Sony KD-36XS955 36-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA Hi-Scan TV with Integrated HDTV Tuner

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 39.1 x 25 x 30.6 inches ; 234.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 240 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00067AXYU
• Item model number: KD36XS955
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,115 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

You can watch TV a lot and you can also see a lot of TV at once with Sony's big-screen, Hi-Scan KD-36XS955 FD (flat display) Trinitron WEGA television. The set features a built-in HDTV tuner for high-quality, off-air reception of high-definition broadcasts, right out of the box. The 36-inch set also offers analog and digital high-definition inputs, great audio features, and a suite of picture-enhancing technologies. Whether you're watching VHS tapes, DVDs, or off-air high-definition (480p, 720p, 1080i) broadcasts, your programs will look breathtakingly good. A Memory Stick media slot with JPEG/MPEG-1/MP3 compatibility simplifies playback of video clips, MP3 music files, and still pictures from compatible cameras and music players.

DRC--Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction circuitry--upconverts standard interlaced (480i) video sources to 960i or progressive-scan 480p, while inputs as high-quality as 720p (720 lines, progressively scanned) are upsampled to full 1080i. Because DRC processes video signals in real time, it creates an image with 4 times the density of the original signal.

Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p and 720p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The set's auto 16:9 enhanced mode detects anamorphically encoded widescreen program sources and offers full picture resolution on the video program, wasting none of its usable lines of resolution on the black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

The KD-36XS955's high-voltage regulator maintains consistent image size, despite variations in b rightness during scene changes and channel changes.

ClearEdge VM wideband velocity modulation improves the definition at picture edges, creating sharper images by slowing the CRT (cathode-ray tube) beam's horizontal scanning during demanding work--say, when rendering transitions from light to dark parts of an image--and speeding it up when scanning easily rendered sections, like broad dark areas. The set's 3D digital comb filter compares each horizontal scanning line with the lines above and below it, as well as with the corresponding lines on previous and subsequent video frames. This results in higher horizontal resolution, higher vertical resolution, and reduced video noise.

The KD-36XS955 also employs CineMotion Reverse 3-2 PullDown technology (often called 3:2 pulldown), a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movies in their native 24-frame format. Digital video mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.

Finally, Dynamic Focus circuitry automatically adjusts the picture during each scanning line for consistent corner-to-corner sharpness. Authorized CableCARD ability means the set will receive digital cable television systems services directly from a cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box.

Two high-definition component-video inputs grant optimum connection with a DTV receiver and progressive-scan DVD player, while standard composite- and S-video inputs accommodate all DVD players. The set's HDMI interface provides a digital connection with your DTV receiver. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multichannel digital audio--all using a single cable.

Choose between rear AV inputs and a set of front AV inputs for extra convenience. A rear AV output offers a switchable fixed- and variable-level analog audio output for hookup with a surround receiver or integrated amplifier.

The set features stereo speakers with BBE sound enhancement, 7.55 watts per channel, and a separate, 15-watt subwoofer for full bass sound right from the television. If you don't have Dolby Pro Logic processing or a surround speaker system, the TV's SRS TruSurround will simulate surround sound through any 2 speakers.

Other video technologies include Dynamic Picture Processor circuitry, Trinitone color temperature control, and vertical aperture compensation.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control (RM-Y1999), 2 AA batteries, a user's manual, warranty information.

Product Description

With the Sony KD-36XS955 36" FD Trinitron(R) WEGA HDTV, you can elevate your TV viewing experience. You'll feel like you're really there, as you enjoy the brighter and more vivid picture. The Super Fine Pitch(TM) CRT, Hi-Scan(TM) 1080i Display, and Cinemotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology ive you astounding clarity and visual depth. You can also view your family photos onscreen and listen to MP3 audio with the built-in Enhanced Memory Stick(R) Media slot. The KD-36XS955 also features an ATSC Integrated Tuner and is Digital Cable Ready with a CableCARD Slot. Cinemotion feature provides smoother picture movement when playing back movies or other video sources Clear Edge VM - allows for selecting levels to create better separation between an object and its background -- creating clearer edges, greater picture depth and improved overall picture quality. With Steady Sound, volume levels are consistent between programs and commercials Memory Stick Viewer allows you to view digital photos (JPEG) and movies (MPEG1) files on your TV V-Chip allows parents to block unsuitable programming from younger viewers Set up and select from up to sixteen of your favorite channels Front Panel Controls allow access to on-screen menus without use of a remote HDMI interface provides uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface between the TV and any HDMI-equipped A/V equipment Front A/V Inputs for connecting video games, camcorders or stereo/mono equipment Dual Component Video Inputs achieve greater color accuracy than composite and S-Video (when connecting to compatible devices) Meets all Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency Dimensions (WxHxD) - 39.125 x 30.625 x 25 inches

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CRTs Are Still the Best Value for HDTV, November 22, 2005

By 

tt_Austin (TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony KD-36XS955 36-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA Hi-Scan TV with Integrated HDTV Tuner (Electronics)

I have had my Sony KD-36XS955 36" FD Trinitron WEGA for only 5 days now, but I am both impressed and satisfied on several levels.

Pros
1. I purchased directly from Amazon and received promptly in 5 business days. Completely painless.
2. I carefully selected a CRT 36" on 4:3 format as a comfortable compromise until 16:9 HDTV is the standard; as well as the best value per inch of screen size for the highest quality image. Now that I've watched both HD and non-HD programming, this 36" 4:3 has eliminated any nagging doubt regarding viewing satisfaction. Letterbox HD viewing is just plain mesmerizing at 8' to 10' viewing distance (diagonally: 36" 4:3 in letter box is only 1" shorter than a 34" wide screen TV).
3. Sony is the last of the higher end quality manufacturers to keep >30-32" 4:3 CRTs still in production.
4. Sony reputation of quality is still there in both appearance & function. Nice interface for setup and configuration.
5. Excellent picture from HD Satellite, and local Off-Air stations. Excellent sound quality from Television alone. Wide viewing angle from flat screen.

Cons
1. Weight. Just like the other forums and feedbacks, this IS heavy at 238lbs! Imagine lifting three 80lb bags of cement on a 24"x42" platform, but loaded heavily off balance toward the front - with the handholds one on each side located just a bit too far to the rear.
2. The universal remote is OK.
3. Warranty of only 3 months on labor, 1 yr on parts, is on the skinny side, but that's probably how Sony keeps the cost down on this model over the XRB series.

Advice: Use only a high quality surge protector (& review your older house's grounding system against local code to ensure voltage spikes don't provide a premature life of electrical components)

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Picture Quality, May 22, 2006

By 

Steven Brown "computer engineer" (sebastopol, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony KD-36XS955 36-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA Hi-Scan TV with Integrated HDTV Tuner (Electronics)

The picture on the set is amazing. Turn down the contrast a little, and turn down the brightness until you just barely start to lose the detail in the dark parts of the images. Then turn it back up just so those parts you just lost come back in.

Oh my goodness. The contrast and black levels on the Sony SFP tube just toss the plasma/LCD world into the dumpster. And hey, if you are like me 80% of what you watch is STILL 4:3 content, then a 4:3 set makes a lot of sense. If they were saying in the year 2000 we would all be watching 16:9 in 2006, well, how long do you think it will take to *really* have more than 50% of your material showing up in 16:9 ?? And if you don't like watching 4:3 "stretched" in a widescreen display (like me - everything distorted and FAT looking) you get the same size picture on this 36" as you would get on a 42" TV with side bars.

You can not get a better picture than this TV. When people who have LCDs come over and see a HD picture on this set their jaws drop. And always the commentd on how good SD (Standard Definition) looks -- the weak point where a lot of LCD/plasmas fall flat on their face due to their fixed pixel geometry.

And unless you move a lot or live in a tiny house, don't buy the "but CRT's are big and bulky! they are so hard to move!" arguement. For most living room areas there is exactly one spot where the TV works. You put it there. It stays there. If the TV you are replacing has been in the same spot for three+ years, then you could care less about how big and bulky the next one will be. Put it where it goes, you aren't moving it again.

Wow. Just, wow.

If you are more concerned with picture quality, and you watch a fair percentage of 4:3, this can not be beat for the price. In five years when their really (maybe) is a lot of HD content and 16:9 starts to dominate, and LCD/Plasma/lcos/etc have (maybe) caught up to the picture quality on this CRT and prices have dropped -- you can buy one with the money you saved and invested when you bought this Sony.

p.s. - After you buy the set you can call Sony directly and purchase an extended warranty to get a full three year parts and labor for a quite reasonable price.

51 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Last of a dying breed? Better get one for these reasons..., March 12, 2005

By 

Wes (World Citizen, Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony KD-36XS955 36-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA Hi-Scan TV with Integrated HDTV Tuner (Electronics)

Everywhere you look now flat, widescreens are the televisions being hyped as the ones to get. The fact of the matter is that eventually, those kinds of monitors will be the standard bearer of video technology. However flats are not without their flaws. Chief among them is the problem of "burn-in"; if you leave your set on a station that has its logo resting in the corner of the screen (most do now), and you happen to slip away to answer the phone or just forget and leave the set on, chances are that your set will sustain PERMANENT damage, that's just how it is. Plasmas produce superb images, but over time their brightness WILL decrease. For me, the higher the contrast the BETTER - most of the time. Unfortunately, that's just the opposite of what you're supposed to do to extend your plasma's lifespan. And there's no question that the widescreen image is great to take in. That said, I am here to sing the praises of the dying CRT / 4:3 aspect television set. A lot of programs I own are in 4:3, and they look BETTER on said type of screen. I rebuke the notion that "stretching" that same image across a widescreen is okay - IT IS NOT. If I wanted to view a 4:3 image, in it's ORIGINAL, UNALTERED aspect ratio on a 16:9, I would have to have black or (worse yet) gray bars on the sides, which WOULD negatively impact your plasma via burn-in or unbalanced contrast and brightness on the sides of the frame. I happen to find the horizontal black bars produced on a 4:3 more acceptable when viewing widescreen productions than on a 16:9. The CRT is far CHEAPER than plasma. A GOOD 50" plasma is going to set you back AT LEAST $6,000 (the good news is that prices continue to fall). This set is a fraction of that. The CRT's main disadvantages are screen size and weight. They are heavy, but they look and sound great when positioned properly in your desired viewing area. With CRT, there are no burn-in problems. One night I fell asleep with the limited edition dvd of "Memento" playing. Now unfortunately when the film ends, it goes back to a frozen, stationary menu image of black objects on a white background - if I did that on a plasma, I'd be fu___d! The best thing about CRT's is the level of black it produces. They always have produced a deeper, richer level of black than any plasma I've seen. This one is perfectly capable of displaying high-definition images, though you'll have to put up with the black, horizontal bars - but you're used to that, right? I'd give this set 5 stars but it just doesn't quite reach perfection with its video performance. I own a 32" Sony Trinitron XBR that is 10 YEARS OLD, and it produces sharper, clearer images than this set. I have no idea what Sony did to change the image reproduction, but it is noticeably and somewhat disappointingly different. The best way I can describe it? It's akin to having 35mm film prints developed: while my old 32" screen has a "glossy" look, this television here has a "lustre" look. It's still a great image, but something is missing; image detail is not as sharp, shiny or clean. This set IS capable of receiving HDTV images and they look very nice here. Also, dvds look pretty good; one of this set's best features is its ability to automatically switch between anamorphic and non-anamorphic playback from whichever dvd you're viewing.