Sony KDF-60xs955 vs KDF-60xbr950

[Joey04]

Greetings Sony HDTV Forum!

I am looking to purchase my first HDTV, and I have some questions...

The KDF-60xs955 seems to have one of the brightest pictures at Best Buy. I have seen Sony's more expensive KDF-60xbr950, and it doesn't look nearly as bright. The Best Buy salesmen told me the xs955 has a brighter bulb.

So why does the xbr950 cost so much more (around $1000 more) than the xs955?

Is it possible Best Buy had that screen in an unsafe "torch mode", to promote selling the xs955? Before I saw the 60xs955, I thought I was going to buy a Mitsubishi 62' DLP TV. However, the xs955 also has an incredibly brighter picture than the more expensive DLP, and probably as good quality.

It seems like a hell of a value... And Sony is more known for high end than for value... Is there anything I should be aware of for this HDTV?

Thanks so very much!
(Nervous first time HDTV buyer!)

[talon1189]

There is NO hookup for a PC. I answered your question in the "newbie" forum. As far as the "torch mode".........the default on Sony TV has the contrast all the way up. I would guess that the same for the Mitsu :whistle: Get the Sony :drool11:

[Joey04]

Hi Talon, I saw the feedback in the "newbie" forum, so thanks for both responses!

Featurewise, did you notice many differences between the 2 Sony's and the Mitsu? I am going to try to print specs before I leave work today. Do you know, is the XS a brighter HDTV than the XBR?

Thanks,

Joey

[Blizaine]

Go for the XS... it is newer technology than the XBR.

I have to 60xs955 and I couldn't be happier. One reason the picture may look brighter on the XS is it has a non-reflective display. Also the scaling engine in the XS is FAR better then any of the previous grand wega's including the XBR's. SD TV actually looks good! OMG!

And obviously HD is awesome too.

The XS also has more advanced calibration options than the xbr.

Even if the XS would have cost more money than the current XBR, it would be a better deal. The current XBR's are on the way out. Soon the XBR line will utilize the new 1080p SXRD chip across the line... at that point it will justify the price increase... right now it doesn't.


later,
Blizaine

[Joey04]

Thanks Blizaine!

I finally printed the specs last night, and posted the comparison I could come up with as the 12th message in this thread on the "newbie" board:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=13401

If you have any thoughts on any more reasons to go with the XS, or anything I am not considering, please let me know!

Thanks,

Joey

[talon1189]

Hey Joey04.......just wondering if you ever made a decision on your large screen TV??

[BILBO]

while i was researching the 60" sonys i was asking myself the same questions, what is the difference between the xbr and the xs. you cant really find that info through the spec sheets besides some basic differences. I was told by my long time salesman in the field that the xbr has a triple glass screen or something of that nature. It would make sense because the xbr weighs about 60lbs more than the xs. From what my friend made it seem like is that the xs is virtually the same tv if not better than the xbr. I was also told that the 70" xbr has many more upgrades compared to the 60. I went with the xs after doing thorough research of the two.

[Maverick]

I have the 70" version of the XBR line but I didn't notice any differences to it's 60" little brother. Would anyone happen to know what the 70" has that the 60" doesn't? Besides the size and weight.

[Eddy]

The XBR has the better imaging sytem currently (even if it is due to be upgraded) but the XS series has more digital inputs. The XBR only has a single DVI input and requires a DVI switcher if you have more than one DVI source. The bulb brightness is a non-issue for picture quality if both sets are properly calibrated.

[talon1189]

The XBR has the better imaging sytem currently (even if it is due to be upgraded) but the XS series has more digital inputs. The XBR only has a single DVI input and requires a DVI switcher if you have more than one DVI source. The bulb brightness is a non-issue for picture quality if both sets are properly calibrated. Can anyone tell us for a fact about your claim to "the XBR better imaging system currently"???????? I have read that this Sony 4th generation set was the technology last year :( The newer XS series is the 5th generation and has the brighter 132 watt bulb :) The XS series will be old in another year from now..........That is the way technology goes. You never will win...........because a better version is available in Japan by the time the consumer gets it :cheers: