Quick take: While we did not review the Sony KDS-R70XBR2, we did review the smaller, 60-inch version, model KDS-R60XBR2. The two are identical except for screen size and the fact that the speakers on the 70-inch model can be removed. We expect the performance of this 70-inch KDS-R70XBR2 to be very similar to that of the smaller model. For more information, please refer to the full review of the Sony KDS-R60XBR2.
Intro:
The Sony KDS-R70XBR2 is a 70-inch, rear-projection rear-projection TV.Compared to other rear-projection TVs on the market, it is expensive at around $4,625.
Noteworthy Features:
Has a 70-inch screen size, which is larger than some similarly priced TVs.With HDTV compatibility, this product can display images that are sharper and more realistic than analog television when connected to a high definition signal.
Weaker Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Suitability:
Made for those who want as large a screen as possible.In general, a wide aspect display such as this one is ideal for DVD movies recorded in the popular 16:9 format, as well as high definition programming.Can connect to a computer via VGA (HD-15).
Value:
Overall, this TV's price seems hard to justify, with respect to its features.In fact, you would usually pay around 40% less to get a rear-projection TV having roughly the same viewable size.
Suggestions:
(1) For assistance in shopping for a new HDTV, review CNET editors' Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide.(2) If donating or repurposing your old TV is not a viable option, CNET encourages households to recycle their electronics.Please explore the following website to find a recycling center in your area Electronics Take Back Coalition.
Receiving HDTV broadcast:
The three common methods to receive HDTV broadcasts are via satellite-TV set-top box, cable system set-top box, and over-the-air reception from a digital HDTV broadcast station.
True HDTV:
True HDTV programming is now available in three resolutions: 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.
Tuner options:
An HDTV-ready satellite or cable box will act as an outboard HDTV tuner for your digital HDTV or EDTV set that lacks a built-in HD tuner.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Got It! IT ROCKS!!!
I was waiting for this TV for a month and I went to see it at ABT-Electronics the week it ...
I was waiting for this TV for a month and I went to see it at ABT-Electronics the week it was out on the market (the very end of September). I was blown away!... I've been looking (and waiting) for the right HD TV for years. My first choice was the 56" pedestal Samsung DLP TV (they didn't have bigger, and it had the clearest picture of all Samsung TVs). Then, when I saw it at the Tweeter store, next to the Sony, I was really disappointed! All Samsung DLP TVs have this slight blur of the picture! I don't think it's the rainbow effect I was seeing, because it was there all the time. And I compared the picture in other stores too. So it was not the store connection either. Last week, at ABT I had the chance to see many TVs, and the new 72" DLP Samsung too. Blurry, again! The 73" Mitsubishi wasn't that bad, but it didn't have the outrageous clear sharp picture of the Sony. I wanted to see the quality of the picture with the normal 4:3 signal, or with a DVD. They had only the BlueRay connected, so I decided to come back next week (they didn?t have the Sony stand also). In a week I went there again, and the store had all the necessary connections (cable, DVD, antenna) and I was really happy with the display of the low-res air channels. This is really important right now, because there are not that many HD and digital channels out there. And I wanted to be able to see the face of ?my man? ? Al Bundy without all that blurriness? I might say that this Sony TV is even better than my first love - the 70" big Qualia (it was the price that stopped us from buying it). I think that at $6000 this TV is way great of a deal to be missed!!! I know that it's listed at $7000, but a little bit of a bargaining, and you'll get it for 6K. Still, with the table and the taxes, the price will still be 7K. But ? oh, well! You?ll be able to enjoy THE greatest picture at the market today, and I think for some years to come. Go get it! And ? enjoy! Read more
by trash_sisi (see profile) -
October 15, 2006
30 out of 30 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Important information if you want to connect a media PC or an XBOX 360
First let me say that the reason I didn't give this set a 10 out of 10 is that ...
First let me say that the reason I didn't give this set a 10 out of 10 is that I really wanted to use the RGB input to connect to my media PC so I wouldn't have to use an HDMI input for 1080p resolution. Since then, I have also learned that the RGB input is even more important for XBOX 360 1080p resolution.
In my efforts to connect my media PC, I tried both an NVidia 7600 series video card and an ATI X1600 series video card. but was only able to successfully set the cards to a maximum of 1360 x 768 pixels. Even then, there was a huge black border around the display.
Mevertheless, to my great satisfaction, using a DVI to HDMI conversion cable, I was able to achieve true 1080p resolution with one of the HDMI inputs. I chose the one with the audio inputs so the PC sound could be connected to the TV also. To get digital surround sound from your PC, you have to connect your PCs digital audio output to a Dolby Digital/DTS amplifier or receiver.
After much experimentation, using the HDMI input, I chose to go with the ATI X1600 series video card because it was able to display the full 1080p resolution without overscan. On the other hand, the resolution on the NVidia 7600 series card had to be reduced to below 1920 x 1080 pixels to eliminate the overscan. Other video cards might work as well, but I suspect that the card must be HDCP compliant, because I could not get an older ATI 9700 series card to work with the HDMI inputs.
When I connected an XBOX 360 to the RGB input I got similar results. The reason that this is significant is that, unless Microsoft introduces an HDMI cable, the only way to display in 1080p, using an XBOX 360, is to use an RGB cable. Using one of the component video inputs instead works great but the maximum output signal is 1080i.
The only other issue I have with this TV is that the remote does not have keys to select each input. Come on Sony, there's not that many inputs. Instead you have to press Menu, press Select, press arrow up or down till you reach the correct input, then press Select again. There is, however, an antenna button so you don't have to go through this procedure to switch RF inputs.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that because I've been able to overcome almost all of the problems I've encountered. I am extremely happy with this set. I have a dedicated home theater/media room, and when I turn down the lights and sit in my home theater chairs, it looks, sounds, and feels like I'm really at the movies. The feel is actually much better because home theater seating is more comfortable. I only have two areas yet to explore with this set. I'm getting an XBOX 360 HD-DVD drive today and a Playstation 3 tomorrow. I can't wait to experience HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies in 1080i and 1080p resolutions.
25 out of 25 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect The greatest picture on the market
Better picture and color than Sony's special line of Qualia Tvs and light years ahead of pioneer elite and ...
Better picture and color than Sony's special line of Qualia Tvs and light years ahead of pioneer elite and sharp aquos. Beats any TV out there with stunning sxrd v2.5 with 180w bulb (they even give you an extra bulb when you buy it!) true 1920x1080 with an unseen 2.5ms response time, no more smearing. LCD has made its mark with this television. It is the ultimate rear projection and picture period. It blows away the brightness levels of any plasma out there and the color range is beyond any domestic consumer television has to offer. I was more than lucky to have seen it personally and I believe its quite possibly one of the best high definition pictures ever made for consumers.
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by ak78915 (see profile) -
September 17, 2006
25 out of 30 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Wow! The wait is over.
Where to begin...the picture on this TV is truly the best I have seen and I've looked at ...
Where to begin...the picture on this TV is truly the best I have seen and I've looked at a lot. I had a Sony 57" projection for about 4 years and decided to start looking for a new TV about a year ago. I looked at plasma, LCD (bought one..but more later on that), and projection. I came close many times but couldn't "pull the trigger" on any of them until the new 70" Sony came out. I was absolutely mesmerized and got one immediately.
Now, in the interim I purchased a 32" Samsung HD LCD for my home office..ok..well..maybe not an "office" but more of a room to get away with a computer desk, couch, and, of course, a TV. I was really happy with the picture on the Samsung until the Sony giant entered the house.
When I say giant, I mean giant. This TV is big! But that's a good thing. It looks really great in the room and really brings a home theatre experience to the max. The picture almost looks 3D at times; it is so crisp and clear.
I have an HD Tivo with 2 cable cards sending a signal to the TV at 1080i. It is incredible. I also have a cable card in the TV and it is equally good. It's hard to tell the difference between the Tivo and the card inserted directly into the TV. (Ok, this is starting to sound like a Tivo plug...sorry).
This TV can really be customized at the picture output level. The vivid and standard preprogrammed levels are both too harsh for me tasted; but, no one should be disappointed in the picture if they take the time to make it to their preferences. Each input source on the TV can be programmed with a separate custom color and sound setup which is good in that you can vary the output from the different sources but bad in that when you find a picture setup you like you have to duplicate it several times.
Another aspect that I really like on this TV is that it tells you what resolution you are watching; 780P, 1080i, 1080p, etc. I have not watched a true 1080p source so I can?t address the 1080i vs. 1080p debate.
This was a lot of money but well worth it. It looks great, the picture is phenomenal, and even my wife likes it and she really doesn?t care about TV?s that much. I know, hard to believe isn?t it!
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by jclay249 (see profile) -
November 13, 2006
15 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This is the best on the market right now!
This is actually my 2nd SXRD set, I bought the KDS-R50XBR1 in Nov of 2005 & loved it but, I ...
This is actually my 2nd SXRD set, I bought the KDS-R50XBR1 in Nov of 2005 & loved it but, I wanted a larger screen so the 50" went to my parents when I got the 70" in October of 2006.
Just because I had the 50" SXRD didn't mean I was automaticly going to get another Sony when I decided to get a bigger screen. I had plenty of time to research all the TV's in this price range & no matter where I went the SXRD always outshined the compitition, it wasn't a hard decision to get the Sony XBR2. The only question was would I get a 60" or 70".
After taking mesurements I was happy to find out that by removing the attached speakers the 70" wouldn't take up any more horizontal space than the 60" & since I listen through a 5.1 surround system not having the speakers on the tv wasn't a problem.
If you feed this set a good HD signal you get a jaw dropping picture, I find myself watching shows I normaly wouldn't watch just to see the HD pics!! Like all HDTV's SD pictures is just so-so but not as bad as some other sets I've seen.
Blu-ray DVD movies just look better than anything else I've seen, that made the $600 Playstation 3 worth every penny for just the Blu-ray playback, but the HD games like the Gran Turismo HD demo look so real that I can't stop playing it!!
I did get used to having a memory card reader on my 50" XBR1 but since my 60G Playstation 3 has a memory card reader it's not a big deal but, at this price no options should have been left off.
The remote doesn't feel as "substantial" as the XBR1's did, it's not backlit & does not have individual input buttons, but that could be said for almost all standard TV remotes. I use a Harmony 880 remote to control all my equipment so it's not a big deal but in my opinion all TV manufactures need to make a great remote for the TV & not worry about making it a universal remote since there are much better universal remotes out there like the Harmony.
The bottom line is if you have the room & the $$ for this set you can't go wrong with the Sony KDS-R70XBR2.
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by racevw14 (see profile) -
February 10, 2007
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect The most Awesome TV we have ever owned
My husband loves this TV. We bought is on November 11th. It came in on Nov 23, 2006. We couldn'...
My husband loves this TV. We bought is on November 11th. It came in on Nov 23, 2006. We couldn't be happier. It is perfect. Absolutely no problems. Best Buy has been true to their word. Honored all price decreases to this date. That was very nice. BUY IT if you can. AWESOME!!!!
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by dawnachoe (see profile) -
January 6, 2007
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Reliability is a huge problem.
I bought sony kds r70 xbr2 from sony online in nov.2006. After first two months I've noticed flickering ...
I bought sony kds r70 xbr2 from sony online in nov.2006. After first two months I've noticed flickering blue and green lights filling the entire screen making the tv useless. For details please read my full review under user reviews for sony kds "r60" xbr2.
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by hbhuria (see profile) -
February 7, 2007
5 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This TV is awesome!
I have been very impressed with this TV all around from watching movies, sports, gaming, etc... The picture is very ...
I have been very impressed with this TV all around from watching movies, sports, gaming, etc... The picture is very clear and bright (esp in HD of course). I got a great deal online as well. It was well worth the price ($4,000). I am very happy with this purchase.
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by BugsyRx (see profile) -
June 18, 2007
10 out of 10 - Perfect THE MOST GORGEOUS PICTURE EVER
WOW, we've had this TV since the first week it came out (Sept 06 I think). We have never ...
WOW, we've had this TV since the first week it came out (Sept 06 I think). We have never had a single problem with it and just adore it. The picture quality is PERFECT. The HD programs are unbelievable (Discovery Channel's PLANET EARCH was made for this TV). We have had so many people over to watch sports and everyone always remarks how flawless the picture is.
The 70inch is perfect size for us but we do have a larger living room (22 feet deep). WE built a cabinet around it and have 7.1 surround so we never listen to the sound from the TV. But as far as the picture goes, it's worth every penny!
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by kath00 (see profile) -
June 2, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Really Great TV
We replaced Sony's previous large 1080i TV, 61" 4:3. That was a big TV, this one is really ...
We replaced Sony's previous large 1080i TV, 61" 4:3. That was a big TV, this one is really big. I can't wait to see BlueRay on this TV. My Sony upconvert player looks great, even when zooming in on a Full Screen DVD, almost no picture quality loss. I do recommend checking out BDI's creedenza's. They make one that works perfectly with this sized TV.
Make sure you have a big enough room, the further back you are, the more spectacular the image.
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by airdino23 (see profile) -
April 14, 2007
Auto power off,
Energy save,
Auto power on,
Gamma correction,
Black level expander,
On/off timer,
3:2 pull down compensation,
WEGA Engine Picture enhancement technology,
Live Colour Creation,
Video noise reduction,
Clock
TV Tuner
Multi-channel Preview
Picture-and-picture (PAP)
Stereo Reception System
MTS
Digital TV Tuner
Digital TV Tuner
QAM,
ATSC,
8-VSB
Video Features
HDTV Ready
Yes
Analog Video Input Signals
NTSC
Input Video Formats
1080p
Memory Card Reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards
Memory Stick
Remote Control
Remote Control
Remote control - Infrared
Audio System
Sound Output Mode
Stereo
Built-in Decoders
Dolby Digital
Surround Mode
Yes
Sound Effects
SRS TruSurround XT
Audio Controls
Treble,
Bass,
Balance,
Sound mode
Additional Features
Bass & treble control,
Mute button
Connections
Connector Type
1 x Audio line-in ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - Rear,
2 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) - Rear,
1 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Front,
1 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Front,
1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear,
1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) - Front,
2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
1 x Digital audio output (optical) - Rear,
1 x Audio output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
2 x Control S - Rear,
2 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear,
1 x VGA input ( 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ) - Rear,
5 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear
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