Question about Sony product line / differences of their 52" TV

[fabi519]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the Sony TVs. I posted in the receiver section that I plan to buy the entire home system (TV, player, audio) next months and was wondering which one I should buy.

Until now I planned to buy the Sharp Aquos 52" but someone suggested (because of my budget) that I should buy the one from Sony.

I just came back from Best Buy and Costco and took a look at the Sonys.

Best Buy has the:

KDL-52XBR5 and KDL-52XBR4

The TV / pq looks awesome. Where exactly is the difference between them? I checked the Sony website but couldn't really see a difference.

Is it still the same product generation but simply improved (kind of with cars -a 2003 GT Mustang compared to a 1998 GT-), or is it a complete new product line? E.g. BMW 3 series vs. BMW 5 series?
And where are the differences? Are they worth the 300 bucks of difference?

Sorry if I make this comparison, but with cars it kind of helps me picturing it better.

Costco had the KDL-52W3000 which I don't like that much because of it looks.
Yeah I know the pq matters, but honestly I also want that, plus to having a nice design such as the Samsung TVs (who look awesome by the way).

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by fabi519

Hi,

I have a question regarding the Sony TVs. I posted in the receiver section that I plan to buy the entire home system (TV, player, audio) next months and was wondering which one I should buy.

Until now I planned to buy the Sharp Aquos 52" but someone suggested (because of my budget) that I should buy the one from Sony.

I just came back from Best Buy and Costco and took a look at the Sonys.

Best Buy has the:

KDL-52XBR5 and KDL-52XBR4

The TV / pq looks awesome. Where exactly is the difference between them? I checked the Sony website but couldn't really see a difference.

Is it still the same product generation but simply improved (kind of with cars -a 2003 GT Mustang compared to a 1998 GT-), or is it a complete new product line? E.g. BMW 3 series vs. BMW 5 series?
And where are the differences? Are they worth the 300 bucks of difference?

Sorry if I make this comparison, but with cars it kind of helps me picturing it better.

Costco had the KDL-52W3000 which I don't like that much because of it looks.
Yeah I know the pq matters, but honestly I also want that, plus to having a nice design such as the Samsung TVs (who look awesome by the way).

I think the XBR5 has a RS-232 port and the high gloss bezel, where the XBR4 does not. The XBR5 also has a little longer warranty. Worth $300, not to me.

[fabi519]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I think the XBR5 has a RS-232 port and the high gloss bezel, where the XBR4 does not.

And what does a RS 232 port do?

I also noticed the Samsung 58" and 63" with 1080p. Wow that TV is gigantic! (but too expensive )

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by fabi519

And what does a RS 232 port do?

I also noticed the Samsung 58" and 63" with 1080p. Wow that TV is gigantic! (but too expensive )

You got me?

[Slec]

Originally Posted by fabi519

And what does a RS 232 port do?

I think is the serial display out that computer monitors use.... so it would allow you to use as a computer monitor?

[syncguy]

RS232 serial port cannot be used to feed a video signal. It is usually used for control or diagnostic purposes. The connector that you refer could be the VGA connector used in computer monitors to feed a video signal.

[fabi519]

Thanks a lot for the help.

I guess I don't need that port, considering that all modern pc video cards such as the ATI and GForce have a hdmi or at least dvi output.

I was thinking about to use the big screen for the pc when I will be playing a game... but that would be maybe 2% of the reason of what I want to do with the TV.

[syncguy]

Always use HDMI or DVI if you have that option for the best quality video.

[dmahar]

The RS-232 port is used for Home Automation systems. It allows other devices to control the unit.

I have the XBR4 and love it. If you watch the sales and price match you can get a really good deal. I got mine for $2705.99 at Circuit City after a price match with a department store.

[Bobby Henderson]

All the prices I've seen over the last year typically have the 52" XBR5 costing quite a bit more than $300 above the price of the XBR4. When I bought my 52" XBR4 in January the stores that had the XBR5 wanted a difference of $800 or more.

The only thing I can figure is Sony & the electronics stores may be pricing the XBR5 a lot higher because anyone going to the expense of installing home automation wiring is likely fairly wealthy and not worried about spending over $4000 on a TV.

[BronxBombers]

I own a Sony KDL-40XBR5 and I love it! Great TV and highly recommended!