Re: Sony Bravia X-Series image quality via HDMI

Gavebo · **25th March 2008, 02:49 PM**

Just an update to this thread http://www.xpmediacentre.com.au/comm...-via-hdmi.html. I can't reply directly as the thread is over 55 days old.

**Note ** this issue seems to be for the Bravia KDL X2000 series. The X3100 and XBR seem to be ok.

My Bravia has been in the technician's workshop for the past 2 weeks. They called me last week to say they had run tests on the unit and it was working fine. I protested this as it's pretty obvious to me that the picture isn't quite right and so they invited me to bring my media centre pc to the workshop and show them what the problem was.

When i got there we set up the pc with the TV and i showed them the problem with the halos around fine details (especially text). The Sony technician saw this and acknowledged it but told me that the TV was just that, a TV and a TV only, i shouldn't expect to have it work as a computer monitor. I explained that pretty much every other LCD TV i've seen seems to be able to handle it fine including the el cheap Avatec unit i borrowed while my TV was in the workshop (which i'm using as i write this - text looks great). The rep stood firm on this and said there's nothing wrong with the tv.

So the Sony technician believes that using these TVs as a computer monitor is at your own risk. This is at odds with this statement i pulled from the Sony website last July for the KDL 46X2000 that reads: "PC input allows the TV to be used as a computer monitor. A fantastic way to integrate a PC into today's modern lounge room". Strangely that statement isn't used on the newer X3100 and XBR webpages even though, from what i can tell, these units perform flawlessly as computer monitors.

I've just lodged a complaint with the Office of Fair trading for what i believe is misleading information. The primary reason i chose the KDL 46X2000 was because i was assured it would double as a computer monitor by both the retailer and Sony's marketing material.

duaned · **25th March 2008, 07:35 PM**

I just don't understand the point of your post, sorry! Sony have stated that the screen you own doubles as a computer monitor, and yes it does just that. They have not stated that the picture quality rivals dedicated PC monitors ( not that you can get one that big at 46") and even at that size, every defect in the image will be clearly obvious. How far back do you sit from the Sony LCD? Also reduce the sharpness and turn off all enhancements.

vlad · **25th March 2008, 07:42 PM**

I am running XBR with no problems at all.
Desktop is sharp and clear. I think that Sony really screwed up with your model and you have to demand some sort of satisfaction.

Gavebo · **25th March 2008, 09:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by duaned

I just don't understand the point of your post, sorry! Sony have stated that the screen you own doubles as a computer monitor, and yes it does just that. They have not stated that the picture quality rivals dedicated PC monitors ( not that you can get one that big at 46") and even at that size, every defect in the image will be clearly obvious. How far back do you sit from the Sony LCD? Also reduce the sharpness and turn off all enhancements.

I started a post last december which i cannot continue since it is over 55 days old. (the link is in my first post in this thread). The point of this post is to keep other people updated as i had a few private messages from other forum members asking me to keep them in the loop.

The problem is the picture is FAR too sharp ie. it looks like the sharpness is set to maximum but it cannot be turned down on this particular model. I don't expect it to rival a dedicated computer monitor but i do expect it to rival at least every other LCD TV panel out there.

zacros · **29th March 2008, 10:42 AM**

Hi Gavebo, thanks for the update.

I have a KDL 40x2000 that has this same issue. Even with all enhancements off, there is still a very ugly halo around text that makes it extremely difficult to read when sitting on the couch...

I managed to find someone with the Service Manual for this TV, and there are a stackload of options in the TV to do with baseline sharpening levels. However, there is no explanation of what each numbered value means in the service menu, and I'm not confident enough to start playing around in case the quality drops and I can't reset it..

I'm not going to give up, but I want to make sure I'm 100% informed before changing any of the settings

I'll let you know how I go...

Cheers
Chris

Gavebo · **31st March 2008, 10:48 AM**

Very interesting indeed. It'd be great if you could figure that out.
I actually questioned the Sony technician on doing that within the service menu when i was at the workshop. He said it ccouldn't be done. It just doesn't sound right though. If it can be turned on, why can't it be turned off???

Here's a photo of this website displayed on my Bravia: http://www.lyris-lite.net/quick_and_dirty_tv_setup.html

Is that how yours looks?

krypto · **31st March 2008, 12:05 PM**

I have the 46x3100 and have a similar display with certain fonts. I just hadn't worried about it because I don't use the TV for surfing the web.

Vlad has the same TV as me with no problems. I haven't adjusted any settings on my TV, not sure what vlad has done.

Ivan_ekbpf · **10th April 2008, 09:50 PM**

I have the 46X3100 as well. Same issues as krypto. I have it connected via HDMI to HDMI output on HTPC (Leadtek HDMI graphics card). I am sure I read somewhere you could do something with the settings for this on the X series but I havent been game to screw around with them yet. If anyone nails it please post.

Gavebo · **10th April 2008, 10:58 PM**

setting the sharpness to zero *should* fix it

ExtremePC · **10th April 2008, 11:01 PM**

It would be interesting to see what the browser looking at that page on the PS3 would look like on your TV.

Gavebo · **10th April 2008, 11:40 PM**

That's one test I always wanted to do but, sadly, i don't have a PS3.
Realistically i can't imagine it would look any different. Although a part of me wouldn't be surprised if Sony had programmed this TV to look beautiful when Sony brand components are plugged in and ghastly with any other brand.

warren13 · **17th April 2008, 01:11 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtremePC

It would be interesting to see what the browser looking at that page on the PS3 would look like on your TV.

Do PS3's have a browser built in? or are you talking through a linux install. Interesting...

vlad · **17th April 2008, 11:08 PM**

I have rented PS3 for a week - wow, games (some of them) in 1080p looks good.
Not much games there, - a problem

richie_pag · **8th May 2008, 11:38 AM**

I also have a Bravia X 46"

Going to install my Radeon HD3650 512MB via DVI to HDMI tonight

iam running onboard video via VGA at the moment and the image is pretty good

can i expect a difference is picture qaulity when i install the 3650?