Reviewing the 2004 Line of Sony Projection TV sets The Sony 'WS655' Series of Rear Projection CRT HDTV SetsThe latest 2004 line of CRT Sony Projection TV sets represent the best option in terms of picture quality and size for your dollar. They may not be as compact and lightweight as LCD or DLP rear-projection sets, yet the Sony CRT projection HDTV's are relatively inexpensive. Further more, picture quality is among the best one can find, with unbeatable black level performance no other LCD or DLP projection TV can achieve. Introducing the Sony 'WS655' Series of CRT Rear Projection HDTV Sets The 'WS655' series is Sony's 2004 line of CRT rear projection TVs. These represent a step-up over Sony's 2003 KP-xxWS510 series. This latest series of Sony wide screen CRT RPTVs comprise the Sony KDP-51WS655, a 51" CRT rear projection TV, and its bigger brother, the 57" Sony KDP-57WS655 HDTV. Both sets come with identical features and specifications except for a different screen size. Main features include:
These CRT-technology-based Sony projection TVs represent a relatively inexpensive large screen TV option for the home theater. OK, maybe not as cheap as some other brands, but surely affordable considering the accompanying list of interesting features and technical specifications. In fact, the smallest in this series of Sony projection TVs - the 51" KDP-51WS655 is selling online at less than $2,000, while the slightly bigger model, the 57" Sony KDP-57WS655 HD-CRT Projection TV is selling at amazon for less than $2,100 - worth considering over the smaller 51" model if you have got the necessary room space. An interesting list of features, enhancements, and high-tech specifications Sony CRT Rear Projection: A Detailed Technical Analysis As indicated earlier on, both products in this series of Sony projection TV sets share the same technical specifications and features - the only difference being a different screen size. Interesting to note here that these relatively inexpensive Sony CRT rear projection models share a number of similar audio/video specs and features found on the more expensive Sony LCD projection TVs. All sets feature a wide 16:9 aspect ratio screen and offer compatibility with standard-definition 480i, enhanced-definition 480p, and high-definition 720p and 1080i signals. Integrated HDTV Tuner: These Sony projection TV sets come with a built-in HDTV tuner which can receive both over-the-air broadcasts as well as digital cable broadcasts (ATSC and QAM). This means that there is no need to spend a few hundred dollars in an external HDTV decoder to feed in high definition signals. The tuner supports picture-in-picture through Sony's TwinView PIP, a feature that lets you view any 2 sources simultaneously - side by side, even at different image resolutions, Digital Reality Creation® (DRC) Multifunction: These CRT Sony rear projection TVs are also capable of making a good show out of a standard-definition video signal through Sony proprietary Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction Circuitry. Unlike conventional line doublers, the DRC Multifunction feature replaces the signal’s NTSC waveform with the HD equivalent, while doubling the number of vertical and horizontal lines. This results in four times the picture density for quality sources, such as DVD, satellite and digital camcorders. In the process, it also increases the video signal's signal-to-noise ratio to ensure rich, natural-looking images from any source. In addition, the MID-X Multi Image Driver Circuitry scales all incoming standard and high definition signals to the configuration of the panel without degrading signal quality. Sony CRT Light Engine: These CRT Sony projection TVs make use of quantity three High Definition MICROFOCUS™ 7-inch high brightness monochrome type picture tubes optically coupled with 3 large diameter F1.1 lenses in a horizontal in-line arrangement and using a liquid cooling system. The use of HD MICROFOCUS™ CRT ensures bright crisp clear high definition images. The convergence process uses both Sony proprietary auto Flash Focus as well as 63-point manual adjustment. Other picture enhancement features include:
Other features include:
Product Dimensions and Weight: The table below lists the respective product dimensions and weight for each of the Sony projection TV sets referred to in this review article:
What's in the Box These CRT Sony projection TV sets come with a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, product registration information, and a limited manufacture's warranty. Concluding Remarks
The use of the HD MICROFOCUS CRT and lens system renders these sets capable of delivering superb picture quality with vivid, bright detailed images - better than many other similarly priced rear projection TVs. Sound quality is very good for a TV. In addition, the built-in HDTV tuner and cable card slot represent savings of a few hundred dollars in the form of a dedicated set-top-box. Cons: None considering the price - except that they are bulky and heavy - BUT this applies to all CRT type rear projection TVs.
Final Recommendations: Setup DVDs: ...or check our Guide to Home Theater Set-Up DVDs for more information of Set-Up Discs and possible alternatives that may be more suitable for your needs. HDTV Books:
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- an exceptional audio/video calibration and setup tool, suitable for both
the novice and the expert.
