Sony KDF-55XS955 Television

Unreal -- Best Possible Purchase for the $$$$$$

By Garrison  Mar 6, 2005 | 6 out of 6 found this Sony KDF-55XS955 review helpful

Pros: Price, Picture Size & Quality, 2 HDMI Inputs, Sound, Style & Look

Cons: None.........!!!!!

Don't look any farther. I initially started by looking at ED sets. After a few weeks of research, I then looked at HD Plasma sets. Being military and not having the extra cash lying around, many factors steered me away from plasma sets. Price $$$...$, possible burn-in problems, & a 9 - 12 year projected life span. After about three months of intense research, I then began researching rear projection sets. For the price & the size, you can't beat a top-notch rear projection set. Also refer to the KDF-60XS955 set. A get review there too. I settled for the 55" set because I thought this set might be a tad bright than the 60" set I saw in Sears. I believe it is! I read many professional & customer reviews and weighed my options. Few said that professional help with initial tuning would be required. My set was "perfect" out of the box. I purchased my set from Electro Discounts on the net. The price was $2,650.00 plus $300.00 for shipping. I was not 100% sold on shipping from NY to Tucson, AZ. I finally convinced myself to take the chance. AIT Freight was used and my shipment was 100% insured. The set took about two weeks for delivery and arrived perfect condition. I could not touch this set in the local area for under $ 3,500.00 plus tax. A few reviewers said the remote is a bit clumsy & must be pointed directly at the TV. True for both, but I installed DIRECTV-HD. I operate the TV (ON/OFF & Volume) with the DIRECTV remote. Occasionally, I use the Sony remote for special features. Not a problem as far as I'm concerned. A few reviewers also complained about fan noise. If you mute the set or listen after turning the set off, yes you may hear the fan. It's nothing to be worried about. The fan does turn off 2-3 minutes after the set has been turned off. Bulb replacement is simple. Easily done by the owner & will cost about $200.00 every 3-4 years. Special Note: The DIRECTV installer did not bring a HD turner with an HDMI output. Had only a DVI output. I could not accept the HD tuner with the DVI output since the TV had HDMI inputs. I refused to purchase their tuner and ran to Best Buy & purchased one with an HDMI output. I can't believe the DIRECTV installer does not show-up with a HD tuner with a HDMI output. They did work with me getting all the paperwork corrected & ensure my situation was corrected. The installer also informed me that by years end, with the launch of a new satellite, there would be in excess of 75 or so HD stations available. Can't Wait!!!!!!!! If you have any questions or need advice, PM me using this Yahoo ID. Read more Less