Should I buy a Sony KP-46WT520?

[lspaiser]

Hi
I am a retired guy and watch a lot of TV – and don’t have a lot of money. But I love what I have seen. The set (I can also afford) is the rear projection Sony 46" HDTV Monitor (KP-46WT520). It is a mere $1500 (which is a lot for me). I compared it to multi-thousand dollar flat screens and the one I saw was remarkably similar to some of the higher priced sets – if you view it head on (lousy side angle) – which is not a problem for me. Also it is big, and CRTs (esp. projectors) eventually loose their brightness.)

Maybe somebody has some advice? Here are some questions I hope you-all can answer:

1. Can I use this video monitor direct from a cable connection (or do I need an HD tuner)? If I need a tuner (or STB) – any recommendations? I read somewhere that if you have HD cable you don’t need a tuner. Frankly this doesn’t make sense to an ex-engineer. I understand aspect ratio, resolution and what pixels and scan lines are, but I would guess the inputs are standard A/V phono connectors or the like. Maybe there is something about cable I don’t know.

AND

2. I read about ISF calibration for peak performance and accurate pictures. I read it costs $200 to $300 more for this. I am fussy about quality
- - Does anyone know if ISF calibration is like color convergence adjustment – which is easy to do,

3. Will I need an STB (no cable box now) and/or if I subscribe to digital cable do I get the STB?

4. Finally, does anyone have an opinion about this particular set.

If you are not familiar with it check it out at (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-46--HDTV-Monitor--KP-46WT520-/sem/rpsm/oid/97047/rpem/ccd/productDetail).


Please respond – if possible – in addition to a post at trial@spaiser.net .

Thanks,

les

[LeeS]

Hi Les, welcome to the forum.

First, a CRT RPTV is still the best bang for the buck. A properly calibrated CRT unit is hard to beat for picture quality.

For either cable or satellite you will need to use their STB. If you are not currently a subscriber, there are many very good deals, like free.

ISF calibration does make a difference. I had it done to my projector. It includes convergence but goes way beyond that. They use a spectrometer to measure the light from the TV, set color temperature and gray scale.

You can do a good job using one of the calibration DVDs like Avia or DVE, go to www.amazon.com and the DVD section and do a search.

I'll let someone else give the opinion on the set. Personally I like Hitachi or Toshiba RPTV's. Sony does a good job with direct views but I don't think they are any better than other brands on CRT RPTV. Just more expen$ive.

I'll just post this for now and we can go over any additional questions.

Lee

[RCori]

I have the 46" Sony and it is a great TV for the price.

If you want to spend another $700 or so, the 42" LCD Sony is awesome (but also more $)

[Blaster]

Hi Les,glad ya found this site
well the Sony 46" you mention is the one that got me hooked
I ultimatly went for the Sony 51"

yes you can just hook standard cable to these sets and watch
reg SD tv (w/PIP if you care) then later you can upgrade to the better stuff,if thats what you want (advanced)
these sets have a standard tuner inside them (not advanced)
to get advanced signal you will need a stb capable of this
(ota/cable/sat) I have a Digital HD stb from Adelphia Cable (via DVI)
DVD player (via Y,Pb,Pr cable) XBOX (via Y,Pb,Pr cable)

as far as hook ups go (can get very long winded) I'll just say
HDMI is the newest tech (sm conn carries video and audio together)
then DVI (carries video only)
and Y,Pb,Pr (red,grn,blue-rca) (carries video only) most common

my reason for buying 51" over 46" obviously BIGGER is better (price almost same)
but mainly , I didn't want to use a stand. 46" is a tabletop model. 51" has wheels,sits on floor

here is some reading that might shine some light your way...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7608_7-1016109-5.html?tag=tnav

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2598451&cat=115061&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A172479%3A3996%3A115061

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_compare.php/?topcat_id=2&page_id=137&page_id=137&masterids%5B%5D=3699266&masterids%5B%5D=3920844&masterids%5B%5D=1657596&masterids%5B%5D=928426&Compare+Selected+Products.x=33&Compare+Selected+Products.y=13

good luck - - let us know your end results

:cheers:

[TimG1]

I just wanted to add that I've had this tv for almost 3 months and couldn't be happier. Plenty of inputs and a beautiful picture. The only problem I ran into, was trying to find a stand for it. As blaster pointed out, this model needs a stand unless you plan on sitting on the floor. It took some searching, but I finally found a local BB that carried a stand for the 510 model (which fits this tv perfectly).

You'll definitely want to get HD in some form though, whether it be a cable or OTA STB - it's amazing! :drool11: I haven't taken the calibration plunge as of yet, so I can't comment on that.

Be sure to check out http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=tv_ProjectionTVs_RearProjection_42to51TVs&Dept=tv. They have a couple of rebates going on. One that gives you $100 for signing up for digital/HD cable.

[branchbouncer]

We purchased the Sony KP46WT510 last year before the Superbowl (our living room is only15x20 and the larger sets seemed that it would be to big)and it has been cranking right along beautifully ever since,for the money it was the best I saw specially when you add in the rest -power cleaner,300.00-quality cables,275.00-HD receiver,300.00-surround sound system,650.00 and a few minor things to boot.The PQ is great specially in HD,bulb life seems a mystery to me though-they say the bulbs are good for 2000 hrs,well we have gone way past that,with 6 in the family-my wife and I-kids 15-14-7-5 I have figured that the set has been on for 2900-3000 hrs.I see no change in PQ or brightness or sharpness this may be due to the fact that I purchased the Avia disc and after about 1-2 months of use I calabraited the set with it ,if this the case then I think that you should purchase the disc and after break-in use it to set up your set.I have always shyed away form Sony in the past but this set is the best bang for the buck I have seen.Glad that we purchased the ex-warranty when the bulbs do go were covered :bow: :bow:

[brillski]

have a 510--9 months now!Great set!
pic looks as excellent still.
good features etc.
pic is great on analog, digital, dvd regular and ram.and believe it or not vhs recordings.
got matching stand free plus sony cordless stereo head phones for $29
one slight drawback, no anti-glare screen-so don't place a bright light in front BUY IT