Sony KD-34XBR970 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers say the biggest reason to go with a direct-view CRT is its ability to produce deep, natural blacks and shadow detail -- which remain a challenge for all other TV technologies. Among current CRTs, the Sony FD Trinitron WEGA flat-screen CRT used in the KV-34XBR970 has an almost unbeatable reputation. Sound & Vision magazine notes that the CRT offers "razor-sharp detail" and clearly beats other models in picture quality. But the Sony KV-34XBR970’s strengths go beyond its picture tube. The set is also packed with features, including an HDMI input, a QAM-compatible tuner (for watching non-subscription cable HDTV programming), DRC (Digital Reality Creation) signal processing for better standard-definition performance, reverse 3:2 pull down, an extensive menu of adjustments and viewing modes, and a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What the reviewers don't like:
While 34 inches is the largest HDTV CRT screen size currently offered, it’s rather small compared to what’s available in TVs using other technologies (like plasma and LCD). Despite the modest 34-inch screen size, reviews say the Sony KV-34XBR970’s cabinet is massive, measuring 24-inches thick and weighing 190 pounds. Oddly, the Sony TV doesn't have a picture-in-picture feature. As with most HDTVs, reviewers say, its standard-definition performance is only so-so.

Sony KD-34XBR970 review highlights

The Sony XBR KD-34XBR970 is the consensus pick of professional critics and users as the top conventional (CRT) HDTV. At 34 inches, it’s the largest widescreen direct-view HDTV available. The Sony KD-34XBR970 uses Sony’s FD Trinitron WEGA flat-screen CRT, which has a good reputation for clarity and quality. The set is also packed with features. The smaller Samsung TXS3082WH (*est. $640), a 30-inch widescreen HDTV, is less expensive and has earned good notices from owners. However, the Samsung’s image quality, while good, is said not to be up to the standard of the Sony KD-34XBR970.

As consumer interest in CRT TVs declines, fewer and fewer professional reviewers have been evaluating these sets. One exception is Consumer Reports, which tests 20 CRT TVs, including the Sony XBR KD-34XBR970, in its latest update. The article adheres to Consumer Reports’ high standards, though there isn’t much in the way of discussion about individual TVs. Another source, The Perfect Vision, generally does a good job reviewing TVs and other home-entertainment gear, but its evaluation of the Sony KD-34XBR970 is primarily based on an earlier version of this TV, which differs substantially from the current model. Meanwhile, Consumer Guide’s evaluation seems to be based on Sony’s marketing copy, with no indication that anyone has actually seen -- let alone tested -- the TV. The Sony KD-34XBR970 also receives a fair amount of user feedback at sites like Amazon.com, Circuit City.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 roundup evaluates eight high-definition sets and 12 standard-definition models. Along with general buying advice, the magazine provides a ratings chart. The discussions about individual TVs are disappointingly short, but the ratings are updated regularly.

2. The Perfect Vision
2006 The Perfect Vision Editors’ Choice Awards
Editors of The Perfect Vision

The Perfect Vision only rarely covers CRT TVs these days, but it saw fit to bestow an Editors’ Choice award on the Sony KV-34XBR970. That designation, however, has been made largely on The Perfect Vision’s review of the Sony KV-34XBR970’s predecessor, the KV-34XBR960. That said, the magazine reports that the newer Sony has the same resolution as the earlier model, along with great natural blacks and shadow detail.

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

This user-to-user discussion site provides lots of information about everything and anything related to home entertainment, including a forum dedicated to direct-view TVs. There’s lots of information here about the Sony KV-34XBR970, including a thread that includes almost 900 posts. Since one of this site’s functions is to allow users to help one another, a number of posts discuss problems, but overall, owners seem pleased with the Sony KV-34XBR970.

4. CircuitCity.com
Sony 34" WEGA XBR HDTV Reviews
Contributors to CircuitCity.com

CircuitCity.com allows owners to rate their experiences and post reviews of products if they wish. So far, there are over 65 reviews and nearly 100 ratings overall of the Sony KV-34XBR979. Most are positive, earning this set a rating of 4.5 (out of 5), which is the best of any HDTV CRT model on the site.

5. Amazon.com
Sony WEGA KD-34XBR970 34" FD Trinitron Digital HDTV Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The user reviews at Amazon.com are a mixed bag. There are several long, well thought-out posts that are quite informative, but also some brief posts from non-owners wondering why anyone would still want a CRT TV. Overall, however, users seem pleased with the Sony 24XBR970, although two posters complain about power issues.

6. Epinions
Sony KD-34XBR970 34
Contributors to Epinions

Epinions has far less traffic than either CircuitCity.com or Amazon.com. However, the one full review of the KD-34XBR970 is well detailed and largely positive. The only complaints are about the relatively small screen size and heavy weight, along with less than stellar sound quality, but the poster says those are more than offset but the TV’s superior picture quality.

7. Consumer Guide.com
Sony KD-34XBR970 34-inch WEGA HDTV Review
Editors of Consumer Guide.com
Aug. 25, 2006

While Consumer Guide has markedly improved in recent months, this review is a throwback to the bad old days. It reads as if it were taken directly from Sony’s promotional materials, and there’s no evidence that anyone has tested -- or even seen -- the TV.

Also see full report: Televisions