GEOFFREY MORRISON BLOG

Did they profile their new laser tv's by chance? Have you seen the prototypes of these? IF so, what's your take on what you've seen?

This is about Pioneer plasmas, so it's a bit off topic but... I read your review on the 1100HD, but what about the 1140HD? I didn't see anything on it, unless I'm missing something. Did you review it? It seems the Elite is still clearly better than the PDP 5070HD. No 1080P (on the 1140)? for a a 50 incher I'm ok with that. My local retailer is darn near giving those things away. In addition do you think laser will kill everything else?

We didn't do the 1140, but typically Pioneer plasmas have excellent processing, but mediocre blacks. Though the next generation looks to be changing that last part.Laser is cool, but it is still an RPTV technology. We'll see how it looks.

Recently bought the new Mitsubishi 2007 dlp hdtv wd-65733. Excellent picture however it has a severe warping of both horizontal and verical lines also known as a pincushion problem.Best Buy exchanged the set for another one but to no avail ; same problem. Would be interesting to find if anyone else has come across the this problem. Mitsubishi does not seem to be aware of it(yet). Contemplating what to do next. Another exchange ?

Your recent review about Sony's XBR5 TV's makes my decision even harder. We have a 2005 KDS-R60XBR1 with the optical block problem, a green haze all over the screen. Since we don't have an authorized Sony repair center in our city, Sony wants to give us a refurbished XBR1 with a refurbish O.B. that who knows how long it will last. I have heard that people have had to replace these several times. I was going to call Sony to see if they could replace my XBR1 to the XBR2 model since the price is the same. But seeing the new XBR5's with all of the features and advancements, I would like to ask Sony about an upgrade to that model because I am sure by now that they have corrected the optical block problem.Any suggestions on this matter would help me try to make the right decision. Also, I like the fact that they finally got rid of the side speakers that just added width, especially when I am using a Bose surround system with a Marantz receiver, a Directv HD-HR20 receiver and a Sony HD-D

Robert:
Many RPTVs have that issue. Are you noticing it with actual video material or just test patterns. Please drop me a line at htletters@primedia.comDolly
If they'll let you go to the XBR5, I'm pretty sure the performance will be better than the previous models. But I can't say for sure till I get one in.

Geoffrey, I have an update regarding our Sony XBR1 problem. Sony said that I can't wait untill the new XBR5 models come out, even if I wanted to add some money to upgrade to it. I had to make my decision last week because they did not want to keep my file open. They offered me a refurbished 2006 XBR2, I asked them if I could add some money to get a new 2006 model but due to the lawsuit regarding the optical block problem they can't offer me that option.Hopefully, the refurbished XBR2 will be okay since I will only be getting a 90 day warranty on parts and labor. One of my concerns was the condition of the cabinet and screen due to flaws and abuse by the original owner.I will get this in 3 weeks, and then I will know for sure.I will look forward to your review of the XBR5.

I just got the Mitsu WD57733 and am seeing the same pincushion issue. It's painfully obvious on the PS3 where there are horizontal lines in the menu for configuring the controllers/quitting games.I can also notice it if I'm watching 4:3 SD sources in narrow mode. with the sides of the centered square pushed in some.When I'm playing a game or something in widescreen though, it's not that noticeable. This was a replacement of my KDS-60A2000 and it didn't have any of these geometry issues (well besides the green blob issue at startup but after 30 minutes or so would go away). I had to sell that one though because I was moving cross country and not bringing anything with me.Even with this issue though, the advantages of the form factor/cost almost makes it worth it since I got it for a very reasonable sub-$2K price, it's only 60 lbs when I move and only 14" thick, and doesn't have the green blob issue at startup.

Two questions. First, which if any of the models accepts 1080p/24? And second, would the 120Hz refresh rate make the extra cost of the 833 series worth it?

SONY REPLACED MY XBR1 WITH A REFURBISHED XBR2 MANUFACTURED MAY 2007. SET IS PERFECT. DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO ACTUALLY BE USED.ABSOLUTELY PRISTINE!! DO THE SWAP AND CALL SONYSTYLE.COM AND PUT THE 5 YEAR IN HOME WARRANTY ON THE REFURBISHED UNIT FOR UNDER $300.00. THE XBR2 COMES WITH AN EXTRA BULB. TIS A NOBRAINER!!!!! DO THE SWAP!!!! MY WIFE AND I ARE SO VERY HAPPY WITH SONY. XBR2 HAS MORE HDMI INPUTS ALSO!!!! STEVE

I currently have a 50" XBR1 that had the OB replaced by Sony with a refurbed one. Once I got the refurbed OB, I noticed that the picture was darker than before with the same setting as I had with the original OB. I called Sony and spoke with their 2nd level of customer support and they first offered me a refurbed XBR1 at no additional cost. I told them that I didn't buy a used TV and didn't want one now. Then, they offered me a XBR4 or XBR5f for an additional $1200 and $1400, respectively.Does anyone think this is not a good deal to trade my XBR1 in for a new XBR4 or XBR5 for ~$12-14k???