Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 36 inch TV

One of the benefits of working as a pet sitter (which I do during the busiest of cruise seasons) is that my clients often insist that I stay at their homes for more than the time it would take me to do the basic chores of feeding and cleaning up after their pets. Their reasoning: their pets (usually cats) need company every so often, and it's also nice if the houses look as though people were there. Besides, electronic equipment needs to be checked every so often; there is nothing worse for one of my clients to come home and find that the TV isn't working.

This means, of course, that I sometimes get to watch some of the best movies I have on a set that's better than my dependable but rather modest Samsung 27" color TV. And although I'm not exactly in a rush to go buy one (there isn't room for one here, and it's pretty expensive for our budget), I do admit that I take every opportunity to watch blockbusters such as Die Hard and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on a Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 set.

With a viewable screen size of 36 inches, this Sony flat screen television offers viewers a clear and sharp image that captures every detail almost perfectly. I was amazed, for instance, just how vivid the opening battle sequence of Revenge of the Sith looks on a 36-inch screen; the starships and fighters are so clearly rendered by what Sony calls a "technologically advanced tube" that I nearly feel the urge to duck or run for cover.

Also very impressive is the set's powerful two-speaker stereo sound array; even when I don't use the home theater system that the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 is connected to, the sound system is loaded with such features as SRS and BBE; the first "produces a dynamic three-dimensional sound for stereo programs," while BBE gives the audio signal more impact by using technology that compensates for speaker phase effects.

Other features that come with the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 include:

* Parental Control (V-Chip)

* ClearEdge VM, which enhances the picture's sharpness to give objects a nice, crisp edge.

* Favorite Channels option, which gets you to your favorite channels with a simple touch on the remote control.

* Info Banner, which tells you what program you are watching and how much time has elapsed (where available)

* Universal Remote Control, which allows you to use your cable or satellite box, VCR, DVD player, or DVD/VCR combo with just one controller. (The manual has a chapter on manufacturer/service provider codes that you must program manually when setting the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 up.)

* Front Panel Controls, in case your remote control runs out of batteries or you misplace it.

* Front A/V inputs, for those game consoles, camcorders, or home theater sound equipment.

The only thing I don't like about the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120 (other than the fact that I can't afford one or even have room for one) is the Universal Remote Control. It has way too many options and buttons -- so many, in fact, that the owner's manual has a chapter devoted to the gizmo. As long as I stick to POWER, VOLUME, and CHANNEL selection, I'm comfortable with it. Otherwise, I use the DVD and the DirecTV remote control units so I don't run into any problems.

Although the newer HDTV sets probably outclass the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA KV-36FS120, this flat screen model is quite good, with simple elegant lines, awesome video and audio qualities, and I definitely have to admit it blows my five-year-old Samsung TV away.


This is an entry in sleeper54's Lean-n-mean IV Write-Off