Sony vs. Sony - Blu-ray Forum

Themoth · 07-10-2008, 06:04 AM

Just came back from a friends house who just turned on his brand new SOny KDL-52W4100. The picture looked amazing and even more so after he tuned the custom to his liking. He had a 42 inch prior to this tv. Now here is were I need some assistance. I just bought the XBR4 40 inch about a week or so ago and have also had my TV ISF calibrated. When I compare the two, his looks better than mine. Alot cleaner and crisper, why would this be? Is it me or could this be accurate. I know his TV is the latest out from Sony, but the XBR series is their top of the line unit or so I thought....

Any thoughts on this matter?

JadedRaverLA · 07-10-2008, 06:20 AM

Well, his set is 12" larger... maybe you have size envy?

I haven't seen the two side by side, but I did notice the new W series sets looked like they had made some pretty good improvements to the panels in this year's models, though the "sparkle issue" sounds like it might be a deal-breaker.

While the XBR is the higher end series, his set has the newer panel and tech. So, you might look at the W models since you've only had yours for a week, or just stop comparing your set to his and be happy. It's still a great set.

Themoth · 07-10-2008, 06:48 AM

Is there that new of tech on the W to make that much of an improvement in picture?
The sparkle issue?

LarryMoeCurly · 07-10-2008, 06:48 AM

I'd have to agree with the above post, with the larger size you "notice" more details in the picture. I would also say that since yours is calibrated I would expect a much more natural tone where your friend may have more "pop" in this colors but less acurate. (This would be my main guess because you said you liked the tv before he even adjusted it.) The signal also plays a big part too. Do you both have the same cable company ? Both using HDMI ?

I'm sure any tv sees an improvement a year later with upgrades but Sony wouldn't would kill off there "prize" set though. I thought they were getting ready for the XBR6 ?

Just my opinion but still think it's a great tv. I've had mine since November. I also remember reading the XBR4 was a 10 bit panel where as the 4100 was only a 8 bit ?

Edit. I wouldn't worry so much about the improvement made in the 4100. I had the w3000 (what the 4100 replacing) and it was a no brainer for me to move to a XBR4. I'll admit they were both nice sets but I'm glad I moved up. I'm just a "regular" guy looking for a nice tv and not an AV person.

Themoth · 07-10-2008, 06:53 AM

He is running Comcast Cable via component and I am running DTV HD with HDMI. Maybe it is due to the larger screen the distance being only 8-10 feet away from it.

LarryMoeCurly · 07-10-2008, 07:02 AM

Just try sitting closer to yours. Does it look the same? What channels are you comparing? Blu ray, HD or standard tv ? PS3 ? to display it's best you need BOTH your tv and PS3 display set for unlimited colors.

SellmeyourDVD · 07-10-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Themoth

Just came back from a friends house who just turned on his brand new SOny KDL-52W4100. The picture looked amazing and even more so after he tuned the custom to his liking. He had a 42 inch prior to this tv. Now here is were I need some assistance. I just bought the XBR4 40 inch about a week or so ago and have also had my TV ISF calibrated. When I compare the two, his looks better than mine. Alot cleaner and crisper, why would this be? Is it me or could this be accurate. I know his TV is the latest out from Sony, but the XBR series is their top of the line unit or so I thought....

Any thoughts on this matter?

It seems like a resonable amount of people on here feel that tv's under 46inchs don't see the full benefit of 1080p, this seems to be your problem. If you're not happy with your tv than you should take it back and get a different tv since you're within the 30 days. If price is a concern for you get one of the new 6 or 7 series samsungs, they're pretty close to the sonys PQ wise but not 100% there and their price is considerably different.

SS316SRV · 07-10-2008, 07:40 PM

I get jealous when I see that my friend's is bigger.

Themoth · 07-11-2008, 01:44 AM

Well after future research and looking at my receipt, i notice i am past the 30 days return policy. I have contact sony and they are willing to exchange my TV for a brand new one. SHould i do this or see if they will allow me to pay extra and upgrade the size on this TV? Or wait until the XBR6 or 7 come out and see if they will replace it with the current models out there.

Could it be as simple as the size? I had a 42 inch prior that i felt had a great PQ. 2 inches smaller should not make that much of a difference as far as the 1080p? would it?? thanks for all opinions..

Sith · 07-11-2008, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Themoth

Just came back from a friends house who just turned on his brand new SOny KDL-52W4100. The picture looked amazing and even more so after he tuned the custom to his liking. He had a 42 inch prior to this tv. Now here is were I need some assistance. I just bought the XBR4 40 inch about a week or so ago and have also had my TV ISF calibrated. When I compare the two, his looks better than mine. Alot cleaner and crisper, why would this be? Is it me or could this be accurate. I know his TV is the latest out from Sony, but the XBR series is their top of the line unit or so I thought....

Any thoughts on this matter?

the problem with watching hd on a 40' display is that the background that comes in so clear to give it the high def feel is to small....Most people
say you need at least a 42 and probably a 46'.....

I will say this I have a 50' and a 32', i basically play video games and watch
sports on the 32 for the reason that it is to small for movies imo....

Themoth · 07-11-2008, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Themoth

Well after future research and looking at my receipt, i notice i am past the 30 days return policy. I have contact sony and they are willing to exchange my TV for a brand new one. SHould i do this or see if they will allow me to pay extra and upgrade the size on this TV? Or wait until the XBR6 or 7 come out and see if they will replace it with the current models out there.

Could it be as simple as the size? I had a 42 inch prior that i felt had a great PQ. 2 inches smaller should not make that much of a difference as far as the 1080p? would it?? thanks for all opinions..

So sony will replace the unit and will not allow me to upgrade to a larger size. any suggestions on what to do from here would be greatly considered...

Sith · 07-11-2008, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Themoth

So sony will replace the unit and will not allow me to upgrade to a larger size. any suggestions on what to do from here would be greatly considered...

sell and upgrade, or keep it in the bedroom as a awesome video game/wife kicks you in the room cause she sick of the 3rd football game of the day unit..

Themoth · 07-11-2008, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sith

sell and upgrade, or keep it in the bedroom as a awesome video game/wife kicks you in the room cause she sick of the 3rd football game of the day unit..

I still have an extended warranty through best buy for this 60 day old unit. Do you think its worth seeing if they can do anything? The store offered me no options. I really can't afford to take a big loss on this TV to sell it and then still buy another one. this is not good, such a waste of money so far...

Chevypower · 07-11-2008, 09:19 PM

All current Bravia from V series upwards, has Bravia Engine 2, and Full 1080x1920, so looking at picture quality, it should be undetectable.

yyyiiikes · 07-12-2008, 05:42 PM

I have a 40" XBR and am very pleased with no disappointments. If they fix the "sparkle" issue, then I will likely buy a 4100 for the bedroom.

Are you sure that you are making a fair comparison? The high def channels from DirecTV look awesome on my set. And Blu-ray even better.

Are you unhappy even after viewing a Blu-ray on your XBR?

Themoth · 07-12-2008, 10:35 PM

TV looks fine for normal viewing it seems to be an issue viewing anything HD there will be the motion blur and unnatural look to it. Not a WOW kinda looking picture. Seems like it should be producing alot better picture with a flawless image. Could it be my HDMI cable? SHould i consider a power conidtionor? SHould i replace the unit or have a tech look at it first to assure these issues are present and needing replacment?> thanks

crackinhedz · 07-13-2008, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Themoth

TV looks fine for normal viewing it seems to be an issue viewing anything HD there will be the motion blur and unnatural look to it. Not a WOW kinda looking picture. Seems like it should be producing alot better picture with a flawless image. Could it be my HDMI cable? SHould i consider a power conidtionor? SHould i replace the unit or have a tech look at it first to assure these issues are present and needing replacment?> thanks

turn off cinemotion.

Themoth · 07-13-2008, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

turn off cinemotion.

i have tried this and i will see if there are any changes. thanks for the assistance....

07-10-2008, 06:04 AM	#1
Themoth Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:May 2008 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:23 Blu-ray collection:6	Sony vs. Sony Just came back from a friends house who just turned on his brand new SOny KDL-52W4100. The picture looked amazing and even more so after he tuned the custom to his liking. He had a 42 inch prior to this tv. Now here is were I need some assistance. I just bought the XBR4 40 inch about a week or so ago and have also had my TV ISF calibrated. When I compare the two, his looks better than mine. Alot cleaner and crisper, why would this be? Is it me or could this be accurate. I know his TV is the latest out from Sony, but the XBR series is their top of the line unit or so I thought.... Any thoughts on this matter? Last edited by Themoth; 07-10-2008 at 06:06 AM.

07-10-2008, 06:20 AM	#2
JadedRaverLA Power Member Member since:Apr 2007 Blu-ray reviews:2	Well, his set is 12" larger... maybe you have size envy? I haven't seen the two side by side, but I did notice the new W series sets looked like they had made some pretty good improvements to the panels in this year's models, though the "sparkle issue" sounds like it might be a deal-breaker. While the XBR is the higher end series, his set has the newer panel and tech. So, you might look at the W models since you've only had yours for a week, or just stop comparing your set to his and be happy. It's still a great set. Last edited by JadedRaverLA; 07-10-2008 at 06:24 AM.

07-10-2008, 06:48 AM	#4
LarryMoeCurly Member Member since:Jul 2008	I'd have to agree with the above post, with the larger size you "notice" more details in the picture. I would also say that since yours is calibrated I would expect a much more natural tone where your friend may have more "pop" in this colors but less acurate. (This would be my main guess because you said you liked the tv before he even adjusted it.) The signal also plays a big part too. Do you both have the same cable company ? Both using HDMI ? I'm sure any tv sees an improvement a year later with upgrades but Sony wouldn't would kill off there "prize" set though. I thought they were getting ready for the XBR6 ? Just my opinion but still think it's a great tv. I've had mine since November. I also remember reading the XBR4 was a 10 bit panel where as the 4100 was only a 8 bit ? Edit. I wouldn't worry so much about the improvement made in the 4100. I had the w3000 (what the 4100 replacing) and it was a no brainer for me to move to a XBR4. I'll admit they were both nice sets but I'm glad I moved up. I'm just a "regular" guy looking for a nice tv and not an AV person. Last edited by LarryMoeCurly; 07-10-2008 at 06:59 AM.

07-10-2008, 07:02 AM	#6
LarryMoeCurly Member Member since:Jul 2008	Just try sitting closer to yours. Does it look the same? What channels are you comparing? Blu ray, HD or standard tv ? PS3 ? to display it's best you need BOTH your tv and PS3 display set for unlimited colors. Last edited by LarryMoeCurly; 07-10-2008 at 07:09 AM.

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07-10-2008, 06:53 AM	#5
Themoth Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:May 2008 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:23 Blu-ray collection:6	He is running Comcast Cable via component and I am running DTV HD with HDMI. Maybe it is due to the larger screen the distance being only 8-10 feet away from it.

07-10-2008, 07:40 PM	#8
SS316SRV Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Appleton, WI Blu-ray collection:74	I get jealous when I see that my friend's is bigger.

07-11-2008, 01:44 AM	#9
Themoth Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:May 2008 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:23 Blu-ray collection:6	Well after future research and looking at my receipt, i notice i am past the 30 days return policy. I have contact sony and they are willing to exchange my TV for a brand new one. SHould i do this or see if they will allow me to pay extra and upgrade the size on this TV? Or wait until the XBR6 or 7 come out and see if they will replace it with the current models out there. Could it be as simple as the size? I had a 42 inch prior that i felt had a great PQ. 2 inches smaller should not make that much of a difference as far as the 1080p? would it?? thanks for all opinions..

07-11-2008, 09:19 PM	#14
Chevypower Special Member Member since:Feb 2008	All current Bravia from V series upwards, has Bravia Engine 2, and Full 1080x1920, so looking at picture quality, it should be undetectable.

07-12-2008, 05:42 PM	#15
yyyiiikes Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Austin, TX	I have a 40" XBR and am very pleased with no disappointments. If they fix the "sparkle" issue, then I will likely buy a 4100 for the bedroom. Are you sure that you are making a fair comparison? The high def channels from DirecTV look awesome on my set. And Blu-ray even better. Are you unhappy even after viewing a Blu-ray on your XBR?

07-12-2008, 10:35 PM	#16
Themoth Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:May 2008 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:23 Blu-ray collection:6	TV looks fine for normal viewing it seems to be an issue viewing anything HD there will be the motion blur and unnatural look to it. Not a WOW kinda looking picture. Seems like it should be producing alot better picture with a flawless image. Could it be my HDMI cable? SHould i consider a power conidtionor? SHould i replace the unit or have a tech look at it first to assure these issues are present and needing replacment?> thanks

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