XBR-55X900A
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The difference in picture detail is TELLING!!
I read all the reviews stating the silliness of buying 4K due to the supposed diminishing returns that are evident the further away one sits from the television. At first, 24-hours after receiving the television, I was leaning in that direction. The discerning eye could pick-up differences in color and sharpness, but certainly nothing to write home about. I then watched a 4K Mastered Blu-Ray, again, there were subtle differences for the better, but nothing very impressive. Up until that point I didn't change my picture mode and was growing weary of the dimness of the picture created by the "standard" setting - so I changed it to "VIVID". I was watching Cliffhanger on DIRECTV, moments after the 4K Master Blu-Ray and post-picture mode change, the picture absolutely POPPED out.
The difference between my year old HX-929, which has quite a phenomenal HD picture, and this 4K is not subtle and one needn't sit inches away, as some state, to enjoy - it's quite breath-taking 12 feet away.
I'm watching commercials on DIRECTV as I type these words and the difference between HDTV and 4K is telling.
And, it's important to note that I 've been greatly impressed with non-native 4K content. One can only imagine what native 4K will look like.
June 2, 2013
55-inch variant purchased on 5/17/2013...
On 5/15, I visited Fry's Electronics (Stonecrest Dr. location in San Diego) to purchase headphones. Walked by the Sony booth and was mesmerised by the intense vividness of a bright red-coloured scenery being played on their 65-inch display [floor] model. Spoke to a Sony rep (Tim) for about 45-minutes and was pre-sold on the 4k Sony, there-and-then.
Returned on 5/17 with my fiancée and we both decided on the 55-inch. (At $5,000, it seemed much more justifiable to spend that amount of money on the 55 - versus the $7,000 65-inch monitor, keeping in mind that we would opt for a larger screen size later towards the end of 2013, perhaps even mid-2014. Not to mention, lower price premium(s) by then.)
It's 5/20 today and it's been about 6 hours since the model was both delivered and set-up. After some personalised touches to the picture quality, it looks fantastic! Per the source, I'm sure the picture will look magnificent but the weeks to come will tell - and as more up-scaled 4k Blu-ray disc media becomes made available.
The side-mounted speakers are somewhat of an eyesore (as with our [now] disposed of XBR-8) - since we have our own 7-channel primary sound source but not enough to break the deal. More to come on this great display!
May 20, 2013
New XBR-55X900A is exceptional
Just bought a new XBR-55X900A and love it.
Despite numerous posts, the screen picture is much brighter/vibrant and sharper with better color, yet smooth pixel-less for regular network broadcasts. Blu-ray disk movies are improved with sharpness, better color, and a picture that "grabs you", so I do not agree with some posts that the picture is the same as the 1080p TVs. The up scaling is noticeable. Also YouTube is now offering 4K videos so you can see what new source material will look like. Not sure what the new Blu-ray disks with 4K mastering will do for this new 4K TV. Sony provides via mail 3 of these disks when buying the new 4K TVs The biggest improvement for me was the exceptional sound quality and passive 3D. The difference between my 2 year old NX810 and this X900A is remarkable
My sound is better than I was getting using a Boston Acoustics sound bar (w/subwoofer) with my old TV. The sound is very close to my Bose system. Very happy with the new speakers. And yes my 55inch takes up by 60" entertainment center space or I would have purchased the 65" TV. But I am happy with the new speakers and the fact they are attached makes for a good looking TV. My wife is very happy as the new TV looks great with her furniture instead of a sound bar popping out of a wall or corner. These new speakers produce an exceptional sound better than any Sony TV I have ever had including those that had front mounted speakers. There are 6 speakers with a total 65watts
The 3D is exceptional, as good as a movie theater with great 3D depth and a brighter picture (my 2 complaints with the NX810). Much better depth and much sharper than my previous Sony TV (NX810). Also the simulated 3D is also good. And the passive 3D is easy on your eyes. Just watched Avatar 3D and my eyes are not tired as they would be with an active 3D. 3D is now worth watching and the glasses are light on your ears as they are only a thin plastic (no batteries)
Price is steep but happy with the purchase
May 10, 2013
