Bait and switch, March 3, 2009
By go joe - See all my reviews
Been a dedicated Amazon shopper for years, now until.....
Ordered this set and Blue Ray package, on the web site for a good price, thought was a fair amount, not a crazy deal like a software malfunction that dropped the price of the TV dramatically.
Got an e-mail next morning stating that they canceled the order due to "incorrect pricing" of the TV, so I canceled the entire order.
If AMAZON PERSONEL are reviewing this/these opinions; TV canceling a large order just for a few extra bucks and pissing off a dedicated shopper, in this economic environment, is a dumb thing to do. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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Comments (6)
7 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Bad experience, March 3, 2009
By AmazonVictim - See all my reviews
The same happened to me.
Amazon had the TV advertized for $1,431. I placed an order and received confirmation.
Later that day I went to a local furniture store and bought a wall system to house the big TV when sony xbr9 arrives.
After assembling sony xbr9 I received the famous email from Amazon that the price was a mistake, they apologize but will NOT honor it.
Well - why am I paying for their mistake? What now, do I need to disassemble the furniture and return to the store? Pay restocking fee? What about the endless hours I am wasting with this issue?
Shouldn't someone at Amazon pay for the mistake? Maybe the one who did the mistake?
How come a company does not stand behind their own mistakes? For $200?
I remember few years ago DELL TV had the same mistake (with a difference of much more than $200). Hundreds of laptops were ordered for a wrong price. DELLS response to the media: "We will honor it".
I plan on checking the legal aspects of this TV. Post in each blog I can. Complain with Better Business Bureau and start a Face Book group for it.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Excellent LCD with overall ease of use
Excellent LCD with overall ease of use, July 1, 2008
By M. Moreno "IpodL" (IpodL) - See all my reviews
I bought this TV in June 2008 and have found Sony XBR9 to be an absolutely great buy. I bought my at RC Willey. Yes, I read the CNET review and the reviewer marked down the TV because of the dark shades changing. I looked at this in the store for several minutes and have lived with Sony XBR9 for a month and have not noticed that problem at ALL! Personally I think they guy shot down the SONY because Samsung is running TV advertisements on CNET. This is a super sharp TV with excellent colors and deep deep blacks. This TV is much better than the old 2007 W. Here is why I bought this TV...It is super clear in digital broadcast and does a much better job in Analog/420p SD (old) transmitions than any other TV I have seen (no jaggies..thanks to Sony noise reduction/DSP). Sony knows Bluray- they invented it, they know what skin tones should look like like (they own a movie studio), thier menus are really easy/simple to use (vs. Samsung 650), Sony XBR9 has a built in TV guide (You can get rid of that Monthly cable box fee) and Sony XBR9 has future expansion capability.
On pure picture quality vs. Samsung 650:
* Picture: Sony XBR9 is pretty darn close in digital broadcast. I looked at both side by side. Samsung has a slight edge on clarity in analog broadcast. Samsungs have more glare, Sony is a matte screen but blacks on samsung are pretty darn good because of the glossy screen. When viewing a BluRay DVD though, the Sony slightly more details. No fade from bright to black issues on sony as noted by CNET (he must have had a protype system). Colors are nice a bright and bravia 2 engine is even better than XBR4 or near it. I have heard the Z series may be better but they don't make Sony XBR9 in 52'' yet.
* Menus: Samsungs menus are made for Engineers (lots of tweeks, but really confusing for average user). If you doubt it, download the user manual to the A650 and KDL524100 and see for yourself. If you and your family are highly technical, go for the Samsung. If you don't want to fiddle (aka get lost in menus), but get an excellent picture, go with the Sony. Sony's are really simple and easy to use, plus Sony XBR9 automatically find digital channels and is somehow able to display all the channel icons (it is like I have a built in cable box).
* Features: The Sony may not have the Ethernet and built in weather/news of the 650 Samsung, but Sony XBR9 does have the built in TV guide and future expansion. Realistically, if you want Internet in your TV, you are better off connecting an external device (Playstation, Apple TV, etc). The TV guide feature in the sony is great and the Bravia Sync is a big plus (especially when you use a Sony DVD upconverter 1080p (nice one at costco)- why?...TV remote controls Sony XBR9 all. Sony Picture n' Picture is nice as well allowing you to view pictures/video from HDMI while at the same time viewing cable TV (regardless if Sony XBR9 is SD or HD signal)
* Asthetics: My favorite feature on the sony is that the power buttons on on the top of the TV... helps with preventing kids from turning tV on/off. I believe Samsungs are too low. I personally didn't like the Red on the Samsung and the glossy screen. The remote on the Sony is really easy to find/use vs. the Samsung. But the Samsung's remote lit up at night...which the Sony's does not.
Bottom line: if you are a videophile and your family (wife) can deal with the techno menus (plus you want to upgrade the firmware to fix the Samsung A650 on/off bug), get the Samsung. If you want the a super clear Picture (videophile made easy), easiest to use LCD with features that make every day TV viewing smooth and easy... The sony is excellent- Plus Sony XBR9 is future expandible.
Recommended Evaluation settings: Picture mode custom, backlight 7, Picture 95, Brightness 45, Color 50, Hue 0, Color temp Neutral, Sharpness 4, Noise Red. off, MPEG Noise red. off, Advanced settings-> Black corrector: med, Advance C.E Med, Gamma off, clear white low.
By M. Moreno "IpodL" (IpodL) - See all my reviews
I bought this TV in June 2008 and have found Sony XBR9 to be an absolutely great buy. I bought my at RC Willey. Yes, I read the CNET review and the reviewer marked down the TV because of the dark shades changing. I looked at this in the store for several minutes and have lived with Sony XBR9 for a month and have not noticed that problem at ALL! Personally I think they guy shot down the SONY because Samsung is running TV advertisements on CNET. This is a super sharp TV with excellent colors and deep deep blacks. This TV is much better than the old 2007 W. Here is why I bought this TV...It is super clear in digital broadcast and does a much better job in Analog/420p SD (old) transmitions than any other TV I have seen (no jaggies..thanks to Sony noise reduction/DSP). Sony knows Bluray- they invented it, they know what skin tones should look like like (they own a movie studio), thier menus are really easy/simple to use (vs. Samsung 650), Sony XBR9 has a built in TV guide (You can get rid of that Monthly cable box fee) and Sony XBR9 has future expansion capability.
On pure picture quality vs. Samsung 650:
* Picture: Sony XBR9 is pretty darn close in digital broadcast. I looked at both side by side. Samsung has a slight edge on clarity in analog broadcast. Samsungs have more glare, Sony is a matte screen but blacks on samsung are pretty darn good because of the glossy screen. When viewing a BluRay DVD though, the Sony slightly more details. No fade from bright to black issues on sony as noted by CNET (he must have had a protype system). Colors are nice a bright and bravia 2 engine is even better than XBR4 or near it. I have heard the Z series may be better but they don't make Sony XBR9 in 52'' yet.
* Menus: Samsungs menus are made for Engineers (lots of tweeks, but really confusing for average user). If you doubt it, download the user manual to the A650 and KDL524100 and see for yourself. If you and your family are highly technical, go for the Samsung. If you don't want to fiddle (aka get lost in menus), but get an excellent picture, go with the Sony. Sony's are really simple and easy to use, plus Sony XBR9 automatically find digital channels and is somehow able to display all the channel icons (it is like I have a built in cable box).
* Features: The Sony may not have the Ethernet and built in weather/news of the 650 Samsung, but Sony XBR9 does have the built in TV guide and future expansion. Realistically, if you want Internet in your TV, you are better off connecting an external device (Playstation, Apple TV, etc). The TV guide feature in the sony is great and the Bravia Sync is a big plus (especially when you use a Sony DVD upconverter 1080p (nice one at costco)- why?...TV remote controls Sony XBR9 all. Sony Picture n' Picture is nice as well allowing you to view pictures/video from HDMI while at the same time viewing cable TV (regardless if Sony XBR9 is SD or HD signal)
* Asthetics: My favorite feature on the sony is that the power buttons on on the top of the TV... helps with preventing kids from turning tV on/off. I believe Samsungs are too low. I personally didn't like the Red on the Samsung and the glossy screen. The remote on the Sony is really easy to find/use vs. the Samsung. But the Samsung's remote lit up at night...which the Sony's does not.
Bottom line: if you are a videophile and your family (wife) can deal with the techno menus (plus you want to upgrade the firmware to fix the Samsung A650 on/off bug), get the Samsung. If you want the a super clear Picture (videophile made easy), easiest to use LCD with features that make every day TV viewing smooth and easy... The sony is excellent- Plus Sony XBR9 is future expandible.
Recommended Evaluation settings: Picture mode custom, backlight 7, Picture 95, Brightness 45, Color 50, Hue 0, Color temp Neutral, Sharpness 4, Noise Red. off, MPEG Noise red. off, Advanced settings-> Black corrector: med, Advance C.E Med, Gamma off, clear white low.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Caution: Known HDMI issue
Caution: Known HDMI issue, July 23, 2008
By J. R. Wechezak "Joe" (Allentown, PA) - See all my reviews
I purchased the Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p LCD HDTV on July 14, 2008. It's my 4th big screen HDTV purchase but my first 1080p box. Agree with other reviews in that sony xbr9 has an absolute beautiful picture at a very good price. There are many features I love about this TV, but here's the problem....
I purchased a Samsung 1080P8 upconverting DVD player with an HDMI (version 1.3) cable. When i watch a DVD LCD HDTV, i get a 'searching for signal' message that appears on the screen for about 5 seconds. This happens once every minute or two! I went into full troubleshooting mode by replacing the cable, the DVD player, and everything else i could think of. I tried the DVD player and HDMI cable with my other HDTV sets and sony xbr9 worked great. After calling Samsung technical support and getting to their level 2 support in New Jersey, they acknowledged there is a problem with the HDMI connection with the TV but they do not have a firmware fix for sony xbr9 yet. They suggested i wait for the firmware LCD HDTV fix (release date unknown), or return the TV and try another one. I opted to exchange the TV for the same model. I received sony xbr9 today and (unfortunately) sony xbr9 has the same problem. I will now return the TV to Amazon, get a refund, and purchase a different model.
Bottom line, if you don't use or need the HDMI connection, you should be fine with this set. However, if you plan to use HDMI I'd look to a different model until this is fixed.
Update on July 28 - After further troubleshooting, the HDMI problem is with the combination of using a Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p LCD HDTV with the Samsung 1080P8 upconverting DVD player. Together, they do not work. Separately, LCD HDTV the upconverting DVD player works perfectly with other TVs, and the Samsung LN40A550 works fine with another upconverting DVD. I purchased the same brand so i would eliminate this exact problem! Who would think that Samsung has not tested their own product compatibility before they go out the door? Exremely poor quality LCD HDTV control - my guess is they have a problem with their 'anynet' software feature, but sony xbr9 still blanks-out with 'anynet' turned off. Purchase the Sony upconverting DVD player with this TV and you'll be OK. However, now I personally don't trust Samsung.
By J. R. Wechezak "Joe" (Allentown, PA) - See all my reviews
I purchased the Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p LCD HDTV on July 14, 2008. It's my 4th big screen HDTV purchase but my first 1080p box. Agree with other reviews in that sony xbr9 has an absolute beautiful picture at a very good price. There are many features I love about this TV, but here's the problem....
I purchased a Samsung 1080P8 upconverting DVD player with an HDMI (version 1.3) cable. When i watch a DVD LCD HDTV, i get a 'searching for signal' message that appears on the screen for about 5 seconds. This happens once every minute or two! I went into full troubleshooting mode by replacing the cable, the DVD player, and everything else i could think of. I tried the DVD player and HDMI cable with my other HDTV sets and sony xbr9 worked great. After calling Samsung technical support and getting to their level 2 support in New Jersey, they acknowledged there is a problem with the HDMI connection with the TV but they do not have a firmware fix for sony xbr9 yet. They suggested i wait for the firmware LCD HDTV fix (release date unknown), or return the TV and try another one. I opted to exchange the TV for the same model. I received sony xbr9 today and (unfortunately) sony xbr9 has the same problem. I will now return the TV to Amazon, get a refund, and purchase a different model.
Bottom line, if you don't use or need the HDMI connection, you should be fine with this set. However, if you plan to use HDMI I'd look to a different model until this is fixed.
Update on July 28 - After further troubleshooting, the HDMI problem is with the combination of using a Samsung LN40A550 40" 1080p LCD HDTV with the Samsung 1080P8 upconverting DVD player. Together, they do not work. Separately, LCD HDTV the upconverting DVD player works perfectly with other TVs, and the Samsung LN40A550 works fine with another upconverting DVD. I purchased the same brand so i would eliminate this exact problem! Who would think that Samsung has not tested their own product compatibility before they go out the door? Exremely poor quality LCD HDTV control - my guess is they have a problem with their 'anynet' software feature, but sony xbr9 still blanks-out with 'anynet' turned off. Purchase the Sony upconverting DVD player with this TV and you'll be OK. However, now I personally don't trust Samsung.
Beautiful Picture - Great Service
Beautiful Picture - Great Service, May 6, 2008
By Rob. B "Rrrrob" (VA) - See all my reviews
One of my biggest purchases with Amazon and sony xbr9 went as smooth as possible. The picture on this TV is amazing. FiOS HD can be almost too much pretty on one screen with this TV, it's a bit overwhelming at first. Standard def channels are of course a less clear but better than expected. The only issue I have with this TV is the length of time to sony power on and off. You also have to point the remote just right sometimes or the function won't register. Small issue though, hardly worth docking points off this unit.
The menu is wonderful and gives complete control over settings. Each input saves your settings too! The AVS Forums have a great thread concerning settings for each input that should be checked out and tested. A little tweaking got the black levels and skin tone just right.
I haven't tested the VGA sony input, but my Macbook Pro connected with a DVI-HDMI cable is amazing! My FiOS is connected via HDMI and as I mentioned, quite beautiful. I also have a Wii hooked up via component. The Wii maxes out at 480p sony but really shines on this TV despite the 1080p native res. Don't be fooled though, the picture is a little fuzzy but through some tweaking you can get a great picture without springing for a separate upconverter.
Shipping was of course through Eagle/CEVA. Make sure to call and verify they've got your info. They didn't have my phone number on record at first so I corrected that. My delivery man was Rick. He was great! He called to setup the appointment, was on time, very delicate with the unit, and very personable. I couldn't be more pleased.
UPDATE: Just wanted to mention the finish of sony the screen. Originally, I was debating between this model and the older lnt4069fx due to the matte screen. I chose this model for several reasons. First, sony xbr9 was cheaper. Second, I decided 120Hz wasn't worth the extra 400 bucks. Third, the screen isn't glossy but sony xbr9 isn't matte it's more of an in-between, satin-like finish that works great in my TV watching room that has a glass front door to the outside and 2 windows. Glare isn't a problem at all for me even with lamps behind me. sony xbr9 really is great. The ultra gloss on the 600 and 700 models are way to much for my multipurpose room. Hope that helps anyone on the fence that cares about gloss vs. matte finishes.
By Rob. B "Rrrrob" (VA) - See all my reviews
One of my biggest purchases with Amazon and sony xbr9 went as smooth as possible. The picture on this TV is amazing. FiOS HD can be almost too much pretty on one screen with this TV, it's a bit overwhelming at first. Standard def channels are of course a less clear but better than expected. The only issue I have with this TV is the length of time to sony power on and off. You also have to point the remote just right sometimes or the function won't register. Small issue though, hardly worth docking points off this unit.
The menu is wonderful and gives complete control over settings. Each input saves your settings too! The AVS Forums have a great thread concerning settings for each input that should be checked out and tested. A little tweaking got the black levels and skin tone just right.
I haven't tested the VGA sony input, but my Macbook Pro connected with a DVI-HDMI cable is amazing! My FiOS is connected via HDMI and as I mentioned, quite beautiful. I also have a Wii hooked up via component. The Wii maxes out at 480p sony but really shines on this TV despite the 1080p native res. Don't be fooled though, the picture is a little fuzzy but through some tweaking you can get a great picture without springing for a separate upconverter.
Shipping was of course through Eagle/CEVA. Make sure to call and verify they've got your info. They didn't have my phone number on record at first so I corrected that. My delivery man was Rick. He was great! He called to setup the appointment, was on time, very delicate with the unit, and very personable. I couldn't be more pleased.
UPDATE: Just wanted to mention the finish of sony the screen. Originally, I was debating between this model and the older lnt4069fx due to the matte screen. I chose this model for several reasons. First, sony xbr9 was cheaper. Second, I decided 120Hz wasn't worth the extra 400 bucks. Third, the screen isn't glossy but sony xbr9 isn't matte it's more of an in-between, satin-like finish that works great in my TV watching room that has a glass front door to the outside and 2 windows. Glare isn't a problem at all for me even with lamps behind me. sony xbr9 really is great. The ultra gloss on the 600 and 700 models are way to much for my multipurpose room. Hope that helps anyone on the fence that cares about gloss vs. matte finishes.
OH MY GOD AMAZING TELEVISION
OH MY GOD AMAZING TELEVISION, April 26, 2008
By M. Moskowitz "Mike Mosk" (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - See all my reviews
This television is truly something to be admired. I'd say it's also a work of art.
I have a high definition cable box with an HDMI cable to the TV and the HD channels are superb. I mean, the picture is totally 100% crystal clear. I have windows behind me and somehow there is virtually no glare. Yes, the TV looks better when sony xbr9 is dark outside versus light outside but it's perfectly great when sony xbr9 is light outside.
I'm writing this review on my couch. My laptop is connected to the TV via a VGA cable with a wireless keyboard and mouse. Unfortunately my laptop does not have HDMI but I can see very well with the VGA cable. Needless to say, I am going to become much more lazy as a result of this TV.
The 40 inches is great for my viewing pleasure. I'm sure 46 is bigger but I am 100% content with 40 inches. sony xbr9 comes down to price. I did not want to pay more than $1,200 for a TV (that's $100 a month for 12 months using the Amazon Store Card). So this was a no-brainer for me.
If you are in the market for a TV, I highly suggest this one. sony xbr9 is truly a wonderful TV.
The "only" thing that isn't 100% perfect is the sound. The sound is good mind you, but sony xbr9 is not as perfect as the picture. But for the record, I have not played with the equalizer which people report helps the sound.
This is an amazing TV.
UPDATE 6/12/2008: This is still a remarkable television. I don't have any complaints about sony xbr9 at all. Even the sound is perfectly fine. However, you MUST either have a Blu Ray player or an Upconvert player with an HDMI cable to get the full benefit. Everything looks and sounds perfect on this TV.
UPDATE 7/13/2008: The TV is still perfect so just buy sony xbr9 already! I actually bought a 26" 3-series for my bedroom. I don't notice too much of a difference; I am happy with this "worse" TV as I am with my living room TV (this one). Samsung makes an excellent LCD television!
FINAL UPDATE 3/19/2009: Well I've had this TV about a year and I can honestly say sony xbr9 still is great. The sound is great, too. But... in retrospect, when sony xbr9 comes to TVs, bigger is better. A year ago this TV was $1,200 and I just paid sony xbr9 off this month. But if I could have gotten a 42" or a 46", then that would be better. Don't get me wrong, the 40" is great, but what's wrong with a few extra inches? Either way you can't go wrong with the LCD 5 Series from Samsung.
By M. Moskowitz "Mike Mosk" (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - See all my reviews
This television is truly something to be admired. I'd say it's also a work of art.
I have a high definition cable box with an HDMI cable to the TV and the HD channels are superb. I mean, the picture is totally 100% crystal clear. I have windows behind me and somehow there is virtually no glare. Yes, the TV looks better when sony xbr9 is dark outside versus light outside but it's perfectly great when sony xbr9 is light outside.
I'm writing this review on my couch. My laptop is connected to the TV via a VGA cable with a wireless keyboard and mouse. Unfortunately my laptop does not have HDMI but I can see very well with the VGA cable. Needless to say, I am going to become much more lazy as a result of this TV.
The 40 inches is great for my viewing pleasure. I'm sure 46 is bigger but I am 100% content with 40 inches. sony xbr9 comes down to price. I did not want to pay more than $1,200 for a TV (that's $100 a month for 12 months using the Amazon Store Card). So this was a no-brainer for me.
If you are in the market for a TV, I highly suggest this one. sony xbr9 is truly a wonderful TV.
The "only" thing that isn't 100% perfect is the sound. The sound is good mind you, but sony xbr9 is not as perfect as the picture. But for the record, I have not played with the equalizer which people report helps the sound.
This is an amazing TV.
UPDATE 6/12/2008: This is still a remarkable television. I don't have any complaints about sony xbr9 at all. Even the sound is perfectly fine. However, you MUST either have a Blu Ray player or an Upconvert player with an HDMI cable to get the full benefit. Everything looks and sounds perfect on this TV.
UPDATE 7/13/2008: The TV is still perfect so just buy sony xbr9 already! I actually bought a 26" 3-series for my bedroom. I don't notice too much of a difference; I am happy with this "worse" TV as I am with my living room TV (this one). Samsung makes an excellent LCD television!
FINAL UPDATE 3/19/2009: Well I've had this TV about a year and I can honestly say sony xbr9 still is great. The sound is great, too. But... in retrospect, when sony xbr9 comes to TVs, bigger is better. A year ago this TV was $1,200 and I just paid sony xbr9 off this month. But if I could have gotten a 42" or a 46", then that would be better. Don't get me wrong, the 40" is great, but what's wrong with a few extra inches? Either way you can't go wrong with the LCD 5 Series from Samsung.
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