Sony KD-30XS955

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

On 2005-07-06 14:57:00 -0400, JSM <jsm1@pacbell.net> said:

> I've seen some complaints on the internet about the tuner of this model
> failing. I also read about problems with the power. Anybody know of
> any problems with this model?

My KD-30XS955 has been in operation since before 2004 thanksgiving. All
operations/functions have worked as advertised. So far (knock, knock on
wood) I have had absolutely no problems with reliability.

One thing I have observed is that the TV will not come on, if it has
been turned off/then on/then off/then on in quick succession (i.e.
abused). This behaviour is noted in the docs, and relates to the fact
that the TV degausses (sp?) everytime it is turned on. Once in awhile,
its has balked at a quick restart for this reason. Otherwise nothing
but great TV.

I had the SONY TV calibrated by a pro in March 2005, and the HD and
non-HD pictures have continued to be absolutely amazing using any mode
and/or DCR. Color is dead-on and picture is extremely detailed with
incredible dynamic range. And did I mention the detail? :-)

I made sure our cable feeds were at their absolute best before the TV
arrived. Had to install a tilt amplifier to compensate for the +400'
distance from curb to the house (using RG11 for the feed). Then added
an 8 port uni-amplifier to feed 1) cable modem for internet access, and
2) the multi-room inhouse cable feeds. This set-up allows me to deliver
8 ports of cable access without the use of any inline splitters! All
cable wiring inhouse is shielded RG6 with high quality connectors.

I am using the Sony with a COMCAST digital dual-tuner DVR (Motorola
DCT-6412). The SONY gets the premium digital COMCAST programming via
the DVR (wired to the Sony HDMI IN port), the other TV's (2) get the
standard cable programming right off of the cable (80+ channels +
Digital music). Did I mention that the DVR is cabled to the Sony via
the HDMI IN port? :-)

This DVR has been a bit flaky at times, but nothing I and the misses
haven't been able to work around and resolve ourselves, admitedly with
some help from the group at http://www.avsforum.com. I used the
"official COMCAST 6412" discussion group alot in the early going and
found their info very useful (extremely long thread though).

The SONY KD-30XS955, with the DVR and a Panasonic DVD player have
received VERY high WAR (wife approval rating). She's happy so I'm
REALLY happy.

The only bad thing I can say about this set is the obvious issue of
WEIGHT. The TV/ tube is a monster. At 100lbs its not going anywhere
without two very large people to move it. But the weight versus picture
quality trade-off was worth it to me. I certainly recommend this TV if
you aren't put off by its weight.

Hope this helps.

regards,
LR