Sony KDF-55XS955

[mez]

HI all, I recently got the KDF-55XS955 as a substitute to the Mitsubishi 62" DLP (which I loved, but can't take the rainbows).

I have to say that I'm not impressed at all by this TV. The black levels are terrible and any dark scene shows up as all black. anyone else have experience with this TV?

[Shane Martin]

Mez,
You are experiencing the same things that I have in my efforts to buy a digital set, I ended up going with a proven CRT set and banking about $2,000 to boot. Yeah its a big set but no such issues.

No rainbows, No bulbs to blow out, No poor black level, no motion blur, nothing.

Yeah I had to do the convergence and such but once that is done, I only need to retouch it up about once a year and so far I haven't had to redo it since I did it on day 1.

If those 2 are not doing it for you, then you should atleast look at the JVC DILA if you can't do the large CRT set. I did and saved a ton of cash. Mits, Toshiba, Sony and HItachi are often regarded as the best of the bunch with MIts and Hitachi at the top though I"m hearing Sony has really moved up quite a bit.

[willbrosk]

Hmm cant comment on this specefic model but I own a sony 60inch version. I had simualr issues as you when I first got this set. I had to have it repaired for an unrelated issue(1 week I got it) and when the tech came to repair the set he calibrated it for me. This took care of 60% of the poor black issue. Then I upgraded my dvd player and all the cables I was using this took care of 25%. Well for the remaining 15% well ill just have to live with with loss of some PQ and black contrast quality, but enjoy the brighter picture, wider view angle and more brilliant colors compared to CRT. When I finally get my house done this will be used in the game room and be going fp anyway

[stringzz]

Mez,

I have the same set at you. I have the lamp output set to reduced power which gives you better black levels. Have you tried to use the Avia disc to calibrate your set better?

I was looking at the 955 and the Mitsubishi 52705 DLP. I ended up getting the Sony. Yes, the black levels aren't as good as the DLP's but I too could not possibly spend 3k+ on a set that will have rainbow issues. Also, the viewing angles were much better with the Sony over the Mit. That really bugged me as we can't all sit in the perfect viewing angles. Dual HDMI inputs are also a plus, as I don't need video switching. Until 3 chip DLP's or SXRD becomes affordable, I am happy with the Sony. My next set will also have 1080p. So this Sony will do fine until then

Try to tweak the settings and it might be a good idea to invest in the Avia DVD.