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Entered CNET Catalog: 03/20/2003
SKU: 0027242627918
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Step up to a larger screen with Sony's KF-60WE610 60" Grand WEGA LCD Rear Projection TV. You'll find yourself entranced by vivid images and amazing sound effects as you reap the benefits Sony's unique features offer you. The WEGA Engine system maintains the picture in the digital domain, while the Optical Engine delivers high-resolution picture corner-to-corner. Enjoy the stunning detail and clarity enabled by this television's 3.28 million dots resolution. Fixed pixel display and constant light eliminate flicker, Enhanced Memory Stick Media make images and MP3s come to life on screen, and the HDTV monitor produces outstanding picture quality. Visual excellence and surreal sound meet in the perfect size - large.Product summary
The good: Black-level performance on a par with DLP TVs'; slim, light, and stylish design; excellent feature package.
The bad: Black-level performance is still not quite as good as that of CRT-based RPTVs; lacks independent memory per input; expensive.
The bottom line: A huge leap forward in performance for LCD rear-projection TVs, the newest Grand WEGA line gives DLP a run for its money.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 03/08/2004
Note: Sony Electronics has received reports of intermittent lapses in or no lamp operation for some Grand WEGA LCD rear-projection TV models built before January 1, 2004; the set appears to be powered on but does not produce a picture. Sony has authorized its service centers to replace the lamp and/or lamp block in affected units at no cost to the consumer. Though we didn't experience this problem with our test unit, consumers who encounter this symptom should contact Sony at 800/222-7669.
Sony's new line of LCD-based rear-projection HDTVs, dubbed Grand WEGA, represents a distinct improvement in picture performance over previous models. The line includes both XBR and standard models between 42 and 70 inches in size. The model reviewed here is the 60-inch KF-60WE610, a non-XBR set that doesn't offer certain (and arguably minor) picture-enhancement features. XBR or not, its black-level performance--namely, its ability to accurately render black and very dark areas of the picture--is a huge step up from that of previous models. In fact, the output of Sony's WE610-series LCD sets is now on a par with that of competing DLP RPTVs from Samsung and others. Listed at $3,999 but available for less online, this 60-incher costs more than its CRT-based cousins, but its slimmer, sexier design and its brighter picture make for a good alternative to much pricier plasma sets of equivalent size.
Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.
As far as rear-projection TVs go, the KF-60WE610 is one of the most attractive industrial designs we've seen from any manufacturer. It is a truly impressive-looking TV, and the matching optional SU-GW1 stand ($599) is also quite elegant. The set's silver finish is offset by black borders around the edges of the screen, which may also aid in increasing perceived contrast for a higher-impact picture.
At 21.25 inches deep, the 60WE610 is slimmer than CRT-based rear-projection sets and weighs much less: only 100 pounds. The aforementioned stand or a similar item will be required to raise the set to eye level; on its own, it stands only 42 inches tall.
We found Sony's new, slimmer remote design attractive and finger-friendly. The internal menu is the same easy-to-navigate, intuitive system we have come to like in the WEGA line.
The KF-60WE610 uses new higher-resolution LCD panels that have a native resolution of 1,386x768. That's more than enough to display every pixel of a fixed-pixel displays, all sources are scaled to fit the panel's pixels. You'll need an external HDTV tuner to watch high-def on this monitor.
This set's convenience features are simply too numerous to list. Multiple aspect ratios assure that you will be able to watch all video sources in their correct proportions. For sports fans, a dual-tuner PIP feature is onboard. Audio features include TruSurround SRS for a simulated surround-sound experience from the set's two speakers, 3D Audio system, and Steady Sound automatic volume control.
Of course, the 60WE610 boasts a number of picture-enhancing features as well. The Cinemotion setting in the user menu engages 2:3 pull-down for film-based material. The screen is superior to most of the competition's and reduces the screen door effect, where individual pixels become visible (we didn't see pixels unless we sat extremely close to the screen). There are three preset picture modes: Vivid, Standard, and Pro, all of which have different preset picture levels but can be adjusted. Three selectable color temperatures include Warm, Neutral, and Cool, with Warm usually the closest to the NTSC standard of 6,500 Kelvins.
Our biggest complaint here is with the set's lack of independent memory per input. If you want to set up parameters such as contrast and brightness on different inputs for different sources, you'll have to manually select from the picture modes each time you switch inputs. Sony remains the only manufacturer not to integrate this important feature in its consumer HDTVs.
Connection options on this set are quite generous. There is one DVI input with HDCP copy protection; two broadband component-video inputs that accept 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i; two S-Video inputs and two composite-video inputs on the rear panel; a subwoofer output; a Control S output that works with other Sony equipment; and a set of front-panel A/V inputs with S-Video, composite video, and stereo audio. Unlike Samsung and Gateway DLP TVs, this Sony lacks a VGA input for a computer display.
The KF-60WE610 is a definite step up in picture quality over last year's Grand WEGAs. This less expensive, non-XBR model outperforms last year's top-of-the-line KF-60XBR800, particularly in the important areas of black level and color saturation. Unlike a traditional CRT-based projection TV such as the Hitachi 57S500, the 60WE610 is still not capable of true black, but it comes close.
Out of the box, the color decoder exhibits significant red push, but thankfully that can be corrected with calibration by a qualified technician. If you don't opt for professional calibration, you should reduce the color control to get rid of any reddish cast in skin tones. Prior to calibration, the bottom end of the grayscale measured a blue 9,600K (6,500 is ideal), and the top end of the scale came in at 8,600K. After calibration, the grayscale was extremely accurate, measuring 6,475K at both ends.
After calibration, we watched the shuttle-launch sequence from Digital Video Essentials on DVD. This mostly bright scene looked crisp and full of detail. The restaurant scene near the end of the disc revealed rich, deeply saturated colors, another result of the improved black-level performance and the calibrated color decoder. Dark scenes in DVDs looked surprisingly good for an LCD TV, with minimal artifacts and improved shadow detail over earlier models. Except for a slightly less bright picture--which is all but imperceptible to the average viewer--the 60WE610 exhibited virtually identical performance to its 50-inch sibling.
HDTV from our DirecTV high-def satellite feed also looked quite good. As always, HDNET and Discovery HD Theater looked distinctly better than the HBO and Showtime HD channels. Colors popped, and again, darker scenes didn't seem to suffer nearly as much as with last year's Grand WEGA LCD sets. The bottom line is the KF-60WE610 is a credible performer in the fixed-pixel category.
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 37 38 39 40 User Rating: 
7/10
Here to Last
Pros: I like how the DVI port displays video from my Gamer PC. The refresh rate keeps up on most of my video games, and the colours are accurate!
Cons: Sometimes I get red vertical lines, every 5 inches or so. I walk up to the TV,and have tom (sometimes) push on it, to make them go away. It's a rare but knowingly individual nuisance. Oh, and no 1080p.
Taking it apart for repair was pretty easy, and to change the bulb. But the rear board needs to be redesigned better. The refersh rate I know was not in preparation for gamers. But who cares - my Sony is still alive! I will eventually go to 1080p. But I am not losing sleep over it!
User Rating: 
4/10
Junk will not last
Pros: Picture is outstanding first 2 yrs. Then the optic blocker goes wacky and have blue blops on dark screen and yellowish stains where white is.
Cons: Almost appears Sony knew exactly how long to make warrenty, cause right after warrenty period optic blocker went bad.
Updated on Aug 23, 2009Sorry post in wrong model, should of been model KDFE50A10 instead
User Rating: 
8/10
Good produce
Pros: Size, HD picture
Cons: SD picture, HDMI Inputs
I have not experienced any Blue Bob problems. The HD picture from DirectTV on over 100 channels is absolutley awesome. I also have a PS3 and BluRay movies are simply spectacular.
The only down side to this set is the SD picture is VERY grainy, especially after viewing an HD picture.
Additionally, the set has only one DVI input and not HDMI inputs. This means I have my BluRay going to the DVI and my DirectTV going to the component inputs. An HDMI swithcher is probably the solution to this problem however.
User Rating: 
1/10
a piece of junk... for a sony
Pros: big, wide screen
Cons: disposable; breaks easily
User Rating: 4/10
Blue Blobs issues as well
Pros: Nice unit when it works
Cons: Poor warranty from Sony
See the other post for how to resolve, if they even follow up. I will contact the BBB on this one.
Also, Sony's customer support is the dreaded offshore, they can't speak english clearly when will companies learn that this support on turns off customers? Also Sony uses contract support companies for their service calls. Poor choice as most TV repair shops are scam artists.
I too own several Sony products, DVD, TVs, camcorder, phones. You would think they would want to keep a loyal customer. I can now see why Sony is having problems as a company.
Updated on Nov 12, 2008So I tried to get my set repaired. Sony contracts out all work to third parties. The company I chose was so poor that I actually reported them to the BBB. With that said, I also wrote Sony explaining my issues, and they said that they would cover and replace the light engine but I would have to pay for labor...which would be over 1500. Funny that now, for that price, I can buy a flat LCD of almost the same size. Sony has lost a customer for life...I will never buy a sony product again if I can help it.
User Rating: 7/10
Sony won't warranty Blue Blob Optical Block issues.
Pros: Great value. Super picture, great HD reception, Video Gamer's dream!
Cons: Poor reliability and poor Sony support for a known failure.
I have been a loyal Sony consumer for as long as I have been making retail purchases. In addition to this television, I also have a 46" Sony in my bedroom, a Cyber-shot digital camera, a Sony Digital Camcorder, a PS1 (retired), a PS2, and a PSP.
This set replaced a 10 year old 36" Sanyo CRT (it came with the wife when we married). As you can imagine, it's like comparing a color by numbers painting to a Picasso.
The High Definition (HD) reception is fantastic. You simply don't realize how poor a SD (Standard Definition) broadcast is until you've watched it in 60" of HD fury.
Like many others, I find myself spending an hour in front of Discovery HD watching what would otherwise have been nothing more than a blip on the "channel surfing" radar.
Since I purchased the set in 2004 an HDMI connection wasn?t even a thought. Fast forward to a HD DVR, an XBox 360 Elite, and the impending PS3 purchase, and I'm certainly missing it. (A must have for my next set)
Picture adjustment is simple and color adjustments are reasonable for an out of the box setup. For those of us who aren't color Nazis but want something a little better, I recommend picking up a copy of the DVD "Ice Age." It has a GREAT THX color adjustment exercise you can run through. It really goes a long way in helping you set up the picture.
Now, for the not-so-great:
I've owned this set since September 1st, 2004. About 6 months ago I started to notice a series of pink and blue "blobs" of color. As of today, the blobs have increased in both size and density.
I had a Sony technician out to look at the set yesterday and he confirmed the problem to be the optical block. This is a part that is known to fail on this, as well as, many other Sony TV's. Since it was a known problem, with a similar defect earning a complete repair on the house, I thought I was in good shape.
Unfortunately, I couldn't have been more mistaken.
Since the actual symptom is only similar, but not exactly the same, to what has been observed in the past, the fact that the part known to fail has actually failed is irrelevant.
If the defect doesn't manifest itself in a VERY specific way, they simply write you off.
The technician handed me an estimate for more than $1500 dollars to repair the television (Plus the $94.34 for the service call.), with five days to either pay him to fix it, approach Sony directly, or simply purchase a different brand television all together.
After speaking with a Sony ?Customer Service Agent?, who identified himself as a "supervisor", he reiterated the technician's original statement: the warranty covers the Optical Block replacement only if the screen is distorted in a very specific way. I pointed out there are several other television sets of similar manufacture displaying the EXACT issue I?m having, at which point he reiterated my television is NOT covered. When I requested the opportunity to speak with his supervisor he refused. He then went on to tell me, ?there?s nothing I can do.?
The K-60WE610 is mentioned in this article supporting this exact defect.
http://splinke.googlepages.com/sonyrearprojectionlcdtv-opticalblock
Moving forward, it is recommended you take this particular issue up directly with either Sony's "Executive Review Committee", the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the Sony Corporation (Sir Howard Stringer), the Better Business Bureau, or all three.
You can contact them at the following locations:
Sir Howard Stringer
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Sony Corporation
550 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Sony Electronics
Attn: Executive Review Committee
12451 Gateway Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org/
To file a complaint:
https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/GetStarted.aspx
I've written both the Executive Review committee, as well as, Sir Howard Stringer.
Hopefully, Sony will do the right thing.
User Rating: 
9/10
This is one awesome TV
Pros: I have had no problems in the 2 years I have had the TV
Cons: None at this time
I do not understand all the flack about the darks not being dark enough, but I had the TV calibrated when installed and the settings have not been touched since then.
One awesome TV>
User Rating: 9/10
After a year of ownership, I love it!!
Pros: Picture still look sharp
Cons: Takes a little bit longer time for the screen to light up.
User Rating: 
10/10
My eyes have'nt felt this way since I found a hustler when I was eleven!
Pros: Sony quality I know I will get my monies worth
Cons: It was'nt free
User Rating: 9/10
IF THERE IS TV, WITH A BETTER HD PICTURE, I WANNA SEE IT!
Pros: PICTURE QUALITY , EVEN DIGITAL CABLE LOOKS GOOD,CABINET DEPTH
Cons: ONLY 1 DVI INPUT
User Rating: 9/10
Very satisfied with this TV
Pros: Superb picture quality. I have had this set for almost a year and am very pleased with it. This set really shines with DVD's and HD.
Cons: Contrast is slightly below CRT's
User Rating: 
3/10
Disappointing quality for this SONY
Pros: Decent picture quality, when I can see a picture.
Cons: After having the TV for one month, the lamp burned out. Have seen very similar complaints from other people. Called Sony customer support and had to wait a long long time on the line. The customer representative even acknowledged that "they put in bad lam
User Rating: 
6/10
Absolutley love it, the Grand WEGA Rules!
Pros: Fantastic picture quality.
Cons: Input selectivity is a hassle at times.
User Rating: 8/10
What else is there to say
Pros: I've had this set for about nine months and I am still as happy with it as I was when I had it delivered. Cable TV is ok, DVD's are great and I love using my PlayStation 2 on it. I'm glad I decided to go with the 60" instead of 50". I was looking at th
Cons: Every so often it won't turn on right away. It makes a scary buzzing sound then nothing happens. This scared the bejesus out of me the first time it happened, but i've found that after a few more tries it starts up. This has only happened 3 or 4 times
User Rating: 8/10
Great picture quality without the plasma price
Pros: Awesome picture. Many inputs Split screen Picture quality very good when hooked up to PC, even when conected through S-video Big screen Awe
Cons: Pciture quality just ok on analog signals. But that's to be expected.
User Rating: 8/10
If you want a theater screen this is the TV for you!
Pros: Its an awesome TV, after fine-tuning repeatedly I finally got the picture I wanted and expected for 3500K. If you are going to buy this TV and you want it to look like it does @ Best Buy, you must buy @least 2K more in equipment, I went with the Monster
Cons: It does not look good for my XBOX!, Madden 2005 looks like lego men running around. The more research I have done I think it is the game and not the TV. Other games on XBOX look great like Burnout 3! This is a HUGE TV, my wife almost killed me the firs
User Rating: 10/10
Awesome Picture!
Pros: Picture Quality(of course), sound is xlent, Light, Small, Must make sure that HD is hooked up. Looks like Plasma TV!!!!!
Cons: None...
User Rating: 4/10
Sony denies a lamp problem ever existed...
Pros: looks great... not an owner, just looking into buying one...
Cons: before buying, I decided to contact Sony to see if the lamp problem exists. Talking to Alex via online chat, he denied three times that any problem with the lamp has ever existed. when I quoted him the above editors note about the lamp problem, he says
User Rating: 10/10
Spectacular HD Quality for the Money
Pros: Just bought this HDTV, set it up on satellite. Man, what a TV. Got an HDTV attenna for local off-air transmissions for $50, beats having it internally in the set for an additional $1500 bucks. Best set-up in cathedral ceilings for the Tru-Surrond sound. G
Cons: The bulb. Goes out I'm told in two years. Got to keep one in stock.
User Rating: 6/10
Very nice picture - interesting set-up & operations
Pros: Love the crisp clear picture, ample inputs for diverse applications.
Cons: High cost, on my second unit with-in three weeks of delivery, not sure why inputs do not respond automatically to source (lack of related memory?) Remote actually requires programing for other Sony components (DVD & AV Tuner).
User Rating: 10/10
Simply outstanding.
Pros: Fantastic -- unbeatable --picture, great connectivity, great features. I was agonizing for a long time between this and the Samsung DLP, having got it I could not be happier.
Cons: None so far -- and that's rare for me, as I tend to be picky. (I have had this TV for a bit over a month).
User Rating: 1/10
Sony customer service is terrible!
Pros: Huge screen!
Cons: Had major problems with this set after a few months...of course it was AFTER the point where I could return it to the store. Dealing with Sony customer service is about as pleasant as dealing with the dentist. Incredible run around. Endless transfers f
User Rating: 1/10
Sony = Customer is wrong
Pros: NONE
Cons: Bought this set because of Sony name. Boy was I dissapointed. First sample that I took home had a blurry left side. Second set was fine but died unexpectedly a few months later. Just died and wouldn't turn on. Looks like Sony's name now = s*i*. The
User Rating: 
5/10
Analog signal very bad
Pros: The sheer size of the TV and the HD programming is absolutly awsome. DVD's are right up there with that awsome word as well.
Cons: Analog/SD signal is really really bad...almost out of focus in a sense. Since most broadcast now and days are still analog this really make for a downer when it comes to this tv. I cant believe Sony could not have improved the analog picture quality a lit
User Rating: 5/10
Poor Service -- if you own one, you'll need service
Pros: Great picture and overall a great TV, but Sony support is poor.
Cons: Sony repair agent did not stock parts for repare because they "cost too much". I'll never buy Sony products again.
User Rating: 9/10
HDTV has changed my life for the better
Pros: Easy to set up and intergrate with my Denon AVR 3805.I also hooked up Digital HDTV cable, computer with wireless LAN S-Vid out. DVD Player.Is is just an incredible picture for the money.This would cost 15K in real plasma. Mine was a floor sample with a $5
Cons: The only drawback is the black. In daylight it get a little washed out. Small price to pay for such a beautiful picture.
User Rating: 8/10
Better than current DLP sets
Pros: Stunning picture with HD sources. Low weight for size. Easy basic setup. Purchased locally; was delivered, unboxed, connected to HD cable box and basic setup done by seller for $3400. Could have gotten cheaper at least 3 places on-line, but local retailer
Cons: Set takes 3 - 5 minutes to completely "warm up". Black levels, while very good, are not perfect. NTSC material ranges from pretty good to yuck. The remote is too cheap for a set of this cost.
User Rating: 8/10
Compare to DLP, buy this LCD.
Pros: The Sony KF-60WE610 is the ultimate TV for all of you looking for a great looking TV that performs perfectly. Forget comparing this to CRTs (I have read reviews that say this TV is too expensive vs. those CRT TVs-that is a false comparison for those who d
Cons: Sony memory stick only option
User Rating: 9/10
Best High Def Picture Available
Pros: The picture quality is better than all available DLP sets. The non-glare screen makes the set better than most sets at 4 times the cost.
Cons: Audio output flexibility. No digital audio output.
User Rating: 4/10
one month old - kuput!
Pros:
Cons: thought I loved it but today it quit working. Called Sony got authorized service number and called. They have to come and take TV to shop to figure out what is wrong. It is not bulb because that light is not lit. The fan is running but no picture or so
User Rating: 6/10
Is it just my TV???
Pros: I purchased my tv set about 3.5 weeks ago and I was really impressed with the picture when I hooked up my basic cable to it with some multible connected 15yr old coaxal cables. It showed really goooood! I had to show my friend how good the set was and rig
Cons: It would have been nice if soney could have a numbering ajustment for the menu settings. Can't get the black bar to just go away... Light glare in ajacent corners. I won't give it back though!
User Rating: 9/10
The coolest set out there right now, especially for the price!
Pros: Picture is outstanding, and the set looks great design-wise, too. Everyone who has seen this thing in our HT has been stunned by the clarity. I really can't understand all the talk about black levels or blurring. Watch something like X-Men 2 on this th
Cons: Separate picture settings for the different inputs would be the first thing to add - I hear that next year's models will have this. Remote could be more complete, but its layout is logical and easy to use.
User Rating: 5/10
Not as good as DLP
Pros: Nice picture when not moving
Cons: Blurring - poor quality for games and high speed movies.
User Rating: 7/10
Black levels not acceptable.
Pros: It's more affordable compared to DLP and Plasma sets. Has great color in video scenes that are not dark. Video resolution is great but in dark scenes detail is lost because of black level crush, which can be fixed to a degree but will make the TVs video
Cons: Dead/stuck pixels - my set came with 4 pixels stuck on, they were aqua blue and were visible from 4 feet away. Getting a set without any dead/stuck pixels is not a guarantee since this is an acceptable issue with LCD. The Black levels are not acceptable
User Rating: 8/10
Great choice if you want a nice LCD.
Pros: HDTV looks stunning. Lots of inputs. Better than the competitions build quality (I took the Hitachi home and felt afraid I would break it; the Panasonic on the other had a loud fan and wasn't even as nice as the Hitachi). The design choice is typical sony
Cons: Weak remote; scratches easy and isn't laid out well at all. They should have put the component video channels at the beginning instead of the end (I know it's a stretch).
User Rating: 8/10
I need a bigger apartment
Pros: DVD's are great. I am waiting for my cable company to carry the HD/DVR box which should be this March. For now I am just using the standard digital cable with DVR. The picture leaves a bit to be desired, but that is the cable and not the TV. The tv is
Cons: none yet
User Rating: 9/10
Awesome TV for the Price
Pros: Great Picture, Great Design, DVD's are awesome with this TV, I am getting Dish but have anolog cable right now and that picture is even good! Researched all the TV's and I am a BIG Sony fan so this was a no brainer for the price. One other thing, I orig
Cons: None that I can see yet. The blacks look fine on mine so I don't understand all the talk of the black.
User Rating: 8/10
The best TV in it's price range available today.
Pros: The picture quality was amazing right out of the box. I was worried that my analog cable signal would create problems that would be magnafied on such a large screen. This is certainly not the case. Even the analog quality is incredible. We also purchas
Cons: None at this time.
User Rating: 10/10
Ultimate gaming & home theatre
Pros: Every gaming system I've hooked up to it looks awesome. My room is a little small, so I feel like I'm at an Imax theatre. Add a good Denon reciever for audio and sit back.
Cons: I get dizzy from some first person shooters. I'll live with it. The cabinet is a little ugly, but I compensate by turning off all the lights.
User Rating: 9/10
Blacks are better BUT
Pros: black are better then 60XBR800, DVD's and HDTV looks amazing, TV looks "ok", Much cheaper then the 2nd generation
Cons: New design is ugly compaired to the XBR800, Blacks still look grey, 28 days looks bad because of the black problem, speakers dont sound as good as the XBR800.
