While introducing a major refresh to its line-up of micro rear projection televisions, Sony has announced that it has dumped the Grand Wega label and will now market all of its TVs under the Bravia brand.
We know that many CNET.com.au readers are very partial to their Grand Wega sets, but Sony's new rear pro flagship model, the KDS70R2000 (70R) -- a 70-inch fully HD (1080p) TV with HDMI connectivity -- will no doubt have them longing to jump on the Bravia bandwagon.
Upside
Built using Sony's Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology, the 70R delivers 1920 x 1080p or "true" high definition (HD) resolution. Its optical unit houses three small micro display panels that determine individual light colours -- red, green and blue -- and reflect light to over two million native pixels.
The SXRD panel has a native 5,000:1 contrast ratio, but Sony claims that when the TV is used with its variable Advanced Iris functionality set to High, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio is achievable. Thus specific areas of low contrast within an image can be boosted for crisper, more detailed pictures, even in action-packed movies.
Sony's Bravia engine boasts high definition signal processing that converts analogue inputs to digital with minimised video noise during conversion. Of course, when viewing a 1080p signal through the 70R's HDMI connection, the picture will be displayed in full HD without any scaling.
The 70R also features SRS TruSurround and a Memory Stick flash viewer.
Downside
It's huge -- which is presumably why you're interested in it in the first place, but you'll really have to have the space for it. Or you could compromise slightly and get its identical, but smaller 60-inch sibling, the KDS60R2000 (60R). And unlike its V and X Series Bravia LCD cousins, there is no built-in HD tuner on board.
Outlook
Although scheduled to be available on the Australian market in October, Sony has yet to confirm pricing for the 70R. It's clearly the biggest news in rear projection televisions in this country for quite some time and promises to bring a very large HD picture to your lounge, but how it stacks up in the price/value stakes remains to be seen.
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Davebiss
18/09/2008, 07:52 PM
rating
1/10
My Apologies I meant the KFW60 reviews!
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Davebiss
18/09/2008, 07:50 PM
rating
1/10
Read the comments on the Sony KD60 rear pro. You may choose to reconsider! Always buy an extended Warranty! Always!
Pros: Great TV
Cons: Will It last? Buyer beware. Many are hurting from Sony Rear Pros!
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Farhana
22/04/2008, 11:04 PM
rating
10/10
i have just purchased this tv but i wanted to know whether its worth gettting the extra warranty (4yrs) for $799 - please let me know!
Pros: its huge
Cons: not many places sell it - looked everywhere....... finally found one
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Dannnniel
13/12/2007, 01:28 PM
rating
10/10
Does anyone know where to find this TV in Australia?
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Dannnniel
13/12/2007, 10:18 AM
rating
10/10
Does anyone know where to find this TV in Australia?
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slammen
19/11/2007, 01:43 PM
rating
10/10
awsome, huge, great picture and the price $6500 with set top box and cabinet included.
Pros: too many to list
Cons: none
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cdjhitman
31/08/2007, 03:49 PM
rating
10/10
if any1 is selling their tv pls email me at cdjhitman@hotmail.com. apparently these items are discontinued now.
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dom
29/08/2007, 08:30 AM
rating
9/10
Just got mine. Had a 50 inch Tosh before (great picture) and a Samsung 67 inch (awful). The Sony is magnificent and I don't know how I lived without it. The picture makes my jaw drop every time. Try BBC's Planet Earth HD ...
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing at the price.
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Ivor
24/04/2007, 08:43 PM
rating
9/10
Great Picture, bought with a HD tuner and DVD recorder. I'm not going out again!
Cons: The Projector makes a lot of noise when at wife volume level.
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Don
20/04/2007, 10:44 AM
rating
9/10
Had this TV for 5 months now and it is outstanding in picture quality. Amazing the detail that you can now see that other TVs don't show. Great for all HD broadcasts as well as DVD's using upscaling AV receiver
Pros: Brilliant picture, huge TV settings adjustment capability.
Cons: None
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