First Timer Looking To Purchase Sony Bravia Lcd Tv

[Sierra]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to purchase an LCD TV shortly but I've never dabled into the LCD/HDTV thing before .... so venturing into unknown territory here and would be keen to get some opinions on a set I have my eye on.

I've been looking at Sony's 32" Bravia KDL32V2000 which fits perfectly into the limited space that I have in my existing TV cabinet.

I have measured up a few other 32" LCD's from LG, Sharp, Panasonic, Philips and I think Samsung but they are all physically too big to fit into the cabinet so for now the Sony is my preffered choice.

I've looked at the Sony at a couple of diferent stores and the picture quality seems to vary from average to good but I'm assuming the picture quality is good and the variation is due to setup at the store. I did ask the question to one of the HN salesmen who said that they just unpack the TV's & connect them up without any fine tuning. A bit slack but I guess that's what you get from a bulk store.

Looking at the Sony website however doesn't really tell me all I want to know .... so I have a few questions that I hope some of you guy's can shed some light on.

The audio specifications on the website lists the following features:

Audio Output: Yes

Sound Mode: Dynamic / Standard / Custom

Surround Mode: SRS TruSurround XT / Simulated Stereo / Off

BBE Digital: Yes

Does this mean the output to the TV's speakers is only synthesised stereo?

Does it have stereo output from the built in HDTV tuner for connection to a separate amp?

What is BBE Digital? is it some sort of Sony proprietary thing or is it an industry standard thing?

The set also has HDMI input, what would that be used for? Something Hi Definition I'm guessing.

What are the good features about this set and conversly are there any bad things about it?

Are there any owners of the Bravia KDL32V2000 or other Bravia "V" series LCD's out there .... and are you happy with your purchase?

Cheers for any feedback

Alan.

[Geforce]

Here's a two page review on a UK version as a guide.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=61818

[straycat]

....I've been looking at Sony's 32" Bravia KDL32V2000 which fits perfectly into the limited space that I have in my existing TV cabinet.......

Does this mean the output to the TV's speakers is only synthesised stereo?

Does it have stereo output from the built in HDTV tuner for connection to a separate amp?

What is BBE Digital? is it some sort of Sony proprietary thing or is it an industry standard thing?

The set also has HDMI input, what would that be used for? Something Hi Definition I'm guessing......

Alan.

Hi Alan, I looked at the review link kindly provided by Phantoma, and it does look like a nice set, if you can live with single HDMI & single component inputs. I see that the review doesn't address your specific queries though, and in regard to your questions on sound output that would be because stereo audio is de rigeur for digital TV.

I'd say the spec "Simulated Stereo" only refers to an enhancement for any mono program you might play.

Yes, the audio output will output stereo.

HDMI is the highest grade (that I know of) connection, which includes audio feed, and HDMI output sockets are now included on most good quality STBs, PVRs, DVD players etc. Using this connector usually results in improved PQ & audio, although some displays apparently perform better using component. (?)

BBE digital? Never heard of it, but I'm sure someone here will soon advise on that. (There is a thread somehere in the forum that explains commonly used terms & abbreviations. I saw it once, but have been unable to find it again.)

Having read that review, and with your size limitation in mind, I say go ahead with this purchase, if you'll only ever need to connect a couple of input sources eg PVR & DVD player. If you plan to connect your PC also, or games console etc, then you'll be plugging/unplugging leads which may be especially awkward considering this set fits exactly into your existing cabinet!

[sammyg]

I have the 40 inch model V and couldn't be happier. It is a very good display. Can't remember what BBE is, all I know is that I have it set to "on". Buy this tv, you will be more than happy.

[straycat]

The set also has HDMI input, what would that be used for? Something Hi Definition I'm guessing.

Just noticed this thread by peter vfr which explains all.

(Most notably, imo, that this connector facilitates digital data transfer rather than analogue.) Thanks peter

Click on this: connection types

[nis200979]

Looking at the Sony website however doesn't really tell me all I want to know .... so I have a few questions that I hope some of you guy's can shed some light on.

The audio specifications on the website lists the following features:

Audio Output: Yes

Sound Mode: Dynamic / Standard / Custom

Surround Mode: SRS TruSurround XT / Simulated Stereo / Off

BBE Digital: Yes

Does this mean the output to the TV's speakers is only synthesised stereo?

Does it have stereo output from the built in HDTV tuner for connection to a separate amp?

What is BBE Digital? is it some sort of Sony proprietary thing or is it an industry standard thing?

The set also has HDMI input, what would that be used for? Something Hi Definition I'm guessing.

Alan.

The TV (obviously) receives stereo broadcast from digital tv broadcasts. It also has an optical output that can send the 5.1 channel output from digital broadcasts to other equipment such as a receiver. (5 channel amplifier) The tv also has a regular 'monitor output' in the form of L/R (red and white) RCA terminals. This is usually sent to stereo equipment if required. (Use optical for multichannel home theatre)

The tv has a virtual surround feature which attempts to simulate surround sound from the two speakers. The sound (like the Panasonic) is excellent. Good bass and high end response.

HDMI is used for Bluray players, many DVD/HDD recorders, a few DVD players and the PS3. You tv has just one, although on a small tv this is probably fine.

[Sierra]

Thank you everyone for your replies .... your help was much appreciated!

Looks like the KDL32V2000 is indeed a very good set.

Now to find one for a good price!

Thanks everyone for your help

[Neon Kitten]

BBE digital? Never heard of it, but I'm sure someone here will soon advise on that.

BBE is an American audio processor company, one that's been reasonably well known (but NOT universally respected) in the recording studio field for a couple of decades now. They made the infamous "BBE Sonic Maximizer", a combined peak limiter and aural exciter for mastering purposes that some love but most absolutely despise. I've seen one used twice - once by a mastering engineer on an album I worked on in 1996, and once (in software plug-in form) by me a couple of years ago on a live album that needed specific tweaking in mastering. The 1996 album sounded terrible thanks to the BBE box - when over-used they "pump" like nothing else and add all manner of nasty harmonic distortion. But the same device worked beautifully for the live jazz album I mastered; it's all about using the thing with subtlety, really, but I suspect a live album is the best place for something like that. But I digress :-)

Here's a link to their site:

http://www.bbesound.com/

Having read that review, and with your size limitation in mind, I say go ahead with this purchase, if you'll only ever need to connect a couple of input sources eg PVR & DVD player. If you plan to connect your PC also, or games console etc, then you'll be plugging/unplugging leads which may be especially awkward considering this set fits exactly into your existing cabinet!

Precisely the reason why there isn't a V Series sitting in my lounge room as I type - the crap supply of inputs. It's a disgrace for a TV of this price range.

I notice that Sony is about to send out the next "Pulse" catalogue, and I'm hoping for a new model (W Series, maybe?) with a decent number of inputs - minimum 2 component, 2 HDMI and 2 S-Video. If Sony can't deliver soon, it'll be another brand for me.

[straycat]

I notice that Sony is about to send out the next "Pulse" catalogue, and I'm hoping for a new model (W Series, maybe?) with a decent number of inputs - minimum 2 component, 2 HDMI and 2 S-Video. If Sony can't deliver soon, it'll be another brand for me.

Thanks for that info NK. I'll be interested too if they provide some inputs.

[Looch]

Looks like the KDL32V2000 is indeed a very good set.

Now to find one for a good price!

Hi all, I am looking at this unit also for member of family, what is the going price @ the moment & where (Adelaide prices as well if poss).

Tx, Looch

PS: Also considering the Philips 32PF9631D/79... any opinions/prices on this unit, in comparison to the Sony.

[Pfeff]

...Precisely the reason why there isn't a V Series sitting in my lounge room as I type - the crap supply of inputs. It's a disgrace for a TV of this price range...

At first I thought that too before I bought my 40V, but then realising I'd be routing everything through my receiver having a bunch of inputs on the TV wasn't really necessary. I guess while Sierra may not be setting up a Home Theatre with a 32" TV, how many people really have two HDMI devices or two or more Component devices and WOULDN'T be passing them through a recevier these days? I mean the TV's speakers aren't bad, but most people spending real dough on a TV probably have this one covered. As it is I would have a vacant HDMI if my V had two. My 2c...

Pfeff

[sammyg]

At first I thought that too before I bought my 40V, but then realising I'd be routing everything through my receiver having a bunch of inputs on the TV wasn't really necessary. I guess while Sierra may not be setting up a Home Theatre with a 32" TV, how many people really have two HDMI devices or two or more Component devices and WOULDN'T be passing them through a recevier these days? I mean the TV's speakers aren't bad, but most people spending real dough on a TV probably have this one covered. As it is I would have a vacant HDMI if my V had two. My 2c...

Pfeff

Pfeff I to have a 40V. And am right with you on this one. As it is at the moment I am not even using my hdmi. I have a pana ex85 hard drive dvd recorder with tuner hooked up by component with my surround sound hooked in. More than enough for me.

[Sierra]

We went ahead and purchased the Sony Bravia KDL32V2000 on fiday.

Initial impressions are good .... the picture is very good when viewing live broadcasts (morning chat shows / news etc)

Colors are vibrant, skin tones are natural .... a very nice looking display.

Off axis display is excellent too with no color changes or distorsions if you move from side to side.

The thing we have noticed the most from the old CRT is that there is now quite a bit of difference between a good quality live broadcast and normal pre-recorded programming material.

Not that the pre-recorded stuff is bad .... it's just that the live stuff is that much better now that it does create a noticable difference.

The old CRT was pretty well much of a muchness with everything you watched even though it was a good display.

Another observation is that again with the live broadcasts there does not seem to be any real differences between normal TV and Digital TV .... 9am with David & Kim both look good in either format.

We are still getting familiar with all the various controls/menu's that it does have and the myriad of settings that can be adjusted and possibly tweaked.

Still need to buy some interconnects for component video out from the dvd unit though.

[cl5ltd]

Will be interested of your impressions with further viewing of various material - paricularly TV shows. I had the sales lad change the input away from the HD loop which looks just fantastic of course - to some general TV - an episode of Seinfeld look just terrible - is it going to mean any older TV shows or movies will appear very poor? I watch Foxtel 90% of the time and they show a very wide variety of older titles

[Looch]

We went ahead and purchased the Sony Bravia KDL32V2000 on fiday.

Hi Sierra, I too, am considering obtaining this LCD, prices have been from $2499 down to $2150 (Adelaide).

Would it be poss to ask U the price, name of retailer & city, please.

Ta - Looch

[Natalcleft]

I purchased the Bravia KDL32V2000 just before Xmas and was totally impressed with the picture quality, BUT 2 1/2 months later (4 weeks ago !!) I got the dreaded black screen with the LED flashing 11 (!) times. word is , my digital receiver packed it in and I am now waiting for a NEW UPDATED digital tuner to arrive from Japan I miss my Bravia

P.S. I advise getting the extended warranty ( just incase )

Nat

Edited March 14, 2007 by Natalcleft

[Sierra]

Will be interested of your impressions with further viewing of various material - paricularly TV shows. I had the sales lad change the input away from the HD loop which looks just fantastic of course - to some general TV - an episode of Seinfeld look just terrible - is it going to mean any older TV shows or movies will appear very poor? I watch Foxtel 90% of the time and they show a very wide variety of older titles

After making some adjustments to the default settings and now having had the chance to watch nearly a weeks worth of programs I can safely say that we are extremely happy with the Sony.

I mentioned a few posts back that there did not seem to be any real differences between normal TV and Digital TV .... and that 9am with David & Kim both look good in either format.

Well after making the adjustments and having more time to compare digital TV to normal TV I can confirm that the digital broadcasts are so much better .... crisper, clearer and more vibrant.

There is quite a substantial difference between the two formats and we now watch as much as we can in the digital format.

The live programs have the most stunning pictures, as expected. However there are quite a number of programs that are also excellent quality .... Lost for example is stunning in the detail of the jungle scenes, House is also excellent in digital as are a lot of other programs .... Family Guy looks awsome too

As far as Foxtel is concerned I havent watched a lot of it but my wife tells me she was watching a movie the other day and it looked really good.

I havent caught up with Sienfeld on Foxtel yet (but I will) so can't comment on it.

But as you say some of the older programs on Fox will look crappy .... the technology just wasn't there at the time those programs were created so I would expect the quality to be worse.

Bottom line the Bravia KDL32V2000 gets the big thumbs up here!

Hi Sierra, I too, am considering obtaining this LCD, prices have been from $2499 down to $2150 (Adelaide).

Would it be poss to ask U the price, name of retailer & city, please.

Ta - Looch

Hi Looch,

We bought our set from a bulk store called "The Good Guy's" in Kilsyth, Victoria.

As you know RRP for this set is $2699, However we bought it on an 18 month interest free plan that the store was running at the time.

The down side of purchasing like that is the price is normally not negotiable .... so we paid $2499 for it.

Good luck on your purchase.

I purchased the Bravia KDL32V2000 just before Xmas and was totally impressed with the picture quality, BUT 2 1/2 months later (4 weeks ago !!) I got the dreaded black screen with the LED flashing 11 (!) times. word is , my digital receiver packed it in and I am now waiting for a NEW UPDATED digital tuner to arrive from Japan I miss my Bravia

P.S. I advise getting the extended warranty ( just incase )

Nat

Bummer to hear about the problem with your set Nat.

Hopefully Sony will have it up and running soon for you.

We got a 2 year warranty extension .... so 3 years all up.

[Looch]

Good luck on your purchase.

Hi Sierra, tx for the info & review on the 32V.

Saving up to pay cash in 1 months time, so I can include an extra 2 years warranty.

JB hifi have it out on special now for $2196. "Not much room to move sir on that price, but, when you are ready to buy......" hence, I would say $2150 for cash.

Nat: It seems you had no probs in dealing with Sony.

looch

[Natalcleft]

Alls well in Bravia land, got a new digital tuner direct from JAPAN with NEW part number(?) , maybe all is not well, BUT mine is working again tx to Sony. So watch out for the LED flashing 11 times and happy viewing all.

Nat

p.s. got the extended warranty as well

Edited March 30, 2007 by Natalcleft