Sony KD-36FS170 Review

What the reviewers like:
The Sony KD-36FS170 is big, with largest CRT screen size (36 inches) currently available. In addition, this set uses Sony's FD Trinitron WEGA picture tube, which has long enjoyed an excellent reputation and is visually flat to minimize glare. The Sony KD-36FS170's 16:9 enhanced mode, which shows the full vertical resolution of anamorphic, enhanced-for-wide-screen DVDs, is said to work well. This TV includes a QAM-compatible digital tuner, which means it can receive over-the-air and cable digital TV, including unscrambled HDTV broadcasts. However, HDTV broadcasts will be displayed in standard 480i resolution --not high definition.

What the reviewers don't like:
Probably the biggest drawback here is that the Sony isn't an HDTV -- though it costs as much as some smaller high-definition televisions. The 36-inch Sony KD-36FS170 is big -- it weighs 216 pounds and is nearly 25 inches deep, so moving it is clearly a two-person job. The sound quality is called decent, but underpowered at only 5 watts per channel. In addition, bass and treble controls are missing, as is an audio output for sending sound to a stereo system. Reviewers say connectivity is thin in other ways, with just a single set of component video inputs (there are, of course, no HDMI inputs). The remote is not backlit, and therefore difficult to use in a darkened room.

Sony KD-36FS170 review highlights

The 36-inch Sony KD-36FS170 is the largest standard-definition CRT TV currently available. Professional reviews give it an average rating, but user comments have been mostly positive. Reviews say the Sony KD-36FS170 has limited features compared to earlier Sony FD Trinitron WEGA sets. While the TV is not widescreen, it does feature a flat picture tube to cut down on glare. Other features include Speed Surf, which lets users change channels more quickly. The Sony KD-36FS170 has a digital tuner, which means it will continue to work 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).

Very few reviewers bother to evaluate CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs any more, and, to date, only Consumer Guide has reported on the 36-inch Sony WEGA KD-36FS270 (*est. $800). This review is better than most of Consumer Guide's efforts, but still seems to rely too heavily on promotional materials supplied by the company. Fortunately, user comments about the Sony KD-36FS170 can be found at Epinions, Amazon.com and AVSForum.com.

Also see full report: Televisions

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

1. Consumer Guide.com
Sony KD-36FS170 review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Aug. 25, 2006

In the past, it was hard to take Consumer Guide's writeups too seriously, as most seemed to be based on promotional materials supplied by the manufacturer. However, because of the site's partnership with HowStuffWorks.com, this is slowly changing for the better. Recent reviews are much more objective, though still brief and reliant more on manufacturer-supplied information than on actual testing. The Sony KD-36FS170 receives an overall rating of "Average." The set's picture quality is said to be "bright and crisp," while its audio is "decent if underpowered." The biggest criticism, however, is of the TV's limited connectivity and relative lack of advanced features.

2. Amazon.com
Sony KD36FS170 36
Contributors to Amazon.com

To date, a handful of users have left feedback about the Sony KD-27FS170. Many give the set five (out of five) stars. All call the picture quality terrific.

3. Epinions
Sony KD-36FS170 36
Contributors to Epinions

Epinions is a user review site that lets consumers share comments about products they own. Thus far, the Sony KD36FS170 has only received one review, but it's positive (five out of five stars), with the owner saying the TV delivers "great picture and good sound."

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

This lively site has plenty of information about all types of home-entertainment gear, including direct-view TVs such as the Sony KD-36FS170. While there's not as much discussion about standard-definition TVs as about HDTVs, AVS Forum remains a good resource for opinions, specifications, features, problems, fixes and more.

Also see full report: Televisions

Sony KD-36FS170 Review