DO NOT PURCHASE THIS TV
Written: Oct 12 '00 (Updated Mar 21 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Picture quality, craftsmanship, component inputs
Cons: Requires $1400 in repair after 28 months of ownership
The Bottom Line: DO NOT PURCHASE THIS TV!
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| Akula's Full Review: Sony KV-36XBR200 36 inch TV |
***BEWARE*****
Updated review on March 21, 2001.
I wrote this review several months ago. Since then a ground wire in my set broke off (Sony is calling it a fluke) and send sparks flying inside my set. The short story is that I need to spend $1400 for new parts including a new tube and Sony is taking no responsibility. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SET!
This set never fails to impress. I initially looked at models from Toshiba and Panasonic costing half as much, but none came close to the picture quality and style of the Sony XBR.
I would estimate that most buyers willing to shell out nearly $2500 for a television would also own a DVD player and possibly a satellite dish. For these people I highly recommend the Sony KV-36XBR200. DVD playback is crystal clear, as does most programming over Dish Network.
But the cable service I used in the Seattle area did not do this set justice. The picture was far less clear, even grainy. So I upgraded to a satellite, which allows the model to shine.
Like a few of the other reviewers, I had to send my first set back to the factory because the picture had a distinct red line across the middle of the picture. I had a new one delivered and it's worked fine ever since.
The component video input is a nice feature as is the S-Video input on the front of the set, which makes connecting a digital camera, Dreamcast/Playstation, or Digicam a snap.
I must mention the instruction booklet that came with this set because Sony did a great job at making it easy for just about anyone to understand. It goes into great detail on how to setup different components from a DVD to VHS player to satellite receivers to Audio/Video receivers. I've referred back to it often as I've upgraded my home theater. Sony did a great job on documentation, which you'd expect at this price range.
Before you spend over two grand on this Sony take a look at some of the models from Toshiba and Panasonic. If you don't own or don't plan to own a DVD player you might find one of these less expensive models will work well for you.
But if you insist on having a top-notch picture and own a DVD player and/or satellite, I don't doubt you'd be very happy with this Sony XBR. And be warned. Once your friends find out you got the XBR they will insist on watching Sunday football at your house!
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
Akula
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Member: Brett Nordquist
Location: Woodinville, WA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 1 member
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