Advice Wanted on Sony KV30HS420 VS. Toshiba 30HF83

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

I am in the market for a new TV. I am looking for an HD ready, 16:9
TV set that is in the $1000 range. Plus, I don't need PIP. A 30" set
will fit perfectly in our entertainment center (a common theme here)

Someone suggested the Toshiba. I found one that looked right in our
price range (Toshiba 30HF83)

http://tinyurl.com/6hnku

However, sitting next to it was a comparable Sony (Sony KV30HS420)

http://tinyurl.com/5wfrh

We are now looking at the Sony because the picture was outstanding
compared to the Toshiba, but not sure we were seeing the same stuff
(i.e. Toshiba was analog cable and it looked like it had a lot of
noise in the picture, though at home we have digital cable, which I
heard looks a lot better on these sets, and the Sony was playing back
a DVD, which looked outstanding.

Is there anyone that might know if either of these sets are actually
HD ready or if they are doing scaling/doubling etc. to get that look
and are not exactly HD....Also, can someone look at the specs of these
two sets and tell which is better and more "future proof" that would
be great. I don't feel like I'm getting the whole story from the
salesman.

I make DVDs for a living, so I'm well versed in SD NTSC/PAL video
technology, and have been in the audio/video production services
business for over 15 years. I'm reading all I can about HD, but feel
overwhelmed by the options and marketing speak.

Thanks,
tek

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Tek Teknir wrote:
> I am in the market for a new TV. I am looking for an HD ready, 16:9
> TV set that is in the $1000 range. Plus, I don't need PIP. A 30" set
> will fit perfectly in our entertainment center (a common theme here)
>
> Someone suggested the Toshiba. I found one that looked right in our
> price range (Toshiba 30HF83)
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6hnku
>
> However, sitting next to it was a comparable Sony (Sony KV30HS420)
>
> http://tinyurl.com/5wfrh
>
> We are now looking at the Sony because the picture was outstanding
> compared to the Toshiba, but not sure we were seeing the same stuff
> (i.e. Toshiba was analog cable and it looked like it had a lot of
> noise in the picture, though at home we have digital cable, which I
> heard looks a lot better on these sets, and the Sony was playing back
> a DVD, which looked outstanding.
>
> Is there anyone that might know if either of these sets are actually
> HD ready or if they are doing scaling/doubling etc. to get that look
> and are not exactly HD....Also, can someone look at the specs of these
> two sets and tell which is better and more "future proof" that would
> be great. I don't feel like I'm getting the whole story from the
> salesman.
>
> I make DVDs for a living, so I'm well versed in SD NTSC/PAL video
> technology, and have been in the audio/video production services
> business for over 15 years. I'm reading all I can about HD, but feel
> overwhelmed by the options and marketing speak.

First of all, if it's just playing a DVD in the store, you're not
seeing HDTV. So HDTV will look even better.

Second, I have the slightly larger version of that Sony (the 34" ) and
love it to death. Best electronics purchasing decision I've made.
The picture is superb, and I use it for everything from computer
monitor (720p resolution), DVDs, HDTV OTA, to GameCube (480p).

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Subject: Re: Advice Wanted on Sony KV30HS420 VS. Toshiba 30HF83
From: oneactor1@aol.com (Steve Grauman)
Date: 7/12/2004 4:04 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: <20040712160441.25456.00001411@mb-m29.aol.com>

I've sold TVs in the past and done a number of comparisons myself. In my
experience (which is fairly comprehensive in this instance) the Toshiba sets
have a very nice picture, but they have a partial red push and a "medium" green
and yellow push (the exact opposite of Panasonic). The Sony sets tend to push
whites and blues, but it gives them a very "cool" picture that most people tend
to prefer. The vast majority of the time I prefer Sony sets to all others,
hands down, no questions asked. The few sets I've seen truly capable of
competeing with a Sony tube would be larger and more expensive than what you're
looking at, and therefore are irrelevant anyway. FInd a store that would be
willing to let you demo the sets individually with a DVD player connected via
component. Make sure they use the same DVD player on both TVs and demand that
they let *you* play with the televisions menu functions to adjust the picture
as you see fit. This will give you the best possible idea of which set you
prefer to own. I've not yet had the chance to demo Sony's new 420, but it
should have "color modes" that allow you to switch between "cool", "warm" and
"neutral". Set the color mode to "neutral" and adjust all other settings from
there. Also make sure to note the differences between tube modes: "Movie",
"Sports", "Standard", Etc...I think you'll find the Sony superior. AFAIK


neither of these sets has DVI/HDMI inputs
NOT SO THE SONY HAS A HDMI

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

Tek Teknir wrote:
>
> So I went with the Sony. Bought and drove away with it last night.
> Very happy so far.

Welcome to the HD Entertainment Community!!!! Enjoy....

Thanks for all the comments. Now which
> Progressive scan DVD player should I get....SONY?

Sony CRT products are a very good performance buy..
As far as Sony Receivers (audio) & speakers go, I'd look
in another direction.

For a DVD player/burner (HD DVD not available yet!!!), It's
wide open... Options; Player or burner, Progressive yes,
Single or Multiplatter.. Optical audio out yes...

My plan bought a $100 Panny 35S until HD DVD units hit the market...
I think I have a 1+ year HD DVD wait in progress...
>
> Steve Grauman Wrote:
> "....AFAIK neither of these sets has DVI/HDMI inputs.'
>
> FYI, The Sony DOES have HDMI input on the back.
>
> Dennis: you're right, I run the stereo audio out to an outboard audio
> setup involving a small mixing console and other fun toys. No need for
> the higher-end built in sound.
>
> Thanks,
> Todd

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

On 13 Jul 2004 14:12:09 -0700, ibrow2004-google@yahoo.com (Tek Teknir)
wrote:

>Now which
>Progressive scan DVD player should I get....SONY?

I've tried several lower-end units, and am now quite happy with my JVC
model NV50BK, which I picked up for about $100 at HiFi Buys.

I had several requirements: Progressive Scan on Component outputs,
Region Free, must play DVD-R, DVD+R, must play SVCD movies on CD-R.

It turns out that lots of players out there fail to play DVD-R and
DVD+R disks *at the end of the disk*. This is because of the speed of
the media moving over the read head. To test for this, I first made
sure I had a perfect DVD-R write that filled the disk. I used
DVD-INFO to verify the write was perfect. Then I checked the last few
chapters on each player. Several, including a Sony, failed to play
the last few chapters without lockups or pixelation.

Archived from groups: alt.tv.tech.hdtv (More info?)

> The Chroma Bug is an especially big problem
> and if you're as sensitive/picky as I am then you'll need to make a jump to a
> mid-level or better player and try to find one without the Chroma Bug.

What exactly is the Chroma Bug?

Thanks,
Todd

BTW, really looking for something in the $100 range.