LCD/Plasma/CRT/DLP - questions

[andrewfee]

I can't directly compare the two, but my 37WLT68 handles everything better than the 32v2000 I had a while back. I believe the W is basically the same thing as the V, but has a 1920x1080 native panel rather than 1366x768.

The BRAVIAs do have better blacks and viewing angles, but the WLT68's are better at colour reproduction (for accuracy anyway) motion handling, sharpness etc.

EDIT: I should point out that you will probably be happy with either though. My main complaint about the BRAVIAs was the colour reproduction, which many people seem to love. (It's vivid, but not accurate, and has issues displaying some colours)

[sj33]

The 40" Bravia W is true 1920x1080 for one thing, and accepts 1080p 1:1 over HDMI and VGA.
Shozuki has one, he could give you more info. I love my Bravia S, I can only assume the W is even better.

[Kotatsu Neko]

I wouldn't mind knowing a few details about that set - how does it handle terrestrial TV/freeview and how would a PS2 title look on it via component? Only problem I see is that it has no VGA slot. I'm trying to decide between the 26" model and the Sony KDL26S2030 - I was originally hoping my parents would buy me the Sony for Christmas but its a bit much for their pockets, especially as its my Birthday a week later

I'm really happy with mine. I did my research before buying so knew what to expect, and I'd say the only disappointment I've had with it is the black levels. It's a common LCD problem, but still a big disappointing coming from a CRT.

Freeview looks okay on the major channels (BBC mostly), where it's soft (as you would expect given how low resolution it is), but watchable. On the lesser channels it can be extremely blocky and frankly very difficult to watch. That said, I only watch the BBC channels + More4 and FilmFour anyway, so I don't have a problem.

The set really comes into it's own when fed an HD signal. 360 through component looks lovely, be it at 720p for gaming, or 1080i for HD DVD. (which is converted flawlessly to 1080p when displayed on the panel) The Wii through Component looks passable, but there's only so much you can do with an SD signal and such primative visuals. Oh and the response rate is excellent, even when playing old school Sonic the Hedgehog there's almost no afterblur.

It's a nice TV, I like it a lot, and at the price it's something of a no brainer. Don't think there's anything at the same price which gives you the full 1920x1080 pixel resolution, as well as 2 HDMI inputs. It does have a VGA input too btw, and component, composite, and 2 SCARTs.

[Daragon]

So basically as the model numbers are the same, is the only reason for the price difference based on screen size in terms of 26" and the 40"?

Do you have any photos to show off SD and HD images? I know people keep saying that I'd be happy with either the Sony or the Toshiba but I'd ideally want a set that can produce both SD and HD well - I have a number of PS2 titles I'd like to return to over Xmas after getting rid of my SD TV.

[EvilBoris]

I've owned both of the models up from the Sony and the Toshiba, they are both VERY close in terms of picture quality. My Toshiba defintely had the edge over my Sony though.

I'd put it this way

If you want to connect a PC to the screen choose the Sony.

That is the only real thing picture quality wise that the Sony has over the Toshiba, everything else is virtually Identical (but as I said My Tosh performed better with SD) the 1 HDMI sockets that the Tosh offers is also incredibly useful.

[Geezer]

I'm not too fussed about the panel being 1080p native as long as it can accept a 1080p signal and process it well.

Have the WLT68 owners (andrewfee, EvilBoris, maybe others?) tried any 1080p material? How does the set handle it?

I can get a full-on Bravia demo no problem, I'll be taking my PS3/360 over to my mate's place on Friday or Saturday so I can get a feel for the quality then.

I'd like to see the 68 in action also, is it common practice for stores to let you take your own hardware in for a demo?

[Daragon]

I've owned both of the models up from the Sony and the Toshiba, they are both VERY close in terms of picture quality. My Toshiba defintely had the edge over my Sony though.

I'd put it this way

If you want to connect a PC to the screen choose the Sony.

That is the only real thing picture quality wise that the Sony has over the Toshiba, everything else is virtually Identical (but as I said My Tosh performed better with SD) the 1 HDMI sockets that the Tosh offers is also incredibly useful.

I might want to connect my PC to the TV at some point though - if the 26WLT66 HAS the VGA slot like Kotatsu says (although I've seen the model listed on both Amazon on Comet and neither list a VGA connection). There is a difference of about ?100 in the 2 sets as well and the Toshiba has an extra HDMI slot as you say over the Sony which would be good to have, but I still can't for the life of me decide. I've read people go on about how the Sony handles SD really well due to its combing and Kotatsu has said that SD on the Toshiba is "passable" but you seem to think there's no difference.

When you say you owned both models previously, they were the Sony KDL26S2030 and Toshiba 26WLT66 model numbers weren't they?

[EvilBoris]

I'm not too fussed about the panel being 1080p native as long as it can accept a 1080p signal and process it well.

Have the WLT68 owners (andrewfee, EvilBoris, maybe others?) tried any 1080p material? How does the set handle it?

I can get a full-on Bravia demo no problem, I'll be taking my PS3/360 over to my mate's place on Friday or Saturday so I can get a feel for the quality then.

I'd like to see the 68 in action also, is it common practice for stores to let you take your own hardware in for a demo?

It seemed to handle 1080p just fine When I got my WLT68 I lugged my 360 down to comet and they were well excited to see it, gave them a little presentation :P

I imagine the chavs in Comet would come if you took your Ps3.
You may also get mugged on your way out by the staff though.

[Kotatsu Neko]

I might want to connect my PC to the TV at some point though - if the 26WLT66 HAS the VGA slot like Kotatsu says (although I've seen the model listed on both Amazon on Comet and neither list a VGA connection). There is a difference of about ?100 in the 2 sets as well and the Toshiba has an extra HDMI slot as you say over the Sony which would be good to have, but I still can't for the life of me decide. I've read people go on about how the Sony handles SD really well due to its combing and Kotatsu has said that SD on the Toshiba is "passable" but you seem to think there's no difference.

When you say you owned both models previously, they were the Sony KDL26S2030 and Toshiba 26WLT66 model numbers weren't they?

I don't know if the 26WLT66 has VGA, as I have the 42WLT66. Try Toshiba's own site to confirm it.

SD material is SD material. It's incredibly low resolution so it's really down to how bothered you are by things looking sharp. If you don't care, then you won't have a problem with how it looks. If you do care (and are used to how an Xbox 360 looks on an HDTV...) then SD is harder to swallow. I doubt there's much difference between the different types of sets in how they handle it though.

[Daragon]

Could you possibly take a picture or 2 of something like a PS2 title running on your set Kotatsu? I could really do with seeing how it would handle one before I decide.

I wouldn't expect a pin sharp image from a PS2 game unlike with a 360, just so long as its not a hideously blurred, colourless, uber-jaggy mess like on my current set (some random DMTech 17" LCD).

[Baseley09]

Went for an el cheapo tv upgrade, long live giant tvs

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=3727

[Kotatsu Neko]

Could you possibly take a picture or 2 of something like a PS2 title running on your set Kotatsu? I could really do with seeing how it would handle one before I decide.

I wouldn't expect a pin sharp image from a PS2 game unlike with a 360, just so long as its not a hideously blurred, colourless, uber-jaggy mess like on my current set (some random DMTech 17" LCD).

I don't have a PS2, but I could probably take a picture of a Wii game running. I'll try and remember tomorrow evening!

[Kotatsu Neko]

Went for an el cheapo tv upgrade, long live giant tvs

http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-...?reviewid=3727

Keeping it old school! I didn't know it was possible to still buy CRTs.. I don't think I've seen one in a store for months.

[Shozuki]

well I went for the Bravia W - I cant see how anyone could have any problems with it - it looks superb even with SD, HD is immense and 1080p on Ridge 7 is absolutely gobsmacking - I love it lots, I was debating from the WLT68 series and Sony W too.

Im incredibly chuffed if im honest. I tried to take some pics to give people an indication - sadly no having a proper camera lets the pictures down abit - but have a peek:

http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/showpost.php?p=984538&postcount=3053

[charlaph]

Keeping it old school! I didn't know it was possible to still buy CRTs.. I don't think I've seen one in a store for months.

Funnily enough I happened to be in Currys today and wandered over to the TV section. They had a lovely 36" toshiba which really stood out from the rest on the grounds of image quality. Turned out it was a CRT, but a slim one. Still several times thicker than an LCD/Plasma and undoubtedly a LOT heavier, but it impressed the hell out of me, it wasn't even as deep as my old 15" CRT monitor.