Sony 32" XBR9 Owners

[M1A]

All you Sony 32" XBR9 Owners can you help? I just got one to use as a computer monitor and going from a 24" Soyo pva panel this Sony just is not cutting it. I did some adjusting and its better but still not what I was expecting. I am used to 1920x1200 on a 24" and this is 1920x1080 so I was expecting that. I have tried a HDMI and VGA cables. Its almost like the VGA is better when viewing text. Any help or input would be great before I return this thing. I maybe should have went to a Dell 30"?
Please guys can you help!

 

[lavaheadache]

What video card are you using? You can try adjusting the dpi settings in windows. My buddy was using a westinghouse 1080p tv as a monitor a couple years ago and and i remember it actually looking quite good

 

[M1A]

I am using a ATI HD 4890 but from what I read you should keep it at native res 1920x1080 not sure about DPI or where to set that? Any thoughts?

 

[M1A]

up for more info?

 

[Thor86]

XBRs are over-priced for what you get. I'd return it and get a Dell 30 LCD.

 

[Gulzakar]

Since you are using a television set, you need make certain that your TV settings are adjusted properly.


Just turn off all enhancements (motionflow, noise reduction, etc.). Try setting the detail enhancer to "low". Another thing to consider is resolution...I'm using a 46 inch XBR8 and at 1080p (sitting at a certain distance), the text was tiny...so I had to setup (in windows) to increase the text size. There was some setting for Small,Medium, Large.

 

[Thor86]

I don't think you should recommend the OP to "turn-off" features of the TV set he paid for in order to improve visuals on a PC? Tell me how much you paid for your XBR, and maybe I might re-cant my statement.

Since you are using a television set, you need make certain that your TV settings are adjusted properly.



Just turn off all enhancements (motionflow, noise reduction, etc.). Try setting the detail enhancer to "low". Another thing to consider is resolution...I'm using a 46 inch XBR8 and at 1080p (sitting at a certain distance), the text was tiny...so I had to setup (in windows) to increase the text size. There was some setting for Small,Medium, Large.

 

[Gulzakar]

It's a TV, and as such, has features catered to TV viewing, not as a PC monitor. Those features which I suggested he turn off, again, are typically related to TV viewing. The enhancement of viewing can be, *gasp*, potentially enhanced with provided features from a TV, hence manufactures give you such a plethora of options to make changes to accomodate a variety of source types. If you are watching SD Tv then you'll probably have settings reflecting this.

I paid 1600 for my TV as a closeout item, and gladly done. I waited for the prices to drop to a reasonable level. I wanted an LED LCD without paying $3500 for a Samsung. And while I considered a Samsung CCFL LCD, playing the panel lottery with the B series was not what I wanted to do.

 

[M1A]

Guys come on I am looking for info on other people that were doing the same, not looking for arguments just from other owners and how they like their sets and any info on how to calib it, or if I should return it and go with a dell. Both have advantages and dis-adv and only I will make that final decision. because of the lask or input I assume not too many are using XBR's for monitors.............
I will be deciding tonight if it goes back. anyway thanks for your inputs

 

[tjaisv]

Set pixel mapping 1:1 and disable every image enhancement like sharpening and perhaps some of the others that the poster above mentioned so you can view your desktop running at 1900*1080 with clear readable text; also use monitor calibrating software like "DVE Digital Video Essentials HD Basics" for color tuning.

If it still looks bad, then take it back.

I'd recommend the Panasonic TC-L32S1 32" full 1080p LCD HDTV for $440 @bhphotovideo.com.

 

[M1A]

tried 1:1 still unhappy so it went back tonight............................
Thanks Guys

 

[Grooveriding]

XBRs are over-priced for what you get. I'd return it and get a Dell 30 LCD.

I second this. Not only will you get a higher resolution, you'll get a better panel.

XBRs are not bad, but it's the large screens where you get a good quality. 46" + etc.

If you want this for computer usage, just get a 3007/3008

 

[Synomenon]

Yeah, usually when you use a TV as a computer monitor, you're supposed to disable all of the TV's picture enhancement features.

Also, the best 32" TV to use as a monitor is Panasonic's TC-L32S1. It has very, very low input lag and has an IPS panel.

 

[DarkColonel]

For the XBR9 you paid for, you could have gotten and uberly awesome U2410. Since you've returned it ... get the U2410

 

[M1A]

But how does that help me as I had a excellent 24" ips panel (1920x1200) already and thats some of the problem going to 1920x1080 reg LCD. I wanted a larger than 24" screen. Maybe the Dell 3008 is my only option as I do not want to go to the 27"
They are just double the price and no dual use without a tv card but I thought I would be happy with the XBR32" but was not.

 

[Arkaign]

But how does that help me as I had a excellent 24" ips panel (1920x1200) already and thats some of the problem going to 1920x1080 reg LCD. I wanted a larger than 24" screen. Maybe the Dell 3008 is my only option as I do not want to go to the 27"
They are just double the price and no dual use without a tv card but I thought I would be happy with the XBR32" but was not.

The XBR9 is a fantastic TV, but not great at working as a PC monitor imho. Those enhanced features help when smoothing out relatively low-frame digital TV broadcasts and 24fps movies, but for PC input at significantly higher refresh doesn't help anything at all.

The best TVs in my experience to use as hybrids (for TV + BluRay + PC) are Samsungs, with Panasonics a close second. They usually have modes which will make any decent HDMI or DVI><HDMI connection look as sharp and smooth as it should be. Of course, you'd still be going to a 1920x1080 resolution at this point.

Given that you were going to be apparently satisfied with a 32" display, the 30" Dell with 2560x1600 makes a lot of sense. It's about the same size, but with a crazy high resolution. Scaling is good enough in Win7 (ctrl+scroll) that you won't have to worry about squinting at microscopic icons and web text. If you play newer games, you'll need a beastly GPU setup to play at native resolution though.

 

[M1A]

Thanks Thats info I was looking for. Even the (ctrl+scroll) I did not know. Again thanks!