lllopez's Full Review: Sony Grand WEGA KF-42WE610 42 in. HDTV-Ready LCD T...
Let’s face it, it’s a new age; things will never be the same in the exciting realm of home entertainment. I applaud the advances and have embraced them personally with the addition of the Sony Grand Wega (pronounced VEGA). I have to admit, this is my third foray into the wonderful of large screen entertainment and I frankly cannot get enough of it! I love the realism of large screen images married to modern audio technology. No, home entertainment has turned a corner that promises to make television as we knew it a distant, if not endearing memory.
FEATURES:
The Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA is not as feature rich as one would expect from a entry in the
high definition large screen market. It’s price and picture quality however are certainly a major factor this
model has been flying off retailers floors since it’s recent introduction. The Grand Wega is not a plasma.
It is not an LCD and it isn’t a Projection set. Rather, it is a LCD Projection set capable of displaying High
Definition in 1080i, 720p,480p and 480i digital formats.
DRC (Digital Reality Creation) -Integral in 480i digital format it converts frames every 1/60th of a second compared to other manufacturers line doublers minimizing ghost images.
Cinemation -Utilizing 3-2 pull down technology especially useful for smooth picture movement for movies or other video sources.
Twin View - Allows the viewer to see two programs simultaneously, side by side allowing audio for any one at a time.
Memory Stick Picture Viewer - Facilitates viewing images on your Grand Wega from Sony’s proprietary Memory stick media.
Parental Control - Utilizing V Chip technology, parents can block inappropriate programming for children.
Digital Visual Interface - Can accommodate a copy protected digital connection with other devices like set top boxes with compatible digital interfaces; though not intended to be compatible with personal computers.
Component Video Connection - Offers the best connection for DVD or other digital set top boxes.
S Video Input - Provides a high quality input for connected devices, especially compatible vcr’s.
Favorite Channel Preview - This feature allows the viewer to preview up to 16 channels without leaving the watched channel.
Wide Screen mode - facilitates watching 4:3 broadcasts in 16:9 aspect ratio.
Auto Wide - Allows you to select the wide screen mode automatically.
The Grand Wega comes in three varieties including a 42”, 50” as well as a massive 60” model. The facade though impressive is somewhat neutral in appearance. There is little in the way of unnecessary molding to get in the way of fitting this set into most decorating schemes, though it does take on a more contemporary look. Speaker grilles flank the screen on either side offering rich audio in stereo. The screen is coated during the manufacturing process to minimize screen reflection, therefore it is imperative to take special care in cleaning the screen. The use of solvents, glass cleaners as well as any other household agents should be avoided. A soft lightly dampened cloth is sufficient to keep your images clear and smudge free. Greater care should be exercised to assure no scratches from impact occur. The bottom of the screen is framed by a silver molding that house the inner electronics. A center located power switch adorns the scalloped silver molding with an indicator lamp placed directly below it. Channel and volume DVD a/v selectors are placed on the upper right side of the 14” deep body. The Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA weighs in at only 70 lbs, which, when compared with most tube sets makes it appealing when you consider the sheer quality the Grand Wega offers without breaking your back.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
The Grand Wega easily accommodates all your outboard electronics with a sophisticated array of connection capabilities including:
Audio Video : one located under the front door.
S Video: camcorder or television
Video L/R
HD/ DVD In via component video connections
Audio Out
Control S in/out
Aux
VHF/ UHF
To Converter
Essentially the Grand Wega is capable of accommodating your cable TV, antenna, VCR, DVD, satellite or audio receiver, along with component connections to your Digital TV receiver or dvd, Digital TV receiver DVI or HDTV connections can be made with a CVI/ HDTV connector.
REMOTE POSSIBILITIES
The included remote control is capable of navigating the Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA through the following courses:
VCR/DVD power switch
Volume Mute
Wide Mode - Wide Zoom,Normal, full, Zoom
Picture Mode-Vivid Standard, Pro Mode
Function - TV. Satellite Cable, DVD,VCR
Jump - 2 channel
Favorites
Cursor Navigation
Twin View
Freeze Volume
Code set - Programming codes for controlling other manufacturers components
Reset - Factory Default
Power
Display
Channel entry
Power
Display
Menu
TV/Video selector
Memory Stick
True Sound/Surround selector
Memory Stick display
TV/Satellite selector
Antenna Guide
Channel scroll
MTS/SAP
Sleep
THE ACID TEST
All the specifications and accolades mean absolutely ugatz if the results don’t justify the means. I am happy to report the Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA delivers in spades. The unfortunate thing here is even with a High Definition cable converter you won’t get to see the results this set is capable of. It is only until you connect to a satellite dish or Progressive Scan DVD player that you will experience the results intended for this set. I have seen both and have witnessed the results firsthand; the dish is far superior. Powering up the Grand Wega takes about 30 to 45 seconds as you allow the lamp to warm up. The lamp here is an integral component of why the Grand Wega is such a special television. Many consumers who are rushing in to purchase pricey plasma units are shocked to find the average life of these sets average 10,000 hours. Granted, that is a fair amount of time in front of a set. Actually if you do the math you will find that an average of 4 hours of use daily will get you to that 10,000 hour mark in just under 7 years! That’s a rather expensive proposition considering the upwards from $4000.00 asking price 42“ sets are fetching. The Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA is a one lamp, one mirror projection set accounting for the narrow footprint. The only consumable on this set is the user replaceable lamp which will wear out at about 3000 hours, and replaced at a cost of $250.00 of today’s dollars certainly a figure that will level out at a more reasonable one as these sets gain popularity. That figure was quoted to me at point of sale but have not been able to corroborate it. Of late there have been a few kinks to work out, namely premature bulb life. I have not experienced this firsthand but expect with this interesting twist of technology, there would be a few bugs to work through. As with most high ticket purchases an extended warranty is likely a good idea. As this set tends to run hot, proper circulation is certainly advised; this may not be the set to stuff into an entertainment center.
Let’s get something straight from the outset; this set is a formidable alternative to Plasma. The economics of this purchase would leave plenty of cash in your pocket to buy a great sound 5.1 sound system with cash to spare. The Grand Wega is at home in a room that allows for approximately 6 feet distance to viewers who are sitting within a 65 degrees of the screen for best results. The screen is subject to glare in sunny rooms, but gets appreciably better with minor adjustments to incoming light.
Given the diminutive stature of Grand Wega the question of sacrifice beckons, “are there any compromises?” The answer is maybe. Features like multiple window picture in picture, for example, are not present, then again is it really necessary? Perhaps the creature features are not a rich as some sets, but Sony has covered all the bases with this set.
The remote is user friendly and can control most other manufacturers components with the programmable feature. The remote’s keys are indicator backlit facilitating late night surfing though a full backlighting of all the keys would be welcome. For those of you who have to scroll through multiple tiered menus, the menus on the Grand Vega are not too embedded making this as easy as it gets to master.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Sony KF42 WE610 42”GRAND WEGA is a great value for the consumer looking to get into the large
screen arena. It’s combined projection and LCD technology is a win-win on a number of fronts. Sheer value
set this set ahead of the pack by far. At $2600.00 for a 42” set, you cannot complain about bang for the
buck. In addition, there’s not a lot of real estate taken up by a bulky cabinet. Although large enough, the
70 lb., 14” deep Grand Wega can be placed on a table quite easily. You will find yourself getting used to the lag time it takes for the set to warm up as well as the fan running shortly after turning the set off.
As for results, be assured the Grand Wega delivers big time! Connected to a dish, you will see what this beauty is capable of. If you have any doubts, be assured a test drive at your local dealer will convince you. This one is a winner!
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