An Exceptional TV In Every Way
Written: Nov 23 '01 (Updated Nov 23 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Outstanding picture, flat screen, sharp looks
Cons: High price, very heavy, matching stand doesn't match
The Bottom Line: You just can't go wrong with this TV. But with competition becoming fierce, you might comparison shop.
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| workscorp's Full Review: Sony KV-32FV16 |
How This TV Has Performed
My Sony Wega (pronounced "vega") TV is a real champ. It has performed flawlessly to date and still amazes people with it's good looks and excellent picture quality.
Why I Purchased This Model
When I made my purchase, the Sony Wega was the only flat-screen tube TV on the market that I was aware of. I was very intrigued by it's technology, looks and performance (especially the 16:9 compression mode, see below).
I decided to finally replace my 11-year old Sony 27-inch Trinitron (which still works), so I squeezed my wallet as hard as I could to get out every last dime to pay for this thing. It looks a lot nicer and has more features than the lower-priced KV-32FS16 model.
What I Like About It
Picture quality is outstanding (with a digital input such as DSS, digital cable or DVD) and the flat-screen reduces glare by a wide margin over conventional tube TVs. Regular TVs produce reflections from several sources since their screens are slightly curved, but that's not a problem with this unit. You get one, straight reflection which usually disappears when the TV is on.
When viewing from a widescreen source (such as a DVD player), Sony's 16:9 vertical compression mode produces the sharpest images I have ever seen. You have to see it to believe it. Just set your DVD player to play in "wide" mode, then turn on the TV's 16:9 compression from the setup menu whenever you play a DVD. It shrinks the image a bit, but is well worth it. The KV-32FV26, which costs $100 more, automatically activates the 16:9 compression when it detects a widescreen input. A few extra button presses on the remote is worth the $100 savings.
This model has a multitude of audio and video setup features, along with a large array of input jacks including component video. The owner's manual is excellent at explaining how to use all the features. You can custom label input sources and delete ones you don't use, such as standard airwave reception (that way you can skip the annoying static and snow when switching between video sources). I use SAT, DVD, VHS and GAME and all bases are covered.
This TV has a very distinctive look and more or less commands attention. It says "I'm here and I mean business" but in an elegant sort of way. The silver color is unique, even though many other brands now use it.
What I Don't Like
Sony manufactures the same stand for several models which aren't all shaped alike. My model hangs off the sides of the Sony stand causing the setup to look a bit clunky, which is a shame since the TV itself looks so sharp.
This unit is so heavy (especially in the front) that you need 2 strong people to lift it and it must be strapped to the back of the stand to prevent it from possibly tipping forward (yikes!). Sonys tend to be on the heavy side in general, but this one is almost 200 lbs.
The sound from the built-in speakers is marginal at best considering the capabilities of this TV. I'd recommend using it as part of a home theater setup if at all possible and just turn the TV speakers off (an easy task from the setup menu).
The price is high, especially now with so many competitors selling flat-screen tube TVs today (I purchased mine before such competition arose).
The warranty is short. Sony only covers labor for 90 days.
Overall
As I said, flawless performance. If you decide to buy one, you'll love it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
workscorp
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Location: Asheville, NC
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 7 members
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