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TheMoose

Nice review.
However there was a mistake.
You said,
"Having no shortage of inputs or outputs, the Sony KDS-R70XBR2 sports two HDMI inputs, which accept and display the full gamut of digital sources, including true 1080p, which is the state of the art in high-definition sources, such as HD DVD or Sony’s preferred Blu-ray formats. "

There is actually 3 HDMI inputs, 2 in the back & 1 in the front under the flip panel along with a Component input.

I bought this set in October of 2006, it replaced a KDS-R50XBR1 that is now at my parents house.
The XBR1 was widely praised as the best HDTV of 2006 winning numerous editors choice & product of the year awards, I can say that no other HDTV I saw matched what the XBR1 could do with a good HD source.
But I wanted a bigger screen.

So the 70" XBR2 had some big shoes to fill!
Lets start by saying big is an understatement!! I intended to buy the 60"XBR2 but the store had the 60" & 70" side by side in the show room & I thought "the 70" isn't that much bigger I'll just get it"
Well when I got it home & put it on the stand where the 50" had been I stood back & said "What a monster!!"
I almost returned it right then for the 60", man am I glad I didn't!!

I removed the speakers right away, that made it approx the same width as the 60" whos speakers can not be removed.
I haven't listened to the speakers in the TV for many years any way & without the speakers it was a much better fit.

Here is a pic of the 50" & 70", look at the shelves in the background to see how much bigger this monster is!




There was something I noticed right away that I didn't like, the 3rd HDMI input on the front is where the memory stick reader was on the 50" & I used that a lot.
Fortunatly my Playstation 3 has a card reader in it so I can still watch pics & vids on the TV.

Speaking of the PS3 it has a big wow factor on this set, games like GTHD & Formula 1 Championship edition are very immersive on a screen this size at 12' & Blu-Ray movies just rock!!
The HD signal from the DirecTV HR20 HD+DVR is very good also, from Planet Earth on Discovery HD to sporting events like The Masters & NHRA drag
racing on ESPN2 HD.

Over all I really like this set, it may have a picture just a tad bit softer than the 50" XBR1 but it is 20" larger.
I am considering an ISF calibration after I get a new reciever & having the video & audio done at the same time, that should bring out all the XBR2 can give.

deacongreg

Jerry. all I `m really trying to say, is that the high end needs guys like yourself and Andrew in the stores. With the right attitude. I believe TheMoose spoke about a similar experience he had. That must change, and if it does, it could be great for everyone.

deacongreg

TheMoose, I just wanted to say, congratulations on the new SONY. Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kennyt

Moose,

I have had the 70" XBR2 since it came out, you, and I, have an amazing TV. Personally I would have gone for a front projector, but I live in Florida and there is simply no realistic way to control ambient light so I went the RPTV route.

If you don't have a Blu-ray or HD DVD player, you flat out need one to truly take advantage of the native 1080p display. BTW your TV does accept 1080p @ 24 FPS..... and mates amazingly well with the Sony BDP-S1 and I have to admit the Toshiba HD-XA2 as well. Once you have seen it display a TRUE 1080p source, all else seems weak by comparison.

Ken

TheMoose

I didn't know it accepted 1080p/24, that is a nice plus!!

I do have a Blu-Ray player (and about 40 movies), the Playstation 3 which is HDMI 1.3 & it will output at 1080p/24, now I just need to find some software that also outputs it!!
I do agree, a good Blu-Ray movie really shows what this set will do & what HD is all about!

I never really considered a projector, although the Sony VPL VW50 1080p projector set up would be about the same price (retail not what I paid) as the 70" XBR2.
Maybe one day when I can build a dedicated Home theatre it will be an option though.