 03:14 PM

[QUOTE=greenland]And still the posted Sonystyle specs are what they are, and not what we would like them to be. We can call and also see if they are mistaken about the dimensions and would't it be nice if some rep. real or imagined, said that there is a possibility that it will really be only two inches deep, and light as a feather. Who are you going to believe, the Sonystyle specs, or the tooth fairy.

The thread was started for specifically what my first post on it states. The product is scheduled for March delivery, and a lean facts and performance review site, without extraneous issues, would have been nice. Reading what Sonystyle specs say does not require any high tech audio video expertise. Dimensions are dimensions. An inch is an inch for both the King and the Jester.[/QUOTE]
I ask again - what was the purpose of this thread?

Did you expect folks to pull specs out of their a$$e$?

Go play moderator somewhere else... :rolleyes:

greenland

02-16-06, 10:49 AM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]I just called sony style at 1:00 pm central time and asked about this tv to see if it was super fine pitch or not, the first guy said he was pretty sure it was but was not totally sure so he redirected my call to technical support. The lady i spoke to looked up the information and said it was but she also verified it through some other department before she could definitely say it was. After about 5 minutes she confirmed it will be a super fine pitch screen and said that the sony style web site should reflect this after it is released next month. I hope this comes to be because i would definitely pay the msrp when it is 700.00 less than the 960N and is only sans a subwoofer and cable card input.[/QUOTE]

I decided to order one from Sony provided that it will have the SFP as you have indicated it will. At $1,200.00 it is a good price level for a set with an SFP tube, five hundred less than a 34xs955(if one could be found) and the XPR970 comes with a full two year warranty.

I have called Sonystyle to place an order, and asked if they would give me a written invoice that spells out that I would receive a set which contains a SFP tube. No one that I got in touch with would, and none of them would even say that the set will have an SFP tube.

This is where you can be of great assistance to me,please.

Would you kindly recontact the folks at Sony that told you it would have the SFP feature, and let me have the contact information. The Sony reps. which I spoke to, when I attempted to place an order, were unable to confirm the SFP details, and asked me to get back to them with the names and phone numbers of the persons who gave you the information. They promised me that if I do, and if they can then get a confirmation from your sources on the SFP feature, they will process an order confirmation including the SFP specs. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide in getting this resolved.

motorhead7319

02-16-06, 11:39 AM

well i didn't ask for names as i didn't think of it. But last night for varification for myself before i preorder i sent an email to sony style from their website, i told them the information i was given and asked them why the website description doesn't show the SFP picture screen. They are supposed to contact back within one business day so we will see what their reply is sometime today. I will not order it if it doesn't have the sfp, i will get the 960N if it is the only option. But will see if they know whats going on.

Q of BanditZ

02-16-06, 12:02 PM

I'd easily choose the XBR960 or XBR960 N over this set in any event. budget permitting.

motorhead7319

02-16-06, 04:20 PM

So what are the firewire ports good for? The only thing id ever use on this set is a dvd player with HDMI and a HD box from the cable company. Would i ever miss the firewire?

motorhead7319

02-16-06, 07:55 PM

kny3twalker

02-16-06, 08:00 PM

This is copied from my email and i will post the next one when i get it.

Thank you for contacting Sony Style Customer Care.

In regard to your question, I am checking with our product specialist on the issue and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for choosing Sony Style!

Sony Style Customer Care

you know why you got this? cause it does not have the super fine pitch tube

stop wasting your time persuing a TV that is clearly not what you want

start spending your time looking for a good price on the XBR960(N)

motorhead7319

02-16-06, 09:03 PM

Well unfortunately the only places i know of to get the 960s anymore is crutchfield and sonystyle and we know what the prices are on those (no thanks). lol

kny3twalker

02-17-06, 12:25 AM

well I see people here at the forum buying from other places all the time everyday

motorhead7319

02-18-06, 12:21 PM

Well i finally recieved the email back, you can take it with a grain of salt but this is the second verification i recieved that the 970 is SFP. This is a copy and paste of the email.

According to the product specialist all XBR's have the SFP. Since the KD-34XBR970 is a pre-sale item the specs pdf has not been released yet which explains the absence for the website.

Thank you for choosing Sony Style!

Sony Style Customer Care

CCMOO

02-18-06, 02:10 PM

Motorhead, this would be exciting if true. Like others on the board, I'm not going to believe it until I actually see it, but I'm also not going to dismiss it just yet. I'll be waiting anxiously to see what happens. SFP at $1,200 would be sweet.

greenland

02-18-06, 02:15 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]Well i finally recieved the email back, you can take it with a grain of salt but this is the second verification i recieved that the 970 is SFP. This is a copy and paste of the email.

According to the product specialist all XBR's have the SFP. Since the KD-34XBR970 is a pre-sale item the specs pdf has not been released yet which explains the absence for the website.

Thank you for choosing Sony Style!

Motorhead: Did you get the contact information for me this time, that I asked for in my previous posting. As I explained I needed you to establish that for me, in order to place my order, since I was unable to get anyone at Sonystyle to confirm that I would get the SFP tube with my order. You were the first and only one that has been able to confirm through your contacts with Sonystyle, that the set will have an SFP tube. Please give me the specific contact name or names and how to reach them at Sony, so I can pre- order the XPR970 with SFP tube. Thanks for you cooperation.

vader999

02-18-06, 02:36 PM

The 970's user manual is online:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/kd34xbr970_ownersmanual.pdf

No where does it say that it has a SFP tube. if it did, it would be included in the manual. We can assume that this may not be the final version of the manual, but we can also assume that something as important as SFP would not be left out of the specs.

I have no doubt that there will be improvements beyond the HS series for this model. There always are as technology progresses. However, this charade of expectation needs to stop. It's harmful to mislead, and raise expectations on this television. No SFP on the 970. It really is that simple.

Artwood

02-18-06, 02:51 PM

No firewire--no SFP--can you say buy SXRD or die?

joebxr

02-18-06, 02:58 PM

[QUOTE=vader999]The 970's user manual is online:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/en/documents/specifications/kd34xbr970_ownersmanual.pdf

No where does it say that it has a SFP tube. if it did, it would be included in the manual. We can assume that this may not be the final version of the manual, but we can also assume that something as important as SFP would not be left out of the specs.

I have no doubt that there will be improvements beyond the HS series for this model. There always are as technology progresses. However, this charade of expectation needs to stop. It's harmful to mislead, and raise expectations on this television. No SFP on the 970. It really is that simple.[/QUOTE]
Good point...my 34XBR960 Manual specifically describes the SFP feature under the "FEATURES" section (Page 10). The 970 Manual does not refer to SFP at all (pages 1 & 2). I would tend to believe the SFP is not in the 970 set that they will offer in March.

On a separate note, my local guy just got 12 more 960's in last Wednesday, and has not been informed by Sony that they are going to be discontinued or replaced. That may not mean much, thought, because they just may not be saying anything.

Q of BanditZ

02-18-06, 02:58 PM

[QUOTE=Artwood]No firewire--no SFP--can you say buy SXRD or die?[/QUOTE]

That post just made the entire thread worth it! :D

motorhead7319

02-18-06, 03:09 PM

Well im just reporting what i was told, i will wait till march when its in a store before i buy one to verify it does have the SFP, but none the less i am excited for it to have it because the 970 is in my price range. And in reply to greenland you would have to call the 800 number like i did and ask to speak to a product specialist like i did. I dont have a special in with anyone or a contact or anything i just called the 1-800 sony number and asked about the tv and they transfered me to the technical specialist and they checked on the 970 for me. I know there is alot of doubters on here about the SFP and i am still not sure if its too good to be true but i have been told 3 times now that it is so we shall see in a month or so.

kny3twalker

02-18-06, 03:09 PM

No SFP
The 970's user manual is online:

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershopr...wnersmanual.pdf

No where does it say that it has a SFP tube. if it did, it would be included in the manual. We can assume that this may not be the final version of the manual, but we can also assume that something as important as SFP would not be left out of the specs.

I have no doubt that there will be improvements beyond the HS series for this model. There always are as technology progresses. However, this charade of expectation needs to stop. It's harmful to mislead, and raise expectations on this television. No SFP on the 970. It really is that simple.

this is my favorite

I know motorhead is only posting what he was told, but he needs to stop reacting to it like its the truth

if you want to hold Sony to this
get a voice recorder, record what they said, document it, order the TV, find out it does not have the super fine pitch tube, contact Sony with problem

greenland

02-18-06, 03:16 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]Well im just reporting what i was told, i will wait till march when its in a store before i buy one to verify it does have the SFP, but none the less i am excited for it to have it because the 970 is in my price range. And in reply to greenland you would have to call the 800 number like i did and ask to speak to a product specialist like i did. I dont have a special in with anyone or a contact or anything i just called the 1-800 sony number and asked about the tv and they transfered me to the technical specialist and they checked on the 970 for me. I know there is alot of doubters on here about the SFP and i am still not sure if its too good to be true but i have been told 3 times now that it is so we shall see in a month or so.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Walt.

motorhead7319

02-18-06, 03:20 PM

Thats fine i wont report anything else and we will see in 4 weeks.

greenland

02-18-06, 03:26 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]Thats fine i wont report anything else and we will see in 4 weeks.[/QUOTE]

Ah Walt you daft old bugger you. You don't really mean it. You will be back soon in one of your many WaltChan by Proxy Syndrome, affectations.

motorhead7319

02-18-06, 03:33 PM

Are you calling me walt? Whats that mean is that something i should be offended by?

greenland

02-18-06, 03:39 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]Are you calling me walt? Whats that mean is that something i should be offended by?[/QUOTE]

Not according to the posted specs.
but perhaps,a few calls to the right service reps. might be able to get it declared, at least thrice, an undocumented offence.

motorhead7319

02-18-06, 03:42 PM

well unfortuantely i regret ever posting anything. I just called the sonystlye phone number the 877 one and the guy told me the 970 will not have the SFP so obviously no one there knows whats going on since the email i got said it would. Oh well i guess i wont report anything since they cant even get their story straight. I guess ill have to get the 960 if i ever find a decent deal on one.

greenland

02-18-06, 04:04 PM

[QUOTE=motorhead7319]well unfortuantely i regret ever posting anything. I just called the sonystlye phone number the 877 one and the guy told me the 970 will not have the SFP so obviously no one there knows whats going on since the email i got said it would. Oh well i guess i wont report anything since they cant even get their story straight. I guess ill have to get the 960 if i ever find a decent deal on one.[/QUOTE]

Well, well, well. You were the one,on 2/14/06 who first posted on this thread, that you had called Sony and confirmed the SFP feature, and now it suddenly has become faulty email information. WaltChan Matilda, WaltChan Matilda, We won't coming a Waltzing Matilda with thee.