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- Reviews say the 32-inch Sony KD-32FS170 has superior picture quality. The Sony TV's 16:9 enhanced mode, which displays the full vertical resolution of anamorphic, enhanced-for-wide-screen DVDs, has earned kudos as well. Owners also like that the Sony KD-32FS170 includes a digital tuner, which means users can receive over-the-air and cable digital TV, including unscrambled HDTV broadcasts. Also, unlike many less-expensive models, the Sony KD-32FS170 has a flat picture tube to minimize glare.
- Reviewers and owners say the 32-inch Sony KD-32FS170 is relatively devoid of features, and this set's audio has received mixed comments from owners, who complain of so-so or even poor sound quality. In addition, the Sony KD-32FS170 has no bass and treble controls, and no audio output, with just a single set of component video inputs. Like all CRT televisions, the Sony is bulky and heavy. Finally, this set's labor warranty is very short (90 days), although parts are covered for one year and the picture tube for two years.
Reviews say the 32-inch digital Sony KD-32FS170 (*est. $545) is the best standard-definition (non-HDTV) television. However, while owners agree that this set's image quality is very good, there is some dissatisfaction with its audio quality. Among the Sony TV's features are Speed Surf, which allows viewers to zip through channels, and a 16:9 enhanced mode that improves the viewing experience with widescreen video material. The Sony KD-32FS170 has a digital tuner, which means it won't become obsolete when the analog broadcast system ceases operation in February 2009. Also, this set can receive over-the-air HDTV signals using an antenna, but will only display them in standard definition (480i).
Only a handful of professional reviewers still cover standard CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs. The most credible review for the 32-inch Sony WEGA KD-32FS170 comes from Consumer Reports, which tests 20 CRT televisions in its report. This roundup meets Consumer Reports' usual high standards, although discussion about individual TVs is limited to just a few lines. By contrast, Consumer Guide's evaluation seems to be based solely on Sony marketing materials, with no indication that anyone has actually seen -- let alone tested -- the TV. The Sony KD-32FS170 has also received a fair amount of helpful user feedback at CircuitCity.com, Amazon.com, and AVSForum.com.
| Sony KD-27FS170 27-Inch FD Trinitron WEGA Digital TV | |
(7 reviews) |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Consumer Reports is one of the few sources that still tests CRT televisions, including the Sony KD32FS170. This latest update evaluates eleven other standard-definition TVs as well. Along with general buying advice, there is a ratings chart. The discussions of individual TVs are disappointingly short, but the ratings are updated regularly.
Review: Conventional TVs, Editors of Consumer Reports, Nov. 2006
2. ConsumerReports.org
Consumer Reports is one of the few sources that still tests CRT televisions, including the Sony KD32FS170. This latest update evaluates eleven other standard-definition TVs as well. Along with general buying advice, there is a ratings chart. The discussions of individual TVs are disappointingly short, but the ratings are updated regularly.
Review: Conventional TVs, Editors of Consumer Reports, Nov. 2006
3. Amazon.com
Only a handful of users have rated the Sony KD-32FS170 on Amazon.com. Two owners love the set, giving it five out of five stars, but two others downgrade the set because of missing features. Overall, the Sony KD-32FS170 earns three and a half out of five stars.
Review: Sony KD32FS170 32, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Amazon.com
Only a handful of users have rated the Sony KD-32FS170 on Amazon.com. Two owners love the set, giving it five out of five stars, but two others downgrade the set because of missing features. Overall, the Sony KD-32FS170 earns three and a half out of five stars.
Review: Sony KD32FS170 32, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. AVSForum.com
This user-to-user site features plenty of discussions -- including some heated ones -- about all types of home-entertainment gear, including direct-view TVs such as the Sony KD-32FS170. While AVS Forum devotes most of its space to HDTVs, it's still a good resource for opinions, specifications, features, problems, fixes and more.
Review: Direct View (Single Tube) Displays, Contributors to AVSForum.com
6. AVSForum.com
This user-to-user site features plenty of discussions -- including some heated ones -- about all types of home-entertainment gear, including direct-view TVs such as the Sony KD-32FS170. While AVS Forum devotes most of its space to HDTVs, it's still a good resource for opinions, specifications, features, problems, fixes and more.
Review: Direct View (Single Tube) Displays, Contributors to AVSForum.com
Consumer Guide has been improving recently as a source of worthwhile information and opinion, but this review reads as if it were taken directly from Sony's promotional materials, providing few, if any, useful insights.
Review: Sony KD-32FS170 32-inch digital WEGA TV, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 25, 2006
Consumer Guide has been improving recently as a source of worthwhile information and opinion, but this review reads as if it were taken directly from Sony's promotional materials, providing few, if any, useful insights.
Review: Sony KD-32FS170 32-inch digital WEGA TV, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 25, 2006
