Sony KP-53HS10 53-Inch Projection TV

by Sony

Product Details

Product Manual [1.83mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 185 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: B000050FGB
• Item model number: KP-53HS10
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,283 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony KP-53HS10 sets itself apart from other rear-projection TVs by employing First Surface Mirror technology, which reduces the depth of the projection area and results in improved resolution, brightness, and color reproduction. The feature is particularly valuable because this 53-inch model broadcasts 1080i high-definition images, in addition to 480p and 480i digital formats (it doesn't accept 780p, however). Note that the TV doesn't come with an HD receiver, which needs to be purchased separately. Other features that contribute to the TV's superior picture quality include MicroFocus picture tubes and lenses, Sony's Digital Reality Creation (delivers four times the density of conventional NTSC images), a 3D digital comb filter, Dynamic Focus circuitry, and Flash Focus, which adjusts the color convergence automatically.

Fortunately for users, the expansive list of features doesn't end with the video enhancements. The TV also offers a Multi Image Driver (MID-X), which lets viewers enjoy Twin View side-by-side and picture-in-picture programming. Users can watch two broadcasts at the same time (from two different sources) and can also zoom in on one or freeze it in the smaller inset window. Though the TV naturally broadcasts in 4:3 mode, users can also adjust it to 16:9 enhanced to better adapt to certain widescreen and digital signals. Other features include favorite channel preview (the ability to sample up to eight channels without leaving the current station), a sleep timer, jump channel, color temperature correction, several adjustable picture modes (vivid, standard, movie, game, and pro), and dynamic picture adjustment (emphasizes the black level to produce a more vivid picture).

The TV's audio package includes a 40-watt speaker system (20 watts x 2), MTS stereo decoding, SRS 3D simulated surround (creates a surround effect for mono broadcasts), and a TruSurround mode that works similarly for stereo feeds. Viewers can also adjust the bass, treble, and balance, or enjoy a secondary audio broadcast of the same program when available (typically in another language).

The TV includes an input for an HD receiver, two component inputs for such devices as DVD players, four S-video inputs (one front and three rear), four composite inputs (one front and three rear), five audio inputs, one video output, one audio output, and a Control S input and output. The front S-video and composite inputs are designed specifically to make it easy to connect a game console or camcorder.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, two AA batteries, user's manual.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Choice for Cable Viewers, November 14, 2000

By 

"jtjtjt" (Houston, TX, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony KP-53HS10 53-Inch Projection TV (Electronics)

If you are mainly watching standard cable TV than the Sony KP-53HS10 is an excellent choice. Why? The scan doubler makes analog broadcasts look super. It upscales 480i to 960i. Same is true for VCR movies. Watch some DVD's? They'll look great w/ component input. You'll never wish you got a $1200 to $1800 conventional set . . . and HDTV is a long way away so why spend $4000 and up? This set is digital capable, too. How about PIP where you can use the joy stick on the remote to move/size the two displays? Or how about twelve channels displayed around the perimeter, with one in the middle? By the way, the sound is excellent also. Worth considering, especially if you lack a digital source such as satellite dish. Friends and neighbors have been very impressed.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially for those who enjoy TV as a primary entertainment, November 27, 2001

By 

Atheen M. Wilson "Atheen" (Mpls, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony KP-53HS10 53-Inch Projection TV (Electronics)

I've been a fan of rear projection TVs since I bought my first one in 1989. I'm not rich by any means, and although it seemed like the set cost the earth at the time, it was still one of my better investments. Unlike many things I've purchased in the past-including living room couches, computers, and other higher ticket items-it still resides in my living room. There's nothing I like better than putting a log on the fireplace and watching a favorite TV program-Law and Order, Babylon Five, Mash or the Simpsons at our house-or a DVD. I couldn't help but notice over the years that the features of newer models kept increasing while the prices kept decreasing, so when the old smaller TV in the bedroom died, we decided to replace it with a Sony 53" HD Projection TV. It sits nicely in a closet with the sliding closet doors making a perfect armoire for it. The shelves above provide housing for peripheral equipment like the DVD player, the cable box, and so on.

The image quality of digital cable programs varies with the quality of the original film, with old programs showing less vivid colors and grainier surfaces while newer programs-and commercials of course--come through crystal clear. Videos are as good as they can be, and again this depends upon the video itself. Most minor failings can easily be fixed by adjusting the sharpness setting. DVDs are spectacular. The motion, facial features, hair and clothing of CGI characters in works like Shrek or Final Fantasy, for instance, are impressive, as are the special effects of 2010. The large screen gives the action and locale of films like 13th Warrior, The Mask of Zorro, or Gladiator full range and the viewer a sense of truly "being there." If you are a wide screen afficionado, you may prefer a wide screen as opposed to this more standard shape, because wide screen versions of videos and DVDs exhibit a "pictureframe" banding along the top and bottom of the screen which can be distracting to some. Personally, I've come to see this as "normal" when watching a wide screen version of a film.

Although a TV of this size would be a major purchase for most families, it probably would also provide the maximum enjoyment per dollar spent and with the greatest variety than any other form of entertainment. When the older projection TV goes, I hope to have the wherewithal to get a 61 inch for the living room!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This TV has been INCREDIBLE over the years! 100 stars!, October 16, 2006

By 

CQ DX (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony KP-53HS10 53-Inch Projection TV (Electronics)

I've had the Sony KP-53HS10 rear projection TV featured prominently as our main entertainment set for around 5 plus years now! In that period of time, I have had no problems whatsoever with the TV (how often does this happen!), and it has been flawless in every regard. 5 years later, DVD's still look jaw-dropping spectacular, with great detail and color that rival or surpass other DLP or plasma sets i've seen! Alignment of the picture tubes (projection tubes) is automatic as well, requiring the user to simply push one button on the front of the set. Incidentally, i've only had to do this about once a year, as everything always looks sharp and as it should. Digital Cable TV looks stunning as well, and the line-doubling technology on this set makes a good analog source/signal look digital anyway. I honestly do not see any reason to get rid of this set and upgrade, given the stunning picture on this set, as well as the substantial screen size. Given the overall great experience and reliability this set has given us over the years, I will continue to be a Sony fan indefinitely. Way to go Sony!!!