Verizon Wireless
Entered CNET Catalog: 03/20/2003
SKU: 0027242625723
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Sony's KV-34HS510 34" Hi-Scan FD Trinitron WEGA television is a pleasure to look at on and off. Its Two Tone Cosmetic Design sets the stage for incredible performance as features enable the best picture quality, high definition television connectivity, and much more… Features include the HD Detailer Wideband Video Amplifier, DRC Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction Circuitry, CineMotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown, ClearEdge VM (Wideband Velocity Modulation Scanning), Wide Modes, and the DVI-HDTV Interface. It also utilizes Memory Stick Media Playback (JPEG), Twin-View Two Tuner Picture and Picture, and the Scrolling Channel Index System. Widen your view with the KV-34HS510.Product summary
The good: Excellent performance after calibration; 1080i and 480p native display; CineMotion 3:2 pull-down in DRC video processing; user-removable SVM; lots of convenience features.
The bad: No true independent memory for each input; so-so precalibration performance.
The bottom line: One of the top-performing 34-inch, direct-view HDTVs gets a different name and a lower price.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/12/2003
Cosmetically, the HS510 is identical to last year's XBR800. The two speakers flanking the flat, 16:9 screen enhance the apparent width. A Memory Stick slot, A/V inputs, and menu buttons lie behind a flip-up door. The set weighs 201 pounds, but two people using the convenient side handles shouldn't have too much trouble lifting the beast atop a stand; Sony offers an optional one for $299.
We really like the remote control. Sleek and silver, it matches the TV, and the buttons are logically arranged. Some of the most commonly used keys glow in the dark. The remote is also universal and can control your satellite or cable box, as well as four A/V components from different manufacturers. The TV's straightforward menu system will appeal to experts and novices alike.
Sony packed the HS510 with convenience features. A Sony Memory Stick slot lets you display the images from a digital camera or camcorder--as long as the device uses that media--on the big TV. Sports fans will appreciate the Twin View two-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP), which places images from two different sources next to one another on the wide screen.
On the audio side, you'll find Steady Sound, which tames the peaks and valleys you often hear from one channel to the next and as you switch between program material and commercials. A simulated-surround mode called TruSurround and a 15-watt-per-channel internal amplifier give the set some sonic power.
One of the only differences we found between the XBRs and this TV is that the HS510's digital reality creation (DRC) video processing isn't fully adjustable; it offers a simple choice of Interlaced, Progressive, and CineMotion modes but forgoes the Custom setting, a wacky graph with Reality and Clarity axes that wasn't all that effective. CineMotion includes 3:2 pull-down detection to help reduce artifacts in film-based material such as DVD movies.
The VSM is a nasty edge-enhancement circuit; thankfully, it's completely defeatable in the menu. Three selectable color-temperature settings are onboard: Warm, Neutral, and Cool. Four different aspect-ratio controls, usable with progressive-scan sources but not HDTV, let you manipulate the image's shape; Wide Zoom blows up 4:3 programs to fill the screen. The Vivid, Pro, Movie, and Standard preset picture modes are each user-modifiable.
Our biggest complaint is that Sony once again didn't include true individual-input memory. To tailor picture, brightness, and other such parameters for different sources, you must change the picture mode for each input--an inconvenient solution at best. We wonder when the company will get with the program; Sony digital TVs are among the few on the market that still have this problem.
The HS510's connectivity options are quite comprehensive. The rear panel sprouts three A/V and two broadband component-video inputs, all with stereo audio; two of the A/V connections have S-Video. Also at the back are a monitor (composite video only) and variable-audio output set, one DVI-HDCP input for HDTV set-top receivers and DVI DVD players, two RF ins, and one RF Loop out. The front-panel A/V input for camcorder and video-game hookup has an S-Video jack, too.
The HS510's precalibration performance was just average. Even the Warm color-temperature setting measured quite blue, ranging from 8,000K to 8,500K across the grayscale (6,500K is ideal). Calibrating the TV resulted in a nearly perfect grayscale. Geometry and convergence, while not ideal, were certainly acceptable on this big tube.
The factory color-decoding exhibits heavy red push. Fortunately, qualified technicians can access the Service menu to completely eliminate the problem and also improve the green. This tweak is one of our favorites as it gives you one of the most important benefits of component-video sources: increased color resolution. The end result was far richer, more-saturated colors with no bleeding reds.
In an interesting exercise, we played Charlotte Gray from the new V Bravo D1 scalable DVD deck and compared the DVI input at 1080i with a component-video input at 480p. The two needed completely separate calibrations, and the DVI picture did seem just a tad cleaner. Black reproduction and grayscales were similar, but color and tint levels differed significantly. The high-definition D-Theater version of X-Men from our JVC HM-DH30000U player looked much better than the Bravo D1's 1080i output, with superrich saturated colors and awesome detail.
In performance and almost every other respect, the HS510 appears to be identical to last year's XBR800. That's why the new model has replaced the old one as our Editors' Choice among 34-inch HDTVs.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 User Rating: 
10/10
Bought in '03 and still in love with it.
Pros: It's a tube TV. That means it will probably last another 5 years.
Rich colors and deep blacks.
PS3 and XBox360 look great on it.
No discernible motion blur when watching sports in HD.
Cons: It's a tube TV. That means it's heavy, so moving it is a pain. No pun intended.
I bought it at Circuit City (RIP) and haven't even considered replacing it. Why would I? This one is awesome.
User Rating: 
2/10
HD channels create a terrible noise bar!
Pros: Hard to say. I guess regular TV looks ok.
Cons: Booooo! Major heartache with this when watching ANY HD content. white noise bar, a vertical bar goes across screen from right to left. This kills me. AND PIP didn't work (along w/ scrolling index) - got that rsolved after 4 wks and 2 service calls.
User Rating: 
4/10
Pile-O-Dung
Pros: Pro is that im never buying Sony from this day forward. 4yrs and slowly quit turning on. 201lbs of Sony stool sitting in my living room.
Cons: As stated above
User Rating: 10/10
Loved it for almost 5yrs!
Pros: No problems, Great picture especially since HDTV
Cons: Need two strong people ti carry it.
User Rating: 
3/10
Four years, then KAPUT!
Pros: Great performance, while it worked
Cons: Short life, for a $2000 television
User Rating: 
9/10
Great CRT TV
Pros: Widescreen, Looks, Screen
Cons: A little small for now a days and very pricy when I got it
User Rating: 10/10
A very adaptable HDTV.
Pros: Many inputs including DVI
Cons: Changing video channels is a pain.
User Rating: 3/10
I BEG YOU DON'T BUY A SONY !!!!
Pros: Nice if it worked
Cons: My set was in the shop 3 times in the 1st year. The last time it needed a picture tube AGAIN !!! So the outfit that sold it to me wants to exchange for one of less value and my extended warranty is null and void !!! They sold me a lemmon and because they
User Rating: 
8/10
Best picture out there, period!
Pros: Lots of features. Menu is easy to navigate and set up is easy. Pricey tv but if you want a Plasma quality picture without paying $4k more this is a good bet!
Cons: Heavy, heavy heavy! Remote is huge but it won't operate my Sony AV system?
User Rating: 10/10
WOW!! What a TV!!!
Pros: I purchased this TV about 6 months ago from Good Guys. I went to look at the new Sony XBR's but when I compared this one with the XBR I was amazed at thow much better the 510 picture was (The cabnet even looks better). I thought my eyes were playing trick
Cons: None at all.
User Rating: 
6/10
in the shop 2x in first year
Pros: everything is excellent...better than expected....when working
Cons: Broke in first 2 weeks...then in 11 months was back in the shop...good thing i bought the extended warranty because the sony warranty is no bueno!
User Rating: 8/10
A better buy then the XBR
Pros: After exchanging several TV's including the XBR960, I am convinced that picture on this set is the best. Take a look for yourself, compare the the XBR picture against this model at the store and you will understand what I'm saying..
Cons: Cabinet is too heavy, there is no DVI input, and the cabinet should be offered in black.
User Rating: 8/10
Unbelievable HDTV performance
Pros: The HD picture is incredible, vastly superior to LCD of DLP sets. If you don't mind the buld of the set this is a great pick, especially with the discounted price as last year's model.
Cons: Size
User Rating: 9/10
Best picture quality.
Pros: I was looking for a tv to use with my computer. LCD and plasma were worthless, especially at this price range. XBR would have been nice but a little over my budget. I can get 1280x720 resolution with the latest nvidia drivers using the dvi connection. 192
Cons: Some overscan when using high resolutions coming out of a computer. It cuts off about an inch or 2 all the way around the picture. This might change in the future with better video card drivers.
User Rating: 9/10
HELLO!!! McFly!!!!
Pros: This tv is great! But in response to "Chilesci" on "Good thing i go to the gym" what you are getting confused on is simply aspect ratios. Basically all widescreen dvd's are not made the same. I'd say a little more than half are shown in a 1.78/1 aspect
Cons: none
User Rating: 10/10
Awesome picture quality - Clean !!!!
Pros: The picture quality is superior and the remote is like flying at F-18 viper . controls at your fingertips. The price is reasonable than having a XBR for $ 500.00 more
Cons: The stand is not made for a/v accessories which is neccessary to complete this system. I have a Bose Lifestyle system that does not fit under the stand !!!!
User Rating: 8/10
An over outstanding HDTV
Pros: The Sony KV-34hs510 is a gamers dream the HDTV really shows on this tv, no flaws improves the graphics signifigently Also a channel surfers dream with the index feature it surfs the channels for you a real plus
Cons: Remote control isn't very reliable as far a the TV responding trying to conver your computer with a dvi is very touchy and blurs the screen when displayed
User Rating: 8/10
Still one of the best!!!
Pros: I have the hard to find 30HS510. Picture is damn near perfect, especially thru the DVI. Xbox games using Monster Component Cables are ridiculously detailed. Got it for $950 new!!
Cons: The 30-inch is still heavy (170lbs!!). Set definately needs to be calibrated professionally. To fix white lines thru DVI (which is noise at the top or bottomof the screen), try adjusting the Vertical axis under the "set-up" menu.
User Rating: 
7/10
Dark Corners??
Pros: This TV is great except for the dark corners when viewed in full mode. Has anybody else noticed this? It is especially noticable with a white or blue background. It is driving me crazy!!! To answer a previous question, the reason why you still at tim
Cons:
User Rating: 8/10
Unbelievable picture and sound
Pros: Many inputs (DVI, component, s-video, etc) Great Sound Great picture
Cons: sweeping bar with 1080i signals
User Rating: 10/10
This is a great set.
Pros: This set has a great picture especially in HDTV. The set is featured pack and will keep any videophile happy for at least a few years. I got a great deal on the set for $1450.00
Cons: Weight. This puppy is heavy.
User Rating: 7/10
Major Defect in ALL
Pros: Good picture with amazing sound.
Cons: I bought this TV and right when I got it home I noticed a very thin, horizontal black thread like line about 3 inches from the top. I really did not like watching Dan Rather with a line through his head. So it went back and before I decided to exchange it
User Rating: 9/10
Eye-popping, jaw-dropping picture and sound.
Pros: Simply the highest resolution television you'll see anytime soon.
Cons: A heavy beast. Needs to be calibrated by a pro to get the maximum performance.
User Rating: 9/10
This TV rocks !!
Pros: Thumbs all the way up on this one. Sony has an awesome product and the consumer has a set to brag about. Packed with features galore, and connectivity options that will confuse us all - you simply can't go wrong with this tv. Everytime I sit down to wa
Cons: Weighs a touch over 200 pounds - so you better have some reliable help on the other end.
User Rating: 7/10
Good Thing I Go To The Gym...
Pros: Very nice picture using DISH 5000 box. DVD's look great, even VHS looks better than before. As to the analog cable poor picture issue mentioned previously, I found that the same local station direct from the analog cable looks far worse than the same st
Cons: LIft with your legs, not your back, that's for sure! didn't have to leg squats after setting this bad boy up. One complaint on DVD's: even after setting up the TV for 16:9, some (but not all) DVD's still have the black bars on top and bottom. TV's docu
User Rating: 10/10
I love this TV...
Pros: Beautiful picture. Side by side 2-source pictures. Auto-adjusting volume. 720p and 1080i HD.
Cons: Weight - 206 pounds. Price 1818.00
User Rating: 8/10
You can't go wrong with Sony
Pros: Fantastic picture; great price; Memory Stick function is a cool bonus; Sony reliability and overall quality
Cons: Remote is over-complicated; depth is a little bulky
User Rating: 7/10
Great Start
Pros: Great picture and sound with digital cable. With HD, best picture I've ever seen. Easy set up.
Cons: Poor picture with analog cable.
User Rating: 8/10
Video is a given...but the sound??!!
Pros: 34" HDTV Sony Tube...what else can you say? What most reviews don't mention...great sound right out of the box. It's really unbelievable how much bass this TV pushes at 50% of value. DVD's look great. Side by side versus a rear-projection embarrasses
Cons: So it's heavy, hello!! It's a freakin' 34" tube (glass glass glass). No cons as of yet...outside of what everyone else is saying...no video mode saves per input.
User Rating: 
5/10
Stylish, heavy, sparkling performer
Pros: Superb images out of the box and they can get better by tweaking. Great sound. Cabinet color/style superior to new 34xbr910.
Cons: Weights (206lbs) not design to position on second floor, twin viewer can not be used with digital cable source.
User Rating: 8/10
Very Happy, Excellent picture
Pros: Affordable, Got a great deal at Tweeter. Easy to hook up to home theater system.
Cons: Warranty bothers me, but no problems so far.
User Rating: 4/10
Great TV with lots of Features - if you can use them
Pros: This TV is packed with good features and the picture from DVD-sources is very good before calibration and stunning after you get the settings right.
Cons: The biggest con is that you will NOT be able to use most of the features if you have a digital box (sat or cable). Unfortunately, your box unscrambles one channel at a time - so forget about Channel Previews, Favorite Channels, Scrolling and other ameniti
User Rating: 2/10
Not quite sure what to make of it !!
Pros: Great picture quality
Cons: I notice a delay between the sound and the picture (sound appears first). Has anyone else experienced the same 'synchronizing' problem on the TV? Any suggestions?
User Rating: 4/10
Failed after 35 days
Pros: Beautiful picture, while it lasted. DVD's never looked better, and surprisingly did an awesome job with just analog cable input - animation is absolutely vivid, and standard sports programs are translated well to the 16x9 as well. We used the "Wide Zoom"
Cons: I think I'd like something a bit bigger for the 16x20 room, but this is the largest that would fit in the cabinet. Regardless, I loved this new set until justrecently... 35 days into ownership, the screen does nothing but glows brighter & brighter re
User Rating: 10/10
Excellent picture and sound!
Pros: Affordable, superior picture -can't tell difference between this & XBR!
Cons: The Sony TV stand does not allow much room for audiophiles...hard to fit home theater receiver, DVD, HVTV receiver, etc on only one shelf.
User Rating: 7/10
Good Value for Performance
Pros: connectivity remote packed with features
Cons: getting a white line or shadow accross screen when viewing HD output through DVI connection and a Sony HD200 box. Any thoughts on how to eliminate?
s%20-%20CNET%20Archive&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KV_34HS510/1707-6481_7-20886712.html){kind=small}