30XBR900 - A flawed masterpiece
Written: Nov 09 '03 (Updated Feb 22 '04)
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Pros: Razor sharp, crystal clear, pristine picture (In brightly lit scenes), Beautiful design, DVI output.
Cons: Disappointing performance with dark scenes, narrow viewing angle, price.
The Bottom Line: I would not recommend this set for primary DVD viewing, based on it's small size and sub-par black level performance. Recommendation. Wait or get the 34XBR910.
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| hmcs's Full Review: Sony WEGA KLV-30XBR900 30 in. HDTV-Ready TV |
I am a bit embarresed to admit this but I spent months researching to find the perfect small HDTV set. The picture on this model stood out from the start as the clearest, sharpest, and most pristine that I had ever seen. I made countless trips to confirm what my senses were telling me, and each time I came away in awe. After researching the posts, I found that many video enthusiasts were not too keen on the LCD format due to poor black level performance. However, I would not be deterred. I compared the picture on this set to the CRT based Sony XBR800, and XBR910 models and the picture on these sets consistently looked soft and out of focus compared to the 30XBR900. However, this was only when viewing the closed circuit feeds in Circuit City, Tweeter, etc..which is mainly material that serves to highlight the strengths of this set. So, I went and bought one, selling my Pioneer Elite HD510 to finance it. Unfortunately, I learned the reports on black level performance were right on. Everything looks to be a different shade of gray in all dark scenes, and the fact this set is designed with a glossy jet black frame, only serves to highlight the problem further. I tried in vein to adjust the settings, and yes, I did use the new Digital Video essentials to tweak the black level, and the colors; however the problem still persists.
Recently, I learned from some other 30XBR900 owners of a problem with the backlight control on this set. It seems you cannot turn it down low enough utilizing the user menu. I have mine turned down to the 0 setting and can still see the light in the upper right hand corner of the screen. The bottom line is this set is already having a hard time producing black levels in dark scenes. The backlight problem, in my estimation, causes the problem to go from fair/acceptable, to poor/unwatchable. Stay tuned for further developments. Another problem involves material shot in 2.35 aspect widescreen. This set letterboxes such films, and the screen is just too small to give up the space. The problem can probably be resolved using the right DVD player, or external scaler, but I thought you should be aware of it before considering purchasing this set. One last reservation, and this goes for other Sony XBR televisions as well, you cannot customize the settings for each input. My Pioneer Elite HD510 had this feature, and it did prove very useful.
Anyway, I recently purchased a 2nd set, the CRT based Sony 34XBR910 and it looks awesome with all DVD's. However, when viewing a brightly lit HDTV signal, the picture still looks soft and out of focus when compared to the 30XBR900. That is why I call this set a flawed masterpiece. The picture, under certain conditions, will literally knock your socks off and make your eyes water, it looks that good. So!! I have decided to use the 34XBR910 exclusively for DVD viewing, and the 30XBR900 for HDTV. That way, I have the best of both worlds. Would I purchase this set again? No, the 34XBR910 is a much better value and well rounded product. (If you can live with the big bulk). But now I am stuck with it, so I will enjoy it for what it does best, and try to resolve the backlight problem. One other thing I should mention, this set accepts DVI inputs, and the reports of improved performance using such DVD players as the Bravo D1, and Samsung HD931 are promising. Especially for LCD sets. The only reason I did not purchase one of the aforementioned players, is the numerous problems reported with each of them. Once more manufacturers come out with refined versions of the same, I am guessing you will be able to obtain sharply improved performance from your DVD's when viewed on this set. Anyway, one final bit of advice. If you are seriously considering this set, please make sure you take along your own DVD's for a demo. The DVD's should include lots of interior and night shots. Also, make sure one of the DVD's is shot in 2:35 widescreen, so you can determine if you can live with the black bars on this type of material.
Here is some updated info on my review. I contacted the local authorized Sony service center to inquire about the possibility of having the backlight turned down to below 0 in the service member. The service center rep contacted Sony Technical support and was told the 0 user setting is as low as it goes. However, I did manage to improve the dark scene performance by purchasing a different DVD player (Panasonic - RP91, which includes numerous picture tweaking controls. I would now rate dark scene performance as acceptable. Blacks now look almost black. However, I still cannot recommend this set as your main source for DVD viewing; Maybe as a bedroom, or 2nd set, but not the center of your home theater.
Post Calibration Update
Well, I finally had my set calibrated by an experienced professional ISF technician (Eliab of Avical). How did it turn out? Well, after properly setting the grayscale, the colors now look very good to excellent. Skin tones now look very natural, and the overall picture is much more pleasing. Shadow detail in dark scenes is improved, however black level is still not as good as I would like. I recently viewed one of the new Panasonic 22 inch LCD Monitors and the black level looked much better then the Sony. My advice, if you currently own this television, is to spend the money and get the set calibrated. It is well worth the investment.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 4499
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Epinions.com ID:
hmcs
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Location: Skippack, PA, USA
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 2 members
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