Sony KD-27FS170 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers and owners say that Sony FD Trinitron WEGA TVs, including the 27-inch KD-27FS170, have the best picture quality of any CRT televisions. The Sony KD-27FS170’s 16:9 enhanced mode (which displays the full vertical resolution of anamorphic, enhanced-for-widescreen DVDs) has also earned praise. The Sony TV includes a QAM-compatible digital tuner, which means users can receive over-the-air and cable digital TV transmissions, including unscrambled HDTV broadcasts. However, HDTV broadcasts will be displayed in standard 480i resolution rather than high definition. Unlike some less-expensive models, the Sony KD-27FS170 has a flat picture tube to minimize glare.

What the reviewers don't like:
Compared to earlier Sony Trinitron WEGA TVs, reviewers and owners say the 27-inch Sony KD-27FS170 falls short in the features department. This set’s sound quality has received mixed user comments. In addition, bass and treble controls are missing, as is an audio output for sending sound to a stereo system. Owners say connectivity is thin in other ways, with just a single set of component video inputs. The remote is not backlit (though this feature is unusual). Like all CRT televisions, it is bulky and heavy.

Sony KD-27FS170 review highlights

Reviewers and owners say that Sony FD Trinitron WEGA TVs, including the 27-inch KD-27FS170, have the best picture quality of any CRT televisions. Most owners agree that the Sony’s image quality is very good (it features a flat picture tube to cut down on glare), but some are disappointed by its audio quality. Nice features include Speed Surf, which lets viewers zip through channels, and a 16:9 enhanced mode that improves the viewing experience with widescreen video sources. The Sony KD-27FS170 has a digital tuner, which means it won’t become obsolete when the analog broadcast system is turned off in February 2009. It can receive HDTV signals, but will only display them in standard definition (480i).

Because of decreasing interest among shoppers, only a handful of reviewers continue to cover CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs. Consumer Reports tests 20 CRT TVs, including the 27-inch Sony WEGA KD-27FS170, in its latest update. This roundup meets Consumer Reports’ usual high standards, although discussion of individual TVs is limited to just a few lines. The Sony KD-27FS170 has also received a fair amount of user feedback at Circuit City.com, Amazon.com and AVSForum.com.

Also see full report: Televisions

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
Conventional TVs
Editors of Consumer Reports
Nov. 2006

Consumer Reports is one of the few sources that still tests CRT televisions. This latest update includes eight high-definition sets and 12 standard-definition models. Along with general buying advice, there is a ratings chart. While the discussions about individual TVs are disappointingly short, the ratings are updated regularly.

2. CircuitCity.com
Sony 27" FD Trinitron WEGA Digital TV Reviews
Contributors to CircuitCity.com

This site has (by far) the most user feedback for the Sony KD-32FS170. To date, there are over 100 reviews, and even more users have posted a numerical rating. While most owners are generally pleased with the TV, there are some complaints about sound quality and lack of audio outputs. A handful of users also note picture quality issues, such as discoloration and tilted images. Currently, the Sony KD-27FS170 has an overall feedback score of 4.3 (out of 5).

3. Amazon.com
Sony KD27FS170 27
Contributors to Amazon.com

To date, only a dozen or so users have posted feedback about the Sony KD-27FS170. While most of these reviews praise the set’s image quality, there are numerous complaints about audio issues, such as lack of bass and treble controls and audio output. Overall, the set earns three out of five stars.

4. AVSForum.com
Direct View (Single Tube) Displays
Contributors to AVSForum.com

This user-to-user site features lots of discussions -- including some heated ones -- about all types of home-entertainment gear, including direct-view TVs such as the Sony KD-27FS170. While most of the site is devoted to HDTV, it’s still a good resource for opinions, specifications, features, problems, fixes, and more.

Also see full report: Televisions