Although CNET did not review the 32-inch Sony KDL-32S3000, we did review the 46-inch Sony KDL-46S000. Judging from their spec sheets, the two Sony flat-panel LCD HDTVs are essentially identical but for screen size, so we expect the picture quality of the 46-inch model to provide a good indication of how the 32-incher will perform. For more information, refer to the full review of the Sony KDL-46S3000. For additional details on Sony's flat-panel LCD HDTVs, see our roundup.
Intro:
The Sony Bravia KDL-32S3000 is a 32-inch, liquid crystal display television.Compared to other liquid crystal display TVs on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $815.This TV is an LCD display, which is generally the best kind of flat-panel screen for viewing in brightly-lit rooms.
Noteworthy Features:
This unit can display images that are sharper and more realistic than standard definition television when mated to a high definition signal.The 3:2 pulldown feature of this unit reduces artifacts that can occur when motion pictures are transferred to a digital format such as DVD.
Weaker Features:
Has only a rear connector location.
Suitability:
Built for those who want to enjoy an ultra-sharp picture from an ultra-thin TV.Also, a wide aspect TV such as this one is well suited for DVD movies recorded in the popular 16:9 format, as well as high definition programming.
Value:
In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this TV has great features for the money.
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 broadcast 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 TV set that lacks a built-in HD tuner.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular 24-Hour Review
I purchased this TV at the Sony Factory Outlet in Lake Elsinore. For what I paid for it, this is ...
I purchased this TV at the Sony Factory Outlet in Lake Elsinore. For what I paid for it, this is an excellent, I REPEAT, EXCELLENT, TV.
As of this writing I've had the TV a total of 2 days. I've hooked up a Phillips upscaling DIVX player using three different hookups - Composite, Component, and HDMI. Then I watched both regular DVD and high-quality (700+MB) DIVX rips on it through each connection.
Through HDMI, with upscaling on a regular DVD, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between a regular DVD and Discovery Channel HD (considered by many to be the best HD channel currently).
However, any sort of DIVX on this TV seems to suffer, even through HDMI. For testing purposes, I ripped the movies Children of Men and Hannibal Rising. During daylight scenes, the picture was clear - though nowhere near HD quality. During night scenes however, the contrast is - in a word - terrible. This could be the fault of the player, however, since in every other arena this TV shines. However, avid DIVX watchers may want to bring a player and test the set in-store before purchasing.
The XMB (Xross Media Bar, who came up with that name?) is perhaps the most innovative thing Sony has done in a long time. It's easy to use, and graphically impressive as well. Most people don't connect the XMB with the PSX home theatre system it was pioneered on - most people equate it more with the PSP and the PS3. Easy to use, functional, and no hectic, three-teirdeep menus to navigate.
The looks...the TV just looks bad as can be. It's a sleek, semi-matte black that looks good in any entertainment centre, with little to distract the eye from the gorgeous picture. The remote is rather basic, but it gets the job done and is an equally impressive shade of black, with big easy to read buttons. My only complaint is that the SONY logo does not have the option of lighting up as on the XBR2 and XBR3 models, but this is a minor personal preference.
All in all, I would highly recommend this set to anyone looking for an entry level high definition set.
10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 out of 10 - Very good First HDTV and I really like it.
This is my first HDTV. Another family member has a Sony 1080i 50+inch LCD HDTV, this little 32 inch ...
This is my first HDTV. Another family member has a Sony 1080i 50+inch LCD HDTV, this little 32 inch 720p looks just as good. Even my analog and digital channels look better than they did on my old Sony CRT TV. Since the set has two HDMI ports, my next purchase will be an upconverting DVD player. It is important to have a good HD signal from your provider. If you have that, this is a very good TV.
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by nccs977 (see profile) -
October 30, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent My first HDTV LCD
Being that this is my first LCD HDTV I have nothing to compare it with, so far though I am ...
Being that this is my first LCD HDTV I have nothing to compare it with, so far though I am exstatic about it. I give the television an 8 out of 10 due to never owning another HDTV, but also because it has so many connection options such as 2 HDMIs,unlike the 32s2010 model. I am grateful to own this product and pleased so far with the quality of this particular model. I bought it on June 8, 2007...
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by Laugh and Smile (see profile) -
June 14, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Great 32" HD TV
For a 32" TV, all you need is 720P resolution and this box supplies just that - along with the ...
For a 32" TV, all you need is 720P resolution and this box supplies just that - along with the 120Hz refresh rate, the picture is clean and seamless.
The design of the exterior is simple and looks great and the various features and multiple HDMI inputs will keep you happy.
I only wish Time Warner Cable would get their act together and supply a strong continuous HD signal - but this annoyance does not have anything to do with Sony's continued excellence in LCD design.
Note - I'm not sure why they've discontinued this TV but I've been very happy with it's performance.
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by drewnyc (see profile) -
March 28, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great Tv 9 stars
Shopped around a bit and got this TV new (on sale) for about 840 dollars at a major appliance store....
Shopped around a bit and got this TV new (on sale) for about 840 dollars at a major appliance store. You will want/need an hdmi cable (about 75 dollars) for the true hi def experience....I highly recommend monster brand hdmi cable it's well worth the extra 30 bucks over brand X. I have a cable company connection and the tv delievers a super clear picture with excellent sound. The sony remote is fairly user friendly and for the tech challenged i am sure a cable guy or friend could show you how to use it inside an hour. I was able to hook BOTH my stereo and dvd to this tv for TRUE stereo sound. ONE BIG LAST IMPORTENT POINT.....I already had cable coming into the house and BEFORE i got the digital box was able to hook the co-axial cable stright into the tv. The TV (i live in a major city) was able to pick up close to a dozen channels in high def (cbs, nbc, fox, espn etc ) just via the normal cable conection. When i got the digital box from the cable company the Tv picked up like 700 channels (i use to get about 60 channels)with all the major channels in high def and even MOST of the cable channels such as bravo, espn, hbo, pbs, discovery, etc etc in high def. This TV is well worth the extra 60 or 80 bucks less you might spend for a competeting brand. What's 80 bucks more for the 10 or 15 years you will probably have this Tv.
Updated I am hoping this post will NOT erase my orginal review which was 9 stars outta 10. KEEP IN MIND WHEN BUYING ANY HDTV. IF you plan on putting it in a cabinet most manufactors suggest a clearence on 10 inches on top and about 4 inches to the left and right as these tv's do need to ventilate a bit. LASTLY when buying any hdtv contrast is a HUGE Factor the higher the better this model is 8,000 to 1 equals super sharp picture. I have seen some models, brands.....especially smaller screen sizes with contrasts as low as 850 to 1....."normal tv" (the ones we used in the 80's) run about 450 to 500 to 1. Also networks brodcast in 480, 720p, 1080i and 1080p......this tv will go up to 1080i. avoid tv's that can't capture a signal above 720p. all in all the sony kdl-32s3000 is a great tv.
Updated Just wanted to point out one or 2 more things. IF YOU PLAN ON PUTTING ANY HDTV in a cabinet, most if not all manufactors recommend 9 inches clearence on top and 4 inches on each side as these tvs need to ventilate. ALSO contrast is a HUGE FACTOR in any brand....Equals clear picture the sony kdl-32s3000 is 8,000 to 1. I've seen some brands/screen sizes as low as 850 to 1.......the tv;s we watched in the 1980's were about 450 to 1 just to give you a comparision, Lastly, networks will brodcast in 480, 720p, 1080i or 1080p format......if you buy a tv that is NOT 1080i OR 1080p capable you will be getting an inferior product likely to be obsolete in 2 or 3 years and offering only decent picture quality now. again the sony kdl-32s3000 is an excellent tv that i would consider the best or top 2 in it's class.
Updated the specs on this tv says 720p WRONG !!!! This tv with ZERO DOUBT will pick up 1080i signals......a poster on amazon reviews also states the same. you won't go wrong with this tv.
if you're watching sports just don't duct when you think the football is coming at ya. Watching the Rolling Stones on hbo or dvd ? with the stereo hook up i talked abour earlier, you're gonna think you're on stage with em.
7 out of 10 - Very good very impressive !!
ok, well i work in the tv selling field, so i see many of of the hidefs, but i got ...
ok, well i work in the tv selling field, so i see many of of the hidefs, but i got this on a good deal and did the research. sony overall make the best lcd panels, so don't waste your time looking for a better set for a 768 panel 32 incher. I am using a terk hdtva antenna 18 miles out from the towers ( it has a 43 limit) and of course you get a better picture with a properly focused antenna anyway. antennaweb.org will let you know how point it. Get a compass they come in handy. once you set the basics on the tv for home use, (the store setting is another planet) your off and running. be shore to set it on warm1 and turn backlight down below 50 and of course use standard picture setting. get a nice surround sound system too, don't short change yourself. your welcome !!!!!!!!!!
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by spaz101 (see profile) -
October 1, 2007
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