Article:
Reviews
Best TV I have ever owned, November 27, 2005
Reviewer: Richard
Very happy with my purchase. Started with Computer Reports (understand this product replaced #1 rated LCD TV). Went to local retailer dealer and reviewed other LCD TVs in the size category (I had a hurdle of having built ins in place for conventional 4:3 TV, so I was going to have to limit the size unless I wanted to spend $1000s to redo spaces to get a larger set). Liked the picture quality, reliability (you do get what you pay for sometimes), the HDMI connectibility.
Right now I have the Sony connected to a Dish 508 Satellite receiver (S connection) and a Toshiba HiDef HDMI DVD player. It works perfectly and is the best TV I have ever onwed. My plan is to upgrade components over time, starting with PlayStation 3 next year, and probably HiDef satellite in 2007.
I read a number of reviews online, and I think there is a divergence between those who want only the best and those that want very good to excellent. I place myself in the later category. My family watch roughly 1.30 hours of TV per day, and the set doesn't make the content any better. I still prefer seeing movies in a theatre on a really big screen. On the otherhand, the Sony represents a quantum leap over my last TV (Toshiba 27#) and so far, I'm very happy.
A great 32" LCD!, October 20, 2005
Reviewer: Eric
After a month of reviewing 32" LCD's I chose this model over the equivalent Sharp and I'm very pleased. This monitor's HD is awesome! It is also very good at displaying standard definition programming. The blacks are very deep and you can control the backlight to fine tune the picture. It has three 16:9 modes and four 4:3. The wide zoom works great for SD shows.
This monitor is hooked up to a DirecTV HD Tivo and works flawless with the HDMI cable. The sound from the internal speaker is very good and has three sound modes. Overall I'm very happy with the picture quality and the quality of the finish.
Best prosumer camcorder yet, but not for true professionals., January 17, 2005
Reviewer: tron3
Addendum 3/30: To correct the guy correcting me 2 reviews above. In regular mini-dv mode with widescreen, there is definitely a wider picture. Focus on one item and switch modes, you will see the picture get wider. HD mode is anamorphic 4:3 - stretched to fit 16x9, but keeps the aspect ratio so everything doesn't look stretched. I've run tests and know what I am saying. Do you?
Recently shot my Uncle's wedding in Widescreen, and played the video back on his widescreen TV. The aspect ratio of the image is accurate and not stretched. Yes, this shoots in widescreen, but not in hi-def at the same time.
Original review:
My first "prosumer" camcorder I ever owned and I love it. The color reproduction is phenomenal and has great features. A few caveats may scare away people looking for something more, but this is more of a VERY HIGH END consumer item. Not for the novice, but someone with more shooting talent than the average person. If you want a TRUE HD professional camera, spend 15+ grand and stop knocking this one.
A bother to me was that regular mini-dv can record in true 16:9 mode. While the HD mode is anamorphic 4:3. (Stretched to fit 16:9) The wide-angle lens can fix that for about $500 more.
But if you are transferring to regular DVD's, you can still shoot mini DV widescreen because DVD doesn't record in HD.
So, unless you are transferring to HD DVD, like blu-ray, you have the BEST consumer/prosumer widescreen camcorder available.
Rated at about 3lux, low light doesn't harm this baby much. I find the accessories can be pricey too, but that is the cost you pay when you go prosumer. Everything else is for beginners and amateurs.
Tip: Get a long life battery. Sony 970 is recommended for longest life, but the 960 served me well for a days shooting/standby with plenty time left over. Get the light too!
Did I mention women love men with big camcorders? {:-p
