Sony KDL-32XBR4 Question

[Ace028]

Does anyone have this tv? If you do how is the picture quality? How do blu-ray movies look like compared to a 1080p version? Right now i have a sony 40in 1080p for my bedroom and i believe it is too big.

[NovaKane]

I have this set and it looks wonderful. Unfortunately it is only 720p, so in regards to resolution it is outclassed by the larger size 1080p sets.

I also own the 40'' and 46" xbr4 models, and even though it's a great set, in no way would I downgrade to the 32". Not only will you experience a loss in resolution, but the larger sets offer so much more user control over the picture quality (calibration settings, motion enhancement, etc.).

By the way, I have a 46" in my bedroom (viewing distance from the bed is 11 feet). You sure the 40" is too big for you?

[Ace028]

im sitting about 7-8ft away from the screen. this is the tv that i currently have. but would sitting close to the tv cause problems to your eyes or give you headaches?

[NovaKane]

Based on viewing distance charts that I've seen (you can find one of them on the Crutchfield website), 7 to 8 feet is optimal for a 40" to 46" inch set.

I don't think they'd be saying that if the risk of medical problems (headaches, etc.) were an issue.

Your problem is that you want to downgrade the size of your set. Now, I don't know how long you've had your 40", but if you're somewhat used to that screen size, going to a 32" will be a bit drastic in the negative sense.

I think there is an adage in the TV business, "People always complain that they should have bought a bigger television. They never complain that they should have bought a smaller one." Well, actually, you might be one of the first .

[crunchywyte]

Originally Posted by NovaKane

I also own the 40'' and 46" xbr4 models, and even though it's a great set, in no way would I downgrade to the 32". Not only will you experience a loss in resolution, but the larger sets offer so much more user control over the picture quality (calibration settings, motion enhancement, etc.).

By the way, I have a 46" in my bedroom (viewing distance from the bed is 11 feet). You sure the 40" is too big for you?

did you calibrate the 46" yourself or have it done prof.?

[NovaKane]

Originally Posted by crunchywyte

did you calibrate the 46" yourself or have it done prof.?

I used the calibration numbers for this set posted in a CNET review. The results were wonderful for me in regards to watching movies on my Blu-ray player in a dark room.

The only thing I did differently than CNET was that I enabled Motion Enhancer - Standard setting, and Cinemotion - Auto 1. The reviewer for CNET had those set to OFF. I use them because I like the more fluid motion onscreen that these settings offer. It's a question of personal taste, because there are other owners who don't like it. For me, these settings were the best compromise I could come up with.

If you're interested, there are other calibration settings available. Just check out the first page of the official XBR4 thread in AVS Forum. CNET just happened to nail it best in my eyes.

All the other calibrations (for DirecTV and VHS - yes, I still own one ) I did myself.

It took me a month or so to tweak the various settings to my liking. I can't tell you how many times I went back and forth until I got it right .

Also, there's nothing wrong with getting it professionally calibrated. I just prefer to use my own eyes and judgment (with a little help from CNET .