LCD TV Rating

two questions for a sony 1080p lcd hd tv.?

first- is it worth the difference between a lcd sony xbr4 model tv 120hz refresh rate compared to standard hz refresh rate models if u are using it for ps3 games and blue ray movies only? second- if u have a hd tv with basic cable and lets say espn, fsn, etc. sport channels are advertising a game will be shown in hd will my hd tv receive the hd quality broadcast?

Public Comments

1. Yes the 120hz is totally worth it for gaming and blu-ray movies, it makes them look even better. To get hd broadcasts you would need a hd cable box because a standard box won't pick up the hd channels. Just call your cable company and ask about their hd cable. I would also reccommend comparing the price between hd cable and directv because in most areas directv has a better price and more hd programming, but that would depend on where you live.
2. Yes the Sony XBR is worth the extra money as the Sony Bravia series is the best LCD TV on the market. The 120hz is worth it for blu-ray movies and games. Depending on your set up at home you may be able to get the HD programs if you have an existing antenna that is also connected to the TV otherwise you will need to contact your service provider and upgrade your package
3. In my humble opinion the Sony 120 Hz "Motion Flow" feature is not worth the additional price you will pay for an XBR model. I have had the opportunity to test different content on different manufacturer's 120 Hz features and find that most do not work well and at times they make things worse. The Sony XBR's performance was the most inconsistently of all the TVs I tested. Blur is inconsistently removed, but often significant pixalization replaces motion blur. The simplest way I know to see these results is to just watch scrolling credits at the end of a movie. The XBRs could not remove blur & jitter at any setting from most movie credits. The best motion blur compensation comes from the use of 4 msec. LCDs and the XBRs still use 8 msec. LCDs. Wait for the new XBR6 with its 4 msec LCDs or purchase the new Samsung A650, but do not waste your money on the 2007 XBRs for their "Motion Flow" feature, noisey fans & humming power supplies. You'll need an HD set-top to receive the HD cable services.