Sony KV-32XBR450 32" XBR Wega Flat-Screen HDTV Monitor with PIP

The TV produces stereo audio with 15 biamplified watts per channel through built-in two-way speakers that border the screen. One of the KV-32XBR450's coolest features is its 16:9 enhanced mode, which--together with a feature called Hi-Scan 1080i--delivers maximum picture quality by concentrating all viewable scan lines within a letterboxed image, wasting none of its horizontal resolution on rendering the black bars that border a widescreen image.

Velocity modulation (selectable: off, high, low) improves the definition at picture edges, creating sharper images by slowing the CRT (cathode-ray tube) beam's horizontal scanning during demanding work--say, when rendering transitions from light to dark parts of an image--and speeding it up when scanning easily rendered sections, like broad dark areas. The set's three-line digital comb filter further enhances resolution by removing blurred edges between colors and reducing dot crawl (tiny, moving dots of color along a sharp color separation in a vertical line, as in a depiction of a character's striped T-shirt).

Top-of-the-line high-definition-capable component-video inputs minimize digital and line-scan artifacts from compatible video sources (480i, 480p, 1080i), while standard composite- and S-video inputs accommodate all DVD players. You can choose between multiple sets of rear A/V inputs and a set of front A/V inputs for extra convenience when hooking up a camcorder or gaming console. A rear AV output offers both fixed and variable-level analog audio outputs for hookup with, for instance, both a VCR and a surround receiver. You can label the set's video inputs and channels for easy selection.

The KV-32XBR450 offers Sony's CineMotion reverse 3:2 pulldown technology, a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programs in their native 24-frame format. Digital video mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24-frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

Freeze Memo lets you freeze what's on screen and view it in a PIP window while programming continues on the main screen. This is ideal for noting Web site addresses, phone numbers, and contact information on the screen.

Channel Fix automatically sets TV to a specific channel (such as 3) for cable box control, letting you switch channels on the cable box via the TV's universal remote control without altering your TV setting. The Control S feature (input/output) lets you use the set with other Sony components, controlling all with a single remote control, and only ever pointing the remote at the TV--not each piece of gear.

Other video technologies include Magnetic Quadra Pole (reduces beam spot distortion and improves corner-to-corner focus, as well as picture sharpness), auto white balance, Dynamic Picture Processor and Dynamic Focus circuitry, color temperature control, and vertical aperture compensation. S-video detection automatically senses and switches the set's input to match an S-video source signal.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control (RM-Y184), remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Product Description
For a state-of-the-art viewing experience, Sony's 32'' XBR« Wega« Flat Screen Stereo TV is the way to go. With DRC« Multi-Function with 3:2 Pull Down Technology, 3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter, Velocity Scan Modulation, Vertical Aperture Compensation & HD-Capable Component Video Inputs to connect to a high-definition satellite dish or progressive scan DVD, this TV delivers movie theater quality picture. And 2-Tuner Picture-in-Picture lets you watch 2 shows at once. It's enough to make your head spin

After owning this set for four months, I am astonished at how BAD other televisions look. When my friend bought a 32 inch WEGA (non XBR) and had us over to take a look, I was appalled by the overdriven picture, extensive red push and large gap between scan lines. It was like watching television through a set of venetian blinds. The same with another friend's Toshiba flat tube set.

Further, if you're a gadget-type person. you'll appreciate the fantastically in-depth service menu. Every conceivable internal setting of the television can be accessed through the remote. We have dropped the red push altogether and the picture is considerably more pleasing than when the set was new.

Finally, the resolution of the picture tube is so much better than standard televisions that flaws, edits, and manipulations in NTSC sources can easily be detected with the naked eye. This could be a turn-off for some casual owners; other television sets are too blurry and inaccurate to reveal the flaws in a broadcast. Not the XBR! With this set, the difference between high quality and inferior broadcasts is as plain as day.

To sum up, this television is superior in every way. In fact, its superiority makes some common NTSC programming look pretty bad. Some owners won't like it, preferring to hide the flaws in the signal by watching through an inferior set.


For me it all started when I was looking at a row of...   December 20, 2001
CHRISTOPHER KENNARD (Milford, OH United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

... high-end 32" & 36" (4:3 conventional tube) TVs at national chain super store. The XBR series absolutely blew me away at 25 ft. The difference was even more astounding the closer I got. Nothing, not even the other Sony WEGA models compared to the XBR. I had to stick my face to within serval inches from the screen in order to notice the razor thin horizontal scan lines. I wasn't really planning on spending that much on a TV but I did not hesitate for a moment to reach for my check book for the XBR. With a little bargaining, I think I got mine for about... I've had it now for almost a year and I still marvel at quality of this unit. It has more AV I/Os than most users will ever need (component, s-video, and composite) 6 in all. I even replaced a fairly new DVD player for a model that had progressive scan so I could take advantage of the 480p feature of the XBR ("fabulous"). Also, my new XBOX (w/ the HD AV kit) really looks super on the XBR too.

Go, shop, compare, see for yourself. I think only the LCD HDTVs have a better picture quality but they're still too expensive and have very little content to offer today and, I think It'll be a while before they do. So, 4:3 is still the way to go. Besides, the XBR is HDTV ready. I just wish that I could have bought the 36" XBR but it wouldn't fit into my entertainment center.


The best 32" TV you can buy   March 12, 2002
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

We've had our 32" XBR450 for about three months, and the whole family loves it. Coupled with a progressive scan DVD player (we have the Sony DVP-NS700P, also a great product), the picture is nothing short of amazing. Even VHS tapes look better with this TV, thanks to the line-doubling up-conversion process the signal goes through. The sound quality is also excellent--even has treble/bass adjustments--and has surprising bass output for a TV set. The picture-and-picture feature (scalable side-by-side twin views) is really cool; however, be aware that you won't be able to view two channels at once if you get satellite service. (You can still view different sources simultaneously, though.) The unit also has plenty of inputs, including two component video inputs (for high-definition sources) so you can hook up a DVD player as well as an HDTV receiver. While the price is high, for the quality, features and flexibility, you can't beat this Sony for 32" models. I would recommend this TV to anyone who can afford it.


I Love My TV   December 25, 2002
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I bought this TV last year and I love it. I have an elliptical satellite dish
and a Toshiba HDTV receiver.
The picture quality is what sold me on this model, whether you are watching the news or a DVD on a
progressive scan player (with component video cables)
Sony gives you the option of four different screen modes, from vivid to
'pro'...that is all picture adjustments in the default position.
The control over every aspect of the picture is daunting at first but in no
time you'll have the four picture modes perfectly tailored to your tastes.
The "split screen" is very cool, you can watch a DVD and monitor a program, minimize or maximize the two screens and have the sound
from whichever source you want Even the built in speaker system is sufficient for my taste, to me the picture quality is of utmost importance.
I could go on and on raving about this TV.
I only have one regret, the price keeps going down!
j.nomograms


Amazing picture!   February 21, 2002
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Just received mine. It is an amazing TV. Expensive, but should serve us well for some time. The pictures are breathtaking (and we aren't planning to get to the HDTV signals until there is more product available). I had seen many sets in stores before my purchase, but it wasn't until I got to one where they know how to set up the picture that I truly appreciated the quality represented in this set. I'd buy it again in a second.