Various Sony XBR and Philips HD questions (1 Viewer)

[DanielT]

I have narrowed down my desires for a new monitor to the following models
the Sony kv-40XBR800, kv-34XBR910 OR the philips 34pw850H or 34-pw9819. now I know the 40XBR800 is a 4:3 set which doesnt bother me. I have not seen this model out in a 910 version yet. is that supposed to happen or has happened? and if not does the 910 and 800 of either 40 or 34 inch models have any real differences? also on the Philips I know the 9819 is the high end model of the 34 inch and the 850h is the low end. But i have heard some reports that the higher end 9819 has been troublesome. is this accurate? I know the 9819 touts the PixelPlus system and the DH-CVI input but is this unit overall much different in HD pic quality that the 850h? I know that Philips has another model in between the 850h and 9819. is there any info on that one?
Also what is the lowest price these days for the 40XBR800? not countng the few cutthroat places that are unreliable to order from. I have an opertunity to be a neighbors 8 month old 40XBR800 with stand and 3 year extended warranty though a reputable dealer. But they are being pretty hardlined at wanting $2,000 for it. i just can't see paying two grand for something slightly used when many places appear to be selling them new with stand for 2 grand. i have seen the 34XBR910 for around $1799. I have seen the Philips 34pw850h for around $1000 and the 9819 for 1600. though the seller doesnt say so at this price it could potentially be a refurb.

but i guess overall what is the opinion on those Sony models compared to those Philips models. i watch mainly DVD and HD cable. will the 40XBR give a bad pic for anything that isn't HD or DVD level? thanks

 

[Steve Schaffer]

Keep in mind that when an HD channel is not showing HD material you will get a 4/3 picture in the middle of a 16/9 frame with black bars on the sides. A 4/3 HD set will display this as a 4/3 image with black bars at top and bottom as well as the sides.

I'd definitely recommend a 16/9 set. The 34XBR910 will display 1400 lines of horizontal resolution, meaning one can display 1400 separate vertical lines (think picket fence) without them blending into each other. The limit for other makes is about 1000 lines.

 

[Ralph B]

buy the 910.

although I bought my 4:3/16:9 mode 36XBR800 for $1100 from tweeter and it was brand new in box unopened.

I will also add to steves post about getting a boxed image on the HD channel when not broadcasting in HD. I set my comcast box to 4:3 in 480p mode and I will tell you those channels are full screen in that mode and look excellent!!!!!! crystal clear!!!!! when there is something HD that I want to watch which isnt a whole lot these days I switch the box to 16:9/1080i

so full screen 480p HB channels look great! better than the analog.

 

[DanielT]

So the 40-800 only provides 1000 lines of resolution more or less? and I assume the Philips either with or without the enhancement of pixelPlus still won't hold a candle to the sony 910,,, much less 800?

 

[BrandonJ]

i have a 40xbr800 and love it, but i am shooping for a 34xbr910 for my bedroom now i can say that just from playing with them in my local store the sony has the phillips beat hands down, but on the other hand tweeter just lowerd the price on there remaining philips 850's and my freind just picked a display up for 900 bucks