$2,000+ what hdtv to buy

[Ricky]

Hi,Newbie here

Still leaning on the subject of HDTV.I'm looking to buy a HDTV set,I could spend about $2,000+. I've seen projection tv's in displays don't like them compare to a direct view monitor. I've seen this weeken on Circuit City the new Sony 36in xbr800 I'm not sure the model #.Grey case black around the sceen,they also had a 40in.I'm not looking at 16:9 because there are no 36in + screens unless you go projection 34in is to small.This is were you pros come in I need a point in the right direction is this a great tv if not whitch tv. was the difference between the 36in 40in.The 36in is the newer moder i think it has more stuff than the older 40in.
Thank You,for any insight
Ricky

[batesmarshall]

Hi Ricky,

I was in the same boat as you until last week. I had ~$2k to spend and wanted something great, didn't like rear-projection models, and wanted to get a good value for the dollar.

After reading everything I could on the 'Net, and trusting my own personal history with Sony televisions, I ultimately settled on the new model you saw, the KV-36XBR800. This model was just released, and is still not available at some stores. I saw someone's post with a price of $2050 (MSRP is $2299 I believe) at the Good Guys 30 miles from my house. I gave the local Circuit City a chance to meet the price (which they did not), and then bought it from the Good Guys. It arrived last Tuesday, and I've been STUNNED at how impressive it is.

Here are the primary factors going into my decision:

1. I wanted the adjustable DRC (last year's models don't have this) to make up for the weird effects it can introduce on crappy signals
2. I wanted a direct view TV
3. I wanted a big screen for my relatively small viewing area (40" model would have been much too large)
4. I REALLY liked the 2 year parts and labor IN-HOME warranty direct from Sony. I did *not* buy an extended warranty because of this strong factory support.
5. The reputation of Sony XBR units is sterling -- whether or not it is deserved in my opinion we'll have to see, but it's off to a good start.
6. I had to have a 4:3 set, since 80% of my viewing is cable, and over-the-air HDTV isn't an option for me in my area. Plus, with a screen this big, 16:9 (e.g. DVD) looks very big in my viewing area.

Please let me know by email if you have any additional questions. I'd be happy to answer them.

Regards,

// Bates

batesmarshall (at) earthlink (dot) net

[moody]

Bought my 36XBR800 today. Can't wait.
I second the above reasons for my purchase.

Additional reasons are
1)My entertainment center is 40.375 wide on the inside and this Tv is 40.125. It's a tight squeeze.
2) I have sony camera with a memory stick.

Wife sent me out for chinese food and I came home with a new tv(Deilivery this wednesday. ) and chinese food.