Sony 32FS170 vs 32FS130

[vox8940]

Just noticed on sonystyle.com that sony has a new 32" analog FS170 model. Looking at the specs, it's very similar to the FS130, except the FS170 has two RF inputs...one for NTSC and one for ATSC/QAM and the FS130 only has one RF input (I'm guessing it auto-senses NTSC or ATSC). They also have different remotes, and different audio systems. What's Sony's reasoning behind marketing both of these TV's. I'm aware of the FCC's mandate for a built-in tuner, but I'm a little confused by these two models. Anyone have an idea?

[greenland]

[QUOTE=vox8940]Just noticed on sonystyle.com that sony has a new 32" analog FS170 model. Looking at the specs, it's very similar to the FS130, except the FS170 has two RF inputs...one for NTSC and one for ATSC/QAM and the FS130 only has one RF input (I'm guessing it auto-senses NTSC or ATSC). They also have different remotes, and different audio systems. What's Sony's reasoning behind marketing both of these TV's. I'm aware of the FCC's mandate for a built-in tuner, but I'm a little confused by these two models. Anyone have an idea?[/QUOTE]

I believe that the FS170 is the new model. In fact; it is labeled as NEW on Sonystyle site. I know that FS130 was available last year,so it will probably be phased out after the new models are shipped in March. Did something happen to your XBR960?.

[vox8940]

No, I love my XBR960. This new 32" 4x3 model is for my sister. I thought the FS130 was a 2006 model, not 2005. Am I wrong? It seems that the FS170 is similar to what Sony did with the XBR970 and the 960...scaling back features and cutting the price to improve sales. My opinion is the FS130 is the better TV - 2 component ins versus one, higher audio wattage. Why would you need a seperate analog and digital RF input? Doesn't the single input on the FS130 combine them together?

[biker19]

[QUOTE=vox8940]No, I love my XBR960. This new 32" 4x3 model is for my sister. I thought the FS130 was a 2006 model, not 2005. Am I wrong? It seems that the FS170 is similar to what Sony did with the XBR970 and the 960...scaling back features and cutting the price to improve sales. My opinion is the FS130 is the better TV - 2 component ins versus one, higher audio wattage. Why would you need a seperate analog and digital RF input? Doesn't the single input on the FS130 combine them together?[/QUOTE]
One for cable the second for OTA - a pretty common setup in many households.

[radavisgb]

vox8940-

The 32FS130 came out last summer (along with the 36FS130). It was Sony's first shot at meeting the mandate for mid-range televisions.