Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 upgrade to Pioneer Kuro 6020?

[nugent]

Looking for some opinions of people that have perhaps actually owned the SXRD Sony and moved to the Pioneer Plasma.

I have been very pleased with my 60" SXRD but am always looking to upgrade my HT. Obviously Pioneer is going out of the plasma biz so I considering perhaps selling the SXRD and getting the 60" Pioneer.

Please limit the hyperbole comments like "blows out of the water" etc. That is just BS when comparing any quality display. We don't need another which display is better thread. Again any input from former DLP or SXRD owners would be most helpful. Also please note exactly what it is that you see as major improvements going to the Pioneer plasma.

[sokrman14]

I would do it hands down if I could afford it

[OMH]

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/new...mdl=KDS60A2000

my tv a kdf46e2000 is under the same warranty and i called and instead of fixing it they told me that they would sell me one of 5 new lcd for a discounted price i chose the kdf 46v4100 which goes for 1600 and only paid 380+tx.

[Jim L]

I owned that exact model before, and I upgraded to the Panny TH58-PZ500U plasma.

Yes, I think the Pioneer is better. I just couldn't afford the difference, so I went the Panasonic route.

Although the SXRD is an excellent display and at the time was a great "bang-for-the-buck" set, I was never truly happy with the blacks. What I think were the sets greatest attributes:

• Contrast (10,000:1 dynamic)
• Pixel structure - very solid image. Pixels/lines virtually invisible.
• Geometry
• "Smoothness"

What I really like better about the plasma:

• Even better contrast (30,000:1 native)
• Excellent blacks
• Quieter
• Thin - wall-mountable
• Excellent off-axis brightness
• Runs cooler

Regarding the warranty, I never had to use it and got the letter saying the optical block warranty was extended. So I just passed it on to the purchaser.

Although I did not go with a Pioneer plasma, I think the same advantages will apply for you. If you can afford it, you will get some great upgrades in picture quality. This is a good time to buy a Pioneer plasma, and it's a now or never proposition.

[nugent]

Jim L

Thanks for your well stated response. Just the sort of information I was looking for. I also have had no problems with the optical block but I am glad Sony stepped up and extended the warranty.

I had no plans to upgrade right now but as you noted Pioneer is bailing on the plasma biz. I figured if I upgraded I might as well go ahead and get the Pioneer even though the Panasonic is excellent as well.

Just need to test the water on Craigs list and see what I can get for my SXRD.

Thanks again!

[OMH]

if you call sony and tell them that there are green blobs on the screen theyll sell you a new tv for cheap and they let you keep youre sxrd you just need to send in the sticker in the back

[sheedoe]

I went from a Toshiba DLP HDTV (52HM94) to the Pio 6020. The major difference as Jim said was the contrast and black level. I was also getting a lot of black crush on my DLP set. It was very difficult to make out details in dark movies like AVP and TDK. I'm sure the SXRD is a lot better....plus my DLP was not pro calibrated. With my 6020, I can now easily enjoy the darkest movies.
The color and picture on the 6020 is a lot deeper and richer than the DLP's relatively dull picture. This is especially noticeable when playing video games. The 6020 has much better pops than a projection screen.
Another major difference... the viewing angle! The DLP is nowhere near the viewing angle on the 6020, or any other plasma for that matter. I can finally use the loveseat to watch TV when guests come over.
There are pics in my HT gallery of the old and new setup if you like to see the physical difference . I'm VERY happy with my upgrade. I hope this helps and good luck!

[clyon]

Originally Posted by OMH

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/new...mdl=KDS60A2000

my tv a kdf46e2000 is under the same warranty and i called and instead of fixing it they told me that they would sell me one of 5 new lcd for a discounted price i chose the kdf 46v4100 which goes for 1600 and only paid 380+tx.

I just called Sony & they would not do that with the a2000 just fix the OB no price reduction on any new tv, which is dumb since it will cost Sony about $1200+ to fix my tv & it can happen again... and agian....



Yes plasmas are better then the a2000, I am looking forword to upgrading to the new Panasonic V10 this summer.

[Adam_ME]

I have a SXRD KDS-A2020 and plan on upgrading more than likely to a Panasonic 58" Plasma. I was doing it mostly because I need a flat screen TV to save an extra 2 feet in my new media room, but I'm glad to hear the upgrade in picture quality makes it even more worthwhile.

BTW, anyone know what a 2 year-old SXRD A2020 with 3 years left on a warranty(including one free bulb replacement) would fetch these days?

[Jim L]

Originally Posted by Adam_ME

. . .
BTW, anyone know what a 2 year-old SXRD A2020 with 3 years left on a warranty(including one free bulb replacement) would fetch these days?

There is no market on ebay for it. You must advertize for local pickup only.

Though the SXRD's were good sets at the time, the entire market has moved towards flatscreens and it has killed any resale value of RPTVs.

I used mine as barter value for a contractor (neighbor) to do my HT construction work and plasma install. No money changed hands, I got ~$1k in work for my TV. We were both happy.

[cawgijoe]

Some good points here.

My brother-in-law has the 60" SXRD and loves it. It's calibrated using Digital Video Essentials and the black levels are very good. It's bright enough, but is really meant to be used in a darkened room where it really shines.

This is an excellent set and a great value for the money. That being said, most folks want a flat-panel and this set won't fetch you much in terms of re-sale value.

The Pioneer Kuro's are a definite step forward in terms of PQ and if you really want to own one now is the time.