I've been wanting a new Sony flat screen for two years. I fell in love with them when I saw one across the Sears show room. It was the crispiest picture I'd ever seen.

-- needs != wants --
I should be a little honest. My dad gave me his Sony TV after I graduated college. Problem is, it's a 1982 Sony. Still had a great creen, but the wood-grane finish didn't match any of the rest of my furniture. Not to mention that it was only 19". So I didn't really *need* a new TV, but I know what I likes.

So a good ol' New Orleans lightning storm damaged my old TV. It had a green and blue band on the top and bottom of the screen. "Yeah!" I cried. I went to Best Buy the next day to pick one out (Problem was, there were no workers there to help me buy one so I had to come back the next day).

-- good to go --
The TV is wonderful. It's a vast improvement over the 1982 model (although that one was very well-designed too having lasted 20 years). This new model has a crisp picture and great stereo sound. In fact, it has many of the same connectivity features as my older one - just some added connections for external audio devices (speakers, DVDs, etc.). The flat display is very crisp - you can definately see the difference in image quality over the other TVs in the Best Buy display (including Samsung and Advent). The silver case is very sharp and really stands out. It's a great centerpiece for watching the really important things: the superbowl, NBA playoffs, etc. It's a great smaller-screen TV.


-- drawbacks --
The only real draw-backs is that this TV isn't a bigger or better model. You love the looks, sound, and image so much, that you really want more than what it can offer. It doesn't have a too many different options for connectivity - although it has more than what the average user might need.

When all is said and done, it's just a TV (not too much else to say about that). It's got a great picture and sound, but still a TV. If you're looking to make a *real* upgrade, try looking at a 32 incher. They have nicer pictures than this one, but they cost thriple the amount. If you're looking for versatility like picture in picture or the like, you're not going to get it in this box. It shouldn't be the centerpiece for your home brand new surround-sound entertainment center. This is more like something you might put in your bedroom. So, if you're looking for a birthday present for your mother or recent college graduate, this one will due just fine.

The only other thing I wasn't too happy with is the remote. Sony still uses the "enter" button on their remotes. So to change the channel you have to type in the number and hit enter. Crappy. But I usually run the cable through my VCR so I use that remote mostly (one of these days I'll get a universal remote).

I must say that I was happy with this purchase. I got a bigger screen, better sound, crispy display, and a stylish centerpiece to my entertainment center - all at a good price. I was able to purchase it through Best Buy along with their replacement plant (a must for hurrican-heavy New Orleans). I only wish I had more money to buy the flat HDTV that you can hang on your wall ($6000).

One day....

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 400