The best TV out there for this low price

I had the previous model of this set, the KDF 42WE655, and that was an awesome set! It broke, so I had to get it replaced with the new 42 model, the A10. At first, I was disappointed, because the previous model had higher resolution (1366x768) as opposed to the more standard 1280x720, which the new A10 model has. I was convinced the old model had a better picture (and perhaps it is just a tad crisper due to higher pixel count). But, after messing with all the possible picture settings, I believe the A10 is comparable if not better. It definitely has a "blacker black" than the WE655, if that's something that matters to you. Sony added an Iris feature that really changes the contrast and also a few other newly adjustable black color settings.

Plenty of hookups, although I wish someone would put more than one HDMI on a low-end set. Probably too expensive. Digital optical out is NICE for sending OTA sound to your 5.1 receiver. I use a DVI-HDMI cable for my Samsung upconverting DVD player. So, I'm watching DVD's in 720p, or at least that's what the DVD player tells me. It does make the DVD quality better than progressive scan, though still not HD quality (close though!)

THe new cabinet is excellent. I can't believe Sony ever designed the colossal silver beast of the WE655. To me, this new cabinet says "Sony" while the old cabinet said "Akai" or simply "cheap". The WE655 series is still a great TV, don't get me wrong (I had it for a year), but the massive silver case actually was a distraction to me (not to mention it took up half my living room before).

Take your time to get the TV set up correctly. (Or hire someone I suppose). Mess with every setting you can think of in all different orders. I like the "custom" setting becuase it allows you to change virtually anything of the picture, but starting with the "standard" mode works well too. Forget the "vivid" mode; to me it looks like a really bad LCD laptop screen in vivid. Not sure why these TV's have "vivid" because to my eyes it looks horrible.

I like the new Wega Gate menu, too. It's not a huge deal over the previous "menu" button" but it is more computer like in its navigability. At first I didn't like it because it was new, but now I think it is an improvement. It takes a few steps out of the process if you're changing between source inputs, etc.

I can't really say much for the sound, but who doesn't have 5.1 now anyway!?! The previous model, the WE655 had amazing sound!!! This one is OK, but not as impressive (probably due to the smaller cabinet and "hidden" speakers.) The sound is still far more impressive than most sets out there, so if you want good sound, this is still a nice TV with decent sound. I could care less if the TV even had speakers, really.

By the way, I compared this TV side-by-side with the Samsung DLP 42 inch and I personally believed the Sony kicked its butt. My friend has an older DLP Samsung and it's nice, but for some reason I think Sony has outpaced Samsung now, or Samsung let their quality go or something. If the price is equal, I'd say Sony is the better bet. If the Samsung is a lot cheaper, than it might be a good option to save some money. As far as I know, though, the Sony is actually less.

I miss the PIP of the old set, but after a few weeks I'm sure I'll forget I had it. Just use the jump button or switch back and forth between OTA and cable if you wanna watch two games at once. Still, I liked the side-by-side PIP of the older Sony set.

Standard programs don't look well, but, like everyone says, you don't buy one of these to watch SD programs!!! You'll find yourself watching anything in HD to avoid even your favorite shows in Standard Def. But, with most major networks in HD now, even more remote areas of the country can get OTA HD. I had to buy a huge rooftop antenna, but it was worth it!!!

Bottom line: I really think you can't go wrong with this set at all!! THis is the ONLY major purchase I've ever made with absolutely no buyer's remorse.