Sony Grand WEGA KDF-42WE655 42 in. HDTV LCD TV
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- Digital TV Standard: HDTV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 4:3 Enhanced 14:9
- Weight: 71.63 lb.
- Projector Technology: LCD
- Built-in Tuner: ATSC NTSC
- Screen Size: 42 inch
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User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Better than I expected from the "professional" reviews
Pros
Sound, non-HD images, interface, ergonomics, quiet
Cons
silver color, non-backlit remote, relative cost
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I recommend it as something to consider among the competition. Consumer Reports and CNET, I believe, underrated it.
Although I initially did not consider this TV because Consumer Reports and CNET recommended other models in the rear-projection category, after test driving three models (Panasonic 43" LCD, Samsung 46" DLP, and this Sony), I found that this TV offered the best balance among several considerations.
1) Fan Noise. The fan noise was noticeably quieter than the Panasonic but equally quiet as the Samsung. I was shocked at how annoying the Panasonic noise was!
2) Built-In Sound Quality. The sound quality is impressive (best of the three). The internal subwoofer really makes a difference and produces "near" surround sound effects.
3) TV Screen Controls and Interface. The onboard interface is nicely sleek (better than the very pedestrian Panasonic; same as the Samsung) and color-adjustable.
4) Picture Quality. While each TV produces a stunning and comparable HD image, you might notice the difference at how each renders a non-HD image. The Sony does a surprisingly good job here -- much better than the "experts" reviewed, in my opinion, and slightly better than both the Panasonic and Samsung.
5) Cable Ready. Only the Sony has a cable card, which means that you don't have to have a cable box to watch cable. This will save you about 5 bucks a month and also reduces your TV clutter. However, if you want to watch "on demand" or other unique cable features such as pay per view, you'll need the box.
6) Remote. Only the Panasonic has a back-lit remote. Non-back lit remotes are bad design flaws since you'll probably watch movies in dim/dark light and want to make some screen or volume adjustments with the remote.
7) Access. The Sony is the only one that has a hidden input box on the FRONT of the set. It makes attaching things (camcorder, computer, etc.) MUCH easier.
8) Cost. The Sony is actually the most expensive of the three. In early April 2005, at Circuit City, the Panasonic was $1900, the Samsung $2000, and the Sony $2300. The Sony might not be worth the extra $300 but I had a 10% of coupon, which then made it cost-comparable.
9) Size and Aesthetics. Granted, an important consideration for me was how each would look and fit in my built-in cabinet, which is 50" wide. The Panasonic is about 49.5" wide so it was basically flush with the sides and looked good. However, the Panasonic is all silver and looks a little odd with large speakers on the side and how the screen sits atop some mechanical "box." The Samsung is about 44" wide as its speakers are below the screen. Although I prefer its black color, there was probably too much empty space between the TV sides and my cabinet. The Sony is about 48" wide and fit nicely with an inch on each side to spare. I'm not crazy about its overall design (silver color; somewhat pedestrian look, not as "high tech" as the plasmas) but it'll do.
Thanks for reading.
1) Fan Noise. The fan noise was noticeably quieter than the Panasonic but equally quiet as the Samsung. I was shocked at how annoying the Panasonic noise was!
2) Built-In Sound Quality. The sound quality is impressive (best of the three). The internal subwoofer really makes a difference and produces "near" surround sound effects.
3) TV Screen Controls and Interface. The onboard interface is nicely sleek (better than the very pedestrian Panasonic; same as the Samsung) and color-adjustable.
4) Picture Quality. While each TV produces a stunning and comparable HD image, you might notice the difference at how each renders a non-HD image. The Sony does a surprisingly good job here -- much better than the "experts" reviewed, in my opinion, and slightly better than both the Panasonic and Samsung.
5) Cable Ready. Only the Sony has a cable card, which means that you don't have to have a cable box to watch cable. This will save you about 5 bucks a month and also reduces your TV clutter. However, if you want to watch "on demand" or other unique cable features such as pay per view, you'll need the box.
6) Remote. Only the Panasonic has a back-lit remote. Non-back lit remotes are bad design flaws since you'll probably watch movies in dim/dark light and want to make some screen or volume adjustments with the remote.
7) Access. The Sony is the only one that has a hidden input box on the FRONT of the set. It makes attaching things (camcorder, computer, etc.) MUCH easier.
8) Cost. The Sony is actually the most expensive of the three. In early April 2005, at Circuit City, the Panasonic was $1900, the Samsung $2000, and the Sony $2300. The Sony might not be worth the extra $300 but I had a 10% of coupon, which then made it cost-comparable.
9) Size and Aesthetics. Granted, an important consideration for me was how each would look and fit in my built-in cabinet, which is 50" wide. The Panasonic is about 49.5" wide so it was basically flush with the sides and looked good. However, the Panasonic is all silver and looks a little odd with large speakers on the side and how the screen sits atop some mechanical "box." The Samsung is about 44" wide as its speakers are below the screen. Although I prefer its black color, there was probably too much empty space between the TV sides and my cabinet. The Sony is about 48" wide and fit nicely with an inch on each side to spare. I'm not crazy about its overall design (silver color; somewhat pedestrian look, not as "high tech" as the plasmas) but it'll do.
Thanks for reading.
