lionel@orphan.DEC (Steve Lionel) (02/18/85)
Previous notes have mentioned new high-resolution TVs from Sony and one said that the Trinitron XBR was one of them. While this is not so, the new XBR series is well worth a look. There are two models at present in the XBR series, a 20" and a 25". Both feature RGB and composite input, MTS stereo, remote control, cable-ready tuner (lots of channels - at least 169), and a new "Microblack" picture tube. There is an optional pedestal that has some controls at the base - just the thing if you have cats or children. The 25" model is reviewed in the latest Video Review, but I wanted to know just how it compared to my Proton 600M. I saw the 20" model in my local video store (being sold for $799), and while I couldn't do a side-by-side comparison, my impression was that the Sony's picture was very close to, but not quite as crisp as the Proton's. The difference was so small, however, and the value of the XBR so great, that I'd have no hesitation at recommending the new Sonys to anyone. In particular, I felt that the blacks were better in the Proton, and the colors brighter. The Sony's picture appeared "soft" to me, which I don't care for, but that may just be personal preference. Consider an "equivalent" system from Proton. The closest thing to the 20" Sony is the Proton 619, which generally goes for $850, and is rarely discounted. The Proton does not have MTS, RGB input nor a tuner with as many channels. The 25" Sony is about $1100 in the store; the closest you could come with Proton is the 602M monitor plus 600T tuner, for a total of $1450, and you still don't get the Sony's features. In any event, the new Trinitron XBRs are a fantastic value and have an excellent picture. Why spend more? Steve Lionel