Sony rear-projection TVs
A complete, side-by-side comparison of all of the models of this TV type from this manufacturer.
Price range (MSRP):
$2,000 to $13,000
Initial release dates:
July through September 2005
Size range (inches):
42 to 70 (diagonal)
Technologies:
LCD, LCoS (SXRD)
Highlights:
Three component-video inputs on entry-level series; SXRD 1080p on XBR models
Sony has been using
LCD projection technology in its
microdisplay big-screens for the last couple of years, and these so-called Grand Wega HDTVs have proven to be the most popular of all microdisplays. For 2005, the company addressed both the low and the high ends of its lineup. It lowered the price of its entry-level models (including the
KDF-E50A10, which we reviewed in July) to compete with lower DLP price points from Samsung in particular, and it upped the high-end ante by introducing the $13,000 Qualia 006 in February and following up with a new line of XBR models in September. Later in September, the company decided it wouldn't develop any more Qualia products. The Qualia 005 46-inch LCD TV (coming in November 2005) will be the last television to bear the brand.
Although we've found DLP generally superior to LCD in the past, the LCD-based KDF-E50A10 scored well in our performance tests, beating out Mitsubishi's entry-level LCD projection set, the
WD-52527, for example. We also appreciated the extra connectivity Sony included this year, namely a trio of component-video inputs and a dedicated PC input. Note that the step-up E55 series lacks these additions.
The most exciting of Sony's sets again bear the XBR label. Powered by Sony's iteration of
LCoS technology, called SXRD, they feature 1080p resolution and very similar feature sets to the $13,000 Qualia 006, aside from the size of the chip and the bulb wattage. While we haven't reviewed any of these televisions yet, CNET's David Katzmaier has had hands-on experience with the Qualia 006 and came away very impressed. If the smaller, less-expensive versions perform equally well, they'll give DLP 1080p televisions from
Samsung,
Mitsubishi, and
HP some serious competition. Of course, the XBR models cost a bit more than their DLP competition, and LCoS has a history of being difficult to manufacture, so Sony may have problems keeping up with demand.
The Sony lineup
From entry level to top of the line, with the step-up features that distinguish each line from the previous ones highlighted.
The KDF-EA10 series is Sony's entry-level microdisplay line. These LCD-based sets have a
native resolution of 1,280x720, so they should be able to display every pixel of
720p material. They also feature a built-in
ATSC tuner and a CableCard slot, so no external equipment is needed to receive over-the-air HDTV or digital cable, although, unlike many other HDTVs, the Sonys lack a built-in
EPG such as TV Guide. Their connectivity is highlighted by an
HDMI input, a VGA-style PC input, and three component-video inputs. The 42-inch KDF-E42A10 ($2,000 estimated street price) and the 50-inch KDF-A50A10 ($2,500) are currently available. For more, read our
full review of the KDF-E50A10.
- 1,280x720 native resolution
- LCD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- One HDMI port
- One PC input
- Three component-video inputs (one side, two rear)
The KDF-EA20 series is the step up to the KDF-EA10 series. Aside from the larger screen sizes, they have a slightly higher native resolution of 1,366x768, but that won't make much of a difference in picture quality. There are also some downgrades in this series (unusual in step-up models), most notably that there are only two component-video inputs and no PC input at all. The 55-inch KDF-E55A20 ($3,000) and the 60-inch KDF-A60A20 ($3,500) are currently available.
- 1,366x768 native resolution
- LCD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- One HDMI port
- Two component-video inputs
As the
XBR in the product name indicates, the KDS-RXBR1 series is a high-end line that includes several step-up features over the Sony KDF-EA20. Most notably, these sets use Sony's exclusive silicon crystal reflective display (SXRD) technology, an iteration of
LCoS that reduces the screen-door effect significantly and provides a few other image quality benefits, such as better black levels than previous LCoS technologies. They have a native resolution of 1,920x1,080, or 1080p, which means they should be able to resolve every pixel of 1080i material. Their connectivity is extensive, featuring two HDMI inputs, a PC input, a Memory Stick reader, and three
FireWire (IEEE 1394) inputs, or iLink, as Sony calls it. The 50-inch KDS-R50XBR1 ($4,000) and the 60-inch KDS-R60XBR1 ($5,000) will be available in September. Their pricing is higher than that of comparable 1080p DLP-based sets from Samsung, HP, and Mitsubishi.
- 1,920x1,080 native resolution
- SXRD light engine
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- One PC input
- Two component-video inputs
- Memory Stick reader
- Three FireWire inputs
The 70-inch 006 is part of Sony's high-end Qualia brand. Sony discontinued development on the entire brand in late September, but the remaining stock of 006 models is still available for sale. Similar to the KDS-RXBR1 series, the 006 uses SXRD technology and has a native resolution of 1,920x1,080. The Qualia 006 also has a larger SXRD imaging chip than the XBR models, which could help it achieve a better contrast ratio. Otherwise, most of the features are similar to the KDR-RXBR1 series. To accommodate the larger screen size, the 006 uses a larger, 200-watt bulb. The Qualia 006 ($13,000) is currently available and comes with a three-year warranty.
- 1,920x1,080 native resolution
- SXRD display
- ATSC HDTV tuner
- Digital Cable Ready
- Two HDMI ports
- One PC input
- Two component-video inputs
- Memory Stick reader
- Three FireWire inputs
- Three-year warranty
