Sony KDF-42WE655

Pros: Overall Picture Quality, HDMI, Menu Interface,

Cons: Not many worth mentioning, design style is average

Summary: After dedicating a room in my basement for a home theater, I subsequently spent many, many weeks laboring over what TV was best for my application. I looked at every RPTV & Plasma that was carried by both Big-Chain & Custom A/V stores. You just can't find Plasma in this price range that is comparable in size, resolution and picture quality. That left DLP & LCD RPTVs. The Sony LCD RPTV line definitely was superior to any other brand out there, (thanks to Sony's WEGA engine). The price was fair at $2200. The picture quality is breathtaking on HD, excellent with DVD, and surprisingly acceptable on standard cable-TV.

The TV is used primarily for watching DVDs.
A word of caution to those with smaller rooms who are particular about picture quality...don't over buy (size). The downfall of fixed-resolution TVs (LCD, DLP) is the inability to adapt lower res. sources like DVD...not too noticeable unless you're seated close to the TV...like in my room. The viewing distance was only going to be 7-8 ft. at best with a 10ft. wide room. After standing the same distance away from the showroom TVs as my room affords me, I decided Sony delivered far and above the most impressive picture, despite the Professional Reviews I had read online. I also down graded from a 50in. to a 42in. This gave a slightly better viewing experience for the aforementioned reasons. I highly recommend taking advantage of the HDMI capabilities and purchasing an up-scaling HDMI DVD player. Both Sony & Panasonic have decent models for under $300. I went with the Sony DVP-NS975V. Once again, not great reviews, but astounding difference in the DVD picture quality. Combining this set with the right DVD player & sound system will give you a truly satisfying HT experience, without leaving you wondering where all your hard earned money went. The TV is bright, so you get a great picture with the lights on & off. Black level is acceptable; only notice the typical LCD/Black-level issues when the room is completely dark. I am not bothered by this.

Bottom Line:
Menu interface is intuitive.
Picture presets are great and easy to customize, if needed.
Sound is good, but if you’re serious about the experience, you’ll have an SS system.
Picture quality is very impressive.
Set dimensions are small, light and affordable compared to other LCD/DLP sets.
Compared to other LCD/DLP sets, this is a 10. I gave it a nine overall because current fixed resolution TVs have inherent issues, (screen door/black-level,DLP-rainbow effect,etc.), that stop them from being perfect. But this one is pretty close.

I just can’t imagine anyone regretting the purchase of this set.