Help with my upcoming purchase

[phantom482]

I am currently shopping for a new TV, and have narrowed the choice down to the kdf-42we655 or the kdf-50we655. We will be viewing the set from 8-10ft away. Here a few issues I hope you all can help me with.

1. I currently have Comcast (Colorado) analog cable but will change over to digital cable with HD service. I also have a Tivo Series 1. What issues should I watch out for when connecting to my TV. I will be using the set-top cable box.

2. I have heard about doing some calibration on the soon to be my LCD TV. What CD's Tools and instructions should I use to get the best picture.

3. One of the issues I have is a minor concern about the black levels on LCD TV's. I know these two TV's are fairly new. Has Sony addressed this issue at all, and/or will calibration help?

4. I am also shopping for a new DVD player as my old one is not progressive scan. I have heard of some DVD players being able to upscale the picture to 720p to get a better picture on these TV's. Is this true? Is it worth it? Any suggestions about what to buy around $200.00?

5. I have heard about some blurring during fast action on LCD TV's. Is this an issue with these two televisions.

6. Finally, is there anything I need to know or watch out for to make my buying and viewing experience the best possible.

Thanks for your time and help.

[Splicer]

Best thing to do is start in the FAQ section located in the bar above. Many questions will be answered for you.

Then come back and ask even more questions :cheers: .

[57U]

1. See the FAQ on "poor SD PQ" and "cables and connections".

2. See the FAQ "What you need to do to your new HDTV".

3. LCDs are never going to be as black as CRT-based TVs or DLPs. It's one of the tradeoffs - see the FAQ "Types of HDTV".

4. Do a search on the site for "upconverting". Lots of these players have been discussed and some of them are good, some are "hype". Depends a bit on the amount of money you spend and the quality of the unit.

5. That's with flat panels. I don't believe it's an issue with LCD-based RPTVs.

6. Keep asking questions and do your research/reading.

[skylolow]

Well most of your concerns you wouldn't have any problem with.

Black levels on the newest Sony's are some of the blackest I've ever seen. Pretty much any review you read on the new sets they all say the blacks are pretty much dead on.

$200 DVD player there is only a few choices for up conversion. I currently use a Toshiba 5970 ($150) works great. Even comes with the HDMI cable.

As to your last question you may want to look at the 55" XS model or at the very least the 55" WF model(few hundred bucks more). These models have a slimmer case and are more eye appealing. But the big thing is they have a different lighting engine in them making them 10% brighter then the WE series. The XS also adds an extra HDMI input which is nice since your new cable box should have a HDMI output and your new DVD will also have HDMI input(nice only having one cable to hook up or hide).
Much better sound quality. Sony's "Live Color" feature which produces a better colors so in return creates a better picture. Also a much more advanced menu for all your input settings and more control over your picture adjustments. XS series will run you about $500 to $600 more then the WE series.