0604wv34 Sony KF-42SX300U

4/19/04

4:31 PM

Page 51

FACT FILE

q 42in LCD rearq q q q

projection TV 1,024 x 768 pixels DCI image processing Virtual Dolby Sound Built-in subwoofer

Sony KF-42SX300U S

onys Grand Wega LCD rear-projection series has been a bit of a mixed bag. The technology might occupy less space and enjoy a few technical advantages over CRT versions (immunity from screenburn, for example), but the image quality has frequently been a bit suspect and prices a tad high. The latest addition to the range, the 42in KF-42SX300U comes in at a relatively affordable 2,000 and is dressed to kill with a stylish grey fascia set in a gorgeous corrugated silver chassis. Sony has covered nearly all the connection bases, with three Scarts (two RGB), S-video and composite video front jacks, plus, handily, a D-Sub PC input. There are no component jacks to handle progressive inputs or HDTV but you can't have everything. Picture options are fairly mundane, with a noise reduction system and some bog-standard presets. Sonics get the Virtual Dolby treatment but the basic features haul is a little disappointing. Dig a little deeper, though, and you'll find Sony's new 3.3 million pixel XGA LCD panels, a high density bulb for increased brightness, and Digital Constant Image processing to reduce flicker and improve clarity. distinct blocks. Fine detail is also very good and comes without the usual drawback of a load of extra grain spoiling the party. Rear-pros have had a bit of a bad rap for being dingy or underlit but this is not the case with the KF-42SX300U, which knocks out a superbly uniform bright image. Convergence is also spot on and with some sources (eg some graphics-based, PC-sourced stuff or studio broadcast footage), the set looks very good indeed.
42in LCD rear-projection TV 2,000
FEATURES 42in LCD rear-projection TV; high density lamp; 1,024 x 768 res; 2 x 10W RMS plus 15W subwoofer; noise reduction; pic presets; colour tone adjust; Dolby Virtual sound; headphone sound adjust; single tuner picture and picture; picture and text; teletext sub-page store; nexTView compatible where supported; multiple aspect ratio support; autotuning; universal remote; dimensions: 1,200(w) x 820(h) x 370(d)mm; weight: 29.5kg SOCKETS 3 Scarts (2 RGB); S-video input; composite video input; stereo audio input; stereo audio output; headphone jack; RF input; D-Sub 15-pin PC input CONTACT www.sony.co.uk TEST DATA Colour: fair slight bleed and rather soft edges, but a decent tone Geometry: excellent Frequency response: excellent total clarity to 5.8MHz Contrast: fair not up there with recent CRT and DLP rear-pro sets For a full explanation of test data, see page 126
The most natural colours youll ever see on a Sony Grand Wega set
However, things start to slide with darker video material, which suffers from a perceptibly processed look and juddering, which veers between barely noticeable to blatantly conspicuous. Moving objects in general also look a bit smeary and soft, as if the screen has a thin sheen of condensation covering it. Contrast is also a bit below par. Admittedly, it is far better than on previous Sony LCD rear-pros but it is still some way short of competing with CRT or DLP sets. The result is a slightly two-dimensional apparent depth of field and a loss of detail during darker scenes. Some colour seepage also conspires to undermine the good work done by the
detail response but the picture is more than watchable on the whole. The KF-42SX300U's audio is very admirable, with plenty of treble detail, a wide soundstage and bags of volume. Even the Virtual Dolby mode works surprisingly well, with the set's pseudo surround performance eclipsing that of many sets we've heard. The only downside to the sonics is the bass from the set's on-board subwoofer, which doesn't sit particularly well with the rest of the register and fails to chime in smoothly during louder moments. All of which leaves us quite impressed, but a little confused. Sony's own CRT rear-projection sets are not only cheaper but also, to our eyes, better than the KF-42SX300U. You might, conceivably, go for this set if you live in fear of screenburn but otherwise we'd suggest looking at alternative, more wallet-friendly technologies Iain Macintosh

WHATS GOOD

Picture with certain material; looks

WHATS BAD

Image inconsistency; price compared to CRT

PERFORMANCE

Get it all set up and you'll enjoy the most natural colours ever witnessed on a Sony Grand Wega set. Skin tones are impressively realistic, while blues and reds are subtly integrated into the overall picture, rather than sticking out in
PICTURE SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE

OVERALL VERDICT

An impressive set but Sonys CRT rear pros are better
The remote your coffee table dreams about
June 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV 51